A Colorado Family Vacation Packed with Fun and Memories

Why Vacation? Because You Need It

We all know that life does not pause or wait for anyone. Work, family, and everything in between can sometimes pile on stress. So what's the best antidote? A good old-fashioned vacation!

Now, I used to be that person who felt guilty for taking time off to use the annual leave time that I earned. Can you believe that, according to a Forbes article, in 2023, 765 million vacation days were left unused by Americans? And get this: according to HBR, 30% of those days were completely forfeited!

But here’s the thing: taking a break is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Vacations are like hitting the refresh button. Maybe a break, some rest, an experience—why not take a vacation? And honestly, planning the vacation is sometimes half the fun, unless it’s Disney! I mean, who doesn’t get a little pep in their step just thinking about an upcoming vacation and getting away?

The Colorado Adventure Begins: Longmont

Alright, let's dive into the fun part—my family’s unforgettable trip to Colorado. We kicked off our adventure in the fascinating town of Longmont, where we spent the first few days soaking in all the mountain views and country vibes. The start of our trip was all about visiting family. We had a chance to spend time with April’s grandparents and celebrate her grandpa’s 92nd birthday. It was good to see everyone and let the kids meet and run around with their cousins.

In Longmont, I got a real taste of the country lifestyle. We even attended a horse show, where I got a crash course on what the judges looked for in each rider. I gained a whole new appreciation for how skilled you have to be to compete in a horse show. I also rode in a horse-drawn carriage, feeling like I was straight out of a Western movie. Riding up to the foothills of the mountains was an experience straight out of a movie.

One day, we took a quick drive up to Boulder to check out The University of Colorado Boulder. The campus was stunning, and the mountain backdrop? Even better in person than on TV.

On another day, we took a trip up to Estes Park, one of my favorite places of the vacation. The scenery was breathtaking, and it was so peaceful with all the surrounding nature. We visited the historic Stanley Hotel, walked around downtown, and took it all in.

Glenwood Springs: Hot Springs & Wild West History

Next, we headed up and over to Glenwood Springs, and boy, was it a treat! On the way, we made a pit stop at the Phoenix Gold Mine, where the kids got to pan for gold. Spoiler alert: We didn’t strike it rich, but the experience was priceless.

Glenwood Springs is famous for its natural hot springs, and let me tell you, there’s no better way to unwind than in the warm, mineral-rich waters. We spent an entire day at Glenwood Hot Springs, the world’s largest natural hot springs pool. There was something for everyone, from the kiddie slides to the whitewater tubing area, which we may or may not have gone down four times.

Of course, we couldn’t resist a little history lesson, so we hiked up to Linwood Cemetery to see the graves of Kid Curry and Doc Holliday. And because I was in the Wild West, I just had to get myself a Colorado-authentic cowboy hat.

Keystone: Elevation, Snow Tubing & Scenic Views

After Glenwood, we made our way to Keystone, but not before stopping at Lionshead Village. It was so picturesque that I was already planning my next visit. Keystone was the highest elevation we visited, and let me tell you, the views were breathtaking—literally. I had to catch my breath a few times, but it was worth it.

One of the highlights was snow tubing in the summer. Only in Colorado, folks! We also did some hiking (because what’s a Colorado trip without a hike or two?) and soaked in the natural beauty that surrounded us. The mountains, rivers, and greenery were like something off of a postcard.

Denver & the Grand Finale

As our trip was winding down, we made a quick detour to the Red Rocks Amphitheater. This place is legendary, and walking around those massive red rocks was like being in another world.

Finally, we arrived in Denver, where we settled in for a short visit before heading back to Florida.

Wrapping It Up: Family, Adventure, and Fun

Reflecting on our Colorado adventure, I can’t help but smile at the memories we made. From the serene beauty of Longmont to the thrilling heights of Keystone, this trip was a perfect mix of family time, adventure, and pure fun.

And if there’s one thing I learned, it’s that vacations are more than just a break from the daily grind. They’re a chance to reconnect with what truly matters—whether it’s quality time with loved ones, experiencing new things, or just taking a moment to breathe in the fresh mountain air.

So, my friends, if you’re on the fence about taking that vacation, consider this your sign. Go ahead, plan that trip, and create some unforgettable memories of your own. You deserve it! And if you don’t take it, you won’t get that time back.