Dear reader,

I just want to start off by saying that I am so thankful for each and every person who reads my blog. I don’t say it enough but y’alls support means the world to me! Thank you!

If you don’t already know, I was born and raised here in Colorado. I love this state so much and want everyone else to know how awesome it is too. Whether you live here yourself, or you plan on visiting someday, my hope is that I can provide some insights into all the many things this wonderful place has to offer. That is exactly why I created the Explore Colorado blog series. To access this series all you have to do is visit the main menu on my blog and click the Explore Colorado tab. Doing so will lead to a page filled with posts all about my favorite places in Colorado. There you will find travel advice and descriptions, as well as style insights from each of the destinations.

Now let’s jump into what this post is all about, The Brown Palace.

The Brown Palace opened in 1892 and is one of Denver’s most prized historical sites. Taking a step inside is like taking a step back in time. At the time it was built, The Brown Palace was the most magnificent hotel around and it has stood the test of time. All of the architecture, furniture and finishing are something straight out of a Great Gatsby movie.

In the center of the hotel lies a grand dining room where they serve afternoon tea. Josh booked reservations for the tea for my birthday, but not with ease. He called a week in advance and they were all booked for my birthday weekend. In fact, they said they sell out months in advance. Luckily I have a very persistent boyfriend and he kept calling back until he was able to snag a reservation when someone else canceled.

Once we were seated the waiter offered us our choice of tea from a wide selection. We chose a full bodied, caffeinated, grey herbal tea called Thé des Lords that was perfect for our taste. The best part is that the teas are made right there in the hotel and are lose leaf. The tea also comes with scones, finger sandwiches and a selection of pastries and desserts. A pianist played in the background as we enjoyed our tea and pairings.

Afternoon tea is a long-standing Denver tradition and it does come with a price tag of $40. The tea is delicious and the pastries are divine but what you really pay for is the experience. Quite frankly Josh did not understand why tea would cost so much, but most guys aren’t really into tea. I suggest going with a group of girlfriends who can all appreciate an excuse to wear fancy dresses and put there pinkies up.

Make sure and take time to explore the hotel grounds while you are there. There are so many quaint nooks and crannies, with so much history. You should also try out some of the other restaurants in the hotel. I’ve heard Ellyngton’s is a wonderful dining experience.

I wore a For Love and Lemons dress to the afternoon tea, which is unfortunately sold out. Here are some other great options.

Xoxo,

Cara