This workcation in Denver was the perfect blend of business and pleasure, allowing us to explore the city's unique culture while still being productive and efficient with our work. From staying at the luxurious Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver to visiting local businesses owned by minority, LGBTQ, and women entrepreneurs, we were able to support the local community and gain valuable insights. The trip was also a great opportunity to share our tips on how to plan a workcation and navigate the challenges of being a working parent, providing actionable advice for others in similar situations.
Day 1: Arriving in Denver, Checking into The Kimpton Monaco, Exploring Denver
As the plane descends into Denver International Airport, I can't help but chuckle at the "Conspiracy Theory" theme the airport has fully embraced. I lean over to my partner Justin, and we both laugh. It's good to be back in Denver, a city that holds a special place in our hearts. We fell in love here during a work trip a few years ago, and now we're back to mix business with pleasure once again.
As we step off the plane and head to the baggage claim, we start chatting about all the things we want to do during our short four-day stay. We both have work to do, but we're determined to make the most of our time in this amazing city. We talk about Meow Wolf, Golden, and Louisville, and make a plan to visit those places during our stay.
We're staying at the beautiful Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver, thanks to the Amex Fine Hotels benefit we get each year. The hotel is a perfect blend of modern luxury and old-world charm, with all the amenities we could ask for. We settle into our room and take in the stunning decor, marveling at the high ceilings and plush furnishings.
After freshening up, we head out for dinner at The Populist, a highly rated farm-to-table restaurant that's both inclusive and locally owned. We enjoy a delicious meal of Colorado lamb, followed by artisanal cheeses and wine. As we dine, we talk about the work we need to do over the next few days. Justin is scheduled to meet with our construction client in Louisville tomorrow, while I'll be facilitating a webinar on DEIB and Executive Leadership from our hotel room.
We plan out the rest of our itinerary, making sure we balance work and play. We want to make sure we have plenty of time to explore Denver and the surrounding towns, while also being productive and efficient with our work. We discuss where we'll go, and we make sure to include businesses that are inclusive and owned by minority, LGBTQ, and women entrepreneurs. That's intentionality.
Day 2: Training Work in Louisville, Executive Coaching in Denver and Meow Wolf
I woke up early in our Amex Fine Hotel in Denver and headed to the nearby coffee shop, Prodigy Coffeehouse. I ordered a latte and avocado toast and sat outside in the sunshine, scrolling through my emails and preparing for my day.
Justin had to drive out to Louisville for his on-site visit with the client, so he grabbed breakfast at The Huckleberry, a cute little cafe that he found near the client's office. He told me he had the breakfast burrito and it was delicious.
As for me, I had a packed day. I was facilitating a webinar on DEI and Executive Leadership on "The Intersection of DEI and Executive Leadership: Navigating the Path Forward", and then meeting with a COO client, for one-on-one executive coaching. It was going to be a busy day, but I was excited to dive in.
After the webinar, I met with the COO at Pigtrain Coffee, a trendy coffee shop located inside Denver Union Station, about a 10-minute walk from Kimpton Monaco. We had a great conversation about relationships within the company and the importance of communication at all levels. As we talked, I could see the stress and frustration lift from her shoulders.
Meanwhile, Justin was hard at work at the client's site. He's an expert at building training materials, but he's also a video and audio engineer, so he was capturing footage of their machines to develop video-based training for them. He told me over the phone that it was fascinating to see how the machines worked and that he was enjoying this project.
Later in the afternoon, I headed back to the hotel to regroup and write a little more of my next book, MomZec. Justin was still in Louisville, so we caught up over the phone for a few minutes. He told me about the progress he was making on the video project, and I updated him on my coaching session. We talked about how we could apply some of the principles to our own relationship and laughed about some of the challenges we faced as a couple but got through them.
We both wrapped up work around 5 pm, and I suggested we visit Meow Wolf before dinner. We had both heard so much about the place, and we were both excited to check it out. We spent a few hours exploring the different rooms and installations, and it was incredible. We were like kids in a candy store, marveling at the creativity and imagination on display.
We left Meow Wolf feeling energized and inspired, and headed to Woodie Fisher for dinner. It's a highly-rated restaurant in downtown Denver that specializes in seafood and steak, and it did not disappoint. We started with the charcuterie board and some oysters, and then I had the pan-seared scallops while Justin had the steak. We enjoyed a bottle of red wine with our meal and had great conversation about our day.
After dinner, we were feeling adventurous, so we decided to check out a late-night music spot that we had heard about. We ended up at the Meadowlark, a dive bar with live music, and had a nightcap before heading back to the hotel.
It was a great day, filled with work and play. We were both exhausted but fulfilled, and looking forward to what the rest of our trip had in store.
Day 3: Exploring Mining Towns & Hosting an Exclusive Not the HR Lady Event
We wake up early and take a coffee walk around Denver. Justin suggests we try Crema Coffee House, a highly-rated café with great ambiance. I order a latte, and Justin gets a cold brew. As we walk and sip, we discuss our plans for the day.
Our first task is to record an audio episode of Not the HR Lady on LinkedIn about working parents, titled "Seven Kids, Two Working Parents: How We Make it Work." We share our experiences and provide tips for working parents, like the importance of setting boundaries and finding ways to disconnect from work. We wrap up the recording, feeling proud of the advice we shared.
Next, we hit the road and head to Idaho Springs, a charming mining town nestled in the Rocky Mountains. We stop by the Clear Creek Candles & Soaps shop, a woman-owned business that specializes in handcrafted candles and soaps. I pick up a few candles as souvenirs, while Justin admires the unique soap blends.
We continue on to the town of Golden, where we grab lunch at Tributary Food Hall & Drinkery. Justin orders a Cuban sandwich, and I go for the veggie burger. We enjoy the variety of food options and the lively atmosphere.
After lunch, we head to Evergreen, a picturesque mountain town with rolling hills and stunning views. We visit the Creekside Cellars winery, a minority-owned business that offers a variety of award-winning wines. We sample a few and end up buying a bottle to take back to the hotel.
As we drive back to Denver, we reflect on the day's activities and the lessons we shared about being working parents. We discuss how important it is to have a strong support system and to prioritize self-care.
Back at the hotel, we spend some time reviewing our notes and preparing for an event we're hosting later that night. "Seven Kids, Two Working Parents: How We Make it Work"
We have the pleasure of hosting a special evening session for working parents, exclusively for our Not the HR Lady fans. The event was at The Squeaky Bean, a quirky bar and restaurant features an eclectic atmosphere, a creative cocktail menu and an extensive vinyl collection. About 25 people in attendance... it was a magical evening full of surprises.
Afterward, we headed to a late dinner at Guard and Grace, a sleek and modern steakhouse that offers a variety of contemporary dishes. We enjoyed a delicious meal and reflected on the success of the evening session.
Back at the hotel, we relaxed with a bottle of Creekside Cellars wine that we had purchased earlier in the day. We discussed the highlights of the trip and the valuable lessons we learned about blending work and travel. We went to bed feeling grateful for the experience and excited for the adventures that lay ahead.
Day 4: Final Day in Denver, Centurion Lounge and Southwest A-List
We wake up early and head to Pigtrain Coffee Co. to grab a cup of their signature coffee. The aroma of the freshly brewed coffee hits our senses and we can't resist indulging in their chocolate croissants. The cozy atmosphere and rustic decor make for the perfect start to our morning.
Our first stop of the day is the SIXT car rental office to return our rental car. As we take the bus to the airport, we can't help but admire the beautiful scenery around us. The view of the Rocky Mountains in the distance is breathtaking.
As we approach the airport, we remember that our Amex Platinum Card grants us access to the Centurion Lounge, which we're excited to check out. We breeze through security thanks to our A-List status on Southwest Airlines and head to the lounge.
The Centurion Lounge exceeds our expectations, offering a variety of complimentary food and drinks, comfortable seating, and even shower suites. We take advantage of the amenities and indulge in a delicious breakfast spread. The lounge offers the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of the airport.
After our meal, we take a stroll through the lounge, admiring the contemporary design and unique artwork. We appreciate the benefits that come with the Amex Platinum Card, including exclusive access to Centurion Lounges, and make a mental note to maximize these perks during our future travels.
As we make our way to the gate, we board the plane with ease thanks to our A-List status on Southwest Airlines. We settle into our favorite row, 9 FED, and enjoy the comfortable seats and ample legroom. We reminisce about our time in Denver, reflecting on the fun experiences we had, the local businesses we supported, and the valuable insights we gained.
Our Denver workcation was a success, allowing us to blend work and travel seamlessly while indulging in the unique culture and experiences of the city. We can't wait to plan our next workcation and see where it takes us.
Tips on How to Plan a Workcation:
Choose a destination that offers both work and play options, and make sure it's a place that you and your travel partner will enjoy.
Set clear boundaries for work and leisure time, so you can maximize both aspects of the trip.
Book accommodations that have the amenities you need to be productive, such as high-speed internet, a comfortable work desk, and quiet spaces.
Plan your itinerary in advance, but also leave room for flexibility and spontaneity.
Make sure you have all the equipment you need to work remotely, such as a laptop, charger, and any necessary software.
Consider using a travel rewards credit card, like the Amex Platinum Card, to maximize benefits such as free hotel upgrades, lounge access, and more.
Make sure to take breaks throughout the day to stay focused and avoid burnout.
Don't forget to enjoy the local culture and cuisine - you're on vacation, after all!
Finally, be sure to communicate with your coworkers and clients about your work schedule and availability, so they know what to expect.
Tips on Being a Working Parent:
Set boundaries between work and family time, and communicate these boundaries to your employer, coworkers, and family members.
Prioritize self-care, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
Be proactive about managing your workload, and don't be afraid to delegate tasks or ask for help when needed.
Take advantage of any family-friendly policies your employer offers, such as flexible work hours, remote work, or parental leave.
Create a support system of family, friends, and/or coworkers who can help with child care and other responsibilities.
Plan ahead for work and family commitments, and try to balance your schedule as much as possible.
Be kind to yourself - parenting is hard work, and it's okay to make mistakes or have bad days.
Finally, don't forget to celebrate your successes and accomplishments, both at work and at home.
Where did we Go? What did we Do? What did we Eat & Drink?
Accommodation:
Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver: https://www.monaco-denver.com/
Fun:
Meow Wolf: https://meowwolf.com/
Coffee shops:
Prodigy Coffeehouse: https://www.prodigycoffeehouse.com/
Crema Coffee House: https://cremacoffeehouse.net/
Pigtrain Coffee: https://www.pigtraincoffee.com/
Restaurants:
The Populist: https://www.thepopulistdenver.com/
Woodie Fisher: https://woodiefisher.com/
Guard and Grace: https://guardandgrace.com/
The Squeaky Bean: https://thesqueakybean.net/
Tributary Food Hall & Drinkery: https://www.tributarygolden.com/
Bars:
The Squeaky Bean: https://thesqueakybean.net/
The Meadowlark: https://www.meadowlarkbar.com/
Shops:
Clear Creek Candles & Soaps: https://clearcreekcandles.com/
Creekside Cellars winery: https://www.creeksidecellars.net/
Making Trips Easier:
SIXT car rental: https://www.sixt.com/car-rental/usa/denver/
Amex Fine Hotels benefit: https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/fine-hotels-resorts/
Amex Platinum Card Centurion Lounge benefit: https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/lounge/the-centurion-lounge/