Planning the Mountain Escape
Decided we needed a quick break from Denver noise last month, so grabbed my laptop around 11 PM. Typed “Glenwood Springs cozy stays” like my life depended on it. Scrolled till my eyes burned, comparing photos of porches with mountain views.
Made a messy list:
- Wanted walking distance to hot springs
- Needed killer breakfast – none of that sad cereal stuff
- Fireplace or bust
- Free parking or I ain’t going
The Scouting Mission
Drove up Friday morning with coffee spilling everywhere. First spot looked like grandma’s attic – floral wallpaper peeling at the edges. Owner kept yapping about “charming vintage features” while I side-eyed the squeaky floors. Snapped photos of the staircase that felt like it might collapse.
Second place smelled like pancakes – good sign! But the bathroom was tinier than my truck’s glove compartment. Watched my elbow smash the shower curtain rod trying to grab shampoo. Host apologetically offered discount coupons to some pottery studio nobody asked for.
Stumbling Into Gold
Almost gave up when we found the cedar cabin place. Front porch had actual rocking chairs facing snow-capped peaks. Host named Dave threw our bags over his shoulder like a mountain gorilla – “Breakfast at 8, don’t be late or I’ll eat your bacon!”
The room had:
- Stone fireplace already crackling
- Thick quilts you’d fight your cousin over
- Private balcony with Adirondack chairs
Showered under water pressure that could strip paint while smelling pine trees through the window. Absolute win.
The Morning After Glory
Woke up to sizzling sounds downstairs. Dave’s wife flipped blueberry pancakes while humming Johnny Cash. Maple syrup came in actual jugs. Ate three plates while eavesdropping on retired couples arguing about hiking trails. Left feeling ten pounds heavier and weirdly emotional about bacon quality.
Final Showdown
Checked two more spots Sunday. One had fancy chandeliers but charged extra for towels – insane! Another had great views but the bed felt like sleeping on a bag of potatoes.
By sundown we knew:
- Victorian grandma house – Only if you like antiques attacking you
- Claustrophobe’s nightmare – Bring your own oxygen
- Cedar cabin – Where pancakes meet paradise
Threw our rankings in the truck’s glovebox – now permanently sticky with maple syrup. Mountain escape unlocked!
