Category Archives: Colorado

*Travel Log* – Denver, Colorado to Garden City, Kansas

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On The Road Again – An Oklahoma Art Tour

March 11, 2010

Lamar SunsetColorado Sunset South of Lamar

We’re headed down the road to visit numerous art museums, and other sites, in Oklahoma. Neither of us have been in Oklahoma since we were in our teens traveling with our families on great American road trips following the Mother Road – Route 66.

A combination of human error and good luck got us to Trail West Cafe a block off Main Street in Lamar for a quick dinner. When we heard repeat customers rave about the bread pudding we put in our own order. Caramel Pecan Bread Pudding, $2.49, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for $1 – marvelous!

Images across the eastern Colorado plains included green fields of winter wheat springing from black soil, cottonwoods along stream beds glowing golden in their promise of the coming spring, migrating snow geese circling a lake before settling in for the night, a red-tail hawk drifting on the thermals. Plus a glorious Colorado sunset.

*Update* – Merle’s Restaurant – Littleton, Colorado

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The 3 O’clock Lunch

I love a restaurant where I can have a full lunch or dinner in mid-afternoon. I’ve frequently threatened to write a book focused on The Colorado 3 O’clock Lunch. I’m a late breakfast eater and often skip lunch. About 3pm the hunger pangs hit, I can’t wait till dinner but don’t want to fill up on snacks or junk food. If I eat at three I can skip dinner and finish the day with a piece of fruit. But, where to go that’s serving a full menu, not just a bar menu or fast food.

Merle's For today’s late lunch/early dinner we headed to downtown Littleton and Merle’s, serving the same menu from opening at 11am until 9pm and then a late night menu till closing. We started with a basket of yam chips served with a generous bowl of guacamole. The chips were crisp with not a hint of grease. I asked if they were made in house; our waitress said everything they serve is start from scratch.

We both opted for soup (New England Clam Chowder) and 1/2 sandwich. We chose the BLAT – bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato  – served on sour dough. A couple at a nearby table were enjoying entrees of Ginger Salmon and Smoked BBQ Ribs.

Our “No worry” waitress was cheerful and efficient, not something guaranteed at that time of day. Too frequently the wait staff is tired from the lunch shift and seem disgusted you’re interrupting what they consider their break.

Merle’s completely satisfied our Friday 3 O’clock Lunch need and would definitely be in my book.

Previous Post – Merle’s – Littleton, Colorado

World Figure Skating Museum – Colorado Springs, Colorado

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Recalling Figure Skating History

World Figure Skating Museum & Hall of Fame

 

As the 2010 Winter Olympics unfold across television screens, millions of viewers get swept into the beauty and drama of figure skating competition. Memories glide back to skaters of fame and infamy. Truly, I’m not old enough to remember skating sweetheart Sonja Henie, Olympic champion in 1928, 1932 and 1936. However, I easily recall Carol Heiss competing in the 1956 Olympics and earninExterior Sign[1]g the gold medal in 1960 at Squaw Valley. Since then, with each Winter Olympics, I’ve eagerly anticipated each stroke, sit spin and Salchow.

The World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs takes visitors through an interesting history of skates and development of the sport as well as great skating moments. It’s the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to the history of figure skHamilton Jumpating.

From my earliest attempts I was always skating challenged – spending more time on my ankle bones than on the blades. I could barely make it around the rink let alone execute jumps and spins. In preparation for 2010 Olympic viewing I gravitate towards the museum’s graphic displays detailing the differences of a toe loop, Axel and Lutz jump.

I’m always intrigued by the display of historic skates from cultures around the world. In the eighth century, shank bones were strapped to footwear for transportation across the ice. Indeed, the English word “skate” is derived from the old German word schake, meaning shank or leg bone. Skates from the 18th century show a variety of cast iron blades with elaborately curved prows. I’m still trying to imagine skating on the circa 1900 Japanese skate with a wooden platform and cloth toe thong. When I spot a pair of child’s circular blade “ice walkers” I know that’s where I should have started.

Bones

Japanese Thong Skate

 

 

 

 

 

 Skate in Cube

 

 

 

 

Circular Blade

The museum’s art collection demonstrates skating’s popularity as a subject for artists through the centuries – Delft china to an Andy Warhol painting of Dorothy Hamill. Bronze sculptures capture the flowing lines and grace we associate with the sport. A finely-detailed silver figurine commemorates the only known military battle fought on ice skates, the Battle of Ij in 1572. Accounts say that Dutch troops crossed a frozen river on skates to surprise their Spanish adversaries. The Spanish captain promptly order several thousand pairs of skates for his soldiers. The legend is that the Spaniards lacked both the will and the skill for skating success.

Competition fuels modern battles on the ice. Don’t we all remember Tonya Harding’s scheme to literally “knock” Nancy Kerrigan out of the 1994 Olympics? One piece of skating history not memorialized at the museum. Last week we were subjected to a day of whining after Evgeni Plushenko placed second in Vancouver. Even Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin weighed in with his opinion.

Olympic Pins - B

Figure skating was the first winter sport contested in the modern Olympics – 1908 in London. Olympic memorabilia abounds recalling positive highlights – posters, costumes, pins, videos, stories from the athletes and even Scott Hamilton’s 1984 Gold Medal.

28 Poster 52 Poster 68 Poster

When You Go: The World Figure Skating Museum & Hall of Fame is tucked away in the Broadmoor neighborhood at 20 First Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Hours are 9am-4pm Monday – Friday and 10am-4pm on Saturdays, May through October.

World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame
World Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame

Denver Restaurant Week – Denver, Colorado

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 Denver’s “Mile High” Special

February 20 – March 5

Brio Desserts 2 The highly successful Denver Restaurant Week returns with a bang. Diners reap the rewards from the program’s popularity with two weeks of Mile High specials in 2010. Not mile high as in extravagant but mile high in reference to Denver’s 5280’ altitude – A Mile High. More than 260 (281 at last count) metro-area restaurants will offer multi-course dinners for the price of $52.80 for two or $26.40 for one. Price does not include tax or gratuity. Restaurant “Week” runs from February 20 – March 5, 2010.

Gabriel's Ext. Join in the culinary celebration by trying a newly opened restaurant, returning to an old favorite or finally getting to one that’s on your wish list.  Geographically the range stretches from Longmont (Terrior Restaurant), Niwot (Colterra) and Boulder (Q’s and Laudisio) in the north Metro area to Sedalia (Gabriel’s) and Parker (Trappers Chophouse) in the south, and from Conifer (Raven’s), Evergreen (Aspen Grill) and Kittredge (Black Hat Cattle Co.) on the west to the eastern edge of Aurora (Wine Experience Cafe).

The variety spans the culinary world from steakhouses such as Elway’s and Del Frisco’s to Nick-N-Willy’s take and bake pizza in Highlands Ranch. Looking for ethnic? Here is a sampling of ethnic options:Pho Bowlevard - Shrimp Rolls

  • Brazilian – Fogo de Chao Churrascaria  
  • Caribbean – 8 Rivers Modern Caribbean
  • Chinese – Jing Restaurant
  • Cuban – Cuba, Cuba Cafe & Bar
  • French – Le Central French Restaurant
  • Indian – India’s Pearl 
  • Irish – Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery Pasta in Brio Dish
  • Italian – Brio Tuscan Grille
  • Japanese – Sonoda’s
  • Latin – Samba Room
  • Mediterranean – Rioja 
  • Middle Eastern – Phoenician Kabob
  • Mexican – Tamayo Saigon Landing - Noodle Bowl
  • Spanish – Ondo’s Spanish Tapa’s Bar
  • Vietnamese – Saigon Landing Restaurant

Browse Denver Restaurant Week for the $52.80 specials offered by each participating restaurant. Reservations strongly advised. Bon Appétit!

Ski Town USA – Steamboat Springs, Colorado

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USA Cheers to Johnny Spillane

Steamboat Springs native Johnny Spillane won the first ever Olympic medal for an USA Nordic Combined team member today. Spillane’s second place finish brings home a silver medal to Ski Town USA while competing in his fourth Olympics.

Johnny Spillane As with many Steamboat children Spillane started skiing as a toddler at age two. The family lived just two blocks from Howelsen Hill where he started serious ski jumping when he was eleven-years-old. The Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club has been a major influence for the community’s youth for 97 years with more Olympians coming out of the program than any other in the country.

Today’s event was the Men’s Normal Hill Individual combining one ski jump and a 10-kilometer cross-country ski race. Steamboat’s Todd Lodwick placed fourth in today’s competition. Hopes are high for the USA team to bring home more medals from Vancouver in Nordic Combine events.

Meanwhile Steamboat’s trademarked Champagne Powder is falling and skiers of all levels are celebrating great skiing and Spillane’s silver medal.

Colorado Ski Bargain

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Pow Pow Platter – 3 for $99

 

There’s only 24 hours left to take advantage of the Pow Pow Platter special deal to ski three of Colorado’s premier resorts for only $99.powpow

  • Copper Mountain

  • Steamboat Springs

  • Winter Park/Mary Jane

 

The Pow Pow Platter serves us one day of skiing at each resort. the offer is only available online and a 48 hour advance purchase is required. To purchase, visit skicolorado.com.

The Pow Pow Platter serves up three of Colorado’s finest resorts – Winter Park / Mary Jane, Steamboat, and Copper Mountain for the tasty price of only $33 per day. That’s right, for just $99 you can ski one day at each of these fine mountains. Days do not have to be consecutive.

What at great way to get a taste of Colorado slopes!

Brown Palace Hotel – Denver, Colorado

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Month of Love

Love is in the air at Denver’s Brown Palace Hotel the entire month of February. Sappy, simple or splendidly over the top – whatever style you choose the Brown Palace staff stands ready to accommodate.

Brown Palace Bride Planning a proposal? Make your loved one feel like a movie star by setting the scene of a favorite romantic movie. For example, the “Open Me” scene from Serendipity. The package includes a luxurious guestroom overnight stay, rose petals to cover the room, candies placed throughout the room, four wrapped boxes from largest to smallest with the ring box placed in the smallest box, and champagne toast after she says yes. Priced starting at $249.

Remember the scene from Pretty Woman when Richard Gere pulls up in a white limo with music blaring and climbs through the moon-roof with flowers in hand to proclaim his love for Julia Roberts? Big spenders can purchase the Pretty Woman package with 6-hour white limo rental and chauffeur, a dozen roses, luxurious guestroom and champagne, starting at $969.

Brown Palace Suite Want something unique and personal? “Your song” playing when you enter the room, favorite flowers, recreate a special date – there are a multitude of possibilities when you work with the hotel’s designated Love Director to plan your own special proposal.

It doesn’t have to be a proposal to add romantic touches to a Brown Palace stay. Consider one of these  Romantic Room Additions:

  • Rose Petal Turndown ($27): Create a romantic ambiance with scattered red rose petals on the bed.
  • Heart Petal Turndown ($54): Surprise your loved one with a bed of red rose petals in the shape of a heart.
    Initial Rose Petal Turndown ($54): Add a personalized romantic touch with your initials written in rose petals on the bed.
  • Chocolate Fondue ($54): Spend a relaxing evening enjoying a delicious assortment of dipping items with chocolate fondue. Must be ordered 5 days prior to arrival.
  • Bottle of Champagne (Starting at $54): Toast to your love with a bottle of bubbly.
  • Bottle of Wine (Starting at ($54): Toast to your love with a bottle of red or white wine.
  • Two Cocktails Delivered to Room or in Lobby ($28): Enjoy two cocktails in your room or in the beautiful atrium lobby. Cheers!
  • Chocolate Covered Strawberries ($24): Enjoy a sweet treat with strawberries kissed by creamy chocolate.
  • Bath Bliss ($43): Draw a relaxing bath with soothing bath salts, two candles, and bubble bath.

Every Sunday in February Ellyngton’s brunch becomes a Chocolate Brunch decadently featuring chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. Champagne and live muCouples Massage - Spa - Brown Palacesic add to an unforgettable special occasion.

An aphrodisiac inspired 4-course dinner highlights the Palace Arms’ menu February 12-14. They’re sure you’ll love every bite. The other Friday and Saturday nights of February lovers can indulge in the 6-course Month of Love dinner.

Relax together with the 50-Minute Swedish Couples Massage in the spa’s romantic couple’s room. Throughout the month women will be treated to a glass of champagne, truffles and a rose with every spa service. Or, how about the Chocolate Covered Cherry Scrub – a chocolate scented body scrub followed by soothing cherry oil? Pampering deluxe.

Brown Palace Puppy Love You can even show your pet how much you love them with Puppy Love. Brown Palace dog bowls and plush dog bed to use during their stay and heart-shaped gourmet bones included in the package.

Love is in the air – get sappy at the

Brown Palace.

 

Related Post:

“Affairs of the Heart” Tours

Love Stinks

 

Photos courtesy of the Brown Palace Hotel.

Brown Palace Hotel – Denver, Colorado

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Love Stinks

Although February is Month of Love at Denver’s Brown Palace Hotel they recognize not  everyone feels romantic. For those recovering from a recent breakup, tossing the bum out on his ear or divorce the hotel offers the Love Stinks package. The guest caBrown Palace Massagen decompress with a stress relieve massage, enjoy a make-your-own cocktail mix of mojito, martini or cosmo, receive a copy of the “Love Stinks” single by J. Geils and a copy of the book, He’s Just Not That Into You: the No-Excuses Truth to Understanding Guys.

Treat yourself or give a gift to a friend who needs a self-pity party.

Related Posts:

“Affairs of the Heart” Tours

Month of Love

Photo courtesy of the Brown Palace Hotel.

February Frivolities – Manitou Springs, Colorado

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Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off

&

Carnivale Parade

The fruitcake is all cleaned up, now it’s time for another Manitou Springs day of fun. The gumbo starts cooking at 8am, February 13, 2010 in Manitou Springs. The entry form defines gumbo as, “A Cajun soup containing roux and thickened with gumbo file (dried sassafras leaves). It usually contains a variety of meats and or seafood, okra and other ingredients & seasonings and is generally served over rice.” Each contestant is required to make a minimum of 5 gallons of their specialty gumbo.

After the judges complete their tasting and ratings of the amateur and professional divisions at 10:45am the public digs in – 2 tastings for a dollar. Competition is limited to 20 entries; winners receive cash prizes & trophies. Head to Soda Springs Park for a mumbo jumbo guManitou Storefronts for Blogmbo splurge.

Carnivale 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.

Brown Palace Hotel – Denver, Colorado

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“Affairs of the Heart” Tours

Brown Palace Atrium Lobby Historic 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 118 years the “Brown” reveals stories of intrigue, romance, love triangles and even murder. Public tours are offered every Wednesday and Saturday at 3pm and last approximately 75 minutes. Tours cost $10/person, reservations are required. Children must be 10 years of age.

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 given in throughout October. Groups of 5 or more must make arrangements for a private tour. Private tours can be arranged for those requiring a time outside of the normal scheduled tours.

brown-palace-lobby-teaI suggest making reservations for Afternoon Tea before 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. If your valentine is a chocoholic the Chocolate Decadence Tea is sure to be loved – and, you for the idea.

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

Related Posts:

Month of Love