Tag Archives: Travel

Looff Carousel, Riverfront Park – Spokane, Washington

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Cherished Carousel Begins a 2nd Century

Carousel 1 Spokane’s beautifully preserved Looff Carousel begins a second century of delighting children and adults. Built in 1909 and considered to be the last operating carousel created by Charles Looff  the hand-carved wooden carousel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This Spokane treasure is frequently listed as one of the top five carousels in the country and has one of the highest number of riders each year.Carousel - Jaz

Aligned three abreast, 54 horses prance around the wooden platform. All are jumpers, carved in a running position, and move up and down with the rotation of the carousel. This is the only one made by Looff on which all of the horses are jumpers. A giraffe, one tiger and two dragon chariots complete the carousel.

Spokane’s Looff debuted July 1909 in Natatorium Park, operating there until 1967 when the park closed. It was brought out of storage after Spokane’s Expo ‘74 and reassembled in the world’s fair Bavarian Garden building.

Caousel Building

We don’t consider a trip to Spokane complete without a few turns on the historic carousel in Riverfront Park. On sunny summer days, during chilly spring rains or snowy Christmas holidays there’s something magically and rejuvenating about climbing atop a bejeweled jumper, the ringing of the starting bell and music from the band organ. We gallop along at a brisk 7-mph pace with the outside riders Carousel - Jaz and Nancy stretching out with each rotation in hopes of grabbing the golden ring. Those who succeed receive a free ride. Awaiting our turn we careful scrutinize the passing array of horses. Do we want to mount a red sorrel, dapple gray or strawberry pinto? Each horse is individually painted and adorned in colorful “trappings”, tails are made from real horse hair and color coordinated.

More than a quarter of a million riders experience the Spokane Looff carousel each year. My first ride on this treasure was in 1983; I hope to never loss my enthusiasm for a spin.

Carousel Top Sculpture The Art of the Carousel

In celebration of the Looff carousel anniversary an exhibition of artifacts and artwork is showcased at the Chase Gallery in Spokane’s City Hall. The Art of the Carousel, on display until February 28, 2010, features antique horses and figures, horses under construction, original artworks and historical details. Chase Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5 pm.

Crested Butte Mountain Resort – Crested Butte, Colorado

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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?

Crested Butte Tourism Skier 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

Win a Trip – Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Winter Sweepstakes

Native Dancers

 

Because I would love to win, my selfish side hesitates to share this opportunity but my better half wins out. The Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau is holding a Winter Sweepstakes for a free getaway to the Duke City.

 

The Albuquerque Getaway Sweepstakes Package for two includes:

  • $200 Visa Card that can be used for airfare, gas or shopping  

 

Enter the Albuquerque Getaway Sweepstakes before February 28, 2010 at http://www.itsatrip.org/sweepstakes_winter/default.aspx.

In previous posts I’ve shared many of the attractions and activities Albuquerque offers visitors. Native American arts and cultures, science, history, nature, shopping, sports, gaming, unique Southwestern dining – a multitude of days and nights can be filled with fascinating and fun options. I’ve made my entry in the sweepstakes.

Click to View Previous Albuquerque Posts:

Old Town Shop

Old Town Albuquerque Museums  

Albuquerque Cultural Centers

Albuquerque Wineries

Old Town Albuquerque

Corrales

Hanselmann Pottery

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Valentine Re-mailing – Loveland, Colorado

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From Loveland With Love

Loveland Valentine Mailbox - B 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, image

  “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.image

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                   

Loveland Heart Sculpture 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

January 12, 2010 – Boulder & Golden, Colorado

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A Found Day – New Experiences

Prepared for a full day of jury selection and possible service the day seemed a gift after my name wasn’t called for the selection process. January temperatures in the 50s and cloudless blue skies promised a perfect day to go adventuring. We decided to make our first visit to Eldorado Canyon State Park south of Boulder followed by an informative hour at the Bradford Washburn American Mountaineering Museum in Golden.Rock Climber

The rocky walls and cliffs of Eldorado Canyon holds a worldwide reputation with rock climbers. The park also offers miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing and picnicking. Thirteen miles south of Eldorado Canyon the museum offers a look into many aspects of mountaineering in Colorado and around the world.

 

Mountaineering Museum While we weren’t tempted to become a human spider on the lichen walls of Eldorado Canyon nor stand atop Mount Everest our impromptu activities were a perfect match for a January Day.

Too often we feel the need to venture far from home in our travels when there are many overlooked opportunities worthy of our attention nearby.

National Western Stock Show – Denver, Colorado – Jan. 12, 2010

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What’s Scheduled?

Tuesday – January 12,  2010

The fun continues at the 104th Annual National Western Stock Show, Horse Show and Rodeo. Check the NWSS schedule web pages for times and locations.

Tuesday Stock Shows:

  • National Limousin MOE & Lim-Flex Show
  • Red Angus Junior Breeding Heifer Show followed by Red Angus Open Show
  • Lowline Junior Heifer Show/Showmanship
  • National Lowline Peoples Choice Show

Especially for Youth – these events run throughout the show:NWSS - Stick Horse Rodeo2

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

Exhibitions, Classes, Programs and Events:

  • Paint Horse Performance and Halter Classes
  • Weather Trends & Stock Show Weather

In the Coliseum – Ticketed Event:

  • PBR Bull Riding Denver Chute-Out-Team Penning Finals

NWSS - Bull Riding - PRB2 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.

Photos courtesy National Western Stock Show

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

*Book Review* – American’s Living History

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A Traveler’s Guide to

American’s Living History – The Early Years

By: Suzanne & Craig Sheumaker

 

A Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site interpretive ranger recommended a book focusing on living history sites across the country.  Fortunately the bookstore/trade room had copies of American’s Living History – The Early Years. After a brief browse I knew we needed to add this title to our travel bookshelves.

Authors Suzanne and Craig Sheumaker selected 300 sites throughout the US that are historically accurate and offer history-based activities, re-enactments and/or special events. The Sheumakers visited each of the 300 locations before compiling the book, plus many others that did not make the cut. “The Early Years” refer to the fact that the authors chose to focus on destinations reflecting pre-1840 history, from early Native American cultures to the opening of the West.

Regional maps and listings provide visual destination locations while themed chapters are organized by field of interest. At first I found the organization a bit awkward but after reading the introduction, historical timeline and several entries I realize the groupings are logical and practical.

Each chapter begins with a short historical perspective, followed by individual destination descriptions and photos. Craig’s professional photography expertise enriches every page. The descriptions offer concise background knowledge and visitation highlights. Frequent sidebars add informative mini-lessons of American history. “Wouldn’t it be great if school history lessons were so interesting?

The award-winning book doesn’t try to provide every detail of hours, fees, restrictions, etc. – dull details that make a book dated by the time it arrives from the printer. Instead, contact info including websites are listed for the reader/traveler to find the latest, accurate details needed for a successful visit.

I couldn’t resist the urge to count how many of the sites we’ve visited – 52. In reading many of those entries I find the Sheumakers’ information extremely factual. Terms such as, “exceptional, meticulous, charming or terrific” are used accurately not as hype. Whether one is an on-the-road RVer or an armchair traveler they will be entertained and enriched by America’s Living History – The Early Years. 

I hope the authors are compiling a follow-up edition covering “The Later Years.” There are many sites dating after 1840 that offer quality living history experiences, especially in the west where settlement was in it’s infancy in the mid-nineteenth century. Meanwhile I need to get on the road to visit the other 248 locations.

America’s Living History – The Early Years is available online at both Amazon and Barnes & Noble or at museum stores across the country.

National Western Stock Show – Denver, Colorado – 1-11-2010

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 What’s Scheduled?

Monday – January 11, 2010

Denver hosts the 104th Annual National Western Stock Show, Horse Show and Rodeo. Check the NWSS schedule web pages for times and locations.

Especially for Youth – these events run throughout the show: NWSS - The Yards

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

Exhibitions, Classes, Programs and Events:

  • AQHA Ranch Horse Classic- Ranch Cutting and Working Ranch Horse Phases
  • National Gelbvieh & Balancer Show
  • National Red Angus Pen Show
  • Red Angus Junior Stock Growers Activities
  • Tractor Races
  • Paint Horse Roping, Reining and Western Riding Classes
  • AQHA Ranch Horse Classic- Ranch Trail, Ranch Riding and Conformation PhasesNWSS - Bull Riding - PRB

Sales: 

  • National South Devon Sale
  • Red Angus Mile High Classic Sale
  • National Limousin Sale

In the Coliseum – Ticketed Events:

  • 7:30pm – PBR Bull Riding Denver Chute-Out and Team Penning

 

In addition, don’t overlook 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.

Photos courtesy National Western Stock Show

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

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

Previous National Western Post

Diego Zhang’s Burger Cafe – Centennial, Colorado

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Not  Your Ordinary Burger Joint

Diego Zhang's Exterior What in the world is a Diego Zhang’s? As stores and restaurants open in the redeveloped Streets at SouthGlenn we’re eager to discover our new neighborhood options. Seeing the sign “Diego Zhang’s” simply raised questions – even though it also said “Burger Cafe.” To find out we headed over for lunch.

Burgers are featured but not the typical American burger. A helpful employee explains that Diego Zhang’s burgers are, “Globally inspired mini burgers with the listed ingredients hand mixed with the meat. Each burger is 6 ounces, about half the size of a normal hamburger.” She gave us time to read through the list of a dozen choices: Centennial, Genoa, Shanghai, San Juan, Havana, Yellowstone – a world of flavors. There are also a half-dozen salad and five daily soup selections.

Diego Zhang's Pork Green Chili Bob chose a cup of pork green chili and a “Denver”  described as a simple blend of beef, bacon, sautéed mushrooms and onions. Wanting a variety of flavors I opted for a “Kansas City” – mesquite rubbed ground pork with caramelized barbeque sauce – and a Bangkok – Thai peanut shrimp with fresh vegetables. With each burger we had a choice of white or whole wheat bun.

We ordered at the counter, got our drinks and browsed the menu while we waited for the burgers to be delivered to the table hot off the grill. We learned that Diego Zhang’s mother came from southern climes and father from the east, hence the interesting name mix. The idea for globally-inspired mini-burgers came from a tapas cafe in Barcelona.

Diego Zhang's Burgers Bob gave a thumbs  up to the spicy green chili. I give a big nod of approval for both my burgers. Noted on the menu with two chile peppers meaning slightly more spicy, the Bangkok had a definite kick that lingered but didn’t overpower. The peanuts and fresh veggies lent a crunchy texture. Not spicy hot but packed with flavor, the Kansas City was equally enjoyed. I was impressed with how well matched and balanced the flavors were  in each burger. The whole wheat bun was fresh and grainy. I’ve heard people refer to these as sliders but found them to be larger than the majority of sliders. Two where plenty for a satisfying meal.

Families will appreciate the children’s menu including PB&J, mac & cheese, grilled cheese and noodles – buttered or with cheese/red sauce. Adults find  beer and wine available in addition to soft drinks. The breakfast menu offers a variety of egg sandwiches on English muffins and Arepas, South American corn cakes with cheese, red peppers and green chiles.

I’m already eager to return to further my world journey of mini-burgers.

When You Go: There are two locations for Diego Zhang’s in Centennial, 6851 S. Gaylord in The Streets at SouthGlenn and 12073 E. Arapahoe Road (Arapahoe and Peoria). Hours vary by location and day of the week, check their website for details.

*Update* – Farro Italian Restaurant – Centennial, Colorado

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Revisiting Farro Italian Restaurant

Almost one year ago I wrote about the newly opened Farro Italian Restaurant in Centennial. Two recent visits stirred me to update readers.

A couple of weeks before Christmas Bob and I stopped into Farro’s for a quick dinner between shopping chores. WFarro Interiore hadn’t tried their pizza and decided to split the “Meat Lovers” and a romaine salad. Although we told the waitress we were okay eating off the same salad plate, the kitchen accommodated by splitting the romaine lettuce tossed with Ciabatta croutons, Parmesan and lemon garlic Dressing. We were highly impressed by the pizza topped with red sauce, sausage, prosicutto, salami, pancetta and cheese. The thin crust, light hand with the red sauce, flavorful meats and cheese came together in a 12-inch pizza we couldn’t stop eating until every crumb and crust was devoured.         [Photos courtesy Farro Restaurant]

Farra Zuppa

Last night I joined three women friends, none of whom had been there before, for a leisurely dinner at Farro. From the  satisfied sighs it’s safe to say they will return. Three of us started with cups of the Tuscan white bean zuppa with prosciutto and extra virgin olive oil – delish. With the basket of warm breads I could have eaten a quart of the soup.

Mary ordered lasagna, Gayle the meat pizza, and I returned to the Tuscan meatloaf. Carol chose orecchietTuscan Meatloafte pasta with sausage, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes in a Gorgonzola cream sauce. Our forks all made the tasting round of everyone’s entrees. I have to get back soon to order the orecchiette; I love Gorgonzola and this sauce was perfect without being overpowering nor too thick and heavy.                                              [Photo by Nancy Yackel]

This group never passes up desserts and last night was no exception. We shared double chocolate mousse and the pumpkin mascarpone cheesecake with a gingersnap cookie crust. Although I’m not as much of a chocolateholic as the others I have to admit the kahlua enhanced mousse was mighty good. The cheesecake was a nice alternative.

A large sign outside the door and a flier in the bill holder announced the beginning of Monday thru Friday lunch service starting January 4, 2010. I’ll report another update after a noon-time visit.

Our one negative – we spotted several errors on our bill. There were promptly corrected with apologies but I will watch closely on my next visit to make sure this was a one time occurrence.

The group lingered deep in conversation long after dessert . Until we left we had no idea we’d overstayed closing time, not done intentionally. The staff certainly gave no indication we should leave.

Map picture

When You Go: Farro Italian Restaurant, 8230 S. Holly, Centennial, CO 303-694-5432. Open Monday – Thursday 5-9pm, Friday & Saturday 4:30-9:30pm, Sunday 4:30-8pm. Now open for lunch Monday – Friday 11:30am-1:30pm.

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