Shopping, Sight Seeing, and Spa Treatments?
Have I told you how much I love traveling with my boss?
Because I do! π
When I booked the flights for my boss, Lisa, and I for Colorado last week I had three options:
- Take an early direct flight with the option to leisurely find our way to keystone before the reception at 6:00pm
- Take a non-direct flight that had us going up and town before arriving in Colorado who knows when
- Take the later direct flight that had us arriving in Keystone after the 6:00 pm reception.
I think it’s pretty obvious the choice I made.
The leisurely make our way up the mountain option of course. π
We landed in Denver around 9:00am and after grabbing our bags and our rental car, it was 10:00am and we were ready for lunch. Too early? Probably.
I had a mini bag of almonds before we left Denver and managed to make it to Idaho Springs where we waited for Beau Jo’s to open and serve us lunch at 11:00.
Beau Jo’s and I go way back. π It’s actually the place where I had my first reader meet up back in February 2009 (recap here). I remember being very fond of their delicious mountain pies and knew it would be a great place to stop as we made our way up to Keystone.
Did you know the Boulder location of Beau Jo’s has appeared on an episode of Man V Food?
Derek was VERY jealous when I texted him to let him know I was eating at a Man V Food restaurant without him. I’m pretty sure I lost some good girlfriend points with this one.
Lisa and I both started with the salad bar
How cute are the antique bath tubs that the salad bar sits in?!?!
I LOVED Beau Jo’s Menu. Not only did they have a vast variety of great options, they also devoted an entire page of the menu to my Gluten-Free friends.
There’s also a ‘Smart Meal’ section of the menu with lighter, healthier options. The ‘create your own’ option from this section was what caught my eye.
My selections:
- Size: Individual
- Base: The Whole Wheat Mountain Pie Crust
- Sauce: BBQ Sauce
- Vegetable: Onion, Olives, Tomatoes, Pineapple, Banana Peppers
- Protein: Tofu
- Cheese: Feta & Ricotta
Check out that crust!
High doughy crust on the outside, a thin crunchy crust on the inside.
I should have done a size comparison because this individual pizza really was the perfect size. At about the size of a a small salad plate, it was the perfect filling amount of veggies, crust, and cheese. It was also amazingly delicious. The BBQ sauce had a slight spice to it and the sweet pineapple and salty feta were the perfect complement to it. Yum, Yum, and more Yum! π
After lunch I discovered the cutest little store called the Soap Shop
Everything inside was beautiful, fresh, and smelled amazing.
It’s all natural, organic, and the majority of the soap is made by hand in the store. I went a little crazy selecting some bath salts, a mud mask, and hand cremes to take home with me.
Over the mountains and through the woods, to Keystone we go!
After a couple of detours we made it to Keystone with a couple of hours to spare. Apparently a couple of hours to spare means ‘let’s check out the spa’ to my boss. And, I mean, who am I to deny my boss?
Oh look. What do we have here? A special? Well, I mean… if you insist. π
Please note this is not a typical travel for work activity and the price for the massage came from my own pocket.
But… it sure beats sitting at my desk at the office. π
I opted for the 50 minute customizable massage and requested deep tissue with an emphasis on my back and legs. The masseuse was a marathoner herself and knew exactly what she was doing. She even informed me that a lot of elite runners receive daily massages as a performance enhancer. She suggested I have one more massage a few days before the race to make sure my muscles were all in tip top shape before the big day. Sounds good to me!
I emerged from my massage feeling refreshed and renewed and was immediately greeted with some grapes.
And a glass of white wine.
Like I said, it sure beats sitting at a desk!
Along with the amazing spa, the room we’re staying in aren’t bad either.
My one bedroom condo reminds me of the places my family stays when we ski. I comes complete with a full kitchen, dining area, bathroom, living room, separate bedroom and a teeny tiny balcony.
My favorite part is the view!
You don’t get a view like this at home.
I had a granola bar while settling into my room.
Tonight’s cocktail hour was very low key. My company is a sponsor for the event, so we have a booth that we will be manning tomorrow, but tonight was 100% social. We were able to relax and mingle with a few clients as well as potential clients.
There was a Taco Bar set up, as well as some salad options and drinks.
I sat down with a small plate of the blue cheese & pecan salad
And had a local beer (I <3 Colorado Microbrews!)
After cocktails, my boss and I headed to the hotel bar for a light dinner of bread, soup, and veggies.
Bread
Soup
Veggie
A few clients came by ready to drink, but I was so tried I could barely keep my head up. My bed was calling my name and I was happy to listen.
Must. Sleep. Now.
Good Night!
it is VERY true… getting a massage a few days before a race DOES AMAZING THINGS. then another two days after. π
Kristina @ spabettie recently posted..Biggest Loser
You’re in my corner of the world… Welcome Meghann. . . I’m a runner too and I don’t usually post, but just thought I’d say hi.
Oh, wow, your job is just awful.
Seriously, though…no words for that pizza.
Rachel Wilkerson recently posted..The 14th Rule
I am glad you got that massage! It is so worth it to treat yourself!
Sana recently posted..Swoon for Roons
Have fun! I know you must be tired. I came from EST to Pacific time today and am exhausted!
Carolyn @ lovinlosing recently posted..We Made It
Ahhh! I didn’t realize you were out of town today π Have a good trip!
Monica Olivas recently posted..Rearranging Things and a Rant
HOW FUN!! I mean… tough day
Your company hiring? π
Enjoy Denver! Thanks for the restaurant review- I’m actually headed to the city in two weeks.
Wow you have a really cool job! I am super jealous!
Matt recently posted..New Found Love
Ok. This is hands down my favorite post ever! This looks like the perfect day! While I’m slaving away in my window-less office today, I’ll live vicariously through your adventures in Colorado!
So this is quite a business trip!!! You are making every working woman very jealous this morning. π Have an awesome time Meghann!
Lauren recently posted..High School Visit
You are smart to include some fun into your work trip! Looks like your early flight paid off π
I want that pizza!
Cailin @ Stir Crazy recently posted..Day 10 Final Day!- Clean Eating Challenge
Omg I must get to colorado now! You lucky woman! Have a great rest of the weekend
Shannon @ Freshman Yr recently posted..Reporting from Harvard
It’s so gorgeous there. It’s posts like these that make me wonder why I live in Georgia! Although, it has it’s own perks, I suppose.
Lee recently posted..Real Dinners
What a fantastic work trip! I hope the rest of your stay is just as much fun:).
Sarah recently posted..Last Night
First I thought Cute salad bar!
…then I though ewwww… salad in a bathtub?!?
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday recently posted..You canβt tell me what to eat!
it’s such a cute town! I’ve never been to CO, but those views are just beautiful!
Definitely beats sitting at a desk!
Unrelated, but did you see there is a groupon deal for photo canvases?
http://www.groupon.com/deals/canvas-on-demand-sponsorship
I want to go on that trip!! Even if work related. That pizza looks perfect. I love little natural beauty shops like that and just walking around little towns. And you can’t beat a massage. Glad you’re having so much fun!
Tina recently posted..it has never felt so good to sit
Did you dip your pizza crust in honey? (It’s a Beau Jo’s tradition.) I live in Denver, and I am realizing that I MUST make a trip through Loveland Pass to see the aspens–and soon! Enjoy your time in the mountains. I think this is one of the best times of year to be in CO.
Emily recently posted..Epic Lunch
how beautiful! love how the colors are changing for fall. so pretty! I am getting a massage today and yourpost got me excited!
Heather recently posted..A Day in the Country
Oh my gosh that place looks amazing!! Glad you get to have some fun while you’re working π
Heather @ Side of Sneakers recently posted..The 3 Styles of Vacation Eating
definitely beats sitting at a desk. can i have your job?? π
I am SO beyond jealous you’re in Colorado right now! That’s where I lived for 5 years and I fondly remember going to Keystone to ski and for fraternity formals! I LOVE Easy Street! I hope you have fun!
um yes that sure does beat sitting at a desk! totally jealous – wish my company would send me somewhere fun like that!
I LOVE Beau Jo’s. It is seriously my favorite pizza EVER. I live in Boulder, and they bring out honey on the side to put on the crust as a sort of “dessert.” Did the one in Keystone do that? It oddly gives the crust a cinnamony flavor. I still don’t know how they do it. Now you have me craving Beau Jo’s:)
Your blog post is so making me want to go to Colorado! Gorgeous pictures.
Kathleen @morethaneasymac recently posted..Veggie Friendly
I love reading about someone else’s trip to Colorado. I live near Boulder and I definitely take for granted the beautiful mountains…and Beau Jo’s…mmm.
Jess recently posted..Potato State Wedding
Fantastic view and lovely fall colors! Awesome! AND you get to wear boots, which is a bonus π
Shanna, like Banana recently posted..Enchiladas for the season
You made me so jealous that you were in Colorado, I adore it there π And I’m a huge fan of BeauJo’s as well, when we’re out there- our relatives usually take us to the one in Boulder, tasty π You’ll have to have some more extra fun for me!
The view is stunning! I actually thought of you last night when I was making this pumpkin soup – I thought you would really like it –
http://mybizzykitchen.com/2010/09/30/i-want-to-go-to-san-francisco/
Hope your event goes well!
My one request… please let me know when your job is going to post an opening! Enjoy yourself girl, you deserve it!
Nic recently posted..Double Chocolate Thursday!
I wish St. Louis had a pizza place like that where you can make your own with good veggie options! If we do, someone please tell me where!!
Clare @ Fitting It All In recently posted..Iβm In Love with a Foam Roller
I am loving the salad bar in the bathtubs and all the different pizza options at Beau Joβs. Looks like a great day. I think it is awesome that you get along so well with your boss π
Ali recently posted..In Other News Literally-
Man I want that job! What a gorgeous place to visit.
Lisa recently posted..Make Your Own Special Occasion
WOW! how awesome is your job!? Colorado is one of the states that I have never been too, but REALLY want to go! And your awesome pics aren’t helping at all =P
p.s. just recently found your blog and LOVE it!
LoLo recently posted..Mushroom Sauce!
Awwww!! This post makes me miss my brother! He moved to CO from NJ about 13 years ago. I’ve only been out to visit him once since then. Once a year he visits us back home though. Thanks for the photo tour. He actually lives/works in Keystone! Christie Sports!
Bonnie @ salad craze recently posted..All Smiles!
Oooohhhh…..Beau Jo’s! How I do love it so. I’ve been to CO twice and each time that was a mandatory stop!
Brandy recently posted..Week 2 repeated
i want to move to Denver!!!
jocelyn @ enthusiastic runner recently posted..Pizza in the morning- Pizza in the eveningβ¦
Your boss is beautiful! π And seems super cool!
Funfun.
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