Hashtag Colorado Life

#18: Got 15 minutes? Here are 15 delicious Colorado brunch recommendations. Ryan and Carrie share their top restaurants and cafes for weekend (and even weekday) breakfast fare, including their favorite spots for eggs benedict, biscuits and gravy, and out-of-this-world doughnuts.

Ryan and Carrie pack all of the best brunch places in a 15-minute rundown. They share their favorite Square State chains, including Colorado-established favorites like Snooze and Lucile’s Creole. They also review their favorite menu items from different towns across the Front Range, like specialty New Mexican plates found in Boulder, or croissants the size of your face in Colorado Springs.

They also share some of their favorite mountain town brunch spots, including where to get a “cronut” in Glenwood Springs, and a stellar crepe in Breckenridge. Finally, they discuss coveted spots on their brunch bucket lists and share some great brunch recommendations for the Hashtag Colorado Life audience.

They hope this inspires you to explore new brunch spots around Colorado. Whether you’re Team Eggs Benedict or Team Biscuits and Gravy, there’s plenty of great breakfast spots to try in our great state.

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

#17: When the seasons start to change in the Square State, there’s nothing quite like a scenic drive into the Colorado mountains. From winding canyons to the highest mountain passes, Ryan and Carrie share their favorite colorful fall mountain drives for enjoying the changing foliage.

Ryan and Carrie talk about the best times of year to soak up the fall colors and why Colorado’s fall foliage window changes every season. They also share their favorite routes into the mountains, including the stunning but winding Highway 6 route, the drive between Woodland Park and Hartsel, and Hosier pass.

Finally, they share some of the Colorado fall drives on their bucket list, including Independence Pass, and the best route for seeing a ton of Colorado’s famous 14ers, i.e. mountains that peak at over 14,000 feet!

Whether you’re a leaf-peeper or a wildlife seeker, this is a beautiful time of year to take a trip through Colorado’s epic mountain landscape. Nature won’t disappoint you if you do!

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

#16: If you just had two days to explore Denver, what should you do and where should you eat? Ryan and Carrie share their ideal 48-hour itinerary for exploring Colorado’s capital. You’ll discover their favorite day-time activities, the best restaurants, and fun night-time spots for exploring the Square State’s largest metropolitan city.

Ryan and Carrie share their favorite recommendations for a jam-packed but leisurely itinerary in Denver. They review their favorite Denver food spots -- including where to find seasonally-flavored pancakes, Denver’s most famous ramen spot, and sustainable chef-inspired sushi.

When you’re not stuffing your face with food, they discuss activities from walking around one of Denver’s lakes to exploring Denver’s world-class museums. Finally, Ryan and Carrie also share their favorite things to do when the sun sets. Whether it’s catching a Rockies game or visiting Denver’s unique dessert bar, there’s always something to do no matter what time of day.

Even if you only have 48 hours to explore, they hope this inspires you to soak up everything that this bustling metropolitan city has to offer!

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

#15: Cheers to Colorado beer! Ryan is joined by friend and Colorado craft beer connoisseur Matt Giovanisci of BrewCabin.com to talk about beer in the Square State. They discuss their favorite independent breweries in Colorado, the best beer festivals across the state, and how to start getting into the Colorado beer scene if you’re new to the brew.

Matt shares his top three favorite Colorado breweries, including a few up in the mountains, like a newer brewery up in Nederland, CO and Matt’s all-time favorite, Outer Range in Frisco. He also shares his favorite beer festivals from across the Front Range, like the Great American Beer Festival, and Weldwerks Invitational.

Both Ryan and Matt talk about their favorite ways to discover and try new beer across the state. They also chat about their love-hate relationship with the Coors factory in Golden, CO. No matter how you feel about Big Beer, it’s still worth going on the tour -- and there’s a discount for Colorado residents!

We hope this inspires you to check out the Colorado beer scene and try some new brews. Whether it’s a kolsch-style brew or a New England IPA, there’s a beer for everyone!

You can find out more about Matt Giovanisci and his homebrewing website at www.BrewCabin.com

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

#14: Colorado was built on the back of the gold rush, and nothing epitomizes the Wild West like the town of Old Colorado City! 

Ryan and Carrie share their favorite activities and spots to see in historic Old Colorado City (aka OCC). Whether you’re taking in Territory Days or browsing quaint historical shops, this is the town for soaking in the old-timey western days of the Square State.

While it’s technically a neighborhood of Colorado Springs, Old Colorado City has its own unique character. Learn about Old Colorado City’s historic legacy as a mining town and how it officially became a part of Colorado Springs.

Ryan and Carrie also share about the best historical shops, cafes, restaurants and bars in this pioneer town (including an amazing German bakery). Be sure to check out the ghost tour through the underground tunnels, and learn about the seedy history of the town’s saloons and brothels. 

There’s also plenty of events to enjoy, like Territory Days, the farmer’s market, and the First Friday Art Walk. You can even take a self-guided walking tour with the Old Colorado City Walking Tour App!

If you’re looking for some flavor of the Wild West and some turn-of-the-century charm, Old Colorado City is worth a visit!

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

#13: How exactly do you train for a hike that has more stairs than the Empire State Building? 

Carrie is joined by friend and Colorado resident Stephanie McGuirt to talk about climbing and training for the Manitou Incline. They discuss how they trained for this steep hike, what they packed, and what it felt like climbing up one of Colorado’s most extreme trails.

Carrie and Stephanie talk about the steps they took (no pun intended!) to train for this 2,744-step climb with a 2,000-foot elevation gain. With an average incline of 41%, the Manitou Incline is one of the most challenging hikes in the Colorado Springs area, It attracts athletes and amateurs alike to this extreme trail.

Both Carrie and Stephanie share their training routine, including their favorite training trails (like Pulpit Rock and the much harder Blodgett Peak) and how they used the AllTrails app to find the right hikes to practice. They also share how they prepared for the day-of, including what they packed -- and what they would’ve done differently, like bringing more electrolyte drinks or wearing sneakers instead of hiking boots. Finally, they offer tips for getting to the trail head (there’s a free shuttle!) and how to pace yourself when you’re on the incline.

We hope this inspires you to tackle the Manitou Incline. Just remember to pack extra electrolytes and get a good night’s sleep before you do!

You can find out more about Stephanie McGuirt and her work at Pinnacle Flow Bookkeeping, visit www.PinnacleFlowBooks.com.

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

BONUS #1: It’s road trip time! Whether it’s a drive within Colorado or a trip across state lines, there are tons of essentials and helpful hacks that can help make your road trip as smooth as possible.

Ryan and Carrie share their favorite tips for making the most of a long drive, including how to prepare your vehicle for a road trip in Colorado and how to pass the time on the road (audio books are a must-have!). They also review their favorite phone apps to help you navigate longer drives. Whether you’re curious about local attractions, searching for the cleanest rest stop or looking for the cheapest gas, there’s an app for that! And they’ve got tips for saving money on hotel stays, too.

Fill up the gas tank, pack some snacks and don’t forget to use the right wiper fluid if you’re expecting snow! They hope this helps you prepare for the best road trip possible and avoid any unexpected detours along the way.

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

#10: If there’s one thing Coloradans are known for, it’s enjoying life outside -- no matter what the weather is. And the square state has plenty of festivals and outdoor activities to enjoy with friends and family of all ages!

Ryan and Carrie share the most popular festivals and outdoors attractions to explore on the Front Range and beyond. From hot air balloon festivals to rodeos, there’s plenty of activities to explore during the summer or winter months. Ryan reminiscences about going to the state fair as a kid growing up in Colorado -- and the time he almost met Michael Jackson at one of Denver’s famous amusement parks. And Carrie talks about some of her favorite outdoor traditions, like exploring the local zoos (can you guess which Colorado zoo was voted in the top 10 zoos by USA today?).

Whether you’re looking for some Shakespeare in the park or a wooden roller coaster in Denver city limits, you’ll always find something to keep you entertained outdoors in Colorado.

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

#9: If you can’t stand the Colorado heat just find a cool place to go!

Ryan and Carrie share their favorite ways to beat the heat in the Rocky Mountains. From water adventures (yes, there’s water here!) to indoor activities, there’s plenty of ways to cool down in the Colorado summer.

Learn about the best rivers, reservoirs and glacier-fed lakes for swimming, kayaking, boating or just picnicking. Craving a little getaway, but not interested in a swim? Take time to explore popular mountain town destinations where the temperatures are naturally a lot cooler than the rest of the state. They also share some of their favorite indoor activities for a hot summer day, including their favorite museums on the Front Range and their top spots for an ice cream pit stop.

Whether you adventure into the mountains or explore your favorite local watering hole, they hope you find a way to stay cool in the Rocky Mountain heat!

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

#8: Planning a weekend in Boulder? What do you do and where should you eat? This is the perfect itinerary for you! Nestled against the iconic Flatiron mountains, Boulder offers a unique combination of stunning scenery, outdoor activities and food and culture.

Ryan and Carrie walk you through a 48-hour itinerary in this mountainous, college town. They review their favorite Boulder food spots -- including where to grab the craziest pancakes in town and who serves the largest pile of mouthwatering nachos. When you’re not stuffing your face with delicious, local fare, be sure to explore Boulder’s amazing and oh-so accessible landscape. From easier walking trails to all-day hikes, Ryan and Carrie discuss their favorite outdoor activities to do in and around town.

Even if you only have 48 hours to explore, they hope this inspires you to take advantage of all the natural beauty and great food that Boulder has to offer!

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