Plan a Refreshing Getaway

Too often, it seems as though we're reluctant to treat ourselves to a relaxing getaway except for that annual vacation. Maybe you plan a weekend trip here and there, but when was the last time that trip was really for you? Consider taking a "me-cation," something relaxing and meditative, so that you come home refreshed and recharged instead of exhausted! If this sounds appealing to you, here are some options, courtesy of 5280:

Women’s Weekend of Wellness

THE BROADMOOR, APRIL 16 TO 19

Go if you want: A well-rounded vacation

What to expect: Guided hikes, yoga classes, healthy cooking demonstrations, and discussions about topics like mental fitness, herbology, and hormones from University of Colorado Anschutz Health and Wellness Center specialists, as well as local experts

Cost: $575–$725

Extra perks: Attendees will receive a $30 credit toward any spa service at the Spa at the Broadmoor, a 15 percent discount on spa and fitness product purchases, and a 25 percent discount on suite upgrades

1 Lake Ave., Colorado Springs, 844-513-9981, broadmoor.com

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Snow & Flow 

ASPEN, APRIL 17 TO 20

Go if you want: An athletic-meditative hybrid

What to expect: Group yoga classes with renowned teacher Kathryn Budig and meditation, skiing, and snowboarding sessions with professional snowboarderGretchen Bleiler on Aspen Mountain (yoga and meditation will also be held at Aspen Shakti Shala, a small but beautiful studio at the base of the slopes), with optional lodging at the swanky Limelight Hotel

Cost: $1,600–$2,200

Extra perks: You get to snowboard with an Olympic silver medalist. What else do you want?

Multiple locations, Aspen; email tatum@stanton-company.com to register

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Moab Yoga & Empowerment Adventure 

MOAB, UTAH, MAY 7 TO 10

Go if you want: A more rustic adventure that’s still close to a semi-urban area

What to expect: Yoga and meditation with staff from Vail Valley-based personal development organization In Your Element, riverside camping at Goose Island Campground, gourmet meals from Ripe Colorado Produce, free time to explore Moab’s cliffs and downtown

Cost: $400–$425

Extra perks: Discounted rates on local massages and bike rentals and a swag bag with other coupons and goodies

Goose Island Campground, Moab, Utah, 720-261-4217, be-inyourelement.com/events

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Kindness Yoga Beach Retreat 

MEXICO, MAY 7 TO 14

Go if you want: A tropical sanctuary

What to expect: Themed yoga and meditation taught by Kindness Yoga instructors Cameron Dabney and Patrick Harrington near Sayulita, Mexico; kayaking, surfing, mostly vegetarian meals, day trips to town for shopping and exploring; lodging in bungalows or rustic or luxury cabins

Cost: $1,550–$1,950

Extra perks: Free use of kayaks at the private Punta Monterrey Beach Resort and amazing food (think traditional chilaquiles, hand-made pasta, and fresh lobster)

Punta Monterrey Beach Resort, Mexico, 303-921-7971, bellaretreats.com/kindness-yoga-beach-retreat

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Revive 

VAIL, MAY 29 TO 31

Go if you want: A medically-based refuge for the aging population

What to expect: In-depth fitness assessments, outdoor hiking and fly fishing, group fitness classes, meditation, gourmet dining, and lectures on whole foods, heart rate, and nutrition technology

Cost: Prices vary

Extra perks: An optional medical exam, blood work, and cardio stress test with the medical director from Peak Wellness

Peak Wellness Retreat, 352 E. Meadow Dr., Vail, 877-854-2718, peakwellnessretreat.com

Plan a Paint Night!

Photo courtesy ART on the BRIX Facebook page

If you’re looking for something different to plan with your friends or significant other, besides dinner and a movie, check out ART on the BRIX in Golden for a paint night! You don’t have to be the next Picasso in order to create a beautiful piece of art and, maybe best of all, you can sip on wine as you paint to get your creative juices flowing! Here are some commonly asked questions from ART on the BRIX:

What is an Art on the Brix class like?
Art on the Brix provides a laid-back, social atmosphere in a way that inspires all ages and types of people to relax and get creative. No experience or talent is required. Our local artists guide all of the classes with easy-to-follow, step-by-step group instruction, plus everyone gets individualized attention and leaves with their own completed original artwork. Enjoy painting, crafts, wine or beer, music, games and surprises in our low-stress, fun classes that are playful and light-hearted encouraging you to just follow along or go outside your lines.

Do I need to sign up in advance?
Our classes have limited seating so signing up in advance is highly recommended. You can register online via our calendar or give us a call to reserve your space. Always feel free to drop us a line or drop in to see if there is any last minute availability. We try our best to accommodate everyone!

What is the cost of an Art on the Brix class?
Our classes start at $25 per person with most classes priced at $35. Pricing does vary depending on the type of class and its offerings. All prices are listed on our CALENDAR and CLASSES pages.

What is included in the price?
We supply everything you need including a canvas, paints, brushes, aprons and the local artist instructor. All classes include your first glass of wine or beer, snacks, music, games, fun and surprises! It's no surprise at all that we clean up the mess.

How long is an Art on the Brix class?
Classes are typically 2 hours long with plenty of entertaining breaks. Select classes
run 3 hours.

What do I wear?
We practice safe-painting with supplied aprons, but suggest you wear clothing that is not your nicest. Dress comfortably and remember splatter happens.

What time do I need to arrive for a class?
Try to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the posted class start time. So you can check-in, find your seat, get your supplies and start sipping.

Do you serve alcohol?
Yes, and all classes include your first glass of wine or beer. We offer a nice variety of wines, beers and non-alcoholic beverages. Wine and beer range from $3-$5 each. You must be 21 years or older with valid ID to purchase or drink wine and beer.

Can I BYOB?
We are sorry but No. It is a legal thing.

Can I bring in my own food?
We provide free snacks during all our scheduled classes, and request no outside food be brought into the studio at these times. Private events can arrange to bring in their own food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Do I have to paint the featured artwork?
You certainly can paint anything you want although the instructor will be teaching
the featured painting. More often people will make the featured painting their own,
reflecting their personal flare and style.

If I come with a group, can we all sit together?
Seating is first come, first served, but if you call us in advance, or let us know when registering for a class, we typically can make sure your whole party stays together.

If I come with my significant other do we have to paint the same image?
Although every painting turns out differently, we can make suggestions so that both artworks compliment each other and you don't end up with two of the exact same paintings.

Are children welcome?
Yes! We are kid-friendly, although most classes are attended by adults. We do offer Family Sundays which is more geared towards younger artists. Friday and Saturday Party Nights are adults-only. Keep in mind, wine and beer are always available during every class We also offer kid's Summer Camps, Winter and Spring Break Programs.

When do new class schedules become available?
We do our best to publish the schedule at least a month in advance.

Do you offer any discounts?

10% discounts are offered to groups of 15 or more who register as a group for a scheduled class, college students with valid IDs and senior citizens 65+.

Where do I park?
Art on the Brix is conveniently located adjacent to a free multi-level public parking lot on the corner of Jackson Street and 12th Avenue with additional street parking also available. See our MAP for clarity.

Do you offer handicap access?
Yes. We are located on the ground floor with no stairs and handicap accessible bathrooms.

6 Hiking Trails to Tackle this Summer

As Golden residents, of course we love the fresh snow on the slopes, but as spring approaches, we can’t help but think ahead to warmer hiking and biking weather. If you’re beginning to plan ahead for summer getaways and activities outside the apartment, consider chartering some new hiking territory! 5280 recommends tackling these trails this spring and summer:

1. 4 PASS LOOP | 26.8 MILES

Near: Aspen

Why You Need to Hike It: Bragging Rights. You’ll trek over four passes deep in the Elk Mountains and Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Ultra runners can bag this in a day, if you’re looking for an added challenge.

From the Expert: “This hike captures the best of Aspen in a single route,” Levy says. You’ll get airy alpine views and see the striated colors—especially purples and reds—that make the area’s geology so unforgettable.

2. FRISCO TO VAIL THRU HIKE | 13.55 MILES (ONE-WAY)

Near: Frisco and Vail

Why You Need to Hike It: If you think the best route between Frisco and Vail is I-70, you must park your car and try this hike (pictured above), which gets you away from the noise and bustle, into alpine meadows, and over two passes (Eccles and Red Buffalo).

From the Expert: Try this as a one-way hike by setting up a car shuttle at each trailhead (both are near the interstate). “The stretch between the passes is just spectacular,” Levy says. “Some of the best wildflowers can be found there.”

3. MISSOURI PASS/FANCY PASS LOOP | 8.8 MILES

Near: Minturn

Why You Need to Hike It: Colorado trails are known for pretty landscapes, but few get labeled “gorgeous.” This is one such hike, which loops together two popular trails in a doable 8.8-mile trek with lakes, passes, and forests.

From the Expert: This setting is so picturesque that Levy suggests slowing down and camping. “I think once you get out there it will be hard to go home that day,” Levy says. “You’ll wonder, ‘Why didn’t I camp?’ There is just no reason to go home.”

4. MT. IDA | 9.6 MILES (ROUNDTRIP)

Near: Estes Park

Why You Need to Hike It: Many maps don’t even list this summit trek in Rocky Mountain National Park, meaning that it's under-traveled. Surprisingly, the trail is easy to follow (it gets a little less so near the top) and there is a high likelihood that you’ll spy wildlife along the way.

From the Expert: “There are so many places in the park that are amazing; who am I to pick?” Levy says. “But Mt. Ida is really special to me….You get amazing views of the Never Summer range and of the spine of the park, the Continental Divide. There are not too many places that give you that double perspective.”

5. STONE LAKE | 12.3 MILES (ROUNDTRIP)

Near: Granby

Why You Need to Hike It: This hike is not for a beginner. It’s tough and features a steep drop into the aptly named Hell Canyon. But if you make it to the lake, you’ll forget how difficult the trail was and appreciate standing in an area that is truly wild.

From the Expert: “This is probably the nicest spot in the Indian Peaks Wilderness that you’ve never heard about,” Levy says. “It's just one of those places that somehow doesn’t get on people’s lists.” Spend some time exploring the area around the lake; you’ll have earned some R&R after that trek.

6. HIGH LONESOME/DEVILS THUMB LOOP | 14.75 MILES (ROUNDTRIP)

Near: Nederland

Why You Need to Hike It: This hike is easy to tackle for Front Rangers who want to feel like they got away from it all. The loop uses the High Lonseome Trail to connect the King Lake and Devils Thumb Lake trails for a path that passes through two drainages, over tundra, and past lakes.

From the Expert: “If you're a local, you know these trails,” Levy says. “But this is a new way to approach them.” Bonus: There are plenty of camping spots along the way.

Have you previously hiked these trails? Which trails would you recommend?