Things to do / Travel Guide
There are some views that, once you see them, you are truly awed. These views abound in the eastern Colorado and Wyoming Rockies region, and there's no better way to experience them than with that someone special who you love. The mountains are so powerful they're beyond cliché, beyond petty description. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, a honeymoon, or just a romantic getaway (spontaneous or otherwise), the experiences and visions from the eastern Colorado and Wyoming Rockies will remain with you for a lifetime.
A Colorado honeymoon or weekend getaway ranges from the bustling city of Denver under the Front Range to the unmatched beauty of Estes Park, fully within the Rockies. But the truth is, there are really a bunch of places to choose from, each with their own benefits. Denver is a fantastic Western city, while Estes Park is the closest you'll get to the Rockies while still retaining the comforts you want on a romantic getaway. Boulder is a clean eco-friendly city nestled under mountains and surrounded by wildflower meadows in the spring. And Colorado Springs lies under the purple majesty that is Pikes Peak and is a beautiful and historic city in its own right. In Cheyenne and Laramie you've really entered the Wild West. But just to give you a taste of what's in store on a romantic holiday in the eastern Colorado and Wyoming Rockies, here are some highlights.
Romantic Lodging around Denver, Colorado and the Wyoming Rockies
The city of Denver, built up during the gold rushes to a rare state of Western beauty, contains all the requisites of a romantic vacation and more. In historic Highlands Square, surrounded by many Victorian homes and in the vicinity of a number of fine restaurants, you'll find the Lumber Baron Inn and Gardens. This Queen Anne-style mansion of sandstone and brick is specially designed to host weddings, but they're happy to oblige the couple celebrating their love for any reason. The Victorian appearance enters every room, with stunningly beautiful beds, Tiffany-style lamps, and more period touches. Wide-screen televisions are in every room, and Jacuzzis can be found in every bathroom.
Denver, while situated close to the mountains, is still a city on the Great Plains. For a bed and breakfast experience in the mountains at a B&B specializing in hosting weddings and the like, reserve the mountain or valley-view suite at Mountain Valley Home. This special place is surrounded by the most awesome views, with deer and birds sharing the premises. The best rooms have Jacuzzis and Victorian king-size beds, while you can add a little more romance by getting the romance package that includes roses, beverages, and chocolates. Breakfasts are top-notch, the hosts serving stuffed French toast, Swedish pancakes, or eggs Benedict. Then it's time for a massage and to get ready to hit the town.
Romantic Dining around Denver, Colorado and the Wyoming Rockies
Ask anyone in Denver where to get the city's best food, and chances are they'll tell you to head to LoDo. No, that isn't the name of a restaurant, it stands for Lower Downtown, and it's the district in which all the city's best restaurants, art galleries, pubs and clubs, and boutiques are located. Nearby, by the way, if you're the least bit intrigued by great architecture, head to the Colorado State Capitol, a marvel of Beaux Arts proportions.
One of the best romantic spots in all of LoDo is Restaurant Kevin Taylor. The ambiance is key here, with chandeliers shedding light over the spaciously-situated tables. The food is French-American, and as such the menu offers such delicacies as a thick artichoke Florentine soup with baby spinach rouille, crispy sourdough toast, and sliced tartufo cheese. For the entrée, how about the roasted Colorado bison and bison short ribs? Afterwards, don't skimp on desserts, as the restaurant offers such favorites as candied apples and liquid-center bittersweet chocolate cake.
Another regional favorite is located in Boulder, a matured college town painted in bright colors. The city's charm is found in the fact that everyone rides their bikes; you'll see almost as many bikes as you will cars. Anyway, take your SUV taxicab to Flagstaff House Restaurant, which features a mélange of cuisines as far afield as Asian and French. It's a Boulder mainstay, and the head chef himself grew up in the restaurant, which was founded by his father. Service is excellent, and, with the friendly ambiance and phenomenal menu, you're bound to have a good time.
Romantic Activities around Denver, Colorado and the Wyoming Rockies
Estes Park itself is a wonderful place for lovers, as there are a number of activities to partake in, both inside and outside. Within the city you can find glass-bowing shops, parks, museums, and art galleries. Incidentally, if you're looking for a quilt to grace your bed at home, an Estes Park specialty is handmade quilts, so you'll find lots of boutiques selling these throughout town.
Outside Estes Park, there's hiking, and this is something you two can do regardless of what kind of shape you're in. For some of the region's best views you actually don't even need to leave your car; just take a ride on some of the many scenic routes in the area. Start with the Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway, where you catch breathtaking views of Mt. Evans and Longs Peak, while traveling through some of the most colorful wildflower mountain meadows in the country. Boulder is another great starting place to take walks and hikes from. And there are plenty of neighborhoods with bars, such as Fox Hill.
We can't finish talking about this region without mentioning, and you can't leave without taking, a ride in a hot air balloon. On a clear day, and these exist in relative abundance, and on one you can see 100 miles in every direction. The mountains, the plains and meadows, the great cities - are all in your field of vision. A ride in this craft is the perfect way to end a romantic getaway, a way to reflect on the wonderful trip you've had; the romantic sights and evenings, the great food and city walks - all on the backdrop of some of North America's most beautiful scenery.
Romantic Vacation Ideas in Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Cheyenne Wyoming and the Eastern Rockies
Romantic-Vacations-Getaways
|
|
|