It’s only noon and your butler is already making arrangements for your hydrotherapy ritual at Spa Imagine, tonight’s dinner reservations at Bocado’s Steak House, and later having dessert sent to your room. Sounds like a dream, right?
It is a dream brought to life thanks to Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun, a new high-end resort that opened in the Spring of 2022.
Celebrities are already flocking to the beachfront resort, including Houstonian Simone Biles, Jana Kramer, Floyd Mayweather, Ashanti, Southern Charm’s Madison LeCroy, Naturi Naughton, Tia Booth, and Cassie Randolph, to name a few. (Check out Simone Bile’s girl’s trip to Garza Blanca Cancun for some vaca inspo.)
The luxe beach retreat is located half an hour north of the Cancun airport. Set along a secluded white sandy stretch of Playa Mujeres beach, the luxury resort is the newest addition to TAFER Hotels & Resorts. Guests can choose from all-inclusive options or room-only plans, but no matter what option you choose, each of the 452 rooms come with a private butler.
Your assigned butler will greet you upon arrival –with a drink in hand. And he or she will be available via WhatsApp or another messaging service for pretty much any need or want during your stay. While there are incredible room upgrades available like the four-bedroom penthouse loft, the butler service comes standard with all rooms.
The exquisitely cozy rooms leave no stone unturned, with a strategic desire to make your stay feel like home – if your home had a private terrace and hammocks. With convenient in-room amenities like washer and dryers in select units, some guests may not ever want to leave. The longest guest stay so far has racked up a tab of over four months.
The luxurious Cancun resort extends well beyond the guest rooms, showcasing the finest comforts and luxuries you’d expect on vacation.
The sprawling resort has nine swimming pools and jacuzzis, including the rooftop adult-only pool, surrounded by 360-degree beach views. Boasting a full bar and underwater sound system, guests are treated to LIVE music each afternoon, like a sexy saxophonist playing some of today’s top hits with a unique flair.
Can’t Miss Touches at Garza Blanca Cancun
Enjoy the delectable French toast in the morning, complete with cream cheese in between double stacked pieces of egg-soaked fresh bread alongside freshly squeezed orange juice
If you are traveling with kids, be sure to take advantage of the kid’s club for kids 4-12, where the entire staff is certified and bilingual. Ask about afterhours nanny services, available for an extra charge
If you choose the all-inclusive plan, everything is already included in the price including gratuities
The resort features four gourmet restaurants and two bars, including the Food Truck, a colorful and fun space with a trendy atmosphere that gives diners a front row seat to the stunning sea views
When it comes to hand-crafted cocktails, be sure to try The Garza Blanca, made with mezcal, serrano chili, soursop puree, lime juice and simple syrup
If you’re a picky sleeper, ask your butler for the pillow menu
Enjoy rooftop yoga, kayaking tours, snorkeling or Spanish lessons; all without an extra cost
Don’t forget to snap an obligatory Instagram photo at the main infinity pool’s clear wall-window
If you’re desperate for a quick weekend trip, you can book the 2 hour and 15-minute direct flight from Houston, drive half an hour from the airport and be lounging at the idyllic Riviera Maya resort by lunchtime. Give or take a small line at customs.
Post may contain affiliate links, but all opinions are my own.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GarzaBlancaCancun_Review-scaled.jpg25601920Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2024-01-24 12:30:192024-01-24 12:30:19Mexican Caribbean Beaches + Butler Service Only A 2.5-Hour Flight From Houston
If you’ve been wanting to experience Grand Lake, CO, check out our brand new Grand Lake cabin, for rent on airbnb.
More About Our Grand Lake Cabin For Rent:
We are proud owners of a 1000 sq. ft. brand new, modern, bright and airy cabin in Grand Lake, CO, which is about a two-hour drive from Denver. The original cabin burned down in 2020 in one of the largest wildfires in Colorado history, and now it is finished being rebuilt from scratch (July 2022) and ready to run as one of the hottest Grand Lake airbnbs for rent. Our Grand Lake cabin is a two-bedroom, 1 bathroom cabin, and both bedrooms are nearly identical with king size beds plus two twin mattresses for kids or other guests, as well as a queen blowup mattress.
The Grand Lake cabin has 360 degree views of the Kawuneeche Valley and Rocky Mountain National Park, and you’ll be able to see abundant wildlife grazing the meadow, with moose and elk visiting almost daily. You can snowmobile/ATV from the cabin to the trails in less than 10 min, which was a huge reason we bought this Grand Lake cabin as my husband is an avid snowmobiler.
The location of this Grand Lake airbnb is unbeatable! The cabin is located on a quiet, private dead end road which borders
Our Grand Lake cabin has two rooms, each with a king size bed and luxurious bedding
Rocky Mountain National Park. You can hike into RMNP straight from the cabin or drive less than 1 mile to the entrance. As of now, we are the closest Grand Lake rental to the park entrance and also adjacent to thousands of acres of national forest land and a short drive to the three lakes. And not only is it the perfect home base for all your outdoor activities, the cabin is less than 5 minutes from downtown Grand Lake with plenty of restaurants and shopping. The cabin has plenty of parking, including space for trailers for all your toys.
Guests always comment and leave 5-star reviews, noting the wildlife they see directly from the cabin windows and oftentimes right in our front yard. Guests also love our luxurious bedding (shown on the right), which can be shopped here.
*Please note that our Grand Lake community is in the process of rebuilding, so although the area is still quiet and peaceful, you may hear or see occasional construction or neighbors camping on neighboring properties.
Grand Lake Cabin – Things To Do In Grand Lake, CO
It depends on what time of the year you visit Grand Lake, but there is always something to do. For updated info on what to do in Grand Lake, visit the Grand Lake county website. The town of Grand Lake does an amazing job of putting on fun events like silly dress up contests and well attended parades, so don’t miss out if you’re visiting during one of their events.
When you book our cabin in Grand Lake, we will email you a welcome pack filled with info on things to do and see in Grand Lake, but below is a much more in-depth list to help you plan your trip.
Things To Do In The Summer In Grand Lake
Grand Lake Golf Course is less than 10 minutes from our Grand Lake airbnb, and you can’t beat summertime Colorado golf. Grand Lake’s beautifully maintained course designed by Dick Phelps with rolling fairways and subtle greens surrounded by lodge pole pines, aspens and colorful native flora, offers a world class setting with panoramic views of snow capped mountains and Rocky Mountain National Park. Moose, elk, deer, fox, chipmunks and squirrels are often spectators during a round and add to a memorable, unique mountain golf experience. The Grand Lake Golf Course is kind of surreal, because after the fire in 2020 all the trees burned down. It’s still a stunning course, but you’ll see all the burn and even chimneys off in the distance from people who lost everything.
The quaint town of Grand Lake is also a great spot, with tons of food and people watching. No matter the weather, ice cream is always a good idea in Grand Lake.
Fat Bikes are another fun way to take on the snow in Grand Lake, and there are plenty of rental places offering Fat Bikes in Grand Lake.
Hiking in Grand Lake is one of my favorite summer activities in Grand Lake. According to alltrails, there are 63 scenic trails and hikes in Grand Lake, so you’ve got plenty to choose from. Click the link for full details on hiking in Grand Lake, but let me remind you that you are in the mountains. I personally don’t hike without bear spray, but to each their own.
Don’t miss RMNP! Along with great hikes in Grand Lake, there are also great scenic drives. Our Grand Lake cabin is located on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), which is one of the most stunning places to visit in all of Colorado. Note: you will need a timed entry pass to enter the park, but you do not need one to get to the cabin! I recommend making park reservations as early as you can, but it’s usually open and FREE if you are before a certain time or after 2p. If you are an active military personnel or a veteran (like my husband), you get a FREE PARK PASS. Don’t miss this amazing perk to those who have served our country.
We get a referral fee if you use our link and we will split that money with you (it ranges from $300 – $1000 at any given time plus you get $48 once you sign up). Sign up to become an airbnb host and use our link, then email us and we’ll split it with you 50/50!
A Few Grand Lake Hikes To Check Out From GoGrandLake:
East Inlet to Adams Falls: This iconic Grand Lake hike is part of Rocky Mountain National Park and is accessed from the East Inlet Trail Head, which is outside the drive in entrance to the park. Head into Town on Portal Avenue and stay left at the fork in the road, which will lead you to the parking area. Adams Falls is only 1/3 of a mile from the trail head, but don’t miss the fantastic view of the meadow located about 1 mile from the Falls! In my opinion, this is one of the easiest and kid-friendly hikes in Grand Lake and has a beautiful waterfall at the end (pending weather in the summer).
Colorado River Trail: The Colorado River Trail Head is a hub for many of the north western trails in Rocky
North Inlet Trail Hike, Grand Lake
Mountain National Park. Hikers can choose to head to Lulu City, a once hopeful mining town, or climb higher into the Never Summer Mountain Range to the Grand Ditch. In the snowy months, Trail Ridge Road closes just after this trail head, leaving it open for year round recreation.
North Inlet Trail: This is a great hike, and here is a video from May 2023 enjoying a beautiful day in Grand Lake. Although Grand Lake is super pet friendly, many of the hikes (including this one) are inside the park, so dogs are not allowed.
Click on the GoGrandLake link above for more info on hiking in Grand Lake, CO.
Grand Lake Lodge is a restaurant/bar about a mile away. It has great views, we love the red wine on tap, and on certain nights during the summer they have LIVE music, which is always fun.
Fishing in Grand Lake is another fun thing to do with the whole family and a unique way to spend time outdoors. Click the link above for Grand Lake fishing info, but remember that everyone over the age of 16 must have a Colorado fishing license. Don’t get caught without one! Currently we do not have fishing equipment at our Grand Lake cabin, so be sure to contact a local fishing shop our guide to get set up for a day of fishing.
Grand Lake, CO
There are plenty of places to rent kayaks and paddle boards in Grand Lake. Grand Lake is known as Three Lakes, made up by Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Reservoir and Grand Lake. It is one of the most picturesque towns in Colorado during the summer months, so take advantage of being out on the water, but remember that water stays cold (less than 60 degrees in the summer!).
Don’t forget in the summer, one of the best parts of a Grand Lake vacation is that you can drive through RMNP (reservations usually required) and go over to Estes Park. We aren’t super familiar with Estes Park, but check them out for food and hiking recommendations. The park is only open to pass through during summer months.
Things To Do In The Winter In Grand Lake –
Snowmobiling in Grand Lake, CO is some of the best you’ll see (pending a snowfall, of course). This is one of the main reasons we bought this particular cabin in Grand Lake, because you can hit the trails directly from our cabin’s driveway, and in the winter we have guests bring their trailers as we have plenty of room for parking. The link above has trail maps and tips for snowmobiling in Grand Lake, so be sure to check that out.
Here is a list of snowmobile rentals and outfitters in Grand Lake:
Grand Lake is about a 45-minute drive to the popular Winter Park Resort, which you actually pass on the way to the cabin. A less populated local spot to ski is Ski Granby Ranch, about 25 minutes from our Grand Lake cabin, so you definitely have options. You can also rent ski gear if you need it.
Another popular Colorado winter sport is snowshoeing and cross country skiing. You can get tons of great information and rentals at the Grand Lake Nordic Center.
Favorite Food and Restaurants in Grand Lake
Keep in mind that Grand Lake is a mountain town. What does that mean? It means on a random Monday the restaurants could be closed and many of the restaurants and bars close for the winter, so be sure to double check before you head out.
We LOVE the vibe at One Love, where you’ll find Caribbean food and almost too-strong margaritas haha. Also ask for their off-menu deconstructed sushi petals (if you like a kick of spice!).
Sagebrush BBQ & Grill is another favorite local spot and almost ALWAYS open. They have a great bar scene, and it’s probably the most kid friendly restaurant in Grand Lake. If you like wine like me, get a bottle of wine for better options, and cork it to bring back to our Grand Lake cabin!
Huntington House Tavern, which is only open in the summer has great food and cocktails too. It’s located inside Grand Lake Lodge, and is one of the pricier restaurants in Grand Lake.
Charlie’s Mexican is another spot that is almost always open and great for quick and reliable Mexican food and great margaritas and don’t miss their weekend karaoke!
Wild Bear Tavern is also a great spot and we love their to-go pizza, only about 4 minutes from our Grand Lake cabin. I don’t believe they serve dinner until 5p, but it’s worth checking out.
For coffee, be sure to check out Sagebrush’s new coffee stand and Jump Start coffee at the end of downtown. There are a few others in town, but these two are always open and always open early! There is a new coffee stand in town that doesn’t open until 10a and only in the summer.
While we are obsessed with supporting the local Grand Lake economy and local businesses, we always recommend our guests to do their main grocery shopping before they get to Grand Lake. We have some great local markets, but it’s a mountain town so your selection won’t be huge, and the same goes for beer and liquor.
Wheelchair Accessible Ideas In Grand Lake
We had a guest request for this, and crowdsourced a few ideas below (note: we haven’t done any of these, but some lovely Grand Lake locals chimed in for some helpful tips!):
Point Park has a short path that should be wheelchair accessible
Coyote Valley Trail in RMNP is considered a wheelchair accessible trail
We will be adding to this list of things to see and do in Grand Lake, CO so if you have tips to add or a local business we can help support, leave a comment or email me at jayme @ theblondeside.com.
Returning guests can email us directly for a discounted rate: jayme @ theblondeside.com.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/GrandLake_Cabin.jpg712960Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2024-01-01 16:16:042024-11-25 16:47:58Grand Lake Cabin For Rent
A Detailed Travel Guide On All The Things To Do (And Not To) In Aspen
(If you want to skim this Aspen Travel Diary, the things in BOLD are my absolute recommendations for your next trip to Aspen.)
It’s no secret people are clamoring for escapes and getaways. Maybe it’s a weekend getaway or maybe you’ve decided to take an extended sabbatical into the mountains. That’s exactly what we did and here’s how we spent 30 days in Aspen this summer.
Day One: Walked around the new neighborhood with our pup Perry and immediately the dog friendly town won him over, though it rained most of the day. Aspen is probably one of the most dog-friendly towns you’ll ever visit. That night we ordered pizza and wings takeout from Brunelleschi’s Pizza and watched UFC in our condo, which is for sale for $1.66 million.
Day Two:Walked/hiked Hunter Creek Trailwith Perry. This is probably one of the most popular and easy hiking trails in Aspen, consisting mostly of dirt and gravel with public parking at the trailhead. Then we walked around town, and ate lunch at The White House Tavern – I’ve written about their Crispy Chicken Sandwich in every Aspen story I’ve covered. You can expect a lot of visits from us here. To note: there is always a wait since it’s a super small restaurant, but we are almost always lucky enough to snag bar seats. Then we walked a few blocks to Newbury Park, where I read a new book and my boyfriend hung out with Perry. For dinner, we made a reservation at Kenichi, just a few blocks over. Kenichi has been part of the Aspen landscape since 1991, and for good reason.
Day Three: Grabbed a drop-in rate at O2 for a Sculpt class led by Jenna, who is phenomenal. Later I met up with
O2 in Aspen: Sculpt Workout Classes Are The Best
friends for a cocktail at The W Aspen’s Living Room, followed by delicious and strong margaritas at Mi Chola – one of only two Mexican restaurants in town (there are two more in Snowmass). Their steak quesadillas are a must.
Day Four: Walked to Big Wrap for made-to-order gourmet wraps, known as one of the most affordable meals in Aspen (they are also big enough to split or save for dinner). We got the Rock Your World and Beef Swift Kick. This place is cash only, so be prepared or use their onsite ATM for a fee. Walked through our neighborhood, with trails jutting out on just about every corner with views alongside the Roaring Fork River.
Day Five: Started the morning off with another Sculpt class with Jenna at O2, then went for a hike on Ajax Trail, which is fairly easy and crosses the front side of Aspen Mountain. After the hour hike, went to LOCAL Coffee House & Eatery for an iced latte and Chia Pudding Bowl. Definitely one of the pricier spots in Aspen for a $22 breakfast. Then we had a picnic lunch on the Rio Grande Trail on the river with lots of other dogs. That evening we grabbed a patio seat at Aspen Tap on the corner of Galena and Hopkins, which boast the city’s best people watching. They are known for their beer selection, but they also have rosé. If you’re a fan of the movie Dumb & Dumber, you’ll love their Mary Swanson cocktail, which is basically a grapefruit hard seltzer $7. Then we went
Aspen Shopping: Kemo Sabe Offers Free Hat Steaming + Good Vibes
to Kemo Sabe to get our cowboy hats steamed (a free service they offer) and walked out new ones (nothing like shopping with a buzz, right?). Aspen is one of three locations, the other two in Vail and Las Vegas.
Day Six: Had a 9a tee time at Aspen Golf Club, which is Aspen’s only public course. It’s a beautiful course overlooking Buttermilk Mountain, but one of the oddest course designs I’ve seen. Then a late lunch and happy hour at HOPS Culture’s outside patio. We had a delicious burger and a $6 happy hour rosé for $6. This is a great spot for cheap rosé and a huge selection of craft beer, but the food is pretty average bar food.
Day Seven: Had breakfast at Spring Cafe, which usually closes in between seasons! I get the Acai Bowl and Jason gets the Blueberry Pancakes. Then we took the Silver Queen Gondola up Aspen Mountain and hiked around up top (11,212 feet elevation) with Perry. They even have specific dog gondolas, and all the workers love meeting the pups. Aspen Mountain also boasts the world’s highest official disc golf course
We tried to get the most out of our day pass so came back again to read a book and drink rosé on the mountaintop. We had date night at Ellina, which has a 35-page wine list and amazing pasta dishes. And then finished the night with an Espresso Martini, one of the best in Aspen. Our server Martine was phenomenal.
Day Eight: Walked down by Aspen Meadows and picked up the Rio Grande Trail. We walked around and got lost on trails and in neighborhoods, which is one of the highlights of being in Aspen.
Aspen Is The Most Dog Friendly Town
Then we had dinner at Jimmy’s for an amazing steak and enjoyed their robust cocktail menu, especially their Espresso Martini. Anyone who has been to Aspen knows about Jimmy’s, which is donned an Aspen institute and been around since 1997.
Day Nine: Shopping in town, one of my favorite things to do. We had a pizza lunch at the new Aspen Pie Shop with frosé. I would not recommend the pizza at all, however it offers some great patio seating and people watching and was one of the only frosé I saw in town.
Day 10: Iced latte and work at one of town’s newest spots, Bear Den, which is quaint and super cute. I just had a latte, but the food smelled delicious, and everything is organic and made from scratch. Then another sculpt class at O2, followed by an evening stroll along John Denver Sanctuary. Then we treated ourselves to happy hour and dinner at Mi Chola with $10 happy hour margaritas.
Hiking Aspen – The Ute Trail
Day 11: Morning hike up The Ute, which is popular but not easy. That night we tried the pizza at Aspen Tap and their Espresso Martinis, both were great. We also learned you can also add 5mg Hemp CBD to any drink for $5 (which is so Colorado). We had a phenomenal pizza – The White Pizza – garlic cream sauce, shredded mozzarella, roma tomatoes, ricotta cheese and arugula ($16). I could have done without the massive garlic cloves, but it was awesome.
Day 12: Sculpt class at O2, then walked next door to Starbucks, which is locally owned and operated. Drove out to Grotto Trail, which was an easy hike, mostly shaded and beautiful in every direction. Then went to Devil’s Punchbowl where local boys were jumping in the snowmelt ice-cold water. Went walking around town and hit up the o2 Aspen retail sale, with up to 60% off and scored some mew workout clothes.
Day 13: Drove back to The Grottos Trail, which is one of the most popular spots and enjoyed an afternoon of lounging by the river. Read a new book, packed a picnic with Infinite Monkey rosé and enjoyed the beautiful weather. There is no cell signal, which sort of forces you to relax and enjoy the moment. We drove back and walked through town and did the Hunter Creek Trail hike, which is mostly shaded. Then had dinner with friends at Campo de Fiori (locals just call it Campo), which has one of the best Espresso Martinis in town. The mushroom ravioli is out of this world, and one of the best dishes in all of Aspen. We bounced around next-door at Cache Cache (one of town’s most expensive meals), and then upstairs to Jimmy’s for a nightcap.
Day 14: Took it easy and walked around town. Ordered Hickory House for free delivery, which has awesome wings, pulled pork sandwiches, and more.
Day 15: Walked around Aspen Saturday Market, their weekly farmer’s market in the middle of town. It’s a great way to support local and people watch. They have vendors offering pastries, fresh flowers, and more, but no dogs allowed, which is odd for Aspen. Then we hiked Hunter’s Creek all the way up and down Smuggler Mountain (known as “housewives’ hill” which is my least favorite because it’s very steep and rocky, though the views of Aspen are nice). Went to W Aspen WET Deck, which is Aspen’s only public pool located on the 4th floor. The pool is small, but it overlooks Aspen Mountain and the gondola. We walked over to J-Bar inside Hotel Jerome for their “Locally World Famous” burger ($21) for dinner and a glass of rosé and then their Espresso Martini. The 19th century bar just started doing a rosé of the day ($14), which is a good way to sample some different wines inside the relaxed and casual atmosphere.
Day 16: Started the hike up Aspen Mountain under the gondola and took a left down Ajax Trail, which leads you to the start of The Ute trailhead. Lunch at White House Tavern, inside at the bar, like always. The wait for an outside table, which is dog-friendly, is always 1-2 hours, especially on nice days. Then walked over to Aspen Public House, which is inside the historic Wheeler Opera House and sat outside by the fountains. Jason had a Wild Brewing Company IPA and I went for a classic Espresso Martini.
Day 17: Went for a hike on Meadows Trail behind Aspen Meadows Resort, which is a quick .57 easy
Aspen E-Bike To Woody Creek Tavern
hike that leads to Rio Grande Trail. Went to Clark’s to check out their happy hour menu for some oysters and $8 martinis (though smaller than most). This place has another location in Austin and boasts a coastal and casual vibe. The Shrimp Cocktail was amazing ($20) featuring large with fresh horseradish.
Day 18: Spent the day walking around to enjoy the fresh air and scenes.
Day 19: Drove to Maroon Bells, which are the most photographed mountains in North America. Note that reservations are required (not recommended, required). Scenic views aside, there are six hiking trails of various lengths and difficulties to choose from, plus bike trails, campsites, and more. We hiked to Crater Lake, which is a 3.8 mile out and back hike probably not recommended for a french bulldog, but a fairly easy hike to the lake. For dinner, we went back to Campo, which quickly became one of our favorites. Then we headed downstairs to Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar, which is in the basement of Meat and Cheese, and offers
Hiking Maroon Bells – Dog Friendly
a sexy speakeasy vibe without the nuisance or embarrassment of having to know a password. Even though the cinnamon-loaded Espresso Martinis are $20, glasses of rosé are surprisingly only $8/glass. That’s about as cheap as you’ll find in Aspen (or $30/bottle of “Gris de Gris”). Then to Silver City to try their Aperclaw (like an Aperol Spritz, but this one has Aperol, Cointreau, Black Cherry White Claw and Orange Juice), and was the perfectly refreshing drink in the summer.
Day 20: Went to Victoria’s for one of my favorite Iced Soy Lattes and we got two Ham and Cheese Croissants for breakfast (drinks are recommended, not so much the food). Then we rented e-bikes at Aspen Velo on the corner of Mill and Puppy Smith. There are plenty of bike rentals in Aspen, but this one has the most e-bikes to choose from, and on weekends, they can easily sell out. We rode along the Rio Grande Trail all the way to Woody Creek Tavern, which is fun and easy, and a must while in Aspen. Woody Creek Tavern is nearly world famous. They have decent food, great margaritas, and there are always taxis waiting to take the walkers and riders back if needed, since the trek can be a bit daunting for visitors. This spot is cash only. We rode back via Cemetery Lane and followed signs towards downtown Aspen for a different route.
Day 21: It was a beautiful day for a hike on Sunnyside Trail, which has a path off the Rio Grande or you can type it in your maps to start at the base of the trail where there is parking. Hence the name, this trail up Red Mountain is 100% in the sun, so avoid hot days or the peak of the afternoon if you can. Took an Uber (which didn’t used to be a thing in Aspen, but is more so now) to Home Team, inside The Inn at Aspen located at the base of Buttermilk, where the X Games are held. Home Team has a Frozen Irish Coffee locals love (small $11 and large $13) and a $9 glass of rosé, which is cheap for Aspen.
Day 22: Went to the Aspen Saturday Market to stock up at some of our favorites, and after walking
Aspen E-Bike To Woody Creek Tavern
around, went to Spring Cafe for a Smoothie ($9) and Iced Coffee. We spent the beautiful afternoon at W Aspen Wet Deck for $28 pitcher of strong margaritas, which is such a bargain anywhere, especially Aspen. Then we took a RFTA (Aspen’s bus system is always free and has been touted as one of the best in the country for years) to The Highlands for a night of pizza and beer at Highlands Alehouse. They have tons of beer, pizza, and more to choose from, and although they don’t offer it by the glass, a bottle of rosé is only $33.
Day 23: Walked around some easy trails and streets with Perry. Drove down to Basalt to Butch’s Lobster Shack to avoid paying $38 for a lobster roll in town at Clark’s. In hindsight, I would have rather paid $38 for a delicious lobster roll, then $21 for one lacking in flavor. Then we took a walk on East of Aspen Trail, on the side of Highway 82 headed towards Independence Pass. We walked to the North Star River Access, which is a popular spot to jump off the bridge or put in your paddleboard, and the hike was the easiest in town. Ended the night with an Espresso Martini at The White House Tavern, which was beyond delicious and the perfect balance of sweet and coffee.
Day 24: Did another O2 class, then hiked up The Ute around to Ajax Trail (we did not climb the mountain). Opted for Happy Hour at Jing for $7 glasses of wine (no rosé) and a handful of $7 sushi rolls (or $12 for specialty rolls). Then we sat outside at Creperie’s lounge (real name is French Alpine Bistro, but locals call is Creperie), which has an adorable patio setup on the corner of Hopkins and Mill for an Espresso Martini. They also offer an epic rosé happy hour for buy one get one free bottles, from 3-6.
Day 25: Drove to the top of Aspen Mountain, then walked to breakfast at Aspen Over Easy, which is on the 2nd floor of Scarlett’s and boasts the largest breakfast menu in Aspen and has seating inside and on the sun deck. They offer three variations of a Bloody Mary (each $10) and have signature cocktails like the Hangover Easy ($10). Then we went over to Hunter’s Creek Trail for an afternoon hike with the pup. We made dinner reservations at Monarch, which is attached to Dancing Bear for a chic steak dinner, where they also specialize in Monarch Manhattans ($17-27). The ambiance was great, but the steak wasn’t anything like you’d find in Texas. Next we stumbled upon Betula, which has the ultimate cocktail scene in Aspen, along with an incredible DJ in the cocktail room. The cocktail room is like an actual living room with huge windows, books on the shelf mixed in with actual family photos. The cozy chic experience was probably the most fun (and most expensive) scene we had during our month stay.
Day 26: Drove to Difficult Creek Trail and parked in day use, not the campground parking. The entire hike is 9.8 miles, but is much easier than the name would indicate. Then we drove out to Snowmass for lunch at Base Camp Bar & Grill, which has a pretty expansive beer list and also rosé by the glass. We sat outside near the base of the gondola, but is not a place I would recommend based on the service and subpar food. Somehow we managed to snag a hard-to-find dinner reservation at Betula, and sat at the bar because reservations fill up quickly.
Day 27: Enjoyed a morning hike/walk around town and John Denver Sanctuary, which is perfect for mediation, picnics with the family, or just relaxing. We headed over for a pool day at W Aspen’s Wet Deck for those pitchers of margaritas. Then we walked and shopped around town (mostly window shopping), and had dinner at Mezzaluna, which is fairly inexpensive and solid (wood fired pizzas, pasta and $9 glasses of rosé). They also have a great happy hour with $10 pizzas, $6 glasses of wine, and $6 margaritas.
Day 28: Breakfast at Spring Cafe for their amazing pancakes and french toast, and of course an iced soy latte! Then we grabbed beers by The St. Regis Aspen Resort pool before enjoying my CBD Healing Massage at Remède Spa. The spa also has an oxygen bar and serves you a complimentary glass of champagne when your treatment is finished. It’s not a pretentious spa, but it has all the luxuries and modalities you need after a month in Aspen. After that we headed to their lobby restaurant, Mountain Social for a quality Espresso Martini, and had the bonus of watching their daily champagne sabering where guests and non-guests can gather around. During the summer this takes place at 5:15pm and in the winter it’s at 4:45pm. We walked across the street for more
Aspen Hiking
shopping at O2, which offers the best brands for athleisure wear and more. Then we went to Hops patio for drinks, and made our way around to Aspen Public House for dinner and Espresso Martinis at 7908, which they have on tap (nitro), and are only one of two places in the world that offer this. This is Aspen’s first supper club offering “elevated comfort food,” dancing, a DJ, and an ultra-high end bottle list.
Day 29: A day after too many Espresso Martinis and visiting some of our favorite spots including
Kemo Sabe, lunch at White House Tavern, drinks outside at Aspen Public House, then Mi Chola and Silver City, followed by dinner at Campo.
Day 30: Our last day, so we walked around our neighborhood trails looking at all the beautiful houses, then one final breakfast at Spring Café, before heading back out.
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Check in to the heartbreak hotel at The Elizabeth in Fort Collins
Love is in the crisp, cool Denver air. Here are some of the best Valentine’s Day (last minute, I know) staycation ideas for your love birds, anti-love birds and galentines!
Check in to the Heartbreak Hotel: The Elizabeth Hotel in Fort Collins holding Anti-Valentine’s Day break-up story contest
Not feeling the love this February?The Elizabeth Hotelin Fort Collins is commiserating with those who think thatcupid is stupid and romance is better when bitterwith theAnti-Valentine’s Day Heartbreak Hotel Contest.
The Elizabeth is inviting everyone to share their best – or worst – break-up story, either via social media direct message or in person on paper and share with the staff at The Elizabeth Hotel, The Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market, Magic Rat Live Music or Sunset Lounge.
Entries will be collected from Wednesday, Feb. 5th – Wednesday, Feb. 12th.
OnThursday, Feb. 13th, The Elizabeth will host a specialAnti-Valentine’s Day Wine & Whineevent in the lobby starting at 4 p.m. Dragan Andrejic, General Manager of The Elizabeth, and Jeff Haber, General Manager of The Emporium, Magic Rat, Sunset Lounge & Bowerbird, will take turns reading all of the tragic tales of woe aloud to commiserate and toast with a shot of ‘cold comfort.’ Complimentary wine will be served during the readings and the winner of the contest will be selected at random.
For those who want to make a night of it – or for couples who still embrace the idea of a romantic getaway – book a stay at the luxurious, award-winning Elizabeth this February with room rates starting at $169 per night.
The Crawford Hotel at Union Station (photo cred: The Crawford Hotel Instagram)
Spoil the love of your life this Valentine’s Day with the new Decadent Date Night offer from Denver’s award-winning Crawford Hotel.
Priced at $2,000, The Crawford Decadent Date Night package includes:
Overnight accommodations in a spacious Suite featuring a clawfoot tub
A welcome amenity of rose petals, chocolate truffles and a chilled bottle of prosecco
A Romance Concierge who can secure dinner reservations at a top Denver restaurant and provide turndown service, including drawing a bubble bath
A custom floral arrangement
The creation of a special playlist featuring all of your favorite love songs
A private luxury car & driver to escort you around downtown Denver
A private shopping experience and $500 gift card to Denver’s A Line Boutique
A $300 credit for a relaxing visit to The Oxford Club, Spa & Salon
Breakfast in bed from Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
Late checkout
The Crawford is also offering Snuggle at the Station this Valentine’s Day, starting at $289 per night, Snuggle at the Station includes:
Overnight accommodations in a luxurious Crawford guest room
A bottle of prosecco & champagne flutes
A romantic card game
Breakfast in bed from Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
Late checkout
Snuggle at the Station is available for a 2-night getaway between Feb. 13 – 17, 2020.
Located inside Denver Union Station, the award-winning Crawford features 112 luxuriously appointed guest rooms in three styles and unparalleled access to Denver Union Station’s eclectic mix of Colorado restaurants and retailers, including Mercantile Dining & Provision and Stoic & Genuine.
Valentine’s Day at Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek
Think outside the chocolate box this Valentine’s Day at Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek and treat your loved one to a one-of-a-kind getaway that’s sure to spark the winter romance. Show your sweetheart you care at Halcyon, an intimate playground for all lovers, with the Birds & Bees package boasting all things luxurious including:
Eclairs and a bottle of champagne
50 dollar gift card to SOL Lingerie
In-room record player with access to romantic vinyls
Late check-out based on availability
Leap of Faith Package
Live happily ever after with the help of Halcyon. Take a leap of faith this month and pop the question with the hotel’s unique package serving as the perfect backdrop for a moment you’ll always remember. Plan your special moment with the Leap of Faith package below:
One-night stay in the Presidential Suite including a terrace of rose petals
Bottle of Com Pérignon, macaroons and chocolate-covered strawberries
Make the most of your night out with a romantic overnight stay at The Maven at Dairy Block, which
Galentines Day at The Maven Hotel (photo cred: mavenhotel Instagram)
is offering the Date Night Package this February – the package includes two cocktails and an appetizer at Poka Lola Social Club and complimentary valet parking.
Dairy Block celebrating Valentine’s Day with Scott Young love letter installation, Thrice’s French Punk pop-ups & more
Dairy Block – downtown Denver’s hottest new micro-district that celebrates the maker – is hosting an extensive schedule of special events in February in celebration of Valentine’s Day.
Celebrate the special romance of the handwritten love letter with a new art installation from Denver conceptual neon artist Scott Young. From Thursday, Feb. 13th – Friday, 28th, the public is invited to stop by 1821 Blake Street to write and contribute a love letter to the gallery. Always Forever Yours will also feature an extensive schedule of movie screenings, workshops and other celebrations of love, including:
Thursday, February 13th:
Opening Celebration: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Featuring collaborations with Retro Flora, Wordshop pop-up and a broad range of artists.
Movie Night: Bas Lehrman’s Romeo & Juliet: 7 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 20th – Movie Night, in partnership with Invisible City: Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amelie Poulin: 7 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 23rd – Just For You, Sunday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
An exploration of self-love presented by Jackie Gretzinger, including sensory body movement writing, a candle light meditation and journaling workshop
Always Forever Yours will be open Thursday – Sunday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. All of the Always Forever Yours events are FREE & open to the public.
French Punk with Thrice Pop-Up: Feb. 14th – March 1st
Thrice Pop-Up is bringing the French Punk “love revolution” movement to Dairy Block for a series of experiences that incorporate out-of-the-box design, entertainment, inventive cuisine and craft cocktails. Events include:
Run for the Roses French Punk Pop Up Bar
A pop up cash bar within French Punk is open every weekend Friday & Saturday Feb. 14th & 15th, 21st & 22nd and 28th & 29th: 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Un-Valentine’s Drag Show – Friday, Feb. 14th: 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. – $65 per person
Drag Brunch – Saturday, Feb. 15th & Sunday, Feb. 16th: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – $75 per person
Featuring a French Picnic Brunch by Chef Kelly Whitaker of BRUTO and Noble Grain Alliance
Late Night Drag Show – Saturday, Feb. 15th: 9 p.m. – $75 per person
French Punk Discotheque – Friday, Friday, Feb. 21st & Friday Feb. 28th
Featuring live music acts, DJ sets, Run for the Roses cocktails, FREE admission
French Punk Night Bazaar – Saturday, Feb. 22nd
Featuring Run for the Roses cocktails, DJ Cyn & guest DJ sets – $15 per person
All Night Leap Year Party – Saturday, Feb. 29th
Live music acts, DJ sets & surprise guests – $15 per person
French Punk Party – Sunday, March 1st – more details to come
All French Punk events will be held at 1855 Blake Street at Dairy Block, part of the historic Windsor Farm Dairy building at Dairy Block. Proceeds will benefit the Matthew Shepard Foundation and the Noble Grain Alliance.
Use promo code DAIRYBLOCK to receive $10 off all ticket types.
Blanchard Family Wines & For[a]ged are partnering to hosting Wine & Dine, Valentine on Friday, Feb. 14th, a romantic evening inside Dairy Block’s award-winning urban winery.
Enjoy a three course meal catered by For[a]ged, Dairy Block’s newest dining destination that unites craft and cuisine. The menu includes Oysters on the Half Shell, Miso Black Cod, Truffle Gnocchi, Peppercorn Crusted Beef Shoulder Medallion and more, including decadent desserts. Each course will be paired with a glass of wine carefully chosen by Blanchard’s Wine Educator. The evening is priced at $240 per couple, which includes both tax and gratuity.
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Getting a chance to explore new parts of the city you live in is always fun. This year for New Year’s Eve, we did a staycation at Magnolia, a Denver boutique hotel and loved it!
It’s in the heart of downtown Denver, just a few blocks from Union Station, which we walked to the day we arrived. Valet parking was easy and a breeze and the Magnolia hotel had so much unique charm to it. We were able to use the complimentary shuttle service from the hotel to go about a half mile for our dinner reservations at STK (get an espresso martini!) and then walk back and catch the fireworks. Granted we were in bed before the clock struck midnight, but what a joy.
Oh, and we loved the fact it was a pet-friendly Denver hotel, since we just got Perry (isn’t he cute?!).
The service and amenities were great (they do complimentary milk and cookies every night from 8 -10 p.m. but if you aren’t there, you can text the hotel and they’ll have them delivered to your
The Magnolia is a luxury, boutique hotel in Denver (and in Houston!)
room!). How awesome is that?
The next morning we got up and had breakfast at Harry’s, which is a historic local Denver restaurant with just as much character and charm as the hotel. The coffee was hot, the meals were tasty and the service was just as good throughout our stay. It’s the same spot as the hotel bar and the decor is really unique – hung all around you’ll see family photos from the original owners of the hotel. I always find that stuff fascinating.
On the lower level of the hotel, there are a bunch of meeting rooms, but what I loved most was the pool table and sort of impromptu library/reading lounge with books of all genres to pull from. There was so much to see and do in the hotel, but if you know downtown Denver at all, there’s just as much outside!
I’ll dive into my staycation a little more on social media, but for now one of you lucky readers can win a FREE overnight stay + valet at the Houston or Denver Magnolia property. Be sure to enter on Instagram!
Perry Loved Magnolia Denver
Magnolia has properties in Denver, Dallas, Houston, New Orleans, Omaha and St. Louis, so be sure to check them out on your next adventure.
Good luck in the contest. The winner is chosen at random, and not sponsored, endorsed or affiliated with Instagram. Thanks for following The Blonde Side.
Win a stay at The Maven, Downtown Denver’s Boutique Hotel in Dairy Block
The Maven is a boutique hotel in downtown Denver, located in Dairy Block, Denver’s newest micro-district complete with bars, local retailers, creators and more.
Upon arriving at the swanky hotel, we noticed the prime location and quickly parked with the friendly valet. Check-in was a breeze, plus we were told we got FREE coffee in the morning from Huckleberry (it was good for regular drip coffee, but splurging for the cappuccino is highly recommended!) and were also given FREE drink tokens to use at the on-site air streamer bar.
After we settled into our well-appointed guest room, we headed street to the downstairs restaurant Kachina Cantina for margaritas and street tacos (guess there is still some Texan in me!). Hotel guests get 1% off, plus the weather was great, so we sat at the outside bar and watched college football.
Then we walked around Dairy Block and explored their 15+ shops (HEYDAY is an adorable
HEYDAY – Women’s Boutique in Downtown Denver, Dairy Block
women’s boutique with lots of local goodies, soft sweaters and holiday gifts!), 18 restaurants and 7 bars and didn’t leave the area once.
After all the shopping, we headed to Denver Milk Market and Jason grabbed a few local IPAs at the Stranded Pilgrim, where we watched more college football and I walked next door to get a rosé on tap at Cellar (I had never had Triennes vin de Provence, FR and it was divine!).
Then we decided to use our complimentary drink tokens at trailer in the lobby of The Maven (which runs from 4-7p) and brought them back to the room. Many hotel guests hung around the hotel lobby and enjoyed them there, which was a happening and fun vibe too.
Talk Denver To Me Art Installation in FREE MARKET
Located in Free Market, we headed to dinner at Bruto (open Tues – Sun 11-7) by Chef Kelly Whitaker was next, where we sat at the bar counter. You must try their sourdough bread with yuku ricotta with a glass of rosé– it’s more of a lunch spot, but they plan to start offering more dinner-style options, so stay tuned for that.
Next up was probably my favorite part – a wine tasting at Blanchard Family Wines, which is an urban winery outside the back of the Maven. First-generation winery started by two brothers who bonded over wine. Don’t miss their weekday happy hour 2-6p. They always have their own wines but also at least one l featured Colorado wine (this time was Storm Cellar, which had a delightful Dry Riesling).
Few pro tips about Blanchard Family Wines: If you want to know more about Blanchard or wines in general, ask for a Wine Educator (Jordan was spectacular).
The boldest downtown Denver hotel in the LoDo district: The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block
If you ever want to try a wine that mimics movie theatre butter popcorn, try their Chardonnay – trust me, 100. Surprisingly I liked their Sauvignon Blanc better than their rosé; I guess there’s a first time for everything. They sell to-go bottles, so find your favorite and stock up.This place is virtually a satellite tasting room from Sonoma, so that’s a huge plus for wine lovers.
We went back to our room, slightly buzzed, and enjoyed a wonderful night of sleep thanks to the comfortable bed and overall style of the room.
If you want to win a FREE NIGHT at The Maven plus 2 glasses of wine at Poka Lola and Cellar and 2 wine flights with a chocolate pairing at Blanchard Family Wine, leave a comment below and go enter on Instagram. One lucky winner will be chosen on Friday, November 29th at 5p CST. Winner will work directly with The Maven to book hotel. Good luck and yay for Denver staycations!
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/TheMavenHotel_Denver.jpg40323024Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2019-11-18 12:32:302019-11-18 14:22:25The Maven: Downtown Denver Hotel at Dairy Block
A few months ago I visited one of my favorite summertime cities: Chicago! My annual family reunion takes place every August in Wisconsin, so I always try to fly into Chicago, take the train or make an easy drive to Wisconsin to see my family and voila – it’s one of the best ways for me to end my summer, take in a Cubs game at Wrigley and see family for a few days. (Chicago also makes the perfect girl’s weekend!)
This year Jason came with me – yay for meeting family for the first time, yikes! Definitely check out our romantic weekend in Chicago, but the roadtrip to Wisconsin was equally as fun as our time in the Windy City.
We drove the 2019 Chevy Equinox for the 440-mile roundtrip trek from Chicago to New Lisbon, Wisconsin and had such a comfortable ride. We had plenty of room for both of us (for Jason being 6-foot-2 he needs plenty of leg and head room when driving and of course for me to stretch out like the lazy passenger that I usually am), and our Equinox came with all the bells and whistles for an ideal road trip. We typed the address into our phone and our route showed up on the dashboard thanks to Apple CarPlay, making hands-free driving easier than ever.
The small SUV crossover was the perfect size and the gas mileage was better than expected (EPA-estimated 39MPG HWY). We didn’t have to fill up until the very end when we returned the car, before heading to the airport.
We felt safe, comfortable and connected, thanks to some of the features listed below:
· 4G LTE Wi-Fi availability
This feature allows you to stay connected on the road, Skype or video chat, stay on top of
Roadtrip from Chicago to Wisconsin with the 2019 Chevy Equinox
work if needed, and stream movies, etc. from the road. Can connect 7 devices at once- that means your family will be entertained and can download movies, TV shows or books to your device on the road without using any data!
· OnStar Technology
OnStar offers Turn-by-Turn Directions with the touch of a button and simply telling an Advisor where you want to go. Directions can also be sent to your in-vehicle navigation system by asking the Advisor to download directions to your vehicle. OnStar AtYourService is a new way to discover value in the places you go, providing you with better ways to eat, shop, and play. AtYourService connects drivers with retailers and merchants on their drive, providing information, convenience and money-saving values tied to their specific destinations. When you’re not driving, get valuable offers delivered directly to your myChevrolet app or through an Advisor with a simple press of the blue OnStar button.
· Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto
Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features you’d want to access while driving and puts them on the vehicle’s display- so you can make calls, send/ receive messages and listen to your favorite playlists right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Android Auto is built around Google Maps giving you the ability to talk to Google and use several different apps straight from your cars display screen.
· 360 Surround Vision Camera
Surround Vision, a technology that provides a literal look at the vehicle’s perimeter. This available system uses strategically located cameras on all sides of the vehicle to provide a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, helping drivers quickly view the surrounding area at a glance.
· myChevrolet Mobile App
The myChevrolet app turns your mobile device into a command center for your vehicle. This app allows you to start/stop your engine and lock/unlock your doors from your smart phone. You can even send destinations to your available navigation system, view diagnostic information, customize Wi-Fi settings and set parking reminders from virtually anywhere.
· Rear Seat Reminder
When a second-row door is opened and closed during or just before a trip, this feature reminds you to check the back seats with five audible chimes and a message in the driver information center.
· Final Thoughts
Make the road trip easy for yourself and your car. Keep your Chevy roadworthy and ready for the journey with accessories serving as fine and functional upgrades. Dash mats are one; they are designed to preserve the dashboard’s condition and keep it free from dust and dirt. Check here for dash mats that are compatible with Chevrolet models.
Small comforts create a huge impact on your road trip experience.
This Aspen Summer Travel Guide originally ran on HoustoniaMag.
Pool Day at The St. Regis Aspen
IF YOU’VE EVER EXPERIENCED AN ASPEN SUMMER, you know you don’t need a reason to visit again—you just need to make it happen. Aspen’s record-setting snowfall this winter has already kicked off an epically anticipated summer adventure. Not only did Aspen Mountain open early because of unprecedented conditions, they closed late (in June) because of extended ski conditions.
What does that mean for mountain rookies? Well, you can still expect a summer chock-full of multisport days that embrace Aspen’s altitude, sunshine and fresh air.The gates at Independence Pass are open. Hiking trails are clamoring for foot traffic. Rapids are fiercely flowing. Wildflowers are blooming, and the mountain sun is waiting to be soaked up.
Nowhere is more fitting for an Aspen stay than the exquisite and elevated experience at The St. Regis Aspen Resort, ideally located at the base of Aspen Mountain. The location alone is enough to plan a visit, but it’s the over-the-top customer service that makes you want to stay.
Many rooms come standard with butler service, which is the perfect way to be spoiled while
How to Summer in Aspen – the Ultimate Travel Guide
vacationing in the mountains. Not feeling well? They’ll run to the store for cold medicine. Don’t feel like packing? Give them a heads-up and your packing will be done quickly and perfectly. If you’re not looking to spend the extra money on butler service, that’s no problem because their entire staff goes out of their way to ensure your stay is nothing less than five-star.
Luxurious junior suites overlook picturesque mountain vistas. Downstairs, you’ll find a granola bar, a concierge—where you can ask for a hiking suggestion or where to ride the complimentary bikes—and Kitty Jacob Astor IV, the hotel’s first mascot and social media star—a Bernese Mountain Dog puppy born September 2018, who pays tribute to the St. Regis’ history and is a great cuddler.
Don’t miss the 11:15 a.m. daily bloody mary ritual in the lobby bar, Mountain Social, where you can sample the hotel’s signature bloody mary, the Downhill Snapper (every St. Regis Resort location crafts a local rendition of a bloody), mixed with locally-made Woody Creek Vodka, muddled dill and basil for a distinct flavor that will make you want to stay far beyond the free sample.
Hotel guests can reserve complimentary Lexus models for half-day excursions throughout Aspen-Snowmass. Make the 18-mile drive to Independence Pass or the 11-mile drive to Ashcroft Ghost Town, and if you’re feeling extra adventurous, reserve the Lexus and a complimentary paddleboard for a day trip to Ruedi Reservoir. Rather not drive? Grab one of the hotel’s complimentary cruiser bikes and visit the Saturday farmers market or Rio Grande Park. These are all things to add to your summer bucket list, no matter where you stay.
Poolside Service at The St. Regis Aspen
And if you get sore from your outdoor adventures, Remède Spa at the St. Regis was recently voted the No. 1 spa in the world by Travel + Leisure. First-class services here include an oxygen lounge, steam caves, and a CBD healing customized massage, which uses CBD oils to help alleviate symptoms of pain and tension, decrease inflammation and reduce muscle soreness and tension.
Eventually, you’re going to want to check out Aspen’s great dining scene. Houstonians will rejoice in the brand-new and intriguing introduction of Kirby Ice House in the town center, adjacent to Wagner Park. The new restaurant also turns into the Bumble Lounge pop-up—sponsored by Austin-based dating app Bumble—at 9 p.m. each night with a DJ, late night food, free swag and hopefully a love (or networking) connection waiting for you.
Heading out to hike on the Ute Trail? Make your first morning stop at the corner of Spring and Hopkins, home to the Spring Café, which opened in 2013 as Aspen’s first 100 percent organic eatery, serving colorful acai bowls or smoothies. Aspen Tap is another corner hangout with coffee and doughnuts, or upon your return to town, a plethora of craft beer, too—order an Ajax Pilsner.
Mountain Social, the lounge inside St. Regis, has a delightful selection of drinks for you dinner pre-game and also does a nightly champagne sabering. Head back downtown for a night at Ellina, a quintessential dinner spot, especially for wine lovers. Serving Italian-American contemporary cuisine paired with a well-curated wine list, the restaurant provides an intimate atmosphere in the heart of Aspen and a bar menu not to be missed. As with most Aspen restaurants, do yourself a favor and snag a seat at the bar, which is usually quicker and always more fun.
Stop by the brand new Betula for cocktails after, where the delicate Yellow Paloma is served in a bird-shaped chalice for one of the most photogenic drinks in Aspen (and you’ll want photographic proof of the $20 Casamigos Tequila masterpiece), and the outdoor terrace offers views of Ajax Mountain. The town’s newest speakeasy Bad Harriet is a semi-secret lounge inside Hotel Jerome, in the recently restored Aspen Times building. As of right now, there isn’t a password for entry, but don’t expect that to last. The town needs to keep a few secrets reserved for the locals.
If you only have one meal in Aspen, save it for the chicken sandwich at White House Tavern. Part of the Hillstone Restaurant Group, which owns Houston’s, this unassuming literal white house doesn’t look like much. The restaurant is small and there’s usually a wait. But the chicken sandwich is huge—big enough to share, if you want. Grab a side of fries, glass of pinot grigio and you’re as close to a local as imaginable.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/StRegisAspen.jpg40323024Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2019-07-09 14:40:282019-10-17 13:40:36How to Summer in Aspen – Travel Guide
Chicago definitely ranks in my top 5 favorite cities, for a myriad of reasons. I’ve written about going to Chicago for sports before, but this time I tried my hand at another girl’s weekend (and spoiler alert: sports were still involved). Last month I hit up Chicago with two of my girls – Braidee and Shannon and here’s a little more about our weekend trip.
For starters, getting to Chicago from Houston is incredibly easy with 10 daily flights on United alone. Of course, add in Southwest and Spirit for direct flights and take into account two airports on both sides and you’ve got a city that’s a breeze to get to.
Stay: Loews Chicago
I’m a sucker for fancy hotels and ever since a recent trip to New Orleans; I have become a huge fan of the Loews properties. Loews Chicagois my pick for a Chicago hotel if you want to be in the center of all the action complete with luxurious amenities, a crowded bar on the regular, spacious rooms (ours overlooked the Navy Pier, which was awesome for my friend Braidee who had never visited Chicago before) and a walkable atmosphere with stuff in every direction. Lowes Chicago is located in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood, only a few blocks from all the fun shopping at The Magnificent Mile. The hotel is in the heart of downtown, one block from the Chicago River and made the perfect place for our girl’s weekend (start your day with coffee in your room or Starbucks in the lobby, order breakfast in bed from room service because their food is amazing, grab a cocktail before you head out for the night, work your booty off at the gym and more).
Loews Chicago was just a $30 Uber ride, but if you’re balling on a budget or want to experience the
Loews Hotel Chicago: Luxury Hotel
city like a local, you can also take the ‘El’ Train for $2.50. These were the directions from the concierge (I always call and get directions if taking public transportation because my navigation skills are severely lacking!): From baggage level, follow “Trains to the City” signs, then exit STATE/LAKE, about a 45-minute ride. Walk a few blocks to Loews Chicago and your vacation is ready to begin. Trains depart from the airport every 10-15 minutes, making it a breeze.
We arrived to the hotel just in time to start the evening with handcrafted cocktails from The Bellhop Barin the lobby. It’s a super cute limited-edition pop-up bar inside a retrofitted steamer trunk boasting bespoke beverages, and the ideal way to kick off the weekend (5-7p daily).
Our Girl’s Trip Chicago Itinerary
A girl’s weekend in Chicago is alwaysa good idea (though if I had to pick a favorite time to visit, it’s the summer hands down). The city has something for everyone including shopping, pizza, nightlife, culture, sports, fancy spas, brunch headquarters – the list goes on.
We kicked off Friday night at a Blackhawks game. The game day experience in Chicago for any and every sport is unlike any other with some of the most ravenous and boozy fans around. (Another reason I love visiting the summer in Chicago is for a visit to Wrigley, which should be on everyone’s bucket list.)
After the game, we hopped in an Uber and headed to dinner at Sushi Dokku thanks to a quick Google search that satisfied all three of us. Then we tried our hand at a number of the bars in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, since we were already there and each spot had their own vibe with varying music and great people watching. My favorite was the one blasting 80’s music, but if you think I remember the name of that bar that late at night, you’re crazy.
Saturday morning we tried finding a nearby workout class on ClassPass, but couldn’t get our act together, so we headed to the hotel gym. I loved that they had Peloton bikes, and am always a fan of working out while on vacation – thought it’s not like we didn’t hit 20k steps every day walking around the freezing city. Another favorite outdoor Chicago workout is a run along Lake Michigan, a 20-mile lakefront trail, which is one of my favorite ways to experience any city.
Chicago is Brunch-so–So-Hard Headquarters
Chicago – Brunch so Hard
Then we freshened up for brunch at Beatnik. Brace yourself for Chicago’s brunch scene. I don’t mean to knock Houston, but this city knows how to brunch. Seriously, the brunch options alone are worthy of a visit. Beatnik was an unassuming spot in West Town, but as soon as you walk through the revolving doors, an amped up DJ with a brunch spectacle straight out of Sex and the City awaited us. It was a bit too intense for my hungover self, but they serve tapas style bites with cocktails available in pitcher-servings and was an Instagrammer’s delight. (Tip: we made reservations for almost every spot the morning of, but reservations are highly recommended.) On the way back, our Uber made a slight detour to snap a few pictures at the West Hubbard Street Murals, which was an entire street with so many murals, a super indigenous way to check out a new part of Chicago I hadn’t visited before.
No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to Stan’s Donuts(y’all know I love my donuts) and well worth the calories, since we were off for an evening of ice skating. We went to the Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, which was only $15 (free if you bring your own skates), and you can knock a picture at the Bean off your Chicago bucket list (though the picture is usually best in the daytime).
Obviously libations are needed after an evening of awkward ice skating (because I was so bad at it, let’s be real), so we walked a few blocks to Cindy’s Rooftop, located inside The Chicago Athletic Association, but be warned – having dinner in the sky comes at a price (and reservations are a must). I also fell in love with cannedroséhere a few summers back, so it holds a special place in my heart.
After drinks I headed back to the hotel for dinner (the girls went somewhere else, but I had heard the hotel restaurant was the best) at ETA Restaurant + Barwhere I had one of the most delectable ribeye steaks and “Mashers.” I am a steak queen and I promise the steak here rivals any Texas steak I’ve ever had. I sat at the bar, because dinner at hotel bars is one of my favorite things while traveling, especially solo.
Thanks to a late hotel checkout we were able to enjoy a little Sunday Funday. We started with
The Hampton Social
brunch at The Hampton Social, which just opened a new location in Streeterville, walking distance from the hotel. This is where the signature Instagrammable neon-lit “RoséAll Day” sign is. I love “basic brunch spots” and live acoustic music and their East Coast menu make for the perfect Sunday in Chicago – (followed closely by a game at Solider Field). Then we walked over to the Christkindlmarket, which is an open-air traditional European market in the heart of downtown, which was fun to see but not really my thing, then more shopping on Michigan Avenue followed by one farewell glass or roséat Eataly. If you’ve never been to an Eataly before, you should go. What a novel concept – genius in fact.
One of my favorite blogs is based in Chicago and they also wrote a Chicago City Guide.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/GirlsTripChicago.jpg40323024Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2018-12-27 09:29:022018-12-27 09:38:23How to Have the Perfect Girl’s Weekend in Chicago
I love Aspen and how it makes me feel unlike any other city I’ve visited over my years as a travel writer. And yet, no matter how many times I visit Aspen, I fall more in love each time.
Though I’ve always heard good things, I hadn’t ever stayed at the Limelight in Aspen until this most recent trip, and of course, I fell in love all over again. This downtown Aspen location has everything a 4 star luxury hotel should have, withoutall the stuffiness that many expect with such hotel standards (especially in Aspen, which I think gets a too-stuffy wrap sometimes).
A few reasons to love the Limelight in Aspen
The Limelight has complimentary bikes for hotel guests, a fun pool environment (another great thing about not being a super stuffy Aspen hotel is that the guests are usually fun to chat up and share a beer with), a great location to everything you need in the small town, spacious rooms, and a free breakfast every morning (that is well beyond your standard continental breakfast).
This modern, luxury hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle service to and from the hotel (it’s usually the only time you’ll need a car while in Aspen), it’s pet-friendly and they also offer free SUP’ing for hotel guests if that’s more your speed than a cruiser bike (most of you know I don’t do bikes of any sort!).
I also love The Lounge, which was my first introduction to Limelight many
Summer Adventures in Aspen, CO
years ago. Whether you’re a hotel guest or just hanging out, The Lounge at the Limelight is a great place to grab a drink before heading out, or right before you head off to bed. The atmosphere is always inviting and the prices aren’t nearly as high as other hotel lobbies (trust me, I’ve tried them all!).
Hiking in Aspen
Aspen was the city where I fell in love with hiking, thanks to my friend Sarah, when we first visited a number of years ago. I cannot go to Aspen without spending 75% of my time outdoors because of the absolute beauty and hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy it.
My best advice before hiking in Aspen is to ask a local (or the concierge at the Limelight), because you never know what is going on with the trails (for instance, this last trip I heard The Ute had a lot of bear sightings – no thank you, and sometimes trails don’t open as early in the season because of weather). Some of my favorite trails are The Rim Trail, The Rio Grande Tail (taking it all the way to Woody Creek Tavern) and Hunter Creek Trail, or check this out for some of the best Aspen hiking trails.
Food (and Shopping!) in Aspen
Aspen has a unique culinary scene, which is rare for a mountain town (the chicken sandwich at White House Tavern is well worth the two-hour wait, in my opinion), as well as amazing places to shop (the Gucci store there has the best customer service – ask for Robyn!) and lots of fun people to chat with at the bars and on the streets, but that’s not even the best part. The best part about Aspen is being able to disconnect and enjoy nature and the mountains – something this Texas-girl doesn’t get to do at home. Actually, the best part is being able to disconnect and enjoy the beautiful mountains, and then heading back to your hotel for a quick shower followed by an evening at one of the great restaurants and bars Aspen is known for. It’s the town that literally has it all.
Have you ever been to Aspen? I’ve been during the winter and summer and I have to admit the summer is by far my favorite!
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IMG_0648-5.jpg40322091Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2018-07-08 12:09:542018-07-25 11:47:24Reasons to Love The Limelight Hotel in Aspen
By: Jayme Lamm
Can’t Miss Touches at Garza Blanca Cancun
If you’ve been wanting to experience Grand Lake, CO, check out our brand new 
summertime Colorado golf. Grand Lake’s beautifully maintained course designed by Dick Phelps with rolling fairways and subtle greens surrounded by lodge pole pines, aspens and colorful native flora, offers a world class setting with panoramic views of snow capped mountains and Rocky Mountain National Park. Moose, elk, deer, fox, chipmunks and squirrels are often spectators during a round and add to a memorable, unique mountain golf experience. The Grand Lake Golf Course is kind of surreal, because after the fire in 2020 all the trees burned down. It’s still a stunning course, but you’ll see all the burn and even chimneys off in the distance from people who lost everything.
the weather, ice cream is always a good idea in Grand Lake.
Day 26: Drove to 
