The sky blushes as the first rays of dawn creep over the Colorado mountains. Grand Lake appears glassy smooth, forest and rocks reflecting in its mirrored surface. One peak dominates. “That’s our signature mountain,” says resident Polly Lawler. “It’s called Mount Craig, but we affectionately know it as Baldy.” Covering 600 acres, Grand Lake is … Read more
Denver, one of the nation’s capitals for microbrew beers, also has a burgeoning wine industry. Although most of the state’s vineyards are on the Western Slope, more than a dozen wineries operate tasting rooms in the Denver area where visitors can sample award-winning vintages. And note this: You can buy wine from wineries on Sundays, … Read more
You’ve hiked wickedly steep terrain through the Colorado National Monument’s remote canyons. You’ve rewarded yourself with visits to a dozen wineries, drinking enough tastes to fill a few bottles. It’s Sunday and you’re still in Grand Junction. Now what? Though many downtown businesses are closed on Sundays, Main Street can still be the perfect spot … Read more
“Look, Mommy – a radish!” I beam with pride as my toddler excitedly points to the stack of pink-hued veggies on the table and correctly shouts the name. It’s Saturday morning and we’re wandering between tents at the Cherry Creek Farmers’ Market. For years I’ve enjoyed frequenting the various markets around town. I’d saunter through, … Read more
In summer, walk along the Blue River bike path in downtown Breckenridge, Colorado, and you’ll likely spot outdoor sculpture faster than you can find the first T-shirt shop. Impressive, considering the amount of cotton housed in the shops along Main Street. “Sculpture on the Blue,” a summer seasonal exhibit of massive art along the Blue … Read more
At resorts and ski areas in Colorado, and across the country, lift operators make the chairs go ‘round. So don’t duck the ropes and don’t grumble when they ask for your pass on an icy day. Just smile, help your kids on the lift and be happy that you don’t have to hike up the … Read more
Remember the old Charlie Daniels song, “Uneasy Rider”? A longhair on a road trip to Los Angeles has a flat tire and chances into a redneck bar called the “Dew Drop Inn.” Of course, he’d tucked his hair up under his hat, but you’ll recall that big fella with the green teeth made him tip … Read more
Home to rugged terrain and peaceful scenery, Colorado’s foothills are the ideal destination for many pursuits. And breakfast or brunch at a great local eatery is the perfect complement to both an intense mountain workout and a leisurely day of sightseeing. Whether you’re looking to fuel up, cool down or chill out, these breakfast spots … Read more
The British Bulldog is one of the few bars where you’ll see people drinking coffee from one hand and beer from the other — the coffee because it’s not quite 8 o’clock in the morning and the beer because there’s soccer on TV. Oh, and because it’s free. When I pushed open the front door … Read more
It’s mid-morning on a Tuesday when I find myself succumbing to another Lucile’s lure. A buttermilk biscuit, to be precise, coupled with an oversized mug of foamy house made Chai. I’ve been a fixture at the Creole joint for three days running, plunking myself down at the bar and making myself fat on butter, beignets, … Read more