Colorado’s Director of the Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry, Political Junkie and Community Builder Shares His Favorite Things
Connor Hall lists his top ten lifestyle picks at the moment
Photo: Esther Lee Leach
1. Colorado Retail Store – I’m a sucker for the Wilderness Exchange, not only for the incredible deals but also for the accessibility to often- expensive outdoor equipment. Here, you can get a variety of gear at all budget levels. Wilderness Exchange, 240 15th St., Suite 100, Denver, wildernessx.com
2. Workout Venue – Colorado’s great outdoors. We are so lucky to live in a state with 22 million acres of public land, 105,344 miles of rivers, and 690 peaks over 13,000 feet. The opportunities for outdoor recreation are simply endless, 14ers.com
3. Backpack – I’m a huge fan of Topo Designs, a Colorado-based company that makes backpacks, bags and apparel. I have a forest-green Rover Mini that I use as a distinctly Colorado take on a briefcase to haul around my work gear. Rover Pack Mini, $69, topodesigns.com
4. Suit – My tux from Suit Supply (a Christmas gift from Sen. John and Robin Hickenlooper) has served me well at many black-tie events over the years, but I just bought a dark blue linen suit from Indochino and love their customization and attention to detail. Sailsbury Linen Blue Suit, $499, indochino.com
The Sangre De Cristo Mountain Range In Colorado
5. Colorado Activity – It’s tough to pick just one because we live in an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. If I have to pick, I’d say hiking in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range above my hometown of Crestone. It’s one of the most dramatic and exquisitely beautiful ranges in Colorado, and there are rarely crowds.
6. Charity Event – The annual First Descents Ball, a barn-burner at the, is outrageously fun with unique entertainment and a rocking dance floor, but also incredibly powerful. I’ve never come through the event without being moved to tears. The organization consistently raises well over $1 million to support the healing of young people battling cancer or MS through outdoor adventure. firstdescents.org
7. Colorado Artist – I’m a huge fan of Denver-based artist Scott Young, who pulls no punches in exploring themes of romantic duality through his conceptual neon work. His latest exhibition, “Fool,” at the Ramble Hotel, incorporates AI-generated neoclassical images into his signature neon medium. It’s thought-provoking, to say the least. @scottyoungstudio on Instagram
8. Colorado Museum – My personal favorite is History Colorado. Our state has such a rich and complicated history, and this museum captures both the unique and quirky aspects of our state (such as the history of craft beer exhibit), as well as important historical events, such as the Sand Creek Massacre exhibit. historycolorado.org
9. Workout Clothing – For general outdoor pursuits, I Iove my Voormi River Run Hoodie. It’s a lightweight, merino-wool sweatshirt that’s durable, stylish and versatile in many types of weather. Men’s River Run Hoodies, $139, voormi.com
10. Shoes – I wear dress shoes more than I’d like to admit. My go-to shoes are my cognac-colored Aldo Noiciens. They are sleek, simple and comfortable. Noicien-w, $128, aldoshoes.com
As seen in CHL’s July/August 2023 Issue
