Aurora Creative Collective Member Spotlight: @itsnuwin | Visit Aurora (2024)

Colorado is renowned for its breathtaking trails, abundant nature, and diverse wildlife. If you're keen on exploring without venturing too far from Denver, I recommend 12 Mile Stables in Aurora. This horseback riding center offers scenic rides along picturesque trails, where unexpected encounters with deer, fawns, and foxes are not uncommon.

And speaking of Aurora's charms, Stanley Marketplace is what I like to call a hodgepodge of the city's finest offerings. With great dining options, interactive activities, ever-changing exhibitions, and boutique shops, it truly encapsulates the essence of Aurora's vibrant culture and community.

If you're in the mood for a cozy stay, I'd highly recommend The Benson Hotel and Faculty Club. Their restaurant, The Common Good, serves a fantastic breakfast to start your day right.

For some daytime entertainment, Stanley Marketplace is a must-visit. They always have interesting exhibitions going on. From the immersive Van Gogh experience to their festive Christmas setup 'Camp Christmas' and the current 'Space Explorers: The Infinite Experience,' there's something for everyone! And don't rush through your visit – they have charming boutique shops like June Ruby and fun activities like Friend Assembly's ceramics classes designed for kids and adults.

When it's time for lunch, Banh and Butter Bakery is the spot for light banh mi and delicious pastries. And if you're in Aurora, you have to grab some boba; Aurora has some of my favorite boba spots. Tiger Sugar offers the renowned 'world's biggest boba,' while Chi Lin serves alcoholic boba. For more unique finds, Snowl, Boss Tea, and Mocha are independently owned stores that won't disappoint.

For dinner, you're spoiled for choices. Tofu Story, Aroma do Brazil, Urban Burma, Old Town Hot Pot, and Moobongri Soondae are some of my favorite hidden gems.

I often rave about Aurora as the ultimate destination for Asian cuisine, especially if you're craving authentic flavors near Denver. Hotpots are few and far between in downtown Denver, so if you're craving hotpots, you can find the best in Aurora. My favorites include Seoul K-BBQ & HotPot, Aki Asian Hot Pot, and Old Town. And here's a unique find – Tofu Story, right next to Seoul K-BBQ & Hot Pot, which serves hotpot and the viral Crab House LA raw marinated crab.

While Korean BBQ gets much attention, Korean cuisine offers much more, especially in the soup department. I swear by classics like Galbitang, Budae Jjigae (army stew), and Seolleongtang – they're the ultimate pick-me-up boasting comforting flavors that are perfect for a chilly day or after a night out (if you know what I mean). You can try some of these gems at Moobongri Soondae, Mr. Tang, or Thank Sool Pocha.