DISCOVERING DENVER || LODO

Vacations are pretty incredible, right? They give you time to relax + recharge but also grant you the opportunity to see + discover new places. But when all is said + done, after about the third day, I get a bit homesick + long for a good night's sleep in my own bed.

Denver is the one + only exception (so far).

LoDo Sleeps

We recently took a belated Spring Break Trip to Denver + stayed at The Maven Hotel located on LoDo’s (Lower Denver) Dairy Block. I spent hours trying to find the just right spot to make our reservation. As soon as I saw a guest room with a bunk bed, I was sold. Plus they were running a grand opening special.

The picture above was taken from the parking garage across the street from The Maven along Wazee Avenue. The Maven Hotel is located on the far right side of the photo, situated between 19th + 18th Street. We were so close to Coors Field, where the Colorado Rockies play. Too bad there weren’t any home games happening during our stay. Womp, womp.

Inside The Maven is Poka Lola Social Club, a lounge area that offers guest at The Maven a complimentary evening cocktail.

I helped myself to a Crate + Barrel every evening. =)

Elevators to the guest rooms are just past Kachina Cantina + The Maven’s front desk. Kachina offers a complimentary cup of coffee to Maven guest + other breakfast items for purchase during early morning hours. Most mornings we took breakfast back to our room, which consisted of two ginormous, delicious breakfast burritos + an assortment of fruit. Breakfast was served out of the Airstream trailer pictured above but they also have a very nice dining area where they serve lunch + dinner meals.

Moving on to our room.The top bunk was a big hit with the kids. I thought they’d enjoy it. =)

LoDo Outings

As far as LoDo Outings go, there were two places that made my Bucket List. First, was visiting Denver’s Union Station.

Here’s the thing. I have never even visited Portland’s Union Station. Just read the reviews on trip advisor + you’ll know why. But I can tell you that Denver’s Union Station was impeccable.

It’s been very well maintained + restored. There’s no wonder it’s a hot spot for the people living + visiting the city.

The other LoDo Outing that made the list was to take a stroll along 16th Street Mall. 

One of my best friends from Texas, Lyndsey, told me to check out the pianos on display there, so off we went, and boy, were we in luck. The pianos had just been brought out + many of the artists were still painting them.

Image my surprise when one of the artist, Donté Janae, asked my children if they would like to paint on hers!

I was beyond thrilled. So were they. =)This was such a special surprise + experience. My daughter left declaring, “This has been the most wonderful day!!”

LoDo Eats

I kind of felt like I was drowning when trying to decide where to eat in LoDo. And honestly, most of the restaurants that made my list we didn’t even go to. There are only so many times you can eat a meal in one day. Plus, there were so many options a short walk from The Maven, it just made sense to try out what was close.

Inside Union Station, we had a quick bite to eat at Acme Delicatessen followed by a sweet treat at Milkbox, but it was brunch at Snooze that stole the show, in my opinion.

I had never ordered any form of eggs benedict before but I was feeling adventurous. I ordered their Bella!Bella!Benny + it was so very tasty. Also, I fell in love with their coffee mugs. I tried to purchase one to take home with me but they were out. Bummer.

Snooze wasn’t the only restaurant that was worth mentioning. Here are a few more that are all delicious + all located in LoDo.

Lucky Pie

Wynkoop Brewing Company

The Pig + The Sprout

I can’t wait to visit again… or just move there.

There’s more to come, y’all! These were just the spots we visited in LoDo. Stay tuned for more Denver City Adventures!

Also, a few more random shots...

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Two Years Old

 Delta Mae, you are TWO! And bless your heart, you are sick on your birthday this year. You started off your birthday waking up next to me, which doesn't happen too often. You are really good about sleeping in your own bed, but sickness calls for extra snuggles. You've napped three times already today, which also doesn't happen too often. You usually have just one nap a day, although you've gone all day with out napping a handful of times. You just don't feel good.

This morning, we gave you a little happy, an Anna cup and Frozen stickers. You approved. You'll get more than you need at your birthday party. 

You also received a phone call from the Bubble Guppies where they wished you a Happy Birthday!

We haven't left the house all day, nor have you eaten a thing all day. I had intended on making you cupcakes, but with your upset tummy in mind, I don't think that's the best thing for you.

Aside from mentioning how sick you are today, I also want to take the time to mention other important things about you that I will certainly forget later in life. Probably next month! So here goes. Your nickname remains the same, Honey Chicken. Although, we do shorten it just Chicken a lot. You are a BIG talker these days. You usually make an attempt to say the things we ask you too, but you can hold a conversation with us all on your own. We say you sound like Sean Connery when you speak because you like to add -sh, -ch, or -s to the end of many to your words. Here are some of the things you say a lot.

"Moosh, Bruh-Bruh!" 

- Wyatt is usually blocking your view of the tv when you say this.

"Whach dats means" 

- You have moved past asking "what's that."

"Wipes nosh mines" 

- You get a runny nose often and don't like it on your face.

"Yesh man" 

- Yes, ma'am. We are Southern after all.

"Peech" 

- When you say please, you usually squeeze your belly with both hands real tight.

"I have no idea" 

- You stress the first syllable of the word idea, rather than the second. It's adorable.

"I dit dit." 

- I'll get it 

"Awe, man"

- When you don't get your way.

When we ask you who you love, you name everyone in the room, as long as you know their name.

You love to watch Disney's Frozen. You ask to watch it by saying, "Yet it go." The only Disney Princess you identify by name is Princess Anna. Every other one you call "Prin-Presh" 

You also watch Disney Junior and love it when Mickey Mouse Clubhouse comes on. You call both Mickey and Minnie "Me Moush."

And also, Bubble Guppies. They are a nighttime favorite.

When you get ready to race, you say, "two, two, go!"

Food Preferences:

"Milch"

You drink lots of milk.

"Dog dogs"

Hot Dogs with lots of ketchup

Sausage Links

Scrambled Eggs and Grits with cheese

Fruit

The center of Oreos

Gummies

"Pom Pom"

Popcorn

Much unlike your brother, you love Coke, Root Beer, Juices, etc. You want whatever I'm drinking.

Your Two Year Well Visit is scheduled for next week so I weighed and measured your height at home. 

You are 28 pounds and 34.75 inches tall.

We love you, sweet girl! Happy Birthday to you!

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