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Toast & Co. at Copper Mountain

March 27, 2018 by Admin 2 Comments

A Must Stop when Skiing Copper Mountain Colorado

When every item on the menu looks so good you can’t chose, you know you are in the right spot. Toast & Co. at the Copper Mountain Resort in Colorado is the dining destination not to be missed. Located just outside the main square in picturesque Center Village you can walk right over from the slopes then hop right back on a lift and keep riding. They only serve breakfast and lunch so don’t wait too long or you might miss out for that day.

All of the options we tried at Toast & Co were amazing and trust me we were repeat visitors. French toast, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, steak and eggs… how can you pick between pumpkin ginger cakes and caramelized pineapple pancakes? Or between the BBA sandwich, thick cut bacon cherry wood smoked, fried egg, bacon aioli, greens, roasted tomatoes, avocado on a telera roll, or the Chuck’s sandwich, a toasted pretzel roll, crispy prosciutto, scrambled eggs, Swiss cheese and a Beemster Gouda sauce? Come on!

I know you are dying to hear what we did finally pick. (PS. we took both of the above mentioned sandwiches to go and thoroughly enjoyed each, but since I am partial to avocado I would say the BBA was my top pick.) Alright enough suspense. I sat down to the Amaretto French Toast which sounds amazing right off the bat and just gets better. Made from slices of moist fresh banana bread this french toast is then dipped in an Amaretto custard to deepen the flavors. A soft mountain of Chai spiced whipped mascarpone is a decadent addition. Perhaps my favorite detail is the candied pecans for that final sweet crunch.

To balance out that sugary delight I confess to stealing some of my friends marinated beef tenderloin steak and eggs. The meat was medium rare as advertised and melt in your mouth delicious. The house chimichurri sauce they put on took this dish to the next level. Eggs, toast, and potatoes finish off this dish which might sound pretty standard, but they were anything but. I am usually a pass on breakfast potatoes, if I am going to have the carbs I choose the toast. The potatoes at Toast & Co. changed my mind completely, worth every carb.

They also have a full bar and great coffee drinks to get you moving and compliment whichever tummy filler you prefer. Toast & Co. has everything you could want. I adore that they are “Colorado Proud” and use products from our local Colorado companies. Also that all of their eggs are 100% cage free/non GMO/free range eggs from nearby Denver. Now how can you pick anywhere else to eat while visiting Copper Mountain Resort? Ski/snowboard the mountain to build up your appetite then sit down for a great meal at Toast & Co.

Read the Toast & Co Menu – Here

Visit Copper Mountain’s Site at Coppercolorado.com or find them on Social Media – Twitter – Facebook – Instagram

White Mountain Snowmobile Tours Colorado

March 23, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Sail over the Snow in this Mountain Adventure!

If you love speed and beautiful sights White Mountain Snowmobile Tours is a perfect activity for your next visit to Colorado. Whether you are a rider, a driver, or the tour you choose this is an experience not to be missed when visiting the Leadville area. It maybe a noisier way to get up in the mountains than its skiing/snowboarding counterpart, but also one of the funnest!

White Mountain Snowmobile Tours is a year round operation that offers a variety of their namesake snowmobile tours as well as zip lining (which is the year round part). You can go for the Family Prospector Tour which is a laid back 2 hour ride perfect for couples looking to ride double or those with kids. There is even a break for kids up to 70lbs to ride their own mini snowmobile, which they will LOVE.

The next step up is the Performance Tour, taking you higher into the mountain and for solo riders only. You want to push your limits and are already an experienced rider you can graduate the the Extreme Tour and really tear across the countryside. Any level of experience is welcome and there are options for everyone of all ages.

I confess I preferred being a passenger though I gave driving a go. When I got lapped for the third time on the makeshift test track I called it a day and hopped on the back for a more relaxing trip. I wanted to look around not concentrate on driving! Meanwhile my companion was all about faster and further so me stepping back worked out well. Just call me Miss Daisy.

You can come bundled up in all your ski gear or they have everything you need, from boots to helmets and googles. White Mountain Snowmobile Tours is a large operation and everything runs like a smoothly oiled machine. Everyone we dealt with was awesome, our guide, Terry, in particular. He made even a nervous driver like me comfortable and since I ended the ride on his snowmobile being confident in your driver is a gift. He really made the trip with his knowledge of local landmarks and by taking us to all the best lookouts.

Even when I am posting the pictures I find it hard to believe how beautiful it is in the mountains outside Leadville and Twin Lakes. Riding the trails with crisp wind in your face and the sun shining on the white expanse of snow was magical. Get your engine revving and get on out there.

Find out more about White Mountain Snow Mobile Tours and the options they offer year round on their website: Whitemountainsnowmobiletours.com

Check out more on their Social Media – Facebook

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: Colorado, colorado travel, leadville, leadville colorado, snowmobile colorado, snowmobile tours, travel, traveling, white mountain snow mobile tours

Ski Monarch Mountain Colorado

March 21, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Ski Independent, Embrace Family Fun

See what real Colorado skiing and snowboarding is like outside of the resorts and take a trip up to Monarch Mountain.

Whether you are local or traveling in to get your share of winter fun, skiing/snowboarding is a great adventure for all ages and skill levels. There are a lot of things to consider when looking for the perfect destination and Monarch Mountain is a great match for the top items on my list. Plenty of varied levels of ski terrain, natural snow (Monarch receives more than 350” of natural snow each year), one lodge (makes it easy to keep track of all the members of your group), short wait times, affordable prices, and quality food make an ideal mix of family friendly fun.

For the newbie skier like myself there are great class options offered at Monarch’s Ski + Ride School, whether you want to separate or even take a family lesson. Parents might consider sending the little ones off to learn while they get some runs in or brush up on technique with expert help. The covered magic carpet and learning area was great, with plenty of room for classes while still being accessible for independent riders. This section was ideal for those working their way up to the lift.

Your littlest ones even have their own section to get the hang of things. Starting as young as 3 your munchkin can begin to get their ski or board legs under them. Monarch Mountain has group lessons that are kids only, grouped by age and experience or if you are looking to be hands on try the Mini & Me program that introduces children, ages 3-6, to skiing, while the grown up gets tips from an expert. There is also a children’s center with indoor activities to take breaks in.

Once you hit the mountain the action is non-stop. There are long runs at all levels from all over Monarch, but a highlight is getting to the top of the mountain and straddling the continental divide while looking out over the San Isabel National Forest. You can go up and visit the metal Monarch, or Peak Locator for a breathtaking destination. Turn this little butterfly and she will let you know exactly where you stand and the local landmarks you are looking out over. From there coming down the mountain is a choose your own adventure of green, blue, or black to get back to the base.

Since we have a big gap in ski proficiency in my family so having a good mix of advanced and beginner runs was one of the first items I looked for. The breakdown is 22% Green (easiest), 27% Blue (more difficult), 37% Black (most difficult), and 11% Double Black (extreme) at Monarch Mountain. As the most beginner in the group that made me happy. Traveling with a speedster I also wanted to keep everyone on the hill for a while so Monarch’s longest run is 1 mile and the mountain has a vertical drop of 1,162 ft. to keep my thrill seeker occupied. Keep in mind that your base elevation is 10,790 ft. so you might be short of breath if like me you are coming from sea level, but there is nothing like looking out at all of that natural beauty to inspire your soul and body.

For all you dare devils out there that want to go higher, meet the Cat. You can hop in one of these bad boys for a tour or take it up beyond the ski lifts for the really extreme stuff. You could hike up part of that way too into the part of Monarch Mountain known as Mirkwood, but trust me the Cat Skiing is where it is at for views and going outside the beaten path. With a longer Cat Skiing tour you get to eat lunch in an exclusive mountainside yurt and explore 1,635 acres of expert terrain.

When you are ready to eat there are a few options, the Sidewinder Saloon for a sit down meal, the Gunbarrel Cafeteria for grab and go quick eats, and the Java Stop for your caffeine kick. Early morning is great at the Java Stop. They serve Brown Dog Coffee, the freshest locally roasted coffee and espresso for those that are passionate about their morning joe. If a Bloody Mary is on the menu I have to mention the carnivore. It is a spicy meat lovers dream (yes, you do really see a slice of bacon, a piece of steak, and pepperoni in this spicy libation), that is breakfast and a cocktail all in one at Elmo’s Bar, a full service western style watering hole. There are options for all tastes and budgets at Monarch.

Monarch Mountain is a drive in ski and snowboarding destination, but parking is free and there are nearby spots to rest between trips to the slopes. Local towns like Salida, a super cute and fun town to visit when in the area, offer accommodations for your trip and other exciting activities. If you are coming in from Denver it is just under three hours, and about 2.5 hours from Colorado Springs. Picking the right location can go a long way to enhance everyone’s experience so think about what will make your trip. Monarch Mountain is a perfect place for great winter sports without resort fees and commercial mark-ups.

Find out more about Monarch Mountain on their site skimonarch.com

You can also follow Monarch Mountain on Social Media – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

Filed Under: travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: Colorado, colorado travel, monarch mountain, monarch mountain colorado, salida, ski colorado, ski travel, skiing, snowboarding, travel, winter sports

Hocking Hills Ohio

March 21, 2018 by Admin 2 Comments

Pristine Ohio, Ready For Adventure

Hocking Hills Ohio is a destination for any nature enthusiast. Come, stay, and enjoy the outdoors day and night with hikes, high flying tours, rock climbing, and stargazing. Located just 90 minutes south of Columbus Ohio, the Hocking Hills State Park should definitely make your vacation ‘To Do’ list- there really is so much to do there. Then when you need a break from the great outdoors, head inside with some of the local shops, do some antiquing, or check out the artwork on display in the Historic Square Art District.

Hocking Hills Eco-Tours High Rock Adventures is just one of the many options for visitors to get out and enjoy this stunning landscape while keeping active. For the adventurers in your family, there is repelling and rock climbing that will have your pulse pounding. If that is not your style, a gentler option is the hiking tours through the pristine wildlife and unique rock formations. The Ecotour Adventures are informative, insightful about nature, and are just good old fashioned fun. High Rock Adventures goes so far as to issue a Rock Challenge. Spend time in rock halls, experience ascents, descents, squeezes, tunnels, narrows, and scrambles. You won’t need to wear a harness, but you will get your hands on time with the local rock formations.

If rock climbing doesn’t get you high enough, try Hocking Hills Canopy Tours for another opportunity at a bird’s eye view of Ohio. They offer a variety of tours to meet your needs, even ones under the light of the moon. Rated one of the top zipline adventures, this is sure to thrill you. Their Dragonfly Tour even allows the younger members of your family to get in on the zip lining. Spend time as a family speeding through the tree tops, or this is a perfect adults only activity too.

If your days aren’t already booked, drop in at the John Glenn Astronomy Park. There is plenty to see when the sun is up, too. At night you do get the full view. Since the area is known for its lack of light pollution, the night sky puts on a real show. Inspiring you to look up and wonder at the greater universe around us, the John Glenn Astronomy Park blends science, history, and imagination in one destination.

For your creature comforts after an evening under the stars, give a log cabin a try. Cedar Grove Lodging offers the perfect place to rest your head while in the Hocking Hills area. With six cabins and two lodges, there are options available for any size group. Just a short drive from all of the most popular hikes in the State Park, guests can enjoy those trails or even hike on the 65 acre property. Hot tubs, gas grills, fire pits, and wi-fi along with their rustic cabins offer a balance of the outdoors and everything you need for a great nights sleep.

Don’t miss spending time in town while on your trip. A great, and somewhat quirky destination in the Hocking Hills Region is the Columbus Washboard Company located in Logan, Ohio. Started in 1895, they are now the only washboard manufacturing company in the United States. Their products are still assembled by hand, a process you can see when taking a guided tour of the factory. If you are in the area Father’s Day Weekend be sure to get tickets for the Washboard Factory Music Festival. Appalachian Bluegrass and Folk music fills the town for three days every year. Take the time to visit, and choose your own souvenir to take home (or check out the Columbus Washboard Company’s Online Store)to get your own piece of American made history. They have a variety of fun items including soaps, Fostoria glassware, instruments, and vintage laundry. This sounds like something you might glaze over- don’t. It’s one of those things you will be glad you decided to see. And at this point, it’s truly one of a kind.

No matter your interests, the Hocking Hills Region of Ohio has something to offer. You can enjoy the natural splendor of the area, as well as the art and shops in town. No matter what you like to do, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy your trip. For more details and activities visit Hockinghills.com.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: astronomy, hocking hills ohio, Hocking Hills State Park, John Glen Astronomy Park, ohio, rappelling, state parks, travel, ziplining

The Fritz, Salida Colorado

March 18, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Small Plates, Great Big Flavor

Don’t read that wrong, The Fritz in Salida, Colorado has options of all sizes, but they are known for their deliciously tempting variety of small plates on the menu. Literally every person we spoke to in town recommended The Fritz as a place to enjoy heart and tummy warming favorites and each had a personal favorite small plate to recommend. So our approach to the menu was to give as many as we could a try and I confess we were successful and left more than satisfied.

We hit the Fritz after a long day of skiing at nearby Monarch Mountain and with embarrassingly noisy stomachs. Options like Tuna Sashimi & Poached Prawn’s which are served with crispy onion, pineapple Ponzu sauce, and jalapeño jam were instantly eye catching. Our first pick, this dish was a cool treat for the palate, refreshing and light with a nice spicy heat giving each bite contrast and depth.

Pick 2: Brussel sprouts tantalizingly prepared with an orange reduction, walnuts, parmesan, and brown butter. On a cold winter night this is comfort food at its best. I am always a sucker for the warm richness of butter on my vegetables, but the addition of the orange reduction, the sharp flavor of the parmesan, and the crunch of the walnuts took this dish to the next level. It also came highly recommended by our ski instructor.

Pick 3: As suggested by our awesome waitress the Grilled Romaine with dates, pears, Manchego cheese, and finished with a creamy avocado dressing. I nearly stabbed my dining partner with a fork to get the last bite. A mix between a cooked greens and a fresh salad, this is a unique approach I have not had before and thoroughly enjoyed. Plus anything with dates! Which brings me to our next selection and which comes neck and neck with the grilled romaine as my favorite…

Pick 4: Bacon Wrapped Dates! Stuffed with Gorgonzola cheese, hazelnuts, and red wine gastrique this could have been sweet enough to serve as our dessert, but the cheese and other flavors tempered the sugary date to perfection. I can not recommend this highly enough.

To close our meal at The Fritz we had the tough decision of one more small plate or pie… when I saw the baked Portobello Ravioli with marinara and basil pesto dropped off at our neighbors table and they raved about it the decision was made. Hot melty cheese, the portobello flavor of the ravioli filling, and the bite of the pesto is something I would enjoy any evening.

When you find yourself in Salida make sure to drop in at The Fritz for a relaxed atmosphere and some divine food. I definitely had the energy to hit the slopes again the next day after refueling here.

Find out more on their website – TheFritzSalida.com

Or on Social Media – Facebook – Instagram

Filed Under: food, travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: Colorado, food, monarch mountain, restaurant, salida, the fritz, the fritz salida

LA Travel & Adventure Show

February 25, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Where in the world do you want to travel to next?

Whether you are planning a trip or just a travel enthusiast the Travel and Adventure Show is a must. Meet wonderful representatives from destinations near and far while getting travel tips from experts, and experiencing some of the culture. Camel rides, live music, and costumes make this a colorful event enhanced by the fascinating information at the different booths.

Want an adventure close to home? The Travel and Adventure Show is a perfect place to get a taste of all the destinations nearby too. There are shows all over the country, this one was in Los Angeles and I was impressed by all of the local travel opportunities. There are so many fun trips within driving distance it was eye opening. It was also a geography lesson finding out about all the nearby counties and their attractions. Mammoth Lake, San Bernardino County, the town of Buellton all caught my attention.

New Destinations added to my “To Visit” List?

Tonga – The Kingdom of Tonga is an unspoiled Pacific island nation. They offer attractions like swimming with the whales, scuba diving, snorkeling, and more in pristine natural beauty.

The Azores – This Atlantic chain of islands is one of Europe’s best kept secrets. Part of Portugal, though autonomous, this is a location recognized for its commitment to the environment. With nature reserves and other protected lands this is an opportunity to support conservation efforts.

Taiwan – The country is gorgeous, they have so many interesting cultural activities that this destination has moved up on my list.

2018 is my year to travel, so who is with me? You don’t need to go far, find a local museum or festival, try a new restaurant and check out the shops in a town you have never been to. Embrace adventure where you can, if that means visiting another continent, country, state, or county, whatever works for you. Let the Travel and Adventure Show inspire you.

Check out their website – Travelshows.com or find them on Social Media – Twitter – Facebook – Instagram

Filed Under: travel, Uncategorized Tagged With: azores, california, taiwan, tonga, travel, Travel and Adventure show, travel show

A Visit to Cooperstown NY

February 20, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Natural Beauty and our National Pastime!

Baseball fans you have heard the name because Cooperstown NY is home to the The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, but there is so much more to this area for visitors to enjoy. Museums, breweries, farmers markets, and historical locations are all attractions just a few hours drive from NYC. These fun destinations are surrounded by nature that will inspire you to get out and get moving!

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Learn more about the game, the history, and the players all in one place with exciting exhibits, and displays that will capture baseball fans and newbies alike. Then let the action really come to life with the Heroes of Baseball Wax Museum. Stand next you favorite players and see what they look like outside of their baseball cards. Maybe even take in a game at the birthplace of America’s pastime, Abner Doubleday Field.

The Fenimore Art Museum & The Farmers’ Museum

If you are looking for more museum options Cooperstown is loaded with interesting stops to keep your visit filled with learning and culture. The Fenimore Art Museum is a collection of American fine and folk art, Native American art, and photography as well as visiting exhibitions. Considered one of the nation’s premier art institutions this is a must see for everyone from the views on the walls to the lovely grounds of the museum.

The Farmers’ Museum, New York State circa 1845. What does that look like for families in their day to day life? You can find out and even try your hand at some of these activities while visiting this living history museum. See demonstrations, learn about trade, enjoy the farmstead, the historic village, and the carousel!

Cooperstown Beverage Trail

Beer enthusiasts, wine sippers, and cider lovers will not want to miss these stops on your trip. Cooperstown Beverage Trail is New York State’s first official cuisine trail made up of eight stops, Bear Pond Winery, Cooperstown Brewing Company, Brewery Ommegang, the Fly Creek Cider Mill, Butternuts Beer & Ale, Rustic Ridge Winery, Cooperstown Distillery and Pail Shop Vineyards. Take tours, enjoy tastings, and take some goodies home from their shops. You can find out all the details and a map of locations here to get going on your tour.

Get Out in Nature!

Hike, bike, or get out on the lake! There is camping, fishing, winter recreation, and so much more to show off the gorgeous countryside. Enjoy the delicious food that grows locally by visiting the farmer’s market or visiting the wide variety of eateries in Cooperstown.

For the indoor or outdoor portion of your vacation planning, Cooperstown has everything to appeal to all interests. Be sure to visit their website Thisiscooperstown.com to get tips for your time in the area. See more on social media and get inspiration for a trip to Cooperstown. Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – YouTube

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: Art, art museums, Baseball, baseball museum, breweries, Cooperstown NY, history, museums, New York, New York Travel, NY travel, travel, vineyards

Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival and Highland Games

February 19, 2018 by Admin Leave a Comment

Kilts, Kilts, Kilts, Lads and Ladies!

Travel is a great way to get a feel for other cultures, but there are options closer to home, like the Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival & International Highland Games. For one weekend a year Long Beach California becomes home to a boisterous celebration of Scottish food, dance, and athletics.

Fashion, history, and accents are just the start of all the fun to be had. There were so many competitions to watch it was hard to know where to go next. The Queen Mary is a destination not to be missed on any visit to Southern California, being inside this magnificent ship to watch dancing competitions with live bagpipe accompaniment is epic. Outside in the sunshine men and women put themselves to the test in the Highland Games and I was equally captivated. These Scots have developed some sports you likely have never heard of, but man are they fun to watch!

Yes, the competitors are wearing kilts while they take part in nine feats of strength in these different events. Nine! Talk about endurance. They throw a number of different heavy items at varied weights, a stone, a Scottish hammer, a caber (the caber is a timber like a telephone pole at 15 to 23 feet long and weighing in at somewhere between 70 and 130 pounds), a sheaf toss (straw in a burlap sack tossed over a high bar with a pitchfork), and weights tossed for height and distance. They are wild to watch as men and women take their turns at each contest.

Seeing a 56lbs. weight hefted 12 feet in the air is addicting. Watching as round by round the bar goes higher and the crowd cheers the contestants was a highlight of the Highland Games. I honestly was surprised how addicting the games were as a spectator. I am not usually a fan of live sporting events, but this is one I will be looking forward to again next year. I will be better prepared though and carry an umbrella to keep off the sun so I can plan to spend more time watching the action.

The whole day was filled with fiddles, harps, drums, and bagpipes. If dancing and other human athletics are not your cup of tea there were animal displays to entertain you. Birds of prey, war horses, and a display of sheepherding were all options. As a dog lover and sheep enthusiast I had to see what goes into training a sheepherder. The intensity and concentration of these canines when they are working is clear. The information at all of the animal shows was great!

Reenactors give the history a new dimension. They’re also interactive, and another opportunity for visitors to learn in a fun Q&A or through their demonstrations of crafting and daily life. All of the costumes and kilts running around brings to mind the Renaissance Faire. Modern items are available in the venders stalls and shoppers will enjoy the wares. The t-shirt “Sassy Lassie” caught my eye, but if you want to gear up to dress up this is the place.

What really stands out? Not the haggis, though like the Scottish sports it is an interesting invention. No, it is the people I met who came from all over the country, some from Scotland, their warmth, their love of the Scottish culture, and the enthusiasm they have for sharing it. You will want to add the Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival and Highland Games to your yearly calendar just like I am adding it to mine.

Find out about this event and others going on at the Queen Mary on their website – Queenmary.com
Or on Social Media – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram