Living With B

Denver and I have been wanting to take an out-of-state trip for as long as I can remember. Part of these trips is about seeing what it’s like to live there since we’re planning to move somewhere colder. Colorado with its cool temps, beautiful scenery, and abundance of life felt like the perfect place to explore.

We took the scenic route, about a ten-hour drive with our cat, Aldo, in tow. We’d heard October was the best time to visit, changing colors, crisp air, all that fall magic, so we went at the start of the month to see what life as “locals” might feel like.

Our Airbnb in Denver was perfect for the three of us. Aldo loved roaming every room, and I loved having that cozy space to just exist together.

Day One

After checking in and unpacking, we immediately headed out for our “fancy date night.” Denver made reservations at Uchi, a sushi spot in downtown Denver and oh my god, it was phenomenal. It’s easily the best sushi I’ve ever had. The chef curated a custom meal with all our favorite proteins, and I still think about that nigiri.

After dinner, we stopped by Death & Co., a popular cocktail bar. The vibes were immaculate, even if my non-alcoholic wine wasn’t exactly giving. Still, it was a fun, moody spot to end the night.

Day Two

Naturally, we had to do the Coors Brewery Tour—I mean, how could we not as two beer lovers? It was interesting, though I’ll admit, a little repetitive once you know the basics of brewing. But tasting Coors straight from the source? Worth it.

We bought a hand-carved wooden bear from a local artisan (Denver’s pick—he was so happy I couldn’t say no).

We grabbed a few drinks at Golden City Brewery, where Denver taught me how to play Magic: The Gathering for the first time. Later, we drove to Mythic Games in Littleton, grabbed a few things, and decided to come back the next day to play.

That night, we caught a showing of The Smashing Machine at the fanciest AMC I’ve ever seen. Dinner before the movie was just okay, but the film was incredible.

Day Three

We realized we hadn’t spent any time actually in nature yet, so this was our outdoors day.

We started at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and let me tell you—those stairs? Brutal. My legs were screaming, but the view was unreal.

We grabbed some tasters and pizza at Littleton Brewing Company before heading back to Mythic Games to finally play Magic with actual people. I almost won… until someone with an evil slow deck took me out at the last second. So close.

Later, we went to Holey Moley, a mini golf spot that was honestly overpriced but still so much fun. We split a burger, played two rounds, and of course, Denver beat me. Typical.

Day Four

Even with the chill, it was breathtaking—towering pines, fog rolling over the water, and actual elk sightings! I’d never seen elk before, and it was surreal.

Day Five

We hit the road home Sunday morning, and man, that drive felt long. Aldo did great, though—barely meowed and explored the car when we stopped. (Yes, only when parked, don’t come for me.)

We grabbed Subway for dinner and finally made it home. Crawling into our own bed that night, Aldo curled up beside me, I felt that bittersweet mix of comfort and longing. Denver and I were happy to be home, but it was hard not to wish we were still back in the mountains.

Colorado was everything we hoped it would be—beautiful, inspiring, and full of life. I’m already daydreaming about making it our home someday, and about all the future adventures Aldo, our little travel cat, will have along the way.