Couchsurfing in Kentucky

First glimpse of this fine city

Louisville is a no hostel zone, which led me to return to Couchsurfing. What luck, because I met one of the most remarkable humans on the planet. Susan is a travel enthusiast like myself and we shared interesting conversations, along with delectable food and beer. We topped off our last night together with Four Roses Kentucky Bourbon. You can't leave Kentucky without bourbon, right?!

Louisville is a funky, upcoming, and friendly city that beckons wandering. Getting to downtown from the airport is a breeze and CHEAP. I traveled from the airport to Susan’s home with only one transfer for a mere $1.75. The city is walkable and I was able to get around on foot for the duration of my visit. I highly recommend trendy Frankfort Avenue and Bardstown Road for shops, restaurants, bars, and people watching.

Where to Eat and Drink:

*Against the Grain Brewery at 401 E. Main St.

The space is industrial style and hip. I consumed a Flex Arcana while noshing on a chickpea sandwich. I left there feeling all warm and fuzzy. Thanks for the excellent intro to Louisville!

*Vint Coffee at 2309 Frankfort Ave.

Pretty, delicious soy milk lattes refueled me. Sip while chillaxing on their lovely sidewalk patio.

*The Weekly Juicery - Nulu at 632 E. Market St.

Healthy quick bites can be found here. I had the Elevate Quinoa Taco Salad and it was out of this world.

*Akasha Brewing at 909 E. Market St.

Catch a flight here! I imbibed on Bordeaux Barrel-Aged Piper, 1314, Oatmeal Stout, and Cherrywood Smoked Porter Piper.

*The Silver Dollar at 1761 Frankfort Ave.

This stylish venue is a must for food and drinks. I had the Tuesday vegetarian meatloaf special and the entire meal was something to write home about.

*North End Cafe at 1722 Frankfort Ave.

I highly recommend dining on their spacious patio, where I indulged in a mouthwatering Curry Saute with Tofu.

Despite my brief journey, I was happy with the street art content that I found. Admittedly, I’m partial to the “Gettin Lucky in Kentucky” mural:)

Strolling along the Ohio River is a great way to spend the day, especially if your weather is as picture perfect as mine was. Lots of green space awaits you at Waterfront Park, and you can catch a breeze at the Swing Garden.

I had scheduled a ride on the one and only Belle of Louisville; however, had to cancel due to extreme time constraints. I was able to capture this beauty from a distance and look forward to a ride next time.

Random Shots

Fashionable tree

Adorable storefront

What would you write?

Clever!

Blessed with a gorgeous sunset

This might be the best surprise to date! Wandering around Frankfort Avenue, I came upon this collection of goods. I wasn't sure what to think, so I asked a guy on the street if he knew the scoop. He shared that a man by the name of Jerry Lotz lived there. Google told me that "Jerry's Junk" is featured on https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/20850.

Invite me in next time for a bourbon, Jerry?

48 Hours (In Denver)

Can a tourist uncover Denver in a mere 48 hours? I sampled beer at four breweries, dined at five restaurants, sipped a nightcap at two bars, discovered numerous landmarks, and found a shitload of street art. I think it's safe to say you can😀

Let's begin with Mother Nature. I wasn't prepared for Denver's extreme weather changes. The Mile High City can turn from spring to winter in a matter of hours, so plan accordingly (I still love you). On my last day, I walked to a restaurant in the rain only to see that rain turn into snow (brrr).

The downtown area is extremely walker friendly. I walked everywhere with the exception of an Uber ride from Epic Brewing. If your feet get tired, you can get a free lift from a 16th Street MallRide bus. 
http://www.rtd-denver.com/FREEMallRide.shtml

Denver is much more imaginative than I anticipated, which made my visit all the more appealing. It was also merrier thanks to one of my hostel bunkmates, a charming young woman from Paris who likes beer as much as I do. Virginie is partaking in a solo adventure through the U.S. and has some mighty fine photos to prove it. 
https://www.instagram.com/walkerinamerica/

Transportation

Take note - Denver International Airport is yuge! Upon arrival, I took the A Line light rail service to Union Station (most inexpensive route). The cost is $9.00 each way and tickets can be purchased at the airport. Make sure you have your ticket available at all times on the train, as it will be checked more than once by rail personnel. Travel time to downtown is approximately 40 minutes.

Accommodations

11th Ave Hotel and Hostel at 1112 N. Broadway

This welcoming hostel is centrally located within walking distance to landmarks, restaurants, and bars. I stayed in a 4-bed female dorm room that mimicked an apartment. The room was spacious with an ensuite bath and writing table/chairs, plus an additional room complete with fridge, microwave and kitchen table/chairs. The absolute only complaint I had was the bed being uncomfortable. As Arnold would say, "I'll be back!"
http://www.11thavenuehotelandhostel.com/


Food and Drink
Watercourse Foods - 837 E. 17th Ave.
Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs - 2148 Larimer
City O' City - 206 E. 13th Ave.
Farm to Truck - Civic Center Eats
BurgerFi - 1147 Broadway
Jagged Mountain Brewery - 1139 20th St.
Great Divide Brewing Co. - 2201 Arapahoe St.
Epic Brewing Co. - 3001 Walnut
Renegade Brewing Co. - 925 W. 9th Ave.
The 9th Door - 1808 Blake
Dazzle - 1512 Curtis

Vegan Denver Omelette at Watercourse Foods

Desert Vegan Dog at Biker Jim's

Kimchi Pancakes at City O' City

Mac & Cheese at City O' City

Spicy Arugula Salad at Farm to Truck

Flight at Jagged Mountain

One of many yummy brews at Great Divide

Sample sizes at Epic

Pancakes Maple Porter

Vino at 9th Door

Activities
Wander to discover striking architecture
Colorado State Capitol
Aztlan Theatre
Civic Center (Civic Center Park Eats)
the ART (hotel)
Denver Art Museum (ck out the entire complex)
Blue Trees
16th Street Mall
Larimer Square
Street Art (individual post coming soon)

The stunning Capitol

Aztlan Theatre

Alma Temple

Pretty fountain on the Civic Center grounds

Outdoor feasting with a view

Butterflies over beautiful Larimer St.

I had the most interesting conversation with Konstantin Dimopoulos, the lovely gent behind the blue trees. He actually licked one of the trees to prove no harm was done to the bark. I was so mesmerized I neglected to include him in the photos. Learn more about the fascinating blue trees project http://kondimopoulos.com/the-blue-trees/

Next time - the inside!

Denver Art Museum and complex below

Clever!

Howdy🤠

Legal recreation

A horse and his chair

Urban open space

*Cool* building

Travel by train

My prized capture - watching this intensity

Next time, Colorado, I set eyes on your mountains.