Category Archives: Colorado

*Event* – Greenwood Village Arts Festival

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 4th Annual Arts Festival

Greenwood Village, Colorado – Sept. 10-12, 2010

Art Tents - for Blog

Paintings, photography and pottery, bird houses to woodcarvings the 4th Annual Greenwood Village Arts Festival showcases the creations of local artists. Cherry Hills Marketplace, 5910 S. University Blvd., hosts the event sponsored by the Curtis Arts and Humanities Center. The festival runs Friday, Sept. 10 noon – 6pm, Saturday the 11th 10am-6pm, Sunday the 12th 10am-4pm.

We were especially impressed by the work of three of the artists when we visited the festival Friday afternoon. Watercolors by Bruce White (http://brucewhiteartist.com) capture colorful landscapes. A street scene of Telluride, Colorado was a personal favorite. In addition to dozens of original paintings White sells reasonably priced glyce prints.

The woodcarvings of Lee Thormahelm caught Bob’s eye and interest. Not only are Thormahelm’s carvings detailed and well executed but he completes each piece with excellent painting, finishes and presentation. Several works featuring trout and one of a hummingbird and Colorado blue columbine were particularly noteworthy.

Yelena Sidorova - B

We immediately recognized the unique work of Yelena Sidorova (http://www.sidorovart.com). Bob took a workshop taught by Yelena a few years ago. Classically trained in Russia she uses silk as her canvas. The resulting creations are rich in color and texture. Subject matter ranges from art deco to cityscapes, flowers to figurative. Bob previously purchased two Prague street scenes and will return to the festival tomorrow for a third.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Giraffe Encounters

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Feeding Giraffe 2 - B 

A long black tongue gracefully curls towards the offered cracker. In the blink of an eye the crisp goody disappears down an elongated neck. Almost as a thank you ears give a tiny twitch before she turns to look for the next treat.Giraffe Tongue - Red Shirt - B

We’re engaged with the nearly two dozen reticulated giraffes in the African Rift Valley Exhibit of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Elevated decking allows intrigued visitors to stand at nose-to-nose level with the gentle herd – the largest of any zoo. We learn the receptive tongues measure 18-21 inches with the inside portion pink in color and the visible last six inches a deep purplish-black. Who can resist purchasing the special nutrition-formulated giraffe crackers?

Although additional animal encounters await, like many visitors, we find it difficult to move away from our favorite exhibit. Even after we’re out of crackers we enjoy watching others interact with the giraffes. While the adults nonchalantly move around the large outdoor enclosure two five-month-old male calves dart here, there and everywhere. Barely avoiding a belly flop, Mashaba skids to a halt with legs widely splayed. We’re able to identify the giraffes by name from exhibit information describing each unique reticulated (netlike) paLicking Lips - Bttern.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo giraffe herd can be found outside during zoo hours on dry days with local temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors enjoy watching the long-necked creatures pass through their specially designed drawbridge at 9:15am and afternoon – 4pm in winter, 5pm in summer.

Carousel of Happiness – Nederland, Colorado

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New Spin on Old Fashioned Fun

Janis and Jaz 

The sign near the door simply says, “Smile”. The playful music begins, colorful animals start their up-and-down trot and the carousel ramps up to speed. I wonder, why does anyone need to be reminded to smile? A smile seems as natural as breathing as we take our inaugural ride on the Carousel of Happiness in Nederland, Colorado.  Kangaroo and Kid

A menagerie of animals represent decades of carving by Scott Harrison. No two alike, each whimsical character embodies Harrison’s inspiration, devotion and talent. Horses dominate many carousels. Not the Carousel of Happiness, here we find a worldwide representation. From down under a  kangaroo with tiny Joey holds the whole world in it’s hands. A black and white panda represents China; an alpaca in ballet slippers comes from South America. From Africa there’s a zebra, camel, cheetah, long-necked giraffe and gorilla. A basket-like seat atop the elephant is the perfect spot for very young riders – would be maharajahs and maharanis. Of course, we note a lion and tiger and bear, oh my.Child on Elephant

From under the sea we identify a dolphin, fish and shapely mermaid. Animals native to the surrounding Rocky Mountains include a moose, lynx, coyote, a deer with real antlers and an Indian pony. Not overlooked are farm and domesticated animals – donkey, saddled pig, sheep, rabbit, St. Bernard, calico cat and a cow with real Swiss cow bell.

An ostrich and proud peacock strut their stuff while a great blue heron appears to lift into flight with a fish in it’s mouth. Folklore provides a dragon.  A duck and swans are gracefully depicted while a time conscious frog appears ready to take a flying leap

Monkey Each animal deserves a closer look to appreciate the details, spirit and attitude carved into each one. Birds perch on the moose’s broad antlers and on the tip of the upturned elephant trunk. A mouse peeks out of the furry rabbit tail. A snake winds its way up the giraffe’s neck. We find it easy to understand why each carving took about six months. Not all carvings can be ridden. A baby orangutan clings to a brass pole. Looking up, a raccoon offering a flower bouquet elicits a smile and at the very top a girl twirls in free-spirited rapture. Smaller transformational figure carvings separate the Victorian outer running boards. Swans, frogs and a child evolve from eggs to celebration stature.

Boy on Cheeta At first glance the choice of which animal to ride seems daunting. I observe as both adults and children climb atop one, change their mind and switch to a second or third choice. The solution is as simple as a smile, ride several times. At $1 per ride – child or adult – this is affordable family fun.

Enthusiasts can purchase a Carousel of Happiness Passport and keep track of each animal ridden. When they’ve made the “rounds” on all the animals they’ll receive a gift certificate for the adjacent shop.

In addition to 25 moving animals several stationary animals welcome those wanting less motion to climb aboard. A bear in red galoshes leans over the back of a bench seat while a gorilla wraps his arm around a passenger in a padded chair or a wheelchair. There’s a choice for every ability and need.

Age needs to be no consideration. Our family visit included four adults and one 11-year-old. The seventy-something had absolutely as much fun as the youthful granddaughter. The staff told about a gentleman who came for a turn on the carousel on his 101 birthday. Now, there’s a goal I can adopt.

Judy on Deer Bob in Dragon Boat Janis on Calico Cat

The story behind the Carousel of Happiness is as meaningful as the experience is magical. As a Marine serving in Viet Nam in the 1960s Harrison found solace from a small music box sent by his sister. As he listened to the Chopin etude he dreamed of a carousel in a mountain meadow.

Carousel Sign After moving to Nederland in the 1980s Harrison began carving carousel animals. Initially he used scrapes of lumber left over from constructing the family home. Soon he switched to basswood popular with craftsmen because of the ease of carving yet the durability of a hardwood. After completing several animals he heard of an antique carousel being dismantled in Utah.

Built a century ago the carousel operated in Saltair Park on a pier at the Great Salt Lake from 1910 to 1959. With the demise of Saltair the carousel resided on the grounds of the Utah State Training School in American Fork for 27 years. In 1987 the animals carved by the famed carousel creator Charles I.D. Looff were sold to collectors. Harrison purchased the working parts and pieces of the stripped carousel and brought them to Colorado to begin the restoration process.

Carousel BuildingAs a completed carousel came nearer to reality a non-profit organization was formed. The Nederland community came together in support of the project, raising funds for a building and offering volunteer construction labor. Volunteers continue in vital roles of the operating carousel.

The Carousel of Happiness officially opened Memorial Day 2010. During the summer thousands have come for the classic carousel experience, leaving with youthful joy and broad smiles.

Smile Sign

 

 

When You Go:

The Carousel of Happiness is located in the heart of Nederland at 20 Lakeview Drive, 303-258-3457. From Memorial Day to Labor Day the carousel is open daily 10am-8pm. After Labor Day it will open Monday, Thursday and Friday from noon-6pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-6pm. There is also a gift shop and puppet theatre. The facility will open for birthday parties and private events.

Crested Butte Music Festival – Crested Butte, Colorado

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Come Blow the Alphorn

Alphorn 1

The slopes of Mt. Crested Butte echo with the sonorous tones of a 14-foot- long alphorn. Not a Ricola cough drop commercial but one of the world’s foremost professional alphorn players – Arkady Shilkloper; plus, dozens of fascinated youngsters.

The Divine Family Concerts are a yearly feature of the Crested Butte Music Festival. Aimed at younger audiences, the 2010 informal concerts included Brass for Kids, Bluegrass for Kids, Legends for Kids, a children’s opera – Hansel and Gretel, and Blow the Alphorn.Alphorn 5

Russian born Arkady Shilkloper started playing the alto horn at age six and spent seven years as a cadet at the Moscow Military Music School. Today he lives in Germany and plays horn, fugelhorn and alphorn with orchestras and small groups around the world.

2010 is Shilkloper’s second summer as guest artist at the Crested Butte Music Festival. Between songs he shares history and facts about the lengthy alpine instrument. Alphorns date back at least 600 years. Traditionally the horn is carved from a single piece of wood with no lateral openings – no holes nor keys. The one Shilkloper plays for the mountain slope concert is made of carbon fiber and comprised of multiple telescoping pieces. He talks about the similarities to theAlphorn 3 indigenous Australian dijurido, renaming the alphorn an “alpurido.”

Shilkloper’s alphorn repertoire ranges from traditional Swiss songs to improvisational jazz. For the Divine Family Concert he included several of his own compositions including Alpine Trail and A Tribute to Crested Butte which he wrote after his visit five years ago.

Then it’s time for eager youngsters to step up to the mouthpiece. Eyes pop when they successfully hit a harmonious note – or two or more. Shilkloper patiently encourages the shyest and those who initially struggle in their efforts. A five-year-old face-painted “tiger” immediately succeeds with a short melodic tune and is pronounced by the maestro as a natural. When others have difficulties Shilkloper asks the “Natural” to teach them in, “kid language”. One amazing three-year-old needed no instruction. If a stockpile of alphAlphorn 2orns were available there would be an entire alphorn orchestra on the slopes of Crested Butte.

Arkady Shilkloper appears in a concert entitled Alpine Romance August 1, 2010 with the Crested Butte Festival Orchestra at the Center for the Arts.

The Crested Butte Music Festival completes its 13th season in 2010. Each year programs and concerts present a wide variety of music styles – classical, chamber, jazz, bluegrass, opera, western and more.

 

The Slogar Bar & Restaurant – Crested Butte, Colorado

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Family-Style Fried Chicken & All the Fixin’s

Grandma’s Sunday fried chicken dinner is a treasured memory from my youth. When visiting Crested Butte, Colorado we’ve established the tradition of Sunday night dinner at The Slogar for family-style platters of fried chicken and all the fixin’s.

Slogar Exterior - Large

The weathered building was built in 1882 when it was one of 18 taverns in the mining town of Crested Butte. The Slogar was the first one the miners came to each evening as they came down from the Big Mine on the Bench. Stepping into he 21st-century Slogar feels like stepping into a 19th-century movie set. The antique bar, back bar and red upholstered Victorian furniture set the stage.

As soon as we’re seated our cheerful waitress, Kelli, brings bowls of cottage cheese, tomato chutney and a relish tray with celery and carrot sticks, butter pickles and cinnamon pear slices. My favorite is the sweet/sour coleslaw made from an early 1800s Pennsylvania Dutch recipe. Is this like Grandma’s, or not?

Kelli soon returns with our drink order and a basket filled with homemade baking powder biscuits accompanied by crocks of honey butter and homemade strawberry preserves. After tasting the preserves you’ll want to purchase a couple of jars to take home. Wish I could make biscuits as good as Slogar’s to go with the strawberries!

Slogar Chicken Dinner Our waitress offers to refill any of the dishes; but, knowing what’s ahead we decline. After clearing the debris from the first round Kelli brings out a platter piled high with crispy skillet fried chicken – four pieces per person. The flavorful recipe dates back to 1915. Since I prefer dark meat I negotiate my breast for Eric’s thigh – chicken pieces, of course. We pass around the dishes of mashed potatoes, gravy and creamed whole kernel corn. Once around and the mashed potato bowl is empty. Kelli quickly brings a refill as well as more biscuits.

Our table falls silent as we dig in; after all, we’ve eaten lightly all day saving up for The Slogar. We note that the same thing happens at other tables. As soon as the main course is served conversation ceases, eating is paramount.

My only complaint is the thin gravy. Our family has always made a thick cream gravy with the chicken pan drippings; it’s hard to change expectations. Also, if they provided a bread plate one wouldn’t have to work so hard keeping the biscuit from getting soaked with thin gravy and corn cream.

As we sit back with satisfied sighs Kelli brings individual dishes of rich vanilla ice cream. We like to top the ice cream with any leftover preserves. Yum! Eric gets the doggie bag of four chicken pieces and biscuits for tomorrow’s lunch.

Slogar Sign When You Go: The Slogar Bar and Restaurant is open nightly 5-9pm. Steaks ($26.95) and a vegetarian entree are offered in addition to the fried chicken dinner. Specialty beers, wine list and full bar are available. The chicken dinner is $15.95/adult, $8.95/children 2-12, and includes ice cream, tea coffee and milk. The restaurant is located at 517 2nd St., at the corner of 2nd and Whiterock. Reservations strongly advised, 970-349-5765.

The Slogar changed ownership a couple of years ago. All the positives including traditional recipes remain. The reception, attitude and cleanliness are much improved.

Coney Island Boardwalk – Bailey, Colorado

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Hot Dog!

Coney Island Exterior

The giant hot dog along US285 west of Bailey rates almost iconic status in Colorado. At 42 feet, Coney Island claims the title of longest hot dog in Colorado; nestled in a 35-foot long bun and topped with mustard and pickle relish.

The unique roadside eatery was constructed on Denver’s Colfax Avenue in 1966. Four years latter the structure was moved to Aspen Park in the Denver foothills. Travelers headed to or from the mountains frequently stopped for hot dogs, burgers or ice cream – a tradition for many families.

Coney Island was slated for demolition in 1999 to make way for a bank. On closing day the line stretched for miles – customers waiting for one last Coney Dog. Fortunately a buyer and new location was found on the banks of the South Platte River. The 18-ton hot dog made a 17-mile trip west to Bailey.

DSCN0464 The menu offers All American hot dogs with all the usual condiments toppings of cheese, chili, kraut or slaw. Specialty dogs include corn dogs, brats, hot Polish, smoked buffalo and smoked elk jalapeno cheddar. For those who don’t do “dogs” burgers are also available.

We recently joined the noon-time line to place our order for chili cheese dogs and fries. Inside seating is limited to two small tables and a few counter stools. We choose a umbrella shaded table on the deck  while others selected picnic tables on the riverbank.

Coney Island with Boys I wouldn’t claim this is the best hot dog I’ve never eaten but worth the stop in a fun atmosphere; after all, it’s a Colorado tradition. Don’t forget to take pictures of the kids and the giant hot dog.

When You Go: Coney Island Broadwalk is located at 10 Old Stagecoach Road, Bailey, Colorado – phone 303-838-4210.m Open 9am – 9pm on weekends, 10am – 9pm weekdays.

K’s Dairy Delite – Buena Vista, Colorado

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Ice Cream Worth the Wait

K's Dairy Delite Sign A July mid-afternoon in Buena Vista, Colorado practically requires a stop at K’s Dairy Delight. The menu says, “One location serving the nation!” I count license plates from ten states when we pull into the parking lot. The line is long but no one’s complaining.  

Many customers order burgers but it seems everyone wants ice cream in the form of cones, shakes, malts, floats, sundaes, parfaits or banana boats. The soft serve ice cream is legendary. Choose a regular, waffle, dipped, twinkle cone or a doubleheader.

K's Dairy Delite Exterior The Urban Spoon website ranks K’s as the best ice cream in Colorado, I mumble, “yum” several times as I finish my vanilla cone and wish for a doubleheader. Definitely worth the wait.

We couldn’t resist stopping again on our return trip. This time Bob and I order caramel shakes – WOW! Michael gave his black raspberry shake great reviews.

Columbine Park across the street provides picnic tables and plenty of shade for relaxinBuena Vista Playgroundg while consuming K’s Dairy Delite treats. A large playground will wear off youthful energy before getting back in the car for the next leg of the journey.

When You Go: K’s Dairy Delite is located at 223 Highway 24 South, Buena Vista, Colorado; 719-395-8695.

*Rant* – Small Minded Tourism Sites

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How Small Can They Get?

I admit this is a personal rant; but, here’s my beef. Many communities that depend solely or in large portion on tourism can’t get their act together to present a comprehensive website for activities, dining, events and lodging information. Each special interest presents a small slice of tCB Mountains with Wildflowershe picture. The potential visitor either has to be a world-class sleuth or already be familiar with the area to find all the meaningful information. I suspect in many cases the visitor gives up – either missing important parts of a visit or skipping the destination entirely because that small slice isn’t the right match.

What set me off? My pending weekend in Crested Butte, Colorado. We have family living in “The Butte” and have visited dozens and dozen of times in all seasons. Well, maybe not the spring mud season. I’m a travel writer, I’m on PR email lists, I know the area and I’m frustrated. Can you imagine how the first time visitor from Oklahoma might feel?

Google “Visit Crested Butte”, among the top choices will be www.visitcrestedbutte.com – a commercial site, www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com – from the Gunnison – Crested Butte Tourism Association, and www.skicb.com – the site of Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Each site is totally self-serving. In an area of this size the likelihood of a visitor coming to CB and confining their lodging, dining and recreation to one provider is slim to none. Remember folks – Club Med failed here.

CB Downtown Going to Crested Butte and want to know what’s scheduled? Good luck! It’s actually the biggest weekend of the summer but you have to dig deep for a even a semi-complete picture.

The Community Calendar at www.visitcrestedbutte.com lists Active Isolated Stretching Class on Friday, July 30th. That’s it! Their last Mountain Bike Report update was July 5th; and, this is truly a mountain biking haven. Does this information make anyone believe anything else on the site is relevant or timely?

Over at www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com the Crested Butte Art Festival is listed as a Featured Event. Clicking the name provides basic details and a link to the event website. Not bad. However, clicking on the 2010 Event Calendar takes me to a cumbersome listing of events with no links. The list is organized by the date of the first event; for example the Crested Butte Music Festival is listed under July 3 – Aug. 5 – Various locations. That’s all the information provided. They’ve put the money into lovely pictures and cute animation on this website but they only promote members.

The Events Calendar at www.skicb.com notes the Arts Festival and Crested Butte Open Gala Dinner and Golf Tournament on Sunday at The Club at Crested Butte – a resort owned property.

Because I had a head’s up from a local I know there’s a Mountain Man RendezvousCB Mountains up Washington Gulch. By checking the Crested Butte Music Festival website I know when and where the free and ticketed events are this weekend. From the local paper, chamber of commerce, town and county web pages additional bits and pieces of information can be obtained.

Why not combine resources and offer a comprehensive site that visitors will truly find helpful. Quit being small town provincial and work together.

Our weekend will include lodging at CBMR, music, the arts festival, mountain man rendezvous, outdoor recreation, shopping and dining. We’ll have a wonderful time in spite of the tourism agencies.

 

Echo Lake Lodge – Mt. Evans, Colorado

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Colorado History and Homemade Pie

Echo Lake Lodge Sign

It took me 47 years but I finally stepped foot into Echo Lake Lodge, a traditional stop before or after a trip up Mount Evans. It wasn’t an intentional avoidance we had simply never visited the seasonal gift  shop/restaurant. It won’t take us 47 years to return.

Constructed in 1926, many features of the log lodge still reflect that era. 2010 visitors Echo Lake Lodge Ext. appreciate the modernization evident in the remodel restrooms. Stepping into the gift shop feels like a step back to a curio shop of my youth. Sweatshirts, “Hike Colorado” hats, postcards, vials of gold flakes – souvenirs galore fill the racks, shelves and cases. Kids are sure to find something they really “need”.

 

Homemade Pie - ELL

Since the time was 3pm and we had yet to have lunch we were more interested in the restaurant. Years ago I read about Echo Lake Lodge’s homemade pies. The same concessionaire has carried on that tradition for decades. The critical decision is which one to order – apple, peach, cherry, blueberry, butterscotch or chocolate peanut butter. Bob chose cherry with vanilla ice cream while I devoured a slice of butterscotch – crust and filling were both winners.  The peach pie with cinnamon ice cream sounds like a choice I might have toCherry Pie try next time.

Bob preceded the pie with a chicken fried steak sandwich. I opted for a cup of buffalo chili. Both tasty and satisfying. Echo Lake Lodge is open from 8am-8pm, serving breakfast daily until 11am. How about Rocky Mountain trout and eggs for a Colorado breakfast entree? The large Mt. Evans cinnamon roll looks like something one should plan to share.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and/or a piece of homemade pie – we will be back.

When You Go: Echo Lake Lodge is open seven days a week from mid-May into October. Opening and closing dates determined by weather conditions. Call 303-567-2138 for information.

Weekend Ten To Do – Colorado – June 25-27, 2010

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Colorado Weekend Ten To Do

June 25-27, 2010

 

 

             June 25 & 26 – Whitewater Kayak Recreation

                                        Park, Centennial ParkKayayer

                 Pro kayak and raft races,

              plus hometown throwdown

              kayak and raft rodeos the

              new whitewater park. ByOB

              – Build Your Own Boat Race, games along Riverwalk, live

              entertainment in Veteran’s Park, beer garden and food vendors.

 

             June 26 & 27 – Town ParkCrested Butte Sign

                 Louisiana cuisine, beer garden, wine

             garden, three bands daily plus

              local talent celebrates Michaela

             Marchitelli’s 3rd Annual Louisiana

             Swamp Party. Chow down on gumbo,

             jambalaya and crawfish etouffee. A

             lively wrap-up for Crested Butte’s 30th

                Fat Tire Bike Week.

 

 

          June 26 & 27 – DowntownCripple Creek Overview

              The biggest, most popular

            Cripple Creek annual event

            celebrates its 79th year

            honoring the town’s resident

            donkey herd – FREE.

            Pancake breakfast, Saturday noon parade, entertainment,

            contests, donkey rides; and, yes donkey derby races.

 

             June 26 & 27 – Between 19th & 20th, Lawrence &

                                        Larimer

               Japanese-American culture highlighted with music, dance, art,

             drumming, martial arts, Japanese beer garden; and, of course

             food. Demonstration and religious topics include bonsai, ikebana,

             religion, origami and even cooking with Spam. FREE admission.

 

             June 26 & 27 – Bond Park

                Scandinavian traditions honor the summer solstice with raising the

             Maypole, folk dancing, musical performances, crafts, food and a

             Viking encampment. Raffle to win two round-trip tickets to

             Scandinavia, donated by Icelandair. Free admission.

 

 

             June 26 & 27 – Civic Center Park, Downtown

               Three tasting sessions highlighting over 50 Colorado Breweries

            accompanied by two stages of Colorado music, food and fun.

            Advance tickets $25, limited number per session. Non-drinkers

            $10.

 

 

             June 25-27 – Colorado Railroad Museum

             The weekend combines the best of two worlds – German heritage

             and historic railroading. While passengers experience a ride on a

             narrow gauge train pull by steam and diesel locomotives the

             German village entices with food, music, dance.

 

             June 24-27 – I-70, Exit 11, 22 miles west of GJ

             Music, music, music – Country Jam comes to the Western Slope

             for an incredible weekend of country music, camping, food and

             adult beverages under bright Colorado skies. This year’s lineup

             includes Lee Ann Womack, Trace Adkins, Miranda Lambert and

             Keith Urban.

 

             June 25-27 – Whitewater Park – Fri. & Sat.

                                     Taylor Canyon & AlmoWhitewater Raftingnt – Sun.

            Water, water everywhere

            for the 8th annual family-

            friendly River Festival.

            Saturday starts with the

            River Parade followed by raft

            rodeo, freestyle kayaking, big tricks and the HOOLIGAN race.

            Action moves to Almont on Sunday with races on the Taylor River.

            In addition to water events there’s plenty of food, beverages,

            music, art and “Fun Zone” for kids.

             June 26 & 27 – Lincoln County Fairgrounds

             Competitors are teams of working cowboys, ranch owners

             and ranch hands. Events center on skills traditionally required for

             Western ranching – bronc riding, team branding, team sorting,

             trailer loading, wild cow milking, and team doctoring. Plus a ranch

             horse show with reining, cow work and roping.

 

Click on each event name to open website.

Check back each week during the summer for a potpourri of Colorado events and festivals for the upcoming weekend.