Be Bold in Boulder

Now known by many as the "Stoner State," many now flock to Colorado to take advantage of its legalization of marijuana recreationally. Additionally, the state is a popular destination for sports fanatics and nature lovers. Boulder, the eclectic city at the base of the Foothills, is conveniently located a short drive away from ski resorts and Rocky Mountain National Park, and has extensive activities sure to please any visitor.

1) Attention, runners! Thousands of runners flock to Boulder's streets on Memorial Day each year dressed in garb ranging from traditional workout wear to the most bizarre costumes you can imagine. The Bolder Boulder race is 10 kilometers, or about 6.2 miles, and participants can decide to run, walk, jog or maintain any pace they wish during the course. The race takes place in Boulder's streets and finishes in the stadium at the University of Colorado.

My father and I after the Bolder Boulder 2014

2) Visit the Rockies- whether it be the baseball team or the National Park, visiting one or both of the "rockies" is a must while in Boulder. At Rocky Mountain National Park, you can hike, camp, and will surely see a variety of the wildlife for which the park is known. After visiting the park, be sure to stop in Estes Park for food, shopping, and perhaps a visit to the famous Stanley Hotel, featured in the film The Shining. To see the Colorado Rockies play, take a trip to Coors Field in Denver. Just be sure to check the schedule first!

3) Tough decisions for foodies...Boulder's famous walking mall, Pearl Street, is home to a multitude of fine dining options. Frasca, Riff's Urban Fare, and Centro are just a few topping the list from which to choose. Many of the restaurants offer fixed price menus, and can cater to any sort of dietary restrictions. In addition to the fine dining establishments, there are dive bars and casual eateries offering fantastic food.

4) If you choose to toke... learn as much as you can about the new rules and regulations regarding recreational marijuana. For starters, out-of-state residents can buy a quarter of an ounce whereas Colorado residents can buy up to an ounce at once. Also, for first time users, be aware of the strength of edibles- there is still much debate as to how they should be regulated and they can be extremely strong, so use caution.

Step Back in Time in Toledo

Toledo is unlike most European cities in that it appears untouched by time. The architecture still resembles that which was prominent in the Medieval ages and the narrow streets are made up of cobblestone. Toledo was home to the prominent Spanish painter El Greco, so a visit to his old house is an unforgettable experience.

1) Planning to go out at night? Be aware that unlike in the United States, people do not begin their evenings of clubbing and drinking until 11 or even midnight. This also means that Spaniards stay out into the wee hours of the morning. Spain runs on a different schedule, often not eating dinner until at least 10 P.M.

2) If you only see one attraction...make it the Toledo Cathedral. Its construction commenced in 1190 and features impressive spires and other architectural marvels differentiating it from other European structures. The interior artwork spans decades and are perfect representations of different artistic ages. Mass is still held in a small section of the cathedral and attending is free, but if you wish to enter the main part of the impressive building, there is a small but worthwhile fee.

3) Tapas, tapas, tapas! If you enjoy dining at Spanish restaurants, Toledo will seem like Heaven. At most bars, including Enebro and El Trebol, each beverage you order is accompanied by a small plate (or tapa) of delicious food. These food and drink combinations come at an extremely reasonable price, so you can get your fill after just a few without dropping too much money.

Examples of typical Spanish tapas

4) Souvenir shopping? Make sure to pick up their typical demascene artwork or perhaps a sword or two. If you have the opportunity, watching an artist create demascene artwork before your eyes is an amazing sight to behold.