Hashtag Colorado Life

#28: Right now the world is in crisis mode and there is uncertainty everywhere. With the spread of Coronavirus comes volatile changes in the economy and fear of the future as a whole. How do you find enjoyment during this time?

Many Coloradans have lost their jobs or had to close their small businesses. And we have been instructed to enact strategies of self-quarantine and many of us can not leave the house. What can you do to remain positive until this crisis is over?

That is what Ryan and Carrie are sharing in today’s podcast episode. There are still ways to enjoy Colorado safely during Coronavirus, while limiting possible exposure. Plus, they share a personal update on the future of the Colorado travel podcast.

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

#27: With housing prices continuing to rise in Colorado, is buying a home a good investment? Ryan and Carrie answer this important question and share their personal journey of buying a house in the square state.

Whether you are a native or a transplant to Colorado, it can feel like you get very little square footage for the money. But there are lots of other pros and cons to consider.

The Colorado housing market moves fast and you need a good real estate agent to help give you an edge. Ryan and Carrie also share some little-known home-buying secrets, from using an escalation clause to taking advantage of Colorado mortgage assistance programs.

There is a lot of paperwork and the process can be a slow one. You may lose out on offers, or not get approved for the amount you were hoping for. This episode details an honest look at what it’s like to buy a home in Colorado and if the investment is worth it.

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

#26: Wanting to visit Colorado Springs? What are the top things to do and best places to eat? This 48-hour itinerary is expertly crafted by Colorado Springs residents, Ryan and Carrie. With gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains and rapidly expanding amenities, Colorado Springs has an endless amount of culture, outdoor activities, and local food.

If you had just two days to explore all that Colorado Springs has to offer, what are the top must-do things? Ryan and Carrie share their ideal 48-hour itinerary for exploring “The Springs” from a local’s perspective. You will discover their favorite indoor and outdoor activities, the best restaurants, and fun night-time spots.

They also discuss the best places to stay while you are here, and how to explore all of the nature Colorado has to offer. Plus, Colorado Springs is home to Garden of the Gods, the Olympic Training Center, a zoo built into the mountains, and award-winning food. There’s always something to do no matter what time of day!

If you only have 48 hours to explore, they hope this inspires you to enjoy everything that this bustling mountain city has to offer!

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

#25: During the winter, Colorado is known for epic skiing and snowboarding. And there are plenty of awesome ski towns to choose from. How can you ever decide? In this episode, Ryan and Carrie discuss their top recommendations for the best ski towns in Colorado and what makes each one great.

You will discover the unique benefits, local features, and skiing options that each town has to offer. Plus, you will learn what’s nearby and what you can do both on and off the slopes.

No matter how you plan to enjoy the powder, Colorado has the perfect destination! And the great news is, that most of the major ski resorts in Colorado are within a few hours’ drive of Denver.

Ryan and Carrie share local information and insider tips for getting to the resorts, and the must-see attractions that each ski town offers. You won’t be disappointed with these best ski town recommendations!

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

#24: Feeling a bit of cabin fever? Ryan and Carrie discuss 10 fun and unique winter date ideas to help you escape the winter blues. These non-traditional date ideas are indoors so they are perfect for any special occasion, as well as being kid-friendly.

Many of the tips and ideas for going out are inexpensive and budget-friendly, so you won’t break the bank while having a good time. Whether it comes to a romantic night out for two, a day trip for your whole family, or an afternoon out with friends, there really is something for everyone.

You will have some fun, spend time with your loved ones, and enjoy the awesome entertainment and education that Colorado has to offer. We hope this inspires you to explore these unique and non-traditional winter date ideas for couples, families, and friends.

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

#23: What’s on your Colorado bucket list? In this bonus episode Ryan and Carrie talk about the must-see and must-do things to add to your Colorado bucket list. With the mountains in your backyard, an ever-growing food scene, and endless indoor and outdoor activities where do you start? There are so many things to do and cities to explore!

Ryan and Carrie share the activities and adventures that are on their Colorado bucket list. They also discuss the places and sights they have already visited. Many of the ideas include iconic Colorado destinations and local favorites, as well as lesser-known but still epic experiences.

If you are looking for the best things to do in Colorado without busting your budget, that’s what this episode is all about. Find out the top 16 things Ryan and Carrie recommend you add to your bucket list. Plus, these are great suggestions for discovering within your first year of living in the square state.

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

#22: All the world’s a stage, but Colorado has a special place in the land of theater. Carrie is joined by Alex Miller of OnStageColorado.com to talk about theater culture in Colorado. They discuss what makes the theater scene here so vibrant and unique, where to find both popular and tucked-away theaters in Colorado, and how to start attending shows if you’re new to the theater world.

Alex shares a run down of some of the 13 professional theater companies across the state. This includes larger theater companies at the Denver Center and the Arvada Center, and smaller theater troupes like Backstage Theater in Breckenridge that’s still going strong after 40+ seasons.

He also shares some of his favorite hidden gems, like Miners Alley Playhouse in Golden (a small theater with a saloon vibe) and the Lake Dillon Theatre Company in Silverthorne, which is housed in a beautiful new arts complex.

Finally, Alex shares tips for how to look for and pick shows across the state, whether you’re newer to the theater scene or a seasoned theater-goer.

We hope this inspires you to check out the Colorado theater scene. If you’re looking for a high-caliber touring Broadway show or a local production in a small mountain town, there’s a show for everyone!

You can find out more about Alex Miller and the Colorado theater scene at OnStageColorado.com.

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

#21. Nothing quite beats a Colorado winter wonderland during the holiday season. And there is plenty to do to celebrate this time of year!

Ryan and Carrie share their favorite holiday events and celebrations from across the Front Range and beyond. Whether you’re embracing the cold with an outdoor parade, or soaking up the season with a Christmas concert, there are so many ways to enjoy the holidays in Colorado.

Learn about some of Ryan and Carrie’s top ways to get into the Christmas spirit. Their favorites include holiday musicals and classic performances on the Front Range, like a symphonic rendition of Home Alone or a master violinist dancing on stage to Christmas classics.

They discuss where to go for epic light displays, places with the best Santa meet-and-greet opportunities, and how to sneak a peek of the elves in Santa’s workshop. (Here’s a hint: the Denver Botanic Gardens has got you covered in multiple locations!).

Finally, no episode of this podcast is complete without a little time spent chatting about Carrie’s love of trains. They talk about the unique holiday train rides that pop up around the state during this magical time of year.

Hopefully your holiday season is made all the more merry and bright with these Colorado Christmastime celebrations!

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

#20: Whether you’re a local or an out-of-towner, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Colorado’s famous world-class skiing!

Ryan and Carrie share secrets and tips for planning an epic Colorado ski trip. They talk about what ski resorts to check out, how to avoid the crowds, and tips for saving a ton of money while enjoying the Colorado slopes.

They discuss the differences between the major ski resorts and what you can expect out of a trip to the mountains. Ryan and Carrie also break down the best times to head up into the mountains, including the timeframe that’s considered peak season (and peak prices), and how to take advantage of less crowds during “shoulder season.”

Finally, they chat about ways to save money on lift tickets and ski gear, including spring sales at local ski gear shops, buying lift tickets through partnering grocery stores, and taking advantage of ski passes like the Ikon pass and Epic pass.

So whether you’re a weekend warrior driving up to the mountains before the sun rises, or you’re planning a ski trip months in advance, hopefully you get to soak up some great Colorado powder -- and save some money, too!

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

#19: If you’re craving a mountain-town feel with resort-quality skiing and activities, Breckenridge is the town for you!

Ryan and Carrie share recommendations for soaking up all the outdoor activities, world-class eateries, and stunning scenery that “Breck” has to offer. Whether it’s a winter ski trip or summer-time hiking, Breckenridge is a magical mountain town worth the visit.

Ryan and Carrie share their top spots to stay in town (including a quality chain hotel that offers a lodge-like feel), and their favorite places for a fancy or casual apres ski meal. Learn about Breckenridge’s odd connection to the U.S. Vice President in the 1860s and how it differs from other ski resorts in the area.

Finally, be sure to check out the year-round festivals in and around Main Street. Ryan and Carrie discuss the must-see events, including the Race of the Santas, and International Snow Sculpture Championships.

So even if you don’t hit the slopes, Breckeridge has plenty to offer and is definitely worth the visit. Full moon snowshoeing, anyone?

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