Colorado Summer

May of 2017, I packed up my car and my dad & I headed west. Due to training programs, Duke had a pretty laid back summer, but was still needed occasionally at the Academy. I planned to move out there for the summer to spend some time with him.

So that I would not have to drive across the country solo, my sweet dad offered to tag along. We made a three day trip of it! There are so many great memories from that 24 hour drive. You can't road trip out west and not go antiquing. Stop at all of them!! There are so many huge ones as you travel through Missouri and Kansas. I also highly recommend staying at the Midland Railroad Hotel if you are ever in Kansas!! I have stayed there two times now, and I absolutely love it. So much history.

My dad helped get me settled in and stayed a few days to explore Colorado before flying back home. He had never been that far west before, so Duke & I enjoyed showing him all of our favorite places.

It is difficult to find an apartment for only three months, so we actually ended up renting an Airbnb in CO Springs the whole summer.

*Travel Tip* When booking with Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO, etc, and you plan on having an extended stay, reach out to your host. If you have a budget in mind, sometimes they will be willing to work with you in order to have a renter. It is always worth asking in order to save some money!

The weekend after arriving in CO, we got to go to Ring Dance. We had been looking forward to this day since Duke's freshman year. At Ring Dance, Duke received his class ring, which signifies the beginning of senior year. The snow looked beautiful for pictures, but it was SO COLD. The days leading up to the snowfall were in the 70s. Colorado weather is insane. 

This was a summer of learning. I learned how difficult it is to live with another person, but I also learned that I want to do it forever. Getting an apartment together this summer was a trial to see how well we would do living together. We definitely had our fair share of arguments, and we came to the consensus that if I do the laundry and Duke does the dishes, all conflict is avoided. I HATE DISHES.

Three months in Colorado was the longest that I have ever been away from home. I was forced to be independent, and I learned so much about myself. I gained so much confidence and strength by doing something out of my comfort zone. Moving wherever the Air Force makes us no longer scares me like it used to. I know now, that together, we can make the best of any location and situation.

I also learned how much I love being outside. We were constantly doing things in the outdoors, pushing our bodies, and it felt so good. Duke thrives in the outdoors and it was so fun to see him in his element and to learn from him.

We went on so many great camping trips with friends over the summer.

Fly fishing was by far my favorite thing that we did this summer. To my surprise, I loved it, and now I am hooked. ;)

Duke and I had never worked out together due to the difference in our fitness levels. I always thought that he pushed me too hard, or that I slowed him down. However, this summer, we became the best of workout buddies. It changed my perspective of working out all together, and showed me that we will be able to always support each other when it comes to staying fit and healthy. We learned how to boulder this summer, and spent every other day tearing up our hands and working on our upper body strength.

Colorado will always hold a special place in our hearts because of all the time we spent there. We complied a list of all of our favorite places for you!!

Denver:

Little Man Ice Cream

Nuggs Ice Cream

American Cultures - Kombucha Taproom

Linger - Restaurant (Dinner)

Syrup - Restaurant (Breakfast/Brunch)

Denver Botanical Gardens

Denver Zoo

CO Springs:

Ola Juice Bar

TAPAteria - Restaurant (Lunch/Dinner)

Modern Market - Restaurant (Lunch/Dinner)

 Till Kitchen - Restaurant (Dinner)

O' Malley's - Restaurant (Dinner) 

Marigold's - Restaurant (Lunch)

Joule Studios - Spin/TRX Studio

Pure Bouldering Gym

Garden of the Gods

Cliff Dwellings

Cave of the Winds

Manitou Incline

Pike's Peak 

Day Trips:

Eleven Mile Canyon

Pearl Street- Boulder, CO

Breckenridge, CO

South Park, CO -- We actual had a cabin here one weekend. It is not too far from Breckenridge, and with not much around, it is so peaceful. Plus, South Park is named after this city!

Glenwood Hot Springs

Let us know if you are ever in the CO area! We are always willing to give additional tips and advice, you just have to reach out. xo.