Every now and then, Jackie and I put down the cameras (well… sort of) and hit “record” on our own lives. These travel videos started as a fun way for us to remember our adventures together, but they’ve become their own little series — a mix of storytelling, videography practice, and real family memories. This Colorado trip was especially meaningful because it took us back to the Roaring Fork Valley to see my side of the family.

This is the third year we’ve filmed our travels, and the more we do it, the more I realize how much I enjoy capturing life the same way I capture stories for clients — honestly, simply, and with a little cinematic flair.

Touching Down in Colorado

We landed in Denver, grabbed train tickets, and kicked off the trip with our first-ever Tesla ride into the mountains. The glass roof alone made the drive feel like a moving postcard. Blue skies, mountain views, and a whole lot of “Jackie, look at that!”

After weaving through the front range weather, we made our way into Glenwood Springs — where my sister Allison Cummings, her husband Ben, and our nephews always greet us with loud hellos and even louder hugs. Before checking into our Airbnb, we dropped in to see them and settle into that familiar family chaos I missed more than I realized.

Back at Our Home Base – Carbondale

We stayed again at our favorite Airbnb on Main Street — our second round with this place, and still one of the coziest spots in Carbondale. Spacious, stylish, warm… the kind of place that makes dropping your bags feel like an exhale.

My little sister Marissa, her husband Dave, and their two boys also live in the valley now — they work out of Basalt and Aspen — and seeing them always fills the trip with energy. The boys wasted no time jumping, flipping, and demonstrating all their new “uncle Brandon, watch this” tricks.

Falling Into Mountain Routine

One thing I love about visiting Colorado: how fast we fall into the rhythm of the valley.

Jackie and the girls hiked a four-mile uphill burner while I took the role of responsible adult and drank coffee on the patio (no regrets). Breakfast at Silo became a trip highlight — one of those simple mountain mornings that feels like it belongs in a movie. I didn’t participate in the hike, as this video is a reminder I was still dealing with some health issues at the time. I was dealing with very painful joints, probably caused by stress. 

We wandered downtown Carbondale, sipped ginger-cello at Mammoth, and just let vacation mode take over.

Exploring the Valley and Seeing Mom

A huge part of these trips is seeing my mom, Cindy, who we moved to Colorado back in 2020, right in the middle of COVID. She’s settled into Newcastle — which locals whisper is the “next up-and-coming spot,” so let’s keep that between us.

We flew the drone over the golf course valley, walked with Mom, and enjoyed some seriously good food. Days blurred in the best way — sunshine, family, the mountains doing their thing.

Festival Weekend & River Surfing

Memorial Day weekend brought a great little festival in downtown Glenwood Springs. Ice cream, music, and people wake-surfing the river like it was nothing. The cousins all played, we hung out with the whole crew, and wrapped the night with a proper “Grill and Chill.”

The Hot Springs — How Did I Never Go Here?

The Glenwood Hot Springs ended up being the highlight of the entire trip — and I’m almost embarrassed to say it was my first time there. I’ve been coming to this valley for years… and somehow never stepped foot into one of the best attractions around.

That changes from now on. Multiple dips every trip — non-negotiable. That’s streight from the boss herself. 

Wrapping Up Another Damon Family Adventure

Our last moments were spent at the park with the boys, soaking up that final day energy before heading back to Denver for an early flight. We hit Blue Moon Bakery on the way out (highly recommend), then made our way home to Detroit.

Another successful trip. Another chapter recorded. And another reminder of why I love documenting life — whether it’s yours or mine.

Travel vlogs like this aren’t just memories for us; they sharpen my storytelling, keep me filming between client projects, and help me see the world the way I want to film it.

Here’s to the next adventure — and thanks for watching and reading along.

— Brandon
Brandon Damon Video