Apurva BhiwapurkarThe feeling of being so close yet so far to this cute little mountain town was giving my wanderlust soul itchy feet. I was having the “Mountains are calling, and I must go!” moment since the day I landed in Denver. For all you guys who love less crowded, simple, and adorable towns; read on!
Colorado is known for its breath-taking Fall colors and Aspen. The beautiful silhouette display of hills and valleys visible from your backyard is a perk of living in Colorado. Somewhere between all the hustle and bustle for skiing and hiking, lies this quaint town of Nederlands sitting snuggly at 8,234 feet above sea level. If you ask me the best time to visit, I will say Fall – anytime between September to December. After all, who does not like a hot cuppa joe with a sprinkle of cinnamon and crisp fall air!
Here’s presenting 7 things to do in 7 hours in Nederland, Colorado:
1. Go old school with postcards
We started by parking our car right in the center of the town which is just 1.5 sq. miles. The visitor center located right in the heart of Nederlands is the best place to scan and decide which direction to head first. Yes, no maps! Just follow your heart and explore! The owner of Nederland’s visitor center was this energetic soul and we enjoyed the story of the Frozen Dead Guy. Find it out yourself next time you visit him! I love to start my trip with a little shopping and for a souvenir-hoarder like me, this place was a treasure. I grabbed everything that met my eye – magnets, maps, shot-glasses, and pretty smiles!
2. Wood-fired Pizza with the best views of the creek
Pizza for brunch with a view of Boulder creek? Why not! Right across the center are a pizza place called Cross Cut Pizzeria and Tap House which is known for its artisan wood-fired pizza and craft beers. We started with marinated olives and then devoured the classic Margherita pizza. What I liked most about this place was the snappy interior that reminds me of Scandinavian design. Simple and classy!
3. Coffee in a train between mountains
My friend had suggested visiting the New Moon Bakery and Café in Nederland. Unfortunately, it was closed that day but the craving for some warm brew led us to The Train Cars Coffee and Yogurt Company. We were wondering why and how did a stranded train coach land in the middle of the mountains. This is by far the cutest train café I laid my eyes on. They serve shakes, smoothies, fresh doughnuts, and your favorite kind of coffee. Enjoy your hot chocolate in the patio soaking warm sun or sitting inside and letting the inner child in you jumps with joy in this little train café!
4. Find your cozy corner in the Blue Owl Café & Boutique
As we were strolling by the road casually, a rustic yet interesting café caught our eye. There were books, postcards, paintings, scented sticks, and coffee all in one place. I quickly found my cozy corner and got busy with a book. The café section has home-made ice creams and brownies. I had a scoop of coffee ice cream and clicked pictures of every nook and corner of this café.
5. Something for everyone at the magical Rustic Moose
This was my favorite part where I got my moose pendant. A two-level store having something for everyone. Enter here and I bet you won’t leave empty-handed. There are charms, jewelry, coasters, wind chimes, and all things pretty. The décor and warm fuzzy lights of this place ooze out cabin vibes. I got a charm and an elegant fox-sketched coaster that will remind me of this place every time I place my teacup on it. My takeaway from this place –
“Life rocks when your living room rolls”
6. Sip the off-beat spicy warm wine whilst chatting with the owner of the winery
If you are a wine lover like me, this is the place you would spend the most time – Augustina’s Winery. Gussie Walter, the owner of this one-woman winery, was the first winery in Boulder County, Colorado started in 1997. It costs around $3 for tasting 5 wines. Time flew by sipping wine, chatting with her, and knowing all about how wine is made. This is the place where skiers love to stop after a long day rolling down mountains to relax and unwind. She was sweet enough to understand my temptation of collecting wine corks and gave me a bunch of those. I love to meet and get inspired by such people. Love what you create and create what you love is how this one hell of a woman inspired me. More power to you Augustina’s winery!
7. Hop on like a kid on the magical Carousel of Happiness
Right across the winery is the Carousel of Happiness. This is not the usual carousal; the hand-carved wooden animals and the music box has a story in itself of a young Marine named Scott Harrison. This carousel is the pride of the Nederland community and can be enjoyed by children of all ages for just $2. I enjoyed my first Carousel ride in the USA and my ear to ear smile said it all. After all, what is life without a little merry-go-round and fun!
