omg Colorado.

Last weekend we did the short tour of the Denver area. In four days we managed to hike, drink, hike, drink and then do a little hiking and drinking.

Within an hour off the plane I was cursing the steps leading up to the Red Rocks amphitheater…jesus I’m out of shape. Then spent the rest of the morning hiking the beautiful Red Rocks trails. I stepped on a rattlesnake hole. Sweet. Our long weekend was non-stop action. From touch down to take off, there was nary a dull moment. Throughout the weekend we did a fair amount of hiking and exploring, Golden, Littleton, Denver, Ft. Collins, Idaho Springs, Golden Gate State Park, Lookout Mountain, hell I even went to Buffalo Bill’s grave. (Don’t ask, the nieces wanted to see it.) But that’s not what I want to talk about here. I want to talk about one of the most glorious things I saw in Colorado. One of my favorite things in life. Something very dear to me, one of my greatest loves. I want to talk about beer.

The various craft beers produced in Colorado are nearly enough to get me to plant roots and send for the children. Because beautiful high desert Colorado isn’t amazing enough, right? Add to the abundance of sunshine, mountain views, skiing, hiking, biking, rafting etc — lovingly crafted, fresh, delicious beer. It’s fair to say that we spent an equal amount of time on beer tasting, beer touring and beer discussion as we did hiking and exploring. If you enjoy beer, please add Colorado to your Foursquare to-do list. You won’t be disappointed.

In particular, I had the opportunity to visit the brewery of some of my most favorite beers, New Belgium Brewery in Fort Collins, CO. Holy crap I love this place! It is a wind and solar powered paradise. The brewery itself is beautiful, a balance of form and function topped off with the happiest “co-workers” (it’s employee owned) you have ever met. Augie had to tear me away from the tasting room at the end of the two hour tour.

So, a gigantic THANK YOU to Tom (our tour guide) and all of the folks at New Belgium that lovingly produce some of my favorite beverages. Thanks for a great day, lots of delicious beer, and letting me Tweet my way through the brewery. 🙂