For many, groans of discontent fill the air as the last few weeks of summer float away… but I could not disagree more! Goodbye scorching heat, and hello cool, crisp mountain air that is truly one of kind. The beginning of Fall is not marked by the release of the PSL at the ever-famous coffee chain, nor is it even marked by a leaf silently drifting to the ground- instead it is in the air. Suddenly, one morning feels a little cooler than others, in a way that makes your nose crinkle and cheeks turn a light shade of pink; I can’t help but smile at these first autumn mornings that lead into remarkable fall days.
I will be the first to admit that I may be a bit biased since I grew up in Colorado and the season also services as my birthday season- but ask any Coloradan and I am sure they will agree; Fall here is like no other and is one of the best times of the year. Hiking anytime here in the colorful state is amazing, but in the Fall it is simply indescribable. Not only does that crisp air serve as the perfect temperature in comparison to the intense heat during the summer, but the colors from the change of the leaves paint every single section of the state. From the smallest tree in the suburbs to the largest aspens in the Rocky Mountains, these rich shades of red, orange and yellow are what cause thousands of people from all over the country to flock to the mile high city to take in this natural work of art. The greatest part is that the stunning leaves are not the only things to enjoy during the season! Autumn in Colorado brings about endless festivals in charming mountain towns and even cheerful décor, flavors and festivities in the heart of downtown Denver.
All year round, I am a coffee addict, and my addiction is not helped any by the insane amount of coffee shops downtown! Of course, everyone knows the famous PSL and the sugar high that comes with it, but Denver offers unique experiences at small shops like Little Owl Coffee on Blake Street. Pictured here is their cinnamon apple latte which boasts delicious warm spices of cardamon, star anise, and classic cinnamon followed by a sweet flavor of apple- almost as if you are taking a bit out of an apple pie! The best part about this latte and coffee shop in general is the quality of espresso as well as their ingredients, and their baristas always serve with a smile. Little Owl is not the only place in Denver to get a great drink, especially when Oktoberfest offers a plethora of beer and food with great music that is sure to get you right into the fall spirit!
Overall, this time of year is incredible and offers so many activities to do and memories to be made. As the American author Leif Enger says so beautifully:
“October days are always remembered as cloudless, maple-flavored, the air gold and so clean it quivers.”
