Welcome!

Amber&Ashlee

I Heart Colorado is the unofficial guide to exploring Colorado. We focus on unique staycation destinations, local shops, food, and drinks, and outdoor activities that allow you to experience the many sides of this beautiful square state.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your stay in colorful Colorado!

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Cupcake Cruiser in Northern Colorado

In my quest to find the best cupcake in Fort Collins, I have been disappointed more times than I’ve been satisfied. Bakeries and cupcakeries have sprung up all over town, but most serve cupcakes leaving much to be desired.

That is, until I discovered the Cupcake Cruiser! For months the Cupcake Cruiser has eluded me. I’ve seen it parked in various lots throughout town, but never at an opportune time for me to stop and sample the intriguing cupcakes. The stars finally aligned this weekend and I experienced the delicious bliss of the Cupcake Cruiser. I was greeted by . . . → keep reading

Day Trip: Salida

Raise your hand if you start to go stir-crazy about this time of year! Alright, that’s a few of you.

 If you’re like me, you take just about every sunny day in winter as a sign to get out and go somewhere. It’s too easy to be cooped up inside when the weather is bad. With temps in the 50′s today (downright balmy), we decided to get out of town and drive 45 miles up-river to the artsy town of Salida. Known for it’s prime location (downtown is on the Arkansas River) and its plethora of artists, . . . → keep reading

Ride the Royal Gorge Route Railroad

When winter hits Canon City and the Arkansas River it too cold for rafting, another great way to experience the Royal Gorge is a scenic ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad. The two-hour route winds through the canyon alongside the raging river. The views of the river, canyon, and bridge are simply breathtaking! While the train offers a variety of seating classes (from the less expensive coach seats to pricier upper level dome seats), the best view is offered by the open-air car. In the summer time, wave down to the river rafters; in the winter, keep an eye . . . → keep reading

Welcome to the new and still improving I Heart Colorado!

As promised, I Heart Colorado is officially back in action as the one-stop resource for all things Colorado! Today we unveil the new I Heart Colorado as the unofficial exploration guide for unique and truly local Colorado experiences. You can expect to read about:

- Vacation and Staycation ideas for day trips, weekend excursions, and week-long adventures – The best local shops, food & drinks – New and well-known places to hike, bike, run, walk, raft, play, and more!

We plan to show you how to really experience Colorado.

And who might “we” be, you ask? I’ve added . . . → keep reading

Sweet Side of Sunshine

Hello again! Thanks for tolerating the brief work in progress. I’m hoping to have regular posts resume next week. I’ve even added a new regular writer who has guest posted several times here on I Heart Colorado! (I’ll provide a full introduction in the near future.)

As I continue transitioning the blog back to a Colorado-centered site, I want to invite you to visit my personal blog. If you enjoyed my posts on recipes, personal health, goals, 30 Before 30, gift ideas, friends, and family, check out Sweet Side of Sunshine. If you’re here solely because you HEART Colorado, stay . . . → keep reading

Just you wait and see!

Hello dear readers! Don’t worry, I haven’t fallen off the face of the Earth. I’m currently in the process of refocusing I Heart Colorado and taking it back to the roots I intended: a blog about the wonderful things to do in Colorado. I’ll be moving more of my personal posts to another blog and streamlining the current information to more accurately reflect the changes I’m making.

Hang in there, I’ll be back soon with a new style and a new view of this beautiful square state I call home.

Thanks for understanding and Happy New Year to you . . . → keep reading