While we’re all adjusting to this new social distancing norm, I can’t help but reminisce on two of my favorite things: exploring new places and hanging out with my friends. This time last year, we were just a few weeks out from one of the best girl’s trips to date — my bachelorette weekend in Frisco, Colorado. It truly is a town right out of a Hallmark movie — small, quiet, and quaint. It’s also smack dab in the middle of popular ski towns, providing easy access to Vail and Breckenridge, while remaining perfectly removed from the crowds. We visited in January and embraced all the snow for sleigh rides, snowshoeing, hot tubbing under the stars, and sulfur spring soaks.
Friday
We flew out of Pittsburgh on a Friday evening, fully expecting to take advantage of Friday night in Frisco, which is about a two-hour drive from the Denver airport. But … as we headed into the mountains, we hit SO much traffic. I remember a local from the airport warning us about the traffic from all the skiers, but we weren’t expecting it to be as bad as it was. Let’s just say our late dinner plans were canceled and we didn’t pull into our Airbnb until after midnight — tired, cranky, and hungry.
Saturday
On Saturday, we headed to the Frisco Nordic Center. We were able to rent snowshoeing equipment and head to trails outside of the center on nearby mountains. We didn’t know if this was going to be possible before we went, so being in the wilderness definitely made the experience more enjoyable. The mountain was steep and challenging, but it leveled out at some places which gave us time to rest.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that we rented a minivan without four-wheel drive for our trip. Before you judge us, it felt like a practical decision at one point because we could all fit into one vehicle 😉 At the end of our hike, when we tried to leave, the van was stuck … but after several pushes by all eight of us, we got it out.
That evening, we drove the minivan to Vail. We checked out the stores ($$$) and grabbed a few beers at the local brewery, Vail Brewing Co. It was a quick trip and a little too bougie for us, but worth seeing.
Sunday
We drove to Denver on Sunday morning and it felt like a whole different world. There was no snow and tons of sun, and it was warm enough to walk around without a jacket. It was the best way to catch a break from the cold, so I’m glad we visited in the middle of our trip and not at the beginning. Our first stop of the day was the 5 Star Salt Caves Wellness Center. I’d been wanting to try a salt cave for a long time (eek!), and it was a great way to build in some relaxation on our busy trip. The cave itself was chilly, but we each got a towel to lay over ourselves. Calming music played in the background and our chairs were low enough that we could dig our hands in the salt. We were instructed to be completely quiet during the session, but we weren’t the best listeners and giggled our way through it … because that’s what friends are for! Afterwards, I bought a mini salt lamp wall plug that I use a night light in our bathroom; it’s so cute and a constant reminder of our trip.
After the salt cave, we headed to Denver Market. City markets are usually a must-do when I travel; they never disappoint and who doesn’t love food and dessert overload? They’re also nice when you’re traveling with lots of people because everyone can get something different. Of course, I chose an ice cream flight:
The brewery options were endless in Denver. We didn’t end up having time for the Coors Brewery tour as planned, but we did get to Blue Moon Brewing Company! It was a fun atmosphere, especially with the barrel-like tables. Blue Moon was my beer of choice for years, so it brought back good memories.
On our way back to Frisco, we stopped at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. It was beeeautiful and part of the reason visiting Colorado in the summer is also on my bucket list. Who wouldn’t want to see a concert there?
Monday
On Monday, it was finally time to check out Breckenridge! Even though we didn’t ski, it was super fun. We rode the gondola up the mountain and drank hot chocolate at the bottom of the slopes while we watched the skiers.
We ventured into town afterwards and ate the BEST CREPES EVER at Crepes a la Cart. If you know me, you know I love a good crepe and I can’t wait to get back to Breckenridge one day to eat them all over again.
Our bellies were full and our hearts were happy when we left Breckenridge to head to the town of Dillon to visit the Ice Castles. Man, they did not disappoint. Pro tip: You might not want to wear booties if you plan on going (@laryssastahl) or you may get stuck a few times 😉
Tuesday
Our last full day in Colorado ended just as magical as all the others, but it started out quite interesting. We took a road trip to the town of Hot Sulpher Springs. In my mind, we were about to take a soak in luxurious, natural hot water springs. In reality, we were about to soak in smelly sulphur tubs that had natural particles floating all through the water. To be honest, it was kind of gross, but we found a way to make it fun with photo shoots and alcohol. We had to wash our clothes and bathing suits several times after the trip to wash the smell out. While I’m not so sure I would recommend the experience to others, we made the best of it and I’m proud of myself for enduring it 🙂
In the evening, we went back to the Frisco Nordic Center for a dreamy sleigh ride. It was one of my favorites parts of the trip (though it’s really hard to pick). Our guide was awesome and we had the biggest blankets wrapped around us to keep warm. We stopped halfway at a little shack for hot chocolate and some good ‘ole country singing. It the perfect ending to a trip of a lifetime surrounded by my best friends<3
We crammed a lot into a few days, and I didn’t even mention half the fun we had in our cute Airbnb, complete with a hot tub and a tiny furnace for fires. Taking the time to write this blog amidst all the craziness in the world made me feel super grateful for all the trips we’ve been able to take in our 20s. And while I’m anxiously awaiting our next one, I’m filled with a sense of patience when I look back on all the amazing things I’ve already experienced in my life. Most of all, I’m thankful for my friends who journeyed on this special trip with me. And for Julie, who climbed mountains six months pregnant with our sweet Mila Gray (who is about to turn one!). Thanks for keeping up!
Keeping Up With Kate 