So, a Liberal and Conservative go to Denver Together.......

     What do you do with a random flight credit? Further, what do you when your awesome Neighbor Lady, Lynn, but I like to call her "Neighbor Lady" got the same flight credit? Clearly you roll it into a quick girls weekend to Denver, because it is an awesome city, with tons of stuff to do. It was around 70 degrees the day we arrived and to my surprise horror surprise, it was the same weekend as the volleyball qualifier I used to play in. Yay! Over-crowded restaurants filled with teenage girls 😎! However, it never posed a problem because, we never really ventured out of the Highland neighborhood where we had rented a sweet house. Now, why rent a house you ask? You are a travel agent, but, remember the volleyball players I was telling you about? Getting away on a cheap plane ticket, only to spend $300 a night on a hotel room is just not justifiable. Aside from being a topic for another day, there are many cities in this country who have horrible hotel rates and as a Travel Agent it pains me greatly and is something cities should be addressing if they want to remain competitive with the shared economy. Because, I would RATHER stay in a hotel, I LOVE staying in hotels, where else can you lay in bed in your underwear and drink a beer in front of a TV?

Our first stop after an admitted quick "hooker shower," er swipe of deodorant and mascara re-fresh was at Linger for their awesome happy hour on their rooftop, in the sun. The beautiful sunshine, the best place to gossip, which we did because there were no husbands or kids to scold us. We then headed to Williams & Graham, put our name in then hit up Highland Tap and Burger. Now their menu was awesome, but my Neighbor Lady is a practicing Catholic and it was Friday, so you can imagine my horror when I realized I forgot and she was munching on the ridiculously creative lamb vindaloo poutine with me, I am still convinced that I am going to hell for that one. After a few drinks and an enlightening chat with the bartender about where to go next, we just made it in time for our seats at the bar at W&G. ⇩

This is where Friday night part 2 comes into play, hence the new paragraph.  I am a scotch girl, sometimes Irish whiskey if I am feeling adventurous. But, I like it plain, neat, maybe with an ice cube or drop of water. I also like old fashions, sidecars, some weird old drinks like a French 75, but I have a hard time with "craft cocktails." Now Becky with the Good Hair was enjoyable, it just kind of set me up for failure. This is a good MN raised, WI living girl who can hold her own, but to this day 2 months later, I can still taste that drink in the back of my throat and it honestly makes me shudder. Needless to say, W&G is a unique and pleasant place and you should definitely check it out if that is your thing, and I would again, but just stick with something boring. Our next stop was Recess Beer Garden which was like a warm grip from heaven to a couple of Midwestern-ers who hadn't seen sun since January. The bartender from Highland Tap sent us there and it was a definite hit. We drank, we made friends, we got into an Uber, went somewhere, then headed home. I cannot tell you anymore because, well, that stupid Becky with the Good Hair.

      Saturday I was on my own. Alas, my goodly Neighbor Lady needed a day to lay on the ground outside our rental. I tried to revive us with some good food from Sassafras Eatery, just around the corner. That place was golden and accommodating with to-go orders, which I love. That is a definite must do location. I then spent most of the day outside lounging with NL before meeting my cousins and aunt -in-laws at Briar Common Brewery. I am not sure if we are getting meaner in the Midwest, but I was struck there how damn nice everyone was. Down right friendly, like they didn't mind getting me drinks or food. It might be Kenosha's, ahem, service issues, but man it felt nice to be smiled at and genuinely feeling wanted. That was about it for Saturday, kind of the calm for the Sunday storm.....

Because everyone starts out Sunday morning with tequila drinks right?

       Both revived, we hit up Lola for brunch and aside from drinks and donuts, shared the most peculiar brunch dish that would make my husband kill me out of envy. Torta Ahogada, an open faced torta in a tomato broth with the tenderest pork on top, as well a fried egg. We then went to the rooftop at Avanti, almost like a public market with a bar, rooftop, seating inside. I mean seriously if MKE Public Market is looking for a re-boot, they should look no further. After that is was a beer at Prost Brewing Company and then wouldn't you know it, we ended up back at Recess for the rest of the sunny afternoon. Then Denver Beer Co, where I met my new handsome white haired boyfriend. We caught an amazing singer at El-Chapultepec, then rested a few hours and headed home. We got a lot in, but that is the point of all this, to see, to hear, to eat, to drink, to meet, to experience, no restraints of everyday life. When I say, "all this" what I mean is a general term for life. "All of this" is our time here, everything we are given. Not once did we fight about politics. Not once did we let our ideological clash rule the day, night, or anything we wanted to do. So, the next time you want to let it all go, hit up Travel Further and we can help make that happen, or if you are headed to Denver and are just looking for some ideas, use this as a quick reference. I am always here to help you make the extraordinary ordinary.