Colorado is known for its beauty. It is hard to beat the view of the Rocky Mountains during a summertime sunset. The hiking, the city of Denver, the towns in the mountains, the Broncos and the fans, and even the Pepsi Center make Colorado a truly fabulous place to live. Yet, there are other small details that only true Coloradans miss and know about.
1. Duffyroll Cafe (Or, As Locals Call It, "Duffy's")
Duffy's is a casual sandwich shop known for their non-traditional cinnamon rolls. These famous rolls can only be found in some towns in Colorado. Their sandwiches and arnies (Arnold Palmer) are just as good. Duffyroll Cafe's walls are filled with photos of celebrities and locals who are committed customers. This place is somewhere only natives could crave.
2. St. Mary's Glacier
This is the native Coloradan's cheat to hiking and getting amazing views. Yes, Colorado is a very active and healthy state, but that does not mean we don't take cheat days. St. Mary's Glacier is located in Idaho Springs, Colorado (home of Mount Evans). The hike leads to some of the most beautiful scenery and is only about a mile hike to the glacier. Coloradans love this hike because it is dog friendly and easy.
3. Red Rocks Amphitheater (But Not Just For Concerts)
Red Rocks is an amazing concert venue, but that is a well known fact. Beyond the music and beauty of Red Rocks, the venue is a great spot to workout. Yoga and conditioning sessions often occur on the Rocks. Beyond the venue, Red Rocks is surrounded by hiking trails that lead to impeccable views.
4. Surfing Without Getting Wet
The Sand Dunes make for some amazing surfing, without getting wet. Can't beat that.
5. Linger Eatuary
The "eatuary" used to be one of the most famous funeral home in Denver (Buffalo Bill's body was there). The sign over the landmark once read "Olinger Mortuaries" and was altered to say "Linger Eatuaries". This is now one of the most hip and fun places to eat in Denver. It is located right next to one of the best ice cream places as well, Little Man Ice Cream, in the highlands of Denver.
6. Casa Bonita
A show and Mexican food! If you haven't been here for a birthday party, you aren't from Colorado.
7. Boulder
Boulder is just a fun place to be. The atmosphere is young, fun and wild. The shopping is great, the food is better, and the college town is known for its amazing views.
8. Good Snow For Skiing
Sorry, east coast, but I am done skiing on ice! Every ski mountain in Colorado is kept in great shape and the mountains stay open longer than the east coast. It is not a surprise that we host the X-Games.
9. The Ability To Wear Boots And Sandals On The Same Day
The weather in Colorado is unpredictable, almost like Mother Nature is drunk. It may snow all night and be 70 degrees and sunny the next day. It may be 110 degrees one day and 60 the next. Everything is a guessing game. The sun is almost always shining and getting tan in Colorado is very easy. Sunscreen is very important, because with all of that Mile-High Altitude comes a very strong sun. Skiing and boarding in bathing suits is not uncommon.
10. Wearing Your Workout Clothes Everywhere
There is something called "Colorado Casual." Coloradans can wear jeans to just about every restaurants, even if it is extremely nice. Wearing workout clothes all day is very normal and many young companies in Denver maintain casual dress codes for their workplaces. (We even wear workout clothes on Halloween, AKA Runway Brides).
11. Palisade Peaches
Nothing tastes better than a fresh Palisade Peach on a hot summer day. It is very common to hear radio talk about Palisade Peaches coming into season, because they are that good.
12. No Bugs
Colorado does not host a lot of bugs like the east coast. There is never a time when I say "it's buggy" or reach for bug spray. Mosquitos are very rare, which makes sitting outside at night that much better.
13. Altitude
There are pros and cons to the Colorado altitude, but I mostly view it as a con. For starters, training for anything in the altitude is very helpful. This is why many Olympians train in Colorado. The altitude also makes for prettier sunsets and gives our sports teams a huge advantage at home.
14. No Humidity
Fours words: no bad hair days.
15. Green Chili
Colorado style anything. The spice of Colorado's food is what makes it so good. Green chili is not like other chilis and you can put that stuff on anything. This photo is from the famed Santiago's in Denver.
16. You Always Know What Direction You Are Going
The mountains serve as a guide to where you are going. There is little excuse for getting lost when you have such big markers helping you out.
17. Healthy And Organic Places To Eat On Every Corner
With Sazza, Chipotle, Mod Market, Mad Greens, True Food and more, Colorado is known for being one of the healthiest states in America. People are always active, but the food choices are also extremely healthy. Most places offer all organic menus and focus on vegetables and proteins in their menus. This makes eating out and eating healthy easier.
18. The Highline Canal
Who doesn't love a beautiful view while working out? The Highline Canal is mostly used by Colorado locals to ride horses, run, walk, bike, hike, snowshoe and cross-country ski. It runs for 71 miles in suburban areas around Denver and is mostly landscape and wildlife areas and is not paved.
