Acroyoga: Playtime for Couples

Whether you’re a Yogi couple or have never planked before, Acroyoga is a great way to connect with one another physically and emotionally. A combination of acrobatics, yoga and Thai massage, a private Acroyoga class with Yoga Yuki in Boulder will have the two of you speaking in a new exercise language as poses such as Front Bird, Prepare for Takeoff, High-Flying Whale and Camel contort your bodies.

Before class, you’ll want to avoid eating anything heavy given the fact that you’ll both be flipping about, hanging upside down, and using your core muscles for balance — a bloated tummy isn’t going to go over well. You do need to eat something, though, because Acroyoga requires strength and stamina. Thrive has you covered with its Natural High superfood smoothie featuring Shilajit, a great energy booster. If you’d rather have a more sensual and relaxed vibe, the smoothie mecca recommends Lavender Lacuma, which is packed full of protein, iron and calcium.

When you’re fueled up, get ready for a relationship building experience, as trust and communication are imperative — and more so than just imploring your partner to not drop you on your head. Acroyoga is also a great way for a couple to experience different/unique things that they would not normally do at home, in a fun and playful environment. You won’t be ready to join the circus after just one class, but you will be more intuitive to each other’s bodies and boundaries.

After class, grab lunch at family-run Le French Cafe. It’s a welcoming spot that’s perfect for meal sharing because deciding whether to indulge in one of its 20 different crepes or to order a perfectly made-from-scratch baguette sandwich is a choice you shouldn’t have to make. And don’t leave without trying at least one sinfully delicious pastry, baked fresh daily.

Thrive: 1509 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, CO 80302; 720-616-7785; thriveraw.com
Yoga Yuki (Yuki Tsuji): 577 76th St.,
Boulder, CO 80303; yogayuki.co

Image courtesy of Thrive

A Grazing Life: Safari, Dinner and Dancing on the Farm

For an authentic farm-to-table dinner you won’t soon forget, head to Colorado Springs for A Grazing Life. Taking place at Corner Post Meats, the leading sustainable ranch in Colorado, your unique evening begins with a Happy Hour reception featuring local wine, beer and spirit tastings overlooking the ranch’s beautiful front pasture.

After you’ve loosened up, the time comes to board a wagon for a behind the scenes “Real Food Safari” of the farm, where you’ll learn about sustainable ranching and see it in action close-up with the animals — cows, sheep, chickens, pigs and turkeys. And yes, you can pet the piggies while on safari. If you’re worried about getting dirty, don’t fret: it’s your choice whether to stay clean or add some grunge to your outfit.

When the safari ends, you’ll be seated at a communal table for a five-course meal prepared by a celebrated local chef that is sourced completely from local farms with meat directly from Corner Post Meats’ ranch. As dinner winds down, a live-band takes the outdoor stage, so wear dancing-appropriate shoes. If you’d prefer to just sit back and relax to the music, that’s perfectly acceptable and marshmallow roasting by the fire is normally available.

While your night on the farm celebrating the best of Colorado’s local producers will eventually end, the fun doesn’t have to. Head to the speakeasy-like Upstairs Wine Bar in the Old Colorado City Historic District and delight in the intimate atmosphere of this hidden gem overlooking Bancroft Park. With a cellar featuring over 100 different domestic and international wines, European bottled beers and local Colorado favorites, and absinthe on hand, you and your date will have endless opportunities to keep the tempo of the evening in full swing.

A Grazing Life at Corner Post Meats;
10165 Hodgen Road, Colorado Springs,
CO 80908; 719-838-2770;
agrazinglife.com

Upstairs Wine Bar; 2417 W Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80904;
719-577-4818; labaguette-co.com

Tennessee Pass: A Romantic Backcountry Ski Getaway

Cross-country ski lovers can add a touch of romance to their favorite sport by spending the night at Tennessee Pass Nordic Center… in a ski-in yurt. Located just outside Leadville at the base of Ski Cooper, you’ll spend your day admiring the Sawatch Mountains as you traverse up to 27 kilometers of set track and wide skate lanes. If the standard cross-country fare isn’t your style, or you’re looking to change things up, rent a fat bike and hit the groomed trails with fury.

When you arrive at your private and secluded yurt, you’ll find your bags have been delivered and all the necessities for a comfortable night’s stay included. Spend some time admiring the handcrafted log bed and soapstone wood stoves, while taking advantage of the solar lighting and whipping up a cup of coffee, hot chocolate or cider in the kitchenette to help stave off the winter chill. You can even arrange for a bottle of wine to be waiting for you after hitting the trails. And without any outside distractions, you and your sweetheart will unplug from everyday life and focus on each other in a secluded and romantic setting.

Eventually, you will want to grab dinner and there are two options, depending on mood. Take advantage of room service so you can enjoy the fire and skylight that gives you direct access to the twinkling stars in the night sky. Or, strap on your skis or snowshoes and head to the Cookhouse for a four-course meal over candlelight with a picturesque backcountry setting.

Upon returning to the yurt, snuggle up under the down comforter and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature as you fall asleep.

Courtesy of Tim Gromley

Skydiving: A Date Fit for Daredevils

If you’re looking for a date packed full of adrenaline and fun-filled screams, take a leap and go skydiving. Located a short drive from Boulder or Denver, Mile-Hi Skydiving Center will welcome you and your partner for an experience you can rave about long after its over.

The instructors will teach you everything you need to know upon arrival before you take to the sky for a freefall, tandem jump. You and your date can spend time in the plane debating who’s brave enough to take the plunge first as you ascend up to 18,000 feet above sea level. When you take flight, you’ll be rushing to the ground at 130 mph before releasing your shoot to take a leisurely glide back down to earth. Plan the jump for late afternoon so you can take in a breathtaking Colorado sunset next to Long’s Peak and the entire Rocky Mountain range. And if you really want to remember this special moment forever, have it captured on video.

After you’ve strained your vocal cords feeling the rush, get in the car and head to Downtown Longmont where The Roost has a variety of dinner and drink options to keep the date interesting and exciting — this time for your taste buds. Guests rave about the Bangin’ Cauliflower, Beef Totchos, and Thai Pork Tacos. And it’s hard to resist ordering a craft cocktail when it’s named Apple Spice or Coffee & Cigarettes. There’s plenty of craft beer to choose from, too, as the two of you reminiscence about your high flying adventure. And with live music and an energetic atmosphere, The Roost will complement your pumped demeanor.

Mile-Hi Skydiving Center; 229 Airport Road, Hanger 34G, Longmont, CO 80503;
303-759-3483; milehiskydiving.com