Guest House

Some places leave an imprint on your heart, while others you carry with you no matter where you go—thanks to the people who make them feel like home. Veronica is one of those people. My partner, Perry, is another.

When Veronica moved to Denver in 2020, a grand adventure began. We road-tripped from Virginia to Colorado, setting off into the unknown with a wild excitement that accompanies major life shifts. Since then, Denver has become a home away from home, filled with late-night talks, spontaneous plans, and the thrill of making new memories.

Thursday:

Perry and I were visiting Veronica for a few days in Denver before heading to Steamboat Springs with a larger crew—one last hurrah for the snowboarding season and an excuse to spend uninterrupted time with our favorite people.

Our flight landed in Denver just past noon, and the crisp mountain air wrapped us in its familiar embrace. We checked into LifeHouse LoHi, a stylish boutique hotel with Western-inspired design. I had long admired LifeHouse since it appeared on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2021 Hot List, drawn in by its dreamy bunk rooms. Naturally, it was at the top of my list when planning our stay.

We booked a King Room for two nights—about $450 with fees—and were greeted by the soft sounds of Khruangbin playing in the background, a subtle yet intentional touch that set the mood. The space was undeniably beautiful—moody lighting, cowboy motifs, and a leather bench at the foot of the bed. An antique moon-shaped lamp at check-in caught my eye, inspiring my own home decor hunt.

And yet, something felt missing. Without a lobby, concierge, or communal space beyond the restaurant, it felt less like a boutique hotel and more like a stylish Airbnb. The hospitality details—often the magic of a stay—felt like an afterthought. Still, Le Labo bath products, plush robes, and an in-room yoga mat were appreciated touches.

For lunch, we headed to Happy Camper in LoHi, where the energy buzzed with St. Paddy’s Day preparations. Over a casual, comfort-filled meal, anticipation for the days ahead buzzed between us. That evening, we met Veronica at La Forêt, a breathtaking restaurant adorned with fabricated aspen trees. Laughter carried us into the night at Chaos Bloom Theater, where an intimate comedy show kept us teetering on the edge of laughter and discomfort as comedy students showcased their talents.

Friday: 

A slow morning began with a honey oat milk latte from Pinwheel Coffee, its rich, floral notes awakening my senses. Our Uber driver, kind and chatty, shared recommendations for our trip, including the breakfast spot we were heading to, which was touristy but popular. The classic, Sam’s No. 3, an old-school diner featured a robust menu. Perry went classic, while I indulged in French toast crowned with fresh strawberries.

Eager to embrace Denver’s cultural side, we explored the Denver Museum of Art and then took a peaceful detour to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Time slowed as we observed bison roaming the landscape while listening to a podcast sharing fun tidbits about the park.

Friday evening was a special one, as we gathered to celebrate Veronica’s birthday at Potager, a quaint restaurant that felt like a warm embrace. The ambiance was intimate, illuminated by soft lighting and surrounded by rustic decor that was both elegant and inviting. We started our celebration with a bottle of Buckel Family’s ‘Dallas Black Vineyard’ Zinfandel, a choice as delightful as it was smooth.

We shared an array of dishes, each one a small journey for the palate. The chèvre and white pepper soufflé melted in our mouths, while the lengua birria flatbread surprised us with tender meat and a spicy kick. The scallops were the highlight—golden brown, perfectly seared, paired with buttery, white wine-poached potatoes. I savored every morsel, forgetting to capture photos as I immersed myself in laughter and stories shared with two of my favorite humans.

For dessert, we shared carrot cake and blueberry strudel—both beautiful but slightly underwhelming. Still, they served as a sweet end to a remarkable evening filled with camaraderie and heartfelt reminiscences about growing up and the passage of time. With a rotating menu that highlights local farmers, Potager was a reminder of the community that surrounds food and how every dish tells a story.

Saturday: 

Situated high in the Rocky Mountains, near the continental divide, lies the enchanting ghost town of Silver Plume. This quaint stop was a delightful surprise on our drive to Steamboat Springs, making us feel as though we’d been transported to another era. Plume Coffee Bar welcomed us with open arms, its cozy atmosphere enriched by books and souvenirs. I indulged in the fluffiest strawberry-frosted doughnut imaginable while savoring the tranquility of this sleepy town—a reminder of the beauty found in unexpected places.

Arriving at WorldMark Steamboat Springs, our group’s rental, we found a space that felt like home—expansive yet cozy. Then it was time to hit the slopes. Though still a beginner, I marveled at the softness of the snow beneath my board—a welcome cushion for my attempts at mastering new terrain.

That night, a minor hiccup turned into an unexpected delight. Our plans to dine at Old Town Pub were thwarted when we arrived to find the kitchen closed early. Instead, we landed at Salt + Lime, where a spicy margarita and a shrimp bowl proved to be the perfect consolation. The night crescendoed at Schmiggity’s, where Six Foot Blonde delivered an electrifying setlist featuring “Creep,” Lady Gaga, and The Cranberries. In that moment, with music reverberating through the space, the trip felt fully alive.

Sunday: 

A second day of snowboarding left the crew exhilarated and aching in the best way. I took the morning off to explore the ski village, which was fairly small and uneventful—making me yearn to hit the slopes again. Unfortunately, Perry had left for Boston with my board. The cure? A soak at Strawberry Park Hot Springs, a surreal haven of steaming pools nestled within a winter wonderland.

That night, we returned to the rental for a low-key evening of DIY pizzas, each of us crafting our creations, laughter filling the space as we made a mess in the tiny kitchen.

Monday: 

Our morning in Steamboat began with Veronica and me sharing Winona’s famous cinnamon roll, a warm, gooey pastry that deserved every ounce of its reputation—though I was critical of its size. At Big Iron Coffee Co., we lingered over cups of tea and coffee, unwilling to let the morning slip away too quickly.

After browsing curated shops like Adorn, The Westerly, and Deja Vu, we set out for our final adventure: horseback riding at Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch. Ray Heid, the ranch owner, welcomed us warmly. As a fourth-generation native, Ray’s connection to this land is profound, and it showed in his love for horsemanship.

As we rode through rolling hills, I felt the energy of the ranch echoing with history. The experience felt transformative, connecting us with nature and each other in a way only horseback riding can. We returned with hearts full of gratitude and a sense of wonder, eager to share our adventure.

That night, we gathered one last time over halloumi tacos and red wine—our final shared meal before parting ways.

This trip was more than just an itinerary of places visited; it was a patchwork of moments stitched together by laughter, adventure, and deep-rooted connections. From the artful intimacy of Denver’s dining scene to the rush of carving down Steamboat’s slopes, every piece of this journey held its own kind of magic.

Travel isn’t just about where you go, but who you go with and the stories you create along the way. In the company of those who make any place feel like home, every trip becomes a love letter to adventure itself.