Echo Mtn. closest Denver skiing

Over the weekend we had a chance to check out the relatively new Echo Mountain Ski Resort, which is a mere 45 minute from downtown Denver. I'm not sure where this might fit in the next edition of my Moon Denver guidebook...not quite an Excursion so more likely Arts & Leisure will get a downhill skiing/snowboarding area. For proximity and price, Echo Mountain is great. For conditions, not so much. In our case it made the most sense to spend less time driving and less money on a first ski lesson for our 4-year old. The wind was intense and freezing cold when we arrived about 9 a.m., though it did improve a bit before we left in the early afternoon. I think this is mostly manmade snow. Echo Mtn. started out as a terrain park in 2004 and it still feels like a snowboarder destination for the most part (can't remember I heard "dude!" so much in so short a time ;), if you get the picture). So with those caveats, I do recommend Echo Mtn. to others and may go again with my own family.

Wen Chocolates farewell?

It turns out that Wen Chocolates on Platte Street is not just sold out, but closed for good. I included Wen Chocolates on page 143 of my Moon Denver guidebook and was a happy customer there. Now I hear that they are leaving and it's not clear yet if they will reopen elsewhere or if another confection shop will go into that space. Stay tuned...I'll be doing chocolate research when needed.

Lovin' my Denver Highlands neighborhood!

Yesterday I headed out--albeit at the last minute of about 4 pm on the day before Valentine's Day--for some chocolates for my hubby. I live in the Denver Highlands neighborhood, one of the maps and areas featured in my Moon Denver guidebook. First stop was Wen Chocolates on Platte Street where I was stopped cold by a "closed" sign. What?! Their busiest weekend of the year and closed? Well, sold out the sign said. Cool, that's what happens with fresh food. I decided to head to Wordshop in Highlands Square because I was confident that the sweet owner would know where to find chocolates. She wasn't in but her salesclerk was just as nice and not only did I find a terrific card, she told me to go around the corner to the Perfect Petal where I found--unbelievably--locally made chocolates in a cute box. Whew! Mission accomplished in record time with friendly people. Life is good.

No more Bump n' Grind in Denver

Driving down 17th the other day I noticed the empty windows at what used to the be Bump n' Grind Cafe. I highlighted Bump n' Grind in my Moon Denver guidebook for their hilarious cross-dressing brunch and delicious sandwiches and sweets. And no more. Such a pity to lose one of Denver's truly unique places.

Love=bargains in Denver

Check out some of the lovely deals at some of Denver's best hotels--also included in my Moon Denver guidebook--this Valentine's weekend. The Brown Palace is offering under $200, the Magnolia Hotel under $100...it doesn't have to cost a lot to celebrate your romance in the Mile High City!

Tripbase.com travel secrets

I've been tagged! Not with graffiti, but to join other travel bloggers in an online e-book of "best kept travel secrets." The places I'm going to include in my blog today are also in my Moon Denver guidebook so not exactly secrets to my readers. However, these are places that when I was researching and writing my book (and even since when promoting my book) have found more people who said, "Where? Never heard of it." than those who had been there.

1. The Shambhala Mountain Center, www.shambhalamountain.org, in northern Colorado. This place is maybe not a secret to Buddhists or some yoginis, but it is a fabulous retreat for people of any ilk who want to spend an hour or a day or a week in a pristine and peaceful Rocky Mountain setting.


(photo courtesy of Shambhala Mountain Center)

3 reasons to go to Shambhala Mountain Center:

a) So peaceful as many people are here to meditate and it's all out of cell phone range.
b) Mountains as far as the eye can see.
c) The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya is an incredible example of religious architecture not seen often in the U.S.

2. Manitou Springs is often lumped in as part of greater Colorado Springs in travel books whereas I see it as a separate destination with such a distinctive history and personality.


3 reasons to go to Manitou Springs:

a) You can drink the water. Typically I like to soak in a hot springs, but here they have uniquely-designed water fountains scattered around the town and each features different elements of the underground springs. Free!
b) Explore Pikes Peak, the America the Beautiful inspiration. You can walk, run, drive and take a cog railway up this fourteener.
c) Check out Miramont Castle Museum for its bizarre history and impressive stone structure.

3. Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort, is just outside the ski resort town of Winter Park. I know, a secret resort? Yes, sort of. It's Colorado's only cross-country ski resort and it's been recently upgraded in the most ecologically friendly ways.

a) So mellow to just hear the sh-sh of people's skis gliding across the snow or the quiet crunch of snowshoes.
b) The spa is amazing for a yoga class with a spectacular view or a much-needed massage.
c) Wood-burning fireplaces in the cabins for that rustic cozy night.

Talking about Denver on a budget

This morning I'm scheduled to speak with Brian Peters at http://www.nodebtworldtravel.com about the ways my Moon Denver guidebook can help travelers--or even locals--save while exploring the Mile High City. Be sure to tune in to learn more about freebies, discounts and other bargains that make Denver an affordable place to stay or visit.