Hashtag Colorado Life

#63: Choosing the best place to live in Colorado isn’t easy. Each town in the state offers a wide variety of pros and cons with a multitude of unique things to do. As a local who was born and raised in Colorado, Ryan is sharing his unique perspective on what life in the square state is really like.

Plus, he compares the best cities to live in Colorado!. Colorado’s Front Range Urban Corridor has a population of nearly 5 million people. Or basically 90% of Colorado’s population lives in these cities. In this episode, Ryan explains what you need to know about the best places to live in Colorado along the Front Range, from Fort Collins to Pueblo.

For more information and resources from this episode, visit our website HashtagColoradoLife.com or follow us on @HashtagColoradoLife on Instagram.

Thinking of relocating to Colorado this year? Whether you’re moving back to Colorado after being gone, or moving across the country for the first time, there are some important things you need to know. Local Coloradan Ryan Nicholson talks about the journey of moving to Colorado and choosing the best place to live for both the money and lifestyle.

Ryan was born and raised in Colorado but he and his wife Carrie moved back to the state about 8 years ago and a lot has changed. They get questions all the time about what it’s like living in Colorado being a native and seeing so many newcomers. In this episode Ryan talks about the cost of living, the traffic and crowds, the job market, the weather in Colorado, local food scene and what it’s like to buy a house.

Here is exactly what to expect when making the move to Colorado in 2022. These are things that NO ONE tells you about living in Colorado, both the pros and the cons. For more information and resources about exploring Colorado, visit our website at HashtagColoradoLife.com or @HashtagColoradoLife on Instagram.

#61: Vista Verde Ranch is a luxury ranch vacation that will help you unplug and enjoy a bit of what the Old West is like in Colorado. And thanks to their Adult-Only Vacations you can book a romantic trip for two to rest, relax, and get away from it all.

The ranch was built in the early 1900’s and is steeped in the history and ways of the old cowboys. But it’s outfitted with every modern convenience of the 21st century. From chef-prepared meals, unlimited beer, wine and snacks to horseback riding, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, and wine tasting, there is something for everyone and nearly every age at Vista Verde Ranch.

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, this all-inclusive destination is perfect for Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or a private honeymoon. Listen in to Ryan and Carrie’s personal experience of what to expect when staying at Vista Verde Guest Ranch in Colorado.

For more information and resources from this episode, visit our website HashtagColoradoLife.com or follow us on @HashtagColoradoLife on Instagram.

#60: A park built on top of a cemetery. Spirits that haunt one of the most historic hotels in Colorado. A ghostly apparition that plays slots at a casino even when it's closed. These are all unexplained reports of Colorado’s most haunted places.

With a history steeped in gold rushes and ghost towns, it’s no wonder that Colorado has some great paranormal activity. Ghostly sightings and haunted stories are reported at numerous locations across the state, both indoors and out!

Listen in as Ryan and Carrie dive into the supernatural side of Colorado and discover some of the most haunted places in the state. These places range from century-old mining towns and casinos, to spooky mansions.

For more information and resources from this episode, visit our website HashtagColoradoLife.com or follow us on @HashtagColoradoLife on Instagram.

#59: Colorado boasts some of the best natural hot springs in the country. And Denver is within close proximity to many of them. These naturally-occurring hot springs are full of minerals that have been used to soak away stress for decades.

They were even prescribed for ailments and digestive issues back in the early 1900s. Today, you can experience these “healing waters” for yourself and come away refreshed and relaxed.

So, whether you’re looking for relaxing indoor pools, a private mineral soak, or a way to unwind after a day of skiing, these hot spring resorts near Denver don’t disappoint.

And the best part is that these mineral-rich hot springs are just a few hours west of the city so you can visit them anytime of year. Listen in as Ryan and Carrie share the 5 closest hot springs near Denver that are within just 2-3 hours drive.

For more information and resources from this episode, visit our website HashtagColoradoLife.com or follow us on @HashtagColoradoLife on Instagram. 

#58: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park sits atop Iron Mountain perched at 7,100 feet in elevation. As “America's only mountain-top theme park!” this is a truly unique venue for an amusement park, and one you will probably never experience again.

It truly is worth the hype! Listen in as Ryan and Carrie tour the park and talk about their favorite things to do. In addition to main attractions, like the Cave Tours and the Gondola, there are tons of other things to do at the Glenwood Springs Adventure Park.

Kids and adults alike will love the Discovery Rock Gemstone Panning, Climbing Wall, Apline Coaster, Canyon Swing, Cliffhanger Roller Coaster, and the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride. Plus, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park has two different caves that are open to the public: King’s Row & The Fairy Caves.

Join Ryan and Carrie as they explore this epic adventure park near Glenwood Springs and discover all that the colorful state of Colorado has to offer.

For more information and resources about exploring Colorado, visit the website at HashtagColoradoLife.com or @HashtagColoradoLife on Instagram.

#57: Estes Park, Colorado might be best known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. But this small mountain town still has endless things to do! From mountaineering adventures to water sports and (abundant) wildlife watching to ghost hunting, Estes Park delivers as an easy-to-access destination.

In this episode, Ryan and Carrie dive into their favorite things to do in Estes Park, many of which are free or cheap. ElkFest, that happens every early autumn, draws people from all over the country to witness the elk that call the area home.

If exploring the Rocky Mountains is your thing, then look no further than the 300 miles of hiking trails and open spaces. Or stroll along the Riverwalk with endless shops and unique restaurants to choose from.

Nearly anytime of year you can expect to see an abundance of wildlife with elk wandering the streets of downtown. Estes Park truly does not disappoint as a mountain town resort area, no matter what time of year you choose to visit.

For more information and resources about exploring Colorado, visit the website at HashtagColoradoLife.com or @HashtagColoradoLife on Instagram.

#56: Just west of Colorado Springs, at the foot of Pikes Peak, is the quirky mountain town of Manitou Springs. It’s known for its natural mineral springs, mountain landscapes, quaint shops, and beautiful parks.

From the Cliff House to the Penny Arcade and the Manitou Incline trail, there are endless things to do in this small town. In this episode, Ryan and Carrie share the top things to do and their favorite places to see in Manitou Springs, Colorado.

Many of the old 1900s buildings and homes in Manitou Springs are still standing, which gives the town an old, historic feel. If you’re looking for a unique walking tour with a laid-back vibe, then Manitou Springs is the town for you.

For more information and resources about exploring Colorado, visit the website at HashtagColoradoLife.com or @HashtagColoradoLife on Instagram.

#55: From vintage pinball machines to shooting galleries, the Penny Arcade in Manitou Springs is a magical walk back in time for everyone. This indoor/outdoor arcade features over 400 vintage games and outdoor rides.

And there is something for all ages with dozens of classic pinball machines that are a throwback to their generation. Some games even date back to the 1930’s with at least one game that is over 100 years old!

If you’re looking for a long-lost arcade game you haven’t played in years, or a unique vintage outdoor ride, you will love the Penny Arcade in Manitou Springs. Listen in as Ryan explains how to make the most out of your trip back in time.

For more information and resources about exploring Colorado, visit the website at HashtagColoradoLife.com or @HashtagColoradoLife on Instagram.

#54: Buena Vista, Colorado is located in Chaffee County, which is often considered a public land paradise. In less than 2.5 hours from Denver you can enjoy epic mountain views on the famous Colorado Trail, whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River, drive on the Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway, hike along the Continental Divide, and camp in the San Isabel National Forest.

The activities available in Buena Vista make this destination an amazing spot for couples seeking a romantic weekend or a fun family vacation.

If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle-and-bustle of city life, Ryan and Carrie share their top recommendations for things to do in Buena Vista no matter what time of year.

Plus, find out how you can get access to over $800 in savings towards local food, drinks, shopping, lodging and more -- all for free!

For more information and resources about exploring Colorado, visit the website at HashtagColoradoLife.com or @HashtagColoradoLife on Instagram.