Exploring New Scenery

Within the past few years, I've been trying to vacation in nonconventional places. I'm so over the beach, the Caribbean, and New York City. No shade to those places but our world is so big and diverse that it's a shame if we only go to the same places. Stepping outside of your comfort zone of travel is tough but oh so rewarding. If you dare to be different I promise you that you'll meet different types of people and learn about new cultures. This year for the 4th of July I took a trip to the beautiful state of Colorado!!

Colorado is a state that is filled with beautiful scenery all around. The gorgeous mountains, rushing rivers, and crisp air will remind you that earth is pure and serene.

Please be aware that going up into the mountains can sometimes cause altitude sickness. Make sure you stay hydrated and take deep, long breaths. Denver is one mile above sea level and as you go higher into the mountains I started to feel the effects. My advice to you? Stay hydrated, take deep breaths, and try to acclimate yourself as much as possible.

Exploring New Party Scenes

On Thursday night we explored the downtown area and had dinner at a bar named Prohibition. My honest opinion? It was just ok. The drinks were pretty good but the customer service was subpar - sorry. After dinner, we explored the Soho area where it was ladies night and we had a BLAST!!! It's rare to find a club scene where people actually dance and I think that's what made this area so much fun.

Shopping

If you're into shopping I find that major cities are the best vacations. Los Angelas, Chicago, London, and Hong Kong. To my surprise, Denver had my FAVORITE retail store, Uniqlo, which I can rarely find in other vacation spots. The major shopping district in Denver is 16th street that's great for pedestrians and has a free bus/shuttle to help you go up and down the street comes every 5 minutes. Retail Therapy is real.

Gambling and Natural Hot Springs

Have that gambling itch or want to relax in a natural hot spring? Check out the towns Black Hawk and Glenwood Springs. As you go further up into the Rocky Mountains, Black Hawk is the perfect place for you to win (or loose) big.

We went to Iron Mountain Hotain Hotsprings where the admission was $25 and $3 for towel rental. The showers and changing areas were extremely clean and spacious for you and your family. The establishment was well equipped with secure lockers and plastic bags for your wet items. Once you're ready to indulge in some relaxation you'll notice that each pool has a different temperature. The average temperature is about 100 degrees Farrenhite and about ten pools you can choose from. Food is available but like most tourist attractions it's expensive. Very family friendly but also has a section that's off limits for small children. Dont't forget your sunscreen too :)

Hidden Luxury Towns

Vail, Colorado is a quaint, cozy town that's absolutely stunning. This little town reminded me of Austria or Switzerland. Vail is upscale and has beautiful shops and amazing restaurants. My friends and I had dinner at an Italian restaurant named, Camp de Fiori that I highly recommend. The pasta was fresh and the creme brulee was delectable. Don't write off small towns that you've never heard of, every place has its own secret gem.

**The temperature gets as high as 92 and as low as 50. Be prepared.**

Adventure

Ever tried skiing, river rafting, or horseback riding through the mountains? All of these things you can do in Colorado! I've never been white water rafting before and I had a blast! It's an awesome activity to do with a group of friends. Quick tips for your rafting journey: bring sweat pants, a bathing suit, towel, extra socks, shower shoes, sneakers, and hair scarf (for the black girls). I strongly suggest no jewelry and electronics while in the raft. The company will provide you with the proper safety gear such as a wet suit, helmet, wet jacket, and wet shoe rental. The Clear Creek Rafting agency charged us $60 each for a 3-hour excursion. There are three levels you can choose from - beginner, intermediate, and advanced. We did intermediate and it was the perfect balance of adventure and safety.

Idaho Springs, Colorado *this photo was taken by the Clear Creek Rafting Company

Take Time To Visit Family

Visiting family doesn't always sound like the most relaxing vacation but it's always the most rewarding. While I was in Colorado, I visited my sorority sister and her family who were more than hospitable! On the 4th of July, like any other black family, they threw down! There was steamed corn, chicken sausage, brisket, dry and wet ribs, black eye pea salad, potato salad, greens, peach cobbler. The Washington family started cooking late the previous night and at that moment I knew the food was going to be amazing. I definitely took note of the recipes.

And If You're Wondering....

Yes, I visited a dispensary. No, I didn't buy anything. The dispensary that I visited is a franchise called, The Green Solution. When you first walk in you have to check-in at the lobby that kind of reminded me of a holding cell. During this time they check your ID and provide you with a ticket that allows you to purchase items. Once they allow you into the actual shop, they check your ID a second time and assign you with an attendant. All of the products are locked in glass cases and you have an attendant with you the entire time. The experience reminded me of being in a high-end jewelry store where you can't be alone with the merchandise. Cell phones and cameras are not allowed - sorry for the lack of photos. Now on to the products...

The Green Solution not only had marijuana but also THC byproducts. I was quite surprised with the different types of products they had on display. There were candles, chapstick, candy bars, cooking oil, muscle relaxers, YOU NAME IT! Once it's time to purchase your items they check your ID (again) and place your items in a locked and secured bag that keeps children safe. Beware of the heavy tax on THC products. My friend at the time was getting over the shingles and was having terrible pains with her facial muscles and nerves. She decided to buy an ointment that would help and she swears after a few applications her pains started to faint. If you are over the age of 21 I strongly encourage you to visit a dispensary and become educated on the industry. It's fascinating to see how this industry has grown and has medically benefited people.

Have fun in Colorado!!

Travel with me...

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