Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

Retirement Bucket List Trip: Santa Fe, Colorado Springs, Denver

Retirement Bucket List Trip: Santa Fe, Colorado Springs, Denver

Old Apr 19th, 2015, 05:56 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 8,694
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Retirement Bucket List Trip: Santa Fe, Colorado Springs, Denver

Questions, Questions, Questions!! (Forgive the length of this)

I retire the end of May (yippee!!) and am driving to Fort Collins Colorado (that's where the grandkids are) via Santa Fe for 4 days, then straight up Colorado stopping in Colorado Springs for 2 days. Denver will be a day trip trip from Fort Collins. I am staying in Fort Collins for 3 months to love up those grandkids, but the first 10 days of my trip will be my time to do touristy, grown up sightseeing. My best friend is driving with me from Illinois and will fly back to Chicago at the end of 10 days.

I go to Fort Collins often. Since I am there to primarily see the grandkids I know kid friendly areas in Fort Collins. I have never been to Santa Fe and it is ranked high on my bucket list.
I have been to Colorado Springs and Denver a couple times but it was eons ago.

So what I have planned so far:

I booked The Inn of The Governors in Santa Fe for 4 nights. It looks close to the plaza and a friend recommended it. It's also the right price as we will be on the moderate traveler's budget scale. The sure thing I know is a trip to Georgia O'Keefe's house- I know to make reservations. I have read about Loretto Chapel, Canyon Road, the Saturday Market,the New Mexico Capital Building, the O'Keefe Museum, the folk art museum. I have written down The Shed as a must do restaurant. I have downloaded a self directed walking tour of the plaza area and Canyon Road. Does this sound appropriate? I love walking tours but is it better to pay for a guide? As a first timer with only 4 days should we do day trips or just stay closer to Santa Fe and absorb this city? I read there is always music in the plaza on Friday nights, correct? (I sound a little excited I know). I read on another trip report about spas, we might try one of those too. It's my retirement trip after all.

Colorado Springs: I have done the wicked ride to the top of Pike's Peak twice in my lifetime and I don't think I could handle driving it myself. So I am looking at the Cog Railroad, it says it's a 3 1/2 hour trip. My friend is very adventurous and I would not want to hold her back but I'm a little worried about this. My question is how safe does this thing feel? The pictures look like modern railcars. Has anyone done this? I am looking at a nice hotel in this area, any suggestions? The next morning we will do Garden of The Gods, then drive to Fort Collins.

Fort Collins: We will do a day trip to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. We are also planning a Fort Collins by Night Guided Ghost Tour. I know where to get good Pimm's Cups in Old Town so I have that part covered. And we will spend time with my grandkids, so I am good with all things Fort Collins.

Denver: Unfortunately we only have a day there. I thought about going on the US Mint tour (I know to get reservations) and seeing the Molly Brown house if that's worth it and close. Maybe shopping in the downtown area and looking at the Colorado capital building. What am I missing here?? Nice lunch suggestions?? Best parking areas?? Or should we take the shuttle in from Fort Collins?

This is awful I know, but I am thinking (just the thinking stage yet) of taking my friend to dinner at the legendary Casa Bonita. We have both watched the South Park episode and she thinks it would be a riot. I went here when my kids were little. I know there are a million better places in Denver but this place is famous. I read reviews on Yelp-when one starts with "Holy Mother of God" I think I know what we're in for with the food. I kind of expect the food to be a gut bomb. But there are cliff divers!! And a Pirate's cave! Am I being nostalgic and silly?

If anyone has suggestions i thank you. My friend has never even seen the Rocky Mountains-her grandkids live in Dallas so that is where her trips always are, she is excited. We are both fairly fit, and are up to new adventures but also go with the flow people. She is my perfect traveling companion. I always said I wanted to retire while I was still able to climb mountains-literally and figuratively.

Fun times!! Again thank you Fodorite friends.
barbrn is offline  
Old Apr 19th, 2015, 06:26 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'd add -- http://www.nmhistorymuseum.org and -- http://www.nmartmuseum.org

I've never been to state capital building, is there something special there that interest you?

Inn of the Governors is a good choice. Ten Thousand Waves for spa. Andiamo! is a great Italian restaurant and reasonably priced. Vinaigrette is another good place, more for lunch rather than for dinner. La Choza is another good NM cuisine place to eat. If you aren't used to HOT, ask for chile on the side; comes in red or green. Neither one is inherently hotter, but they do taste different.

Taos would be a lovely day trip if you can work it in. The folk art museum is nice, but it wouldn't be on my short list with only 4 days, but that's me.

In Colorado Spring, we really like the Celestial Seasonings factory tour.

Capital house in Denver is worth the time, we did a tour (might have been free??)
We also did a walking tour. I'll come back with link. Mint was good, go see the olde bookshop ( I'll find link for it.)


Not sure about Friday night music in the plaza but I would make a point to go to Hotel Santa Fe, have a Pricky Pear Maragarita and listen to Ronald Roybal. Listen for free in the lounge, from 7-9, Fri &Sat. http://www.ronaldroybal.com/performance_schedule/

Cog Railway- I did it once, before I moved here and lived at elevation. I got VERY sick - Altitude Sickness. It was awful, I couldn't wait to get down. I was up there less than 10 minutes. Not everyone gets it ( my SIL did too, but no one else with us did; also, even if you have been ok at altitude before doesn't mean your will be fine at another time. Just beware, I know you are a RN....
DebitNM is offline  
Old Apr 19th, 2015, 06:31 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Tattered Cover Book Store. www.tatteredcover.com/

http://www.denver.org/things-to-do/i...ral-treasures/

The Art Museum is great, nice place for lunch, make a reservation!!

Free walking tours - http://www.denver.org/things-to-do/i...-denver-tours/
DebitNM is offline  
Old Apr 19th, 2015, 06:49 PM
  #4  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 8,694
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You are absolutely the best Debit!! You were certainly someone who I hoped would respond to my questions. Thank you so much!!

I am really excited about the book store in Denver. That is on the list!! And the free walking tours!! I love this idea. I had wondered about the Art Museum, that would be perfect for lunch. Have you been to the Molly Brown house?? I keep picturing Debbie Reynolds in the Unsinkable Molly Brown movie and again wondering if I'm being just nostalgic for what I know about Denver. I'm trying to restrain from going on a Coors tour. (that's what some of us Midwesterners think when we think Denver, lol).

I am having qualms about that Cog Railroad idea. I was in Fort Collins in March and that was the first time I had some altitude issues after going to Rocky Mountain National Park. I could take Dramamine and sleep my way up Pikes Peak I guess if my friend really wants to go.

I love, love, love the Prickly Pear Margarita suggestion too. That is an absolute on my list. Again thank you. You just improved my trip a lot!!
barbrn is offline  
Old Apr 19th, 2015, 06:50 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Definitely wouldn't pay for a guide in Santa Fe, it is ever so doable on your own and the plaza isn't that big. We ate great tapas in restaurant off Canyon Road, also really enjoyed the Caribbean food at Jambo cafe (really reasonable) and wonderful dinner at Harry's Roadhouse (also not expensive as well). Abiqu and the different Pueblos in the area (san Ildefonso for example) are really worth visiting (Abiqu if you like to hike and you can visit where Georgia O'keefe got her inspiration at Ghost Ranch), if you want to buy Native American art buy it directly from the artists in the pueblos rather than at the high prices in the galleries in Santa fe. Enjoy our lovely state.
lauramsgarden is offline  
Old Apr 19th, 2015, 07:04 PM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 8,694
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you Laura. That answered my question about the guide for Santa Fe. I think this self guided tour sounds good and kind of fun to see if we can follow the directions. I am looking up Harry's Roadhouse. We do like to hike, that sounds wonderful, looking up Abiqu right now. These are just the kind of suggestions I was looking for. I know I want some art too, so I really appreciate your advice.

Debit, I just thought we should see the New Mexico Capital. I haven't looked into it at all, I automatically added it to my list. I have no idea if it's worthy of a visit or not. Now I'm curious if it's worth the time? And Ronald Roybal-yes we are going!

Gosh, I'm glad I posted these questions.
barbrn is offline  
Old Apr 19th, 2015, 07:32 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Didn't go in MollyBrown house. We did go in gift shop, that was enough for me.

Jamboree was on Diners, Drive ins and dives - http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/din...-and-stew.html
DebitNM is offline  
Old Apr 19th, 2015, 08:23 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,334
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 1 Post
Debit, isn't the Celestial Seasonings tour in Boulder, not Colorado Springs? Or is there another one I don't know about?

My wife and I enjoyed the Molly Brown house, but agree the gift shop is worth passing up, except for the book section. A block from the Molly Brown house is the highly recommended Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art. Some very cool stuff in there, worth taking one of their docent tours.
http://www.kirklandmuseum.org/

Also, the Byers-Evers House, right next to the art museum makes for a nice tour. William Byers was founder of the Rocky Mountain News, guided artist Albert Bierstadt on his painting expedition, and made the first ascent of Longs Peak with John Wesley Powell.

If you like chocolate (ha-ha?) then don't miss a cup of hot chocolate at Kakawa in Santa Fe.
Nelson is offline  
Old Apr 19th, 2015, 08:25 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 11,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The State Capitol Building, aka the Roundhouse, has some interesting artwork. You could spend an hour or so there.

>>I kind of expect the food to be a gut bomb. But there are cliff divers!! And a Pirate's cave! Am I being nostalgic and silly?
ElendilPickle is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2015, 02:45 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The Art Museum and Pallettes Restaurant would be a great stop in Denver--and a reward for your driver/friend.
Casa Bonita is ONLY ONLY ONLY fun if you have children under 8 year old with you. PLEASE do not subject an adult to that. If you want a passable meal in a children's setting, go to the White Fence Farm.
Rather than the Molly Brown House, have high tea at the hotel if you want a taste of it But you really don't have time.
And yes, Celestial Seasonings is in Boulder--and I SO agreed with Deb!!
The cog railroad is perfectly safe. If you and your friend want to do it, you will already have been at altitude for some time--Santa Fe is 7500 feet, I think. I was surprised.
Just don't forget to drink water ALL the time--do not ever not have a water bottle with you from now on. Aspirin would be better than Dramamine.
I might ask if this use of time is what your friend wants (like the days in CO Springs instead of say Denver or RMNP) since you will be very near the Springs for 3 months. It would not be my choice for that short period of time but that is my choice, not yours.
Gretchen is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2015, 04:59 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,940
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
For live music on the plaza, check out the Fiesta Lounge in the lovely and historic LaFonda hotel. No cover charge and you can eat in the lounge, too, with all the Mexican dishes cooked in the hotel's restaurant. It's a very popular spot that attracts people who love to dance, so you will see some incredible moves. Music is top notch, too.

http://www.lafondasantafe.com/dining.../entertainment
jayne1973 is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2015, 05:08 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,940
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Also, Inn of the Governors has the Del Charro Saloon, which makes great on-the-rocks margaritas and serves inexpensive and tasty food specials.
jayne1973 is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2015, 05:23 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Color me embarrassed!
It is, of course, in Boulder!

How could I forget?? We went to the Kirkland Museum before it moved and it was really good!!

Pallettees Restaurant!! I had forgotten the name. But seriously, do make a reservation. It is a very popular spot for "the ladies who do lunch"

I should have commented that there is no cost to sit in the lounge and listen to Ronald Roybal. But trust me, you are gonna love those Prickly Pears maragitas. They are a bit pricey, but oh so worth it.

While Lee Ann gives a nod to the Capital building in Santa Fe, I wouldn't put it high on my list as there are so many other delights to see.

Just remembered one more great thing - and it isn't a long ride south of Santa Fe -- Tent Rocks. You need to go first thing in morning so it isn't hot [depends when in May that you go].

http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/rec...ent_rocks.html

There is loop route which isn't difficult or a more challenging hike up to the top. The nice thing is that it is an "out and back" so you can turn around at any point. bring WATER!!

And it's true that you will have had a few days to acclimate to altitude but still worth a mention.

A hat for when you are out walking, WAY more water than you'd imagine, chapstick, sunblock are all necessary. Between the sun and altitude you need them. You don't realize how easy it is to become dehydrated here since you don't feel yourself sweating. Same goes for Colorado. If your pee is darker than straw/wheat color, you aren't drinking enough!!
DebitNM is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2015, 05:27 AM
  #14  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 8,694
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi everyone,

First, thank you all for the replies. Please keep suggestions and opinions coming. I am loving this. Even though it seems our time is short, my friend is already talking about flying back in September to help me drive back to Illinois. That's the kind of friend she is!! Another good friend wants to come with her. I'd love to say it's all because of me, but I also know the lure of beautiful Colorado has something to do with it. What we don't get accomplished this trip in the Denver area, we can do next time.

I am going to look up the Celestial Seasonings tour. My only experience with Boulder thus far has been the mall (I have a teenage granddaughter). I have heard good things about Boulder's downtown area, kind of like Fort Collins Old Town area??

Gretchen, I have never taken Dramamine, so that was kind of a silly statement from me. I would probably sleep with my mouth open drooling up Pike's Peak which would not be pretty. I was better with heights when I was younger. I hadn't thought as much about altitude sickness as getting sick if the train was jerky and if I didn't feel safe inside the cars. I figured Colorado Springs was on the way to Fort Collins and Pikes Peak was something my friend should see.

My friend is up for anything. I keep telling her to figure out what she wants to see. I am such a planner but I don't want to take over her special trip. The Casa Bonita idea really is kind of crazy. Before my kids moved to Fort Collins I had been to Colorado twice before and left with some of my best memories. The first was my honeymoon (long ago) which was in the Colorado Springs area. The second was a family vacation with my 3 little kids. I'm a widow now. That's where my nostalgia about Colorado Springs and yes, Casa Bonita comes from, as we went there with the kids. Gretchen you may be right, the youngest grandkids are 2 and 9, I should save Casa Bonita for them. They would be enthralled.

So where is a fun dining experience in Denver with my friend? We could do lunch at the Art Museum and then a walking tour. The only sure thing I want to do is the tour of the Mint.

Nelson, thank you for your suggestions. I haven't taken the Molly Brown house off the list. It could be this trip or the next one and your other suggestions are great. Um, how did you know that I would appreciate the hot chocolate tip in Santa Fe? It went to the top of the list. My friend is a worse chocoholic than I am.

LeeAnn, I have since looked into the New Mexico Roundhouse and it said the artwork is worth the time. I want to have a few sights worth seeing on a list, but I don't need to have all the time planned out. I'm good with going with the flow and having experiences find us too.

I am even more excited now. I get a little sad about retirement as I have been lucky to have an amazing career that I have dearly loved. But then I think about this trip and I cannot wait!! Thank you Gretchen with the tip about having water with us everywhere. The dry southwest heat is so different from the humidity I'm used to in Illinois.
barbrn is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2015, 05:45 AM
  #15  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
LoDo might be a fun place to have dinner -

http://eatdrinkdenver.com/guide/LoDo-Restaurants?gid=19

http://www.denver.org/about-denver/d...borhoods/lodo/
DebitNM is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2015, 05:58 AM
  #16  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 8,694
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks again Debit, you and Jayne were posting when I was. I'll have to report back on our margarita consumption. A true pleasure of life! That and the Fort Collins Pimm's Cup. I am such a lightweight drinker but I am looking forward to these.

Jayne, I am so glad to hear that the Inn of The Governors is a good choice. I saw the Del Charro Saloon on the website. It looked so good. And I had looked at the LaFonda too. Thank you for telling me about this. I am going to love this trip so much.

Big question I have is driving in Denver. I drive in downtown Chicago so I am used to stress driving. However if it's better to take the shuttle from Fort Collins we could do that. Can we do a lot of walking to the destinations then or would we have to take taxis?

Thanks again everyone. I'm looking up more websites now.
barbrn is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2015, 06:05 AM
  #17  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 27,868
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I don't think driving in Denver would be any worse than in Chicago, but then I am always the passenger! We have been in Denver with and without a car. If you stay in downtown and LoDo you should be ok with public transit.
DebitNM is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2015, 08:16 AM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You will not have a problem driving in Denver--matching up with a shuttle would be more stressful.
Denver is on a grid except for some of the areas around the Pepsi Center.
Pallettes is a really lovely fine dining experience (Kevin Taylor restaurant) and do make reservations. The collection in the Art Museum, especially Native American, is wonderful.
For me, the Mint is something to do with your grands, if you have such a limited time.
The Botanic Gardens are beautiful. The Art Museum. Shopping! Pearl Street is a fun fun eclectic place to shop. The Tattered Cover has already been mentioned. there are good restaurants in the newly developed Union Station (in or near LoDo.
For a delicious, economical and fun French dinner, go to La Centrale.
And although I mentioned water, the added admonition for sun screen, hat is well taken--not just for this trip but ALL the time you are in Colorado. The lack of water will exacerbate any inclination toward altitude sickness.
Gretchen is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2015, 08:35 AM
  #19  
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 11,714
Likes: 0
Received 17 Likes on 4 Posts
Since I retired 10 years ago this month, I have traveled far more miles on Amtrak than I have flown. Both the California Zephyr and the Southwest Chief stop in Galesburg IL in the late afternoon. Last month I took the Zephyr east from Sacramento through Denver to Galesburg.
I spent a week with a rental car from Galesburg and then took the Southwest Chief through Albuquerque all the way to Los Angeles.
A roomette would work well for you and your friend. Albuquerque has a few things going for it too.
I like the slower pace of the train compared with being compressed into a plane with a 34" or less seat pitch.
Amtrak doesn't care if you have bottles larger than 3.2 oz.
You do have to keep your shoes on while moving about the train.
tomfuller is offline  
Old Apr 20th, 2015, 08:41 AM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,334
Likes: 0
Received 8 Likes on 1 Post
I think you'll be quite pleased with Kakawa chocolate. They'll have several "elixirs" brewing each day, so you can sample some and decide on your favorite. You can even customize your own brew, catering to your taste in sweetness and flavors / spices. We have been getting them mail order to have at home now.

Confess I had to look up Pimms Cup, which is probably not my cup of tea, no pun intended. I'm curious where you get one Fort Collins? Our favorite cocktail venues in town are now Elliots and the Coppurmuse, though as you know we have a lot of options in town.

The Rio has been the standard in margaritas for decades, but they have competition now.

Have a great trip.
Nelson is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -