71 Hours in Colorado

71 Hours in Colorado
April 20-23, 2013

“This is the last time we’ll have a chance to sit for the next three days”, I told Meg and Neil at the Hamburger Stand as we sat and ate our lunch shortly after arriving in Denver.  We’d decided to stop before heading over to our friend Lisa’s because I knew that our visit to Denver was going to be a chaotic and haphazard expedition from that point on.  And it was.  Just minutes after arriving at Lisa’s SW Denver apartment, we were piling her family and the three of us into a two-car caravan headed straight for Downtown Denver.  We were already head first and full swing into another wild Colorado adventure. 

First on our agenda:  a tour of several banks in the downtown Denver area, searching for one with a working ATM.  As we crossed from bank to bank we could hear the beat of drums in the distance and the feeling I get when in Colorado was already coming over me.  From my outside perspective, Colorado seems to be a fine mix of libertarian ideals that combine conservative fiscal beliefs with liberal social ideas for a state that is clean, healthy and accepting of marriage equality and marijuana.  After finally scoring some dough, we turned and headed toward the rhythm that had been calling to us- two drum kits facing each other and hammering out a dueling cadence.  That was the first time we danced.

From there we wandered around the city in no particular fashion.  Denver has a lot of random things to see- metal sculptures standing in the middle of grassy knolls, giant blue bears peering into the windows of the Convention Center- that kinda thing.  Another spectacle observed that afternoon was the Annual Marijuana Rally held in a downtown park.  A typically jovial and laidback crowd numbering in the tens of thousands were gathered to celebrate Colorado’s recent legalization of pot.  We stayed for just a few minutes before continuing our tour of the city on foot and by car. (About an hour later, two people were injured when they were shot in an isolated incident which took place at the rally.  It is unfortunate that gun violence happened at what is supposed to be a peaceful gathering.)

Late that afternoon we checked into our hotel the Residence Inn by Marriot Denver Downtown- our studio room was the perfect size for three- and got ready for one of the highlights of our entire trip: the Cypress Hill/Slightly Stoopid ‘Hot Box at Red Rocks’ 4/20 show.  You know Meg and I had been talking about what we planned to wear to this event for the past few months.  We had thoughts of long dresses or hippie skirts.  Alas it was in the 30s that night and we were bundled in hoodies, hats and gloves. 

We met up with a couple of Lisa’s friends in the upper parking lot of Red Rocks Amphitheatre, chomped on some Doritos and headed in.  Not only does it have some of the best natural acoustics in the entire world, it is the most visually stunning arena I have ever experienced at any concert or performance at this point in my life.  As we walked down the steps toward the stage, a feeling of euphoria filled my body.  I was chilling with my family and friends at Red Rocks watching a spectacular event. 

After Tribal Seeds ended a short but powerful set, the act I was there to see- Cypress Hill- took the stage.  I was a teenager in the 90s.  We drove around listening to stuff like Rage Against the Machine, House of Pain and I cannot express just how much I loved the Judgment Night soundtrack.  So anyway, seeing Cypress Hill live was crazy!  We danced, Danced, DANCED.  At one point I looked up at the lights and noticed that it was snowing but there was such a great vibe moving through the crowd and we were all boogying with such abandon that it really didn’t seem cold at all. I chilled a bit more for the Slightly Stoopid portion of the evening and made an effort to take everything in- the lights of the stage and directed onto the rocks on either side, the sound of the instruments coming at me, the beat of the music, the laughter of my friends.  It was an incredible evening.  Legendary.  Epic. 

The next morning we rose early and started another day of exploration with a blast to the past- way deep into dinosaur times.  We headed out to Dinosaur Ridge, a small educational center that offers tours of nearby dinosaur bones, ancient dinosaur footprints and information about the geology of the area.  We paid $5/per adult for a bus ride to the top and a guided tour.  I think our guide’s name was TJ, it was his birthday and he was super.  He was such a smartie!  He knew everything about dinosaurs and fossils and microbes and stuff.  The 45-minute tour was interesting for the kids and adults in the group. 

We had a picnic in Red Rocks Park, then hiked one of the easier trails, a gradually climbing trail that transitions from packed ground to slabs of rocks and boulders to navigate around.  It was a beautiful day and the whole gang spent some try relaxing on some rocks with the sun on our faces before heading back down the hill.  On our walk down we encountered a Red Rocks Ranger, a particularly friendly woman who chatted about other parks nearby and funny experiences she’s had at this one.  I really appreciate the open friendliness of the population in Colorado.

Our next stop was Myxed Up Creations, a local shop selling Hot Box at Red Rocks concert memorabilia.  Neil wanted to pick up a shirt so we headed out that way taking a winding route through the neighborhoods on the outskirts of downtown Denver.  When we pulled into the parking lot we instantly recognized a familiar sight- the Slightly Stoopid van which had been on stage at the concert the night before.  How cool!  Myxed Up Creations is like a head shop superstore.  It had a large clothing section, purses and pouches, incense and more.  Neil scored his concert T-shirt along with a poster given to him straight out of the store window. 

After eating a dinner prepared by Lisa, we headed out for an evening at a local music venue Quixotes True Blue and watched a band called Funk Trek do their thing.  Funk Trek, a jazz fusion and funk (obviously) group was led by a quirky bass player, flanked by two kool kat saxophones, a key board guy, a guitar player or two, brass instruments and a drummer in the back.  I dug it.  There was a small group on the dance floor and as we started dancing near our table, a few girls moved over to dance with us- yet another experience of the welcoming attitude of the friendly people of Colorado. 

We spent most of our last full day in Colorado Springs, about an hour south of Denver down Interstate 25.  First we stopped at the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center to get a map of the road that passes through Garden of the Gods Park.  Although it was very misty, the clouds broke for quick moments and we were able to see Pikes Peak in the distance from the observation deck out front.  We picnicked in the parking lot, then piled into the cars to navigate the one-way route that circles the park and passes by some of the most mesmerizing rock formations I’ve ever seen.    We stopped at every few parking lots to get out and take pictures.  Although it was in the 60s when we arrived in Colorado Springs, it was way windy, like knock-you-over windy.  We had to hold onto each other when taking group pics.  It was hard to pull cars doors open and shut.  The temperature dropped almost 30 degrees in the short time we were there.  And that was just a small taste of the unpredictable and extreme sides of Colorado weather.

Before leaving the area we made one last stop at the Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum, located inside the Pikes Peak Harley Davidson.  Although it was small, the motorcycle museum was really neat with a lot of antique bikes, unique motorcycles like those used in World War II or mobile Harley mechanics.  It was a totally free activity with the added bonus of browsing the selection of Harleys for sale in the showroom below- I, personally, would love to get a silver bike that answers to the name Silky. 

Like my last visit, a homemade dinner with Nicole’s family plus the friends we’d met the Red Rocks show was how we spent our last night in Colorado.  We made a giant pan of sausage with peppers and onions, spinach salad with bacon and rolls and Nicole whipped up a delicious desert of fruit baked in cinnamon over ice cream- everything was delicious.  Nicole’s family talked about coming out to Ohio to visit friends and family and it would be great to return their hospitality with a big house party of our own.

The next morning we woke up to the thick layer of snow blanketing Denver.  A 30-minute drive to the airport turned into a hour with horrible road conditions, near zero visibility and driving an unfamiliar car but we still made it back to the airport with plenty of time to return our rental and make it to the gate.  Unfortunately, it took an hour to de-ice the plane and we missed our connection in Atlanta where we spent the next six hours waiting for the next flight.  We finally made it home around midnight.    

It was another fast-paced, high energy, hectic excursion around Denver and points surrounding.  We were again able to fit in a lot of free fun by doing walking tours and hiking trails and by picnicking and making home cooked meals.  We danced every chance we got.  We made the most of every minute of the 71 hours we spend in Colorado. 

Girls' Weekend Trip- Chicago

Girls' Weekend Trip- Chicago: Spring 2013
March 28-30, 2013
Chicago, Illinois

For all the Girls’ Getaways we’ve been on in the past, Di and I had never taken a trip just the two of us together but when I mentioned that I was planning to drive out to Chicago for the weekend to celebrate the birthday of my friend, Bobbie, Di said she was in!  On Friday morning we met at my place, packed up the car and headed west on the Ohio Turnpike, through Indiana and into Illinois.  We had an easy drive and arrived in the early afternoon.  Although our hotel was charging $49/day for valet parking, we found a parking lot just one block away through BestParking.com  that charged only $50 for the weekend- score!

Our room at the Embassy Suites- Chicago Downtown (600 North State Street) wasn’t yet ready so Di and I set off on foot to explore the city.  We headed toward the Magnificent Mile to commence what was to become approximately 13 miles of walking tours around the city (walking tours found on Metrowalkz.com).  We walked past fabulous shopping and many beautiful buildings including the Trump Tower, the Wrigley Building and the Tribune.  Interesting thing about the Tribute Tower:  small fragments of many famous structures from around the world are incorporated into the lower levels of the building.  Di and I had a blast walking around the perimeter pointing at the pieces of so many historical edifices. 

We came upon a place of steeped in local history during our walking tour of the Magnificent Mile- the Billy Goat Tavern (430 North Michigan Avenue- Lower Level).  Legend has it that the Chicago Cubs have not made a World Series appearance since the owner of the tavern declared the Cubs cursed because his billy goat was refused entry into Wrigley Field.  Being a Cleveland fan, I sympathize with other sports cursed cities.  Anyway, the Billy Goat Tavern isn’t at street level .  It is in a subterranean area that Di and I called ‘Underground Chicago’, a dark and dingy place that exists under the shiny and upscale shops of Michigan Avenue.   Di and I shared a double cheeseburger and enjoyed a few of the Tavern’s signature drinks while examining the photos of celebrities, politicians and dignitaries that lined the walls

We made our way along the River Walk and explored a little more of the Magnificent Mile before heading back to check into our hotel.  The Embassy Suites is well-located close to public transport stops, shops and restaurants downtown, just a few blocks from Michigan Avenue.  Although check-in was crazy (hotel staff said that Spring Break is one of their busiest times) we were well treated by everyone from the manager Juan to the doorman/bellhop Nate.  We were pleased with our comfortable and roomy suite.

That evening Di and I made our way to Millennium Park by train (okay, I may have initially led us onto a train going the wrong way) and on foot to view the Cloud Gate aka The Bean, walked around the Pritzker Pavilion and wandered around the Lurie Garden.  From there we headed to Gino’s East of Chicago Pizzeria (633 North Wells Street) to enjoy a delicious deep dish pizza.  I’d had Lou Malnati’s pizza during my previous visit and have to say that Gino’s East gets my vote in a pizza vs. pizza competition.  We spent a little time watching March Madness to wind down at the end of the night.

After enjoying the hotel’s complimentary breakfast on Saturday morning, Di and I headed out for another packed day of Chicago activities.  First stop: the Navy Pier (600 East Grand Avenue).  We’d gotten a great deal on admission to the Imax film ‘The Last Reef: Cities Beneath the Sea’ through Groupon and enjoyed the experience of being in the waterscape as depicted on the giant projection screen.  We spent a little time in the Crystal Garden, a giant greenhouse of sorts, before making our way down to the end of the Navy Pier, which juts out into Lake Michigan and provides great views of the Lake and city skyline.  The Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows was one of the sights I most wanted to see and enjoyed strolling past stainless glass windows of all sorts: windows that gleamed with color or sparkled with crystal, ones of religious or historical motifs and some with more humorous subjects.  Before leaving the area, we walked around the sculpture garden near the entrance of the Pier, then walked across the street to the bus stop.  As it turns out the walk from the hotel to the Pier was kinda lengthy and Di and I both agreed that taking the bus to our next destination was the way to go.  That’s one of the awesome things about Chicago- well-organized public transportation made it easy for us to get all around the city by bus or train. 

Another Groupon deal we snagged before heading into Chicago was for the Goddess & the Grocer (25 East Delaware Place), a gourmet deli in the Gold Coast neighborhood.  Pretty much every single item on their menu looked delicious but, of course, I opted for the Magic Mushroom portabella sandwich with brie.  Di had the Greek Goddess vegetarian wrap.  We were lucky to find a table for two during lunch rush and enjoyed just relaxing for a bit before continuing our tour of the city.

Next up:  MORE walking!  We embarked on another Metrowalkz tour- Old Town, a fashionable section of the city that features great shopping, restaurants, pubs and historic architecture.  Victorian-era buildings, row houses and a Romanesque church were features of this tour through the neighborhood, much of which was destroyed during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and rebuilt.  We were able to see one of the first brick structures in the area, replacing the wooden construction of buildings before the Fire, as well as small cottages, known as ‘Fire Relief Shanties’, built to house those left homeless after the Great Fire.  We made a quick stop in a cute little resale shop called Merci Beaucoup (1140 West Jackson Boulevard) where I purchased a silk scarf in an array of spring colors and moved on. 

Lincoln Park is located northeast of Old Town and was our next stop.  Although we did not have the time to visit the zoo or botanical garden, we were still able to enjoy leisurely meandering through the southern end of the park.  It was a beautiful spring day and many were out and about jogging, playing soccer, walking their dogs and doing any number of activities that typically take part in a city park.  Along with great views of Lake Michigan, sculptures are placed around the park for visual interest.  After an afternoon of walking, Di and I enjoyed just sitting near the Grant Memorial and relaxing a little.

From there we embarked on walking tour of one of the richest neighborhoods in the world- Chicago’s Gold Coast.  Wow, this place is ritzy!   We walked up and down quiet, tree-lined streets looking at huge mansions and upscale brownstones.  But behind all this pomp and circumstance, there is evidence of what really drives the human race behind closed doors- in the Gold Coast amongst the well-landscaped and fenced-in lawns around opulently-decorated homes, sits the original Playboy Mansion.  After our walking tour of the area, we went to the nearest bus stop located on Lake Shore Drive.  There was a sign noting that this bus stop would be discontinued in the near future.  It struck me that the residents of the Gold Coast must not be bus people. 

Let the celebrating begin!  After getting ready for a night out, Di and I met up with the birthday girl, Bobbie, her boyfriend Todd, mutual friend Liz, her husband Ian and Di’s friend Chelsea for dinner at the Weber Grill (539 North State Street), conveniently located right across the street from our hotel.  After dinner, we walked to the Hancock Building (875 North Michigan Avenue) and waited in a long line for the elevator up to the 96th Floor so that we could have drinks at the Signature Lounge while enjoying spectacular views of the city.  We met up with friend Rachel and her fiancé Matt and indulged in an assortment of spirits- I most enjoyed my Clementine Passion Martini and wish I could go back right now to have another!

After enjoying many drinks, the group headed by taxi to the Briar Street Theater (3133 North Halsted) to see the Blue Man Group.  We were seated in the Splash Zone and provided with plastic ponchos to protect our clothes from getting sprayed with paint, baby food or anything else squishy the Blue Men might send our way.  Before the show began, I totally got a stage shout-out:  a lighted sign declared that I was the 2012 Olympic Curling Champion and asked that I get up and wave.  The same sign indicated that Ian was to lead us all in the Star Spangled Banner before the show.  What a fun way to engage the crowd before the performance.  The Blue Man Group was unlike any show I’ve seen before.  Like I said, there were substances that splashed around.  Audience members were pulled on stage to participate.  Huge balloons dropped from the ceiling and by the end we were totally covered in tickertape.  What an indescribable show! 

Before leaving on Sunday morning, Di and I wanted to do one last walking tour- the Chicago Loop Architectural Tour.  Doing this tour on Sunday could not have been any better- the area was nearly deserted on a Sunday morning and we were able to walk up and down the city streets viewing buildings like the Sears Tower, the Carbide & Carbon Building and the Rookery without getting in the way of people rushing to work or meetings. 

We made our way back to the car and out of the city.  We’d packed a lot of activity into the weekend but were able to see quite a bit without spending too much money by utilizing Groupon deals, doing self-guided walking tours and visiting free attractions.  Di’s and my first trip together was a huge success and I am excited to see more of Chicago with my girls sometime soon!  

Ohio Day Trip- The Bluebird Winery at the Little Forest Inn

Ohio Day Trip
The Bluebird Winery at the Little Forest Inn
March 23, 2013

I grew up in Malvern, a little village in rural Ohio.  Nicknamed the ‘Vern, this little community was until recently a one stoplight town with a Dairy Queen, a few gas stations and a community park.  I didn’t realize at the time just how idyllic growing up in rural Ohio was and like many fellow ‘Vern grads, moved to a larger city where jobs, cultural events and activities were available.  Now when I drive home to visit my father, I appreciate what a quaint little enclave the ‘Vern really is.  I was, of course, THRILLED when I heard that a new winery- the Bluebird Winery at the Little Forest Inn- was operating in an old restaurant we used to jokingly call ‘The Little Forest Fire Inn’ due to the frequency of blazes that occurred there in the past.

My sister Meg and I met up with my friends Di and Mandy for an afternoon of wine tasting.  We pretty much sampled every wine available and I think we each had a different fave- although I usually go for Rieslings and enjoyed the ones offered at this winery, I purchased a bottle of Mango Citrus White wine, which I thought would make a fabulous base for a pitcher of white sangria to enjoy in the upcoming summer months.   In addition to a nice assortment of wines from around the world, a selection of delicious food items prepared by the chef on site is also available and we ordered pot stickers, fried Stromboli, crab cakes and fried pickles, all of which were scrumptious.  The winery is a comfortable and cozy spot, well decorated and with items to purchase- as you’re well aware, I’m not one to pass up a shopportunity. We enjoyed chatting with the owner and others visiting the winery- it was a nice, relaxing afternoon with good food, great wine and fabulous friends.

Girls' Mini Weekend Trip- Pennsylvania

Girls' Mini Weekend Trip- Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Bedford and In Between
November 9-10, 2012

Our dad told us about Gravity Hill years ago and we’d been meaning to go ever since but it’s kind of out in the middle of Pennsylvania and we never quite managed to make it there.   But, pieced together with a band we LOVE and a few other attractions along the way and we had the makings of an excellent mini weekend excursion.

Di, Meg and I met at Meg’s house and we packed up her luxurious Lincoln ‘Pearl’ for the ride out to Pittsburgh.  We decided to follow Route 30 from Ohio, through West Virginia and into Pennsylvania.  We stopped in Lisbon, Ohio at the Steel Trolley Diner (STD) for a dinner of gourmet hot dogs with toppings like bleu cheese, horseradish and jalapeños or peanut butter, bacon and banana jam.   It was a great meal and by the time we left we were pretty giggly from the way the restaurant capitalized on their initials and various other conversations.  At one point Di described the short few minutes we spent driving through West Virginia as ‘In and out- just the tip!’  The rest of our drive into Pennsylvania was full of music and chatter.

We were pretty impressed with our room at the Holiday Inn Express Pittsburgh- Southside Hotel.  The décor had been recently updated and the hotel staff was friendly and fun.  We called for a car from Classy Cab and they sent the chillest taxi driver in existence- an awesome guy named Vinnie.  This dude was so low key.  He chatted with us about basketball, growing up in Pittsburgh and the music we were going out to see.  When he dropped us off he gave us his number and said to call him if we needed a ride home.  Later that night I called him up, said ‘hey Vinnie-it’s Heather- can you come get us?’ and he was like ‘Yeah, I’ll be there in 10!’ Vinnie is so awesome! 

The Stagecoach Robbery at the Thunderbird Café in the Lawrenceville area of Pittsburgh was crazy!  From the moment the band started playing the crowd was in a groove and dancing.  We boogied with so many people that night.  The energy was unbeatable- there was just the coolest vibe.  The way the Thunderbird is set up on three levels with the stage on the center tier and bars on the upper and lower floors make it quite a nice place to have a well-made drink and see a show.

The next morning we headed east along the Lincoln Highway/Route 30 toward Gravity Hill.  But our first stop was the Flight 93 National Memorial, the site where the hijacked plane crashed into a field on September 11, 2001.  The memorial park is sprawling with information about the flight, its passengers and the events of 9/11 at one end and the stone wall bearing the names of the passenger and crew at the other end of a long walkway that passes by the crash site.  There were plenty of visitors but it was a quiet and reverent place.

The drive along Route 30 was quite scenic, passing through small towns and farmland along the way- we happened to see a herd of bison running along the hillside. It was noteworthy.  But it was nothing compared to Gravity Hill!  Gravity Hill is a place where, either by optical illusion or some sort of physics phenomenon, cars roll uphill.  We followed the directions provided by the Bedford County Visitor’s Bureau- Meg drove down a little country road, up to a spray-painted marker that indicated ‘GH’, put the car in neutral, took her foot off the break and  WE STARTED ROLLING UPHILL!   No joke!  It was pretty wild and we were crazy impressed- we all let out a huge cheer as we slowly moved backwards up the hill.  A little further down the road is another gravity warp zone- we were just as enthused the 2^nd time.  I mean, how often do you get to defy gravity in a lifetime?  The only downside- there was no cell coverage and we weren’t able to call our dad and tell him that we’d just performed a marvelous feat!

So, gravity-beating is hard work and we were so hungry.  We passed a little place called the Fireside Tavern and stopped in for scrumptious sandwiches and dessert.  The place was empty in the mid-afternoon and the bar is in a separate area from the dining room so we had a dining experience with the place to ourselves. 

We really had only one last stop on our agenda- the cute little town of Bedford, Pennsylvania.  Although we’d been drawn in by the Holiday Open House, we were pleasantly surprised when we drove past a giant coffee pot.  Giant things that are supposed to be small things are just fun!  From there we continued to historic downtown Bedford to browse the shops a little.  The first place we stopped was Briar Valley Winery to do a little winetasting before heading into an antique store to make some last minute purchases before they closed for the night.

We followed Interstate 76 to Route 30 and toward home but this trip would not be complete without stopping at the World’s Largest Tea Pot on the way- obviously!  Two giant warm beverage vessels in one day- how lucky were we?!  It was another whirlwind trip where we jam-packed a whole lot of activity in a period of about 24 hours and we had a blast!

*The Stagecoach Robbery pic generously shared by Mr. Brendan Flynn- thanks man! 

Ohio Day Trip- A November Afternoon of Wine Tasting

Ohio Day Trip- Wine Tasting on a November Afternoon
Sugarcreek, Fresno and West Lafayette, Ohio
November 3, 2012

Okay, I totally meant to have all my 2012 blog entries done before 2012 was over.  Alas, that did not happen.  Here I am trying to conjure up the details of an afternoon of wine tasting that happened nearly two months ago.  I must have forgotten my camera- all I have are pics I took with my phone.  I don’t even remember what wines we tasted.  This will be the most haphazard of blog posts.

I’d completed the Stark Parks Trail Trot that morning and was ready for a relaxing afternoon of wine tasting.  I met up with Jan, Di, and Meg and we traveled to our first stop- Heini’s Gourmet Market (1019 West Main Street) in Sugarcreek, Ohio.  Heini’s offers a variety of Ohio-made specialty foods, boasts a large selection at their wine bar and prepares delicious lunch items.  We enjoyed soup & sandwiches with a glass of wine while listening to a live band play Beatles and Jimmy Buffet covers.  After lunch we went around the back of the building to the thrift shop on the lower level and visited the home décor shop next door.  We enjoyed a leisurely drive along Route 93 through the heart of Ohio Amish Country on the way to our next destination.

Our subsequent stop was Pearl Valley Cheese (54775 Township Road 90) in Fresno, Ohio- Jan and her husband love it!  After shopping in their market, we headed toward our last destination- Raven’s Glen Winery (56183 CR 143) in West Lafayette, Ohio.   We sampled several of the wines at their large wine bar, then walked around the grounds a little and relaxed on the back patio.  So, I don’t remember much but I can tell you that we had a blast on this afternoon excursion- we always do when wine and shopping are involved.