This is Part 2 of a three-part Botanical Garden series, featuring gardens that are members of the American Horticulture Society’s Reciprocal Admissions Program. A membership at one of these gardens includes eligibility for free or reduced admission at 300+ participating locations across North America. Always call ahead of your visit to verify what special admission privilege is offered by the Garden.
Dating yourself is one of the most important things you can do for your own well-being (in my opinion). You get time alone to think, or not think, and to explore the world around you. Dating yourself is a solo date that proclaims, “I am worthy of special things regardless of my partner status.”
Last September I had the fortune of taking a quick work trip to Denver. It was my first time in Colorado! When a meeting-free afternoon presented itself, I jumped at the chance to explore the city and took myself on a date.
I can’t recommend solo dates enough. To the movies, the coffee shop, a restaurant. Anywhere you want! It’s good to be alone with your thoughts and maybe a good book.
Speaking of books, does anyone else like to read books at the airport to pass the time? These were my trip purchases:
I always buy a book at the airport… 
Always!
And it’s hard to read a good book without coffee!
My hotel, which was built onto an old press building, was conveniently located right next to Thump Genuine Coffee (Broadway location) where I got a deliciously refreshing cold brew.
On my last morning I also visited the laid-back but not to be outdone The Bardo Coffeehouse on South Broadway. This was the site of my first oat milk mocha! If you haven’t tried it, give it a go! I was hesitant (I’m partial to a whole milk mocha) but it was quite good.
Now – onto the solo date!
To begin the afternoon, I had a sushi and salad lunch at Hillstone – a chic locale with an elevated yet classic menu.
It’s one of the most beautiful salads I’ve had the honor to consume.
After lunch I walked about three-quarters of a mile to the York Street location of the Denver Botanical Gardens. Coming from Texas, I found the weather to be heavenly and just right (read: sweat free) for an afternoon stroll.
At the Gardens, my time was serene. There was set-up for a wedding going on and it didn’t interfere with seeing anything. Honestly I was a little jealous – what a beautiful spot for a wedding! I need to find a groom first…
With its 24 acres of gardens and collections, the York Street location also boasts the Helen Fowler Library and the Mordecai Children’s Garden.
The Gardens does a LOT of scientific work throughout the year, including specimen collection, outreach and engagement, and restoration. You can view their annual “accomplishments and endeavors” here.
Want to spruce up your garden? They have partnered with Colorado State University Extension and Colorado Master Gardeners to provide expertise; one of their webpages is dedicated to Gardening Resources.
After the gardens, I stopped by the Hermitage Antiquarian Bookshop and purchased a few books. I also bought The Book of Tea at the Botanical Gardens gift shop.
There is a lot to see and learn about when you visit the Denver Botanical Gardens (and all of Denver)!
I was unable to visit the Chatfield Farms location, but would love to bring my son there. “Facilities include the Earl J. Sinnamon Visitor Center, the historical Hildebrand Ranch, a restored 1918 dairy barn and silo, the 1874 Deer Creek Schoolhouse, 2.5 miles of nature trails, the Deer Creek Discovery children’s play area and numerous wildflower gardens.”
Plus, the working farm contributes to food programs throughout the area and in the fall they have a corn maze and pumpkin patch.
Have you been convinced to take a solo date? It’s hard in the current situation but you can always get a coffee to go and read in your favorite park. A solo date can be as close or far away as you want it to be. You get to make the rules when you date yourself!
While you wait for your next trip or solo date, browse some of the photos I took below. I hope they bring to you what botanical gardens bring to me: a sense of peace, grounding, and stillness.
This post is not paid or sponsored. Views and opinions are my own and do not represent those of any of the Gardens or the American Horticulture Society.
I love this! I remember when I moved 2-1/2 hours away from home for work I didn’t know anyone. I literally was alone. I learned to do things on my own and found myself loving to spend time by myself. I did so much and honestly, it was one of the happiest, stress free times in my life. Thank you for the reminder of the things I am missing in my life today.
So glad you enjoyed! Sometimes we need reminders of what it takes to alleviate a little stress 🙂
Wow, I love this idea! I have never been comfortable going out by myself but walking around a garden as beautiful as that sounds serene! And you got some really amazing photos! Thanks for sharing
It was heaven! Botanical gardens are one of the cheaper ways to support educational nature centers, especially for those of us who live in a metro area.