Mouth watering empanadas. The perfect spot to stop for a quick snack after a full morning of hiking or exploring. We shared one of each and it was the perfect amount to hold us over until dinner.

Somewhat off the beaten path, there is a collection of great restaurants. We happened to get a last min reservation at Safta and it did not disappoint. By far the BEST Pita Bread I have EVER had in my life. I can't wait to go back just to get another order of the dips and bread. The Labne & Whipped feta were my favorite.

Who would have thought New Yorkers in Colorado would enjoy one of the best Detroit style pizzas in Denver, but we did. It was such pleasant surprise at the end of our trip. The bread was so fluffy and the sauce to cheese ratio couldn't have been more perfect.

This small bar on the edge of downtown is the oldest bar in Denver, established in 1873. If you have ever been to NYC, it reminded me of Corner Bistro. No frills, just good people and good food. The JCB Burger is a must try & the onion rings were perfectly fried. It was simple, but solid.

A great spot to hang and grab a few beers. Their outdoor seating is spacious and comfortable for people with large groups or animals.

Aside from Mendocino, Estes Park is one of the most magical places we have traveled while together. Estes Park is part of the Rockies and 100% worth the drive outside Denver. As always, we hit the road starting at 5:30 am just as the sun began to rise (our favorite time to drive). The drive was scenic and peaceful, weaving in and out service only focused on the present moment. We reached the the park by 7:00 am, before the long line of cars started to stack up. Be sure to book a reservation and scope out some of the trails before hand. We wanted to visit a waterfall, but didn't have a reservation so we weren't able to access it. I'd suggest making a day of it by packing lots of snacks and water. Maybe even a blanket for a picnic or a change of clothes for the drive back! We also grabbed a juice from the local spot in town before heading into the park and it was delicious.

The best time to visit Red Rocks is just as the sun starts to rise over downtown Denver. The way the warm morning light lit up the red rocks felt like a warm morning hug. Tip: Check the schedule before your trip to see if there are any live performances you are interested in attending! So sad no one was performing during our trip, a concert there would be unforgettable.

Right below Red Rocks, this short loop trail allows you to enjoy the large rock formations without having to hike miles to get an up close view.

Inta Juice - Perfect to stop in before a morning in the park. Loved the acai bowl.

River North is a trendy district filled with restaurants, galleries and lots of brewery's. We visited posted COVID and they had multiple streets closed off for outdoor dining space.