Celebrating our Anniversary at The Beer Spa

For our second anniversary, Dan and I celebrated at The Beer Spa in Denver, and I couldn't think of a more relaxing and unique experience. 

To celebrate our anniversary, we went with the Date Night Package ($219), which included 90-minute access to our Beer Therapy Room, complete with a beer bath, infrared sauna and rain shower. I purposely didn't look at the setup of the room on social media as I really wanted to be surprised and absolutely loved how they decorated the room. It was such a romantic setup with the "Happy Anniversary" banner, candles, rose petals, gourmet chocolates from Temper Denver and a charcuterie box. Also included was a $30 shared beverage credit for the both of us. 

When we checked in for our appt, we actually started with a craft beer tasting in the taproom. There were some interesting, locally brewed beers, with my favorites being Cucumber Lemon for a spa vibe and Gingerbread Dunkle, but ultimately we were hooked on the Stem Cider Off-Dry Apple Cider. After we poured the cider into our tumblers, we were ready for a tour of our Beer Therapy Room. 

We spent 20 minutes in the infrared sauna, and to my amazement, our ciders stayed cold in our tumblers. I was also surprised to learn that just one 30-minute infrared sauna session can burn up to 600 calories, which is equivalent to running 2-3 miles! After our sauna session we each had a quick cold shower, and then enjoyed our therapeutic herbal bath, packed with vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. There were even designated cubes on the wall to keep our tumblers safe and reachable. 

Our beer bath blend included Cascade Hops and Two Row Malt from Great Divide's American Lager plus aromatic allspice, which soothes sore muscles and increases blood circulation. We also threw in the CBD bath bomb by Color Up, for an extra relaxing experience. The mini beauty bar was a nice touch! Similar to a hotel mini bar, there are beauty items that are for purchase once opened. The other beauty bar items included a beer hair mask, hop beard oil and beer body lotion by The Beer Spa, and a CBD Face Mask by Color Up. 

Our beer bath started to automatically drain after 70 minutes, which left us with 20 minutes left to quickly shower and leave the room with all our stuff. You will absolutely love The Beer Spa's beer shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. They are all amazing products with unique scents, which they just changed up for the fall/winter season.

We lounged for a few minutes in our robes with our tumblers in a quiet spot, and then we got dressed and headed into the space-themed Relaxation Lounge for our zero gravity massages. Out of all the massage chairs I have ever tried out, these are by far the best ones! It really made me wish I had one of these at home. The chair customizes your massage by scanning your shape, size and acupressure points, and then tilts you back into a zero gravity position. This chair applies just the right pressure for a full-body deep tissue massage. It was so easy to relax, I couldn't believe how quickly 30 minutes went by! 

After our massages, we went back to the taproom to lounge for a bit and finish our cider. Before leaving, I also checked additional products from The Beer Spa including their signature candle infused with cedarwood, chestnut and vanilla notes and their bourbon barrel-Aged Stout body soap, with a blend of dark stout, bourbon, cocoa, and oak (smells amazing!).  

The Beer Spa just opened in February of this year, so it is less than a year old. We definitely can't wait to come back for a date night in the taproom followed by massages. Thank you to Jessica and Damien for having us, and thank you Rhiannon walking us through everything! You can learn all about The Beer Spa at www.thebeerspa.com. Along with images from The Beer Spa, I included an Instagram reel of my experience.

- Kim Weling

Favorite Places to Eat in Denver

So far I've only explored Denver a few times, but I've already got some favorite hotspots for eating and going out. Can't wait to add more to my list!

Tupelo Honey Cafe

1650 Wewatta St, Denver, Colorado

This is the first brunch spot in Denver Dan and I stumbled upon, right when we got to Union Station and it immediately became one of our favorites. Coming from NJ, I rarely get to enjoy hearty, southern meals. I went for the Famous Fried Green Tomatoes, which I had eaten for the first time ever and I was blown away. They were made with panko-crusted fried green tomatoes, basil, roasted red pepper sauce, over heirloom grits and goat cheese. There are so many other dishes I am tempted to try on my next visit such as their fried chicken, greens and bowls, or shrimp & grits.

Denver Milk Market

1800 Wazee St, Suite 100, Denver Colorado

Now if you are undecided on where you want to eat, you are bound to find something you like at Denver Milk Market, from ice cream and cupcakes to tacos and burgers. The alley is a great spot for cocktails and food outdoors. Since there are so many options, I recommend you show up hungry and eat your way through here!

Corridor 44

1433 Larimer St, Denver, Colorado

I love bubbly so I was ecstatic to find a champagne bar right in Larimer Square. We didn't have a reservation, but my boyfriend Dan and I were lucky enough to walk in, and have a table within the next hour. I expected the champagne cocktails to be NYC pricing, at least at $20-$25 and was shocked when I found out drinks were $10 each! Some of the drinks include a Strawberry Sunrise (strawberry purée, sugar, orange juice and champagne, and the Kir Royale (Crème de cassis, lemon twist, and currants). They also have amazing desserts such as the espresso crème brûlée. Next time I'm there I definitely need to make it for happy hour, when drinks are only $6 each from 3-6pm Monday - Friday. The atmosphere is dim and romantic, making it the perfect date night spot. 

- Kim Weling

Summer Visit to Shelburne Farms, Vermont

Earlier this month I enjoyed a visit to Shelburne Farms for the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival. Shelburne Farms is a 1,400-acre nonprofit global education center for sustainability, working farm, and a National Historic Landmark on the shores of Lake Champlain in Shelburne, Vermont. 

Each year at Shelburne Farms, 170,000 pounds of farmstead cheddar cheese is crafted from the milk of Brown Swiss cows. The Farm also harvests maple syrup, lumber and wood fuel from 400 acres of sustainably managed forests. Solar panels on the Farm Barn roof and a solar orchard offset 70% of the Farm's electricity use. 

Visitors at the Farm can enjoy walking/running trails, the Farm Barn children's farmyard, the Inn and Farm Cart restaurant, property tours and special events. 

During my visit, my friend Tania and I stayed at the Orchard Cove House, which used to be a privately owned residence and is now being used by the Farm to pilot multi-day retreat-style residential programs.  

I didn't get to do any kayaking, but I did do some jogging and explore some of the trails. I also enjoyed the views of Lake Champlain and finally got a chance to wear my Columbia Sportswear water shoes (the water was a bit cold so water shoes are the way to go). 

Before we left, we had brunch at the Farm Cart, where 80% of the menu ingredients is sourced from the Farm's seven acres of organic gardens or from local Vermont producers. I had the most incredible house churned buttermilk pancakes topped with powdered sugar, fresh peaches and maple syrup. 

If you leave the farm for dining, I highly recommend stopping by Pauline's Café in nearby South Burlington. The spice crusted hanger steak, tarragon aioli and vegetables. 

If you plan on visiting Vermont, you should definitely check out Shelburne Farms. The scenery and greenery is gorgeous and everyone on staff is helpful and welcoming. The Farm is always hosting events and there's plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Thank you to Shelburne Farms and the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival for having me and hosting my stay! 

The Orchard Cove House included lemon, geranium and cedarwood shampoo and conditioner and grapefruit lavender shower gel, all which smelled amazing! 

  

- Kim Weling

Favorite Products from the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival

Sharing my favorite products from the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival! Some of these products are available online and others are only available in Vermont so lookout for them if you happen to be in the area! I ended up buying the jam, espresso hot fudge sauce, chocolate and iced cider at the festival. I'll be buying the honey online!

Blake Hill Preserves has the most amazing jams I have ever tasted. I couldn't leave without picking up the Tart Cherry with Cardamom & Port from The Cheese Pairing Collection. This will taste amazing with a scone, brie or fresh burrata. 

Maplebrook Farm has the best ever authentic handmade burrata I have ever tasted. I wasn't even much of a burrata fan until I tasted this. They stretch curd into mozzarella and fill it was a luscious creamy center. The socft center, stracciatella, is comprised of cream and strands of mozarella, giving this cheese a distinct flavor. I would serve this up with fresh tomatoes, onions and mint. 

The Shelburne Farms Cheddar Cheese has a few options including medium, sharp and extra sharp cheddar, aged from 6 months to 3-years, vacuum-sealed or waxed block. There's also tractor, beer and smoked cheddar.

It's Arthur's Fault! Espresso Hot Fudge Sauce would pair well with ice cream but honestly I would just eat this by the spoonful. It's currently sold out but hopefully will be back in stock soon. I have a feeling it won't be too long until I need to order another jar!

Burke Mountain Confectionary Dark Chocolate Maple Bourbon Truffles - I picked up a 2-piece box set and they were gone as soon as I opened the package!

Ariel's Honey Infusions are made with raw, local honey from Vermont. The Lavender Vanilla and Nourishing Nectar CBD are my two favorites. I prefer eating a spoonful, adding to my yogurt, or spreading over some brie with crackers. 

Boyer's Iced Cider is a super sweet cider, made with the finest apples on a family farm in Monkton, Vermont. I opted for the 100 ml bottle, with 13.5% alcohol.

- Kim Weling

11th Annual Vermont Cheesemakers Festival Highlights

Sunday, August 11th was the first time I had ever attended the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival, at Shelburne Farms Coach Barn, along the shores of Lake Champlain. Did you know Vermont is a world class cheese state with the highest number of cheesemakers per capita - over 40 of them??? I had no idea until I experienced this festival! The 11th annual festival was filled with the most amazing cheeses, local foods, wines, craft beers and spirits, and the passionate artisans who make it all. The festival went from 10pm - 4pm, and you literally need all day to walk through all the vendors, indulge in samples and make purchases. 

I did learn a few things during my trip, thanks to the festival and the presenting sponsor, Vermont Cheese Council, which is dedicated to the production and advancement of Vermont Cheese. Vermont has been home to cheesemakers since the 1800s, and is acknowledged as a national leader of the American artisanal cheese renaissance. 

The Vermont Cheese Council is made up of 52 cheesemaking members, producing over 150 varieties of cheese. Vermont's world-class cheeses represent a full range of milks, types, textures and flavors. Vermont cheeses are made from cow, goat, and sheep milk, ranging from soft and spreadable cheeses to ones that are aged for months to bring out the complex and full flavor.

After experiencing this festival, I've by far tasted the best cheeses and coffee, and I certainly did not go home empty handed. I bought a number of items including chocolate, maple sugar candy, CBD nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee, iced wine, jam, and hot fudge sauce. The only thing I didn't purchase was cheese since I didn't bring a cooler with me, as I would have loved to take home some of the burrata and goat cheese. Each attendee is given an insulated bag upon arrival, but since my bag was getting heavier with each purchase, and my car ride home was five and a half hours, a rolling travel cooler would have been the most ideal to have with me.

I do feel like a cheese snob now, and most definitely have to come back to experience the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival again. These cheeses are so fresh, creamy, and have distinct flavor profiles, especially the aged cheeses. Since I didn't arrive to Shelburne Farms until Saturday, I missed the   Education Day filled with interactive seminars, guided tours of Shelburne Farms cheesemaking and pastures, plus a behind-the-scenes look at the art and science of artisan cheese. That would be interesting to learn about next time! 

I want to thank the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival and Shelburne Farms for inviting me and having me as their guest! I'll be doing a separate blog post on Shelburne Farms as well as a round up of all my favorite items I purchased, as I imagine I'll be ordering more online! Attendees were also given a map with Vermont cheese trail for tours and tastings, so that would definitely be a fun trip in itself! Check out my highlights of favorite vendors I sampled!

At Shelburne Farms, the farmstead cheddar is made exclusively from the raw milk of their Brown Swiss cows. Their cheese is made using the traditional English chddar method, crafted by hand in their historic Farm Barn. The Shelburne Farms team produces about 170,000 pounds of cheddar annually! Their selection of handmade cheddars include six-month, one-year, tow year, three-year, smoked, clothbound, tractor, and beer. 

Shelburne Vineyard with a refreshing Whimsey Meadow Rosé

Billings Farm 

Blake Hill Preserves 

Nettle Meadow Artisanal Cheese

Twig Farm 

Citizen Cider

Crowley Cheese

Butterworks Farm

von Trapp Farmstead

Ariel's Honey Infusions

Crooked Mile Cheese

Stonecutter Spirits

Plymouth Artisan Cheese Co.

CBD-Infused Coffee by Abracadabra Coffee Co.

Boyden Valley Winery features the Frontenac Brut Rosé dry champagne that was released in October 2018. This unique type of sparkling wine is only available in 8 vineyards in all of America, and 28 in the whole world.

Dakin Farm

Cabot

Allagash River Trip Belgian-Style Session Ale

Smuggler's Notch - the Moroccan Rose & Grapefruit Flavored Vodka is so unique!

Shacksbury Cider

Vermont is known for their pure maple syrup, and I couldn't pass up purchasing several pieces of the maple sugar candy.  All people that work at the Tunbridge Sugarhouse are volunteers, and proceeds go to sugar maple research, marketing and education.

Josh Cellars - love the prosecco! 

Aqua ViTea Kambucha sampled flavors in Peach Mint, Pinapple Lemonade,  Turmeric Sunrise, and BlueBernie

Red Kite Candy toffee, chocolate sea salt caramels, and sea salt caramels

Burke Mountain  makes these amazing Maple Caramel and Maple Bourbon truffles!

Boyers Ice Cider

Hooker Mountain Farm Distillery

Vermont Creamery Goat Cheese

Fat Toad Farm

Z Wraps are sustainable, all-natural reuseable beeswax wraps for protecting your food and the environment. They are made with cotton fabrics in signature designs. 

Brio Coffeeworks

Sweet Rowen Farmstead Nettle Cube - Fresh cheese rolled in stinging nettles

Sugar Bob's

It's Arthur's Fault!

Snowcap CBD cold brew coffees

  

- Kim Weling