Greetings from the heart of Denver! While our usual weekend excursions often lead us high into the majestic Rocky Mountains, this particular weekend finds Mr. B and me enjoying the urban comforts of the city. You might be wondering why we’ve traded alpine vistas for cityscapes, and the reason is quite simple, albeit unfortunate: Mr. B is currently battling the early onset of spring allergies. As the vibrant season begins to unfold, bringing with it budding trees and blooming flowers, it also ushers in a cascade of allergens that have unfortunately wreaked havoc on his system. He’s been grappling with persistent sniffles, an aching body, and that generally miserable feeling that comes with seasonal sickness. In a collective effort to prevent the spread of these unwelcome germs and ensure a speedy recovery, we made the sensible decision to stay put, prioritize rest, and allow him the space to heal.

Denver, known for its incredible access to outdoor adventures, also boasts a vibrant urban core with plenty to offer for a more relaxed weekend. Sometimes, the best way to reset is to embrace the slower pace of city life, explore local gems, and simply allow for a peaceful recovery. This unexpected change of plans presented a unique opportunity to rediscover parts of our own neighborhood and indulge in some of the city’s lesser-explored charms. Little did we know, this forced downtime would transform into a delightful exploration of Denver’s local scene, starting with a cherished morning ritual.

After a much-needed, truly restful slumber, we awoke this morning feeling refreshed and ready to gently ease into the day. The sun, a brilliant disc in the clear blue Colorado sky, was already casting its warm, golden glow across the city, promising a beautiful day ahead. With renewed energy, we decided that the perfect start to our Saturday would be a leisurely walk to Mona’s Restaurant for a delicious breakfast. There’s something inherently rejuvenating about stepping out into crisp morning air, especially when it’s accompanied by sunshine that warms your skin and lifts your spirits.

The walk to Mona’s is a delightful five-minute stroll from our loft, a perfect distance to awaken the senses without expending too much energy. It felt invigorating to get the blood pumping gently, taking in the sights and sounds of our neighborhood coming alive. Mona’s isn’t just any breakfast spot; it holds a special place in our hearts and is arguably one of my absolute favorite places to eat for either breakfast or lunch in Denver. Its charm lies not just in its cozy atmosphere but in its unwavering commitment to quality ingredients. Everything they serve is organic, crafted with care, and consistently incredibly yummy! It’s the kind of place where you feel good about what you’re eating, knowing it’s both wholesome and delicious.

The menu at Mona’s offers a comforting array of classic breakfast staples alongside unique, globally inspired dishes. From fluffy pancakes to hearty scrambles, there’s always something to tempt every palate. The inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling breakfast items fills the air, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance that makes you feel right at home. It’s a true local treasure, a place where the community gathers, and every meal feels like a little celebration of good food and good company. Supporting such establishments adds to the rich tapestry of Denver’s culinary scene and provides an authentic taste of local life.

Given that Mr. B and I both made the commitment to abstain from red meat for Lent, we had to sadly pass on one of Mona’s acclaimed dishes: the corned beef. While it’s a tempting option, our resolve held firm. Nevertheless, the extensive and appealing menu at Mona’s ensured we found equally satisfying alternatives. We managed to completely satisfy our hunger with a perfectly crafted breakfast burrito for me and a flavorful Mexican omelet for Mr. B. My breakfast burrito was generously filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, beans, and a kick of green chili, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Mr. B’s Mexican omelet was a vibrant medley of eggs, fresh vegetables, and just the right amount of spice, proving to be both nourishing and incredibly tasty. Both dishes were, in a word, delish – a testament to Mona’s ability to deliver exceptional flavors even within dietary constraints. It was a wholesome and hearty meal, exactly what we needed for a day of recovery and gentle exploration.

Next on our agenda, after a truly satisfying breakfast and a short, pleasant walk, was a visit to REI. This outdoor retail giant is, quite conveniently – or perhaps dangerously, depending on your wallet’s perspective – located right around the corner from Mona’s. Its proximity makes it an irresistible stop for anyone in Denver with even a passing interest in outdoor activities. REI is more than just a store; it’s a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from camping gear and climbing equipment to cycling apparel and winter sports essentials. Walking through its doors feels like stepping into a playground for adventurers, where every aisle promises a new exploration or an upgrade to your next grand expedition.

My primary mission for this particular REI visit was to scout out a new set of skis. For my birthday, Mr. B had graciously promised me this exciting gift, and I was eager to see if they stocked the specific model I had been dreaming of: the K2 Missbehaved skis. These skis are renowned for their versatility and performance, perfect for tackling diverse mountain conditions, and I had been envisioning myself carving down slopes with them all season. The anticipation of new gear, especially something as pivotal as skis for a dedicated enthusiast like myself, always adds an extra layer of excitement to any shopping trip. Unfortunately, upon checking the extensive ski department, my hopes were dashed – they didn’t have the K2 Missbehaved in stock. While a tad disappointing, it wasn’t enough to dampen our spirits.

Despite the slight setback with the skis, it was still incredibly fun to simply walk around REI. The store is a veritable candy shop for anyone who loves the outdoors. We wandered through various sections, admiring the latest innovations in outdoor technology and gear. From the rows of gleaming mountain bikes and sophisticated camping tents to the vibrant displays of hiking boots and climbing ropes, there’s always something fascinating to observe. The energy within REI is palpable, a reflection of Denver’s strong outdoor culture. You see people of all ages and abilities, each with their own adventure in mind, whether it’s planning a challenging climb up a Fourteener or a serene weekend camping trip.

One of the most amusing observations during our stroll was the sight of the “roadies” – the avid cyclists – meticulously examining their gear while often clad in their signature spandex outfits. It always sparks a chuckle and a moment of wonder: how on earth do they manage to fit into those incredibly tiny shorts? Their dedication to their sport, evident in their focused expressions and serious discussions about aerodynamics and gear ratios, is truly admirable, if not a little bewildering to the casual observer. It’s a testament to the diverse range of outdoor pursuits that thrive in Colorado, all converging under the vast roof of REI. This immersive experience, even without the specific skis I sought, highlighted the vibrant community that embraces and celebrates the endless possibilities of outdoor adventure in and around Denver.

As the afternoon approached, the realization set in that the rest of our day was going to be quite busy. With Mr. B on the mend and us opting for a relaxed city weekend, there was a significant list of errands to run and things to organize around the loft. During the height of ski season, it often feels like everything else takes a backseat to chasing fresh powder and mountain adventures. Laundry piles up, organizational tasks are deferred, and general home maintenance gets postponed. So, being home this weekend, even unexpectedly, ignited a strong urge within me to embark on a much-needed spring clean. The thought of decluttering, organizing, and refreshing our living space felt incredibly appealing, a perfect complement to the fresh start that spring symbolizes.

However, as with many weekend plans, a delightful dilemma presented itself. This particular weekend also coincided with St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday known for its lively celebrations, vibrant parades, and festive pub crawls. Denver, with its thriving downtown and numerous Irish pubs, is no stranger to enthusiastic St. Patty’s Day festivities. The allure of joining the green-clad crowds, enjoying some festive drinks, and soaking in the jovial atmosphere was certainly tempting. The contrast between a productive afternoon of spring cleaning and the carefree abandon of St. Patrick’s Day revelry created a genuine internal debate. “Decisions are the worst!” I found myself thinking, caught between the desire for efficiency and the pull of spontaneous fun.

Ultimately, this weekend retreat in Denver, born out of necessity, transformed into a wonderful blend of rest, local exploration, and the charming complexities of balancing daily life with festive opportunities. It served as a gentle reminder that sometimes, the best adventures are found not on distant mountain peaks, but in the simple pleasures of one’s own city, amidst good food, inspiring shops, and the delightful chaos of everyday choices. Whether we ended up tidying the apartment or toasting with a pint, one thing was clear: Denver always has something to offer, even on the quietest of weekends.