Category Archives: Travel

Hammonds Candy Cane Festival – Denver, Colorado

Leave a reply

9th Annual Candy Cane Festival

Red Candy Canes Along with thousands of others we stopped by Hammonds Candy Factory for the 9th annual Candy Cane Festival today. After a week of extremely cold temps, grey skies and snow everyone was ready to bask in the pleasantly warm sunny day, visit with Santa and stock up on holiday sweets.

Families waited patiently for tours of the factory to see candymakers at work. Lines also formed for rides on ‘Lil Spike’ the motorized train and hay rides drawn by a handsome team of draft horses. Entertainment, story time, face painting and inspecting emergency vehicles kept visitors busy. Blue Face

Of course, there was a full array of Hammond candies for sale. Buckets of the hand-formed candy canes in a rainbow of colors and flavors, baskets of old-fashioned ribbon candy, giant lollipops and peppermint pillows tempted shoppers. Bags of candy coal reminded us of those who were more naughty than nice this year.

Although the 2009 Candy Cane Festival is over one can always stop by the factory for a free tour or visit the retail store Monday – Saturday.

View the slide show for more photos of the 2009 Candy Cane Festival. A sweet time was had by all.

Caspian Cafe – Colorado Springs, Colorado

1 Reply

Divine Dinner

Culinary

  Ability                                       Creative

      Supreme,                                    Appetizing

         Presentation,                               Flavorful        

            Incredible                                      Excellence

              Ambience,                                  

                  Nuances          Caspian Cafe Halibut

 

Twelve hours after dinner at the Caspian Cafe in Colorado Springs I’m still sighing with satisfaction. Executive chef Daniel White choreographs a dining experience to be fully savored and long remembered.

I first heard of this Mediterranean bistro and bar on Warren Byrne’s Restaurant Show on Denver’s KEZW. A woman called in absolute ecstasy over the lunch she had just finished. She was standing in the parking lot eager to share news of the outstanding cuisine, service and ambience of the Caspian Cafe.

A week later we were in the Springs for an exhibit at the Fine Arts Center and decided on a late lunch at, “That restaurant the lady on Warren’s show raved about.” We soon discovered she didn’t exaggerate and have returned for lunch when in the area.

Last night we finally made it to the Caspian for dinner. WOW! Owner Moe Sharifi warmly welcomes guests. As our waitress, Tara, described the nightly specials we knew we didn’t need to read the menu; we simply had to make a choice between the meat, fish and pasta features. We wanted a sampler of all three.

Caspian Cafe Prime Rib There was no way I was passing up the Friday night prime rib rubbed with Mediterranean herbs and sundried tomatoes, served in a pomegranate au jus with a side of horseradish sauce. Bob decided on the Alaskan halibut and scallops. I can’t remember everything that was in the topping – tomatoes, mushrooms, capers, orange and lemon juices – but the blend of flavors was outstanding. Mashed potatoes seasoned with garlic, dill and Greek yogurt accompanied the prime rib; the halibut rested on a bed of rice. Both dinners came with baby carrots and sugar snap peas sautéed with beans and onions.

Caspian Cafe Dessert Having skipped lunch in anticipation of dinner indulgence, we devoured an appetizer of Baba Ghanouj, grilled pita and lavosh as we awaited our entrees. And, for dessert, we could not resist the orange and saffron flavored custard with caramel sauce attractively presented with a ring of sliced strawberries.

I couldn’t help but overhear the discussion at the table behind me as they tried to make their menu choices –lamb tagine with artichokes, gyros platter, Moroccan roast chicken, sambousek or the prime rib (which I, of course, recommended). We were tempted to linger until they were served just to hear their reactions.

It was a quiet Friday evening. I suspect most people were home with turkey sandwiches. Thankfully we dined divinely at the Caspian.

When You Go: Caspian Cafe, 4375 Sinton Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80907, 719-528-1155. Located east of I-25, just south of Garden of the Gods Road. Open for lunch Monday through Saturday, 11am-4pm. Open for dinner nightly from 4pm, until 10pm on Friday and Saturday, until 9pm Sunday through Thursday.

Hammond’s Candies – Denver, Colorado

Leave a reply

 Candy Cane Festival ‘09

Each December Hammond’s Candies in Denver hosts the Candy Cane Festival – Dec. 12, 2009, 9am-5pm. Take a tour, finish off your Christmas shopping, whisper your list to Santa, feed his reindeer or enjoy the variety of activities. Caroling, storytelling, gingerbread cookie decorating, carnival games, face painting and trolley rides keep everyone entertained.   nancy-shopping1

ribbon-candy1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

boy-scout1

 

  

The delight of a child- toddler to teen – Santa’s lap is sure to boost your holiday spirits.                      

why-wait                                                                       

After your visit to Hammond’s I bet you won’t be able to wait till Christmas for your first sweet treat.

Yum!

Hammond’s is located at 5735 N. Washington Street, Denver, Colorado. Candy store open Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm and Saturday 10am4pm. Directions and online shopping available on their website.   

Update – Sunnyside Cafe – Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Leave a reply

Closed

The Sunnyside Cafe in Highlands Ranch, Colorado bit the dust a few weeks ago while I was out of town. I will miss the whole-wheat cranberry almond pancakes, my favorite breakfast item on their menu. I believe the closure demonstrates how a restaurateur must successfully focus on many facets of their business – menu, food quality, preparation, location, ambiance, and SERVICE.

sunnyside-cafe1On my several visits to Sunnyside I never received quality service; even when they weren’t busy there was an element of inattention. On our last visit in September I influenced a party of eight to meet at Sunnyside. Before the morning was over I wanted to crawl under the table and could only apologize to family and friends for putting them through such an experience. The service was absolutely abominable. We just kept hearing, “We’re busy.” Isn’t that what a successful cafe wants to be? Apparently not!

Front Range Autumn Day – Colorado

Leave a reply

Plains to Peaks

After mountain road closures due to snow and ice, rain, chill and morning frost  along Colorado’s Front Range the day dawned with crisp blue skies. A halo of clouds hugged the shoulders of Pikes Peak. A day too perfect to stay home and attend to chores.

Castwood Canyon SP - Lucas Homestead We headed southeast of Denver to Castlewood Canyon State Park outside of Franktown. The park straddles five different life zones from short grass prairie and caprock to coniferous forest and riparian. The mixed shrubland has begun its autumnal color transformation. We drove the unpaved road along the west side of the park from CO86 to Lake Gulch Road. The route passes the Lucas Homestead Historic Site, the popular Westside Trailhead and the ruins of Castlewood Dam which burst in 1933 flooding downstream Denver with a 15-foot wall of water.

 

Yak's On our way out to CO87 we passed a yak farm. As Bob snapped a few pictures of the long-haired Asian bovines I noted the farm’s website  – www.greeneggsandyak.com. We didn’t stop to purchase either yak or eggs but I did come home and visit their web pages. Now we’re intrigued and Bob’s ready to try yak.

Avoiding Interstate travel we skirted Colorado Springs on the east and were amazed at the growth and development.

Our next destination was one of Colorado’s newest state parks, Cheyenne Mountain, south of the city west of US115. A stop at the “crown jewel” Visitor Center gave us a bit of history and information on the facilities and trails. Twenty miles of joint use (hiking/biking) trails span terrain from grasslands to mountain slope pine forests. Campgrounds and picnic sites are nicely situated among scrub oak and mountain mahogany.

Hungry tummies directed us to Conway’s Red Top, a Colorado Springs classic famous for their burgers filling a 6-inch bun. Never fear, you can order a half burger. We split a half cheeseburger and a half Senor Red Top with jalapeno and pepper jack cheese. Bob indulged with a cherry milk shake so thick the spoon was much more useful than the straw.

We chose the pastoral, foothill horse country between Palmer Lake and Sedalia for our homebound journey. Peaceful and unhurried we happily left behind the aggression of I-25 traffic, soaking in mountain views bathed in autumn sunshine and color.

Old Town – Albuquerque, New Mexico

2 Replies

A Stroll Through Albuquerque’s OlOld Town Churchd Town

 

Quintessential New Mexico, the shaded plaza, adobe church, shops, galleries, restaurants, music, arts and crafts keep visitors returning to Old Town. Most Albuquerque tourists who spend time in Old Town circle the Plaza, admire jewelry spread on blankets, and pop into stores for souvenirs. Those who follow winding, brick walkways into quiet courtyards discover the essence of the Southwest – a slower pace, a musical duo, shaded patio cafes and one-of-a-kind shops.

Kaleidoscopes Colorful magic fills two rooms at La Casita de Kaleidoscopes. The gregarious owner encourages “try them all” as we gawk at the variety – miniature scopes on necklaces to massive floor models. Eighty artists from around the country handcraft these optical wonders. Descriptive names – Marble Scope, Passport to Paris, Dreamdrops, Eye on the Ball – entice us to pause for calming views.

 

Old Town Tour Guided walking tours sponsored by the Albuquerque Museum offer a historical and informative insiders view of Old Town. Museum docents lead the seasonal tours, mid-March through mid- December, pointing out details we’d miss own our own. A self-guided walking tour brochure is available at the museum for those whose visit doesn’t coincide with a guided tour.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – New Mexico

1 Reply

Albuquerque Balloons and MoreBalloon Liftoff

Clear blue New Mexico skies splashed with vibrant color, cottonwoods lining the Rio Grande River turned to a rich gold, the aroma of roasted chiles – October in Albuquerque. For nine days more than 600 hot air balloons take flight from Balloon Fiesta Park with tens of thousands of appreciative spectators craning necks skyward. The annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, October 3-11, 2009 draws balloon pilots and visitors from around the world.

Ideal hot air ballooning conditions occur in the early morning hours after sunrise. Headlight leads our way to the park each day. I’m not a great morning person but as soon as we walk among the balloons preparing for liftoff  I shed any grumpiness from my own early rising. Weather permitting, ascensions are scheduled each morning at 7am, hundreds and hundreds of hot air balloons drift oSpecial Shapes Balloonsver Albuquerque on weekends.

Wednesday’s Flight of the Nations features International balloons from nearly 20 countries – Slovenia to South Africa, Brazil to Israel. Competitions and prize grabs challenge balloon pilots on other days.

Special shape balloons take to the skies Thursday and Friday mornings. Four new shapes join 83 returning favorites. Stinky the Skunk, Lady Joker, a fire engine and as a tribute to Army aviation history Eddie and Rickenbacker make their Fiesta debut in 2009. Only the ever popular and sometimes utterly amazing special shapes lift off from the field those nights and participate in the evening Glowdeo.

Night skies light up with balloon glows five evenings during the Fiesta. The sight may be even more spectacular than morning ascensions, well worth returning to Balloon Fiesta Park in late afternoon. A firework show caps each of the evening sessions after the glows.Blue Balloon

Most morning everyone’s packing up and heading out of the park by ten o’clock, there’s still a perfect autumn day ahead for additional events. Albuquerque easily entertains her guests with a full slate of activities, scenery, museums, culture and arts. Worthy of attention any time of year, I share ideas in the immediate area we’ve enjoyed and that  fit nicely into Balloon Fiesta’s schedule.

Click each activity to read more about the delightful options.

More activities posted soon.

Corrales, New Mexico

1 Reply

So Near – Yet A World Away

One of our favorite Albuquerque area destinations is the nearby village of Corrales. Although suburbia quickly approaches, Corrales maintains its 300-year-old rural ambiance along the banks of the Rio Grande River. In the fall roadside stands San Ysidro Church - Corralesoffer pumpkins, apples, pears, and jugs of cider.

Photographers and artists gravitate to the Old San Ysidro Church. The picturesque restored adobe now serves as a community center. A stroll through the annual fine arts exhibit that coincides with Balloon Fiesta enriches a leisurely afternoon.

The village supports a number of unique galleries and shops. We always like to stop into the artist-owned Corrales Bosque Gallery. Among the original works from jewelry to visual arts in a variety of media there’s always something that captures my imagination. Hanselmann Pottery sells their wares on the honor system. I’m not a quilter but love to walk through the colorful fabrics at Quilts Ole.

Casa San Ysidro - Interior Behind adobe walls, Casa San Ysidro holds a treasure trove of early New Mexico. The replicated rancho was home to Alan and Shirley Minge from 1953-1997. Today the rambling house, furnishings, and extensive historic and artistic collections are an extension of the Albuquerque Museum. From the kitchen’s wood-burning cookstove to the altar in the capilla, or chapel, tours (by reservation) relate the fascinating stories behind artifacts and architectural details.

Locally owned restaurants, wineries and bed and breakfasts ensure creature comforts while we savor the rural New Mexico ambiance.

Hanselmann Pottery – Corrales, New Mexico

1 Reply

Pottery Purchases on the Honor System

While visiting the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, we often drive to Corrales for lunch and shopping.

Peering in the window at Hanselmann Pottery we spotted shapes and glazes much to our likingCinnamon Pottery. A bulletin board with purchasing instructions stands near the entrance. To our amazement, this unattended shop works on the honor system.

The Allen brothers, Tim and Fritz, have conducted business with this unique method since 1970. They stay busy in the on-site studio creating pottery dinnerware and accessories. The self-serve gallery keeps prices near wholesale cost.

A pattern named Cinnamon appeals to me with its earthtones and teal. I believe someone on my Christmas list would prefer Lavender Sky. What a fun way to shop for holiday gifts! Hanselmann Pie Plate

Instructions cover procedures for payment by cash, check and charge. We completed a sales form with pot ID# and price, added the total – tax is included in the price – sealed form and check in envelope, and deposited it into the designated slot. Packaging materials and a worktable are available for wrapping purchases. We left with our arms filled with pots and hearts warmed by the trusting, honor system way of doing business.

Hanselmann Pottery located at 4908 Corrales Road, approximately 12 miles northwest of downtown Albuquerque is  open 24/7 year round. We can also purchase from home 24/7 via their website.

Photos from Hanselmann Pottery.

Old Town Museums – Albuquerque, New Mexico

4 Replies

So Much to Explore!

Three outstanding facilities stand without walking distance of each other. It couldn’t be easier to explore art, history, science, technology, natural history and astronomy. Time and energy runs out before we can do it all; but, the journey proves fascinating.

 

Albq Museum

 

Albuquerque Museum of Art & History An outstanding permanent collection and excellent temporary exhibits make this a repeat experience when visiting the city. A permanent exhibit, Four Centuries, covers 400 years of history in Albuquerque. The museum’s art collection emphasizes contemporary and historic regional artists. We’ve been fortunate enough to see several quality visiting exhibits over the years. The outdoor sculpture garden presents numerous styles and genres. Guided tours of galleries and garden are available. The education department sponsors informative walking tours of Old Town.

 

Explora! – An incredible, hands-on experience awaits learners of all ages interested in science, technology and art. Robotics lab to interactive fountain, principles of sound, motion, or electricity, this is a learning laboratory that fascinates tiny tots to senior citizens – a perfect multi-generation spot. Explora! is so popular with adults they get periodic adult-only Friday nights scheduled just for them. Visitors get so involved they spend twice as long as planned. This is truly an exception facility – a “have-to-do” while in Albuquerque.

  Explora3   Explora2Explora1

 

Dinosaur enthusiasts find the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science a must stop. We explore an ice cave, stand inside a volcano and ride the “EvolaAlb Natural History Museumtor” for a Journey Through Time, from Origins 200 million years ago to the Ice Age. Collections include the world’s longest dinosaur and oldest mammal fossil.

Within the museum, the Astronomy Center showcases a 55-foot diameter planetarium dome and high-definition imagery to explore our universe – and beyond. Permanent exhibits, Space Frontier and Making Tracks on Mars leads us through space exploration.

Wise visitors include a Dynatheater show during their touring. Sitting back to watch the giant screen presentation offers the perfect way to rest without wasting a minute. Mummies: Secrets of the Past is the current feature.