If there is one thing travel inadvertently teaches me, it’s that time and distance apart does not change a strong connection. Over Memorial Day weekend, me and my sister Mad flew to Colorado to visit our close friend Ryan I had not seen since my undergrad graduation three years ago. The second we reunited at the airport, it felt like no time had passed. The air in Denver was dry and cool, the sky stretched wide, and the mountains framed the horizon in every direction. I had passed through the Denver airport on layovers before, but this was my first time actually exploring Colorado.
In just a few days, we managed to pack in a little bit of everything. We danced at the Grizzly Rose, drove through the scenic roads of Rocky Mountain National Park, wandered through Fort Collins with Dutch Bros in hand, and spent time catching up in Denver’s cozy neighborhoods. Each stop gave me a new reason to fall for this place.
If you are thinking about a quick trip to Colorado, Memorial Day is a great time to go. The weather is warm during the day and cooler at night, which makes it easy to pack for. Denver International Airport is about thirty minutes from downtown depending on traffic. Renting a car is a smart move if your goal is to get out of the city and into the mountains since public transit does not reach many of the scenic areas.
Scenic Drives & Good Eats
Early that morning, the day began with a visit to Navah Coffee House in Westminster. The honey latte I ordered was super tasty! Above the fireplace, a charming display of origami figures added an artistic touch to the cozy space. Inspired by their delicate creations, I folded an origami crane from thick white cardstock I found in my backpack and contributed it to their unique collection, leaving a small token of myself behind in Colorado 🙂
Dinner brought an invitation to join Ryan and her family at Nordys Bar B Que and Grill in Loveland. The family style meal proved to be a feast overflowing with generous portions and bold flavors. The corn fritters were to die for!
As the drive home unfolded, a breathtaking sunset painted the horizon with hues of amber and rose, creating a moment to savor. Finally, I experienced Buccees, the legendary convenience store known for its quirky charm and vast snack selection, a first despite having lived in Florida LOL
Rocky Mountain National Park
If you’re thinking about visiting Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver, get ready for something special. Just about seventy miles northwest of the city, this place is an absolute treasure chest of jaw-dropping views, peaceful lakes, and some seriously cool wildlife sightings. The drive clocks in around an hour and a half, which makes it the perfect getaway whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend escape.
Our day kicked off with a quick coffee stop at the Starbucks in Estes Park, the adorable mountain town right outside the park entrance.
For entry, the park asks for $30 per vehicle. I recommend grabbing tickets online ahead of time. On busy days, you’ll need to take advantage of the park’s shuttle bus system, which we did. The shuttle picked us up right at the entrance and dropped us off at the trailheads for Bear Lake and Nymph Lake. Be sure to get your passport stamped at one of the visitor centers, too!
Next up was a drive to Sheep Lake and the nearby Alluvial Fan waterfall. This spot is easy to get to from the Sheep Lakes parking area and totally worth the short walk to the viewing platform. The waterfall tumbles over these light tan rocks. After doing some research, I discovered these are actually remnants from a big flood that reshaped the area over a century ago, which led to creating this stunning cascade. Wildlife made an appearance too. We spotted a few elk!
The hike we did was just the right mix of peaceful and invigorating. Bear Lake was like a mirror reflecting the tall pines and blue sky, while Nymph Lake had this magical quietness that made me want to just sit and soak it all in. I was surprised to see it was still snowing lightly in May! Some spots, especially the hike to Nymph lake, were a little slippery. Sturdy shoes and layers are definitely the move here. I didn’t find the hike to be too strenuous, especially after summiting Acatenango in Guatemala. It prepared me well 🙂 However, even if you’re not a super frequent hiker, it wasn’t that steep. Just be careful of the snow!
Quick tips for visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in May:
- Get there early to avoid crowds and snag parking
- Use the shuttle bus to easily reach popular trails
- Dress in layers and bring shoes with good grip for those slippery patches
- Pack snacks and water, options inside the park are limited
Whether you’re a hiking pro or just want to get out of the city for a bit, Rocky Mountain National Park delivers every time. And yes, even in May, you might find yourself catching snowflakes in the middle of a mountain trail.
Chilling at the DoubleTree by Hilton Denver Tech Center
For our stay, we landed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Denver Tech Center, a sleek and spacious hotel right in the heart of Denver’s bustling business district. This place has all the modern comforts you want after a day of adventuring: comfy beds, a fitness center to stretch out tired muscles, and a restaurant perfect for a relaxed dinner or grabbing a drink.
The friendly staff greeted us with those classic warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies with walnuts, which always makes checking in feel a little sweeter. Plus, its location could not be better, just minutes from downtown Denver, major highways, and tons of shops and restaurants, making it super easy to get anywhere you want. Whether you are traveling for work or play, this hotel strikes the perfect balance between convenience and comfort.
Wandering Through the Whimsical Corners of Denver
Our day in Denver began on a serendipitous note. We started with breakfast at a cozy spot called Bird, tucked into one of the quieter neighborhoods of the city. I ordered their lavender latte and a plate of the peach French toast, which was as dreamy as it sounds. The air smelled like sunshine and syrup, and with Bird being my family’s nickname for me, it felt like the universe was winking at me. A little sign that I was exactly where I needed to be.
After fueling up, we wandered into Teddy Cat Cafe where we watched sleepy tabbies curl up on windowsills and playful kittens dart between scratch posts. It was the kind of place where time slows down and everything feels soft. Walking through the neighborhood, I also noticed something else that made me smile—tiny fairy gardens perched outside several homes. Painted rocks, miniature doors, and hand-lettered signs welcomed imaginary creatures into real life. They were such a sweet reflection of Denver’s creative spirit.
Stepping Into Another Dimension at Meow Wolf
Later, drove to experience Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station. If you have never been, Meow Wolf is an immersive art installation that feels like walking through a dreamscape. It is part museum, part mystery, and part interdimensional fever dream. The Denver location is built around a wild sci-fi concept where four alien worlds have converged inside a massive transportation hub called the Convergence. Think glowing forests, futuristic cityscapes, cryptic messages, and secret passageways tucked behind vending machines. I thought it was just going to be a small photo stop, but it was so much more and we spent hours trying to decipher the lore.
Tickets vary depending on the day and time of your visit. General admission prices typically range from $45 to $55 for adults, and $40 for children, seniors, and military personnel. For those seeking more flexibility, Anytime Admission allows entry at any time during operational hours and starts at $51. Additionally, the “Totally Worth It Bundle”, priced at $61, includes exclusive souvenirs like an enamel pin and collector’s ticket and lanyard combo.
To get the most out of it, you can purchase a QPASS for $3, which lets you interact with the story behind the art. By tapping your card at various consoles throughout the exhibit, you can unlock bits of lore, read mysterious emails, and piece together the puzzle behind what happened when these worlds collided. You do not have to follow the storyline if you do not want to, but I recommend it!
Coffee Fix & Hot Pot
Before our night of dancing at The Grizzly Rose, we grabbed dinner at Chubby Cattle, a high-tech hot pot and sushi spot on South Broadway. The place features a refrigerated conveyor belt delivering fresh ingredients and a “Chubby Cattle Express” train bringing dishes directly to your table. It was about $40 for all you can eat hotpot and sushi.
I chose the lemongrass soup base for my hot pot, which was aromatic and flavorful. The mango puddings from the sushi conveyor belt were a delightful finish to the meal. It’s a popular spot, so there was a bit of a wait. To pass the time, I popped next door to Metropolis Coffee at 1 S Broadway and grabbed a latte. The cozy atmosphere and smooth espresso were just what I needed to relax before dinner.
With our bellies full and spirits high, we headed out for a night of dancing and fun.
Boots, Laughs, and Late-Night Twirls at Denver’s Grizzly Rose
Before heading out to The Grizzly Rose, some time was spent getting ready at the hotel. Putting on makeup together again, listening to early 2000’s music, brought back memories of senior year in college when we used to get ready before heading out to parties in the dorms 🙂
Saturday night came with a good vibe after a day of exploring. Ryan, Mad, Ethan, who is a friend of Ryan’s boyfriend, and I decided to go out for dancing and drinks. We picked The Grizzly Rose, one of Denver’s well-known bars. Grizzly Rose has been around since 1989 and has hosted big names like Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift. The space offers live music, line dancing, and pool tables (I think it was $2 a game).
The cover charge is $10, payable by cash or card. Drinks were reasonably priced, especially compared to what I am used to in Philadelphia. I was already in a good mood before the music started lol. Shots were about $4, which was a breath of fresh air compared to the daunting $20 a pop in most Philly establishments.
We grabbed drinks after our round of pool and headed to the dance floor. I tried to teach Ryan and Ethan a few dance moves as the live band sang, “Here For A Good Time” by George Strait, even though I am not very adept. It all about having fun and laughing than getting the steps right!
Later, we played pool. I did not do well as per usual, but that did not matter. The focus was on enjoying the night. Once I discovered that you don’t have to be good at something to enjoy yourself, my life changed forever lol. It’s the most liberating and freeing discovery. I know it doesn’t come easy for everyone, it sure as hell wasn’t for me. It took me twenty two years to come to that realization. Now I appreciate it even more and am making up for lost time:)
If you find yourself in Denver and want a different kind of night out, this place is worth checking out. You do not have to be good at dancing. Just be ready to have a good time.
Dutch Bros & Fort Collins
For our last day, a day trip to Fort Collins was on the agenda. This charming college town is full of personality and covered in beautiful murals that add color and life to every corner. Walking through the streets seemed like stepping into an open-air gallery where art and community come together effortlessly.
The morning started right with a stop at Dutch Bros, a coffee spot that quickly became a favorite. Their drinks are seriously good, and I went with the iced grasshopper latte, Ryan’s dad’s recommendation. It was minty/refreshing and the perfect pick-me-up to start exploring the town! I’m glad this time I tried one of their specialty drinks, the last time I was out west I got my normal vanilla latte. Way to be adventurous, Holly.
Fort Collins has a relaxed vibe with plenty of shops, cafes, and parks to enjoy. The murals tell stories and showcase local talent, making every stroll visually exciting. It was a great way to end the trip, soaking in the artsy energy and laid-back charm before heading back to the city. You could easily spend all day here shopping and painting the town red.
Final Thoughts / Gallery
I had an amazing time experiencing Colorado for the first time beyond just the Denver airport layovers. It was so nice to reconnect with a close friend after not seeing her for so long. I love hiking and the Rocky Mountains did not disappoint. Now I totally understand what John Denver was singing about. I was surprised how it was not too crowded for Memorial Day weekend, which made everything even more enjoyable.
Before this trip, I had only been out west once, so getting to share these moments with my sister Mad gave her real context to all those stories I have told from before. I also got to add another stamp to my passport from the visitors center, which was a fun bonus. Another stamp on my book of life:)
Where The Wind Takes Me. 
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