Kismetic Traveler

Five Colorado getaways for fall

2015-09-06T06:50:00.000-06:00

Gunnison National Forest, Smith Fork Ranch, Colo.

The beauty and excitement of Colorado continues into the fall season as autumn paints the landscape in vibrant colors, bringing crisp weather and bounties of the harvest. Outdoor enthusiasts cans still hike, bike and horseback ride. Shutterbugs can shoot away at North America's most photographed attractions. Food and wine lovers can savor the season's harvest. Fall brings a bounty of beauty, adventure and culinary experiences. Here's five destinations and activities to experience and celebrate the fall season.

Hike Beaver Creek

Experience the fall colors with the Beaver Creek Hiking Center which specializes in private, customized, interpretive nature hikes for all ages and abilities. Hiking excursions include Beaver Creek Mountain, Beaver Lake, and trails all around the Vail Valley, providing ample opportunities to experience the fall foliage. Take advantage of seasonal discounts when you stay at one of the area's premiere resorts, the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain. The resort is offering a fall getaway package which includes credits to Spa Anjali and Maya restaurant, as well a hiking trail map to explore the area on your own. Package starts at $225 per person.

Attend the Colorado Mountain Winefest

Food and wine lovers can celebrate the harvest at this year's Colorado Mountain Winefest Sept. 17-20 in Palisade. Located in Colorado Wine Country, the state's largest and oldest wine festival features dozens of Colorado wineries, food and wine pairings, chocolate and wine tastings, live music, a grape stomp, live demonstrations and seminars. While visiting, take in a feast for the eyes and see nearby Grand Mesa, where the world's largest flat-top mountain offers majestic views of the Western Colorado landscape in autumn.

See the Maroon Bells

Just six miles from the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness, Snomass is a prime destination to visit one of the most photographed peaks in the North America in autumn glory. With its close proximity, there are numerous options to get to the peaks including shuttle and bike. You can also take advantage of discounted lodging rates for the season in Snowmass starting at $89 a night, where 96% of lodging accommodations are located on-mountain.

Mountain Bike Winter Park

Known as the Mountain Bike Capital USA™ , riders who take who take on the steady climbs of the area's numerous trails are rewarded with spectacular views of the fall foliage. Rogers Pass offers scenic views Continental Divide, Winter Park Resort, Williams Fork Range and Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. Riders looking for a challenge can tackle the Tipperary Trail, a local favorite used in Winter Park's Epic Singletrack Race Series.

Ride the Gunnison National Forest on Horseback

With access to 1.7 million acres of the Gunnison National Forest and West Elk Wilderness areas, Smith Fork Ranch is ideally located to experience the fall colors. The ranch also boasts one of the most versatile riding programs in the West, offering riders of all abilities the right instruction, horses and trails. The upscale dude ranch also features farm-to-table cuisine from word-class chefs, rounding out a memorable fall getaway.

Foodie Events: Wine & Wagyu at The Broadmoor's Summit

2011-08-27T21:36:00.000-06:00

Summit at The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO
Photo: The Broadmoor

With the new partnership of The Resaurants at The Broadmoor with Emma Farms Cattle Company from the Roaring Fork Valley, Colorado Springs has been blessed as one of two places in Colorado to serve Colorado Wagyu beef. To celebrate this new "pairing," Summit Restaurant at The Broadmoor is having a Wine & Wagyu Dinner August 29, 2011 with cocktails beginning at 6:00 p.m. and dinner starting at 7:00 p.m.

The dinner will showcase what Wagyu beef has to offer, and will be paired with wines from Iron Horse Vineyards and Emeritus Vineyards.

Tom Waldeck, Emma Farms ranch owner, will be there to comment on the flavor and health benefits of Wagyu beef. Joy Sterling from Iron Horse Vineyards, and Brice Cutrer Jones from Emeritus will pair each course with their prestigious wines.

The dinner costs $99 per person, plus tax & gratuity.

Call 719-577-5896 for reservations.

Hotel Teatro Celebrates a Diamond Anniversary in Sparkling Fashion

2011-07-31T23:13:00.000-06:00

Original Photo of the Denver Tramway Building, Now Hotel Teatro.
Photo: Hotel Teatro

(July 28, Denver, CO)- Standing room only, as the crowd mingled in the Chancellor's Suite on the ninth floor of the Hotel Teatro in Denver. While exchanging stories and laughs, most had a hand occupied with a special Diamond-Tini, featuring sparkling sake (Japanese rice wine), and diamond-shaped ice cube to help celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the building which is now home to the Hotel Teatro. New hotel manager Jim Turner and Kevin Taylor, owner of the Kevin Taylor Restaurant Group which operates two restaurants in the hotel played consummate hosts, thanked everyone for coming and begged everyone's pardon because the historic tour that was to take place, couldn't happen in it's entirety because some of the tour stops were in use.

Originally built in 1911 by W.G. Evans as the Denver Tramway Building, it has passed on to several owners over the years. After World War II, it became one of the main offices of the University of Colorado Denver. The Chancellor's Suite got it's namesake from originally being the university chancellor's office. In 1991, part of the property was purchased by the Denver Center of the Performing Arts. The main building itself stood vacant until 1997, when Aston Bridge Partners and David Owen Tyrba Architects began restoring it, and eighteen months later opened as the Hotel Teatro in 1999.

Celebrate with the Hotel Teatro

After being recently named One of the Top Ten Best Hotels in the World by Expedia, it remains one of the top destinations to experience Denver luxury, history, and culture. The hotel is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the building by offering a special 100th Anniversary Package to its guest, which features private history tours of the hotel and the neighborhood, as well as a five course dinner at Restaurant Kevin Taylor.

Starting at $399 the package includes:

· A private historic tour of Hotel Teatro/the Historic Tramway building

· A private historic tour of the neighboring D&F Clocktower (unavailable to the general public)

· A five-course dinner for two at Restaurant Kevin Taylor, with wine pairing

· A book celebrating the history of Denver

· 50% off a return visit

This package is valid Monday through Saturday, from now until Dec. 30th, 2011.

Restaurant Kevin Taylor New Tasting Menu

Getting in on the celebration, Restaurant Kevin Taylor is offering a seasonal six course tasting menu for $50. The menu features Colorado Striped Bass, Braised Pork Cheek, and Salted Caramel & Chocolate Fondant. For anyone familiar with the fare at Restaurant Kevin Taylor, it's an experience not to be missed.

For more information on the Hotel Teatro, call (888) 727-1200 or visit www.hotelteatro.com.

Pikes Peak or Bust Facebook Rush

2011-06-23T12:51:00.000-06:00

Get a free t-shirt just for snapping pics

Pikes Peak Country Attractions Associations (PPCAA) is holding a Facebook photo contest for any and all visiting the Colorado Springs area. Each week, they'll be giving way free t-shirts with the slogan, Pikes Peak or Bust.

To enter the contest, just snap some photos at any of 26 PPCAA attractions and post the pictures on the PPCAA Facebook page, then invite friends to "like" the photos. Every Wednesday on Facebook, the top five entries with the most "likes" get the limited edition Pikes Peak or Bust t-shirt, while supplies last.

“It’s been over 150 years since the 59’ers discovered the treasures of the Pikes Peak region. Today, with all there is to see and do, the area is still a gold mine of adventure, activities, natural wonders and history,” said Michele Carvell, Executive Director, Pikes Peak Country Attractions Association.

This summer, there are a number of new attractions in the Pike's Peak region to see and enjoy including the new Wind Walker Challenge at the Cave of the Winds and bike tours riding down Pike's Peak itself from Challenge Unlimited. The old favorites including Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, the Garden of the Gods, and the Cheyenne will also provide numerous photo opportunities to snap and share.

For more information, visit the PPCAA Facebook page or visit www.pikes-peak.com to plan your trip to the Pike's Peak region.

Outstanding in the Field Offering Farm to Table Fare

2011-05-22T13:26:00.000-06:00

3 Chefs, Outstanding in the Field 2010

Colorado is blessed once again as Outstanding in the Field, the roving culinary tour returns to Vail Valley's Copper Bar Ranch for the second consecutive year on July 20. A five course meal will be prepared at the ranch by acclaimed Vail Chefs Jeremy Kittelson of Restaurant Avondale and Armando Navarro of Larkspur.

The farm to table event was started by California chef Jim Denevan, when in 1999 began bringing local farmers to his restaurant as special guests at his "farm dinners." It wasn't long before he thought of hosting dinners on their farms.

Outstanding in the Field tours the U.S. from May 1 through December 4, stopping at 90 farms, and has local farmers, food artisans, chefs, and winemakers create a feast at its source. A single signature long table draped with linen is set for all guests to sit together and break bread in a beautifully rustic setting. The tour is currently making its way through California, where it's already sold out half of its remaining dates.

Tickets are now on sale for its stop at Copper Bar Ranch for $200 per person. For those who've sampled the fare at either Larkspur or Restaurant Avondale, you know it's more than worth it to go. For purchase tickets and for more info, visit www.outstandinginthefield.com.

Been to this "outstanding" event. Share how it was here.

Hotel Teatro Named One of the Ten Best in the World by Expedia

2011-05-14T15:14:00.001-06:00

Hotel Teatro, Denver, Colo.

Last week, the Hotel Teatro in Denver, Colo. was named among the top ten hotels in the world on its 2011 Insiders’ Select™ list, which recognizes hotels worldwide for their consistently excellent service, notable value, and great overall experience. It's the second consecutive year that the hotel has earned the distinction. The full list ranks the top 500 hotels selected from more than 130,000 offered on Expedia®.

The evaluation process for this year's Insider Select program were more rigorous than in previous years. Expedia required more reviews for each hotel and higher score per review to make the list. Other factors in this year's rankings included input from local market managers employed by Expedia, and a value rating scored by comparing rates with other similar properties.

Having stayed there, it is a well deserved honor for the hotel. It's boutique status makes the service more personal. It's architecture and decor capture the elegance, beauty, and spirit of the Denver theatre scene. The food served at Prima and Kevin Taylor are beyond fabulous. Definitely a hotel consider when staying for a night, or a week in Denver.

Free Day Pass for Mom at Royal Gorge Bridge and Park

2011-05-03T11:19:00.000-06:00

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, located near Cañon City, Colorado, is offering a free day pass on Mother's Day, a $25 value, and includes a majority of the attractions and activities in the park. Dads will also get a free day pass on Father's Day.

May is also Military Appreciation Month, where members of the military and their families get half-off general admission and individual season passes.

New this year is the Royal Gorge Bridge Visitor Center, located about three miles from the its parent attraction. The 4,000 square foot facility will provide visitors a convenient place to get tickets to Royal Gorge, stop, eat, and shop as well as provide info on the area's attractions, activities, accommodations.

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park features one of the highest suspension bridges in the world, hanging almost 1,000 feet high over the Arkansas River and spanning a quarter mile across a three million year-old natural wonder that is Royal Gorge. Attractions and rides also featured at the park include an incline railway, an aerial tram, skycoaster, and wildlife park.

Visit www.royalgorgebridge.com for more info on tickets and the park.

Been to Royal Gorge this year? Share how it was here.

Colorado Tourism Office Launches New Dining Guide

2011-04-21T11:19:00.000-06:00

With world class chefs and locally sourced ingredients, dining anywhere in Colorado can be a different experience when going to the next town, or next county. With the many local search engine apps available to help you with your dinner plans, the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) has launched their own dining guide specifically geared toward making the right recommendation from the diverse dining offerings the state has to offer.

By visiting www.Colorado.com, you can search by location, price, meal, restaurant type, and cuisine. In addition to booking reservations online, the dining guide also publishes restaurant deals along with results, and also includes info on Colorado produce, farmer's markets and a Colorado crop calendar.

As the question of where to eat while travelling is often the most challenging, the CTO's Colorado dining guide is one more helpful tool when traveling to and around Colorado.

The Curtis Offers a Deal for Real Pirates

2011-04-12T11:52:00.000-06:00

Denver travelers and Colorado residents can score tickets to “Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship” when staying at The Curtis, a Doubletree Hotel with the Curtis Yo Ho Ho & a Bottle of Rum package.

Starting at $175 per night, package includes:

-Accommodations with one King or two Queen beds
-Breakfast for two adults at The Corner Office
-Two tickets to “Real Pirates” at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
-A Treasure Chest full of pirate booty, including a Curtis Yo-Yo, a Ho Hos snack cake and a small bottle of rum with two sodas

“Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship” exhibition at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science features over 200 authenticated artifacts from the Whydah, a pirate ship discovered in U.S. waters. The exhibition runs through Aug. 21, 2011.

To book, visit www.thecurtis.com or call 800.525.6651. Booking code: PK9. The package is available until August 7, 2011 and is subject to availability; does not include taxes or gratuities.

Highlights from Breckenridge Spring Fever

2011-04-10T23:59:00.001-06:00

For more details click on the image

The sun was warm, the mountain runs were awesome, the food and drink were fantastic. It was only a few days in the month-long celebration of Spring Fever in Breckenridge, but plenty of good times were had. Here are some highlights from Breckenridge Spring Fever.

Favorite Drink- The Café Le Ninja at Coppertop at the Peak 9 base was smooth, sweet, and perfect at the end of the day. If you want to know what's in it, you'll have to go there and try it for yourself. Too busy loving it at the time to take note.

Favorite Lodging Amenity- The view from the Lodge & Spa at Breckenridge. Great pics of Peaks 9 and 10, and great way to wake up in time to enjoy the mountain.

Favorite Restaurant Deal- Breckenridge restaurants were offering an $18.59 deal for Spring Fever. At Briar Rose, $18.59 got you two courses from the $18.59 menu. The shrimp and beef tips were just awesome, and lived up to the Briar Rose's reputation of gourmet cuisine.

Favorite Mountain Run- All, even the green ones, because they were great for killing time until the powder softened up from freezing the night before.

Favorite Spring Fever event (while there)- "5 'til 5" addressed the basic need of anyone skiing and riding on the mountain- the lifts and trails are never open long enough. Add great music, food, contests, and giveaways and it's like a party scene from a ski movie, minus the thin plot and cheesy dialogue.

Even though college for me was four lifetimes ago, if I have a spring vacation next year, I'm going back to Breck.

Breckenridge Spring Fever continues, with a full schedule of events remaining both on and off the mountain. If you can make it, check out GoBreck.com for a full schedule of events for the rest of the month.

What are your favorites from Breckenridge Spring Fever? Share it here.

Live Blog- Breckenridge Spring Fever: Freestyle Happy Hours and a Roller Coaster

2011-04-07T20:08:00.001-06:00

Today, DJs were spinning tunes, the smell of barbeque was in the air, and the party continued under a warm spring sun, while skiers and riders were jamming in the middle of Park Lane Terrain Park for the Spring Fever "5 'til 5" Terrain Park Happy Hours. The roar of the crowd occasionally drowned out the music after an awesome freestyle display, but the combination of tunes and freestyle jamming made for great party in the middle of the mountain.

Earlier it was more of an amusement park than a ski resort, as I rode the Gold Runner Coaster, at the base of Peak 8. Riding 2,500 feet of twisting and turning track on a sled where I controlled the speed was really good fun in hindsight (I forgot I get motion sick). It hardly slowed me down though as I rode my snowboard down as many peaks as I could, covering three peaks today.

While I covered a lot of ground, there's still more I want to do tomorrow. I'm just three points shy of the next level on my Epic Mix account, and I'm going back to push it over top.

Tomorrow Spring Fever in Breckenridge continues with a sidewalk sale that lasts all weekend. Deals abound as merchants unload their winter inventory before the ski season ends.

Check back over the weekend for highlights from my last day during Breckenridge Spring Fever.

Have a story from Spring Fever? Share it here.

Live Blog- Breckenridge Spring Fever

2011-04-06T19:43:00.000-06:00

Location: Lodge & Spa at Breckenridge, Breckenridge, CO

So I'm in here in Breckenridge for some snowboarding before season's end and checking out Spring Fever, a month long festival of free music, great food, and on-slope events to celebrate the arrival of spring. The weather is sweet right now in town (jacket optional), and it's perfect for cruising main street. Tomorrow, I'll be checking out the "5 'Til 5" Terrain Park Happy Hours which is every Thursday from 2-5 PM through April 21, 2011. 5-Chair Lift, Freeway, and Park Lane will be open until 5 with DJs, free BBQ, giveaways and contests. Check out GoBreck.com for packages and a full events calendar for Spring Fever.

While being new to Breck during ski season, I got the inside scoop and solid attack plan from the magnificent Rachel, from the Breckenridge Resort Chamber to take on the mountain. It turns out that April is isn't a busy time for Breck since the Spring Break rush from all the colleges is done in March, so it's a great time and locale for getting on the slopes before season's end, which is April 19, 2011 weather permitting. Of course it could all change once the word gets out, so if you can get out here by the weekend, do so. Definitely check it out next season.

I'll also be checking out the Gold Runner Coaster courtesy of Austyn, from Breckenridge Ski Resort as a diversion while on the mountain tomorrow. Should be fun!

That's all for now from the Lodge & Spa at Breckenridge. Time to check out their fitness center, and take in the KILLER view from here(see above) before sundown.

If you've got a story from Breck in April, share it here.

Why You Should Have a Cocktail with Your Dinner (at Summit)

2011-03-21T22:25:00.000-06:00

The Westside! at Summit restaurant

Tonight I was invited to the Craft of the Cocktail Dinner at Summit restaurant at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. In bucking the trend of the upcoming food and wine festivals, Summit restaurant at The Broadmoor demonstrated how well a nicely crafted cocktail goes with an amazing dinner. Each of the five courses was paired with a unique cocktail made from Colorado spirits and fresh ingredients from the Summit kitchen. Here's a few highlights from the dinner.

Best Stand-Alone Cocktail

While many went with another, I'd say the best stand-alone cocktail was their first one which was Monkey Business. The Sauvignon Blanc by Infinite Monkey Theorem in Denver, mixed with Dry Sack Sherry, Yellow Chartreuse, and Strawberries made me think of a warm summer day, sitting on a patio with a Hawaiian shirt, shades, and sunblock.

Best Pairing

The Ahi Tuna Tartar with Tabouleh went really well with the citrus flavor of The Westside!, a version of the Southside, with Jackelope Gin from Peach Street Distillers and homemade limoncello from Summit's own Kirsten Schopen.

Best Meal Course

While the Braised Veal Shoulder with Fennel came in a close second, I'd have to give top honors to the dessert which was Winter Warlock Oatmeal Stout Float. It's just genius when you mix Chocolate Sorbet, Coffee Whipped Cream, Raisin-Ginger sauce with alcohol and make it work. Probably the most innovative example of mixing cocktails with dinner.

Honorable Mentions

The Papa's Peak, a version of the Papa Doble is made with Montanya "Oro" Rum from Silverton, Colorado. It was smooth and mild, and went well with the Halibut Cheeks with Meyer Lemon Risotto. For those who prefer some real "hair" on their cocktails, The Wild West Sazerac is made with Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey, Amaretto Disaronno, Grand Marnier, Benedictine and Pernod Foam.

Kudos to Summit restaurant for incorporating local spirits into their world class menu.

For more info on dining events, visit www.broadmoor.com.

What's your favorite cocktail? Share it here.

Spring Colorado Travel Deals

2011-03-10T16:58:00.002-07:00

The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs

With Spring Break in full swing, here's a batch of Colorado travel deals for the Spring Ski Season, family travel, and a luxury getaway to Colorado Springs. Details provided by the Colorado Tourism Office are below.

The Family That Stays Together… The Inn on Fall River in Estes Park is offering a “Get Away Together” family package, which includes two nights in a two bedroom cabin with wood burning fireplace and private hot tub; half day snowshoeing adventure (10 and older); wildlife tour (10 and older); or a photography safari (12 and older) plus hot cocoa and S’mores for the fireplace. Package cost is $480 plus tax; available through May 19, 2011.www.InnonFallRiver.com; 800-255-4118

Plan a Colorado Springs Getaway. The Broadmoor Hotel is offering a Spring Break Getaway package from March 1-April 30, 2011. Starting at $90 per person, per night (a 40 percent savings) enjoy luxe accommodations at The Broadmoor; 50 percent discount at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo; 15 percent discount on retail purchases; complimentary spa day pass and access to The Broadmoor Movie Theater. Kids 10 and under eat free with an adult. Subject to availability; restrictions apply. www.broadmoor.com

Boulder Ski Escape. Now through April 17, the Boulder area offers spring escapes as little as $67.50 per person at nearly every hotel in Boulder. The package offers accommodations and ski lift tickets at Eldora Mountain. Some deals include breakfast and transportation. www.boulderskiescape.com

This Weekend: Snow Ball Music Festival at Restaurant Avondale

2011-03-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

The Snow Ball Music Festival (March 4-6) in Vail Valley will kick off with a VIP party at Restaurant Avondale, inside the Westin Riverfront at Beaver Creek tonight between 10 p.m.-2:00 a.m.

Produced by Bliss Studios, the event will cap off the opening day of the Snow Ball Music Festival which combines great music and great snow conditions. Restaurant Avondale provides a prime location for the VIP event, which is near the main music stage area, and provides spectacular views.

Fashion models from Wilhelmina Denver will be modeling ski and snowboard fashions from SKEA, Steez Gear, and Firehouse Now. Appetizers from Restaurant Avondale will be served, full bar and drink specials from Red Bull, VIP Bottle Service, and music by Guns in the Sun DJs. MTV will broadcast from the event, with The Hills' Lauren Conrad and Lo Bosworth making an appearance.

Tickets are $30 and are available in advance at http://snowballmusicfestival.com or at the door.

Hotel Monaco Denver Unveils Renovated Guestrooms and Urban Adventure

2011-02-24T23:34:00.000-07:00

The Hotel Monaco Denver unveiled their newly renovated guest rooms on Thursday at a re-launch party and media VIP event. Part of the unveiling was the "Unleash Your Urban Adventure!" showcase featuring signature services of the hotel, Denver shops and attractions.

Guests were treated to tours of the redecorated guestrooms with different themes highlighting the hotel's offerings such as wine from Panzano Restaurant, and a chair massages from Veda Spa & Salon. Themed guestrooms also highlighted the hotel's features and amenities such as pet-friendly services and their green initiatives which earned them the Green Seal Silver Certification. Shops, services, and attractions in Denver including Rockmount Ranch Wear, SOL...Store of Lingerie, and Dress for Success also had displays in themed rooms (if you go to Rockmount, ask the owner about Eric Clapton). The standout of the themed rooms was the Downtown Aquarium, where a wild animal, a man in scuba gear and a mermaid greeted guests.

Designed by renowned interior designer Susan Caruso, the new room decor of all 189 guestrooms combines urban chic, bold accents, and a splash of pop Western flare. The accent pillows features a bronco against a turqoise background, and cow print blankets play counterpoint to the modern urban decor and setting. The warm colors of the walls, carpeting, and drapery set the room's calm and comfortable atmosphere. All the elements combine to capture the spirit of Denver, and the Hotel Monaco brand.

The new guestrooms are just the first in a series of renovations at the Hotel Monaco Denver. Plans are in the works to renovate the lobby and meeting spaces.

For more info and reservations, visit www.monaco-denver.com.

Congrats to the Spa & Salon at Garden of the Gods Club for Earning Top 100 Spas from spAWARDS

2011-02-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

Congratulations goes to the Spa & Salon at Garden of the Gods Club in Colorado Springs for being recognized as one of America's Top 100 Spas for 2011 in the first annual spAWARDS. It's the only spa in Colorado Springs to receive the distinction.

The mission of spAWARDS.com is to recognize the best in the spa industry so consumers are more informed when planning a spa treatment, according to Roger Sholanki, CEO of Book4Time and spAWARDS sponsor in a recent press release.

The Spa & Salon at Garden of the Gods Club features incredible views, massage treatments, therapeutic focus on bodywork, skin, hair, and nail services. Amenities include a solarium with whirlpool, infinity pool, steam rooms, and fitness center.

The Garden of the Gods Club features a 27-hole championship golf course, gourmet dining, sports club, recreation center, spa and salon, tennis courts, and breathtaking views of Pike's Peak and Garden of the Gods.

For more info, visit www.gardenofthegodsclub.com.

Guest Blogger: Devil's Thumb Ranch, Room Sketch

2011-02-15T12:54:00.001-07:00

PR pro, writer, and good friend Kirsten Texler paints a picture of a room at Devil's Thumb Ranch, a year-round ranch resort destination located 65 miles west of Denver, CO offering upscale accommodations, summer and winter activities, fine dining, and spa treatments.

The first thing I noticed as I stepped into my room at Devil’s Thumb Ranch was the fireplace. Specifically, the items on the moss-rock mantle: a thermos and lunch box like the one my grandfather had taken to work each day. I immediately felt at home. In fact the entire room showcased artifacts that didn’t seem kitschy or artificially “dude ranch-y”—most items were the kind of things I could imagine one of the locals saying, “Yes, indeed that is one of the original wooden wheels of the covered wagon my grandfolks came across in,” referring to the décor that toped my fireplace.

I’m a stickler for good lighting—the kind that subtly illuminates the room, although a person doesn’t immediately notice the source. Perfect lighting requires an expert touch and excellent balance, especially in the bathroom, and my accommodations were flawless in that arena. I could see clearly enough to make sure I was presentable at dinner, with none of the fluorescent glare I’ve encountered in other lodging bathrooms that have made me want to skip dinner. The light levels were adjustable, but at either end of the spectrum were never too bright or to dark. The entry way to the room was well enough lit that it seemed to be its own little room, instead of the usual dead-space immediately inside of a hotel room.

Looking past the immediate comfort of the room I was delighted to see a ton of natural light from large windows framed by rugged timber, and a glass paned door that opened onto a huge deck perfect for spotting wildlife in the vast meadow or stargazing in the clear night air. After all, there is no light pollution (or any other kind of pollution) at this altitude and location.

I’ve yearned to replicate the weightless feeling I experienced from a bed in Austria when I visited an alpine lodge with my family as a child. I remembered it felt like a mix between a cradle and a cloud. I’ve enjoyed very comfortable sleeping accommodations during travels since, but none have ever recreated that European experience I had as a kid--until the king bed at DTR. It could have been an adult version of that same Austrian bed I’ve always searched for; that sense of fluff combined with support so subtle you can’t tell which is which, you just melt into it.

I don’t consider myself a “stay in bed person,” but it was literally a dilemma; float in the massive comforter on the bed, put my legs up by my fireplace and warm my toes, soak in the tub or be spoiled rotten in the ranch house restaurant on property.

Despite how comfortable the room was, I almost couldn’t stay out of the bathroom, by far my favorite ever encountered while traveling! The bathroom featured an enormous enamel/copper bathtub that allowed my entire body to submerge without even my toes sticking up out of the piping hot water--and I’m a very tall person! I’ve never been cleaner, due to more than one extended soak in the bath. A hint, bring your own bath salts to get the full spa experience. Adjacent to the tub was a gorgeous shower space big enough for two, with three sides comprised of golf ball sized river-rock--the fourth side made of glass. No cowboy ever had it better!

One thing I didn’t do: I didn’t freak out over the non-existence of cell phone coverage or in-room TV, two things that those who know me could never imagine possible. In fact, with the consistent wireless internet in my room (hey, I gotta have some connection to help me brag about this place online) I had exactly the right blend of solitude and serenity with the conviviality of the others in Heck’s Tavern (so named because it is shaped in a hexagon) with perfect background music like Rikki Lee Jones, Lyle Lovett and other atmosphere appropriate tunes.

For more information on Devil’s Thumb Ranch, including dining and spa options as well as the plethora of outdoor activities (the real reason most people visit), visit www.devilsthumbranch.com or call 1-800-933-4339. They can even help you plan your wedding in the most perfect Colorado setting imaginable.

Snowmass Inaugural Restaurant Week Feb. 12-18

2011-02-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

This post orginally appeared on my Colorado Springs Last Minute Deals Examiner column.

To usher in 2011, Snowmass Village is launching its first ever Restaurant Week Feb. 12-18. Snowmass dining establishments will be offering lunch specials at $20.11 and under for couples and individuals. Many restaurants will be offering prix fixe specially priced dinners unique to each restaurant's cuisine. Dishes available at Snowmass include rotisserie grilled game, Colorado Smoked Trout, and molasses cured elk.

“This event is the perfect chance for those who have never eaten in Snowmass to come and try some of our fine dining establishments," said Susan Hamley, director, Snowmass Tourism in a recent press release.

Snowmass lodging properties are offering specials during Restaurant Week. You can check out the specials on www.snowmasstourism.com. You also can check out a list of restaurants participating in Restaurant Week.

About Snowmass Village

Just under five hours away from Colorado Springs in the Brush Creek Valley, Snowmass Village has the second largest ski mountain in Colorado offering 150 miles of trails, and connects to the largest network of free groomed Nordic trails in the U.S. During the warmer months, it has over 40 miles of hiking and biking trails, and one of the best Summer Resort Music scenes in the state. Visit www.snowmassvillage.com for more info.

Taos Ski Valley Ski and Stay Deal

2011-02-10T18:04:00.000-07:00

This was originally posted on my Colorado Springs Last Minute Deals Examiner column. There's still plenty of time left in the ski season to get some runs in, and Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico is offering a ski and stay deal that sets you up with everything you need for a unique ski vacation. Details on the deal provided by the resort are below.

Ski & Stay at Alpine Village Suites in Taos Ski Valley:

- $95 per person, per night, includes lift ticket and room at the Alpine Village Suites!
- 3 night stay minimum
- Quad occupancy
- Through February 17
- VIP arrival package: lift tickets and trail map waiting in the room. Skip the lines!
- Option to pre-reserve ski or board rentals ahead of time – rentals will be set aside and waiting for you
- To reserve, call: 1-800-776-1111

About Taos Ski Valley

A very accessible 4-hour drive from Colorado Springs through beautiful mountain scenery, "the un-resort resort" offers untainted skiing and snowboarding, without the shortcomings of a garden-variety ski resort. Founded by Ernie Blake in 1955, the family-run, 1,294 acre resort features 110 trails, 13 lifts, champagne powder, 300+ days of sunshine, and backcountry terrain. Crowds aren't a worry and the Southwestern fare is something to look forward to after a day on the slopes. Visit their www.skitaos.org for more info and to plan your ski vacation.

Pics from SIA Snow Show On-Snow Demo and Iron Horse Resort at Winter Park

2011-02-08T15:46:00.000-07:00

Last week, Winter Park Resort played host to the 2011 SIA (Snowsports Industries of America) Snow Show On-Snow Demo where ski and snowboard equipment companies had potential buyers demo the latest gear for the current and next ski season. I already covered some product highlights from the 2011 SIA Snow Show which took place in Denver, but there's so much more to talk about. I'll be covering more products from the event, as well as doing a review for the Iron Horse Resort where I stayed. Stay tuned. In the meantime, here's a few pics from the event, Iron Horse Resort and Winter Park.

If you were there, what did you love/hate about the SIA Snow Show and On-Snow Demo? Share it here.

Pics from Vail Cascade Resort and Vail Mountain

2011-02-08T15:27:00.000-07:00

Last month I had the pleasure of experiencing Vail Cascade Resort and Vail Mountain, which I wrote about on goColorado.com. As there was more to say than one story could ever cover, I did want to reiterate how fantastic the food was at Atwater on Gore Creek. Offerings there which include a gluten-free menu and kids' specials are easily on par with any four-star restaurant, if not better because of their healthy options. Numerous offerings on Vail Mountain including Adventure Ridge and Bistro Fourteen provide endless entertainment and fine dining options. Pricing for everything is worth it, but with deals from Vail Cascade and discount cards good on the mountain, the experience is a real bargain. Definitely circling back for both in the year ahead. Here's a few pics from the stay.

If you've been there, what do you love/hate about Vail? Share it here.