Tales Across State Lines: From Garden of the Gods to Cheyenne’s Cowboy Boots

Heyyy travel family! (I hope you heard that “heeyyy” in that best-friend-you-haven’t-talked-to-in-a-month kind of voice. 😏) HAHA! I’ll admit — I had to take a little pause from blogging last month. But honestly? That’s not a bad thing. Breaks are healthy, and they bring us back refreshed and ready to do our best.

Besides the brief blogging break, I have been “grounded,” meaning no travel plans, for months. So, when it was finally time to board the plane, I was cheesing like a kid on the first day of school showing off their outfit and fresh kicks. LOL!! I could barely contain my excitement thinking about the adventures ahead. From takeoff to landing, every mile felt like freedom and possibility. Auntie is back in the WILD armed with a carryon and… endless curiosity!! HAHA!!

This trip wasn’t just about crossing state lines — it was about experiencing the energy of a city, the serenity of the mountains, and the charm of the West, all in one journey. If you’re ready to dive into the sights, sounds, and stories from three vastly different cities, buckle up — this adventure is about to take off!

The view from above

Flying into Denver, I could feel the city’s energy buzzing from the tarmac — just humming with adventure ahead. And before I even left the airport, Denver decided to school me with two cool facts (perfect timing since I already had those back-to-school vibes going). LMBO. This isn’t my first time here — I’ve been at least four times — but this city always has something new to show me.

First up: each concourse has an outdoor deck with a firepit where you can relax or watch flights take off and land. Definitely a refreshing change of pace, especially if you’re stuck on a layover. The second? A Prohibition-style hidden speakeasy disguised as a bookstore, serving up crafted cocktails and signature drinks in an intimate setting. A whole vibe before you even hit the city.

Williams & Graham

After a good night’s sleep and Auntie’s much-needed hydration — because you will not catch me falling out on the side of a mountain, LOL — we headed south to Colorado Springs, where the towering sandstone formations of Garden of the Gods stole the show and reminded me to pause, breathe, and soak in nature’s grandeur.

Garden of the Gods is located just a little over an hour south of Denver, and the park itself covers 1,367 acres. It's a designated National Natural Landmark, famous for its dramatic red rock formations and an extensive trail system that invites exploration and awe. Beyond the breathtaking view, the park carries a history that stretches back thousands of years.

And here’s the best part: don’t let the idea of “hiking trails” or “rock formations” intimidate you.  Garden of the Gods is really accessible to EVERYONE.  You can take vehicle tours, hop on a Segway, ride horseback, stroll the paved sidewalks, or even take a trolley tour if walking long distance isn’t your thing.  And don’t forget to drink your water … and mind your business! HAHA!

Visitors at Garden of the Gods

Oh, I almost forgot — for those who may not be into the whole outdoorsy vibe situation, the Visitor and Nature Center is the perfect hub. Inside, you’ll find a souvenir shop, exhibits and galleries, a café and even a theater that showcases history, dinosaurs and aerial footage of the park —all in under 15 minutes. I don’t know about you, but this sounds like a win-win to me.  

After soaking up the sights and joking around in nature, it was time to head back to Denver to relax. I’m not gonna lie, y’all — that sun 🥵beat me like I owed back taxes. YIKES!

After recharging in Denver, it was time for a day trip that promised a completely different vibe — Cheyenne, Wyoming! Before you ask why Wyoming, well ... it’s relatively close to Denver, and I figured it was a perfect chance to add another state to my count. Wide-open skies, cowboy boots, and small-town charm were calling my name, and Auntie was ready to answer. LMBO!

Once we crossed state lines, our first stop was the Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center. Way more than a “rest stop,” it has exhibits about Wyoming, maps, history, a gigantic mammoth skeleton (yes, gigantic… pun intended), and outdoor eating areas. The place was clean, the staff were friendly, and honestly — not what I expected. That’s the beauty of travel: always be ready to be surprised.

Mammoth Bones

From there, we continued into Cheyenne, stopping at the Cheyenne Depot Plaza where we parked and went on the hunt for boots. And no, not the kind you wear. Cheyenne has 8-foot-tall cowboy boots painted by local artists, scattered throughout the city, and let me tell you — each one has its own personality! Walking around the city felt like a personal scavenger hunt — and yes, plenty of photo ops along the way. What a dope concept, right?

First United Methodist Church

As we walked around downtown, I spotted a record shop and knew I had to thumb through some vinyl before leaving. Downtown Vinyl had a good selection of reasonably priced records, and who am I to deny 🤭 myself? Of course, one must do their part to support local businesses, so I will not confirm nor deny that I may have purchased a couple of albums.

Wide-open skies, giant cowboy boots, and an Earth, Wind & Fire album later — Cheyenne proved that rolling into Wyoming isn’t just crossing another line on the map. It’s boots, art, small-town charm under endless skies — with each stop adding its own story, vibe, and surprise along the way.

🤔 What’s the most random, cool, or totally unexpected spot you’ve stumbled on?  I’d love to know — drop it in the chat below! 👇🏾

Until the next time, Auntie is signing off — carry-on packed, curiosity fully loaded, and yes … water bottle in hand. HAHA!

If you’re vibing with these travel stories and want to support Biz3b’s adventures, you can always show some love through the Venmo, Cash App, PayPal links. Every bit means the world — and yes, it keeps me caffeinated! Blessings always! ✈️🌍💛