Informative

Waikiki Beach

Sorry Bing Crosby, not everybody dreams of a White Christmas. If the icicles have you down this December, let the Hawaiian sun melt your shivers away with a Luau Christmas on O’ahu!

Rainbow Outside Iolani Palace
Rainbow Outside Iolani Palace

Hawaii’s “winter” (if you can really call it that) showers make for breathtaking morning rainbows, clear and bright stretching across the entire horizon. Instead of spending your time off shoveling a driveway, head to Waikiki Beach to take by-the-hour surfing lessons. Don’t feel like getting wet? Hang out on the beach under a complimentary chair and umbrella, with service from Hale Koa Barefoot Beach Bar.

With so many highly rated tours to choose from, there’s always something to see or experience. Take a peaceful audio tour around Iolani Palace, kept in perfect condition since Hawaii’s monarchy was overthrown in 1893.

On Christmas Day itself some businesses may be closed, but be sure to go to one of Honolulu’s famous Luaus Christmas Eve. Hawaiian honey-braised rotisserie pork is not the be overlooked. Eat a Christmas Eve with your family you’ll never forget as you watch a live traditional tribal fire dance show while you eat!

Waimalano Bay Beach

If a couple’s Christmas is what you’re looking for, a simple drive along the coast is all it takes to find a beach to yourself. Feel your feet sink into the sand and gentle waves caress your ankles as you walk along the beach, and enjoy the view of the sunset. It promises to be breathtaking no matter where you are.

Sunset over Waikiki Beach
Informative

The city of Los Angeles is often seen as one of the quintessential California destinations. After all, isn’t it the capitol? (no). But whether you’ve exhausted your Disneyland, Hollywood, and Universal Studios plans, have come to visit family and are now plum out of things to do, or simply said, “Lets go to Los Angeles”, and are now there, you may eventually find yourself with large swaths of time left unfilled. In this event, here is a list of four things you can do in Los Angeles when you haven’t got anything to do in the Los Angeles area.

1. Go to the beach

There is no shortage of beaches in the Los Angeles area, and going to the beach is a great way to waste at least half a day. For more crowded beaches with lots of local amenities, check out Santa Monica Beach, which is near the Santa Monica Beach Boardwalk, as well as many local shops and restaurants. Another option is Venice Beach, where you can spend time in the waves, and on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, which has no shortage of street performers, artists, and wacky side shops, art galleries, and freak shows.

For a more mellow day in the waves, check out Zuma Beach in Malibu where you can see the Hannah Montana House. This is also a popular destination for surfers, so bring your board, or if you don’t surf you can expect plenty of opportunities to cheer them on. Another option is Seal Beach in Long Beach. This is a pretty mellow option, as the beaches are generally pretty empty, and there isn’t much to do except lay in the sun and spend time in the water. However, if you get hungry there are great lunch options- I recommend El Burrito Jr.

2. Go thrift shopping

A great way to spend time in a new city is to check out the thrift stores. Los Angeles thrift stores often run a little pricier than you might find other places, particularly if they cater to more vintage/ designer styles, but if you look in the right places you can find some great stuff for cheap.

There are several good options in one little corner of Hollywood Boulevard. Out of the Closet- Hollywood has some great stuff for low prices, and the profits go to the AIDs Healthcare Foundation. I have found several fantastic art pieces there. If you are looking for something pricier and more vintage, check out Starday Vintage, which is a little shop that sells many fantastic vintage clothes, scarves, and random accessories and items for reasonable prices. Right next door is Vintage on Hollywood, which has a wide selection of stylish pieces that are fun to peruse. However, this is not what could be considered a ‘thrift’ shop by any extent, as a rather boring white t-shirt costs $150, and jackets and coats cost around $500.
However, what better way is there to waste time in Los Angeles then to walk in circles admiring jackets that you can’t even contemplate affording until the clerk peer pressures you to leave with the sheer force of their suspicious stare.

If you don’t fancy a trip to West Hollywood to do your thrifting, I recommend several places in the San Fernando Valley, particularly Throw Back Junction, which has a wide selection of clothes to look at for reasonable prices, as well as some fun accessories and décor.

3. Go to Griffith Park

Griffith Park has no shortage of hiking trails, with magnificent views of the Los Angeles skyline and the Hollywood sign. However, once you have exhausted those, you can also wander about in the Griffith Park neighborhoods, and look at very fancy houses. Once you have exhausted yourself, and your day, make sure to get something to eat at HomeState, which is a small, tex-mex style eatery, with fantastic tacos and queso. To round of the day, you can’t go wrong with a picnic in Barnsdall Art Park near-by.

4. Go to the Aquarium

The Aquarium of the Pacific is a fantastic way to spend your time in Los Angeles. The price of admission is only $17, and then you have free reign to watch sea lions and seals, various types of fish, jelly fish, otters, sharks, kelp, and more. There is a lorikeet pavilion, where for a small price you can feed the lorikeets, and tide pools and touch pools where you can touch rays and sea anemones. Overall, there are precious few ways to get bored wandering around aquariums, and if you find yourself bored here it is also a great opportunity to sort out your priorities. This aquarium also has the added benefit of being right next to the ocean, so you have the opportunity to go find yourself a beach and start this lovely list all over again.

Informative

The city of Paris, is amazing and is truly something that one should see for themselves. The “City of Light” is something indescribable and is a trip you’ll never forget when living like the French. If you have never been to Paris, it can be overwhelming trying to fit everything in as there are so many sites to see. COVID has definitely impacted Paris, as with the rest of the world, but as a tourist if you can follow all the safety precautions a quick trip can allow you to escape reality and explore everything the city has to offer. Here’s one itinerary that might give you a feel of the city even as we fight through a global pandemic.

Waking up in the morning, well to be honest you don’t wake up on your own time, the noise will have you wide awake before you want too. The sound of cars honking, people chatting, and the smell of the bakeries that line the streets hit you bright and early in the morning. This encourages you to get ready and head down to the coffee shops and try their baked goods with a morning cup of joe. Matamata Coffee is one of the best shops to try. Any coffee you fancy and any type of way, it shall be made. Grabbing an authentic French croissant to go along with your morning coffee while sitting at a table in the street people watching is no better way to start your morning.

MATAMATA COFFEE BAR, Paris - Mail - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone  Number - Tripadvisor
Matamata Coffee Bar

Once finished with your breakfast, exploration of everything the city of Paris has to offer is waiting. Of course you could head to the Eiffel Tower and the vast park surrounding the cities beloved monument, but why not dive deeper into the rich history of the Sainte Chapelle. A royal gothic chapel within the medieval section of the city. This chapel was the residence to kings of France until the 14th century. The stained glass windows depict biblical stories and are a beauty to look at. The chapel has been through ongoing reconstruction, but there is no shortage of awe. Be sure to check the schedule of the days it is open; due to a weeks worth shutdown because of COVID.

Sainte Chapel

Throughout the rest of your afternoon, the site seeing might have eaten into your late day nap. However, you don’t need to walk or stand while cruising the Seine River on an open-topped boat. As the boat takes you down the river and under multiple bridges, you are able to see the city from a different angle. The buildings and architecture are on full display as you a fair distance away to see the full beauty of the French style buildings. Of course in the distance the Eiffel Tower looms as the sun shines providing a great way to spend an afternoon in Paris.

Seine River

Hungry yet? I have the perfect place: Le Petit Chalet. This French cuisine restaurant, located right across from the Notre Dame Cathedral, provides only the best dining experience. They offer fresh made dishes with meat entrees and more. As most shops and restaurants in the city, you are seated outside in a fenced area of the street, right next to other customers. The service is unmatched as they speak English very well and can help you with any questions about the menu. When finishing your meal, of course you can’t forget about the dessert. Now since you are in Paris, the cities famous creme brûlée is calling your name. Le Petit Chalet makes them homemade each day and will leave you speechless. Enjoying your dessert, accompanied by the ringing bells of the cathedral, is a dining experience you’ll never forget.

Le Petit Chalet

Ending your day in Paris, of course you can’t help but walk around and explore a little more. The city contains so many sites to see and visit. Due to COVID, it might be more of a struggle finding sites that are open to large groups of people. Temperature checks, sanitizing stations, and masks are required before entering any building. However, don’t let this stop you from exploring the City of Light and its wonders. Lots of places are motivated to keep businesses up and running even through this global pandemic.

Informative

Louisville and Superior are the cutest quaintest towns in all of Colorado where you can see the Flatirons from almost anywhere from these two cities and here are some places that you should definitely stop by while visiting these two neighboring cities.

 

Sweet Cow 

 

You have to visit the first-ever Sweet Cow in Louisville, the employees are so sweet and they make you feel right at home. The inside of the store just screams COLORADO! They are very proud of being the first Sweet Cow in Colorado and they make sure to show it. The outside of the store has a ton of seating and light hung from the trees giving the perfect scenery for cute little high school dates.

Sticks Coffee

 

If you want to break your Starbucks habit for a day check out the coffee shop Sticks in Superior. It is pretty new to the historic mining town but it is wildly popular with a lot of the high school students and returning college students. The decor is very modern and simplistic but their drinks are not. They are known for taken ordinary drinks and making them extravagant. For example, they have a coco chip caramel blended mocha that has big fan reviews. And many people praise their wide selection of gluten-free bakery selections like they’re delicious gluten-free blueberry muffin with a raving review that you can’t even tell the difference.

 

Winter skate Park Louisville

During the winter months if you want a cute date spot to take your sweetie during the chilly cold of Colorado check out downtown Louisville’s skate park. Decorated in beautiful twinkle lights that give you the perfect Christmas feeling. The skate park attracts both towns of Louisville and Superior with the Christmas feeling, good spirit with both towns, and the best hot chocolate in CO.

 

So next time you are outside of Boulder check out these stops and see the beauty in these cities.

Informative

A Winter Wonderland 

If you imagine a ski destination built for top-class athletes and dream family vacations, you’re probably thinking of something close to Whistler.  North America’s largest ski resort boasts endless acres of winter fun, with some of the best terrain features in the world. The resort, which combines the mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb has something for everyone. A beginner zone for those new to the slopes and terrain parks for those who love to fly. The Coca-Cola tube park and Olympic sliding center are also great options for alternative outdoor fun!

Skier on Whistler Mountain
Skiing at Whistler Blackcomb Resort

After a long day on the slopes, relax in the impressive Whistler Village. Built to accommodate the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, the Whistler Village boasts world-class dining and amazing shopping options. 5-Star hotels like the Four Seasons, Westin, and Fairmont will accommodate guests of the highest expectations and are only a short walk to the village. A night out on the town in Whistler might include casual drinks at Tapley’s Neighborhood Pub or dancing to the early morning at Garfinkel’s nightclub. There is something for everyone to enjoy on a winter day in Whistler.

The Whistler Village
Whistler Village at night

Come for the Winter, Stay for the Summer

A popular saying for many who get to experience the beautiful summer months in Whistler. The ski mountain overgoes a massive transformation in the spring to form the Whistler Bike Park, attracting thousands of experienced bikers from all over the world. The Whistler Bike Park is one of the three featured stops on the CrankWorks tour, the biggest bike competition of the year. If biking isn’t your sport, experience the beauty of the Coastal Mountain Range on some of Whistler’s best hikes. Alpine lakes and meadows are guaranteed to blow you away. With five large lakes within a walking distance of the village, visitors can relax by the water or take a canoe down the exhilarating River of Golden Dreams. If all these activities sound too adventurous, allow the Scandanvain Spa to redefine relaxation with their incredible steam rooms and outdoor pools.

A rider at the Whistler Bike Park
A rider at the Whistler Bike Park

A summer stay in Whistler is an adventure of a lifetime and one that you will never forget.

Informative

Just a drive down the I-25, rests the beautiful mountain town of Colorado Springs, CO. If you have a day off during this wonderful fall, the neighborhood known as Old Colorado City is filled with original art masterpieces, delicious treats, and the most unique gifts and is sure to be worth-while!

Where to start?

After driving down I-25 and following the traffic signs, you’ll end up somewhere on Colorado Avenue. There’s plenty of street parking and free lots surrounding the area, but if you need accessible parking I suggest this lot that is located in the prime of the shopping areas.

Once you’ve parked and grabbed your sunglasses and wallet, you’re ready to go!

What’s for lunch?

I would suggest starting your adventure with some tasty food! After all, shopping and sight-seeing are no fun on empty stomachs. Both of the highlighted restaurants below offer dine-in options as well as take-out.

Bar, City Life, Waiter, Al Fresco, City, Customers
Source: pexels

Right across from the lot mentioned above is a mouth-watering restaurant, Jake and Telly’s Greek Taverna. You can smell the delicious flavors being sautéed as you go down the street! It almost feels intoxicating as you whiff the day-long roasted meat and the sticky sweet honey from their bakery. Unfortunately, the building itself is not wheelchair accessible as there is a large flight of stairs to get to the entrance. But they make take-out an easy process, and the slight inconvenience is worth it. You can view their lunch menu here, and if those options don’t tempt you, we’ve got one more lunch suggestion.

A little further West on Colorado Avenue is another enticing dining option, the savory Dat’s Italian! Upon entering this authentic Italian restaurant, you are enveloped by the scents of garlic, basil, and bread within this family-owned business. Their portions are huge, so I would recommend going in to share a meal, or to get ready for some tasty leftovers. You can view their menu here.

If those places aren’t making your stomach growl, there’s also Pizzeria Rustica, the Thunder and Buttons Tavern, or La Baguette Bakery and Café.

Now where to?

After filling your stomach with the tastiest foods Old Colorado City has to offer, you’re ready to go on your shopping adventure!

Each art gallery and exhibit are unique, and almost all of them have art from local vendors. Although they’re all wonderful and deserve your business, I am going to highlight two of them.

Student, Pictures, Exhibition, Gallery
Source: poverss

45◦ Gallery – A framing shop and art gallery combined; this shop offers a variety of art styles. They sell pieces from over 30 local Colorado artisans, including pottery, paintings, and jewelry. This family-owned business feels very welcoming and accommodating to whatever your art or framing needs are. While you wait for help, you are encouraged to visit their boxer Boyd, who is usually sleeping or greeting the other costumers. You’ll also find their daughter creating her own pieces of art that she hopes to sell when she gets older. They are open for casual shopping and visiting, and they offer individual appointments if that is easier for you.

Chavez Gallery – A unique interactive art gallery with wacky characters, this gallery is an experience. Upon entering, you’re welcomed by the couple who own the gallery, the Chavezes. They will offer you a complimentary cup of water or lemonade and offer explanations of their work as needed. If you go during their monthly shows, there’s always live entertainment and fun games to play. Right now, with the pandemic, they are limited to shopping by appointment only and host virtual events on Facebook.

In case buying art doesn’t interest you, Old Colorado City offers unique walk-through exhibits where you can simply enjoy the experience.

Michael Garman’s Magic Town is an immersive 3,000 square foot miniature city where the buildings and people are created at a 1:6th scale. You can peek through the tiny windows, watch a petite movie at the theatre, and peer down allies to see characters appear and disappear! They offer popcorn with the ticket, as you can sit in the exhibit as long as you’d like. There’s even a daily scavenger hunt that offers prizes.

Need some goodies and treats for the road?

Well, you’ve seen some of the best galleries and exhibits Old Colorado City has to offer, and now you’re ready to head back home. But not yet! You have to swing by these two iconic shops to get some goodies for friends (or just for the ride home).

Chocolaterie, Shop, Interior, Chocolate, Store
Source: dimitrisvetsikas1969

Although this franchise can be found nation-wide, nothing beats getting a caramel apple from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory after a long adventure in Old Colorado City. They offer a wide variety of fudges, candy and caramel apples, truffles, and so much more! With baskets and mystery boxes, these decadent treats serve as a great pick-me-up for anyone!

For those with a sweet tooth that is not satisfied by chocolate, I would recommend you visit The Honey Cottage! Offering a surplus of honey options, there is bound to be something there for everyone. They sell the standard honey varieties, along with whipped honey, honey sticks, honey skin care and soap, and CBD-infused honey. The owners are honey enthusiasts and advocates; they will let anyone sample as many honeys needed to find the right fit, and will offer guidance in choosing the right honey skincare line.

That’s all, folks!

I hope you enjoyed this little walk-through itinerary of the beautiful shopping area of Old Colorado City. If you take any of my advice, make sure you do so safely: wear your masks in the stores and on the streets. We want these small businesses to stay afloat during these difficult times, let’s support them and keep them safe!

Informative

            Harwichport, which is located on Cape Cod, in Massachusetts is one of the last true seaside villages in America.  Just a few hours from Boston and New York City, Harwichport is an excellent choice for anyone looking to escape to the beach.

  • Quaint Seaside Village: With a history dating all the way back to the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Harwichport, MA is one of the oldest seaside towns in America.  Though Cape Cod has changed a great deal since then, Harwichport has managed to keep its identity as a happy little town by the sea.  A true summer town, Harwichport comes alive between the months of May and September with many coming to enjoy a weekend or longer.  With its entire coastline being beaches and marinas, visitors have multiple options when it comes to where to lay their towel down for the day.  In addition to the gorgeous beaches, Harwichport also boasts a number of unique shops and restaurants.  From locally made jewelry and clothing, to a vintage sports collectables shop, and even a family owned kite shop this town has something for everyone.

 

  • Delicious Food: Whether you are a fried seafood fanatic or a fine dining connoisseur the town of Harwichport has a place for you.  The Mad Minnow, located in the center of town, has quickly become a local favorite for fresh seafood.  Located just a building over is 10 Yen, one of the finest sushi restaurants on the Cape.  Also in the center of town is George’s Pizza, a must try for any pizza lover.  Cape Cod is famous for fried seafood and clam chowder, and no place does both better than Kreme and Kone, which as two convenient locations just outside of the town’s center on both ends.  And this list would not be complete without Sundae School ice cream.  At Sundae School they do not stop at homemade ice cream, they go the extra mile making homemade hot fudge and whipped cream as well.  No day in Harwichport is complete without a trip to Sundae School.

  • Location: Being right on the elbow of the Cape, Harwichport is the perfect starting point for any Cape Cod Excursion. With Chatham only a 10 minute drive from town, visitors have access to a wide range of shops and restaurants.  Though there is more of a vacation town vibe in Chatham, there are some great locally owned clothing and gift shops.  Additionally, there are a number of whale, seal, and even shark tours based out of Chatham.  Nothing on the Cape is too far for a day trip from Harwich, even Provincetown can be reached in an hour by car or bus.  Harwichport also has multiple access points to the Cape Cod bike trail, which runs from tip to tip.

  • Island Access: Looking to spend the day on a beautiful island? Well look no further than the high-speed Nantucket ferry, which leaves from Saquatucket Harbor just outside of town.  With convenient ferry times, it is easy to spend the day on Nantucket enjoying the beaches or shopping and still be home for dinner.  In addition to Nantucket, the Monomoy Islands are easily reachable from Harwichport by boat.  Don’t worry if you do not have a boat, as there are many places to rent.  The Monomoy Islands have long been famous for their thriving seal populations; however, they have recently gained fame for their growing great white shark populations.

Informative

As soon as COVID-19 is over, let’s all meet at The Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland. The Irish know how to party, and that is exactly what we must do. Day drinking is encouraged, and if you’re not drunkenly singing in the streets at some point, everyone will know you’re a tourist. This will guide you to the best, most authentic way to experience Dublin, even if you only have one day! Of course it will be a bit cheeky, I’d be shunning my Irish heritage if it wasn’t. And yes, we’ll make sure you’ve had a Guinness or two and know all the words to “Seven Drunken Nights” by the end of this venture.

Here are just a few suggestions on what to eat and where to explore on your day in Dublin. It is important to note that you won’t be coming across those “traditional” Irish foods, such as shepherd’s pie and corned beef and cabbage, because that is actually what the impoverished Irish ate during the plague. Dublin has delicious bar food and if you’re ordering any kind of beef, know it will have to be well done; that is the only way they cook beef!

To start the day, you’ll need breakfast. You can’t day drink on an empty stomach, the party has to last all day, after all.

Herbstreet

Located on the Grand Canal Dock–Herbstreet is a modern cafe that offers homestyle-cooking made from sustainable produce, and the decor is designed to have a low impact on the environment! They offer outdoor seating and the menu has a wide range of breakfast options. From classic pancakes to a full Irish breakfast, tourists and locals are bound to find a plate that fills their hungry tums. Let’s not forget about the drink menu, there’s more options here than the actual food! Crafty beers and ciders, bubbles and rose, white, red, and fortified wines, and of course BOOZE. They also have teas, coffees, and soft drinks, but why bother with those? Enjoy it all with a waterfront view. A great way to start the day in Dublin!

After taking a gander through Pearse Square Park and perhaps a tour through the National Gallery of Ireland (and/or the museums of archaeology and natural history!), I’m sure you’ve worked up an appetite and the mimosas have begun to wear off. Let’s get lunch!

The Porterhouse Central

A traditional pub offering local ales and comfort food. They have their very own brewery and pride themselves on using simple, pure ingredients in their brews. If you’re eighteen or older, enjoy a can or two of their IPAs and stouts. Oh, and the food is good too. The Porterhouse Central has your classic bar food: wings, burgers, wraps, and fries galore. But let’s admit it, you’re not going there just for the food.

After lunch at The Porterhouse Central, you’re right by Trinity College! It is one of the most gorgeous college campuses, the architecture is immaculate. It’s 47 acres adorn with Georgian buildings, it is absolutely breathtaking. I encourage you to stumble through the grounds as you head to the Irish Whiskey Museum or The Irish Rock n’ Roll Museum. Dublin is full of random museums, make sure you go to at least one! They’re absolutely everywhere, you’re sure to bump into one, or two, or three.

Once you’ve explored the most random museums and Georgian architecture you can endure, it’s about time for dinner and more drink!

Badass Cafe

Traditional pub with highly modern interior offering drinks (a must), and a bistro-style international menu and  music! They’re also the oldest restaurant located in the area of Temple Bar. Time to start learning some Irish bar songs as you enjoy “ass kicking burgers,” or “kick-ass pizzas,” or “kickin’ mains.” They even have a delicious selection of sides fittingly titled “The Hangover Cure.” Now I’m sure you’re wondering what’s on their drink menu. Let me inform you–because this is still an informative–that this place has some BADASS cocktails, such as the Badass Black Russians and Badass Strawberry Daiquiris. Delicious.

It is not an adequate day in Dublin if you don’t finish it off at THE Temple Bar. The self-proclaimed Legendary  pub, with daily Irish music! They say it best on their website, The Temple Bar is truly “A very sincere and heartfelt welcome to the authentic home of Irish Cultural heritage.” They have been around since 1840 and is famous for it’s “traditional ambience, unrivalled vitality and for [their] celebrated charm and conviviality.” There is always music playing and drunkards drinking. The best part about this place is you can enjoy The Temple Bar experience from anywhere, they have a live earth cam set inside and outside the bar! You can (and must) enjoy the world that exists inside The Temple Bar as soon as COVID is over. Grab a Guinness and some earbuds–or fly to Dublin for a measly $800!–and experience true  Irish culture.

 

 

 

Informative

 

New York City has an overwhelmingly large list of activities, stays and restaurants to choose from. While this often makes for an exciting vacation, it can sometimes be daunting for a non-city dweller. Below is a list of three worth-while things for anyone to do while in the Big Apple, to get your trip itinerary started.

The Ludlow Hotel: The Ludlow is a quirky hotel that will keep anyone entertained, comfy and trying to extend their trip just one more day. The modern yet warm decor is beautiful from the first floor lobby area to the top floor gym which has a panoramic view of the city. The rooms are tiny, as most things in New York City are, but sport the most luxurious beds in the city, and a bathroom outfitted to perfection. Every detail from the key tag to the complementary lotion bottles enhance the time you spend in this hotel.  Attached to the Ludlow is a restaurant called Dirty French, which is perfect for a croissant and a coffee before you hit the town, or a beautifully prepared dinner when you return at night.

Friend of a Farmer:  Friend of a farmer is an approachable farmhouse restaurant that has something on their menu for everyone. They serve brunch to dinner, and hit the mark every time.  The moment you walk in the door you are greeted by a friendly staff who is always happy and willing to help with anything you may need. The restaurant is a tight two story building with a rustic farmhouse feel that makes you warm and excited every time you see something come out of the kitchen. Their simple yet delicious menu, friendly faces, and stellar atmosphere make for an amazing meal for anyone.

Edwin, Abbie and I at the MET

The MET: The MET is one of the most visited places in the big city, and for good reason. Tourists and locals alike will enjoy a magnificent afternoon wandering the long hallways that lead to endless rooms filled with art.  The first thing you notice when approaching the massive building is the incredible staircase leading up to the multi door entrance. This grand entrance sets the pace for the interior of the building and all it houses. As you walk further in you start to realize it would take days to see every piece of art in the museum, and try to squeeze it all in. The MET has ginormous amounts of space and is filled with bold and curious art, a place that will absolutely blow your expectations out of the water. There is something for everyone to enjoy, and can make for an unforgettable afternoon.

Though this is a list of only three places to add to your itinerary they each provide a jumping off point in a new part of town. New York City is chalk full of opportunity for fun, but can sometimes be directed specifically at certain groups of people. These three places are inclusive of everyone’s interests, and get your trip started in the right direction.

 

Informative

Into Nature: 

If you enjoy nature, Denver is where you should go. Every season has something different to offer. In the summer, hikes and lakes are the places to be. During the winter, Denver offers a lot of resorts perfect for skiing. For the summer, Belcher Hill trail. It’s a pretty long hike which makes it good for a warm summer day. If you’re more into the cold, however, Denver is also the place to go. During the snowy season, skiing is a common sport practiced in Colorado. The largest skiing resort near Denver is the Winter Park resort and it is only 2 hours away from the Denver International Airport. However, it is important to keep in mind that during the pandemic, most places are working a bit differently. Be sure to check out their websites and have a safe, fun time! 

Winter Park
PC: colorado.com

Not Into Nature:

If nature just isn’t your calling, Denver is also the perfect place to go. Known for being a big city, it is full of things to do. If shopping is your thing, the 16th Street Mall is perfect for you. It’s a long street that offers shopping and dining, right in Downtown Denver. The Denver Outlet Shops are also a great option for shopping at outlet prices which are oftentimes very good prices. Before COVID-19, there were also great options like Elitch Gardens, Pepsi Center, Coors Field, and the Empower Field at Mile High. Before COVID-19, Denver was the perfect place to go to a Rockies game in the morning and a Taylor Swift concert at night. Still, you can enjoy places such as Denver Zoo,  Denver Aquarium, and the Denver Art Museum, just make sure you wear your mask and are socially distancing.  

16th Street Mall
PC: visitdenver.com

Visit Year-Round: 

Denver is known for its snowy winters (sometimes even fall). However, Denver is a very sunny city. Averaging 300 days of sunshine, Denver is perfect for summer activities. But if you’re more into the cold weather, Denver has that too. If you drive to Denver, snowy conditions might be dangerous so please plan ahead.  

Denver City during the snow.
PC: NY Daily News

Without a doubt, Denver has a bit of everything for everyone! So get your family together and plan a trip to Denver, but remember to keep yourself and others safe during these hard times.