A three-day weekend, flight points, and an urge to explore The Centennial State combine to make the perfect solo weekend getaway.
Denver has been high on my list of U.S. cities to explore for quite some time. With a three-day weekend quickly approaching and an abundance of Southwest Airline points, I seized my opportunity to see what the Mile High City has to offer. I stayed in the most captivating Airbnb in the Denver Highlands neighborhood and rented a car so I could easily get out and explore all Denver, and the surrounding areas, had to offer.
Ditch the City for Adventure and Views
Saturday morning commenced bright and early with a vanilla latte and an egg, prosciutto, and cream cheese sandwich from Maci Café then a trip to Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Red Rocks is a short trek from Denver and undeniably worth the trip. Entrance is free, but check the schedule before you go; if there’s an event you won’t be permitted to enter without a ticket. They were setting up for an event while I was there so I was ecstatic that I made this my first stop instead of my last. From Red Rocks I ventured to Adlerfer and Three Sisters Park in Everwood and hiked the Three Sisters Trail. This park is an easy 40 min drive from Denver. There’s a free parking lot at the entrance to the East Trailhead. If it’s full, there’s additional free parking at the West Trailhead lot down the street. Three Sisters Trail is a short, scenic, and moderate hike. I passed people of all ages, as well as their four-legged friends, on the trail. For a birds-eye view of Everwood take the out and back Brothers Trail, which branches off of the Three Sisters Trail, to a lookout point.
I arrived back at the parking lot right around noon and with plenty of daylight to kill, decided to make the 50 min drive from Everwood to Saint Mary’s Glacier in Idaho Springs. Parking is located right before the trail entrance for $5, exact cash only. The elevation at Saint Mary’s Glacier is over 10,000 feet. The hike to the glacier is short but rocky, and believe me when I tell you that as soon as I started walking, I could feel the effects of the elevation. For an extra challenge climb to the top of the glacier on the far side of the lake. It looks short, but the steepness combined with the loose rocks -or snow, depending on the season- can be deceptive.
Pro Tip: Layer up. The farther up the glacier I climbed, the more layers I added. If you’re not use to higher elevations, listen to your body. Signs of altitude sickness include dizziness, headaches, tiredness, and nausea. Altitude sickness can hit even the fittest individuals, so pay attention to how you’re feeling and be sure to drink plenty of fluids. If you think you’re experiencing altitude sickness, descend to lower elevations.
That evening I munched on tacos arabes al pastor and seared yellowfin tostadas at the vigorous Linger, sipped wine while admiring the Denver skyline from the fifth story patio of El Five, and took in some phenomenal jazz music at Nocturne, the warehouse turned art-deco jazz venue in the River North Art District (RiNo).
Craft Beer and Street Art in the River North District
Sunday was dedicated to all things Denver. At the recommendation of friends, I went to Sassafras American Eatery for breakfast. Sassafras occupies a small cottage in the Jefferson Park neighborhood and seating is limited. I arrived at 10:15 and waited an hour for a table. The food was completely worth the wait. I ordered the special of the day, a pulled pork omelet topped with bbq sauce, crispy fried onions, and pickles, with a side of onion and cheddar hash browns and a Bloody Mary flight. Yes, you read that correctly. There are several types of Bloody Mary’s and Mimosas on the menu and for those who wish to indulge, or are just indecisive, they offer build-you-own flights. Tail of the Pig and Queen Mary were my indisputable favorites.
After breakfast I ventured back to the RiNo district. Definitely check out this part of the city. It’s full of local breweries and eccentric coffee shops. My favorite part of RiNo, however, is the artwork on the buildings. You can’t walk two feet without discovering a colorful structure with dazzling murals on its walls, both inside and out!
At the suggestion of my waiter, I visited Our Mutual Friend, a local brewery on Laminer Street. One of the best parts of solo travel is the opportunity to meet new people and today was no exception. I shared a table with a group from Boston and a few locals, then spent the rest of the afternoon exploring Denver’s brewery scene with new friends. We checked out Ratio Beerworks, which was also endorsed by my waiter, ODell Brewing Company, whose patio firepit was ideal on a brisk fall day, and Epic Brewing Company, where you can savor a pint and play games that will make you feel like a kid again [think Connect Four and Jenga].
I hooked up with my cousin for dinner that evening at Acorn, an eclectic American restaurant located inside The Source Hotel and Market Hall. We shared small plates of pimento cheese, shrimp and grits, oak roasted mussels, and Moroccan monkfish. It was an impeccable ending to my final evening in Denver.
Stop at One of the Many Eccentric Coffee Houses
An early afternoon flight allowed for one more Denver stop, this time for breakfast and coffee at Crema Coffee House. The breakfast burrito and vanilla latte were delectable. I arrived at 9am and within 20 minutes the place was packed. Many people were set up working so I suggest going early or you may not snag a table. [Pro-tip: It was rainy and cold that day but I did see a patio out back that I’m willing to bet is the perfect spot on a nice day!]
Denver definitely did not disappoint. With exquisite food and beer, incredibly welcoming people, and astounding scenic adventures in every direction, this place has something for everyone. If this isn’t on your travel list, add it now!
