Category Archives: Colorado

Perfect Landing Restaurant – Centennial, Colorado

The Perfect Landing “10”

An Incentive Package that Works!

Almost a year ago Jim Carter wanted to increase week night business at The Perfect Landing restaurant located at Centennial Airport. In celebration of their 10th anniversary he offered a half-dozen items for $10. As diners heard of this incentive the restaurant filled almost every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Reservations became a necessity. Carter kept the $10 specials – the best dining value in the Denver metro area.

The current $10 items include:

New Zealand Lamb Chop Dinner
Filet Dinner
Prime Rib Dinner
Teriyaki Salmon Fillet Dinner
Bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay
Maine Lobster Tail – not a complete dinner, only the lobster tail

Each entree is served with the chef’s choice of a starch and vegetable. Plus, warm Perfect Landing bread served with herb butter. Baked in-house the bread is perfect with a crusty exterior and soft, flavorful interior. We always leave the bread basket empty and have even been known to request a couple more slices.

We’ve become regular devotees. Bob almost always selects the salmon, ordering it rare as chef Sean Carter suggests, perfectly glazed. On our latest visit the salmon was accompanied by rice pilaf and glazed baby carrots. I’m a fan of the boneless prime rib dinner, served last night with a baked potato and the carrots. We usually split a salad, either the Traditional Caesar or the Perfect Salad of mixed greens, craisins, pecans and bleu cheese crumbles with an orange balsamic vinaigrette. Although we’re not fans, many patrons prefer the Grilled Caesar.

Not wanting to witness disappointment Bob always reserves a slice of the key lime pie when we place our entree order. I’ve sampled key lime pie from coast to coast and award Perfect Landing my “Best Ever” award. Made in-house, they achieve the “perfect” balance of sweet and tart. What a treat!

The dining room overlooks Centennial airport’s runways and the western horizon – a panoramic mountain view from Pikes Peak to Rocky Mountain National Park. We’re entertained watching helicopters come in for a quick refueling and planes, from small two-seaters to corporate jets, land and take-off. There seems to be more action on the field if we have an early reservation. With perfect timing the sun sinks below the mountains as we sa perfect-landing-sunset1 vor our dessert, capping the evening with a Technicolor light show.

A long time Denver favorite, “Boogie” Bob Olsen entertains at the piano bar Tuesdays – Saturdays, 5:30-9pm. We enjoy listening and watching his happy following. At the cocktail bar and in the piano lounge area $5 appetizers are available from 5-7pm .

Friday and Saturday nights lobster lovers find a whole steamed Maine lobster served with fried corn on the cob, potatoes and fresh vegetables for $20. Or, make it a Surf and Turf by adding a 6oz. center-cut filet for an additional $5.

I admire the Carters for finding a way to increase business in a down economy, keeping their excellent serving staff employed and offering patrons real value for a quality meal and dining experience. We never just order the $10 dinner because we choose to add drinks, salad and dessert but still feel we’ve had a lovely evening at an affordable price. We’ve also returned for breakfasts and lunches. Perhaps the Carters could give Washington some incentive ideas.

Put it on your radar, make reservations and drive or fly in for a Perfect Landing.

When You Go: The Perfect Landing opens for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Littleton Museum – Littleton, Colorado

1 Reply

A Walk Through Littleton History

Living history, fine arts, historic farms, nature, cultural events – the Littleton Museum provides an outstanding showcase for the suburban Denver community. The museum contains four galleries. The Permanent Exhibition Gallery relates the “Littleton Story from the gold rush days of 1859 to current space exploration. A 13-minute orientation video sets the stage for an initial visit. One of the features we enjoy is that not not all the items on display are century-old antiquities. Articles from a couple of decades ago or just a few years past stimulate the “remember when” response.

The Changing Exhibition Gallery displays themed exhibits from the museum’s own collections or traveling exhibitions. We recently visited A Double-Edged Weapon – the Sword as Icon and Artifact. Knowing Bob would find this of interest I wasn’t anticipating being engaged by the subject. However, there’s always a however in life – I learned as much or more than Bob did during the visit. Maybe that was because of my low starting point. I hear that weaving will be the focus of the next exhibit in this Gallery.

The Fine Arts Gallery hosts shows of original art and photography. The always popular annual "Eye of the Camera" exhibition by the Littleton Fine Arts Committee is scheduled for February 23 – April 4, 2010.

The Kid’s Connection Gallery welcomes the youngest visitors with hands-on activities. But, don’t be surprised if what the kids really want to do is get outdoors and visit the two period farms.

The 1860 farm depicts Littleton’s settlement era. A log cabin and barn, sheep shed, pig shelter, chicken coop, root cellar and farm animals give visitors a realistic view of pioneer life along the South Platte River. We were amused during a visit when the resident cat walked into the cabin, jumped onto the window-front table and curled into a cozy basket. The same day we met a 3-year-old “regular” who knew all the animals by name.

A circa 1910 ice house and Littleton’s restored first schoolhouse are located along the shores of Ketring Lake. On the north side of the lake stands the 1890 farm. The developments and differences in only thirty years are dramatic. The 1890 house is constructed of milled lumber and designed with separate rooms: kitchen, dining, bedrooms, parlor, even porches. We note the wood-burning kitchen stove, kerosene lighting, decorative wallpaper and piano – items not found in the circa 1860 cabin.

Just as in 1903, the blacksmith shop is a popular gathering place. Almost every day the museum is open visitors find a blacksmith busy at work making repairs or tools and materials Littleton citizens would have needed in the early 20th century. The living history interpreters eagerly answer questions and share details of life in early Littleton.

Special events and hands-on programs further enrich the museum experience. Try your hand milking the cow, make a Victorian valentine or help with farm chores. Upcoming special events include Dairy Day on March 27th, Sheep to Shawl April 17th and Plowing and Planting scheduled for May 15.

View Full Album

Whether viewing contemporary art or stepping back to 1860 we always find something of interest at the Littleton Museum.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science – Denver, Colorado

Leave a reply

Genghis Khan Exhibit

The days trickle down to a precious few to view the Genghis Khan exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science before the artifacts and art return to Mongolia. The exhibit closes Sunday, February 7, 2010 after a four-month visit. Facts, myths and suppositions are explored about Genghis Khan’s life and empire. Grasp a view of the nomadic life-style as you view the interior of a ger (yurt). See live performances by traditional Mongolian singers and musicians, rarely displayed period art pieces and weaponry. Follow the rise and fall of the Mongol Empire.

Time specific tickets are required for admission to the Genghis Khan exhibit. Make reservations before arriving at the museum. I suggest calling; my Internet reservations couldn’t be located two full days after they were made, an obvious glitch somewhere in the system.

Olympian Send-Off – Steamboat Springs, Colorado

1 Reply

Ski Town USA Send-Off for 2010

Olympians

Steamboat Springs has been hometown to winter Olympians for decades, more than any other town in North America. In addition, hundreds more have trained on the ski jumps, slopes and cross country trails of Ski Town USA. For 97 years the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club has provided opportunities for youth to reach their dreams on and off the hills. Steamboat Springs believes, “It takes a community to raise an Olympian!”

Steamboat’s Todd Lodwick (right) competes in his fifth Olympics this year. He brings experience, dedication and dreams to the Nordic Combined team for its first ever Olympic medal. Joining Lodwick on the Nordic Combined team is Johnny Spillane (below) who grew up just two blocks from Steamboat’s Howelsen Hill where he learned to love ski jumping. 2010 is Spillane’s fourth Olympics.

The Steamboat community plans a send-off to Vancouver celebration for the 2010 Olympians and hometown heroes. Friday, February 5, thousands will gather on the downtown Courthouse lawn at 6:30pm. Planned events include live music and fireworks choreographed to the video The Flying Ace, an aerial show starring Olympian and former Steamboat resident Fuzz Federsen. Past, present and future Olympians plan to appear with poster signings in downtown stores. The 15-foot tall Steamboat Winter Games Caldron will be lit and continue to burn throughout the Olympics.

Celebrate Steamboats Heritage and the Olympic Spirit!

Winter Carnival – Steamboat Springs, Colorado

1 Reply

97th Annual Winter Carnival

Steamboat Springs – February 3-7, 2010

The oldest continuing Winter Carnival west of the Mississippi River kicks off Wednesday, February 3, 2010. The 97th annual festival runs through Sunday the 7th. Started in 1914 to relieve residents of mid-winter cabin fever the five days of competition and frivolity is organized by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. The group is one of the largest and oldest winter sports clubs in the U.S.

Events highlight Steamboat’s winter sport traditions with ski jumping competitions, cross-country obstacle race, telemark challenge, snowboarding jam session, soda pop slalom, dual slalom bicycle race and tubing party. Saturday evening all eyes focus on Howelsen Hill for Night Extravaganza featuring a winter sports exhibition, torchlight parades, fiery hoop jumpers, the legionary Lighted Man and elaborate fireworks.

On Sunday the Diamond Hitch Parade down Lincoln Avenue includes the only ski marching high school band in the country. The Steamboat Springs High School Band has been participating since 1935 with their unique propulsion.

Kids from infant to 14-years-old compete in the street events when snow covers Lincoln Avenue and spectators line the street to watch 3-legged races- on skis of course, obstacle courses and Dog and Dad Dashes. Children five and younger are pulled on a sled or toboggan by the family dog or dad on all fours. Horse events – ring and box, ski joring, street slalom and donkey jump – mark Steamboat’s western heritage. Adults get in the act with shovel races. Positioned in shovels contestants race down the street pulled by a horse, falling off the shovel is immediate disqualification. The horses used in the competitions are highly trained and specially shodded with cleats for traction in the snow. For three generations a number of Routt County families have served as skilled riders.

Spectators and event participants are encouraged to purchase ($7) and wear an official Winter Carnival button. Proceeds support the SSWSC and its athletes, seventy of whom have excel to Olympic competition level. Join the citizens of Ski Town USA for the community’s Olympian Send-off Friday (Feb. 5, 2010) at 6:30pm on the lawn of the downtown Courthouse.

When You Go: Information on Winter Carnival events from Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club.

With more than a three foot base, daytime highs hovering around the freezing mark and snow forecasted for three of the next five days the skiing is great. With the Breakaway Package you’re save at least 20% on lodging, lift tickets and ski rentals. For more information on planning your visit contact the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association.

Simpich Showcase – Colorado Springs, Colorado

5 Replies

Marvelous Marionettes

As the stage lights dim and applause erupts I sit in absolute awe at the performance I’ve just witnessed. I believe puppeteer David Simpich is truly a creative genius. His masterful interaction with a cast of marionettes amazes whether he’s relating the Christmas story or a Russian fairy tale.

For nearly an hour and a half I’ve been mesmerized by a seamless one-man show. Simpich, and only Simpich, is on stage with more than a dozen marionettes, speaking for each in a distinctive voice, he’s the sound effects, lighting technician, props man and stage manager. Not only that, he’s also the playwright, puppet creator, costumer and stage designer. Amazing!

Simpich skillfully brings the marionettes to life; his large hands deftly execute the slight tilt of a head or turn of a tiny hand. Although we can see his mouth moving it’s the character speaking. These minute nuances make us soon forget we’re seeing puppets controlled with a multitude of strings. The audience is completely drawn into the magic of the story and presentation.

After years of traveling and producing shows around the country Simpich, along with wife, children and family of hundreds of handcrafted puppets has a permanent home in Old Colorado City, Colorado Springs. Simpich remodeled the former home of his parent’s Simpich Dolls company, opening the Simpich Showcase Museum, Theatre and Gallery in May 2009.

The handmade character dolls created by Jan and Bob Simpich are beloved by collectors around the world. For 54 years the workshop hummed with up to 100 workers intricately detailing each creation. Jan and Bob closed their business in 2007. The Simpich Doll Museum showcases the creative process as well as dioramas of many characters from the family collection. The Gallery on Strings displays dozens of David Simpich’s marionettes, allowing close inspection of the finely detailed puppets.

An exhibition of Bob Simpich’s original oil paintings are currently highlighted in the Gallery. Originals and prints are available for purchase as well as works by Jan Simpich and selected artists from the Colorado Springs area.

The 70 seat theatre is a rare facility dedicated to string-puppet productions. The size and design allow for a intimate audience experience.

The Firebird, an original retelling of classic fairy tales from Russia opened January 27, 2010. The show continues through March 21st with performances each Friday evening and matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays (no show Sunday, February 7th). Simpich shows are crafted for an adult and school-age audience. The length and content make them unsuitable for pre-school children. These are not cutsy kiddie shows but thought provoking, quality theatre drama productions.

Four other shows are planned for 2010.

Portraits: A Gallery on Strings – – March 31 – May 16
The Secret Garden – – May 26 – September 6
Aesop – – September 22 – November 7
A Christmas Carol – – November 17 – December 31

Tickets are available for individual performances or in season ticket packages for all five at a discounted rate. Shows frequently sell out – especially the Christmas Carol – reservations are strongly advised and can be made at the Simpich website. Theatre tickets include admission to the museum. The Gallery and Museum are open daily except Monday.

After seeing a You Tube video about Portraits we’re planning our next visit. Attend a Simpich show and be entertained, amazed and inspired. Let me know your reaction.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort – Crested Butte, Colorado

Leave a reply

Ski the Butte – $99/Person

More than two feet of fresh powder in the last week, the sun is out, the sky is blue – how many more reasons do you need to escape to Crested Butte for great skiing? Does lodging and skiing for $99 cinch the deal?

Call Crested Butte Vacations at 800-810-7669 to reserve your stay during this limited time offer. The package price is per person, per night and includes one day adult lift ticket and lodging for one night at The Grand Lodge Crested Butte in either a 2 King Emmons Studio or a Standard King Suite, based on double occupancy. Valid for travel through 2/12/10.

This package deal is only available by calling Crested Butte Vacations. Call now to enjoy the legendary terrain and excellent conditions on uncrowded slopes. Skip the traffic and head to Crested Butte.

Photo by Tom Stillo, courtesy of Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association

Valentine Re-mailing – Loveland, Colorado

1 Reply

From Loveland With Love

Can it really be time to think about sending Valentine cards? Volunteers in The Sweetheart City of Loveland, Colorado are gearing up for their busiest weeks of the year. Since 1947 the Loveland program has re-mailed more than 12 million Valentines with special cachets and verses – the largest postmark re-mailing program in the world. The Loveland Chamber of Commerce operates the program in partnership with the Loveland Post Office which creates a special annual cancellation.

Each year a pictorial and love verse are selected from dozens of entries. The art for this year’s cachet was designed by Teresa Boynton. Wearing a cowboy get-up "Dan Cupid" aims his arrow to send the 2010 message written by Stan Griep,

“Love From Cupid’s Arrow

Comes Straight ‘n’ True

From Loveland, Colorado

Direct to You!”

Over 200,000 Valentines from every state and 100+ countries will arrive in Loveland. Beginning at 9am, Feb. 1st more than 60 volunteers will gather to hand stamp the cupid cachet and love verse – a true labor of love.

The 2010 "Official Loveland Valentine Card" designed by Tracie Jenkins and produced by the Chamber of Commerce can be ordered by calling 970-667-6311, on the web or in Northern Colorado retail outlets.

Wanda Quist wrote the 2010 card verse:

“Sending this greeting on Cupid’s dart

From the City of Loveland, a city with heart.

Hoping this message fills your heart too

Here’s a Happy Valentine Wish for you!

To receive the Loveland cancellation and Valentine cachet, enclose pre-addressed cards affixed with the proper postage in a larger envelope and mail 1st class to:

Postmaster – Attention Valentines

446 E. 29th St.

Loveland, CO 80538-9998

The cards are removed from the larger envelope at the Post Office. To ensure delivery by Valentine’s Day 2010, foreign mail must be received in Loveland by February 3, U.S. destined mail by February 8, and in-state Colorado by February 11. Many Colorado King Soopers and City Market stores have Loveland Valentine Re-mailing boxes where you can drop off your pre-stamped and addressed cards. Be sure to attach the correct postage on your cards.

Add a little extra love from Loveland to your Valentines this year.

The 2010 cachet and card courtesy Loveland Chamber of Commerce

National Western Stock Show – Denver, Colorado – Jan. 24, 2010

Leave a reply

What’s Scheduled?

Sunday – January 24, 2010

The sixteenth and final day of the 104th Annual National Western Stock Show, Horse Show and Rodeo. Check the NWSS schedule web pages for times and locations.

Religious Services:

Fellowship of Christian Cowboys Service

Especially for Youth – these events run throughout the show:

Pony Trails
Petting Zoo
Youth Art Show
Stick Horse Grand Prix
CSU Ag Adventure at Children’s Ranchland

Exhibitions, Classes, Programs and Events:

NWSS - Draft Horses

Draft Horse & Mule Performance Classes
Sheep Shearing Contest, (Junior , Intermediate and Pro)
Stock Dog Trials (Open Sheep Competition)
Draft Horse & Mule Performance Classes Featuring Feed Team Race Finals, Open 6-Horse Hitch & 8-Horse Hitch and Heavy Weight Pull – Ticketed Event
Stock Dog Trials (Final Open Sheep Competition)
Equine Therapy Demonstrations & Interactive Programs

In the Coliseum – Ticketed Event:

PRCA ProRodeo – Rodeo Finals featuring Westernaires, Frontier Airlines Mutton Bustin

Also check out the ongoing livestock exhibits, Hall of Education, the Coors Western Art Exhibit and the hundreds of exhibitors that make the National Western the largest consumer show of the year in Colorado.

That’s it for this year; see you back in Denver January2011 for the 105th Annual National Western Stock Show, Horse Show and Rodeo.

Photos courtesy National Western Stock Show

Previous Post – What’s Scheduled, Jan. 23, 2010

Previous Post – What’s Scheduled, Jan. 22, 2010

Previous Post – What’s Scheduled, Jan. 21, 2010

Previous Post – What’s Scheduled, Jan. 20, 2010

Previous Post – What’s Scheduled, Jan. 19, 2010

Previous Post – What’s Scheduled, Jan. 18, 2010

Previous Post – What’s Scheduled, Jan. 17, 2010

Previous Post – What’s Scheduled, Jan. 16, 2010

Previous Post – What’s Scheduled, Jan. 15, 2010

Previous Post – What’s Scheduled, Jan. 14, 2010

Previous Post – What’s Scheduled, Jan. 13, 2010

Previous Post – What’s Scheduled, Jan. 12, 2010

Previous Post – What’s Scheduled, Jan. 11, 2010

Previous Post – What’s Scheduled, Jan. 10, 2010

Previous Post – What’s Scheduled, Jan. 9, 2010

Previous National Western Post

National Western Stock Show – Denver, Colorado – Jan. 22, 2010

Leave a reply

What’s Scheduled?

Friday – January 22, 2010

The auction of National Junior Livestock occurs at 6:30pm today at the 104th Annual National Western Stock Show, Horse Show and Rodeo. Check the NWSS schedule web pages for times and locations.

Friday Stock Shows:

Miniature Hereford World Show
National Bison Judging
National Highland Show
Breeding Sheep Shows (Meat Breeds)
Texas Longhorn Show (Unhaltered)
Open Prospect Heifer Show
Yak Halter Show

Especially for Youth – these events run throughout the show:

Pony Trails
Petting Zoo
Youth Art Show
Stick Horse Grand Prix
CSU Ag Adventure at Children’s Ranchland

Exhibitions, Classes, Programs and Events:

Draft Horse & Mule Halter Classes
Stock Dog Trials (Cattle Preliminaries)
Draft Horse & Mule Performance Classes
Tractor Races
Sheep Lead Competition
Dog Agility Games
Draft Horse & Mule Performance Classes Featuring Feed Team Race, North American 6-Hitch Classic Series Finals and Light Weight Pull – Ticketed Event