Denver: Hot Springs, Food Trucks, and Unexpected Characters

A weekend of bonding and relaxation turned into a mix of timing mishaps, an impromptu intervention, a crash course on cigar fillers, and a few food surprises.

I don’t know if it’s me or my friend, but we never return from a getaway without a story to tell — and Denver did not disappoint.

Why Denver?
We’ve been friends for over twenty years, and since I moved across the country to the West Coast with no family or close friends nearby, these short trips are our way to reconnect when life gets too busy for a long vacation.

We do light research before we go, but we learned the hard way (looking at you, Chicago) not to rely too heavily on social media recommendations. Denver’s food personality didn’t fully reveal itself to us, but we did stumble across some gems — often by accident.

Around the Way Adventures
Our most random find? A mashup Family Dollar/Dollar Tree store in the RiNo district, right next to a carryout spot called HoHo’s on N. Downing and E. 33rd.

Outside, a cargo van was parked with a table full of oils, streetwear, jewelry, and accessories — a whole “around the way” vibe. While I love a good “hole in the wall” food spot, I skipped HoHo’s and went to Taquito’s Jalisco, a Mexican food truck parked nearby. Friendly ladies, homemade salsas, and a quesadilla that hit the spot.

Shopping & Exploring
Staying downtown at the Cambria Hotel put us minutes from Cherry Creek Shopping Center. We mixed mall time with small business love, stopping at Kouture Consignment for gently used luxury items, then exploring other local shops and restaurants for a quick vibe check.

In Cherry Creek, we popped into Easton — my friend got ice cream, I grabbed fresh brewed tea — and we both soaked up the cozy, family-owned atmosphere before heading back to the hotel to relax.

Meeting Ryan
This is where the weekend took a turn. We met “Ryan” in the hotel bar — a twenty-something with a lot going on. Let’s just say we gave him a gentle reality check over wine, steak, and plenty of laughs. At one point, we were even FaceTiming one of his friends to politely confirm he would not be coming over. It turned into an unplanned hour-long intervention before we found a way to gracefully exit.

Cigars & Conversation
Our trip to Neiman Marcus for perfume led us to Chester Washington of Smoove Cigars. Chester, a professional cigar roller, gave us a crash course on cigar leaves, fillers, and misconceptions — all with patience and good humor. It was a whole vibe.

Food Finds
I spotted AFC Food Truck on Instagram and had to try it. Honey Hot Wings and Zaza Fries did not disappoint. The area gave me South Street vibes from Philly — bars, restaurants, and people everywhere.

We also hit The Burndown rooftop bar just before the kitchen closed. The sunset view was beautiful, but the night air in Denver gets chilly — even in summer — so pack a light sweater.

Mountain Escape
The ride up to Glenwood Hot Springs was beautiful, with a few stops in Dillon for shopping and lunch at Bistro North. Cozy luxe vibes, locally sourced ingredients, and fresh cocktails made up for the calamari we didn’t love.

The hot springs resort was packed (summer break, Monday afternoon — rookie mistake). The pools turn adults-only after 5pm, and the strong sulfur smell is part of the experience. Bring a swimsuit you won’t mind parting with afterward — trust me.

The property sits in a scenic mountain setting, with lodging across the street from the pools. The Grill on-site and a small strip of restaurants nearby cover your food needs, but options are limited.

Trip Takeaways
Denver gave us memories, laughs, and proof that our friendship can handle random hotel-bar interventions. We met amazing people — the ladies at Kouture Consignment, Chester the cigar pro, and yes, even Ryan — who made our trip unforgettable.

Travel Tips for Denver
Pack a cardigan or light jacket — it gets chilly at night.

Car rentals at the airport are off-site — be ready for the tram.

Most downtown parking is paid, even at some hotels.

Add an hour to mountain travel time for construction.

Canned oxygen can help at higher elevations.

Hot springs in summer = lots of kids during the day.

Denver & Beyond: Places to Check Out From My Trip

Kouture Consignment
Website: https://koutureconsign.com
Instagram: Not listed — search “Kouture Consignment Houston Heights” on IG for updates
Upscale consignment boutique offering gently used and new luxury pieces. Great for unique finds and vintage lovers.

smooVe Cigars (Chester Washington)
Website: https://www.smoovecigar.net
Instagram: @smoovecigar
Professional cigar rolling demonstrations and classes from Chester Washington. Perfect for cigar enthusiasts or curious first-timers.

The Burndown Rooftop Bar
Website: https://www.burndowndenver.com
Instagram: @burndowndenver
Trendy rooftop lounge in Denver’s nightlife scene with sunset views, craft drinks, and a relaxed vibe.

Bistro North (Dillon, CO)
Website: https://www.bistronorthdillon.com
Instagram: @bistronorthdillon
Cozy, modern bistro in Dillon offering locally sourced dishes, cocktails, and mountain views.

AFC Chicken (Food Truck)
Instagram: @afc_chicken
Popular Denver food truck known for crispy fried chicken, Honey Hot Wings, and loaded Zaza fries.

Cambria Hotel Denver Downtown RiNo
Website: https://www.cambriadenverrino.com
Instagram: @cambriadenver
Modern hotel in Denver’s River North Art District with easy access to shops, restaurants, and nightlife.

Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Website: https://www.shopcherrycreek.com
Instagram: @shopcherrycreek
Upscale indoor mall with luxury brands, popular retailers, and dining options.

Cherry Creek North District
Website: https://cherrycreeknorth.com
Instagram: @cherrycreeknorth
Outdoor shopping and dining district filled with boutiques, galleries, and local restaurants.