Great Escapes, 0222 COBJ, Vol. 51, No. 2 Pg. 4
| Author | BY JOIKUSH |
| Position | Vol. 51, 2 [Page 4] |
WELCOME PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Great Escapes
BY JOIKUSH
This month I celebrate "Greater Colorado." This is the term the CBA uses to describe that part of Colorado outside the Denver metro area. While the CBA is headquartered in Denver, the association represents lawyers throughout Colorado.
As a native "Greater Coloradan" (born on Fort Carson in Colorado Springs), I've had the privilege to explore so much of this great state, from Fort Morgan to Grand Junction, Fort Collins to Trinidad, Lamar to Grand Junction, and everywhere in between. I may be biased, but I'm sure Colorado is the best state to live, work, and play in. From prairies to swamps, sand dunes to glaciers, canyons to mountains, Colorado has so much to offer. While I've traveled the world and have briefly considered leaving, this great state always calls me back home.
To share some of my favorite places in Greater Colorado, I've put together a few 24-hour itineraries that are perfect for a weekend getaway. Perhaps you'll even be inspired to move to one of these great locations.
24 hours in Olympic City USA: Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is just an hour drive south of Denver. It's home to the US Olympic Training Center, the Garden of the Gods, the US Air Force Academy, and the infamous "Manitou Incline" hiking trail. If you're looking for breathtaking views, fresh air, and a quirky getaway, book a "camp deck" room at Kinship Landing,' where you can pitch a tent and hang a hammock yet still enjoy the comfort of a heated private bathroom. This new boutique hotel has received international recognition and offers grand views of Pikes Peak What's more, downtown Colorado Springs is right at your doorstep.
When you crawl out from your tent in the morning, head across the street to Loyal Coffee.2 Grab a caffeinated drink to go because you have a lot to see. Walk north on the main drag, Tejon Street, and enjoy all the eccentric, fun, and city-funded sculptures and art. Be on the lookout for the Humpty Dumpty statues; there are quite a few.
After working up an appetite, stop at Odyssey Gastro Pub, IV by Brother Luck, Poor Richards, East Coast Deli, or any of the other dozens of locally owned restaurants on Tejon for lunch. Once your belly is full, head to the brand-new, state-of-the-art US Olympic and Paralympic Museum to work off some of those carbs in their interactive exhibits.3 Pro tip: there are some stunning rentable event spaces, one of which features the actual scoreboard from the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" hockey game.
If you're looking for a good cocktail to sip on after perusing the museum, head to Happy Hour at Cork and Cask4 or check out CO ATI food hall for a beer and a nosh.5
Once hunger strikes, take an Uber/Lyft to dinner at Ambli6 or Cowboy Star.7
If you aren't too tired, head back downtown and check out some live music at the Wild Goose,8 grab another cocktail at Shame and Regret,9 watch a movie at the historic Kimball's Peak Three Theater,10 or grab some ice cream from Josh and Johns.11
After a long day, enjoy the stars back on your camp deck. The next morning, eat some grub at Urban Steam12 or King's Chef Diner13 before heading back home on 1-25.
Let me know if you plan on visiting so that I can cater an experience that fits your needs and maybe even a Bloody Mary on my deck made by the fabulous chef Corey Wilson (aka, my husband).
24 Hours in the Home of Heroes: Pueblo
Pueblo is just south of Colorado Springs and has a lot to offer. From history to art, from great food to nature, Colorado's Home of Heroes has it all. I suggest booking a suite at the Abriendo Inn (a four-story mansion built in 1906).w When you wake up from a nice slumber, head over to Grind Haus for breakfast.[15] This quaint coffee shop offers a variety of delicious options, including the "Starving Artist," "Flaming Lips," "Buddha Bagel," and "Popeye Burrito."
After scarfing down some grub, take a walk on the Pueblo Riverwalk (weather permitting), and then head over to the El Pueblo History Museum to learn about the region's many cultural and ethnic groups.16
You'll work up an appetite from all the walking, so grab lunch at Dee Tacko, where there are so many taco selections you won't know where to begin.17 For non-taco lovers, try a specialty plate. Who doesn't love loaded fries or a quesadilla?
Next, resist the urge to nap and head over to the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center.18 If the littles are with you, check out die innovative, hands-on exhibits at the Buell Children's Museum.19
Now that you've spent the afternoon appreciating the finer things in life, it's time to enjoy an authentic dinner at La Forchetta da Massi.20 If you have a little bit more energy left, head over to the Flip A Coin Arcade Bar for dessert and pinball.21 Your inner kid will thank you.
Bonus: if you haven't been to the annual Pueblo Chile and Frijoles Festival, you are missing out. Hatch chile has nothing on Pueblo chile.
Don't forget to say hello to local CBA leaders Kyle Aber, Danita Alderton, Jim Croshal, and Kadileen Hearn Croshal.
24...
To continue reading
Request your trial