I’ve Traveled To All 50 States, But There’s Only One I’d Choose To Stay In Every Time

After crisscrossing America’s highways and backroads for over two decades, I’ve slept in everything from five-star hotels to roadside motels with questionable bedding. I’ve experienced the hustle of New York, the beaches of Florida, and the vast wilderness of Alaska.

But despite all the incredible places I’ve visited, there’s one state that keeps calling me back whenever I need to feel at home.

1. Colorado: Where Mountains Meet My Soul

The first time I saw the Rockies rising majestically against the blue Colorado sky, I knew I’d found something special. No other state combines outdoor adventure with urban comfort quite like this rectangular gem in the American West.

During summer, I hike trails blooming with wildflowers and camp beside crystal lakes reflecting starry skies. Winter transforms the landscape into a snowy playground where I ski world-class slopes by day and warm up in cozy mountain towns by night.

What truly sets Colorado apart is its perfect balance. You can spend the morning in wilderness solitude, then enjoy craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants by evening. The locals embody that same balance—friendly but not intrusive, ambitious yet laid-back.

2. Four Seasons of Breathtaking Natural Beauty

Colorado’s landscape transforms like a living painting throughout the year. Spring brings wildflower explosions across mountain meadows, while summer offers perfect hiking temperatures and crystal-clear alpine lakes.

Fall creates a spectacular show when aspen groves turn brilliant gold against evergreen backdrops. Winter blankets everything in pristine snow, creating a genuine wonderland that feels magical even after dozens of visits.

Unlike states with more monotonous scenery, Colorado never gets visually boring. The dramatic shifts between seasons mean you’re essentially living in four different paradises throughout the year.

3. Perfect Balance of City Life and Wilderness Escape

My morning might start with a sophisticated brunch in Denver’s RiNo district, surrounded by street art and bustling urban energy. By afternoon, I can be completely alone on a mountain trail, watching eagles soar overhead.

This dual personality satisfies both my craving for cultural experiences and my need for solitude in nature. Few states offer such easy access to both worlds!

The Denver metro area provides all the amenities of larger cities without the crushing congestion. Meanwhile, millions of acres of public lands wait just beyond, offering sanctuary whenever the city pace becomes overwhelming.

4. Laid-back Locals with a Welcoming Vibe

Coloradans have mastered the art of friendly without being nosy. They’ll chat at a brewery about the best hiking trails but won’t ask twenty questions about your life story.

I’ve noticed a refreshing absence of the status-consciousness that plagues many coastal states. Nobody cares what car you drive or what designer you’re wearing – they’re more interested in which fourteener you climbed last weekend.

The state attracts transplants from everywhere, creating a melting pot of perspectives without the cliquishness I’ve encountered elsewhere. As a frequent visitor, I’ve never felt like an outsider – just another person who appreciates what makes Colorado special.

5. Unexpected Culinary Adventures Beyond the Ordinary

Colorado’s food scene surprised me completely! Beyond the expected mountain town comfort food, I discovered incredible green chile that rivals New Mexico’s finest. Boulder’s farm-to-table restaurants create magic with locally-sourced ingredients.

The state’s multicultural influences shine through in unexpected places. I once found the most authentic Ethiopian food I’ve ever tasted in a tiny spot in Aurora, and the Front Range’s Vietnamese cuisine would impress anyone from the coasts.

Colorado’s 300+ craft breweries create liquid art forms, with experimental flavors you won’t find elsewhere. Pair that with cannabis-infused dining experiences (for those interested), and your taste adventures never end.

6. Sunshine That Lifts Your Spirits Year-Round

The 300+ days of sunshine in Colorado work like magic on my mood. Even winter days often feature brilliant blue skies that make the snow sparkle rather than feel dreary and oppressive like in many northern states.

I’ve lived through Pacific Northwest winters where the constant gray drizzle slowly crushed my spirit. I’ve endured humid Southern summers where stepping outside feels like walking into a steam room.

Colorado’s dry climate means summer heat doesn’t stick to your skin, and winter cold feels less biting. The abundant sunshine creates a natural optimism among residents that’s genuinely contagious. My seasonal depression simply doesn’t exist here!