At this point of the pandemic I think most of us are painfully aware of the risks of traveling too soon while simultaneously itching to do something – anything – even remotely akin to travel.

On that note, Nick and I spent a single night at the Embassy Suites in Boulder on a “getaway” to the town I work in. This is literally true as I’m an essential worker who has to be onsite pretty often despite COVID-19. However, there’s something to be said for a hotel stay and a walk through town on a non-work day, so we gave it a go.

The Embassy Suites is owned by Hilton and therefore if you join Hilton Honors (it’s free) you can book and sometimes check-in without even talking to anyone. You can even use a digital key through the app on your phone. It’s pretty handy. There was some sort of glitch or something in my case so I had to go in, but social distancing was enforced and the front desk employees had plexiglass guards.

The rooms were well-cleaned and the TV remote was even in a funny little baggie for protection. The understandable but frustrating trend toward more single-use plastics is an unfortunate side effect of the pandemic, but I digress. This hotel was prepared.

One very positive thing is the hotel has continued its free happy hour despite the pandemic. Sure, the free range snacks are gone (will those ever return?), but the free booze is still gloriously free (before tip!). The dining area was set to be distanced and signs admonished this who might seek to move furniture.

Restaurants everywhere are struggling and that’s no different in Boulder. Several of our favorites have sadly closed, so we tried to support one while we could. Sforno Trattoria Romano provided limited and distanced indoor seating. Hand sanitizer was available, masks were required when up and about, and all employees we saw were masked. Oh, and the food and service were stellar. The pics speak for themselves.

It’s a little pricy, but is a worthy treat.

Our walk bore witness to many sad closures and also to many exciting as yet surviving favorites.

Here’s hoping the recent approval of the Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccine leads to improved distribution and vaccination rates here in the states so we can all move on from this mess shortly.

In the meanwhile, if you travel at all, try to do so safely and locally. Support those local establishments and stay safe!