OT: Newbie Coloradian

First of all, lets talk about the white elephant in the room; yes, I know it says I'm from Texas over on the left. We are taking an exploratory vacation and are planning to move to the Denver area by the end of July. I will make the change as soon as we make the move. I've never been to Colorado. When we head up there on July 14 will be the very first time that either of my family have ever been. At the top of our list of priorities is finding a house and landing good jobs, but we also want to have a little fun. Any suggestions for fun things to do in the Denver/Ft. Collins area? I appreciate your help and look forward to dropping by once and a while! Ronnie

Good luck with the move!!!!! Hey I have a house for sale in Centennial!!!!! smokey Hill and Tower. I am moving to Florida. I am sick of the winters here. You so wont like all the snow we get. Dont forget to buy a snow blower, you will needit!!!!!! Carla Klein Go see Pikes Peak in colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods!!!!! 

Here in Dallas, we hardly ever have snow. When we do, it melts the next day and leaves a muddy mess behind. If we have any freezing rain at all, the entire metro area is paralyzed.  We're not moving because we're sick of the weather here. We just want a change in scenery, and we have family in Fort Collins. Who knows, we may change our minds about Colorado once we live through a winter up there.  Thanks for the input.

Welcome to Colorado....not so sure about the snow blower, I have lived here in Colorado Springs for 15 years and only wished for a snow blower twice.....but you will have to decide that for yourself.  I can say that the Smokey Hill and Tower area (suburb of denver) is a very nice area, with some very nice homes.  Good luck with the move and the job hunt!  Gayle

The snow will definitely be a new experience. I've never seen more than six inches on the ground, and never more than a few days and it's gone. Texas winters go like this; the temp drops to 33 (one degree above freezing), then it rains for days and days, when the rain dries up, the temp drops to single digits. That's why we rarely see snow or freezing rain.  We already have several rentals to view once we get up there. I recently graduated from college and am trying to land a job in my field of study. However, I have 15 years newspaper business experience and have already been offered a job at The Coloradian. My wife has even more experience in restaurant management and has been offered a job at Starbucks. We also have several other interviews setup.  Thanks for the input. Ron PS. I see that you just had surgery a month ago. WOW! Congrats! You won't regret it in the long run. How's the ride so far? You can just send a PM, if you'd like.

Hi, Ron! Looking forward to welcoming you to Colorado soon.  My aunt lived in Waxahachie for several years.  She couldn't WAIT to get back to Colorado.  She's our small town, mountain girl.  You're going to love it up here. 

As far as winters go, generally ours are pretty mild.  I'm a native Coloradoan, and last winter was the worst I have ever seen it.  It can get bitter cold her, so bundle up.  We always dress in layers.  You can experience 2-3 seasons all in one day.  Snow will generally melt within 1-2 days, it doesn't tend to stick around long.  You can also be wearing t-shirts in December sometimes. As one poster mentioned, come see us in Colorado Springs.  Pikes Peak is America's mountain.  We're used to sharing, LOL.  Garden of the Gods is awe inspiring.  If you choose to stay up North, you can visit the Budweiser brewery in Ft. Collins.  No, you don't have to be a beer drinker to enjoy it.  Budweiser company also makes Pepsi products, but the tour is interesting and you may get to see some of the Clydesdales.  Boulder has the Coors Brewery.  You can also meander around downtown Denver (LoDo).  The 16th stree mall is nice, you can go see Union Station (trains) and there are several historical buildings in LoDo.  There is a nice zoo and mueseum in Denver and you could go see the Capital building.  I say you could go the Mint, but after 9/11, they've changed their guidelines on tours.  You used to be able to just show up, but now I think you have to make reservations and they might do a security check.  Don't quote me on that though. Whatever you decide to do in Colorado, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Crystal

Hi,

While you are in Colorado I would highly suggest you take a day and go to Estes Park (West of Ft. Collins).  It is, in my opinion, one of the prettiest places on the planet.  It's not really far away from the city.  You'll really enjoy yourself - I promise. 

Also, as far as jobs go, I work for the Douglas County School District which is in between the Springs and Denver.  We are growing very quickly and have tons of job openings (not just teachers).   Good luck! Julie

Julie, I'd have to agree with you on this.  Estes is GREAT!  Going to be there today.  My aunt lives there. Crystal PS Ron, By the way, Estes Park is a little over an hour outside of Denver.  Long's peak is there.  It's the peak featured on the CO state quarter.  Also, take in trail ridge road (providing you're not afraid of heights).  http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_national_park/co/drv_r ock.htm

You are lucky to be going there today.  My parents JUST bought a little condo up there-like a little get away place.  Tonight is the first time they will be staying in their place and are going to enjoy the fireworks on the lake tomorrow.  Gosh - life must be rough! Enjoy your trip!

hey ronnie,   i am also from texas, a coupla hrs south of ya'll, in the big city of dallas! we have been here since january & we LOVE the snow!! it is such a change from what we are used to! you will love the no humidity factor! i don't miss texas weather one bit! i think colorado is a place you will absolutely love or absolutely hate, no in-betweens! hope your visit goes wonderfully! bonnie