You might want to start planning trips to visit Colorado’s National Parks. Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison are must-do’s when in Colorado, but the Great Sand Dunes is often overlooked. It’s our small but mighty National Park, and well worth a visit. It may not look like much from the highway, but once you hike over that first ridge of sand, you’re engulfed by the enormity of the place as you gaze out over 30 square miles of sand, with dunes rising as high as 755 feet. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains serve as a grand backdrop and provide a mythical ethos, shrouded... Read More

Europe has a brilliant mix of vibrant destinations, with mesmerizing views, rich culture and world-class coastlines that make it a great choice for summer vacations. There are so many wonderful destinations to choose from in Europe to suit your interests, from the adventurous types to sun seekers; those wanting the soak up the culture and history, and people looking for energetic nightlife. These are six of the best places for a summer break if you’re planning a getaway to Europe.   Santorini Santorini is one of the most breath-taking locations in the world. Once a volcanic island, it’s... Read More

I recently developed a love for music festivals! I share a deep love for the experience of a music festival, as it’s like nothing else I’ve seen. It feels like an EXPERIENCE over just another concert, hangout, etc. I love them for the way they bond us with others and create a sense of belonging. Here are some of the reasons I love them and why you should try going to one someday! 1.The Good Energy Every time I’ve been to a festival, the energy has been off the wall amazing. I am a big believer in vibes, and I’ve always felt nothing but good vibes radiating from people at the festival.... Read More

It’s summer, which means it’s festival season!!! As in, music festivals! I personally love festival season and went to Electric Forest last year and Bonnaroo this year. Festivals can get pricey, but I was amazed by how much I could save with small money-saving hacks. Yes, you can go to a festival too and not be freaking out about money too! (Trust me, I know. Currently on a barista salary…haha) Look no further for tips to make festival season fun and affordable.   Bring Your Own Food.   This seems like a fairly simple and obvious idea, but planning out what food you bring is... Read More

Coconut is a unique fruit because it is available year-round rather than during a season. While loosely referred to as a fruit, a coconut is actually a drupe.  A drupe is a fruit that contains a seed. Also called a stone fruit, other drupes include plums, cherries, almonds, and olives. Botanically speaking, a coconut can be a fruit, a nut, and a seed. Coconut has been denoted with many benefits, some controversial.  For example, coconut oil has been touted as a good fat for cooking.  It is high in healthy fats that can boost fat burning and provide your body and brain with quick energy. They... Read More

I spend a lot of my time doing things by myself. I would like to play a team sport like soccer, but I don’t have enough social skills to handle that, and so I run marathons instead. Sometimes this singularity bothers me more than others. Mostly, I’m OK with it. It provides connections I would not otherwise make. When you venture out alone and decline the Succubus of your cell phone, the world offers you unexpected opportunities. Such was the case when I found myself without a biking buddy one Wednesday night and so I pedaled myself down to the Denver Cruiser bicycle ride all by myself.  A... Read More

Summer days are long and hot, but more carefree and laid back than the rest of the year.  Practicing self care is something we should do all year, but work, relationships, and everyday hassles seem to take up all our time. Take time this summer to incorporate simple changes in your daily routine to enhance self-care. Eat berries.  Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries are antioxidant powerhouses.  Two new studies suggest that berries may be good for your heart as well. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating just under a cup of mixed... Read More

Get ready for the 2nd Denver NORML Summer Camp, happening July 13th – 15th! The event is presented by CannaVenture, an event planning service focused on low-cost, outdoor cannabis adventures. This year, they’ve teamed up with Marijuana Fitness Nutrition, to offer a Cannabis Bodyweight Class. I’m excited to say my wife Heather and I will be leading the class! This bodyweight class will incorporate the use of cannabis. prior to starting, in order to create a deeper focus and an improved mind body connection. Intended to jump start the day, this easy yet effective training will be perfect... Read More

Get ready to heat up your summer season even further as Social Scene brings you the 2018 Denver Summer Whiskey Tasting Festival on June 23rd. The tasting festival will be held at Lodo’s Bar & Grill located at 8545 S. Quebec Street, Highlands Ranch. This special summer whiskey tasting festival will excite your pallet and tease your taste buds. Enjoy an intimate setting with whiskey representatives showcasing some of their top brands. Lodo’s Bar & Grill The 2018 Denver Summer Whiskey Tasting Festival will be held at Lodo’s Bar & Grill which will gather different whiskey brands... Read More

It is one of my favorite weekends of the year here in Denver: The Underground Music Showcase takes over South Broadway from Thursday to Sunday night. Offering incredible local bands and city-wide favorites, the Baker neighborhood transforms into a bustling music scene in several bars, restaurants and venues. Even if you aren’t willing to purchase a day or weekend pass to enjoy the show, it is fun to be experience even just walking around. Here is a list of my favorite spots with excellent beer choices and a few breweries near the area thrown in to take a break from the madness when needed:   Hi-Dive... Read More