Suitcase Diaries: DENVER, COLORADO

“I actually cried at the top of a mountain range.
So yeah, it was humbling.”

Devil’s Head Trail

Denver, Colorado is such a unique travel experience. If you come from a city, Denver seems so vast. A lot of open land with emphasis on the natural beauty of the state. If you come from a small town, you feel both eagerness to explore yet comfortable touring the city and mountains.

Denver was a humbling experience for me. I traveled alone, yet spent all my time with my best friend. She has called the Centennial State her home for over three years, thus allowing me to come as a tourist and explore as a local. Talk about the ideal way to see a new place.

If I had to sum up the trip in 5 words: nature, peace, relaxation, inspiration, and ice cream (I’ll explain the last one later)

Let’s start with the highlight of the trip – the nature

Let me just say this… I traveled from Philadelphia. I am a city dweller, if you will. Fast walker, subway rider, quick thinker, and overall fast-paced lmao – I’m not used to slowing down. Or hiking mountains. Taking in the scenery. But let me just tell you about the SCENERY.

PRO TIP: don’t forget to put off your hiking for a day or so. It’s important to get acclimated to the higher elevation, especially if you come from a place close to sea level.

Our first hike was Devil’s Head Fire Lookout trail near Sedalia, CO.

Quick facts:

• 2.8 miles round trip, roughly 2+ hours
• Difficulty: moderate
• Elevation gain: +940 ft
• Drive from Denver: 1 hr 15 min

Facts cited from: Day Hikes Near Denver

This was the perfect hike for a newbee like myself. Like I said, I’ve hardly ever stepped foot up a mountain (they makes PA mountains look like hills). I felt like I conquered this one, tho of course I stopped as necessary to catch my breath – and take photos, obvi.

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There were many spots along the way to stop and take photos with breathtaking views. As you reach the top, you’ll spot a small cabin where the seasonal fire lookout rests from dusk to dawn. There are a multitude of fun facts in case you are interested in where they get their food, how often they come down the mountain, etc.

The view is outstanding, like nothing I have ever seen before. Snow-capped mountains in the distance look more like paintings. Loads of greenery and tops of trees. Natural rock fixtures and a bright blue, clear sky.

additional nature sights:

Lake Dillon centered by a vast body of still water and mountain scenery for a
jaw-dropping backdrop

Breckenridge typically covered in snow and skiers, I had the joy of seeing this in the summer and let me tell you, it was still bustling!

Loveland Pass (where I cried lol) we drove up this mountain with nonstop views until the very top where I naively presumed all to be seen was out my passenger side window. Wrong. So wrong.
360 views that resulted in me feeling so small, so grateful, and full of tears.

Next up, let’s discuss – brews and food

Bigsby Folly Winery

What better way to spend my first day getting acclimated than to tour a few breweries + a winery? Kidding, I don’t recommend getting wasted in your first 24 hours lol the elevation is like a generous bartender and will get you drunk. Fast.

Alas, if you are being careful (preferably with friends) and drinking a water in between beverages, it is a blast exploring the relaxing nature of breweries and rooftop bars in RiNo (River North Art District).

A few to name:

American Bonded an adorable rooftop bar (indoor seating also available) with a kickass bartender the day we were there – s/o to him. If you want a quick snack, this is your jam. We ordered cheese curds and the ranch was out of this world
Bigsby Folly winery with an industrial, retro, artsy vibe to it. Grab yourself a glass of wine. I’ll be the first to tell you that you deserve it!
Stem Ciders was probably my favorite location, as I’m a cider connoisseur. Loads of cider at this place, and a lot that are Denver specific

Onto food, as you’ll need some substance after dabbling in the brews:

BRECKENRIDGE

This town is a GEM. One of my favorite spots. Quaint and nestled between the mountains, this town offers a happy stroll along their main street for loads of window shopping and lunch options

Bangkok Happy Bowl Thai Bistro and Sushi Bar delicious and quick service during lunch. 10/10 would recommend the shrimp tempura roll and the crab Rangoon appetizer
TBar one of the food/drink options along the gondola ride to the top (PS – the gondola is free, just a small fee to park). Grab a drink and enjoy the view! Tons of food options here as well

Gondola ride in Breckenridge

UPTOWN

Park & Co. solid choice for a downtown dinner. A+ on my turkey burger and fries and again, the ranch slays
Coperta this Italian restaurant had me drooling the moment I laid eyes on its menu. I’m always good for a solid food recommendation and I’m telling you right now to get the spaghetti cacio e pepe (see below) or the rigatoni carbonara

LOWRY

Lowry Beer Garden okay, besides Coperta (who doesn’t adore pasta?) this was my FAVORITE meal. Low-key beer garden with quick service and high quality food, grab yourself a cider and a fish sandwich… or really anything else. This place won’t disappoint

I’ll never skip a cold brew & bagel:
Woodgrain Bagels your bagel heaven. Don’t skip this if you are nearby! Plain, everything, salt + pepper, onion, and the list goes on
Copper Door after your bagel, stop by this friendly quaint coffee shop where the barista ran out of cold brew but offered to hand brew a different batch of iced Americana (or something like that) – solid customer service

I told you I’d get back to the ice cream:
High Point Creamery the first night I was there we grabbed ice cream from here after dinner, and it’s the perfect way to end an evening! Delicious, creamy, and at least 10 flavors I’d never heard of before. Think: lavender… or French toast *drooling*
Rocket Ice Cream sitting right outside the Lowry Beer Garden (see above ^) the ice cream here is..
1. Conveniently located after you finish dinner in the beer garden
2. Offering unique flavors that make a delicious treat post-dinner

Lastly, I’d like to mention – miscellaneous things

If you’re a city dweller and want to explore the “busier” side of Denver, LoDo (lower downtown) is very walkable with the free MallRide and MetroRide. Union Station is very cool to see (not to mention clean!) and contains misc. shops/food options inside

If, by some chance, you are traveling from Lake Dillon to Breckenridge (you could make this a trip btw), please drive along Swan Mountain Road. I couldn’t stop sticking my head out the window and snapping photos – which even looked gorgeous from a moving car. This scenic route showcases houses on hills, bodies of water, and mountains in the background. This is best if you have a friend to drive so you can peek out the window 😉

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My final tip is simply to keep in mind the airport is located about 45 mins from the city, give or take based on traffic. Not the worst, but be prepared for a long-ish Uber/Lyft ride depending on where you are staying. If you happen to have a friend in the city, you’re one lucky SOB.

My wrap-up thoughts? I’m in love! I think everyone should plan a trip here, hike at least once, treat yourself to some authentic breweries, and enjoy the peace. It is no wonder everyone in Colorado hikes on weekends, the mountains do wonders for a clear mind.

Xoxo,
Katrina
I love to meet new people!
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NASH BASH – How to Plan a Bachelorette Weekend in Nashville

“SO YOU WANNA SAY ‘YEEHAW’ AND EAT CHICKEN & BISCUITS
IN THE CITY OF MUSIC, YES?”

*HUGE shout-out to my MOH for planning a killer bachelorette trip and making it so memorable. xoxo

Nashville is a fu*#ing blast – and don’t @ me about it. It’s not here to play, and it’s not for the faint of heart. It is, however, a good compromise between Crazy Vegas Party and Laid Back Charleston. And that’s why I chose it for my bachelorette weekend.

NO REGRETS.

You will eat some of the best food, meet some of the nicest people, and rock out 24/7 to live country music *and some other genres occasionally* Our time was limited as we went on a Saturday through Monday trip. In case you are wondering if the City of Music shuts down on Sundays, it doesn’t. You will still be able to eat all the good food and dance to the beat of live music – all while enjoying crowded but not packed bars (my friends and I don’t like being squished like sardines any more than you do).

First things first – rent an AirBNB house! Live a little bit of a lush life while you’re there. It’s worth it, treat yoself! Especially considering you can rent a house nightly for the price of a hotel room rate. You may be a short Uber ride into downtown, but it will be SO worth it and a little bit of luxury never hurt no one. Here is a link to the house we stayed in. Highly recommend for a group of 7-10 or so people.

HERE’S WHAT I’D RECOMMEND:

1. You must must MUST take part in the Ponton Saloon (essentially a booze cruise with good country jams and BYOB) 
   

   
2. DEFINITELY eat brunch at the Tavern over the weekend (worth the wait but you can also call ahead on your way there to put your name in) and while you wait you can drink at the bar HEYOOOO
3. More places to EAT:
   Nashville hot chicken and Mac n cheese – ACME
   Solid choice for casual lunch and drinks – Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar
   Grab coffee – 8th and Roast
4. Hit the BARS baby – Tootsies, ACME, Nudie’s, and Honky Tonk Central are all blasts day or night.
   *A lot of the bars are open until 3 AM which makes for a bomb ass time if your group can rally 
   

   

Essentially, Nashville is a hell of a time and a lot to fit in while there for 48 hours – but it is doable! The food is great, people are chatty, and bar scene is poppin’ off. Already thinking about another girl’s trip because there is so much to see and do.

Have you been to Nashville or are you thinking of planning a trip?! LMK if you’ve heard of other site-seeing I didn’t mention as I’d love to know for my next NASH BASH.

 

Xoxo,
KS Loves

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Blue Apron Meal: Katsu-Style Catfish

 

“The meal was made for two people, but I ate both portions.”

Here is a delicious dish for all of my catfish-loving subbies! This was my first time breading like, anything, and I think I did a pretty fabulous job. The catfish came out nice and crispy, but not too greasy. The side of rice paired nicely with the fish, and the cabbage slaw was a new eat for me! I’m not super picky when it comes to food, so I’ll be the first to congratulate a new side I took a liking to.

I had a blast making this dish – and did so all by myself! The other two Blue Apron meals I had help with. If you’re interested in my thoughts on the chicken meatballs recipe and the pesto pasta, feel free to check those out too.

This dish is fun because it surprises your taste buds.

You start by marinating the cabbage slaw using olive oil, sweet chili sauce, and seasoning with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Set this to the side while you prepare the remainder of your dish.

Next is the black garlic mayonnaise, which is right up my alley.

Then you can bring a pot of water to boil and let the rice cook for roughly 10 minutes.

Next we’re going to bread the catfish! My favorite part. All in separate bowls, you’ll need to beat the egg, prepare the flour, and lay out the breadcrumbs. You’ll want to dry off your raw fish with a paper towel or two, making sure to soak up all excess moisture. Moving on, coat each side of the fish with egg, flour, and then breadcrumbs. Toss in a pan with olive oil over medium heat and fry each side 3-4 minutes, until golden.

Plate up your dinner and chow down! This was one of my favorites after receiving three meals, and it was super easy to make. I enjoyed the process, and enjoyed eating it that much more.

I’ll put the recipe cards below so you can check out the recipe for yourself if you’d like! Alternatively, you can find it here online.

Xoxo,
KS 

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Blue Apron Meal: Pesto Pasta and Butter Lettuce

“This was a little underwhelming; it looked pretty though.”

I wish I were more excited to write this post! It was the only pasta meal I ordered when choosing my three free meals from Blue Apron as a courtesy of one of my best friends. I loooove anything and everything pasta-related, and was really looking forward to a good homemade pesto sauce and a tossed salad combining fresh greens and chopped almonds.

Alas, it didn’t really measure up to expectations. If you missed my first Blue Apron post, you can read about the amazing meal we prepared of chicken meatballs and a sarda pasta. That one takes the cake as far as I’m concerned.

Back to the pesto pasta dish…

First you are to clean and prepare your fresh vegetables and the lemon.

The hardest part was probably chopping the almonds – they fly everywhere! Make sure you have a broom on deck. Next, peel the yellow part of the lemon with a grater, and slice the carrots a similar way. Then you will have to quarter and deseed your lemon. Next you need to sauté the greens!

When these finish cooking, you can start preparing the dressing and pesto sauce. The pesto sauce was so easy I’m almost skeptical. Though that could be the reason it lacked taste. You take the cooked arugula greens and chop them on a cutting board once they’ve cooled down. Then you transfer the greens to a small bowl and whisk around with some olive oil, creating a paste.
To me, this had no taste. Maybe I didn’t add enough salt and pepper, but considering it was already seasoned with red pepper, green garlic and lemon zest I figured that would suffice.

You can find the recipe online here, but I also took a picture of the recipe sheets below!

So that was this dish! Although this dish was a letdown, I hope this still proved to be helpful. I am a HUGE fan of Blue Apron thus far, and will be soon writing a post about the delightful catfish and rice I made last night.

I just wish there were more taste to the pesto pasta, and less of a “cream cheesy” taste to the salad. Just not my cup of tea – that’s all!

Please let me know if you’ve tried this service before! I’d be so interested to see if anyone else finds it worth the $$, or whether there is something better I should look into.

Xoxo,
KS 

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Blue Apron Recipe: Chicken Meatballs & Fregola Sarda

“WOW! We brought a restaurant prepared dish to our own home.”

This service is incredible. This is my first experience with a Blue Apron recipe, and it was chicken meatballs served over a fregola sarda pasta, mixed with kale and a tomato sauce. The flavors ranged from sweet raisins to garlic and it all blended wonderfully.

BEGINNER SUMMARY: If you’re not familiar with Blue Apron and the service they provide, it’s a “food subscription” of sorts. For $60.00/week (meals serving two people), you get three meals delivered to your house, all on the same day. If you look at it this way, each meal is $20.00, which doesn’t sound so bad considering you receive perfectly portioned fresh ingredients delivered directly to your doorstep. No more wasting an entire bottle of thyme you’ll never use, or the random sprinkle of cheese you needed but don’t plan to use up for the rest of the week.
**At any time, you can skip a week and forego the payment of that week as well. Similarly, you can also cancel at any time.

On with my first recipe, the chicken meatballs. I received a week of free meals from a friend of mine (huge shout-out to my hometown bestie, Monica!). xoxo

I first brought a pot of water to boil, and added the pasta. While that cooked, I prepared the kale by chopping it into bite-sized portions. You then have to heat up 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil (in a separate pan) and toss in the kale, also including a clove of finely minced garlic.

Let this cook for about 3-5 minutes. Then add a freshly squeezed lemon to the mixture for an added zing!

Next, you’ll want to start preparing the chicken meatballs. You combine the necessary ingredients into a medium-sized bowl, and mix it all together with your hands! Furthermore, continue to make 10-12 meatballs to brown in your cooking pan.

Brown the meatballs on each side for roughly 2-3 minutes.

In the meantime, add the kale to your drained pasta and store in a warm place until we finish preparing the meatballs.

Then, add 1/2 cup of water and the tomato sauce, stewing your meatballs for an additional 5-7 minutes. In this time, your tomato sauce should be thickening while the meatballs are cooked thoroughly.

Once finished, split the pasta portion into two servings and top it with half of the meatballs/sauce. Garnish with the remaining parmesan cheese!

This recipe was incredible, and I would highly recommend this to a friend. I am keeping my recipe card, and plan to create this dish again someday. It is wonderful to have every ingredient delivered straight to your door, while not wasting excess ingredients you would buy in the grocery store. You can find the exact recipe here, but I will also post a picture of the front and back of my recipe sheet below.

Please let me know if you’ve tried this service before! I’d be so interested to see if anyone else finds it worth the $$, or whether there is something better I should look into.

Xoxo,
KS 

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Wanderlust Wednesday: Devil’s Alley

“Just… so delicious. And FAST service.”

Bringing you another foodie article on a go-to Center City Philadelphia restaurant, this time featuring Devil’s Alley! Located at 1907 Chestnut St, it’s an easy walk from Center City. I’d like to add we went on a Tuesday evening around 6:00 pm, and walked right in to be seated. This place had a great atmosphere, killer inside décor, and super friendly staff. The inside felt like you were outside, despite it being the middle of winter. Green all around, potted trees, and garland strung throughout the upper level provided for a cozy, yet casual setting.

We started off the dinner with two ciders, considering they were only THREE DOLLARS for happy hour. Insane, right? So obviously we each ordered one. Then taking a look at the menu, this place has a lot to offer as far as American food is concerned. Great-looking sandwiches, tasty starters, and a variety of burger options. My friend had been there before, and knowing how good it was, she couldn’t stray far from the buffalo chicken sandwich (bleu cheese on the side).

Being a sandwich person myself, it was between the pulled pork and crab cake sandwich. I’m a big fan of asking the waiter’s opinion, regardless of them being biased or not. He informed me the crab cake was his favorite, so crab cake it was! And honestly, I was not disappointed, I’m a proud seafood lover (even though I live in the land of the cheese steaks!). So I ordered the crab cake sandwich, topped with lettuce, tomato, and sriracha aioli sauce.

When it comes to food, I’m not hard to please, but this was delicious. Prices were on point too. Overall, I had a wonderful first experience with Devil’s Alley, and can’t wait to go back!

Xoxo,
KS 

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Wanderlust Wednesday: The Continental Mid-town

Me to the waitress: “Does two appetizers, one dinner entrée, and two desserts sound like enough for two people?”

 

Continental Mid-town is located at 1801 Chestnut St. in Philadelphia. The portions are plenty, the atmosphere eclectic, and the menu diverse. I truly don’t think anyone would be disappointed trying this food for the first time. Continental is a bi-level restaurant, with the top floor overlooking the bottom. Complete with a mixture of booths and swinging chairs, this place proves to be unique in a city that can seem uniform.

The menu is full of dishes designed to share with your party, hence the reason we had no idea how much was too much while browsing our options. We started out with French onion soup dumplings covered in melted cheese (DELICIOUS). Then we shared a plate full of shoestring fries accompanied by a spicy mustard and cheese steak eggrolls with a sriracha ketchup.

I have to say… the flavors were out of this world! Everything was cooked to perfection and served beautifully. We thought two appetizers and an entrée to split would be enough. Alas, we moved onto desserts individually. I went with the Blond Bombshell, which is a blondie brownie topped with vanilla ice cream and whipped topping, and sprinkled with little candy bites with a drizzle of caramel sauce. My boyfriend chose the cinnamon toast ice cream sandwiches stuffed with cereal milk ice cream, snickerdoodles, and caramel sauce.

Wonderful, delightful place to dine and I am ever-so-thankful for one of my best friends introducing the idea to me.

Xoxo,
KS 

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Wanderlust Wednesday: Pizzeria Stella

“This takes the meaning of pizza to the next level.”

Imagine having a front row seat watching pizza chefs toss dough, sprinkle cheese, and swivel a pie around in a wood-fired oven. On a Friday night. My kind of entertainment. Some might think sitting at the “bar” table is a much less glamorous spot than reserving a table just for the two of you, but I think not. If even just to pass the time, watching the pizza gurus at work is highly recommended.

So I tried Pizzeria Stella in Old City, Philadelphia a couple weeks ago. Located at 2nd and Lombard, this wood-fired pizza is an absolute delight for a night out. Don’t come here expecting anything less than a sizzling hot and deliciously-seasoned pie.

The wait was not long, though as I mentioned we did opt for a bar seat (which only meant standing for a few minutes as opposed to a 30-min wait at the door). Once seated, we were quick to order a whole pizza each, considering we wanted to try more than one and leftovers are everyone’s dream. First, we selected the sausage pizza with wood-roasted sausage, a pesto topping, mozzarella cheese and tomato. For our second pie, we chose the brussels sprouts pizza with pancetta, smoked mozzarella and onions. Is your mouth drooling yet?

Then we watched the whole process as each chef took part in their assigned role. First guy would spin the dough until he created the perfect crust. Second guy was the designated “saucer,” then we had a third and fourth guy sharing the role of “toppings.” Then into the fire, though not for long. These pizzas cooked fast.

THIS PLACE WAS PHENOMENAL.

I mean, the flavor, wow. Watching the process, awesome. And I was happy I could take some home to reheat in the oven! Overall, amazing experience here for the second time, and I will be happy to come back and bring new people.

Xoxo,
KS

Wanderlust Wednesday: Interstate Drafthouse

“Now this is a hidden gem if I’ve seen one.”

I want to do this place justice so I’m putting forth my best efforts to describe Interstate Drafthouse in Fishtown, Philadelphia. Located at 1235 E Palmer St., this draft house has everything you could fathom as far as delicious pub food is concerned. The Google ratings are outstanding, the menu diverse, and let me tell you the pictures do not do it justice. I am writing this article to encourage all in the Philadelphia area to check this place out.

Let’s start with the fried pickles, because this was our first impression of the chef’s capabilities. These fried pickles weren’t your average thinly sliced pickles, they were fat. And v juicy. Accompanied with a side of ranch, I guarantee these will not disappoint. Between two people, we couldn’t finish them all because there would have been no room for dinner!

Now, if you’re also a fan of juicy cheeseburgers, this is your place. I don’t know if you could tell by now, but I have been on a huge cheeseburger kick. Anywhere I go, my eyes gravitate to the burgers/sandwiches on the menu. This burger did not disappoint. It was cooked perfectly and the fries made for a delicious sidekick. Did I mention it’s topped with truffle mayo? Sold.

My boyfriend had the chicken quesadilla and he was thoroughly impressed and satisfied. Normally, I eat more than him, but he was quick to down this quesadilla and most of his side of fries. It appeared to be pulled chicken “seasoned to perfection,” he claimed. This was definitely a win.

“Make sure you include my Villanova tee in the picture.”

So that’s my take on their food! The Interstate Drafthouse is definitely somewhere I will revisit, as I am eager to try the remainder of their menu. The staff is super friendly and willing to accommodate where they can. This bar/restaurant has a very casual vibe, and it wasn’t packed when we went on a Sunday evening. All in all, amazing experience and can’t wait to come back for more!

Xoxo,
KS

Wanderlust Wednesday: Dam Donuts

“Dam, those donuts are delicious.”

Today’s Wanderlust feature takes place in the heart of Pennsylvania: Bellefonte! There are a few delightful locations in this historic town, such as some mom and pop restaurants, coffee shops, a park where everyone takes prom photos, and a semi-new donut shop called Dam Donuts.

Bellefonte was lacking as far as bakeries were concerned, and a new spot for morning coffee wasn’t a bad addition either. Nestled between a dance studio and sports shop, it seems fitting to place a donut shop right in the middle. Taking your daughter to an early dance rehearsal? Now you have somewhere to hang out while you wait. Open daily at 7:00 am (with the exception of Mondays), you are sure to find something to fit your tastebuds.

This place has… ALL THE DONUTS.

From top left to bottom right: Powdered Sugar, Plain w/ Cream Cheese icing, Vanilla w/ M&M Topping, Caramel Apple, Coffee Frosted, and Mint Frosted

You want plain? Done. Savory? Easy. Sweet and salty? Consider it handled! Dam Donuts can provide the simplest of donuts (“Original Donut”) to the most intricate (“Topped Donut”). You can also make your own creation with their variety of donut choices and toppings. You can add candy, caramel, cream cheese icing, and it doesn’t end there.

Flavors I’ve tried:

• French Toast
• Sticky Bun
• cream cheese glazed
• powdered sugar
• PB&J (strange, but I’m willing to bet you’d try it)
• coffee flavored
• Salted Caramel
• Caramel Apple

 

In addition to Dam Donuts serving amazing
donuts, did I mention it’s ADORABLE on the inside?! With a pink theme throughout, this warm and welcoming shop encourages you to sit and enjoy your breakfast before leaving. In fact, I popped a squat and typed this entire blog post sitting on their couch filled with donut pillows.

I’ve only been in the area three times since they’ve opened in May, and I’ve been to Dam Donuts, you guessed it, three times. I even sealed a few donuts in a tupperware container for my colleagues in Philadelphia a day later – and they were thoroughly impressed.

The donuts are fun, the display an array of colors, and you leave the donut shop wanting to turn around and go back for more. Not to mention it makes for a great Instagram shot, am I right?

 If you’re driving through Bellefonte in the early hours of the morning, this is a must for a pick-me-up. Great eats, super atmosphere, and good coffee too. What a treat.

Xoxo,
KS