About two weeks after Hudson was born, Aron and I asked my parents—visiting us in New York—if they would walk our little newborn around the West Village for an hour while we went up to a friend’s party. I remember it so well: mostly because I still couldn’t sit down and had to shift from foot to foot to tolerate the discomfort. But I also remember meeting some wonderful, more seasoned parents—women who smiled and nodded knowingly as I recounted those fresh memories of labor and declined invitations to join them on the couch. One of them was Jenny Rosenstrach.
It was no surprise to me that she was kind and funny in person: I’ve been reading Jenny’s blog for years and it has remained a favorite (even if I cook far less than that might imply). And I’m especially excited about her new book that goes on sale today, How to Celebrate Everything—which she calls “her ode to family rituals.”
In “5 Things,” I’ll ask some of my favorite bloggers in cities all over the world to share insider travel tips on where to eat, shop, stay, and play in their neighborhoods (plus, what to pack to make the adventure complete). This week, Sarah Ann Noel shows us the sights in Denver, Colorado.
Denver is a town I have liked enough to live in twice. We’re really the gem of the West, and I’m likely to get in big trouble with all the locals by divulging some of these secrets. While most people hear “Denver” and think of snow,what I’m not supposed to tell you is that we are a thriving cultural city full of art and music; experts in healthy, delicious food and drink; and—most surprising to people—lovers of the mild, gorgeous weather with 300+ days of sunshine per year.
Denver proper is really quite sprawling, and it’s all divided up into neighborhoods, each with its own flair. In fact, characteristics vary so much from neighborhood-to-neighborhood, it would almost be easier to talk about each one separately. But, as it’s still a mid-sized city, we don’t stick to one place, and get to take advantage of the variety hidden behind simply crossing Broadway or traveling far enough down Colfax. I think one of the best things about Denver is that there really is something for everyone: while the rumors are true, and we’re near the mountains and love being outside, there is also much to do in the city by way of dining, shopping, and sightseeing.
Thank goodness for good conference destinations! Aron has one in Kauai this October—and I’ve muscled my way onto the plane. We really debated making this one a family trip, so the decision was a little last-minute, but the four of us are spending four nights on the South Shore in a condo near the conference and two nights in Princeville, on the North Shore. (Yayyyy!) It’s my first time to the island of Kauai, so I’d love to hear your suggestions!
In other exciting news, Aron and I are going to see the Beyoncé concert this weekend! I can’t wait!
It’s been ages since I’ve been to such a huge concert. How about you?
Here are some items of note in case you’re in the mood for some browsing…
