Omayra Acevedo,  Peak to Peak.  We’ve covered hot springs, a couple of seasons, several mountain towns, festivals, waterfalls, a few popular attractions, ice castles, International Venue Week, a memorial bench, Rocky Mountain National Park, hiking, trains, weather and I’ve even shared a little bit about my time in Europe. You would think that I would run out of things to talk about, but no, fat chance.

Colorado is a place where inspiration and beauty are endless. Just recently, I experienced a few moments that I can only describe as melancholy. All it took was a drive through the mountains and John Denver’s Sunshine on My Shoulders, to get me out of my state of depression. Maybe it’s just me, but these Rocky Mountains sure do have a lot more to offer than just a beautiful view. Get out there! Search, seek and see all the beauty that surrounds us every day.

There is nothing more satisfying than practicing some patience and training yourself to actively appreciate the beauty around you. More importantly, it is vital to practice and learn how to be kind to yourself. I find that any time I struggle to any degree, all I have to do is go on an adventure. Not necessarily a long one, but simply an adventure. It can be an hour, a day, a weekend or a week.

Still not sure what to do or where to go? Allow me to recap my favorite places. For a nice leisurely stroll around town and some window shopping, I highly recommend the following towns: Golden, Estes Park, Idaho Springs, Breckenridge and Grand Lake. Want to get away from the big city for some time alone in nature? Consider hiking one of the many trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, Breckenridge or Nederland, to name a few.

Wish to just enjoy a drive through the scenic Rocky Mountains? Plan a trip through the Peak to Peak Highway, Guanella Pass or Trail Ridge Road.

Perhaps, you’re a person that would much rather relax than exert any energy, or maybe plan to spend some time soaking and getting a massage in a mountain spa. Idaho Springs, Glenwood Springs, Steamboat Springs and Hot Sulphur Springs are all great places to find an easy way to relax. They also offer an array of jaw-dropping scenery and many one-of-a-kind mountain dining experiences.

So, what next? I’m not 100 percent sure. But I will tell you this: living in a place like Colorado, there is no excuse for a lack of things to do, places to go or ways to feed our souls. Open your eyes as well as your mind and the possibilities are as endless as the beauty in our colorful state. Here’s to all of you Coloradoans for making this state as majestic as the Rockies themselves. Cheers!