We’re so excited to have you celebrate with us! While you’re here, we hope you’ll turn the trip into a little Colorado adventure—exploring our favorite spots, soaking up the mountain views, and tasting the best food and drinks along the way. Below are some of our top picks in Denver, Boulder, and Summit County (Copper Mountain area).

- AllTrails: If you plan on hiking or finding a stroll nearby, download AllTrails app.

- Weather: Pack layers for those warm summery days and cool mountain evenings.

- Getting Around: Denver & Boulder are walkable; Summit County is best with a rental car.

- Hydration & Elevation: Colorado’s altitude can sneak up on you! Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and remember that alcohol hits harder at elevation.

Food & Drink

- Breweries: Denver is famous for its microbreweries—try local favorites like Denver Beer Co, Odell Brewing, and New Terrain (Golden).

- Eats: Some of our favorites include Hop Alley, Temaki Den, Fox and the Hen, Postino (great wine!), and Hops & Pie.

Activities

- Rockies Game: The team may not be the best, but the stadium is a blast! Grab $2 Coors at Bullet Bar before the game and don’t miss the loaded baked potato at the Sandlot.

- Upstairs Circus: A creative spot to make crafts and art—plus you can bring your own food.

- Red Rocks Amphitheater: Just outside Denver in Morrison, this iconic venue is a must‑see. Check the concert schedule for an unforgettable show.

Hiking / Outdoors

- Sloan’s Lake & Washington Park: More stroll than hike—perfect for a scenic walk.

- Mount Galbraith Loop (Golden): A moderate trail with great views. Reward yourself afterward with food trucks and beer at New Terrain Brewing.

- Chautauqua Park (Boulder): Iconic Flatirons hikes and stunning scenery—worth the 30–45 minute drive from Denver.

Food & Drink

- Breweries: Boulder has a thriving craft beer scene—favorites include Avery Brewing, Rayback Collective, and Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery.

- Eats: Stroll down Pearl Street Mall for endless options. Avanti for the views and food hall style, Hapa for Sushi, T/aco for tacos and margs.

Activities

- Lost Gulch Overlook: A drive up winding mountain roads, this overlook offers breathtaking panoramic views right from Boulder—perfect for sunset photos. Tip: Please do not do if you are not comfortable driving steep mountain roads.

- Pearl Street Mall: Bustling pedestrian street with shops, cafes, street performers, and a lively atmosphere.

- Celestial Seasonings Tea Tour: Fun, factory tour with unlimited tea samples (near Medtronic where Zeph and I interned together!).

- Boulder Reservoir: Perfect for paddleboarding, swimming, or lounging lakeside.

Hiking

- Chautauqua Park: Boulder’s most iconic hikes with stunning views. Trails range from easy strolls to challenging climbs like Royal Arch Trail and the Second/Third Flatirons Trail. Even if you don’t hike, Chautauqua is a must‑see spot.

- Brainard Lake: About an hour’s drive from Boulder, this gorgeous alpine area is where we took our engagement photos. Try Blue Lake via Mitchell Lake (moderate), Long Lake (easy), or just soak in the views. Tip: reservations are required at recreation.gov and passes sell out quickly.

Food & Drink

- Breweries & Distilleries: Check out Broken Compass Brewing, Breckenridge Distillery in Breckenridge or Outer Range Brewing in Frisco for local craft beer.

- Eats: Stroll Breckenridge’s Main Street for cozy mountain‑town dining. Favorites include Blue River Bistro, Breckenridge Brewery, and Hearthstone Restaurant. In Vail, enjoy upscale alpine dining at Sweet Basil or casual bites at Vendetta’s Pizza.

Activities

- Copper Mountain Village: Family‑friendly fun with alpine coasters, zip lines, and summer festivals.

- Breckenridge Main Street: Charming shops, art galleries, and lively nightlife in a historic mining town.

- Vail Village: European‑style streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and après‑ski vibes (even in summer).

- Lake Dillon: Rent kayaks, paddleboards, or take a scenic boat tour surrounded by mountain peaks.

- Downhill Biking Vail Pass: Ride from the top of Vail Pass down into Copper or Frisco—an exhilarating, scenic descent perfect for summer adventure.

Hiking

- Copper Mountain Trails: Scenic summer hikes right from the resort, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs.

- Silver Dollar Lake and Murray Lake Trail: Moderate and beautiful hike up to alpine lakes.

- Booth Falls Trail (Vail): A moderate hike leading to a stunning waterfall.

- Mohawk Lakes (Breckenridge): Super hard, but my favorite hike in all of Colorado. A beautiful alpine hike with lakes, wildflowers, and mining history.