An Epic St. Patrick’s Day Weekend: From Winter Park Slopes to Denver’s Lively Pubs
There are some weekends that simply defy easy description, moments when the sheer volume of experiences leaves you wondering where to even begin. This past St. Patrick’s Day weekend was unequivocally one of them. As I sit here, attempting to regain some semblance of normalcy, my sole companion a robust piece of celery, it’s clear the past 48 hours were a whirlwind of indulgence, laughter, and unforgettable memories. St. Paddy’s Day has a peculiar way of dissolving boundaries, doesn’t it? Suddenly, the idea of crispy fried pickles, loaded nachos, and washing it all down with a spicy Bloody Mary or a cool, crisp beer becomes not just acceptable, but practically mandatory. It’s that age-old adage, “When in Rome,” taken to its most delightful extreme. And trust me, when you fully embrace that philosophy, things can get wonderfully, gloriously wild.
Our adventure began on Friday night, a much-anticipated escape to the picturesque landscapes of Winter Park, Colorado. As I briefly mentioned on Thursday, we were incredibly fortunate to join our friends, the Lehmans, who had won a fantastic two-night stay at the esteemed Winter Park Resorts. Their generosity set the stage for what would become an epic mountain getaway, promising fresh air, snowy slopes, and a much-needed break from the everyday grind.
Our Winter Park Escape: A Luxurious Mountain Retreat
Finding Our Mountain Home at Founder’s Point
Upon our arrival in Winter Park, under the cloak of twilight, our first task was locating our accommodation. The email detailing our stay simply listed “Founder’s Point/Crossing” without any specific directions, leading to a rather humorous, albeit slightly frustrating, 20-minute quest through the resort complex. While the lack of detailed guidance was a minor hiccup – perhaps a hand-drawn map wouldn’t go amiss for future guests, Winter Park marketing! – the anticipation only grew with each turn, adding a touch of discovery to our adventure.
However, the moment we finally discovered our condo, all minor frustrations melted away. Nestled directly across the street from the vibrant Winter Park Village, the location was nothing short of perfect. This prime spot meant easy access to dining, shopping, and, most importantly, the ski lifts. The room itself was a delightful surprise – far more spacious than our loft back home, boasting a contemporary design and all the modern conveniences one could wish for. From the fully equipped kitchen, perfect for morning coffee rituals, to the comfortable living area, it was an ideal sanctuary for our weekend escapade. The luxurious feel and thoughtful amenities truly made it a home away from home, elevating our mountain experience. A huge high-five to Listy for securing such a fantastic base for our mountain adventures!
Culinary Delights at The Cheeky Monk
After our mini-expedition to find the condo, and the subsequent unpacking, we had certainly worked up a formidable appetite. Rather than venturing back into town, the charm of the Winter Park Village beckoned with its promise of diverse culinary options. Its pedestrian-friendly pathways, lined with inviting establishments, offered the perfect solution for our rumbling stomachs. Our eyes quickly landed on the “Cheeky Monk,” a name that instantly promised a lively atmosphere and intriguing culinary options, hinting at a European flair. Sold! We knew we had found our dinner spot for the evening.
Stepping inside, we were immediately captivated by the restaurant’s unique aesthetics. It struck a perfect balance between rustic, hearty pub elements and a subtle hint of feminine elegance, thanks to the gracefully hanging chandeliers that cast a warm, inviting glow throughout the space. The exposed wood beams and cozy seating arrangements created an atmosphere that was both sophisticated and remarkably comfortable. As an authentic Belgian pub, the decision on how to begin our culinary journey was easy: we delved straight into their impressive selection of craft beers. The boys, ever the enthusiasts, opted for the renowned Boulevard Tank7, a robust brew hailing all the way from Kansas City, its rich, complex flavors perfectly setting the tone for the evening. It was a true taste of the Midwest in the heart of the Rockies.
Listy and I, on the other hand, embarked on a delightful journey through their sampler path, eager to explore the diverse offerings. Each small glass presented a new adventure for the palate, from crisp lagers to malty stouts. Among the various intriguing options, the Samuri quickly became my undeniable favorite. It offered a masterful equilibrium between a dark and a light beer, delivering a complex yet remarkably smooth profile that was both satisfying and refreshing. It wasn’t too heavy, nor too light, striking that elusive perfect balance. It was truly a testament to the Cheeky Monk’s exceptional brewing expertise and curated selection.
Our appetites well and truly whetted by the exquisite beers, we decided to share a couple of appetizers that perfectly encapsulated the “when in Rome” spirit. First, a plate of crispy fried pickles arrived, a revelation to my taste buds. I’d never encountered an entire pickle spear fried before – usually, it’s chips – but oh my, they were utterly delicious, with a delightful combination of tangy brininess, salty coating, and a satisfying crunch. Alongside, we indulged in a classic bruschetta, its fresh, vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and garlic-infused olive oil providing a wonderful contrast to the richness of the fried pickles. These starters were a delightful prelude to the main courses.
For my main course, I continued my dive into hearty, flavorful fare with the chicken sausage brat. Served with generous portions of tangy sauerkraut, which added a wonderful sour crunch, and a zesty lemon aioli dressing that brightened every bite, it was an absolute triumph – freakin’ delish, as I recall! The sausage was perfectly cooked, juicy and packed with savory goodness. And, I must give myself a little pat on the back for making a conscious choice amidst the delicious indulgence: opting for a refreshing side salad instead of the tempting, but heavy, fries. It was a small victory for balance, allowing me to enjoy the richness of the brat without feeling overly stuffed.
Relaxed Mornings and Mountain Adventures
Sports, Serenity, and St. Patrick’s Day Prep
After a truly satisfying dinner at the Cheeky Monk, we retreated to the comfort and warmth of our spacious condo, where the evening continued with a relaxed vibe. We settled in to catch some of the NCAA tournament games, completely engrossed in the nail-biting action of March Madness. The upsets were truly incredible – who would have thought Missouri and Duke, two powerhouse teams, would fall so early in the competition? The unpredictability of college basketball always makes for compelling viewing, and it was the perfect backdrop for a cozy night in with good company, chatting and laughing into the evening.
Saturday morning arrived with the promise of more relaxation and a slow start. We all relished sleeping in, taking advantage of the peaceful mountain air and the comfortable beds. Our plan for the early part of the day was to watch the K-State game, which kicked off at 10 am, right from the comfort of our spacious condo. Listy and I made a quick dash for provisions, returning with a delightful spread of breakfast burritos, all the fixings for Bloody Marys, and, of course, plenty of steaming hot coffee. There’s something truly magical about sipping a hot brew, Bloody Mary in hand, while gazing out at the majestic, snow-capped mountains – it feels like a secret potion for morning bliss, if only I knew how to replicate it every single day! This peaceful, picturesque start to the day was exactly what a mountain getaway should be.
Alas, I won’t dwell too much on the K-State game itself. Let’s just say it didn’t quite go our way, leaving us with a feeling that can only be expressed through a universal symbol of playful sympathy for a tough loss. Sometimes, words just aren’t enough when your team doesn’t pull through.
Hitting the Slopes: Embracing Spring Skiing in Winter Park
Once the game concluded, we eagerly donned our ski gear, ready to hit the slopes. The excitement of skiing in Winter Park was undeniable, even if the conditions weren’t prime. For anyone who doesn’t frequent the ski resorts, or even those who only make an annual pilgrimage, this particular season has been notoriously challenging. It was, without exaggeration, one of the worst ski seasons in a century, marked by a frustrating lack of fresh snowfall for two weeks straight and night temperatures barely dipping below freezing. While the conditions weren’t ideal, the call of the mountains was irresistible, and we were determined to make the most of it, embracing the spirit of the adventure despite the challenges.
The silver lining, however, of spring skiing is the magical phenomenon known as “spring corn.” This delightful snow condition feels surprisingly like fresh powder underfoot, yet it’s actually the old snow that has undergone a freeze-thaw cycle, transforming into tiny, granular crystals. It offers a unique and enjoyable ride, especially when compared to sheets of ice or heavy slush. It provides excellent edge grip and a playful feel that can make even a low-snow season enjoyable. While it did get a little squishy later in the day as temperatures rose and the sun worked its magic, the early morning “corn” was fantastic, allowing for some surprisingly good turns and plenty of fun down the mountain. The panoramic views of the Rockies under a bright blue sky certainly didn’t hurt either.
We carved through the spring corn for about two exhilarating hours, soaking in the crisp mountain air and stunning panoramic views. The sensation of gliding down the slopes, even on “corn,” was pure bliss. Before heading back inside to transition for the next part of our day, I couldn’t resist a quick photo op in my favorite ski-day attire: a vibrant green t-shirt emblazoned with “Kiss Me, I’m a Wildcat.” It was the perfect tribute to both my K-State pride and the approaching St. Patrick’s Day festivities, ensuring I carried a piece of the holiday spirit onto the mountain.
St. Patrick’s Day Extravaganza in Denver
Après-Ski and the Return to City Life
Our skiing session concluded with a mandatory stop at the Derailer for some well-deserved après-ski in the glorious afternoon sun. This lively spot, bustling with fellow skiers and snowboarders, provided the perfect atmosphere to unwind after a few hours on the slopes. The vibrant energy, refreshing drinks, and animated chatter provided the ideal transition from the exhilarating mountain environment. However, the day was far from over. Our next destination was Denver, where the promise of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with the rest of our friends, our “village,” awaited. We knew the city would be buzzing with energy, and we were eager to dive headfirst into the urban festivities after our refreshing mountain retreat.
Upon our arrival back in Denver around 7:30 PM, the St. Patrick’s Day spirit was palpable and electrifying. The city was a sea of green, echoing with laughter and music. We quickly regrouped with our friends at Fado’s Irish Pub, which was, to put it mildly, absolutely bananas! The entire street surrounding the pub was transformed into a massive festival zone, featuring three huge tents, each pulsating with live bands, and beer flowing freely from every direction imaginable. The sheer scale of the celebration was incredible. The $15 entry fee felt a bit steep for a late arrival, but if you’d been there soaking up the vibrant atmosphere and enjoying the continuous entertainment all day, it might have seemed more reasonable. Still, when you factor in the $10 beers, it definitely stretched the definition of a “deal.” But on St. Paddy’s, you embrace the experience, the crowds, and the festive spirit wholeheartedly!
From Bustle to ‘Chilax’: Exploring Denver’s Nightlife
The energy at Fado’s was infectious and undeniably epic, but after a while, we decided to seek out a slightly more “chilax” vibe – a place where we could chat more easily and soak in a different kind of Denver nightlife. A short, festive stroll down the street led us to Herb’s, a true Denver institution. Herb’s is renowned as a fantastic dive bar, celebrated for its vibrant local bands, typically playing jazz or funk, and refreshingly cheap drinks. It’s the kind of unpretentious spot where you can truly unwind, enjoy authentic live music, and soak in the genuine, laid-back atmosphere of Denver’s local scene. I absolutely dig it. Word! It was the perfect counterpoint to the massive St. Patrick’s Day street party, offering a more intimate and relaxed setting to continue our celebrations.
As you might imagine, the streets of Denver on St. Patrick’s Day were a spectacle of humanity, filled with an assortment of enthusiastic revelers, each adding to the vibrant tapestry of the celebration. Amidst the joyous chaos and colorful costumes, one particular sight stood out as my favorite of the night: a guy sporting a t-shirt that perfectly captured the spirit of the holiday with a touch of irreverent green humor. It was a perfect blend of holiday cheer and clever wit, exemplifying the lighthearted fun that permeated the entire city.
The rest of the night, after our memorable stop at Herb’s, became a blur of joyous celebration and festive camaraderie. Details may have grown a little fuzzy, as tends to happen on such lively occasions, but the feeling of pure, unadulterated fun and the warmth of good company remains vividly clear. It was a St. Patrick’s Day for the history books, a testament to good friends, good times, and a full embrace of the holiday spirit that truly made the weekend unforgettable.
Reflections on an Epic Weekend
Looking back, this past weekend was a perfect blend of exhilarating mountain activities and lively urban celebrations. From the serene beauty of Winter Park’s slopes and the cozy comfort of our condo to the pulsating energy of Denver’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities at Fado’s and the laid-back vibes of Herb’s, every moment was packed with excitement and joy. It was a potent reminder of how wonderful it is to step outside our routine, embrace new experiences, and share them with the people we care about, creating cherished memories along the way. This kind of spontaneous adventure is truly what life is all about.
As for the immediate aftermath? Well, let’s just say my body is currently in recovery mode. The transition from gourmet pub food and craft beers to the humble celery stick is a stark, yet necessary, one. “Babe, could you toss me another celery stick? Thanks.” The crisp crunch of healthy sustenance is a welcome sound, a gentle reminder that even the most epic weekends eventually come to a close, paving the way for a return to balance. But the laughter, the camaraderie, and the vibrant memories of our Winter Park and Denver St. Patrick’s Day adventure? Those will certainly last a lifetime.
