Personally, I love winter. If I had to rank the seasons, fall would be my number one, but winter is a very close second. And this winter has been a strange one, with mild temperatures and a distinct lack of the kind of snow we are used to.
I know that a lot of people start craving a little seasonal mood boost around this time of year—and right now, that could be thanks to angst over East Coast type ski conditions or just a longing for longer days. Who am I to judge! I asked some friends what their favorite late-winter pick-me-ups are, from cheap and easy to full-on luxury.
Spots with extra cozy, fun features
Thank you, NE Denver Moms Facebook group for weighing in on these: look for patio fire pits at Stanley Beer Hall, Lowry Beer Garden, and Odell Brewing’s Five Points Brewhouse. (Thirst Colorado rounded up a bunch more in and around Denver, too.) For a cozy indoor spot, check out Glissade for their great coffee, indoor fireplace, and selection of board games; Mishap coffee and Four Noses have great games selections too.
A spa treatment
Book an appointment and have something to look forward to, then feel heavenly afterward. The Four Seasons spa got a rave review from my friend for exactly this reason. Plus, if you book $150 worth of services there (that could be their Hair and Scalp Ritual, Hot Stone Massage, or Body Brightening Ritual), you can use the spa’s facilities, including a steam room and whirlpool, for the day. For a quicker hit of relaxation, our Scoopie winner for Best Spa/Salon, Clementine, offers a scalp treatment (plus blowout!) that soothes while hydrating dry, itchy skin.
A quick staycation
For the feeling of getting away without the cost of plane tickets or the time off work, some of my friends love to book a night or two at a nearby hotel. Favorites include the St. Julien in Boulder (as a hotel guest or if you book spa treatments, you get access to their steam room, sauna, pool, hot tub and fitness center); the legendary and luxurious Broadmoor in Colorado Springs; the giant, always-festive Gaylord Rockies with its hot tubs, firepits, and water slides, and a full-on water park extravaganza at Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs.
A trip to a hot spring
We’re so lucky to be close to these amazing natural phenomena—and they’re a great and sometimes relatively inexpensive way to feel refreshed and restored. Glenwood Hot Springs and Mount Princeton Hot Springs are family-friendly; there’s also Strawberry Park (minors not allowed after dark) and Raspberry Hot Springs (adult- and reservation-only) or, close to Denver, Indian Hot Springs. Just check for vehicle requirements before you go; some are on rugged roads that require four-wheel drive and snow tires; as with Strawberry Park, you may be able to book a shuttle.
Unique dining experiences
If you’re ready to try a once-in-a-lifetime type of meal, check out one of these memorable Colorado restaurants in rugged, alpine locations. I loved my meal at Beano’s Cabin at Beaver Creek Resort, and people also love Keystone Ranch at Keystone Resort. Allred’s Restaurant can be accessed via skis, snow coach, or gondola in Telluride; you can ski or snowboard (intermediate level and up only!) to Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro in Aspen; at Soda Creek Sleigh Dinners, a sleigh takes you to your meal; and at Hazie’s Werner, your reservation includes a spot on the gondola.
PHOTO: GLENWOOD HOT SPRINGS RESORT
