Tag Archives: Denver Area

*Colorado Weekend* – June 5-7, 2009

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Eat, Drink and Make Music

Sample BBQ, chili, trout, wine and ale, listen to bluegrass and jazz, fish for free, view the Rockies from a hot air balloon or step back to the 1840s – festival season in Colorado kicks into full gear. Enjoy!

  • Colorado Free Fishing Days – Across the state, June 6-7. The Colorado Division of Wildlife allows fishing without a license the first full weekend of June. Bag and possession limits and special regulations apply, check the website for full details.
  • Arvada Trails Day – Bike, hike or horseback ride in celebration of Arvada’s 140 parks and 125 miles of trails, Majestic View Nature Center 10am-2pm.
  • Balloonvista BalloonaVista – Buena Vista, June 6-7. Balloon assents, evening glow, breakfast and dinner, art walk, dog show and kite flying contest fill the weekend.
  • Hang with Dad – Delta, June 6. Fourth annual Fatherhood events including climbing wall, dunk tank, water-balloon launchers, karaoke, food and prizes.
  • CHUN Capitol Hill People’s Fair  – Denver, June 6—7. Denver converges on Civic Center Park for arts and crafts, food and entertainment  – the city’s favorite kick-off to summer, free admission.
  • Denver Bronco Fan Fair – Denver, June 6. A day of orange and blue as fans meet players, coaches and cheerleaders. Autograph and picture opts plus Game Zone and Kids Zone with a special kids only autograph station, tickets at Ticketmaster.
  • First Saturday at the Governor’s Residence at Boettcher Mansion – Denver, June 6. Dancing, music, painting and more honors Discovering Colorado’s Rich Asian Heritage at the free family day from 11am-2pm.
  • La Piazza Dell ‘Arte: Italian Pastel Chalk Art Event – Denver, June 6-7. More than 200 artists turn the streets of Larimer Square into a gallery of amazing chalk art plus Italian food and wine.
  • Elizabeth Stampede – Elizabeth, June 5-7. Rodeo events sanctioned by Professional Bull Riders, Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association. Parade, dance and for the younger set Mutton Bustin.
  • Golden Farmer’s Market opening day – Golden, June 6. Continues on Saturdays through Oct. 3 offering fresh fruits, vegetables, breads and flowers. Master gardeners, food booths and free horse-drawn carriage rides.
  • Trout Cook-off – Keystone, June 6. Fishing derby, chef competitions, trout cooking demos, wine pairings and kids corner at this 5th annual free event.
  • Bent' Old Fort - Living History Living History Encampment, Bent’s Old Fort – LaJunta, June 5-6. Participants assume the roles of 1840 trappers, traders, blacksmiths, carpenters, soldiers, domestics and laborers 24-hours a day during the encampment.
  • Limon Railroad Days – Limon, June 6-7. Operating model layouts, swap meet, Limon Railroad Museum, food and fun.
  • Goodguys 12th Colorado Nationals – Loveland, June 5-7. More than 2,000 hot rods, custom and classic cars at the Ranch, Larimer County Fairgrounds.
  • Manitou Springs Wine Festival – Manitou Springs, June 6. Two dozen wineries pour their specialties in Memorial Park. Tasting tickets $30/person.
  • Pagosa Folk ‘n Bluegrass Festival – Pagosa Springs, June 5-7. A weekend of music at Reservoir Hill Park, on site camping available. Free concert Friday night at Pagosa Spring Town Park Gazebo.
  • Boats, Blues & BBQ – Pueblo, June 5-6. Historic Arkansas River Pueblo celebrates with its 8th annual event including Kansas City BBQ Society sanctioned cook-off competition.
  • Snowmass Chili Pepper Brew Fest – Snowmass Village, June 5-6. International Chili Society and microbreweries’ summer ale competitions plus lots of live music. 
  • Telluride Balloon Festival – Telluride, June 6-7. The 26th annual festival sees colorful balloons lift off from Town Park each morning, On Saturday evening tethered balloons GLO on Main StreTelluride Jazzet, free.
  • Telluride Jazz Celebration – Telluride, June 5-7. Three days, two stages, dozens of jazz musicians entertain at this 33rd annual event.
  • Teva Mountain Games – Vail, June 4-7. Professional and amateur athletes complete in seven mountain sports – bouldering to extreme kayaking. Auxiliary events include photography contest, film school and festival and live music.
  • Vallecito Lake Fishing Tournament – Vallecito, June 5-7. Head to Vallecito Lake with rod and reel for a fishing tournament and Saturday night fish fry.

*Colorado Weekend* – May 29-31, 2009

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Shake, Paddle and Grow

The last weekend of May looks to be a bit quieter, a respite between Memorial Day and Summer with a capital S. Even so, Colorado paddles, peddles and belly dances, celebrates fiber and roses, and listens to bluegrass and ethnic music .

  • Victory Bicycle Classic – Boulder, May 31. Ride with Olympian Davis Phinney and other cycling legends on either a 40- or 60-mile route, event benefits the Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s.
  • International Music Fest – Brush, May 30. From salsa and Japanese drumming to music of Eastern Europe held at the Morgan County Fairgrounds from 11am – 5pm.
  • Izzy Fest 2009 – Durango, May 30-31. Al Mafra Four Corners Belly Dance sponsors dance workshops with Isidora Bushkovski on May 31, performance May 30 at Smiley Theatre.
  • Glenwood Springs Whitewater Park US Freestsyle Kayak Team Trials – Glenwood Springs, May 30-31. The best kayakers in the country compete at the acclaimed Glenwood Springs Whitewater Park on the Colorado River. Winners will qualify for the World Freestyle Championship in Switzerland
  • Clear Creek History Park Blacksmith Demo Day – Golden, May 30. A Golden blacksmith shop first opened in 1859. Watch demonstrations of these time honored skills, free admission.
  • Fiber Fest – Pagosa Springs, May 30-31. Spinning, weaving knitting, felting of animal fibers – alpacas, llamas, angora and cashmere goats, churro and Cotswold sheep, angora rabbits and Scottish cattle – workshops, demonstrations, fashion show and Navajo rug auction fill the weekend.
  • Palisade Parade of Roses – Palisade, May 30-31. Judging and awards, rose workshops, tour of roses, Sunday brunch at Varaison Vineyards & Winery.
  • Bluegrass on the River – Pueblo, May 29-31. Two stages of bluegrass entertainment at the Nature & Raptor Center of Pueblo at this 20th annual event.

Colorado Gold Rush – Denver International Airport, Colorado

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 Colorado Gold Rush

150th Anniversary Exhibit

1859 – “Gold is found everywhere, and you can make your fortune.”

The word was out, gold had been found near the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River – near the center of present day Denver, Colorado. The rush was on to head to the hills in search of wealth producing veins of the precious metal. "Pikes Peak or Bust" became the rallying cry for prospectors with a serious case of gold fever.

Now through August 2009 an exhibit along the walkway to concoDIA Gold Rushurse A at Denver International Airport commemorates the sesquicentennial of the Colorado Gold Rush. Books and maps show supply lists and routes followed by hopeful emigrants. Letters and diaries detail successes and failures, longing and love, sorrow and humor. Photographs record changes in the land and the men and women who gave birth to Denver and Colorado.

The exhibition is located between the main terminal and concourse A, before the security screening area, making it accessible for everyone visiting the airport. Passing through Denver, seeing someone off or picking up an arriving passenger at DIA, take time to discover the story of Colorado’s Gold Rush.

Denver International Airport - Colorado
Denver International Airport – Colorado

*Update II* – Perfect Landing Restaurant – Centennial, Colorado

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Awesome Addition

Yes, we did go to the Perfect Landing at Centennial Airport this week after my friend told me they added a prime rib dinner to their $10 Awesome Anniversary Specials. This week we went late after an art show reception; it’s a different feel with the lights of the city instead of the setting sun.

We both indulged with the prime rib, Bob ordered an end cut and even after 8pm they Filet Special - Perfect Landing were able to fulfill that request. Plus, they were cooked exactly as ordered and served with au jus and a creamy horseradish sauce. The luscious creamy mashed potatoes and a mixture of fresh green and wax beans accompanied the meat.

We started with a grilled Caesar salad and right out of the oven crusty bread. To no one’s surprise we ended with a slice of key lime pie. Good, but not quite as tart this week. I like the tartness; that’s what makes it key lime in my mind.                    Perfect Landing – Filet Special         Salad and pie an additional $5/each.

On the piano, Boogie Bob’s selections are a bit mellower at 8pm than at 5:30pm.

When You Go: Check out an earlier blog for details on the $10 Awesome Anniversary Special running through May.

Castlewood Canyon State Park – Franktown, Colorado

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Castlewood Canyon State Park

CCSP Sign Castlewood Canyon State Park, once rural and fairly remote, today is nearly embraced by suburbia. As residential development creeps ever closer we gain even more appreciation for natural areas set aside and protected for public enjoyment.

Cherry Creek flows through Castlewood Canyon. In the late 1800s a 600-foot-long dam was complete to store water vital to ranchers and farmers. Almost from the beginning the dam leaked causing concern downstream in Denver. Engineers debated safety issues until the the early morning hours of August 3, 1933 when the dam gave way releasing 1.7 billion gallons of water. The raging torrent scoured canyon walls as it surged towards Denver. A slide show in the visitor center relates the story of Castlewood Dam and the second worse flood in Denver history.

Pasqueflower Castlewood Canyon stands in a transition zone between mountain and plain. Ecologically unique on the rim of the Black Forest plateau, four ecosystems – grasslands, montane shrublands, montane forest and riparian – exists within walking distance of one another. A wide variety of foliage, flowers, birds and wildlife can be found within the park. On our springtime visit we observed mountain bluebirds and photographed pasqueflowers emerging from winter groundcover.

Hiking trails offer access to the dam ruins and Lucas homestead historic sites, the falls area, inner canyon, and rim rock. Several trails interconnect creating loops of two, four or six mile hikes. The paved Canyon View Nature Trail is handicap accessible with excellent canyon viewpoints. To the west the mountain panorama stretches from south of Pikes Peak to Rocky Mountain National Park.

CCSP - Rock Puddle The state park is a day-use park open 8am to sunset. There are two entrances to Castlewood Canyon State Park. The main (east) entrance is off CO83, five miles south of Franktown. Facilities include the visitor center, flush restrooms, picnic areas with grills, group picnic area, amphitheater and paved roads and parking.

The west entrance is accessed off CO86 via Castlewood Canyon Road. This portion of the park is less-developed with gravel road and parking lots, a few picnic tables and pit toilets. Parking at the dam ruins is prohibited, you must hike in (.35-mile trail) from the designated parking area. Rock climbers find challenges in the western section of the park. Biking and horseback riding are limited to the Cherry Creek Regional Trail.

When You Go: Visitors are required to display a current Colorado State Parks Pass, available at the visitor center and self-service dispensers. A daily pass is valid from the day of purchase until noon the following day. Click here for information on an annual pass. Numerous naturalist guided activities,including Canyon Kiddies for ages 2-5, are available each month, call the park at 303-688-5242 for current schedule and registration.

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Castlewood Canyon State Park
Castlewood Canyon State Park

*Update* Perfect Landing Restaurant – Centennial, Colorado

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Awesome Anniversary Special Continues

The Perfect Landing Restaurant at Centennial Airport continues their anniversary special through the month of May. Available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, the special menu includes:

  • Center cut filet dinner
  • Teriyaki glazed salmon filet dinner
  • Alaskan king crab legs (1/2 pound)
  • Maine lobster tail
  • Shrimp scampi
  • Bottle of cabernet or chardonnay

Each for only $10

The filet is served with mashed potatoes and green vegetable, the salmon with rice and veggie. The crab legs, lobster and shrimp are a la carte items. Order the filet dinner, add a lobster tail – quality surf and turf for $20.

On our last visit we ordered a bottle of wine and were delighted with the Salmon Creek cabernet. We usually share a salad ($5), either the Perfect Salad of spring greens, craisins, pecans and bleu cheese crumbles with an orange balsamic vinaigrette, or a traditional Caesar. On our next visit we’ll order the Grilled Caesar. The basket of crusty in-house baked bread always empties at our table.

Sunset at Perfect Landing We’re declining desserts these days but the Perfect Landing key lime pie can’t be missed. I’ve heard good reports on the chocolate soufflé cake but we’re sticking with the key lime pie.

As diners have heard about the anniversary special the restaurant has been very busy; by 6pm every table is filled, with people waiting. The wait staff have been up to the task with cheerful efficient service. I wouldn’t go without a reservation. Last week we went at 5pm and had the rest of the evening for an activity.

In addition to excellent food and service we enjoy the music of Boogie Bob at the piano and panoramic views of the Rockies as the sun settles behind the Continental Divide.

When You Go: The Perfect Landing opens for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays. Phone 303-649-4478 for reservations.

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Perfect Landing Restaurant at Centennical Airport
Perfect Landing Restaurant at Centennical Airport

Book Tour – Debbie Macomber

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Summer on Blossom Street

Author Debbie Macomber drew a large crowd to the Highlands Ranch Tattered Cover bookstore Thursday evening. As we waited in line for the engaging Macomber to sign copies of her newest release, Summer on Blossom Street, strangers compared notes on which of her over 100 books they’ve read, which was the first or how they discovered her books. Many had attended previous signings or receive Macomber’s e-mail newsletter. I was amazed at the diversity of the audience from young mothers pushing strollers to barely mobile elder – and, it wasn’t a woman only crowd.

debbie-signingMy daughter-in-law, Tammy, introduced me to Macomber’s writing four years ago. When we arrived for a visit Tam had The Shop on Blossom Street on the nightstand. This was the first of Macomber’s Blossom Street series, based around a knitting shop, A Good Yarn, in Seattle.

Since then, I’ve visited with Macomber’s characters in Texas, the Dakotas and Washington state settings. These are people I would like to have as neighbors or friends. When I need a reprieve from the busy, stressful world I know the perfect escape – snuggle into a corner of the couch with a cup of tea, a handmade quilt and a Macomber book.

Personable and funny, Macomber shares personal antedotes with her audience – from her first library book (the librarian was Beverly Clearey – later to become a best selling children’s author) to writing her first book on a rented typewriter while bouncing a three-year-old on her hip. When attendees wanted pictures she good naturely posed and gave us this tip, “If you swallow it gets rid of one chin.” After meeting her I’ll always think of her simply as Debbie.

summer-on-blossom-street-book-coverAn avid knitter herself, in addition to Summer on Blossom Street she’s also released a Knit Along with Debbie Macomber Summer on Blossom Street book of knitting patterns. 

The Tattered Cover was the second stop on a 17-city book tour in the next six weeks. In addition to Summer on Blossom Street I’m sure audiences across the country will enjoy getting to know Debbie as much as they enjoy her characters and storylines. Check her website for the tour schedule, a complete list of her books and purchasing information.

Old Stone Church Restaurant – Castle Rock, Colorado

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Old Stone Church

Old Stone Church - Exterior After a wind blown visit to Castlewood Canyon State Park we take sanctuary at the first church built in Castle Rock. Today the Old Stone Church serves cuisine instead of a congregation. Where the confessional once stood a table for two awaits diners as does the choir loft.

We always enjoy the creative dishes from chef/owner Jeff Richard. Trained at The Culinary Institute of America, Richard features fresh ingredients with a sense of adventure. I like the southwest influences and order the shrimp enchiladas with goat cheese and chipotle cream. A half-dozen grilled shrimp fill each enchilada. Packed with flavor, I soak up every drop of the chipotle cream with tortillas and the Mexican rice. Old Stone Church - Java Salmon

Bob chose the Old Stone Church because he was lusting after their salmon. Java salmon is rubbed with coffee, ancho chile powder and brown sugar, served over a goat cheese pasta and topped with a corn relish. Sighs of contentment come from his side of the table.

While we waited for the entrees we dipped warm pita pieces in a thick sauce of herbs, red pepper, red wine vinegar and olive oil.

Old Stone Church - Ladies Lunching Although we didn’t have any on this visit every soup I’ve ever tried at The Old Stone Church has been perfect. I especially remember the cream of asparagus on our last visit. I believe Chef Richard shines when it comes to soups and sauces.

Locals consider the Chaplain’s Bar, next to the dining room, their secret. From 3-6pm  they relax with $5 appetizers and drink specials.

The only complaint I’ve ever held is that we’ve never had a host/hostess that seemed glad you’ve walked in Old Stone Church - Leaded Glass Window the door. Once we start interacting with the wait staff we feel welcome and receive good service but the initial greeting could certainly be improved.

Flickering tea lights, a softly falling fountain, original stained glass windows and music creates a relaxed, a reprieve from a busy day, atmosphere. I feel I must confess we don’t come to the Old Stone Church frequently enough.

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Old Stone Church - Castle Rock, CO
Old Stone Church – Castle Rock, CO

When You Go:

Old Stone Church Restaurant

210 3rd Street

Castle Rock, Colorado

303-688-9000

Open Tuesday – Saturday

Lunch 11am-2pm

Dinner 5-10pm

Closed Sunday & Monday

*Revisit* – Sunnyside Cafe – Highlands Ranch, Colorado

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Breakfast at Sunnyside

sunnyside-cafe1After our first visit to Sunnyside Cafe my comments came down on the side of mediocrity. After an early appointment we went back for a mid-morning breakfast and found the results much more pleasing. Two menu pages are filled with appetizing morning selections – scrambles, omelet’s, skillets, benedicts, pancakes, waffles, french toasts. A half-dozen South of the Border specialities  and Louisiana hot-links and eggs offer spicier options. Plus we find all the traditional dishes of eggs, bacon, sausage, ham steak , steak, chicken fried steak, hash, biscuits and gravy.

We both ordered Sunnyside Slam  –  two eggs, two bacon slices, two sausages (links or patties), and two whole wheat pancakes. I chose cranberry almond pancakes for an additional 99¢. All was well prepared and hot when it arrived at the table. Three stars to Sunnyside for serving warm syrup. I never to cease to be amazed at how many breakfast restaurants plop a pitcher of cold syrup on the table, it isn’t that hard to go the extra step.

The whole-wheat cranberry almond pancakes were wonderful; I’ve been lusting for a second batch ever since that visit. I usually order a glass of milk with breakfast and request it be served with the meal. Our waitress had to be reminded of the milk and the glass size was the same as Bob’s small orange juice.

I believe Sunnyside still has service issues to work out but I’ll definitely go back for breakfast. It will be a hard choice – repeat the pancakes or the Sunnyside croissant of two eggs scrambled with bacon, sausage, ham and cheddar cheese served on a buttery croissant.

Sunnyside Cafe serves a sunny start to the day.

When You Go: Sunnyside Cafe is located on South Colorado Boulevard just a few blocks south of C-470, in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. They’re open Monday – Friday 6:30am-2pm, Saturday and Sunday 7am-2pm; breakfast menu available until close.

Perfect Landing Restaurant – Centennial, Colorado

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*Deal*

Perfect Landing – 10th Anniversary Specials

Looking for excellent food, a relaxed, comfortable dining atmosphere and super views of Colorado’s front range -plus a great deal? The Perfect Landing restaurant celebrates ten years at Centennial Airport with $10 specials worth the drive from anywhere in the Metro area. Or, fly in.

perfect-landing-day-is-done

 During the month of April on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings Perfect Landing offers a half-dozen items for $10. We took advantage of the special on Tuesday night. Bob ordered the teriyaki glazed salmon filet served with rice pilaf and broccolini. He pronounced the salmon the best he’s had in a long time; he’s ordered a lot of salmon lately.

I selected the beef filet served with whipped potatoes and broccolini. Eavesdropping on the waitress at the table behind me, I heard her say that their chef cuts the filets himself. She added that the $10 special filet was just slightly smaller than the one on their regular menu. Mine was perfectly trimmed and wrapped in bacon. I’m not a rare beef eater so asked for medium; it was a notch under my idea of medium but not enough to send back. The meat was flavorful, tender and a very sufficient size. The potatoes were creamy and wonderful.

perfect-landing-salmon

We devoured the warm,  in-house baked bread, crust ideally crunchy without being tear-up-the-roof-of-your-mouth tough. The bread center perfectly textured. There wasn’t a crumb left in our basket.

From past visits we remembered the key lime pie and added a dessert to our  order. The pecan pie, chocolate souffle cake and key lime pie are all made in-house. On every trip to Florida my sister and I search for the best key lime pie. Forget Florida, all we need do is go to Perfect Landing in Centennial – better than any other I’ve ever had.

Additional $10 anniversary specials include a bottle of cabernet or chardonnay wine and a la carte servings of shrimp scampi, 4-0z Maine lobster tail or 1/2 pound of Alaskan king crab legs.

perfect-landing-boogie-bob

A long time Denver favorite, “Boogie” Bob Olsen entertains at the piano bar Tuesdays – Saturdays, 5:30-9pm. Our hostess gave us the option of being near the piano or further away. We enjoyed watching him play and his happy following.  At the cocktail bar and in the piano lounge area $5 appetizers are available from 5-7pm .

perfect-landing-sunset1 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 watch helicopters come in for a quick refueiling and planes, from small two-seaters to corporate jets, land and take-off. As we finish the last bite of key lime pie the sun sinks below the mountains, capping our evening with a technicolor light show.

Bob says he’s going back every week in April. We’ll see if that happens; however, I’d encourage everyone to put Perfect Landing on their radar.

When You Go: The Perfect Landing opens for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays. Nancy’s Note – The breakfasts are tremendous. Dinner reservations strongly advised, especially on weekends and during the April anniversay special.