I got a phone call during the holidays from Donna who said, “I want to do a Girls Getaway to Colorado for my 61st birthday, and I want you and your mom to go with me.” It took us about 30 seconds to respond with an enthusiastic “yes!” Donna is one of my mom’s college roommates and a wonderfully positive and fun person to be around. She used to live in Boulder, CO and now her daughter, Katie, is a graduate student there. My mom and I were in, and Donna called the 3rd college roommate, Roslyn, for her invitation. Next thing you know, the four of us are flying west to Colorado to meet up with Katie! First stop: Boulder.
Cresting over the hill on Highway 36 into Boulder, it’s easy to see why this intriguing town has been dubbed “the city nestled between the mountains and reality.” At 5,430 feet above sea level, acres of publicly-owned, open space roll into Boulder’s quaint cityscape tucked into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. I was excited about the cold weather and snow. A Florida girl needs every chance she can get to wear her sweaters, Uggs and cool hats.
We checked into the historic Hotel Boulderado (http://www.boulderado.com/), which is conveniently located in the heart of downtown. As one of the first Boulder hotels (it opened New Years Day 1909), the hotel's name comes from the words "Boulder" and "Colorado" so no guest would forget where they had stayed. The hotel has become a National Register Landmark and is a member of the National Trust's Historic Hotels of America. The hotel has hosted famous guests, such as actress Ethel Barrymore, poet Robert Frost, and activist Helen Keller.
After sharing some very funny airport and travel stories, we convened in the Boulderado’s Corner Bar for happy hour. As we settled in for 40% off cocktails and appetizers, we were so excited to look out the window and see a light snow starting to fall. With Donna’s birthday party started, we moved on to our tapas-style dinner at The Med (http://www.themedboulder.com/) for the big birthday celebration. The Med’s extensive menu boasts tapas, fresh salads and seafood, paella, pastas, grilled and organic specialties, wood oven pizzas, homemade desserts, plus more than 40 wines by the glass. We loved the baba ghanouj, hummus, prosciutto e melone, datiles and lamb shank. After a special birthday dessert of Blackberry Lemon Torte, we all sang happy birthday and called it a night after a long day of traveling.
Cresting over the hill on Highway 36 into Boulder, it’s easy to see why this intriguing town has been dubbed “the city nestled between the mountains and reality.” At 5,430 feet above sea level, acres of publicly-owned, open space roll into Boulder’s quaint cityscape tucked into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. I was excited about the cold weather and snow. A Florida girl needs every chance she can get to wear her sweaters, Uggs and cool hats.
We checked into the historic Hotel Boulderado (http://www.boulderado.com/), which is conveniently located in the heart of downtown. As one of the first Boulder hotels (it opened New Years Day 1909), the hotel's name comes from the words "Boulder" and "Colorado" so no guest would forget where they had stayed. The hotel has become a National Register Landmark and is a member of the National Trust's Historic Hotels of America. The hotel has hosted famous guests, such as actress Ethel Barrymore, poet Robert Frost, and activist Helen Keller.
After sharing some very funny airport and travel stories, we convened in the Boulderado’s Corner Bar for happy hour. As we settled in for 40% off cocktails and appetizers, we were so excited to look out the window and see a light snow starting to fall. With Donna’s birthday party started, we moved on to our tapas-style dinner at The Med (http://www.themedboulder.com/) for the big birthday celebration. The Med’s extensive menu boasts tapas, fresh salads and seafood, paella, pastas, grilled and organic specialties, wood oven pizzas, homemade desserts, plus more than 40 wines by the glass. We loved the baba ghanouj, hummus, prosciutto e melone, datiles and lamb shank. After a special birthday dessert of Blackberry Lemon Torte, we all sang happy birthday and called it a night after a long day of traveling.
PHOTO: Donna makes a birthday wish at The Med, Boulder, CO.
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