Chautauqua Park Bears 2025

The bears are back in Boulder!

No, not real bears. Those are hopefully still hibernating for the Winter. 

I’m talking about the colorful bear sculptures that call Boulder’s Chautauqua Park home each Winter for Art In The Park.

Art In The Park is an annual fundraiser for Chautauqua Park. Each Winter, colorful bear sculptures are auctioned off to raise money for the upkeep of the buildings and grounds of this National Historic Landmark. These fiberglass bear sculptures all start out as the same blank canvas, but thanks talented artists, no two bears end up alike.

This year, as well as the fifteen large bears that can be found outside, there are also an additional ten mini bears on display in buildings throughout the park.

Let’s take a look at this year’s bears…

Ice Castles 2024/25

Disclaimer: Our visit to Ice Castles was hosted. All photos and opinions re my own.

Colorado’s most magical Winter experience is back, and this year there’s twice the magic!

That’s right - Ice Castles have returned for another season of wonder and awe with not one, but two Colorado locations. The spectacular structures made from ice crystals return to the tiny mining town of Cripple Creek, just two hours south if Denver, along with a new location in the mountain town of Eagle.

We recently checked out the Cripple Creek location and I’m sharing this awe inspiring Winter wonderland with you today. Prepare for lots of sparkly ice crystals photos along with all the tips you need to know for a visit of your own. Plus, a discount code!

Let’s check it out…

Daniels & Fisher Clock Tower, Denver

If you’ve ever visited Denver’s 16th Street Mall, you’re sure to be familiar with the iconic clock tower that stands on the corner of Skyline Park.

But have you ever wondered just what this historical landmark is? I know I’d wondered about it. Why is it there on its own? When was it built? Was it ever part of a larger building? What is it actually called? Most importantly, I wondered if it was open to the public and was it possible to go up to the top.

Well, I’ve got answers for you, starting with the big one - yes, it’s open to visitors!

I checked out this Denver landmark recently with my friend Daniela who was visiting from Australia and it was one of my favorite things that we did during her stay. We took in the views over Denver, learned all about the history of the tower, and took some pretty cool photos.

Let’s take a look…

Blossoms of Lights at Denver Botanic Gardens 2024

Denver's most magical holiday event is back!

Blossoms of Light at Denver Botanic Gardens is one of Denver's most beloved holiday events.

The actual blossoms may be long gone for the Winter season and many of the trees may be bare, but there is plenty of color on display thanks to millions of twinkling lights that set the gardens aglow.

Let's take a look...

ICE! The Polar Express at Gaylord Rockies

Disclaimer: We were hosted by Gaylord Rockies during their media event. All photos and opinions are my own.

This weekend we kicked of the holiday season with a visit to Gaylord Rockies for their So Much Christmas event. We marveled at the intricate Christmas trees throughout the resort, watched in awe as acrobats did the impossible in Cirque Frost, ate delicious treats, shopped in Mistletoe Village, and so much more. But the highlight of our visit, as always, was the amazing exhibition ICE! 

This year ICE! features scenes from beloved holiday movie The Polar Express. Colorful ice sculptures depict the magic of The Polar Express with ten scenes made from hand carved ice. This immersive experience will delight visitors of all ages as they make their way through the chilly exhibition. With ice slides, interactive exhibits and a ton of photo opportunities ICE! is a holiday event not to be missed.

Let's take a look...