After landing at the airport I realized I did not want to take the A-Line train to Union Station. My duffel bag was just too unwieldy. It’ll be easier on the way home when there’s less in it. But gosh, I’m so glad I used an app to get a car. My driver, Poppy, was great. She’s involved in fighting human trafficking here locally and we had a fascinating conversation. I’m so glad I didn’t miss meeting here.
I’m staying for one night at The Crawford, a high end hotel run in the Union Station itself. I would never consider staying here for more than a night or two given my income, but a treat once in a while is a good thing and this place is great. It’s part of the station itself and there restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and tons of things to do. When I arrived there was a farmer’s market outside and it was a goody.
I don’t need this much of a room, but I love it.
After checking in, and amazingly my room was ready at noon when I got here, I headed out to REI to replace my small duffel bag which started coming apart on the final flight, LAX to DEN. I’m not upset, it’d had lasted over a decade and had seen many, many trips. REI is close enough to walk to and it’s a lovely walk through the heart of downtown Denver. This is a happening place. And, of course, there’s always the river for fun.
That’s just blocks from my hotel and REI is just on the other side of the river. In case you were wondering, I bought a few more things as well.
I made it back to the hotel before collapsing for an hour’s nap. I really don’t sleep well on planes. Though I’d gotten a couple of hours on both flight’s, I’d been up since 4:30 am yesterday. So yeah, a nap.
Next I headed out on another car ride to meet with a group of friends I hadn’t met yet. A good time and I’m very grateful it was easy to find.
Back at the hotel, I dined at Mercantile dining and provivision. This is a restaurant recommended by a friend and I am very happy I went. I’m not going to write a review in this post, you can read it here though…
Mercantile dining and provision
I then gave some thought to the free scoop of ice cream guests at The Crawford can have at the station’s ice cream shop. I realized I don’t eat that way anymore after standing in line for a couple of minutes. Drat. I still get ice cream urges from time to time, but I no longer keep a fifth in the ice box.
More tomorrow!
Slower, cheaper, less useful…