Category Archives: Colorado

Holiday Inn – Trinidad, Colorado

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Trinidad Holiday Inn

During our 2009 Southwest sojourn you’ll see lots of lodging reviews at members of the InterContinental Hotel Group. Over the pass few years we’ve become rather fond of the Holiday Inn Express brand. Generally finding a clean, comfortable stay at a fair price and consistency of quality from one location to another. Reservations through their website are easy to make and the lowest Internet price available. I have found calling the hotel direct sometimes gets a better rate.

I’ve found Priority Club membership a rewarding program  – easy to earn and redeem points. On this trip we’re using points for six nights and earning bonus points by accumulating  eight or more additional nights. Please follow along as I blog brief reviews of each facility we use.

The Trinidad, Colorado Holiday Inn is located at exit 11 on Interstate 25 (11 miles north of the Colorado/New Mexico border) . The three-story Holiday Inn is a totally new facility that opened in 2008. We made this reservation only a few hours before leaving home. The king room was comfortably furnished with night stands on both sides of the bed, easy chair with ottoman, flat-screen television, desk and wireless Internet that worked. Bathroom was large with everything functioning. All was new and clean.

The swimming pool and fitness center remain open until midnight. The hotel is designed so that these activity areas are away from guest rooms. A full service restaurant and bar is on site. On check-in we received a $5 coupon good towards breakfast in the restaurant.

The next time we need a room in the Trinidad/Raton area we’ll happily stay at the Trinidad Holiday Inn.

 

Trinidad, Colorado

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Trinidad by Night

We originally planned to set off on our trip Saturday morning but upped departure time to Friday afternoon. Decided to get 200 miles down the road to have more time for tomorrow’s adventures. Made last minute reservations in Trinidad, Colorado – seven miles from the New Mexico border – and got out of town by mid-afternoon.

Arrived in Trinidad shortly after sunset. After getting into our room we looked in the phone book for restaurant listings. There’s a full service restaurant in the hotel but that would be too easy and predictable. We like the menu for Cougar Canyon Fairway Grill.

Driving through town we see lots of cars at Chef Lui’s, “Chinese, Seafood, Cocktails,” and Rino’s Italian Restaurant & Steakhouse. The historic downtown seems quite alive for eating and drinking. Heading east of town Bob’s sure we don’t know where we’re going – all the more adventure. Cougar Canyon turns out to be a Golf Resort Community under development.

The Fairway Grill adjoins the golf shop. It’s obvious we’re the only tourists but we’re welcomed warmly by all of the staff. Next door a 117-room hotel is under construction, scheduled for completion by July 1, 2009. Under the pitch black star-studded skies we see not a foot of the Nicklaus Design golf course but the pictures intrigue with pedestal greens, split fairways and rocky canyon walls. Golf magazine named Cougar Canyon one of the “Top Ten Courses You Can Play in the U.S.” Although I’m not a golfer I have to come back in the daytime to see the course and its sweeping views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Instead of just passing through I want to make Trinidad a destination some day. The community’s rich history is preserved in the Corazon de Trinidad National Historic District. The Trinidad History Museum encompasses heirloom gardens and three landmark buildings including the Baca House, The Santa Fe Trail Museum and the Bloom Mansion. Just west of town we’ll find Trinidad Lake State Park and, further along the Highway of Legends Scenic Byway, Blue and Bear Lakes. A future Trinidad visit will reward with fascinating history, outdoor recreation and natural wonders.

February Fun in Manitou Springs, Colorado

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Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off & Carnivale Parade

pikes-peak-for-blogWe’re just at the end of the President’s Day holiday but I think it’s time to plan for next weekend. The gumbo starts cooking at 8am, February 21, 2009 in Manitou Springs. After the judges complete their tasting at 10:45 the public digs in – 2 tastings for a dollar. Competition is limited to 18 entries; winners receive cash prizes & trophies. Head to Soda Springs Park for a mumbo jumbo gumbo splurge.

manitou-storefronts-for-blogCarnivale Parade sets off through downtown Manitou at 1pm. I’ve never attended this event but this is the same community that brings us Coffin Races in October and the Great Fruitcake Toss in January. I’m pretty sure they know how to have a good time with gumbo and carnivale.

When You Go: Manitou Springs is encompassed by Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods.

The Sunnyside Cafe – Highlands Ranch, Colorado

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Looking on the Sunny Side

sunnyside-cafeI want to like the Sunnyside Cafe in Highlands Ranch. It’s a couple of miles from home, locally owned with fair prices. After our first visit today I’m on the fence. Maybe everyone was tired at 1pm but that shouldn’t be our problem. We were seated promptly but without a great deal of warmth. The waitress mirrored the same behavior, efficient for the most part but not many smiles.

Bob and I both ordered sandwiches accompanied by our choice of fresh fruit, french fries, cottage cheese, house potatoes, onion rings, sweet potato  fries, soup or salad – a nice variety. Bob went for the BLT and fresh fruit. I ordered the chicken salad sandwich with sweet potato fries. The toasted whole wheat bread came topped with apple slices and chopped chicken mixed with grapes, walnuts and green onions in a light dressing. It was a generous helping and tasty if not outstanding. The sweet potato fries were nicely seasoned but not very warm, by the time I was done eating some were hard as tree twigs. Bob judged his sandwich lower with a “I wouldn’t order it again” rating. The bacon was extremely hard, not crisp – probably prepared in advance and allowed to dry out. The dish of fruit was fresh not canned or frozen. Ice tea acceptable but wasn’t refilled until we were presented with the bill.sunnyside-sandwich1

The Sunnyside has an extensive breakfast menu that is available from opening until the 2pm closing. Perhaps our mistake was selecting sandwiches. If breakfast is the specialty, stick with breakfast – scrambles, skillets, omelettes, benedicts, south of the border selections, plus traditional fare such as biscuits and gravy or hash and eggs. Gravies, soups, dressings and desserts are made from scratch in-house. Once again, we missed the specialties – our mistake.

The restaurant opens for breakfast and lunch daily and on Saturday night for dinner and live local jazz. There is a full bar. Sunnyside originated in La Puente, California in 1980 and the interior mildly reflects a  California/Mexican decor.

We will return to Sunnyside Cafe for breakfast and another chance to show us friendly service and quality food. I’m still straddling the fence but trying to look on the sunny side.

*Plan* – Southwest Colorado New Web Site

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Explore Southwest Colorado Heritage

Follow in the Trail of the Ancients, explore the San Juan Skyway or the “Shady” side of Southwest Colorado. Start planning  your trip on a new web site, http://www.swcoloradoheritage.com covering  the Southmesa-verde1west Colorado Travel Region.

What a rich heritage you’ll find throughout the region, from the Ancient Puebloan People to Chief Ouray and the Utes; early Europeans coming for fur trapping to railroaders and miners with gold fever. Ride a stagecoach down Mancos Canyon or buy a custom made Western hat. The region’s scenery surpasses expectations and you’ll find recreational opportunities around every corner.

Visitors to the web site find a number of suggested trips, an electronic trip planner to build your own personalized itinerary, lots of information and links for attractions, destinations, events and accommodations. The region includes:cortez-dancer

  • Mesa Verde National Park
  • Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
  • Seven Scenic and Historic Byways
  • Five National Forests
  • Five Wilderness Areas
  • Hovenweep
  • Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
  • Ute Mountain Tribal Park
  • Chimney Rock Indian Ruins
  • Five Major Hot Springs Locations

That’s only ten of the dozens of options available to visitors. Start planning now.

Smashburger – Colorado, Kansas, Texas

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Smash – Sizzle – Savor

smashburger-signIf you’re anywhere near a Smashburger restaurant, stop in, try one and let me know what you think. It took me several months between first hearing about Smashburger and getting into one. I regret that wasted time. Bob says they’re so good he’s sure we can only have one a month without upping the cholesterol count.

Smashburger, wanting to be “The best burger you’ve ever tasted,” started in Denver, Colorado. The concept sounds simple enough. Start with quality beef – fresh, never frozen, fire up the grill to just the right temperature, smash the beef on the grill to sear in the juices and flavor, sizzle to perfection. Let the customer savor with their choice of condiments.

The beef is certified Angus, in 1/3- and 1/2-pound sizes. Buns are classic egg, multi-grain, on spicy chipotle. Or, served up without a bun if you desire. American, aged Swiss, sharp cheddar, blue or pepperjack are the cheeses of choice. Need a sauce? There’s ketchup, mustard, ranch, mayo, smash sauce or spicy chipotle. Top it off with tomatoes, red onion, grilled onions, leaf lettuce, kosher pickles slices or fresh jalapenos. If that’s not enough for an additional cost you can add applewood smoked bacon, haystack onions, beefy chile, fried egg, guacamole, extra cheese or garlic sauteed mushrooms. Prices $4.99 – $6.99.

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Speciality burgers include Spicy Baja, BBQ Bacon & Cheese, and Mushroom Swiss. A Smashchicken, Smash Dogs and salads are also options. On every visit I’ve been hung up on having the haystack onions – thin, crisp, served hot – great dipped in the chipotle sauce. We have yet to try Smashfries – tossed with rosemary, olive oil, and herbs, the French fries or veggie frites – flash-fried asparagus spears, carrot sticks and green beans. Sounds interesting.

Currently 10 Smashburger locations serve a growing demand; eight in Colorado, one in Wichita, Kansas and one in Houston, Texas. Burger lovers in Colorado Springs, Arizona, Texas and New Jersey will soon join the Smashburger fan club.

My memory isn’t long enough to know if it’s the best burger I’ve ever tasted but it’s the best I’ve had lately. I’ll keep returning for my monthly treat. Try it and tell us what you think.

Highland Haven Creekside Inn – Evergreen, Colorado

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Leave Your Mark of Love

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Okay lovers – of every age – it’s too late for Valentine’s Day 2009 but romantic getaways shouldn’t be limited to one night a  year.  I suggest escaping any time of  year to Highland Haven Creekside Inn in Evergreen, Colorado. Less than a half hour from Denver, when at Highland Haven one feels a world away from the city. Tall pines and rocky outcroppings shelter lodge and cabins; Bear Creek tumbles in front of the property.

 Sunset named the inn as a Top 10 Romantic Cottage, in a “Denver’s Best Stuff ” issue of 5280 magazine Highland Haven earned the title of Top Place to Pop the Question. Accolades abound for the unique property.

Accommodations range from guest rooms and junior suites to private cottages and luxury suites with cozy fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs or private  hot tubs. Whichever you choose the decor reflects what innkeeper Gail Riley terms “Colorado Chic.” You and your sweetheart are sure to appreciate the attention to detail and comfort.hh-interior1

Innkeepers and staff stand ready to enhance the romance with flutes of chilled champagne, imported chocolates, flowers, music or poetry. The inn says, “Love is in the air, in the trees and on the lane!” Several years ago a standing dead tree was stripped of branches and bark, lovers added their mark with hearts, names, intials and/or dates. Gail loves to tell the tender stories of individual carvings. The Sweetheart Tree was so popular a second has been added. A local artist does the carving – contact the inn to make arrangements to leave your mark. Lovers Lane is a stepping stone walkway across the broad lawn from inn to creek. Memorialize a special date or loved one with an engraved stone along the path.

Although it’s too late for a February 14, 2009 reservation it’s not too late for a gift certificate or a copy of Gail’s book  Colorado Cravings – Recipes and Romance. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, wedding, honeymoon, anniversary or popping the question you’ll long remember Highland Haven.

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Los Dos Potrillos – Centennial, Colorado

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Nacho Nirvana

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Imagine a great chile relleno – a crispy wrap around a snappy chile filled with smooth, quality Mexican cheese, sliced into bite-sized pieces. Imagine a great plate of nachos topped with a fresh zippy salsa. Now, imagine combining the two. Chile Relleno Nachos – Nacho Nirvana!

I’ve heard about this appetizer served at Los Dos Portillos in Centennial, Colorado. With an urge for Mexican food I talk Bob into heading to County Line Road and Holly. From the exterior Los Dos Portillos looks totally unassuming, it sits in the middle of a strip mall that includes a New York pizza place, a Thai cafe, childcare center and sports bar. The mall has its back to busy County Line – customers do not just stumble on this site. 

We arrive a little before 5pm and ask about the early dining special. The current feature includes a plate of the chile relleno nachos and two combination plates for $15.99. Such a deal! The nachos alone are usually $8.95 and combinations $10+ each. A well blended margarita, on the rocks with ice, costs just $3.95.

We dig in as soon as the nachos arrive, there’s immediate audible satisfaction. YUM! Bob ordered Combo #12 of beef burrito, beef enchilada and one beef taco. They happily substitute shredded beef in the burrito for ground beef at no additional charge. I opted for #13 of chicken enchilada, chile relleno, taco with rice and beans. We finish the plate of nachos but weren’t as successful with the combos. About half came home, enough for another meal. Pillowy sopapillas capped the meal.

By 6pm only  a couple of tables weren’t filled with hungry families. Even on a snowy February evening returning customers know Los Dos Portillos is worth the effort. One can expect a wait on weekend evenings. Service is efficient if sometimes impersonable. My only niggle is that the entrees came too quickly after the nachos were served, I would have liked to have had more time to enjoy the nachos.

We’ve always been enchanted with the shredded beef burrito, however I think a platter of chile relleno nachos, an order of guacamole and drinks would completely satisfy – nirvana.

When You Go: Los Dos Potrillos, 8251 S. Holly Street, Centennial, CO, 720-529-0299 and 10065 W. San Juan Way, Littleton, 303-948-1552. Open daily from 9am. Menu available online.

Brown Palace Hotel – Denver, Colorado

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“Affairs of the Heart” Tours

brown-palace-exteriorHistoric tours of Denver’s venerable Brown Palace Hotel focus on “Affairs of the Heart” during February. Oh, the tales Debra Faulkner, hotel historian and archivist, has to tell. After 117 years the “Brown” reveals stories of intrigue, romance, love triangles and even murder. Public tours are offered every Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm and last 45-60 minutes. Tours are free, however reservations are required.

Besides “Affairs of the Heart” and general history tours, specialized  themes include a presidential tour (Every U.S. president  since Teddy Roosevelt in 1905, with the exception of Calvin Coolidge, has visited The Brown Palace.), an architectural tour and the ever-popular ghost tour (October tours often fill to capacity). Groups of 10 or more must make arrangements for a private tour. Private tours – for a fee – can be arranged for those requiring a time outside of the normal scheduled tours.

brown-palace-lobby-teaI suggest making reservations for Afternoon Tea following your tour. Served in the eight-story atrium lobby the traditional afternoon ritual includes tea sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream shipped directly from England and tea pastries. All accompanied by a harpist or pianist. 

Is your valentine a chocoholic? If so, make reservations at the hotel’s elegant Palace Arms restaurant for a special Valentine’s Day dinner. Thanawat Bates, executive sous chef, has created a six course decadent dinner ($150/couple + tax and gratuity) with chocolate incorporated in each course.

Extend the celebration to Sunday, February 15th, with Ellyngton’s Dom Perignon Sunday Brunch. An extensive buffet offers selections from waffles to sushi and incredible desserts. Prices start at $54.95 per person.

Affairs of the heart isn’t limited to Valentine’s Day, the Brown Palace offers specials and packages for romantics year round. Check the website to find the right one for your occasion – Cupid’s Cuddle, Royal Romance, Light Up the Night or Tranquility With a Twist. For spur of the moment getaways try On A Whim. With the fine dining options, room service and pampering at The Spa at the Brown Palace you may never what to leave.

When You Go: Brown Palace Hotel, 321 17th Street, Denver, Colorado. 

Denver Art Museum – Denver, Colorado

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Free First Saturdays

art-museum1The doors to the Denver Art Museum open the first Saturday of every month at no cost to Colorado residents. Sponsored by Target with support from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District, free days make great family outings. The museum staff and volunteers roll out lots of hands-on activities in addition to the Family Backpacks, Art Tubes and Hotspots always of interest to younger visitors.

When You Go: Denver Art Museum open 10am – 5pm on Saturdays, check the website for other days/hours information. Located in the Civic Center Cultural Complex, 13th Avenue between Broadway and Bannock Streets.

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