I know many of you out there don't want to hear me talk about things I like out here in Colorado, for fear that we may never return to the south. Many of you have heard my complaints (dentist offices in strip malls, lack of snow days--even in treacherous road conditions by Colorado standards, the funding for schools, etc.) but there are some definite good things too. Given that we are anticipating many visitors in the coming spring, summer, and fall, I thought I'd share a few of my Colorado addictions. As I began finding pictures to illustrate this blog, I found that most of the things that give me bliss are shopping and food...I guess we all have our priorities! There are a few that were not Internet accessible; like Le Belle Nails...a salon that gives the BEST mani/pedi I have ever had! Or, the stories my students give me. I thought I had some good ones coming out of South Carolina...but wow. I could also mention the sunsets over the Rocky Mountains or the ability to look east and see city lights for miles.
Aspen Grove is a shopper's dream...and it keeps me occupied sufficiently. Best part is it's only a mile up the road. In the spring and summer there is a farmer's market every Saturday morning. Restoration Hardware is found in other parts of our country, but Colorado introduced this elevated home-decor store to me. My beloved blanket came from here along with our Christmas stockings. The only bad thing I can say about this store is that it is just too expensive for me to decorate my entire home. RH still inspires me...my favorite color from there is eucalyptus.
The above named restaurants are the usual spots you can find Tim and me. Tokyo Joe's is the healthiest fast food I've found and it's Asian-style cuisine...which you know I love. Wahoo's is by far my favorite dining experience on a dime. A delicious coastal twist on Mexican food in a boarder-meets-surfer-meets-skater atmosphere...Wahoo's knows tacos. Oddly enough, neither Tim nor I have ever had the taco. There are just too many other great things to try! My favorite is the Wahoo sandwich...though, I haven't heard anyone complain about any of the food. Rib City is a place many of you have heard of before, from my first summer in Colorado. It was my "south" in the middle of the plains. Rib City serves fried okra, BBQ sandwiches, and sweet tea. With country music playing in the background, you'll feel like you're at Sonny's or Mutt's in no time. Obviously, Tim and I have made ourselves regulars...we get our fix at least once a week. Noodles is the place we are planning to eat at tonight...my favorite is the Pan Asian Noodles (go figure.) This place offers a quality pasta dish with salad for $6.95. Definitely worth a visit if you ever come across one. Qdoba is the west's version of Moe's. We also frequent this place regularly (it can be found along with Noodles at Aspen Grove.) Our favorite here is the naked chicken burrito with black beans...all I can say is Y-U-M. After all of that, you can see that I am well fed in Colorado. If you come to visit, you will be too! On to sports...
I hope I don't get stoned for saying this, but Colorado doesn't really offer the college sports the south does. My heart will first and foremost always reside with the ACC, though they severely disappointed me today (and last night.) Since there isn't really a college team to follow, I have fallen prey to professional sports. The Nuggets are, by far, mine and Tim's favorite form of entertainment. Though they don't always win, they are our team...and the first professional basketball team I have ever cared about. A-I (Allen Iverson) is my favorite player, and yes, I do have a t-shirt with his jersey number. The Nuggets would definitely be the thing Tim and I would miss most about Colorado. Troy Tulowitzki (pictured below) is the new golden boy for the Colorado Rockies. After an exciting end to baseball season last October, we are all geared up for baseball this spring. Opening day has already sold out. I don't know that this has ever happened in Colorado. Tulo is a big reason everyone is so pumped. He's got the hustle Eckstein has, but is about ten years younger. If you make it out to visit us (hint, hint) we might let you see him in action!
Ok, so my diatribe on Colorado is almost over. There are many things I am still learning about this area (like how every street/road/avenue has the same name) and there are many things I painfully miss about South Carolina. Just know that while we are here, we would love to have you visit. Until then, you can click on the pics to explore the websites of all the places you're missing out on! :) To wrap this up, and quote a show that was filmed in Boulder, CO before most of us were born...Na-no, na-no.
