Start with the smoked swordfish dip with Fresno chiles and root vegetable chips. Move on to grilled Berkshire pork tenderloin carnitas with squash puree, Brussels sprouts and chipotle almonds, pickled onion and blood orange mojo, doused in veal jus. Finish off with lemongrass panna cotta with grilled pineapple sorbet and yuzu pinenut tart. Oh, and don’t forget a refreshing, zingy cucumber/melon mojito.

Dining at Beaver Creek’s Cima, uber-chef Richard Sandoval’s newest entry into hotel dining, is NOT your usual Mexican eatery experience. Then again, Richard Sandoval does not do usual, ordinary or typical.

Try one of the many creative and distinctive dishes at Cima like the Seafood Ceviche.

Richard Sandoval Restaurants is a leading international restaurant group with outlets in five U.S. states and three other countries (Mexico, Dubai and Qatar.) Mexico born-and-raised, Culinary Institute of America-trained Sandoval has won acclaim for his innovative cuisine in a wide variety of food publications, as well as in such general interest outlets as The New York Times and New York Magazine. He has partnered with people such as opera star Placido Domingo (New York City’s Pompano) and consistently teases, titillates and delights palates with his inventive, even playful cuisine.

In November of 2011, Cima was added to the impressive repertoire of Sandoval restaurants in Colorado. Cima (meaning ‘peak or summit’ in Spanish) is housed in the sumptuous Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek. Other Sandoval restaurants in Colorado include Zengo, La Sandia and Tamayo restaurants in Denver, and Venga Venga in Snowmass Village.

Specializing in contemporary twists on Latin-inspired cuisine with other global influences, Sandoval drew upon the Vail Valley’s active lifestyle when designing menus for Cima. The menus are rich in fresh produce, sustainable seafood, locally raised meats and locally made products – pleasing the environmentally conscious Colorado mountain populace and tourist base, as well as complementing the Westin, which  is the first Silver LEED-certified hotel in the state, demonstrating its commitment to environmental awareness.

The dining room at Cima was redesigned when Sandoval took over, and seats 140 guests.

Cima took over the space previously occupied by Restaurant Avondale. The 140-seat restaurant was extensively redecorated, using stone, wood, granite and glass in its modern design by Peter Guzy. Its 70-seat outdoor terrace features several fire pits, a full-service bar and panoramic views of the Eagle River and Beaver Creek Mountain.

Located in the heart of the Vail Valley at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain, The Westin Riverfront was recently ranked #2 in the “150 Top Resorts, Mainland U.S.” by Condé Nast Traveler in its 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards.  The AAA Four Diamond resort features 230 appointed guest residences – ranging from studio suites to three-bedroom condominiums – and is connected to Beaver Creek’s ski terrain via the Riverfront Express Gondola.

Amenities at the dog-friendly resort include a ski valet, on-site ski and snowboard rentals, a Westin Kids Club, the state-of-the-art Athletic Club at The Westin, a year-round outdoor pool and three riverside hot tubs. Spa Anjali offers an extensive menu of treatments focusing on healing mountain traditions.

If You Go

Cima is located inside the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, at 126 Riverfront Lane, Avon, CO 81620-5720. To contact the hotel for more information, call 970.790.6000 or you can visit their website www.westinriverfrontbeavercreek.com to learn more.

Hours:
Lunch 11:30am – 2:30pm
Après Ski 2:30pm – 6:00pm
Dinner 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Sunday Brunch 7:30am – 2:00pm

Irene Middleman Thomas is an award-winning writer for many local, national and international publications and websites, and loves exploring her home state of Colorado with her family.

Photos By Brian Klingbail

Looking for something to do on a beautiful day? Whether you want to get out by yourself or are searching for family activities in Lakewood, Crown Hill Park should be on your list of destinations. The wildlife sanctuary won’t open until July, but the rest of the park can be fully enjoyed and a lot of families take advantage of the setting for a day out with their families.

Activities in Lakewood for Every Member of the Family

Pack up the kids and dog, lunch, roller skates, bicycles or skateboards and get ready for a day of outdoor activity and enjoying nature. Just make sure that you don’t forget your camera because it’s likely you will be able to see a fox or coyote in addition to the birds that flock to Kestrel Pond on the 242 acres that the park sits on.

Make sure to bring your camera because it’s likely you’ll see some of the wildlife that roam the park.

Pedestrians, bicyclists, skaters and horseback riders can all enjoy the trails through Crown Hill Park. Just remember that the folks who are walking always have the right of way. You can use the streets if you feel the need to go at a faster pace than the skater of bicyclist ahead of you and want to get around them.

Three and a half miles of paved trails in the park form loops. No one is excluded, as 0.7 miles of trail in the nature preserve is ADA accessible. In total, the trails encompass 6.5 miles. The horse trails are located in the southern part of the park. You won’t be able to bring your horse onto the lake trail because of safety considerations.

Crown Hill Park has 2 picnic areas and flush restrooms. If you’re horseback riding, you’ll be happy to see a hitching post near the restroom area. There are about 18 benches scattered throughout the park so you can rest in comfort. The fishing pier is also ADA accessible.

If you are able to keep the kids awake after a full day of nature watching, stay at the park for sunset. The views are glorious during the day, but against the setting sun, you’ll be glad you stayed and maybe even be able to take some pictures.

If You Go

If you decide to enjoy a ‘family friendly activities in Lakewood day’, you can find the park at 9307 West 26^th Avenue in Lakewood. Park your vehicle in the lot on 26^th Avenue between Garland and Garrison streets. If you need to call, the phone number is 303-271-5925.

Nature lovers who haven’t explored Crown Hill Park are missing out on one of the natural treasures that Colorado has to offer. Get more information on the area at http://jeffco.us/openspace/openspace_T56_R7.htm

Header photo courtesy of Bhmilkdy at Wikipedia.
Coyote photo by David Mendosa.

Enjoy art, inspiration and free admission at the Leanin’ Tree Museum & Sculpture Garden of Western Art, considered by many to be the best western and wildlife art museum in Colorado. The museum sits nestled like a jewel before views of Long’s Peak and the Flatiron mountains of Boulder. Located 15 minutes from downtown Boulder and only two blocks from Celestial Seasonings, the relaxed setting is home to the private art collection of Ed Trumble, founder of the Leanin’ Tree greeting card company.

Sounds Of Autumn 2013

Ed’s venture into western art on greeting cards began in 1949 with four Christmas cards. The company and his art collection have grown dramatically over the last six decades. Museum visitors today enjoy over 250 paintings, 150 bronze sculptures and 100 artists. The collection can be admired with a stroll through a sunny outdoor sculpture garden and a leisurely tour of galleries spread over two floors and 8,000 square feet. Leanin’ Tree greeting cards and unique merchandise are also available in a friendly gift shop.

The heritage of the American West surrounds you in one of the nation’s largest private art collections. You will step back into the drama and history of the genre: Gritty cowboys, proud Native Americans, desert and mountain landscapes, majestic wildlife, and scenes of pioneers, trappers and everyday ranch life in the Old West.

Come appreciate the unique beauty of that West as interpreted by America’s master painters and sculptors of the post-1950 era. You’ll find yourself immersed in the craftsmanship of James Reynolds, John Schoenherr, Bill Hughes, Olaf Wieghorst and scores of other incredible artists.

Museum Interior 2013

Ed Trumble developed close personal relationships with many of the artists whose work now grace his museum. According to his eldest son Tom Trumble, now president of the greeting card company, “Everything in this collection is an expression of my father’s singular taste. We don’t really put a price on the collection because it depends so much on that particular piece, the subject matter and how much the buyer loves it. And we love every single one of these. Dad bought each piece for a particular reason. It’s one of the things that make this small museum distinct and different from a public collection.”

“When you make a choice to buy a painting you’re kind of adopting it”, states Ed. “In the long run, nobody owns anything. I see Leanin’ Tree just simply as custodians of this art. Much of it will withstand the merits of time and most of it will survive and be admired and appreciated for generations to come. And hopefully they will take care of it too and pass it on.”

The Leanin’ Tree Museum & Sculpture Garden of Western Art is open to the public for free seven days a week. Please visit www.LeaninTreeMuseum.com for hours of operation and driving directions. Reviews of the museum can found on www.TripAdvisor.com.

If you’re headed to the Four Corners area of Colorado, chances are you’ll pass through Montrose. If so, take time to stop and appreciate this hospitable town with a few choice diversions.

It’s the closest town to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, one of the nation’s newest national parks and worth a day of exploration on its own.

The starkly sheer walls of the canyon get little exposure to sunlight – thus, its name. Stop at the visitors’ center to watch the video and understand how inaccessible this dramatic geologic treasure has proven to be. Then take a hike along the rim and listen for the trill of the canyon wren or cry of a peregrine falcon. You might even spot a golden eagle soaring silently over the gorge. There are plenty of pull-outs for exploring or taking photos.

The view from the Black Canyon in Gunnison

If you’re looking for water sports, they’re not far away. East of the Black Canyon are the Blue Mesa Reservoir and Curecanti National Recreation Area. Blue Mesa is Colorado’s largest body of water and is a great place for boating, fishing and otherwise enjoying the water. Also check out the Morrow Point Boat Tours for a close look at why the canyon is so daunting.

Back in town, stop by the interesting Ute Indian Museum (look for the white tipis outside). If you’re into local history, forge on to the Montrose County Historical Museum, located in the old Denver & Rio Grande Railroad station.

If all this exploring makes you hungry, stop by Café 110 for lunch – if you can get in. The place is packed every day because it serves savory, sometimes unusual sandwiches and other lunch fare. For dinner, you’ve got to try Garlic Mike’s. The popular Gunnison restaurant has a sister establishment here, and it’s just as delectable as the original. Another local favorite is Smuggler’s Brew Pub for steaks and suds.

You can stay in a new, fairly plush Hampton Inn, or find a more historic ambiance at the Canyon Creek Bed and Breakfast downtown. The B&B also has live music and libations on Thursday nights, even if you’re not staying there.

Montrose is the largest town in this part of Colorado, so if you forgot to pack something (like sunscreen or a backpack), this is where to buy it. Antiques hounds will be in heaven here. Pick up a Montrose Antiques Trail guide at the visitors’ center.

The historic Canyon Creek Bed and Breakfast offers live music in addition to cozy beds.

If you have kids in tow, check out the town’s aquatic center or the Montrose Skate Park, rated as one of the best in the country by Thrasher magazine – and they should know, dude. Or stop by the BMX track at the Montrose County Fairgrounds. Meanwhile, mom and dad can take a crack at the links at several area golf courses.

Montrose may be a gateway city, but it’s worth an overnight stay, at least.

If You Go

For information on visiting Montrose, call 970-497-8558 or go to visitmontrose.com.

For information on Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, call 970-641-2337 or go to nps.gov/blca/

Linda DuVal is a freelance writer who lives in Colorado Springs.

Castlewood Canyon State Park is a little-known spot that is sure to please any wildlife and nature enthusiast. This Douglas County state park, located south of Parker off Colorado Highway 83, is home to not only some of Colorado’s most magnificent plants and wildlife, but provides families with recreational opportunities.

Among activities to be enjoyed in the park are birding, hiking, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing and picnicking.

Cherry Creek flows alongside several of the park’s hiking trails, which range from .5 to four miles in length. These can be combined for longer treks of up to 15 miles.

Pets are welcome just about anywhere (as long as they’re on a leash), excluding the East Canyon Preservation Area trail. This trail is home to many sensitive species of plants and animals that can easily be disturbed by our furry friends. The trail is also closed during the winter season due to muddy and icy conditions.

For good views and interaction with the surrounding nature, take the Creek Bottom Trail. It is an easy-to-moderate hike that takes visitors along Cherry Creek and past a cascading waterfall. The Canyon View Nature Trail is 1.2 miles of easy hiking and offers more excellent views of the canyon.

Those who crave to see the remnants of Colorado history can take a trail that winds past the Castlewood Canyon Dam ruins. The dam burst in 1933, sending a 15-foot wave of water into Denver.

The Lucas homestead and ranch is another historical attraction discovered by hikers and bikers along the canyon’s trails.

Castlewood Canyon State Park is located at the northernmost extension of the Black Forest, also known as the Palmer Divide. This divide is a unique ecological system that borders the Front Range Foothills and plains grasslands. The forest consists of Ponderosa pine, Douglas firs, shrub lands and wetlands.

Cherry Creek cuts through the bedrock that forms the canyon, where walls of caprock and alluvium are exposed, creating a geologist’s dream and an interesting attraction for novices.

Elevations range between 6,200 and 6,600 feet. Aspens thrive far below their usual elevation here in grassy meadows dotted with wildflowers, greeting Colorado visitors.

Castlewood is also home to “critically imperiled” plant species, with fewer than five populations in the entire state. These species include Richardson’s alumroot, American current, New Mexico cliff fern, Sprengel’s sedge, giant bur-reed, grass fern and carrion flower.

This unique location also provides for many animals. Mule dear, cottontails, squirrels, black bears, mountain lions and elk can occasionally be spotted in the park. Reptiles and amphibians, including rattlesnakes, garter snakes, eastern fence lizards and Woodhouse’s Toads, also make their home in the canyon.

Bird watchers who visit the park will enjoy numerous sightings of golden eagles, hawks, falcons, larks and sparrows.

More of the state park’s offerings include the Bridge Canyon Overlook gazebo, which invites visitors to gaze over the edge to the canyon floor. It’s the perfect location for weddings and other ceremonies. The amphitheater provides a magnificent view of Pikes Peak and can hold up to 120 people. Other facilities include conference rooms and a visitor’s center.

The Friends of Castlewood Canyon State Park have raised $100,000 and convinced the Colorado Division of Parks and Great Outdoors to commit to $1.35 million for the purchase of 397 acres surrounding the park. Come enjoy this unique, protected piece of Douglas County and enjoy the great Colorado outdoors.

If You Go

Castlewood Canyon State Park
2989 South State Highway 83
Franktown, Colorado 80116

Daily park passes cost $7 per person and annual passes cost $70. Park hours are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

parks.state.co.us/parks/castlewoodcanyon/

This is the time of year when I agonize, scrutinize, analyze and subsequently compile my annual “Best Restaurants in Denver” list. There is an insurmountable bumper crop of worthy contenders to consider in Denver and surrounding areas such as Boulder. So I tackled the arduous task and the end result was a full two weeks worth of fine dining in the Denver metro area.

In the case of my “Best in Chow” list, I settled on 14 restaurants (I decided to fill two weeks because I had to stop somewhere) in the Denver area and beyond, divided into categories to suit every mood and occasion, all of them sprinkled with insider tips. These are the restaurants that I would go to, happily, greedily and hungrily, even if my job didn’t require it.

Steuben’s, 523 E. 17 th Ave., Denver; 303-830-1001; www.steubens.com

Steuben’s bustling mid-century style restaurant serves American classics from lunch into late night.

Why: Wonderfully retro food without fuss, clever cocktails, nostalgic desserts and a groovy atmosphere all add up to a terrific neighborhood spot that deserves its overwhelming popularity.

What: A rib-sticking menu culled from all of our favorite childhood food fantasies.

Who: Comfort food enthusiasts in and around the Uptown ’hood and everyone else hankering for god-this-is-good, humble sustenance.

Whine: Love the fact there’s a free parking lot; hate that it’s always full and the spots are barely big enough for a bicycle.

Root Down, 1600 W. 33rd Ave. Denver; 303-993-4200 www.rootdowndenver.com

Why: This funky venue serves local organic foods whenever possible as well as carefully chosen biodynamic wines and seriously creative cocktails. The restaurant space is a fashionably renovated old auto garage in the one of Denver’s most up and coming neighborhoods, LoHi.

What: Seasonal, sophisticated cuisine prepared following Chef Justin Cucci’s “field to fork” vision for contemporary and conscientious cuisine.

Who: Root Down’s off-the-beaten-path location means only the most in-the-know foodies have found this hot spot.

Whine: It is not easy to find, yet reservations are highly recommended because without them you can count on a terrible wait followed by a terrible table.

Superstar Asian, 2200 W. Alameda Ave. #5, Denver; 303-727-9889

Why: It’s cheaper than a flight to Shanghai, and the extraordinarily fresh dim sum is far better than anything you’ll ever eat in First Class.

What: Careening carts, vein-popping waits and complete and utter chaos on the weekends, which is exactly what you’d expect from a proper dim sum palace. If you don’t want all of that, head here on a weekday.

Who: Feasts of families, adventurous couples and dim sum lovers from around the region surrendering to whatever dumpling, bun, foot or Chinese delicacy is paraded before them.

Whine: The idiots who refuse to waitlist their names and instead head straight to a table during the peak weekend lunch rush.

Virgilio’s Pizzeria Napoletana, 10025 W. San Juan Way, Littleton; 303-972-1011; www.virgiliospizzeria.com

Why: The excellent old-school, New York-style pizzas buck gourmet tendencies for pure, unadulterated cheese-laden, pepperoni propped pies. In other words, they’re the real thing.

What: Gratitude-inducing, hand-crafted pizzas that should come with the motto: “in crust we trust.”

Who: Families in the neighborhood, little league sports teams, and in-the-know pizza purists that come from miles around to stuff their pieholes.

Whine: Every time I go, the kitchen has exhausted their supply of the spinach pinwheels. Don’t they have a stash somewhere for beggars?

Deluxe, 30 S. Broadway, Denver; 303-722-1550
www.deluxedenver.com

Why: This dimly lit, sultry and sleek South Broadway restaurant is everything a neighborhood spot should be, thanks to a friendly staff and the flawless cooking talents of chef-owner Dylan Moore.

What: Throwback California cuisine from the ’80s that somehow manages to stay up-to-the-minute modern.

Who: Sophisticated couples sitting side-by-side in the black banquettes and bona fide foodophiles jonesing for space at the chef’s counter, which is prime real estate for anyone fascinated by a professional kitchen.

Whine: It’s closed on Sunday and Monday, and the kitchen closes far too early for a restaurant that could easily get a posse of late-night noshers.

Frasca Food & Wine, 1738 Pearl St., Boulder; 303-442-6966; www.frascafoodandwine.com

Why: The unassailable, fresh local ingredients get kingly treatment at what is arguably the best restaurant in the Denver-Boulder area — and maybe the state.

What: Smashing Italian cuisine from the Friuli region, presented in ways that make you unapologetically swoon. This is a case where too much is never enough.

Who: The culinary cognoscenti, anyone and everyone who can snag a reservation and savvy walk-in diners who know that the best time to come is on weekdays when the doors open at 5:30 p.m. or after 9 p.m., when the bustle begins to slightly diminish.

Whine: After one dinner here, your expectations for everywhere else will double. Talk about a cruel irony.

Mizuna, 225 E. 7th Ave., Denver; 303- 832-4778; www.mizunadenver.com

Why: Even if you have to hold out for a reservation, a seat at star chef-owner Frank Bonanno’s butter-hued boutique of gastronomy is so worth the wait.

What: A kitchen that traverses the globe for inspiration, an inspired, ever-changing menu that never fails to impress, and remarkable ingredients that are analyzed, scrutinized and hand-picked by one of the city’s most discriminating chefs.

Who: Neighborhood residents, devoted out-of-towners, celebrities and fervent foodniks.

Whine: I wish there were more wines available by the glass.

Rioja, 1431 Larimer St., Denver; 303-820-2282;www.riojadenver.com

Why: Incredible success, both local and national, a coveted Larimer Square location and a legion of followers haven’t sullied the seemingly unending culinary talents of chef and co-owner Jennifer Jasinski.

What: Mediterranean-inspired dishes bolstered by high-end ingredients, passion and contemporary nuances that aren’t overreaching.

Who: A devoted posse of locals, tourists gripping the critic’s reviews and anyone else who is a hard-core foodophile.

Whine: There’s no valet parking on Sunday and Monday nights.

Z Cuisine, 2239 W. 30th Ave., Denver; 303-477-1111; www.zcuisineonline.com

Why: It’s the quintessential beauty and the bistro, a wholesome and simple, pocketbook-sized food temple overseen by Frenchman Patrick DuPays, a terrific chef that treats his ingredients like Crown Jewels.

What: A culinary Xanadu for both Francophiles and wine connoisseurs.

Who: Sophisticated habitués that long for classic French cooking.

Whine: The waits are agonizing, especially when there’s absolutely no wiggle room in the tiny dining room. Thank goodness an expansion into the space next door is in the works.

Sushi Sasa offers an outstanding menu of raw fish that’s artfully arranged, faultlessly fresh, flawlessly sliced and diced, and full of surprises.

Sushi Sasa, 2401 15th St., Denver; 303-433-7272; www.sushisasadenver.com

Why: It lacks the altitude-high attitude of Sushi Den and the menu deftly mixes the gastronomic idioms of Japan with the patois of other culinary world kingdoms.

What: An outstanding menu of raw fish that’s artfully arranged, faultlessly fresh, flawlessly sliced and diced, and full of surprises.

Who: Intrepid omakase acolytes who know that chef-owner Wayne Conwell’s clever, new-agey concoctions are always bold, beautiful and brilliant.

Whine: The absence of signage. For the record, it’s kitty-corner from My Brother’s Bar.

Pupusas Sabor Hispano, 4457 N. Broadway, Boulder; 303-444-1729

Why: A legion of taquerias tout their tacos, but no one else in the state makes fiddlehead fern pupusas.

What: A fantastic Mexican/Salvadoran menu that will make you want to return again and again and again.

Who: A hip Boulder bunch that’s willing to step off Pearl Street to get the real deal.

Whine: The salsas are extraordinary, but you have to dart your way through the lengthy line to get to them, and once you’ve bumped every butt in the place, you then have to contend with the tinny lids that slip and slide off the metal containers.

Sahara, 9636 E. Arapahoe Rd., Greenwood Village; 303-790-4707; www.moroccanfooddenver.com

Why: The cuisine may be ancient, but the kitchen’s lively treatment of ingredients, spices and exotic tastes somehow feels very new.

What: A Middle Eastern menu touting flavors so fresh and assertive that you don’t mind eating the same old tabbouleh, hummus and baba ghanouj for the umpteenth time.

Who: Mid-East feast fans, couples, business types and large families.

Whine: The pita bread, while passable, would be so much better if the kitchen made its own.

At Samplings Wine Bar you can sample wine flights, cozy up to a copper fireplace, read a book, and eat like a queen.

Summit at the Broadmoor, 19 Lake Circle, Colorado Springs; 719-577-5773; www.broadmoor.com/summit/

Why: An eye-poppingly sumptuous décor, graciously warm service, a savvy sommelier and matching wine list, and when the kitchen is on, food that’s first order.

What: An informal American menu that never intimidates.

Who: Wine-lovers, design aficionados, sojourners and business types.

Whine: Even if you have a reservation, and the dining room appears half-full, you may be asked to bide your time at the bar for longer than what seems necessary.

Russet’s, 225 Main St., Carbondale; 970-963-3036; www.russets.net

Why: It’s a restaurant worthy of Aspen rent without the Prada price tags.

What: A down-to-earth mountain menu brightened with tastes from around the globe.

Who: A solid fan base of town regulars, gastronomers on their way to Aspen and Aspenites looking for a change of scenery.

Whine: Some of the servers aren’t of age to serve wine, which means you may wait…and wait…and wait for your bottle of vino.

Lori Midson, Colorado AvidGolfer’s restaurant critic (www.coloradoavidgolfer.com), makes a career out of wining and dining her away around Denver, where she lives, a city ripe with culinary surprises. She is a frequent contributor to Sunset and CITY, the local editor of numerous Zagat Surveys, and the Denver dining writer for AOL CityGuide. Midson, who holds a master’s degree from the University of Colorado’s School of Journalism, has also written for other publications including 5280 magazine, Executive Travel and EnCompass.

From the Editors: We spent a heap of time making sure this story was accurate when it was published, but of course, things can change. Please confirm the details before setting out in our great Centennial State.

My wife grew up in Nebraska where the word “garden” is a verb and crops are produced in neat and tidy rows. Her mother had a backyard garden and the neighbors did, too, and they traded seasonal fruits and vegetables among themselves, much like folks have done since woman first sat down and gnawed on an ear of corn.

To my utmost bewilderment, my wife continued to “garden” after we got married, despite Fraser’s climate. At 9,000-foot elevation, the thing that grows best here are the ice cubes in your glass when you’re outdoors at a party.

I’m from Los Angeles where “garden” is a noun and crops are produced in neat and tidy aisles. Many newlyweds argue over finances; our first marital spat was over fertilizer. I couldn’t believe anyone would pay that kind of money for bags of poop.

Be careful of what you say while the wife is holding a shovel!

Needless to say, the two viewpoints led to some interesting discussions. Live and learn, they say, and learn I have. In fact, I’ve learned so well that I’m somewhat renowned as a studied practitioner of the art of non-gardening. Many men have turned to me for advice on how to handle that awkward moment when their spouse first turns on them with a rake and a packet of turnip seeds.

Let’s try a little warmup. Suppose your wife comes at you with a menacing statement like, “We should get up early tomorrow to plant the radicchio.” I know, I know, her audacity leaves you breathless, but then she thumps you with the second whammy, “You’ll need to get the fertilizer out of the back of my car.”

You ask yourself in a big, dreamy thought balloon, “How come it doesn’t work the other way? How come this conversation didn’t start with me saying, ‘I’m going to sleep late tomorrow to be fully alert for the big game. After you get the kitchen under control from our late breakfast, be sure to turn on the TV for the pre-game warmup about 2 in the afternoon and then bring me a beer every 15 minutes for the next five hours. Thanks, Hon, you’re the best.’ ”

A simple question like “How much zucchini should I plant?” is enough to ruin a perfectly good nap.

Back in the land of reality, what to say? What to say? There’s a lot resting on this. The following is a clear example of a bad response:

“Uh, I hate radicchio. I hate saying the stupid word. What, I married you to scratch around in the dirt like a robin? Why can’t I sleep late like all my single friends? Oh, right, I remember, you chased them all off.”

While this may be just the thing we all want to say, prudence dictates that we must temper wit with wisdom. Consider an alternative like so: “Bummer, Honey, didn’t you see the notice where our wheelbarrow was recalled? I left it right here on the counter. Certain serial numbers of our exact model had been scientifically determined to cause abrupt and unexpected back pain, so I’ve hired the neighbor kid to do it.”

Or possibly, if you’re feeling particularly droll, perhaps a bit theatrical, you might say: “Oh, Darling, I love you immensely and so delight in anticipating your every need. I checked the air in the wheelbarrow tire yesterday ’ere you even awoke, just to be sure that sturdy contraption was ready to start hauling fertilizer to nourish our new, little radicchios. But guess what? The doggone tire was flat and the hardware store is totally out of inner tubes for at least two weeks past planting season. I was crushed, of course, but I’m holding up well. By the way, is that the TV guide next to you?”

Even a simple question like, “How many zucchini should I plant?” is enough to ruin a perfectly good nap. What to say?

“Uh, how about none? I’ve had enough green slimy bread to get me through two lifetimes.”

Again, we would find universal agreement among men that this is a wholesome, manly response. However, we would probably have to look through both those lifetimes to find a man

It would be a shame for a lady to take up a hobby that ruins her beautiful nails, or so says her non-gardening husband.

brave enough to actually say it out loud.

In the face of a gardening onslaught from the wife, we must gird our loins, do the manful thing and resort to trickery. This will usually do it: “Great idea, Hon, plant at least a couple of dozen vines. Zucchini is so good fried in butter and cheese like they do at Applebee’s. Say, did those pants shrink in the wash?”

Smartest response of all: “Oh, look, here’s a schedule of the Farmer’s Market in Granby. By the way, have I mentioned that your nails look lovely? Really, everyone admires them. Be a shame if you took up a hobby that ruined them. Hand me that remote, would you? Careful with those beautiful nails!”

The race doesn’t always go to the swiftest.

Jon de Vos, who lives near Fraser, took a one-month job at a ski lodge in Hideaway Park (now Winter Park), after graduating from Arizona State University in 1973. He intended to head for law school in the fall semester. That was 33 years ago. “Colorado saved my life,” he says.

From the Editors: We spent a heap of time making sure this story was accurate when it was published, but of course, things can change. Please confirm the details before setting out in our great Centennial State.

If Parker hasn’t been in your travel plans lately, you may think the town 20 miles southeast of Denver is nothing more than an amorphous, fast-growing bedroom community. But the community of 48,000 people, which boasts a Western Victorian downtown, is making a name for itself as a cultural, recreational and artistic boomtown.

Here are seven ways we found to have fun in Parker:

The Parker Fieldhouse has batting cages, inline skating, a climbing wall, and an indoor playground.

Railbender Skate and Tennis Park
10543 Twenty Mile Rd.
Parker, Colorado 80138
303-841-4500 www.parkeronline.org/index.aspx?NID=255

Railbender merges the unlikely extreme worlds of skating and BMX biking with your traditional tennis courts. The skate park features a 36,000-square-foot “street-plaza”-style skate park. The park includes a flow bowl, street plaza and small peanut bowl for beginners and children, plus spines, roll-overs and hips along with handrails, ledges, manual pads and, yes, even a volcano. At the entry, you will find a ramp in the shape of the Colorado Rockies, keeping with the Colorado outdoor enthusiast theme of the park.

The tennis section includes six lighted tennis courts. When scheduled play is not in session, the courts are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Leagues form yearly for Spring United States Tennis Association (USTA) and USTA Colorado Adult Leagues. Leagues are for men and women, daytime and night.

The park also offers a children’s playground, three picnic shelters, a public art display, seasonal restrooms, access to the Cherry Creek Regional Trail and plenty of parking.

Parker’s Salisbury Equestrian Park has 160 acres of equestrian space, as well as baseball fields.

Both the skate park and tennis courts are lighted at night. Hours are from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m daily.

Salisbury Equestrian Park
9200 S. Motsenbocker Rd.
Parker, Colorado 80134
303-841-4500
www.parkeronline.org/index.aspx?nid=256

Saddle up for 160 acres of equestrian space, as well as facilities for other youth and adult sports. Colorado Rockies-sponsored baseball fields for youths are located on the north side. Thirty acres of the park are reserved, underdeveloped open space.

The park’s equestrian features include a new arena grandstand with seating for 80, a lighted arena and a new two-story equestrian building with a ticket booth, restrooms and judges’/scorers’ observation area. The park also includes a multi-use equestrian area and picnic seating.

Parker Fieldhouse
18700 E. Plaza Dr.
Parker, Colorado 80134
303-805-6300
www.parkeronline.org/index.aspx?nid=348

The Parker Fieldhouse has 100,000 square feet for recreation and fun. Gymnasiums, batting cages, sports turf, inline skating rink, climbing wall, fitness loft, elevated track and an indoor playground make it a must-visit. The field house is home to several youth and adult competitive leagues.

Family events, such as Winter Wonderland Skate, which offers frosty crafts and skating activities, are often held at the field house.

Parker Fieldhouse admission fees are $5 for ages 15 to 61 and $4 for ages 3 to 15 and seniors 62 and older. Punch passes and memberships are also available.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-11 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Originally the Parker School House, the Mainstreet Center is a recreational and cultural landmark.

Mainstreet Center
19650 E. Mainstreet
Parker, Colorado 80138
303-805-7728
www.parkeronline.org/index.aspx?nid=305

Located on historic Mainstreet in downtown Parker, the Mainstreet Center is a recreational and cultural landmark. Built in 1915, the center was originally the Parker School House, until 1967. The town of Parker acquired the building in 1997.

The Mainstreet Center is available for public rental. With an auditorium that seats 200, it can be used for business presentations and cultural events, including plays, concerts, children’s performances, recitals and classes.

The gymnasium houses youth sports activities. And exercise classes, such as Zumba, which fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms, is held at the Mainstreet Center, as well as at the Parker Recreation Center.

Pinnacle Climbing Wall
1870 E. Plaza Dr.
Parker, Colorado 80134
303-805-6300
www.parkeronline.org/index.aspx?NID=366

The pinnacle is a 25-foot indoor climbing wall that also features a bouldering surface. Natural rock features add to a more realistic climbing experience. Also, routes are often changed for more expert climbers to add variety and difficulty.

Climbers may use their own equipment, or harnesses may be rented for $3 and shoes for $2; helmets are free. A combo packet may be purchased for $4 or a punch card for 10 for $20. The wall is also available to rent for $75 per hour.

Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 4 p.m-7 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, 5 p.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon and 5 p.m.-8 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Fika Coffee
19559 E. Main St.
Parker, Colorado 80138
303-840-3166
www.fikacoffeehouse.com

Fika, located on the downtown Mainstreet strip of Parker, has deemed itself a Swedish-American coffee house. Fika serves Kaladi Brothers Coffee and a few Swedish treats. It invites guests to enjoy traditional Swedish-inspired decor, not typically found in the area. Originally an old hotel, Fika includes the remodeled lobby and three other offshoots, perfect for business meetings or gathering with friends. This unique coffee house is a must visit.

Hours are Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Derek Hedden is a journalism major at Metropolitan State College of Denver.

Ludwig van Beethoven once said that “Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.  Music is the electrical soil in which the soul lives, thinks, and invents.”  If we take Beethoven’s words to be true, then one could say there is plenty of soil for fans of music to plant their roots in while on their Colorado vacation in Denver.

Fans of every genre will find something that will whet their appetite for creativity and self expression.  While in the city, there are a few must-visit larger venues, as well as smaller, more intimate stages.

You might be able to catch two shows if you head to Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom and the Other Side for a concert.

Not-to-Miss Venues, Large and Small

There is a certain feeling that you experience while listening to one of your favorite bands or artists while awash in a sea of people who share your love for the music.  It is in these large collective states that music allows for those accepting it to experience a state of pure anoesis.  For those looking for this kind of experience, there are several venues in the Denver area that are large enough to accommodate this sort of event and are not to be missed during your Colorado vacation.

To begin with there is the Fillmore Auditorium, also known as Fillmore Denver (pictured above).  Built in 1907, this venue has undergone three renovations over the years and has a capacity of 3,700.  In the past, the Fillmore has hosted such bands as Sound Tribe Sector 9, Umphrey’s McGee, James Blunt, Erykah Badu, and Joss Stone.

If you’re looking to keep the music going, there is the Ogden Theater just a short walk down the street from the Fillmore.  This is a smaller venue in comparison to the Fillmore and only has a capacity of about 750 people, offering a more intimate experience.

Keep the music going at the Ogden, just a short walk from the Fillmore.

For those looking for a more interesting venue setup, there is the Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom and Cervantes’ Other Side.  What makes these two sister stages so alluring is that they are often used at the same time and concert goers can freely travel between them (some performances excluded).

If you’re looking to check out a show that has some bigger lineups, such as those in the vein of Dave Matthews Band, Roger Waters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and the like, there is the Pepsi Center.  This has a grand capacity of around 19,000 people.

Smaller Venues & Bars

The music scene in Denver is not tied down to large music venues, such as the Pepsi Center or Fillmore, but extends to the many local bars that house live music and smaller stages in the area.  For those looking to get a real taste of the Denver music scene on their Colorado vacation, make sure to stop by some of these smaller venues.  These include Herman’s Hideaway, Soiled Dove Underground, and the Grizzly Rose.

Named 2011 Best Live Music by 5280, you can be sure to enjoy a great show at the Soiled Dove Underground.

If you’re looking to explore the roots of bands such as Big Head Todd and the Monsters and Opie Gone Bad or just want to see the stage where they got started, this is the place to go.  This stage has also provided for such talents as 311 and Widespread Panic.  This is also the perfect place to see, and hear, some rising stars from the Denver area.  Herman’s Hideaway is the perfect bar/live music combination out there.

Another venue to check out if you’re looking to taste the local talent is the Soiled Dove Underground.  With numerous accolades such as “2011 Best Live Music” by 5280, “Best Live Music” by 7 News A-List and AOL City Guide, and “Best Small Venue” by Westword, the Soiled Dove Underground is not to be missed.

For those who like Country Western music (just to round things out for everybody), there is the Grizzly Rose.  Winning the Country Music Association’s “Best Country Music Club”, the Rose has hosted performers such as Willie Nelson and LeAnn Rimes.

Not only does it provide music, but also other entertainment with its video game room, mechanical bull, pool tables and more.  For those visiting Denver on their Colorado vacation these venues are a must.

If You Go

For more information or a performance lineup at the Fillmore Auditorium, visit their site: http://www.fillmoreauditorium.org/.  The Fillmore Auditorium is located at 1510 Clarkson Street, Denver, Colorado.

Travel from the Other Side to the Ballroom at Cervantes for two shows.

For event lineups and information on the Ogden Theater, visit their site: http://www.ogdentheater.net/index.php.  The Ogden is located at 935 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, Colorado.

For more information about the Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom and Other Side or for an event listing, visit: http://www.cervantesmasterpiece.com/venue/detail/cervantes-masterpiece-ballroom.  Located at 2637 Welton Street, Denver, Colorado.

For event and performance listings at the Pepsi Center, visit: http://www.pepsicenter.com/Default.aspx.  Located at 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver, Colorado.

For event lineups and performances at Herman’s Hideaway, visit: http://www.hermanshideaway.com/.  Located at 1578 South Broadway, Denver, Colorado.

For more information on the Soiled Dove, visit: http://www.tavernhg.com/soiled-dove. The Soiled Dove is located at 7401 E. 1st Ave, Denver, Colorado.

Evan Witt is an Illinois native with a degree in English Literature from Lake Forest College, and as a frequent visitor to Colorado, he enjoys fishing, camping, hiking, and photography.

Special thanks to Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom for providing photos to be featured in this article!
Header photo of Government Mule at the Fillmore by Flickr user emerson12.
Ogden photo by Jeffrey Beall.
Photo of the Soiled Dove Underground by Joseph Echeverria.

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway for two or a fun-filled Colorado vacation for the family, Durango proves to be the perfect staging ground for both.  With picturesque scenery all around and activities that encompass all the seasons, this town is sure to be anything but a letdown.  With a number of bed and breakfasts and hotels to choose from a stay in Durango is sure to memorable one, wherever you decide to rest your head in between excursions.

Country Sunshine Bed & Breakfast

If you’re looking to take in all the sights that Colorado has to offer during your vacation in Durango, Country Sunshine Bed & Breakfast can provide for all your needs.  Nestled in the heart of the Rockies and surrounded by ponderosa pines and scrub oaks, this B&B provides picturesque beauty and unrivaled luxury in one of their six mountain lodge themed rooms.

While there is much beauty to behold outside the walls, the Country Sunshine creates a serene and warm atmosphere inside.  Each guest room, while similarly themed, offers guests slightly different experiences.  This can be seen in the Aspen Rooms’ rustic Aspen wood furniture, the Golden Oaks’ full wall autumn mural and window bench, or the Riverview Room‘s cherry wood four poster bed and antique writing desk.

For a relaxing escape, consider the Apple Orchard Inn in Durango.

Being situated in the Rockies, the Country Sunshine Bed & Breakfast acts a launching point for outdoor activities all year round, taking advantage of the natural beauty that surrounds Durango.  Visitors can take an exciting excursion with Soaring Tree Top Adventures during the spring and summer or go for an intimate and romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride during the winter months.

Apple Orchard Inn

Offering unparalleled comfort and award-winning services, the Apple Orchard Inn provides Colorado vacationers with scenic views and country style comfort.  The Inn extends to its visitors the choice of staying in one of the four rooms in the main building or, for those looking for privacy, the option to choose from one of their six cottages.  While the four guest rooms in the main building offer comfort and intimacy, it is with the cottages that Apple Orchard Inn finds its luster.  Spread throughout the property these cozy mountain cottages present their own ambiance and charm.

For the romance seekers, there is the Fireside Cottage hidden amongst the trees where guests are treated to a beautiful four poster bed and wood burning fireplace.  If scenery is important, visitors can choose the Wolf River Cottage, which holds the honor of having a full view of the garden and western cliffs.  In addition to breathtaking views, the Wolf River Cottage comes complete with a king size bed, fireplace, and private hot tub on the back patio.

The Inn also provides several different packages for Durango vacationers to take advantage of.  These include their Romance Package which includes two nights in one of the cottages with champagne and flowers ready and waiting, the ski package which provides guests with two single-day passes to Durango Mountain Resort, and the Winter Train Getaway and Winter Train Getaway Luxury packages.

Explore downtown Durango and the historic district from the General Palmer Hotel.

General Palmer Hotel

To get a taste of the history of Durango, one needs only to stay at the General Palmer Hotel found in the historic downtown district.  In addition to providing decadent rooms, the hotel is within walking distance of many of the area’s attractions, such as Durango Train Depot, the shopping district, local galleries and theaters, and many of the town’s unique local restaurants.

Despite its unassuming exterior, the hotel’s interior is laden with richly elegant European Victorian-style furnishings.  The elegance of this hotel becomes clear with its queen size four poster canopy beds, marble tables, and the lavish ornate couches and chairs that don the rooms and lobby area.

Much like the Apple Orchard Inn, the General Palmer Hotel extends to its guests the opportunity to take advantage of one its eight vacation packages.  These include both summer and winter packages which range from train rides to zip line adventures.  With the City of Brewerly Love Package, guests who are of age can take a complete tour of Durango’s four microbreweries.  This package also includes full transportation services so guests can indulge in the local flavors.

For those looking for a more intellectual and family-friendly experience, the hotel provides the Durango Discovery Package which takes visitors to Durango’s newly built Discovery Museum.  During the winter months, Colorado vacationers can enjoy world-class skiing with the hotel’s Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort Ski Package.

If You Go

For more information on the Country Sunshine Bed and Breakfast or to make reservations visit: http://www.countrysunshine.com/index.html or call (800) 383-2853 or email inn@countrysunshine.com.

For more information on the Apple Orchard Inn or to make reservations visit: http://www.appleorchardinn.com/index.html or call (970) 247-0751 or (800) 426-0751 or email info@appleorchardinn.com.

For more information on the General Palmer Hotel or to make reservations visit: http://generalpalmer.com/ or call (800) 523-3358 or email info@generalpalmerhotel.info.

Evan Witt is an Illinois native with a degree in English Literature from Lake Forest College, and as a frequent visitor to Colorado, he enjoys fishing, camping, hiking, and photography.