Having two babies in two years has been an interesting adventure – never a dull moment and lots of cute milestones, but SO many long days… and even longer nights. It feels like I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in over three years! My husband joked many times that he was going to send me to a hotel for a night so I could sleep. I always laughed him off, as the mom guilt just wouldn’t let me imagine leaving my babies home to take care of myself.

Until now.

Dove Inn Golden, Colorado

I’ve had increasing anxiety since Rowen was born, and seemingly decreasing time for myself due to all of Arien’s travel for work. I knew I needed to make a change and start taking more time for myself, even just something small. So when the wonderful people at The Dove Inn asked if I wanted to visit their place in Golden, Colorado for a night, I jumped on the opportunity!

It also sounded like the perfect way to spend a little one-on-one time with Hunter. With her nearing graduation and planning to attend college in the fall, I want to make as many memories as possible while we can. Plus she’s great company and is the perfect distraction to keep me from worrying about the babies during our stay.

We packed up on Sunday morning and made the quick drive to Golden. Hunter had a playlist prepared so we could set the tone for our day of fun! We found the Dove Inn easily and checked in early afternoon. Instructions had been emailed to me that morning with a code for both the lobby and our room.

We stayed in the Carriage House room above the garage. It was the perfect spot for a little seclusion, and I immediately wished Arien and I could have a quick getaway there for ourselves! Maybe in a year or two…

But seriously you guys, the Dove Inn made sure that everything was perfect. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves for the most part, but I have to point out a few things – the little kitchen is great for winter when you don’t want to venture downtown, or for couples in love who just want to stay in and enjoy each other. The bathroom included wayyy better toiletries than most hotels. The TV had streaming options for guests who have a subscription, plus a cozy couch for staying up late and watching half of Brooklyn Nine Nine season 1.

I’ll let you guess if that’s what we did or not.

Before Hunter and I went to check out downtown Golden, we stopped into the lobby of the Dove Inn. A full kitchen, plus kombucha and cold brew on tap, AND a full coffee bar. Hunter was in love. Meanwhile I was checking out the little details – the vintage furniture that really set the tone of the original charm of the place. And even the BOOKS on the shelf were from the late 1800s. I opened one and checked. Probably wasn’t supposed to do that, but I love books and was just too curious. Don’t tell the owners.

The porch would’ve been the perfect place to sit and chat while enjoying French press coffee, but it was a little chilly in the shade and we were hungry.

We walked downtown and did some quick shopping (Baby Doe’s Clothing and Accessories shop was my favorite – and I snagged a pair of cute comfy flats because my feet were KILLING me!). Then we were off to dinner at Indulge Bistro & Wine Bar. We ate more than we should’ve, took some leftovers to go, and of course stopped for a few chocolates at Golden Sweets. Then back to the room to just rest for the night!

The next morning, we grabbed a quick coffee and pastry from the lobby kitchen before walking down to Sassafras American Eatery for breakfast. I have to say, they have AMAZING service and delicious food. Seriously. I’m always a little skeptical of eating good ol’ Southern food at any place that isn’t in the South – but they nailed it. And they make a sweet potato grits – which I just had to try – and I loved it! I can finally understand how some people put sugar in their grits, because it just gave it a sweet, creamy flavor.

But I still say nothing beats my Mema’s cheese grits. Sorry not sorry.

I would’ve loved to spend the day in Golden and relax at the Inn a little longer, but my babies needed me back home. So Hunter and I packed up and left – no need for any elaborate checkout process at the Dove Inn.

Hunter has already told me she wishes we could go back. We had such a great time together and made some great memories! And I’m thinking… she will be going to school in Boulder and I’ll be coming out to visit on occasion… so maybe we can plan to do this again soon. 😉