Omayra Acevedo,  Peak to Peak.   If there’s one thing I can tell you about my adventures from Europe to America, it’s that no matter where I am, I always come across someone or a few people that have visited Colorado. Inevitably, they all agree that Colorado is beautiful. In my opinion, this is a huge understatement. It is also no surprise that whenever I find myself researching the top most beautiful places to visit, I always find that a Colorado town has made the list.

As I sit inside my cozy cottage in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado; a hot toddy in hand, the fire roaring and a never-ending stand of evergreen and aspen trees surrounding me, I can’t help but feel a little sorry for those who will never experience the magic of such serenity. There’s a sense of peace and healing one gains from being around nature. Especially, in Colorado.

So, if you’re reading this and wondering where you should go the next time you have some time off, I would highly recommend one town in Colorado that offers relaxation as part of their main attraction.

Not very far from Denver is the town of Idaho Springs. My favorite thing about this town is how quaint it is. There aren’t as many shops as you would find in a much larger town like Estes Park, but the ones you do find, are a true definition of the town’s uniqueness. There are also a few places to enjoy a relaxing meal. Like, the Tommyknockers Brewery. Be on the lookout for my column on Colorado breweries. I promise it won’t just be about beer, but also other restaurants offering a variety of flavors from Italian to Mexican and Colorado pizza to name a few. Let’s not forget, the purpose of this column, the Indian Hot Springs.

Just at the edge of town, you can enter a world unlike any other. A world that will pull you into the depths of peace. For a daily or hourly fee, you can submerge yourself in the comfort of hot mineral Rocky Mountain water, and allow not just your body, but your soul and mind to be set free and enjoy the little things in life. You can also relish in a plethora of massages varying from 25 minutes up to 80 minutes. Check their website: http://www.indianhotsprings.com/, for specials, deals and discounts.

If you find yourself a bit too relaxed to take the drive back home, the hot springs also offers overnight accommodations. Needless to say, Idaho Springs is the perfect not-so-far-away getaway for those looking for a break from daily life. It truly is a peaceful place.

(Originally published it the December 20, 2018, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)