Exploring Boulder and Denver

Posted on February 27th, 2012 by peanutbutterfingers

After a day of snowshoeing, we drove back to Michaela’s apartment in Denver, but made a pit-stop in Boulder around 5 p.m. for some appetizers and drinks.

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Boulder is the cutest little town and I loved the brick streets, adorable shops, local restaurants, street music and active atmosphere. It actually reminded me a bit of Savannah, Georgia!

We walked a few blocks looking for a place to grab something light to eat to hold us over until dinner that night.

When we stumbled upon Salt, it looked like a great fit and we were seated immediately and ordered drinks and shared two dishes, including an apple and cheese salad in a citrusy dressing and the cheeseburger with French fries.

apple salad

burger

Since none of us were ready for dinner, our appetizers were perfect and did a great job of satisfying our desire for a snack before our main meal.

The food was good and we ate it up! I would love to return to Colorado and spend more time exploring Boulder because I have a feeling there are some gems to be found among the shops, restaurants and bars.

Thai Dinner 

Once we were back at Michaela’s apartment, we took our time getting ready, sipped on some wine and changed before heading out for a late dinner at Wild Bangkok, one of Michaela and her boyfriend Kyle’s favorite local Thai restaurants.

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When we arrived, we made the executive decision to sit at one of the floor-level tables.

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It was a great idea… in theory.

Not before long, sitting Indian-style began to make all of us feel uncomfortable and we began shifting around. I cracked up when I looked over at Michaela and Kyle they were basically sitting back-to-back.

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Leah and I were crammed underneath the table in the beginning, but eventually brought one leg out while waiting for our food which made us more comfortable.

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Such a classy bunch!

Our table shared eggrolls and edamame before ordering our entrees.

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Fantastic!

I think my craving for salty foods from earlier in the day when we were snowshoeing was still running rampant at dinnertime, because a veggie stir-fry sounded like the perfect dinner.

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I ordered the vegetable stir-fry with tofu and Bangkok rice and it hit the spot. I loved the sauce and made sure my rice soaked it all up. If I were a Denver resident, Wild Bangkok would be a go-to restaurant for me for sure.

Everyone else really enjoyed their meals as well.

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Isn’t she a cutie? A cutie with a carrot. Smile

Since we went to dinner close to 9 p.m., it was pretty darn late by the time we were finished and my stomach didn’t feel particularly great. It actually started cramping up and I felt pretty queasy when we were getting ready for dinner and I don’t know what was up. In retrospect, I cannot help but wonder if the altitude affected me more than I thought because I didn’t shake the light nausea and crampy feeling until Sunday morning.

Fortunately Michaela, Kyle and Leah were game to just head back to Michaela’s apartment and spend the rest of the night lounging and drinking there in our pajamas which sounded perfect to me!

It was another late night, but I was able to sleep in a bit on Sunday which was great.

Breakfast Extravaganza

On Sunday morning, Kyle made us the most amazing “Breakfast Extravaganza,” that he makes for Michaela and himself to enjoy once a week.

After hearing about “Breakfast Extravaganza” Saturday night at dinner, Leah and I were pretty pumped to try Kyle’s wonderful home cookin’.

Kyle made all of us a fantastic breakfast that included scrambled eggs with turkey sausage and diced peppers, roasted breakfast potatoes and pumpkin pancakes.

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I had a bit of everything and went back for more potatoes and another pancake. It was a great meal!

We lounged around their apartment a bit before changing and heading out into the cold, sunny weather to spend the afternoon walking around Denver.

Leah and I really wanted to see where Michaela works and she took us by the Optique of Denver where she works as an optometrist.

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If you’re looking for an awesome optometrist in Denver, Michaela is your girl!

After walking by the Optique of Denver, we walked a mile or two to grab lunch at a local pub near where Kyle works, also as an optometrist! They’re an eyeball-lovin’ couple. Smile

We waited about 30 minutes for a table and I was pretty darn hungry by the time we ordered. I opted for an avocado and Swiss cheese sandwich, loaded with veggies and served with a side of chips.

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I ate every last thing off my plate and a slice of Leah’s quesadilla. I was hungry!

By the time we were done with lunch, we had to head back to Michaela’s apartment fairly quickly so Leah and I could pack and make it to the airport on time for our evening flights back to Chicago and Tampa.

The flight went smoothly and I slept about half of the way there and used the remaining time to get some work done on my computer. I crashed hard at my parents’ house in Tampa for the night after arriving back in town a little after 11 p.m.

I really did have the best time in Colorado and seeing Michaela and Leah only makes me miss them more. They are two people I love a whole lot!

I’m hoping we can all get together again soon! Colorado was such a fun place to visit and I left the state understanding why so many people love it. It’s breathtakingly beautiful and has so much to offer. I’d love to go back!

Filed under: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Travel

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75 Responses to “Exploring Boulder and Denver”

  1. 1
    Bee Goes Bananas, on February 27th, 2012 at 3:34 pm Said:

    All that food looks delicious! I’m so glad you’re having a good time. I’d love to visit there sometime, but being from cold Canada, warmer destinations are a bit higher on my priority list at the moment! ;)

      

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  2. 2
    This Fit Chick, on February 27th, 2012 at 3:35 pm Said:

    Julie! you look so beautiful!! I’m not a huge fan of thai food, but that breakfast looks scrumptious :)

      

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  3. 3
    Hope @ With A Side Of Hope, on February 27th, 2012 at 3:36 pm Said:

    It sounds like you had a great time! :) That Thai restaurant looks so cool. I’ve never had Thai food before but I’ve always been curious to try it. The breakfast extravaganza sure looked yummy! Home fries and pumpkin pancakes are my favorite.

      

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  4. 4
    Stephanie @ Legally Blinde, on February 27th, 2012 at 3:38 pm Said:

    I’m not sure there’s anything better than a breakfast of eggs, sausage, potatoes, and pancakes. (Maybe a biscuit thrown in there, haha!) And a pumpkin pancake at that – I’m drooling! Sounds like a great trip :)

      

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  5. 5
    Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat, on February 27th, 2012 at 3:40 pm Said:

    Oh wow, I really want to visit Colorado now!! The Thai dinner sounds absolutely delicious, and I think I would have ordered the same dish as you. I’m also not really a fan of those low-to-the-ground tables because I get so uncomfortable sitting cross-legged. I guess I need to work on my flexibility a little more often! Have a great afternoon Julie!

      

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  6. 6
    HRCK the Herald, on February 27th, 2012 at 3:40 pm Said:

    Looks like so much fun!

    Sorry you weren’t feeling well, and glad that your friends were happy to lie low with you!

      

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  7. 7
    Jenny, on February 27th, 2012 at 3:41 pm Said:

    I’ve never been out to Colorado but definitely jealous of the adventure! I’ve been trying to plan a trip out in the summer for hiking and a potential Red Rocks Concert :)

      

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  8. 8
    Caroline, on February 27th, 2012 at 3:41 pm Said:

    Looks like you had a great time! I went to restaurant and sat like that too once – it seems cool and then you realize you much prefer a normal table :)

      

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  9. 9
    bethany, on February 27th, 2012 at 3:42 pm Said:

    Boulder is amazing! I love living here!!! Strange, I’ve been to just about every restaurant on Pearl St, but not Salt!! I’ve heard it is great!

      

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  10. 10
    Erin, on February 27th, 2012 at 3:43 pm Said:

    You are SO cute! I love your style, writing and personal! Loving your blog :-)

      

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  11. 11
    Jana @ Newly Wife Healthy Life, on February 27th, 2012 at 3:43 pm Said:

    I have a very good friend who is studying to be an optometrist and he met his sweet girlfriend at school, also studying to be an optometrist! Eyes must bring people together! lol

      

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  12. 12
    Stellina @ My Yogurt Addiction, on February 27th, 2012 at 3:47 pm Said:

    Looks like fun! I love your sweater dress outfit, very cute :)

      

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  13. 13
    Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife, on February 27th, 2012 at 3:49 pm Said:

    That last sandwich looks awesome!! I totally love CO, and can’t wait to go back and visit soon (….and hopefullyl live there eventually!)

    Have a great day!

      

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  14. 14
    Colleen @ Jimmy Choos on the Treadmill, on February 27th, 2012 at 3:51 pm Said:

    One of my high school friends goes to school in Boulder and she absolutely loves it. I’ve never been to Colorado, but I definitely want to visit sometime in the future!

      

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    Claire @ Live and Love to Eat, on February 27th, 2012 at 3:56 pm Said:

    Not a place I’d ever think to visit, but it looks so quaint and fun!

      

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  16. 16
    Sabrina, on February 27th, 2012 at 4:04 pm Said:

    It’s so nice

      

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    Hilliary @Happily Ever Healthy, on February 27th, 2012 at 4:08 pm Said:

    I love Denver. My birthday present a few years ago from my boyfriend was a weekend getaway to Denver! I would move there in a heart beat! Looks like you had a fabulous time, and the food looks delicious!

      

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  18. 18
    Sabrina, on February 27th, 2012 at 4:08 pm Said:

    It’s so nice to have friends to be able to visit around the country.

      

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    Stephanie D., on February 27th, 2012 at 4:10 pm Said:

    My in-laws live in Colorado. When we visit them, I can count on spending the first night hugging the toilet bowl because of the altitude change. The next day, though, I’m always good to go!

      

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  20. 20
    Caitlin, on February 27th, 2012 at 4:11 pm Said:

    This is so funny! I’m actually headed to Denver on Friday and staying until Sunday to see family. Love it!

      

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  21. 21
    Kerry @ Totes My Oats, on February 27th, 2012 at 4:11 pm Said:

    Colorado is one state I’ve never been but want to visit so badly! It looks gorgeous. That’s great you had such a fun time!

      

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  22. 22
    Sana, on February 27th, 2012 at 4:13 pm Said:

    CO is def on my bucket list!

      

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  23. 23
    liz g, on February 27th, 2012 at 4:15 pm Said:

    Hey Julie,
    I discovered your blog after a friend of yours told me about it when we lived in Ocala. We recently decided to up and move to Golden, CO (right between Denver and Boulder). I’m so glad you got to come visit Denver. This state is incredible and never gets old. There is always something active to do and a new restaurant to try. We are moving to Boulder in about a year after I finish nursing school, which was one of the reasons for our move. Sometimes, I miss Ocala as seen through your eyes, but I’ve decided CO is my heart. Glad you had fun! Your blog is awesome and always entertaining. Keep up the fab work!

      

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  24. 24
    Alyssa @ fit and fun in third, on February 27th, 2012 at 4:16 pm Said:

    Majir craving for Thai food after seeing those pics! Looks delish! :)

      

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  25. 25
    Carol @ Lucky Zucca, on February 27th, 2012 at 4:18 pm Said:

    I want to go to CO so bad this winter! I got to go in 2010 and it was so beautiful. I am loving the 70 degree weather we are having here, but kind of missed winter this year! We’ve only had a few days that it has dropped below freezing and absolutely no sign of snow.

      

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  26. 26
    Jenny, on February 27th, 2012 at 4:19 pm Said:

    That last sandwich is definitely from the Vine Street Pub (cousin of Mountain Sun Pub in Boulder)

      

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  27. 27
    lorie, on February 27th, 2012 at 4:21 pm Said:

    I love Colorado and I miss it so much. I almost moved to Golden and have visited so many times. I still want to move there so bad. So many active outdoor adventures, beautiful and amazing healthy foods and grocery stores. It was neat to see where you snowshoed since I have been there when there was no snow. Oh now I am wanting to go now.

      

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  28. 28
    ELIZA, on February 27th, 2012 at 4:24 pm Said:

    looks like a blast

      

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  29. 29
    Heather H. @ Run Eat Play, on February 27th, 2012 at 4:26 pm Said:

    Looks like a lot of great eats with great friends!

      

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  30. 30
    Tiff, on February 27th, 2012 at 4:28 pm Said:

    Looks like a great time – and I’m not just saying that because of those nom-licious french fries!

      

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  31. 31
    Valerie @ FreshMutz, on February 27th, 2012 at 4:28 pm Said:

    Funny you mentioned Savannah because I was just thinking how I’d like to go back during my morning commute…I’ll add CO to the list, too. The “cutie with a carrot line” had me cracking up. I mean it’s true your friend is a cutie with a carrot. It’s not particularly comedic by any means, but it made me laugh out loud.

    Looks like you had a great time!

      

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  32. 32
    Athena @ Fitness & Feta, on February 27th, 2012 at 4:28 pm Said:

    I absolutely love Boulder! I’ve actually had to go for my 9-5 job a few times over the past year, and it was nice to travel somewhere fun and cute for once instead of to all these “middle of nowhere” customers. If you ever go back, try out The Hungry Toad and The Walnut Brewery. Two of the best salads I’ve ever had!

      

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  33. 33
    Aylin @ Glow Kitchen, on February 27th, 2012 at 4:34 pm Said:

    The food looks delicious. I also really admire your style!

      

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  34. 34
    Michaela, on February 27th, 2012 at 4:36 pm Said:

    “you probably need me to pose for a picture eating a carrot, right??”
    haha come baaaaack!!

      

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  35. 35
    Jen @ Whittle My Middle, on February 27th, 2012 at 4:37 pm Said:

    Looks like a fun trip! I live in a city that is at a high altitude and I have had a lot of visitors who felt the same way you did. Apparently the air feels “thin” to them.

      

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  36. 36
    Claire, on February 27th, 2012 at 5:03 pm Said:

    OHhhh I love it there! Denver/Boulder are the #1 places I want to move to when I am done with my PhD. I was offered a job in Boulder last summer but turned it down because I had another job here in Virginia. But I really hope I can get another one out there!

      

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  37. 37
    Emily, on February 27th, 2012 at 5:21 pm Said:

    Oh my gosh… All of that food looks amazing. Apparently, I am starving. haha.

      

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  38. 38
    Heidi @ Idlehide, on February 27th, 2012 at 5:21 pm Said:

    Looks like a fun trip! Now I am craving spring rolls:)

      

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  39. 39
    Debbie, on February 27th, 2012 at 5:35 pm Said:

    Oh my goodness, Denver looks beautiful! It almost looks European in a way. I just had a look on the map to see where it is, and wow, it is really far away from your area! How long is a flight? Is it normal to to take flight like that when you live in the states, or is more of a special occassion kind of thing? Sorry, random question! haha.

      

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  40. 40
    Katie @ Peace Love & Oats, on February 27th, 2012 at 5:41 pm Said:

    I’m glad you enjoyed Colorado! I am really hoping to move there next spring, and I’m actually headed there in 2 weeks!!! So excited.

      

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  41. 41
    Nicole @ Giraffelegs, on February 27th, 2012 at 5:41 pm Said:

    Boulder is def one of the most beautiful places I have ever been too. It’s super cute, clean and fun.

      

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  42. 42
    Lena @Fit on the Rocks, on February 27th, 2012 at 5:42 pm Said:

    Haha that Thai place is down the street from my office! They always have a ton of deals on Groupon Now, so you should look for a coupon if you’re ever in town again ;)

      

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  43. 43
    Amy, on February 27th, 2012 at 5:55 pm Said:

    looks like fun! i live in eagle which is like, 2 1/2 hrs from denver. ive never explored denver or been to boulder but id love to check out both!

      

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  44. 44
    Jillian @ Sprinkle Massacre, on February 27th, 2012 at 5:59 pm Said:

    I’ve heard that it’s breathtaking and photos cannot do it justice! I’m going there for Blend Retreat in May and cannot wait! My cousin lives in CO and I’ve been meaning to go and visit, so I’m hoping I can make time while I’m out there for Blend.

      

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  45. 45
    Kelly, on February 27th, 2012 at 6:17 pm Said:

    I have heard such great things about Boulder! Glad to know it is as sweet as it sounds!

      

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  46. 46
    Emily, on February 27th, 2012 at 6:20 pm Said:

    I live in downtown Denver just blocks away from everywhere you went! I read your blog and then had a dream this weekend that I saw you downtown. Its amazing what your crazy brain picks up!

      

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  47. 47
    Kimberly (Sketch the Ebb and Flow), on February 27th, 2012 at 6:37 pm Said:

    Your trip looks amazing! I’ve been researching going to grad school in Boulder. This may have moved it further up the list…

      

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  48. 48
    Joelle (On A Pink Typewriter), on February 27th, 2012 at 7:55 pm Said:

    Looks like such a fun trip!! I want the recipe for Kyle’s pancakes too!!

      

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  49. 49
    Miles & Musings, on February 27th, 2012 at 7:56 pm Said:

    I used to live in Colorado and Wild Bangkok was one of my FAVORITE restaurants! Looks like you had a great trip :)

      

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  50. 50
    Emily, on February 27th, 2012 at 8:09 pm Said:

    My fiance and I moved to CO last spring and we love it- there is so much to do. I am glad you came out and had a great time! And yes, isn’t Boulder just the cutest?!

      

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  51. 51
    Mallory @ Have Your Cake, on February 27th, 2012 at 8:28 pm Said:

    looks like a weekend filled with great eats! sorry about your stomach – i hope its better now!

      

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  52. 52
    Dena @ 40 Fit in the Mitt, on February 27th, 2012 at 8:40 pm Said:

    Looks like your having a good time!

      

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  53. 53
    Ellie@Fit for the Soul, on February 27th, 2012 at 9:09 pm Said:

    Niice Colorado seriously sounds like a gorgeous and chill place to visit! Would love to someday~And isn’t Thai food so delicious?! And I wonder if perhaps the way you guys sat on the floor while eating affected your stomach. In the Korean culture, it’s quite common to eat on the floor sometimes, but I have a sensitive stomach and I get cramps whenever I do that….maybe that’s it? I hope you feel better girl! :)

      

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  54. 54
    Erica @ For the Sake of Cake, on February 27th, 2012 at 9:31 pm Said:

    Breakfast Extravaganza sounds like something I need in my life.

      

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  55. 55
    Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed, on February 27th, 2012 at 10:15 pm Said:

    Dang, Colorado looks awesome. I need to get there sometime in the near future! I love a big extravaganzas… and I love Thai, yum!

      

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  56. 56
    Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie, on February 27th, 2012 at 10:25 pm Said:

    First, love your outfit in Colorado. Second, all that food looks AMAZING! Especially that veggie sandwich. Yum! And third, glad you’re feeling better and that you had such a fun weekend!

      

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  57. 57
    Chelsea M, on February 27th, 2012 at 10:29 pm Said:

    Such a fun trip, my parents actually lived in Boulder for 10 years before I was born. They always talk about Dot’s Diner for breakfast with their homemade biscuits and raspberry jam. Tell your friends to give it a try!

      

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  58. 58
    Adrianna, on February 27th, 2012 at 10:44 pm Said:

    aaah I LOVE Colorado! ask your frinends if they’re hiring :)

      

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  59. 59
    Jen, on February 27th, 2012 at 10:49 pm Said:

    I’ve lived in CO my whole life and haven’t been to Wild Bangkok or Salt, but I love Pearl Street! Thanks for the recommendations and I’m glad you enjoyed your trip to Denver!

      

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  60. 60
    Amy, on February 27th, 2012 at 11:07 pm Said:

    I just moved to Denver this fall and I’m SO GLAD you went to Wild Bangkok–I LOVE that place!!! :) It’s so cool that you came to my city!

      

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  61. 61
    Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More, on February 27th, 2012 at 11:39 pm Said:

    That apple and cheese salad looks so delicious!

    I have never been to Colorado, even though I am from the Midwest. I have several friends that live there now. I need to visit!

      

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  62. 62
    Ann Wilson, on February 27th, 2012 at 11:53 pm Said:

    Julie – looks like you had a great visit to CO! I live in the Denver area and work only two blocks away from where your friend works!!! Boulder and Denver are HUGE foodie towns. There are so many fabulous restaurants to try. Hopefully you’ll get a chance to visit again soon. I moved out here 5 years ago with my husband and love it. However, we would like to move to Florida next. We’re not sure when, but we will eventually. I stumbled upon your blog just a couple weeks ago through Pinterest, so it’s funny you came out for a visit to my town. Hope all is well back in FL!

      

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  63. 63
    Heather@Just a Colorado Gal, on February 28th, 2012 at 12:12 am Said:

    I love Boulder – I lived there for 6 years and now I’m just outside and still think it’s great! Salt has awesome food, so you picked a good one!

      

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  64. 64
    Khushboo, on February 28th, 2012 at 12:41 am Said:

    My aunt and her family used to live in Boulder- now I can see why they loved it so much!

      

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  65. 65
    Katie, on February 28th, 2012 at 12:44 am Said:

    Ahhh Pearl Street Mall! So much fun! There are definitely a ton of great restaurants down there. Boulder and Denver are so much fun, and I am not just saying that because I live here :)

      

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  66. 66
    Shannon, on February 28th, 2012 at 1:06 am Said:

    First, I love your blog and read it daily! I had the opportunity to have a work assignment in Denver for four months, and absolutely loved the area! I loved the scenery, the food, the outdoor activities, and the sustainability efforts by restaurants and businesses. I travel a lot, and this was one city I could seriously see myself relocating too!

      

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  67. 67
    Haylee, on February 28th, 2012 at 1:19 am Said:

    AHH!!! Where did you get your cute brown boots!??!??!

      

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    Alyssa, on February 28th, 2012 at 1:48 am Said:

    I have been a hug fan of your blog for awhile….I tend to have peanut butter fingers as well :) I’m glad you enjoyed Boulder. I was born and raised here and except for going away for college I have lived in Boulder my entire life and you are right when you say there are lots of little gems to be discovered. Hope you come back to visit!

      

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  69. 69
    dee, on February 28th, 2012 at 3:39 am Said:

    fun and yum! Thai food is definitely very flavorful :) Oh, will you be having pancakes in honor of Pancake Day tomorrow? Wouldn’t it be fun to celebrate with pancakes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, AND dessert? I could only imagine the possibilities of savory pancakes people could come up with for dinner. What I do know, is that I would LOVE some red velvet pancakes for desert! :)

      

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    Jackie, on February 28th, 2012 at 5:07 am Said:

    Can you do a fashion page on your outfit?! I love your sweater!!!

      

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    Healthiful Balance, on February 28th, 2012 at 10:04 am Said:

    I’m glad you had a great time! I love reading all your recaps..you always have such fun things going on! :)

      

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    Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning, on February 28th, 2012 at 11:35 am Said:

    I loooooove Pearl Street. I love Boudler, period. Hope you didn’t get accosted by all of the hippie kids asking for money on Pearl Street Mall (it might be a little too cold for me them right now).

      

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    diana@mymarblerye, on March 2nd, 2012 at 11:53 pm Said:

    i had no idea you were in town!

      

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  74. 74
    Josephine, on March 21st, 2012 at 12:48 am Said:

    Boulder is so cute and fun. You should totally explore more next time!

    Also, it’s not referred to as “Indian style” anymore – that’s an offensive term. In schools it’s now called sitting criss-cross applesauce.

      

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  75. 75
    Lauren, on March 24th, 2012 at 2:40 pm Said:

    Hey Julie! I recently found your blog and I love it! I live in Boulder, I’m so glad you got to come and check it out. Colorado is a beautiful place :)

      

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