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| The Denver Skyline under the Rain from the Rocky Mountain Arsenal |
Embarking from Temecula, we journeyed with my daughter and son-in-law to their residence in Livermore for a few relaxing days ahead of the subsequent escapade. Our destination was Denver, Colorado, where we planned to spend a couple of weeks with my spouse’s daughter and her family.
What was anticipated as a straightforward flight transformed into a 4-airport escapade. Departing from Oakland International at 10 am, we discovered our connecting flight at Portland International Airport to be amiss! We were swiftly redirected to the Seattle/Tacoma International Airport for an alternative flight. Just moments before midnight, we finally touched down at Denver International Airport.
Winter’s remnants still lingered on the ground, and we soon experienced another snowfall. This was typical spring weather in Colorado, as per Bill’s daughter. However, we quickly acclimated to the altitude and chill. We also had the chance to explore a couple of captivating locales and a variety of dining establishments around the Elevated City.
Encounter at the Butterfly Pavilion
Our first stop was the Butterfly Pavilion, a famous attraction in Denver hosting 97% of the planet’s species (bugs, butterflies, and more). While we had visited previously, this time we received special treatment. My husband’s granddaughter, the younger of the two children, currently works there. She was kind enough to allow me to hold “Rosie, the Tarantula,” one of the gentle species featured for a thrilling experience.
Exploration at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Driving through the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, situated just ten miles northeast of downtown Denver, was not a novel experience for us. However, unlike our prior visit, this time we got to witness the full array the refuge had on display: bison, deer, and eagles. Nevertheless, due to the rain, we couldn’t explore the extensive arsenal exhibit. It was during this moment that I captured the captivating cover photo of this narrative.
Delightful Dim Sum in Denver
Longing for dim sum after a lapse of a few years, we scouted for a venue and stumbled upon one highly rated at 4.8 on the Internet: Nana’s Dim Sum and Dumplings nestled on Tejon, a popular culinary street. While it diverged from tradition, it presented a splendid modern interpretation of these Chinese delicacies. The interior was vibrant red adorned with Chinese motifs, yet the ambiance, inclusive of the music selection, catered to the younger demographic.
Savoring Ice Cream in Wintry Surroundings
Post-lunch, we strolled to the terminus of Tejon St. to Little Man Ice Cream, recognizable by the colossal can: with a diameter of 16 feet, towering 28 feet in height, and weighing 14,000 pounds. Named after the patriarch/founder, its pledge to contribute a 3 oz scoop of rice/beans to developing nations for every ice cream scoop sold has amounted to over a million scoops since 2008. Their menu showcases unique flavors like Turbulence, Red Eye, and Flambéed Baked Alaska Pops.
Dining at Yak n Yeti
My husband’s latest birthday celebration was shared with our neighbors in Viewpoint and subsequently with our pals in El Cid, Cancun. Following that, our family in Temecula, California, commemorated his birthday. The fourth celebration took place at Yak n Yeti, a Denver eatery known for its Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian fare, accompanied by my husband’s nephew and companion who flew in from Kansas City to meet my husband’s daughter, her spouse, their two kids, and their significant others. For the celebratory cake, we opted for the renowned Chantilly Cake from Whole Foods.
Final Notes
This narrative would be lacking without a mention of a quaint neighborhood taqueria, La Torteria. On a day when cooking or going out seemed unappealing, Bill and I seized the opportunity to grab the $1 tacos (available every Tuesday) from the three-person operation. The queue for this delectable treat was remarkably lengthy.
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