One of the best reasons to live in Denver, is the proximity to the Rocky Mountains. My favorite view is from the balcony of our previous residence located in Denver's Golden Triangle. With an unobstructed view of Mt Evans and the foothills, it doesn't get much better. Not much symbolizes the American West more than mountains, and with Denver located a short drive from world class mountain biking, skiing, and hiking, the views of the mountains are a daily reminder of why you live here.

A great bakery in Denver's Ballpark District, Hi*Rise is the perfect place to pick up a Jalapeno breakfast sandwich and coffee for breakfast, They also have a variety of delicious sandwiches for lunch, and definitely have the best peanut butter cookies around. Be sure to stop in on a weekend morning for their "waffle weekends", and try a buttermilk, blueberry, or red velvet waffle, served by their always friendly staff.

Ember Hostel is located in Cap Hill just a short walk from the state capitol, downtown bars and an awesome music scene. Capitol Hill was once the home of Denver’s elite and today consists of historic mansions, such as this. Ember Hostel was certainly an experience above all expectations. The mansion is decorated in retro style with so many details to look at. If you want to hang out at the lounge to perhaps get some work done, choose any of the many corners to curl up in. They also provide supplementary coffee, tea and fresh water. You can choose to stay in the dorm room, consisting of 16 bunkbeds, or you can stay at the private deluxe room for 2 with a queen bed. When you've found your buddy travellers, grab them all and jump in to the 10-people jacuzzi at the backyard. Or sit by the fireplace and drink beers and chit-chat. The staff is so friendly and at your service 24/7. They helped us with lots of local tips to restaurants, breakfast places and bars. Again, this was definitely over all expectations and I can definitely recommend staying here if you visit Denver.

Built in 1880, Denver's City Park is over 300 acres of trails. paths, ponds, and lakes, and is also home to the Denver Zoo, and the Museum of Nature and Science. It's a great place to play a game of soccer/football, go for a run with the City Park Running Club, go for a morning walk, or enjoy jazz Sundays in the summer. Modeled after English pastoral gardens and Central Park, City Park has winding paths, wide open spaces and great views of downtown and the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Looking to update your ranch and cowboy wardrobe? Yep, this is the place to go. Stepping in to Rockmount Ranch Wear feels like stepping right into a western movie. Here, you'll find anything you need to adopt the ranch and coyboy style. And the store itself is so much fun looking through with all western paintings, furnitures and of course, wearables.