About This Blog

Hi, I’m Rachel Meyer, and I’m the voice behind this Lakewood travel blog. I grew up just down the road in Golden and eventually made Lakewood my home. Over the years, I’ve fallen in love with this city’s mix of community warmth, outdoor beauty, and creative spirit. This blog is my way of sharing that love, both with visitors who want to explore and with locals who might discover something new in their own backyard.

When friends from out of town visited, I noticed they would usually stay in Denver and never set foot in Lakewood. To them, it was just another suburb. I always found myself saying, “No, you have to see this café,” or “You need to hike Green Mountain,” or “Don’t miss Cider Days.”

That is when I realized Lakewood needed more than just a few mentions in Denver guidebooks. It deserved its own spotlight. This blog was born from that idea: to highlight Lakewood’s hotels, food, shops, events, parks, and hidden gems in a way that feels personal, not corporate.

Why I Started This Blog

What You’ll Find Here

This blog is not about glossy, generic travel writing. It is about real experiences. Every post comes from exploring places myself, talking with locals, and spending time in the community.

  • Hotel Guides – Where to stay depending on your trip, whether it’s a family vacation, business travel, or a romantic getaway.

  • Food & Drink – My favorite part. Expect everything from mom-and-pop diners to the newest craft brewery on Colfax.

  • Shopping – Big destinations like Belmar, but also the small boutiques and thrift shops with real personality.

  • Events – A seasonal guide to Lakewood’s festivals, concerts, and cultural traditions.

  • Outdoors – Because here, nature is never far away. From Bear Creek Lake Park to Green Mountain, I’ll share the best ways to enjoy the outdoors.

  • Hidden Gems – The quirky, overlooked places that give Lakewood its character.

  • What’s New – Updates on new openings and projects shaping the city’s future.

My goal is to keep things balanced: practical tips for travelers, inspiration for locals, and stories that make Lakewood feel alive.

I am not a professional tour guide, just someone who loves her city. I work as a freelance graphic designer, which gives me the flexibility to spend afternoons exploring new restaurants, photographing murals in the 40 West Arts District, or walking trails with my rescue dog, Luna.

When I am not writing or designing, you will probably find me at a local coffee shop (Sweet Bloom is my go-to), browsing antique stores, or catching a concert at Red Rocks.

Travel has always been a big part of my life. I have explored plenty of places outside Colorado, but the more I travel, the more I appreciate coming home to Lakewood. This blog is my way of saying, “Here’s why I love it here, and here’s why you might too.”

A Little About Me

Why Lakewood?

Lakewood is often overshadowed by Denver, Boulder, and Golden, but that is part of its charm. It has the comfort of a community where people know their neighbors, paired with access to world-class music venues, restaurants, and the Rocky Mountains.

It is the kind of place where you can spend your morning hiking, your afternoon shopping at Belmar, and your evening at a local brewery or cultural event. That balance of city convenience with a laid-back, outdoorsy feel is what makes Lakewood special.

This blog is not just my perspective. It is a growing space where readers share tips, stories, and recommendations. Some of the best places I have written about came from locals sending me a message saying, “Hey, you should check this out.”

So please, if you have a favorite Lakewood spot, drop me a note through the contact page. And if you are new here, I hope this site helps you experience Lakewood in a way that feels authentic and memorable.

Join the Community

Final Note

At the end of the day, this blog is simply about celebrating a city I love. Whether you are a visitor planning your first trip or a longtime local looking for new ideas, I hope you will find something here that inspires you to explore Lakewood a little deeper.

Thanks for stopping by. I am glad you are here.