Since we are just days away from Halloween, and soon the winter holidays will be upon us, we decided to take a trip into the mountains for an off season escape. We can see the snow-capped mountain peaks from Denver, but thought it would be fun to get up close to experience the changing weather and get some fresh mountain air. The beautiful drive was just about an hour and forty minutes. We stopped in Frisco for gas and the air felt crisp from the dusting of snow on the surrounding mountains. My daughter said snow makes her think of Christmas and started singing carols. We just let her, her enthusiasm so welcome, because much of the ride she was being a moody teenager. Once we got to Vail, we parked in the free off season parking lot, grabbed our backpacks and headed into the village.
Right away we came to sign posts for the Gore Valley Trail that runs along the Gore Creek which runs through town. Our goal was to get some exercise, be in nature and then have a nice lunch. We strolled along the dirt path, noticing the clear water flowing gently over rocks, and breathing in the chilly air. The kids discovered frost on fallen leaves, having fun noticing the wonders of nature. We continued along the trail into town, and to the Pirate Ship Playground. It was super cool! Both kids climbed and explored the ship from the mast, to the high lookout deck, while other families were having fun as well. I found a pocket of sunshine to keep me warm, as the creek flowed by.
We continued along the paved path which led us near the ski slopes. The sun was shining, snowy mountain peaks were towering in the distance, with pine trees all around and a few aspens were holding onto their yellow leaves. The slopes aren’t open yet, but there was some snow that the kids played in for a little while along the way. We saw people out hiking and walking their dogs.
With explorer hearts we made our way up a path, and hearing a stream getting closer, our son was the first to spot a hidden forest area along the creek. The sunlight filtered through the towering pine trees, creating a magical and peaceful respite. We sat by the water and watched and listened, allowing ourselves to relax and breathe. Well, my son scrambled along the creek the whole time, discovering interesting boulders, rocks, and sticks. Once we were starting to get hungry, we made our way back to the trail. We came upon a friendly couple with their dog who decided my son’s stick was actually meant for him! He took it right out of my son’s hand. We all laughed.
Heading back toward the alpine village we already knew where we wanted to eat. My daughter suggested German food, and there just so happens to be a restaurant that has been here for 60 years, called Pepi’s. The nice couple with the stick-stealing dog even said it was good choice. Technically, it’s Austrian, with some American on the menu, as well. They had very authentic dishes and the ambience reminded me of my time in Salzburg. We sat on the patio under a colorful umbrella in the sunshine and thoroughly enjoyed our meals. We loved it so much that we ordered desserts to share. It was so delicious.
After lunch we wandered around town, popping into the shops, enjoying each other’s company. I loved the charming, detailed architecture, and family friendly atmosphere. It wasn’t incredibly busy, which I imagine was because it was off season, which was nice for us. Noticing that there was a winter weather advisory on the highway, we thought it best to head home to get ready for another week of school and work. We wouldn’t want to get trapped there, but, come to think of it, I couldn’t think of a more beautiful place to be stay if we did get snowed in!
Sometimes, that’s all it takes, a day trip, a change of scenery, some exploratory time in nature, and a good meal to reset and feel refreshed.
Hey there! Thank you for visiting my blog. I created this because of my passion for travel, exploring this beautiful world, and sharing it with those that I love. We all have so much to learn from other places and cultures and it’s so fun to try new things.
2025 by Kate Gray
Since we have recently moved to Denver I have become a hiking fanatic. My family and I have enjoyed hikes in many different places over the years, but being in the mountains beckons me to get out and explore them more often. This is an activity we enjoy doing together, which is great, because we don’t always agree on what we want to do! The altitude definitely is a factor in what trails we can do here, though. Also, having kids who aren’t used to the mountains, with shorter legs, we need to be mindful of where we all are in our bodies and honor that. Although, my daughter is almost as tall as me now. Whah! When we go on our adventures we are sure to take snacks, refillable water bottles, sunscreen, hats, but more importantly, I get recommendations from friends and online about what trails might be suitable for us. I feel like now that we’ve been here a few months, we’ve adapted finally and have gotten our mountain legs, at least on the easier to moderate trails. I noticed we aren’t as out of breath as easily and needing to stop as much. The kids seem to be able to go a little longer, and even want to go longer now. With that said, I’ve compiled a list of the hikes we’ve been on, so far, that I would recommend to other families or beginners.
It all really has to do with your comfort level and what may be easy for one person may be quite difficult for another. No judgment, it is what it is! We are all in different places in life and so we go with that. Most of these trails may not be appropriate for people who have mobility issues, and if so, they may want supportive hiking boots and also walking sticks. However, there are some paved paths I will mention as well that would be, perhaps, more appropriate for wheelchairs, strollers or people not used to uneven surfaces. These would be more multigenerational hikes.
Let’s get this hiking party started.
Deer Creek Canyon Trail Park, Littleton.
This was the very first trail we went on this summer. It may not have been the right one to start with because it was a hot day and we were just getting acclimated. It’s about a 3.5 mile loop with some gradual elevation gain. The trail is narrow, varied and had beautiful views. We took our time, stopped in the shade for drinks of water and had some trail mix. The somewhat steep and gravelly trail downhill made me wish I had hiking poles, but other than that, it was a very pleasant and enjoyable trail. We met a couple of ladies who said it’s their favorite trail. Afterward, we went for fruit smoothies at Nekter Juice Bar. My husband and I went again another time, just the two of us. Now I bet you can guess what song is in my head.
Roxborough State Park.
Some friends recommended that we go here, so we took their advice. It’s a $10 fee that I paid the ranger at the entrance. She asked if we had a dog with us, and I misunderstood and said yes. Oh my, the look she gave me. I realized by her face that I said the wrong thing, and corrected myself, I only have my wild animal kids with me! Just kidding, they are very well behaved. I don’t think she appreciated my humor and was doubting if she should let us in. I’m glad she did, though, because the entire park is gorgeous. She also brought up a good point. Not all parks or trails allow pets, to help protect the wildlife living there. So, it’s important to know this information and abide by the rules.
We started in the Visitors Center which was educational, clean, had nice bathrooms and water bottle filling stations. We discussed with the ranger what type of trail we were after and he recommended the Fountain Valley Trail. It was about 2.5 miles and just breathtaking. The impressive red rocks jet out of the earth at angles, stretching out along the meadows, with mild elevation gain on the trail, the trail was tamped down gravel and well maintained. We saw deer and wild turkeys. We hiked the side trail up to the lookout, felt the cool breeze, and took in the beauty against the blue sky.
Once we were back at the Visitors Center we filled up our water bottles, purchased snacks and then ate outside on the lovely patio soaking up the impressive view.
Coyote Song Trail at South Valley Park.
This is probably my favorite trail. First of all, what a beautiful name. There are two parking lots with access to the trails here, with bathrooms and water fountains. The trails are well maintained, with packed gravel, about 3 miles and it’s just gorgeous. It feels sacred to me. Within the red canyon walls, you can feel the soul of the place. There’s really not much elevation gain, it’s just more of a beautiful loop. I’ve seen deer there and it’s very peaceful. Although, there isn’t much shade, you can find pockets of it along the trail to rest. Great for families, and have seen people pushing strollers and people with dogs.
Meyer Ranch Park, Morrison.
This is probably one of my new favorite trails. My daughter and I went hiking here last weekend to savor the fall colors, because leaf peeping season is winding down. We had driven by this trail a few times and it seems popular, so we decided to check it out. The drive alone is outstandingly scenic along Deer Creek Canyon Road to Turkey Creek Road. Fun to have a little mommy and daughter time, as well. There is a parking lot near the trail entrance and extra parking across the road. There were lots of families with kids, people with dogs and people of all ages enjoying it. You start out in a mountain meadow heading upward into the pine trees and yellow aspens. There are bathrooms and picnic tables. The trail is narrow with some roots and rocks, but wasn’t too difficult or steep. It felt good to get moving, and be together in nature. There were some beautiful views, amidst the lovely yellow glow of the aspens and towering conifers in the forest. It was about 2 miles, but we felt like we could’ve done more. We will again soon! Maybe this coming weekend. Afterward, we went to Lynn’s Whistle Stop, a little coffeeshop nearby, to get a treat and sit on the patio.
Clear Creek Trail, Golden.
This is a wonderful paved trail that is perfect for different mobility types and all ages. I’ve seen people in wheelchairs, pushing strollers, riding bikes, walking dogs, running, and people barefoot! The creek runs through Clear Creek Canyon through the town of Golden. The paved trail goes all along the creek with bridges to cross over it and natural trails that lead into the mountains that surround the area. During the summer people go tubing down the rapids and there are places to rent tubes and life vests nearby. People also simply hang out by the water, soaking and cooling off on the rocky banks. We love to come here to walk along the trail, refresh and explore in the creek. It’s invigorating, delightful and so much fun. We then go for lunch in town. We’ve had some good food at the Bridgewater Grill at the Golden Hotel. They have a great deck in the shade overlooking the creek. I also brought my dad and his friend here when they were visiting. It was perfect for them, because they are more used to walking on flat, paved surfaces. They did put their feet in the cold water though!
Waterton Canyon + Colorado Trail.
Friends also recommended this trail to us. They like to ride their bikes on it. The trail is nice and wide which makes it great for bicycling and hiking. We’ve also seen families with strollers and people on horses. We’ve seen fly fisherman in the river. No dogs are allowed because of the Bighorn sheep that live there. The first time we went we lucked out and saw some of the female sheep up on a ridge, thanks to a nice hiker who told us where to look! The canyon is expansive and the South Platte River runs through it. There is a spot, not too far in, that has a nice shallow entrance to get in the water and cool off. It has a picnic table nearby and large cottonwood trees. Other than that, there aren’t a lot of places to find shade, except for a rest area with some benches overlooking the water down a ways. We have probably gone 2-3 miles in and back, but the Colorado Trail is 28 miles one way! Therefore, we’re not sure what it’s like beyond that, but one of these days, we’d sure like to check it out.
Lair O’ The Bear Park, Ideldale.
This is a park between Morrison and Evergreen along beautiful highway 74, also a Scenic Byway called The Lariat Loop. During the summer weekends it’s always busy because it’s perfect for families with kids who like to hang out by the Bear Creek Trail, hiking, enjoying the creek, exploring and cooling off. It’s a mellow trail along the creek with bridges, boulders and pretty views. It has lots of shade and places to sit by the creek and relax. We probably did about 1.5 miles, more or less, because there was lots of chilling out by the creek, putting our feet in and exploring.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater + Trading Post Trail, Morrison.
Just driving through the park is awe inspiring. When there isn’t a show you can actually get out and explore the amphitheater, take in the incredible views, go to the Visitor’s Center and also eat at the Red Rocks Grill indoors or alfresco. You see people exercising there, walking and running up and down the stairs while the bands are setting up for the night’s performance. There are paved sidewalks and wheelchair ramps to get around too. You can visit the historical Trading Post, which now sells souvenirs, has clean bathrooms and a water bottle filling station. There are also several trails to hike around the park with awesome views. The Trading Post Trail was a beautiful 1.5 miles and a felt like good workout. There were stairs and some uneven ground. I was considering taking my Dad when he came to visit, but decided it was too slippery with sandy stairs on the trail and high steps. I saw people walking with walking sticks and thought that was a good idea. Honestly, the walk up into the amphitheater is a hike itself on the paved paths. When we saw Joe Bonamassa play there in concert recently, my husband said that they really make you work for it to be rewarded with the show!
Evergreen Lake Trail, Evergreen.
The trail is paved in some parts, then it’s a boardwalk, and then becomes a gravelly trail, and then stairs. It’s pretty flat for most of it, and so the majority of it would be appropriate for wheelchairs, people with mobility issues, and multigenerational families. The lake is just so beautiful with the mountains wrapped around it. There are paddle boarders and kayakers on the water. You can rent the paddle boards and kayaks there, or bring your own for a fee, as well. It gets busy here in the summer and the parking lots fill up fast. One time we parked way down the road. Another time, there was a herd of elk in the nearby golf course, maybe 50 of them. There are benches around the water to sit down and relax, picnic tables, and portable bathrooms near one of the parking lots near the rental shack. There is also plenty of shade. Across the street is a cute coffee shop called EverBean Coffee with yummy treats and an indoor and outdoor seating area with a view of the lake, just beyond the parking lot.
This is my first list of family friendly trails that I think pack a big punch. There will be another one, I tell you! These aren’t just for the fam though, but also for beginners or anyone. Frankly, it depends on what kind of a workout you want to get, or what you’re feeling that day. You may want to be near water or maybe being in the trees is what you’re craving. Maybe it’s the expansive views or shade or benches to rest that’s important to you. Or maybe you just go with the flow and do what feels right, perhaps not necessarily go the whole mileage of the chosen trail, but turn around when you feel ready. If you’re with a group with kids, you may be stopping a lot to explore, to rest, to have snacks and take drinks of water. I think what’s most important though, is getting out on the trail and being in the moment together in nature, feeling the sunshine, and breathing the fresh mountain air.
Hey there! Thank you for visiting my blog. I created this because of my passion for travel, exploring this beautiful world, and sharing it with those that I love. We all have so much to learn from other places and cultures and it’s so fun to try new things.
January 2025
We had been living in Cleveland, Ohio and exploring some awesome places, when I discovered that it’s only a 7 hour drive to New York City. Road trip baby! Since we have lived most of our lives in the Midwest, 7 hours is nothing!
You see, Midwesterners love to drive long distances. To them, it’s right down the road. They also love saying long goodbyes. When we are leaving a gathering, for example, we take forever to say goodbye, with a primary, secondary and sometimes multiple goodbyes before actually leaving. There are hugs, more stories told, more food, maybe more hugs, etc. It’s called the “Midwestern Goodbye.” It’s in our blood. I digress, though. Of course, if we flew it would’ve taken us 2 hours, but why do that when you can have your cozy car with blankets, music and snacks, and skip the whole airport scene. The kids had a long Christmas break and so that’s when we went. We listened to Bob Dylan who lived in NYC when starting his career in the 1960’s. The drive wasn’t too bad, but we did get some snow and it was a very cold winter. The snowy landscape was pretty outside of my passenger seat window.
We rolled into the city through the Lincoln Tunnel to check into our hotel located near the Empire State Building. The traffic was, of course, busy and navigating the one way streets was a little tricky even with GPS. Once we unloaded our belongings and checked in with the valet, we didn’t see the car again until it was time to leave.
We had a few days there and wanted to make the most of our time, so I did a lot of research, but left it open for different possibilities. After checking into our boutique hotel, The Hyatt Herald Square New York, we settled into our room. It was great. It had updated, inviting decor and friendly customer service. Our room was clean and comfortable, and the location was perfect for us. It also had a small restaurant and bar beyond the lobby, and a rooftop balcony with an incredible view of the Empire State Building. Once we were rested, we went for dinner at a restaurant that looked intriguing just down the street. There was a little wooden sign hanging out front that said “oysters.” My husband loves oysters and he had read a book called “The Big Oyster- History on the Half Shell” by Mark Kurlansky. New York City was once abundant with oysters and there was a long history of them being eaten and sold in carts on the streets. They were more of a commoner’s food, whereas now, they are considered a delicacy. The name of the restaurant is Osamil, a Korean restaurant that had a chic, cool vibe. It was warm, inviting, dimly lit and had great customer service. We had oysters, surprise! Excellent entrees, that my daughter still talks about. She had the Mushroom Japchae and has asked if we can go back to NYC just to eat there again!
Afterwards, we we walked to Herald’s Square to the flagship Macy’s store and H&M. Everything was shining with sparkly Christmas lights, garlands and wreaths. The Empire State Building was lit up with holiday colors towering above us in the night sky. People were bustling around everywhere. This Macy’s location is a city icon built in 1902 and was the first to have an escalator, which we rode on. The classic movie Miracle on 34th Street was filmed here, as well, which we would watch every holiday time when I was a kid and we still do today. Macy’s also holds significance for me because my grandmother worked at the downtown Kansas City location, that is no longer there, in the jewelry department from the 1950’s-1980’s. I adored my grandma. In her honor we bought a necklace for our daughter. Our son is a huge Spider Man fan, who has seen every movie, so we bought him a Spider Man sweatshirt at H&M. Because, you know, Spider Man is from New York.
The next day we were up early, had good coffee and breakfast downstairs at The Den, and then walked nearby to the subway station to go to the American Museum of Natural History. It took us a little time to navigate the underground subway tunnels, but we asked workers for guidance and they were helpful. From our subway exit at 79th St. Station, we walked up a neighborhood street to the museum. We knew we were going the right way by the other families with kids heading the same direction. Along the walk we saw Banksy’s “Hammer Boy” mural on the side of a building. It was a delightful surprise! Once we were there, because I had purchased our tickets ahead of time, we didn’t have to wait for entry. We spent hours wandering the various rooms and displays of the museum. A docent gave us a map to guide us to different scenes from the movie “Night at the Museum,” one of our favorites. It was a great experience and we could’ve spent much more time there, but we were getting sensory overload and hungry, so it was time to go. From there we crossed the street into Central Park.
We bought a wonderful drawing by a street artist, wandered the tree-lined paths, and got crepes and hot coffee from a food cart. We sat on a bench in the sun while we ate and took in the beautiful park and surroundings. It was very cold so people were bundled up in coats, scarves, hats and gloves. Even so, there were lots of people out and about, jogging, strolling, riding horse drawn carriages and bicycle rickshaws. We saw ice skaters on the skating rink as we made our way to 5th Avenue. Past the designer stores with their elaborate displays, we ducked into St. Patricks’s Cathedral where we lit candles and sat quietly in the wooden pews, listening to carols playing, and warming up from the bitter cold. Gazing at the gorgeous stained glass windows, the towering ceilings with buttresses and columns, I was in awe.
We made our way through the masses to catch a glimpse of the Rockefeller tree, and then because it was just so cold and crowded, we started to head back to the hotel for a rest. We were glad to relax in our cozy room. There was a fridge and we brought snacks which is important when traveling with kids. After we had napped and felt refreshed, we cleaned up and got ready for dinner, and to see Aladdin on Broadway. We had a little time before we needed to go and so we had drinks and an appetizer at happy hour downstairs at The Den. Our dinner reservation was for an Italian trattoria near the theatre, called Lazzara’s Pizza Cafe. We loved the characterful, intimate space, the service was great and we enjoyed the pizza so much that we ordered another one! We also had a salad, pasta and dessert. It was exactly what we wanted.
The New Amsterdam Theatre opened its doors in 1903 and is the oldest theatre still in operation on Broadway. The architecture is stunning. We found our seats and the theatre filled up. The performance was incredible. It was vibrant, fun and just spectacular. After the show we walked through Times Square and then back to our comfortable beds.
The next day we had a leisurely morning because we were checking out of the hotel and then heading to see the Statue of Liberty at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. We got a box of donuts from Bear Donut next door that we’d been eyeballing the whole time, and hit the road. The huge park had incredible views of the New York City skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We took about 1,000 pictures and because it was so bitterly cold and the wind was whipping by the water, we were ready to go. Actually, I was having a hard time saying goodbye to this wonderfully exciting city, but the rest of my family was ready to get in the warm car and start our journey home. I think what I needed was a good old “Midwestern Goodbye!”
Bye! I’m going to miss you NYC. I had an awesome time and hope to see you again soon! Thank you.
Hey there! Thank you for visiting my blog. I created this because of my passion for travel, exploring this beautiful world, and sharing it with those that I love. We all have so much to learn from other places and cultures and it’s so fun to try new things.
May 26, 2025 by Kate Gray
Our friends go to Kelleys Island every summer to camp with a group of friends and their kids at the Kelleys Island State Park. They love it and told us we should check it out, so we took their advice!
Apparently, you have to book way in advance for peak season to stay anywhere on the island, so we decided to take a day trip instead. The drive was about 1 1/2 hours from Cleveland and then a 30 minute ferry ride. We got up early on a gorgeous spring day, still chilly in the morning, but sunny and would be warm midday. Once we were in Marblehead, Ohio we parked at the Kelleys Island Ferry Vehicle and Passenger Service. It cost $15 to park and then about $22 for each of us to walk on the ferry to ride it round trip. It was really fun to be on Lake Erie, watching the seagulls riding the breeze, feeling the sun on our faces and wind in our hair. Once we docked, we walked right off the boat to the golf cart rental at the Seaway Marina. A 4-seater golf cart was $16 per hour, so we went with that. They gave us the keys and we were off!
Kelleys Island is the largest American island in the Great Lakes. It takes a couple of hours to get around it in a golf cart, which is what a lot of people do. There are also bicycles and cars. The island has hiking trails, beaches, shops and restaurants. We realized the first thing we wanted to do was eat. So, we parked our little buggy and immediately saw the Captains Corner restaurant with a patio and lake views. Done. We were seated quickly and the service was great. We enjoyed our lunches very much. There is nothing better than eating a good meal alfresco. Feeling content, we hopped back in the cart and made our way to the Glacial Grooves. No, it’s not a rock and roll band, but a geological wonder! Mom joke. The Glacial Grooves were formed by a large glacier that also made the Great Lakes and Lake Erie Islands. The massive ice sheet dragged slowly across the earth scraping it into these grooves. This happened about 12,000-18,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. It is now a National Natural Landmark that attracts visitors from around the world. We parked, and followed the paved paths around the mammoth rock formation reading the educational signs as we went.
There was a gravely hiking trail that lead into the trees and we saw some other explorers go that way, so we decided to see where it took us. The trail was flat and easy and the day was warming up. We came upon the ruins of an abandoned limestone quarry building, and just beyond that a couple of park benches. We wandered over to sit down and the view from above Lake Erie was beautiful. As we looked out over the edge of the island we realized there was a small beach down below. There was a rope that you had to rappel down to gain access. My son loves to rock climb and so he was totally into it! We all decided to make our way down. It wasn’t a far decent, but mildly challenging and rewarding at the same time. Once we were on the smooth rocky beach which was warmed by the sun, we shed layers, kicked off shoes and enjoyed.
The view was exquisite, the water so blue, so vast and it was very peaceful there. There were just a couple of other people exploring quietly, maybe looking for sea glass. I could feel myself relaxing on the warm rocks, just the sounds of the water lapping at the shore and a gentle breeze. We lost track of time. I did not want to go. Don’t make me! We stayed like that until a boisterous group showed up, so that was our cue to leave. Plus, we wanted to make our way around the rest of the island. We hiked back, got in the golf cart and cruised the rest of the way around. It was so beautiful with old characterful houses and lake homes with large deciduous trees, Adirondack chairs and hammocks in the shade. We stopped at the shops to look around and get ice creams before returning the golf cart. Time flies when you’re having fun.
Once we were back on the ferry, we soaked up the last moments of the adventure. I just wanted to savor and squeeze out every last drop. It was an in between time too, a sort of limbo to reflect on the day, on life, and transition from island time to the real world. And that’s how it goes. All of the feelings of an amazing day of exploring and feeling refreshed.
Hey there! Thank you for visiting my blog. I created this because of my passion for travel, exploring this beautiful world, and sharing it with those that I love. We all have so much to learn from other places and cultures and it’s so fun to try new things.
April 2022 by Kate Gray
I don’t know where to start, because it’s hard to describe the feelings I have for it here. It hits me on a soul level. I love the rugged landscape, natural beauty, colors, architecture, history, art and the food. This was my fourth time to visit, and where we were married, but the first time traveling here with kids! So, it was cool to go back and show them a place that has significance for us on a personal level, but also to show them what a magical place it is. Or magical places, because Santa Fe and Taos are two different cities about 1 1/2 to 2 hours a part in the high desert of New Mexico.
Flying into the Santa Fe airport, we rented a car upon arrival. We decided to start our journey by driving to Taos for a couple days and then making our way back to stay in Santa Fe for a couple days. The drive is beautiful with mountainous views, and small historical villages with old churches. It’s just gorgeous. We were staying in a Vrbo in a cute casita on a couple’s sheep farm. It was at the feet of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. We could walk on their property, down the country road, and sit on the front porch enjoying the landscape. The lovely couple let the kids feed the sheep, and their sweet dogs would come around every so often to say hi.
The owner offered to take us in his truck up a bumpy mountain road to a nearby waterfall. There was still snow on the ground up there and the air was cold with the mist from the rushing waterfall. It was an unexpected and delightful experience. That’s one of the things I love about traveling and exploring, is being open to going with the flow, taking suggestions from people, and saying yes to the moment.
What we did have on the agenda was a drive to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and walked on it for the incredible views. We thought the kids would get a kick out of being up so high. It’s not for the faint of heart, however, because it’s a long way down. So, I was feeling a little uneasy, because I’m not really a fan of heights, but it’s a cool experience regardless. After that we mostly poked around the historic downtown Taos area and Arroyo Seco. Both have fun shops, galleries and restaurants.
Last time when we were here, when we were married, we visited Ojo Caliente, a hot springs spa and resort. It was absolutely divine, but kids aren’t allowed, so we looked for a kid friendly alternative this time. We did find a natural hot springs that was all ages and free. It was about a 30 minute hike that was fairly easy, rocky, slightly hilly, with cacti and sage brush along the side of the trail. The small pool was right on the edge of the trail with a cold river along side of it. There were people already there soaking and it was clothing optional. We wore bathing suits. The temperature was warm, like a hot bath and it might have been pleasant if it wasn’t for this one man who wouldn’t stop talking, and so loudly! It was really quite unbelievable, and made it hard to relax. So, we didn’t soak for very long, but we felt good afterwards on the hike back to the car.
There is a common courtesy in such places, to keep one’s voice low, and we have taught our kids to listen to nature, to observe and to not use harsh and loud voices, so as not to impose on others who may also be enjoying the shared environment. We do this in libraries, museums, on hikes, at restaurants, etc., but it’s interesting how many people didn’t seem to get the memo.
One of my favorite memories was simply hanging out by the Rio Grande. We sat there watching the river roll by, feeling the sun on our faces and the cool spring air, and looking at rocks. The kids kicked off their shoes and put their toes in the freezing water, and skipped rocks. I just gazed at the layers of soft colors in the landscape and could see in my mind’s eye the paintings of Georgia O’Keefe. No wonder she loved living here.
In Santa Fe we had good food, walked around the galleries and shops, and bought a few gifts from the local artists in the historical plaza. I’m enamored with the adobe buildings and Spanish style homes. The big highlight for us was Bandelier National Monument which protects over 30,000 acres of land, cliff dwellings and petroglyphs. We walked the trails, climbed the ladders into the cave like homes that had been carved by the Ancestral Pueblo people. We were there for hours exploring and imagining what it must’ve been like to live there. The Visitors Center was educational too.
All of this exploring made us hungry. I love the flavors of southwest cooking so much, and perhaps it’s because we ate a lot of it when we lived in Arizona when I was a child. My mom made delicious tacos when I was growing up. Yay, taco night! Our most memorable restaurants from our more recent visits here were Casa Chimayo Restaurante- Santa Fe. We sat in the courtyard-like patio in a booth with throw pillows, and the feeling was comfortable and welcoming. The food was delicious and we all enjoyed it very much. Kakawa Chocolate House- Santa Fe. Incredible house-made chocolate, cake with pine nuts, and sipping chocolate. There are various combinations of chocolate elixirs mixed with spices that were made from historical recipes. The Shed- Santa Fe. Cute patio in the heart of the historical downtown that was packed inside the restaurant and out. Fun, upbeat atmosphere and delicious food. Sazon- Santa Fe. We stumbled upon this restaurant when we were newlyweds. At first we thought we were in an art gallery, well, because it looks like a small, charming and inviting museum on the inside. The food was artistically presented and thoughtfully prepared. We felt like we had really lucked out on randomly finding this wonderful place. I see that in 2022 the chef won a James Beard award. Il Vicino Wood Oven Pizza- Santa Fe. On the outskirts of the downtown square. It seemed like local residents were eating there with families with kids, rather than tourists. Delicious and satisfying. Taos Cow- Arroyo Seco. Breakfast, lunch and ice cream. Walk up to the outdoor window and place your order. There are tables out back by the creek in a beautiful natural setting. The kids played by the creek and scrambled around the trees while we waited for our food. We’ve eaten here many times and always come back. Chokola- Taos. Small chocolate shop in the historical downtown square. Artisanal individual chocolates and chocolate bars. We sat at a little table and savored them and took some to go.
What can I say, I love this place. There are so many opportunities to explore the history, culture and nature here. So many opportunities to relax and refresh, as well. Now that we only live a four hour drive away, I’m feeling a road trip coming on sooner than later!
Hey there! Thank you for visiting my blog. I created this because of my passion for travel, exploring this beautiful world, and sharing it with those that I love. We all have so much to learn from other places and cultures and it’s so fun to try new things.
July 2022 by Kate Gray
We have traveled to some pretty awesome places, and many of them several years ago. I’d like to share them anyway, even though the dates will be off in the headings. Although, we visited Cozumel a little over 3 years ago, I still have the wonderful memories, can taste the food, and feel the sensations of being there. It’s also nice to keep a journal, which I did! To be sure, I looked online to see if the various restaurants and sites are still in business, which they are, so that’s good to know! We’d love to go back.
First of all, we gave ourselves plenty of time to renew our passports because we were traveling internationally from the United States. Our flight was direct, but you can fly into Cancun and then take a ferry for about 45 minutes. There are also huge cruise ships that port there with a big touristy area. Traveling with kids made it more convenient for us to take a direct flight and rent a small car from the airport. It takes around 4 hours to get around the island while stopping along the way to take in all the beauty at the various beaches, and enjoying the beach bars and restaurants. We saw tourists who had rented mopeds as well. Before I forget, use Reef Safe sunscreen or wear a rash guard, and you’ll definitely want bug spray, after all, much of the island is mangrove forest.
We prefer to have experiences off the beaten path and submerge ourselves in the culture, so we stayed at a boutique hotel and ate at local restaurants. It also helps to know some Spanish, while not required, it’s considerate to know basic courtesies, for example , hola, gracias, por favor, adios, and buenos dias. My years of Spanish classes came in handy, as well, and I found the language started to come back to me after years of not using it. We found most locals spoke English though.
Our beautiful, small hotel called El Encanto Cozumel was about a 15 minute walk to restaurants, a coffee shop and a grocery store. Within the gates it was like a tropical oasis, with lush gardens and a bohemian chic vibe. We were in a villa, that was separated from the other guests, with a kitchen and front porch with hammock. We parked our car right there. The whole place had a tranquil feeling and we met other guests at the pool who were enjoying their stay. The pool was perfectly refreshing, especially since it was so hot and humid. After a day at the beach and exploring, coming back to the beautiful gardens and taking a dip was exactly what we wanted. There was also a charming gift shop in the reception area with handmade clothing, art and jewelry which was a nice touch. I purchased a handmade embroidered shirt. The only issue we had was the barking dogs at night. We go to bed early, maybe that was part of it. We didn’t really see the dogs much, but at night they would bark when I assume people would walk by the property. One night, my husband ran out in his boxers yelling like a madman at the barking dogs. There were security cameras and so I imagine the video footage was quite funny.
A major highlight was the beach at Playa Palancar. It was maybe a 30 minute drive from our hotel, easy parking, you pay about $20 for lounge chairs with umbrellas and servers come to you. What more could you want? It was gorgeous. The water was turquoise blue with gentle lapping waves so it felt safe for the kids. We had fun snorkeling there too. The sand was soft, and people were mellow and relaxed.
We spent a couple days on the beach and playing in the Caribbean Sea, but another highlight was the Museo de La Istla Cozumel. It was really well done with various exhibits of art and history of the Mayan culture. It felt good to get out of the heat and spend time in the cool AC, and take a break from the sun. We all enjoyed this rich cultural experience.
Another day we decided to go to the Jade Cenote in the village of El Cedral. It was a rather quiet and sleepy town, with little souvenir shops and a man selling fresh coconuts. He was cutting them with a machete while a dog and a large pig competed for the scraps, which was fun to watch. We purchased some gifts and a handwoven hammock chair. Walking around, we looked at some Mayan ruins and a small church near the town square. The cenote was a drive into the jungle outside of town on an extremely bumpy and narrow road. We were getting nervous about the rental car not making it, so we parked. Some other tourists had the same idea and parked as well, so we walked together to the cenote. We had visions of swimming in cold, clear water which would’ve been amazing on such a hot and humid day, however, we were sadly disappointed. The cenote cave was full of bats hanging from the ceiling with murky water. The air was dank and there was no way we’d be getting in. The environment was quite beautiful with its vines and lush plants, and we agreed it wasn’t what we were hoping, but it was a part of the adventure. Plus, we could swim back at the hotel.
Probably, my most favorite experience of the whole trip, was the snorkeling off a pier of a resort near Alberto’s Beach Bar. First, we randomly found this restaurant for an early dinner. Incredible view, table in the sand, delicious food and snorkeling right there off the beach. There were so many fish. Then it got better. Some other diners told us to check out the snorkeling just a short walk down the beach off the pier. We were so glad they told us, because it was totally magical with colorful fish all around us. There were many other people swimming and snorkeling as well. It felt like we explored the underwater paradise for hours, just transfixed, until the sun started to set. More people came out to watch the sun set. The beach bar band started playing “Hotel California,” which wouldn’t be my top choice, but what the heck. As we headed back to the restaurant and our car, we may have accidentally photo bombed a couple getting engaged on the beach. Oops.
What can I say about the food? Yes please. Take me back right now. Gracias. I can’t even begin to describe the wonderful meals we ate, but I’ll list our favorite restaurants. La Gloria Botica de Sabores- I could taste the love in the mole sauce and feel it in my soul. Our meals were authentic and delicious and the interior was bright and colorful. We loved it. K’ooben Laab- homemade pastas, creative salads and quality ingredients in a laid back, boho vibe. It was so delicious we went back for breakfast the next day! La Cuisine by Nutribalance was walking distance to our hotel, so we ate there a few times for breakfast. Everything was fresh and healthy. We had smoothies, fresh juices, amazing salads, fruit bowls, and great coffee. The ambience was light and airy with green plants in the windows. El Paloma’s Cozumel- we had a delicious dinner in this beautiful and historic building along the downtown promenade overlooking the sea. It had a chic, old world aesthetic and we watched the sun set over the water. Casa Mission Restaurant- also historical with lovely old architecture, a beautiful garden and fountains. The waiter made our Cesar salad at our table, which was interesting to watch and delicious to eat, while a mariachi band serenaded the diners. Rasta’s Punta Sur- beach bar with gorgeous views of the more wild, windswept side of the island. We sat at a table on the beach with our feet in the sand while eating lunch. Pretty great.
Exploring this island was a blast. Chilling on the beaches and swimming in the gorgeous Caribbean Sea was so relaxing and therapeutic. Oh how I love to explore and refresh.
Hey there! Thank you for visiting my blog. I created this because of my passion for travel, exploring this beautiful world, and sharing it with those that I love. We all have so much to learn from other places and cultures and it’s so fun to try new things.
Welcome to Explore Refresh, a blog about travel, nature, culture and the things that make me feel awakened to the joy and beauty of the world. I love to share these explorations with others who want to get out and embrace life, always learning and growing along the way. Thank you! Kate
Hey there! Thank you for visiting my blog. I created this because of my passion for travel, exploring this beautiful world, and sharing it with those that I love. We all have so much to learn from other places and cultures and it’s so fun to try new things.
by Kate Gray
Since we’ve moved to Colorado I have become a hiking fanatic. Like the song, I just can’t get enough. Since it is my very first post on this new blog, you’ll learn that I have songs in my head all of the time. There will be song references. Now that we have that out of the way, let us continue.
Although, I’ve been traveling to Colorado since I was a kid, exploring here never gets old. I have always enjoyed hiking and being in nature, but doing it here just hits differently. Something about the fresh mountain air, the smells of the sage and pine needles warming in the sun, and the incredible beauty feels so healthy and rejuvenating. Because of this, ahem, addiction, I mean passion, my family is getting used to our weekend day trips.
We go to bed early the night before our chosen adventure and get up early the next day around 6 am. Everyone dresses in layers, grabs a backpack with various items such as phones, binoculars, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, band-aides, hand sanitizer, granola bars and reusable water bottles. We have extra blankets, bags and jackets in the car as well. Also, lip balm, gotta have lip balm. The air is dry here so it’s important to drink lots of water and stay moisturized.
Once we’ve had coffee, eggs and toast and make a travel mug with coffee for the drive, we hit the road Jack.
I read and heard from friends that the Kenosha Pass would be an excellent place to see the fall color, especially for the aspen trees. I’ve also been paying attention to the weather and local news to determine the best times to get into the mountains for “leaf peeping.” Last weekend when we were at the Guanella Pass it started snowing and raining, and during the week the mountain peaks got 7” of snow. So, I knew the window for leaf peeping would be short. From what I gather, the last two weeks of September and first week of October are the best. I had also seen in the news that traffic would be backed up on I-70 highway into the mountains. Because of this, we decided to take the windy and scenic back roads and then highway 285. It was smooth sailing, but once we arrived to Kenosha Pass, wow, was it busy! There were hundreds of cars, camper vans, and motorcycles parked in the lots and along the road. Despite this, we found a place to park right by the entrance to the Colorado Trailhead! VIP!
Looking all around us, as we got out of the car, the mountains were blanketed in bright yellow aspens and patches of hunter green from the conifers, set against the bluebird sky. Gorgeous. The trail was clearly marked, a little rocky with exposed roots and uneven ground in places, but had a mellow incline and seemed like a wide range of people and dogs were enjoying it. There were also bicyclists, runners, and families with little ones toddling along or on their backs. People wore sneakers, hiking boots and Tevas. After walking for a while, and shedding layers of clothing, we stopped for a snack on a fallen log on the side of the trail. I’d say we hiked about 2 miles out and back, but the trail continued for many more miles. We loved walking amongst the yellow glow of the aspens, in the dappled sunlight, with pink granite and sparkly mica rocks underfoot.
Once we were out of the woods the view was breathtaking. We spent a lot of time soaking it up, taking pictures, and sat down on the ground gazing into the distance. Although it was a busy trail, it seemed that the further you went, the less people there were. We had pockets of alone time and the quiet of nature was peaceful and relaxing.
Once we realized we were getting hungry for lunch, we headed back from whence we came. I had read reviews that the “Shaggy Sheep” A Casual Mountain Cookhouse was highly recommended. Within approximately 20 minutes we were there. It was also very busy, but only a short wait and the flow of people seemed to be moving at a steady pace. We loved it! The food was delicious, the customer service was excellent and ambience was charming, rustic mountain cabin vibes. We’ll definitely be back. With full bellies we climbed back in the car for the ride home. The kids quickly fell asleep. We listened to soft bluegrass music, which just goes so well with the incredible Rocky Mountains. We took the windy road along the South Platte River which was glistening in the sunlight, passing meadows, hikers, horses, more swaths of yellow aspens, towering pine trees and jagged granite canyon walls. What a wonderful day exploring nature and feeling refreshed.
Hey there! Thank you for visiting my blog. I created this because of my passion for travel, exploring this beautiful world, and sharing it with those that I love. We all have so much to learn from other places and cultures and it’s so fun to try new things.
Explore Refresh 