Old Stone Church
After a wind blown visit to Castlewood Canyon State Park we take sanctuary at the first church built in Castle Rock. Today the Old Stone Church serves cuisine instead of a congregation. Where the confessional once stood a table for two awaits diners as does the choir loft.
We always enjoy the creative dishes from chef/owner Jeff Richard. Trained at The Culinary Institute of America, Richard features fresh ingredients with a sense of adventure. I like the southwest influences and order the shrimp enchiladas with goat cheese and chipotle cream. A half-dozen grilled shrimp fill each enchilada. Packed with flavor, I soak up every drop of the chipotle cream with tortillas and the Mexican rice. 
Bob chose the Old Stone Church because he was lusting after their salmon. Java salmon is rubbed with coffee, ancho chile powder and brown sugar, served over a goat cheese pasta and topped with a corn relish. Sighs of contentment come from his side of the table.
While we waited for the entrees we dipped warm pita pieces in a thick sauce of herbs, red pepper, red wine vinegar and olive oil.
Although we didn’t have any on this visit every soup I’ve ever tried at The Old Stone Church has been perfect. I especially remember the cream of asparagus on our last visit. I believe Chef Richard shines when it comes to soups and sauces.
Locals consider the Chaplain’s Bar, next to the dining room, their secret. From 3-6pm they relax with $5 appetizers and drink specials.
The only complaint I’ve ever held is that we’ve never had a host/hostess that seemed glad you’ve walked in 
the door. Once we start interacting with the wait staff we feel welcome and receive good service but the initial greeting could certainly be improved.
Flickering tea lights, a softly falling fountain, original stained glass windows and music creates a relaxed, a reprieve from a busy day, atmosphere. I feel I must confess we don’t come to the Old Stone Church frequently enough.
Find It!
Old Stone Church – Castle Rock, CO
When You Go:
210 3rd Street
Castle Rock, Colorado
303-688-9000
Open Tuesday – Saturday
Lunch 11am-2pm
Dinner 5-10pm
Closed Sunday & Monday
The 18th annual Colorado 
There’s plenty to do in the 
The town lies west of the Organ Mountains along the Rio Grande River. 
Located in the center of the heart of chile-growing country we find delicious, authentic Mexican food. Many family owned restaurants use recipes handed down for generations. Especially on weekends, dinner may be accompanied by a live mariachi band. Several wineries welcome visitors to tasting rooms and wine festivals. Then there’s my favorite – 
This was our first visit at a Staybridge Suites, designed primarily for extended stays. Although we stayed only one night at the 
Although we reserved a one-bedroom suite we were given a two bedroom/two bath. Being able to set up the laptop in the extra bedroom and work early in the morning while Bob still slept was an nice bonus. Quality bedding and linens contributed to a much needed night’s rest. The equipped kitchen included a stove top, microwave oven, full refrigerator and dishwasher. My only negative comment is that there is no ice machine in the hotel. They expect you to use the ice maker in your frig; however, if it’s not turned on when you check in it can’t keep up with demand – even for two people.
Built from 1783 – 1797, the church frequently is proclaimed to be the finest example of mission architecture in the United States. Records reveal little about the architect and artisans responsible for the original construction. Influences of Moorish, Byzantine and Late Mexican Renaissance architecture blend to create the strikingly unique edifice. We can only surmise why the east tower was never completed.
The building has a long history of respectful care followed by neglect and restoration. For three decades in the 1800s priests were sent home to Spain. Parishioners safeguarded church furnishings in their homes but the building fell into disuse.
We sometimes hear the gasps of wonder as visitors step into the church for the first time. Every surface seems to resonate with color: altars, statuary, arches, retablos, frescoes, carvings. Some have called this the "Sistine Chapel of North America." It’s quite a compilation of baroque and folk art. Whether one says a prayer and lights a candle or sits quietly observing the features this is a time to pause and contemplate.
We abandoned the comfort of home and headed to South Broadway Grill which opened a few months ago. The location first saw a Mr. Steak restaurant back in the \’60s and has seen numbers of eateries come and go. The completely redone interior is pleasing in its sleek urban simplicity, contemporary art and floral highlights. Bob immediately noticed an impressive orchid on the hostess stand. The host assures us that it’s real. We later learn that co-owner Carolyn Kinsella is a talented floral designer.
Dinner started with the Broadway Salad – fresh spring greens, dates, figs, toasted almonds, goat cheese dressed with the house vinaigrette and topped with polenta croutons. I loved the salad, next visit I may make it my entree. Bob selected the grilled sole with a creamy caper sauce served with mashed potatoes and spinach. He ate the whole thing – there was no need for a to-go box. My choice was the pasta Fabiano. Sautéed chicken breast, broccoli,roasted cashews and penne pasta in a basil cream sauce. The cashews added a nice texture and flavor to an otherwise rather bland dish. A little added salt helped bring out some flavor. The ice tea received excellent reviews from both of us.
A serving of chocolate chip caramel bread pudding to share capped our Dinner Deal. I watched dishes coming out of the kitchen, a number of sandwiches looked very appealing as did the buffalo short rib stroganoff. The clientele spanned the range from young singles watching a ballgame while eating at the bar to three-generation families with Grandma in a wheelchair. I’m thinking one of the circular corner booths will be just right for the next girls night out.
They’ll tap the barrels to swirl and sip last fall’s harvest during the annual “Barrel Into Spring” weekends at wineries around Grand Junction, Colorado. Eight members of the Grand Valley Winery Association host visitors two weekends each spring, April 25-26 and May 16-17 in 2009. Each winery pours current releases as well as the first tastings of the 2008 wines – a sneak-peak into their potential.
Depending on your interest the weekend offers a great opportunity to increase one’s wine knowledge. A presentation or tour is offered at each location. Bennett Price of DeBeque Canyon Winery may share his years of experience demonstrating the wine-making process with carboys, tubing and airlocks. At Canyon Wind Cellars you can tour Colorado’s only underground wine cellars. Experience the difference varietal blending makes, or sample the flavors imparted by oak barrels from America verses France. I always come away with a greater understan
ding of terroir and viniculture.
Grand Junction and the Grand Valley region of Western Colorado offer a numerous outstanding options for getaways. From the sandstone formations of Colorado National Monument to the Gateway Colorado Auto Museum, whitewater rafting on the Colorado River to the serenity of fly fishing on Grand Mesa, fruits direct from the orchard or fine dining you’ll want to return again and again.
When You Go: 2009 
After our first visit to 
Where To Go - Travel USA 