I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Denver, and it was exactly what I needed—a perfect mix of connection, culture, music, nature, and a little awe. I flew in to visit an old friend, and from the moment I landed, we made the most of it.

We kicked things off with a trivia night at a local bar. I’ve always loved these kinds of evenings—friendly competition, a cold drink, and the chance to flex random knowledge. Even better, I got to meet some of my friend’s crew, and there’s something really grounding about sliding into someone else’s world for a bit. Trivia nights should honestly be part of every trip.

The next day, I explored Meow Wolf Denver. If you haven’t been to a Meow Wolf location yet—go. It’s like stepping into a psychedelic art maze built by the most creative minds you’ve never met. Everything felt surreal, layered, and intentional. I spent about two hours wandering through immersive spaces that felt like dreams you forgot you had. The detail, the soundscapes, the sense of exploration—it was weird in the best way.

That evening, we headed to Red Rocks Amphitheatre for a concert, and I was completely blown away. I’d seen pictures, but nothing compares to being there in person. The natural rock formations, the acoustics, the way the stage is cradled by the landscape—it’s genuinely breathtaking. The lineup? Pure ’90s nostalgia: Spin Doctors, Gin Blossoms, and Blues Traveler. Every song brought back memories, and the night sky above us made it feel even more electric.

The next day was all about nature. We drove out to Rocky Mountain National Park, and the drive alone had me alternating between awe and anxiety (mountain roads aren’t for the faint of heart). But wow—those views. Towering 14ers, glacier-capped peaks, wildflowers, endless sky. I was definitely a nervous passenger, but my friend was kind enough to slow down and let me take it all in. We did a short hike, soaked in the fresh air, and capped it off with a well-earned cocktail. It was one of those days that made me feel small in the best way.

On my last day, we visited the Denver Botanic Gardens. After all the sensory overload of concerts and mountains and Meow Wolf, it was the perfect way to wind down. Peaceful paths, blooming flowers, quiet corners for conversation—we sipped coffee and talked shop a bit, catching up on life and the industry. It was calm, lovely, and reflective.

This trip reminded me how good it feels to step out of routine, to see new things, to be with old friends, and to let wonder in. Denver, you were good to me.