Tag Archives: Colorado

Our Thoughts and Prayers Go Out to Aurora

Posted by Helena Bowen in Colorado and tagged with , , , , , , , ,

It is incredibly sad that Goat Show Doc’s time in Colorado was book-ended by two local tragedies: The High Park and Waldo Canyon Fires and last night’s The Dark Knight Rises shooting.  Our thoughts go out to the families in Denver who suffered horrific losses last night.  Thank you to everyone who texted, called or emailed me this morning to check to see if we were okay.  All of us are shaken by the terrifying proximity of the massacre (we were only a few miles away in Denver at a different theater at a midnight screening of The Dark Knight Rises) and heartbroken for all the families who weren’t so lucky as we were.  This marks a second horrific Colorado shooting in my life time – the first being Columbine on April 20th, 1999.  We all hope this is the last.

If you are in the Denver area, please consider donating blood.  I know Denver area hospitals are desperately in need of blood for the 50+ shooting victims.

http://www.bonfils.org/index.cfm/news-and-events/newsroom/news-releases/2012/pr-07202012/

25 Fun Things to Do During the National Show! #4: Rocky Mountain Oysters

Posted by Helena Bowen in Colorado, Fun Things to Do in Colorado and tagged with , , , ,

#4: Indulge in Some Rocky Mountain Oysters!

But Colorado is landlocked!  *Sigh* I’ll explain if I must.  Kids, cover your ears.  Rocky Mountain Oysters are… fried bull testicles.  Black Hills Oysters are fried buffalo testicles.  Rocky Mountain Oysters certainly aren’t popular in Colorado, but they’re definitely famous.  Many Coloradoans giggle and admit that yes, they tried them once.  Bruce’s Bar in Severance is the go-to place for Rocky Mountain Oysters, so if you’re culinarily adventurous or lost a bet, this is your place!  Don’t worry – they do serve “normal” food too, so if bull testicles isn’t your thing there are still options.

Bruce’s Bar is 13 miles from the Ranch: 123 1st Street, Severance, CO 80546.  Check out their website: http://brucesbar123.com/

They also have great artwork :)

25 Fun Things to Do During the National Show! #5: A Colorado Springs Day Trip!

Posted by Helena Bowen in Colorado, Fun Things to Do in Colorado and tagged with , , , , , , ,

#5: Take a Day Trip to Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is definitely at the top of my list when we have out-of-town visitors.  Unfortunately, it is a 3 hour drive from the Ranch.  But you know I wouldn’t list something that far away unless it was REALLY good – and it is!  My two favorite attractions there are the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

There’s a good reason Katherine Lee Bates composed America the Beautiful at the top of Pikes Peak – she was sitting in one of the most beautiful spots in the country!  The view from Pikes Peak (pictured above) is stunning and you can LITERALLY see 5 different states from the top on a clear day (CO, NM, UT, KN, OK – if I remember correctly).  Pikes Peak is the #1 visited mountain peak in the U.S. and the #2 in the world (after Mt. Fuji).

My favorite way to experience the peak is via the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the highest railroad in the U.S. and the highest cog railway in the world!  (http://www.cograilway.com/)  The 10 mile trip takes about 3 hours (they let you out at the top to roam around).  You get AWESOME views of the Peak all the way up and the tour guides / train conductors are full of interesting Pikes Peak stories and historical information.  Don’t forget your cameras!

LISTEN UP!  Here are two things you MUST remember if you’re going to the top of Pikes Peak:

- BRING WARM CLOTHING!!!  It is 30 degrees COLDER at the top of the peak than the bottom.  I’ve brought friends to Colorado Springs in 80-90 degree weather and they insist on wearing shorts and a short-sleeved shirt up to the Peak.  Ignoring my advice, they were miserable and violently shivering at the top!  Do not make this mistake just because it is hot at the bottom of the peak.  Bring layers and wear jeans and closed-toe shoes if you want to get the most of your time at the top.

-GET A DONUT AT THE TOP OF THE PEAK!!!  Even if you’re on a diet.  Do it.  Pikes Peak is known for its DELICIOUS donuts (I recommend the chocolate frosted ones).  They’re made fresh around the clock and to die for!  Their super-high-altitude donut recipe makes them one-of-a-kind.  (The shop claims that the high-altitude donuts shrink slightly when you return to the bottom of the peak – but I’ve always been too hungry and excited to test this…)

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (http://www.cmzoo.org/) is by far one of the best I’ve ever visited (and as the daughter of two veterinarians, I’ve seen a LOT of zoos).  Located on the side of a mountain, CMZ is a beautiful habitat for the animals, a beautiful place to visit AND a great way to get a lot of exercise while having fun.  My favorite exhibit is the giraffes (see adorable face pictured below).  Get this- at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo you get to feed the giraffes!  The last time I was there (2010), you got a huge handful of giraffe crackers for $3 and the gentle giants would crane their necks over the fence to slurp the crackers out of your hand.  If you’re afraid of wiggly giraffe tongues, fuzzy giraffe lips or giraffe slobber – don’t say I didn’t warn you! – but I’ve never heard of anyone getting bitten whilst feeding the giraffes.  The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is tons of fun and super popular with the kids.  In all my travels, domestic and foreign, the only zoo I’ve visited that rivals Cheyenne Mountain is the San Diego Zoo, often claimed to the best in the U.S. and possibly the world!

25 Fun Things to Do During the National Show! #6: Trail Riding

Posted by Helena Bowen in Colorado, Fun Things to Do in Colorado and tagged with , , , , , , , , , ,

#6: Trail Riding!

I’m sure many of you are way too skilled in the horse department for an easy-going trail ride, but its a fun, relaxing way to get out and see Colorado.  There are plenty of stables near Fort Collins, but I will stick to Estes Park listings because, as you know, the High Park Fire has probably closed most Fort Collins-area trail rides.  Here are several different horseback riding opportunities in beautiful Estes Park, the gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Forest.  Estes Park is less than an hour from The Ranch!

Sombrero Ranches: http://www.sombrero.com/

SK HORSES: http://www.skhorses.com/

O’Dells Horseback Riding at Elkhorn Lodge: http://www.estesparkhorseback.com/

Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch (on the way up to Estes Park): http://www.sylvandale.com/adventure-vacation-destination-outdoor-adventures/colorado-horseback-riding-vacations.html

Jackson Stables & Livery: http://jacksonstables.com/

25 Fun Things to Do During the National Show! #7: Swetsville Zoo

Posted by Helena Bowen in Colorado, Fun Things to Do in Colorado and tagged with , , , ,

#7: The Swetsville Zoo

Pack a picnic and bring your family to The Swetsville Zoo!  Once a farmer, Bill Swets decided his efforts were better spent in zookeeping- but not the kind you’re thinking of.  Starting in 1985, Swets began using old farm machinery, car parts, scrap metal and appliances to create HUGE metal sculptures – mostly goofy looking people or animals.  100 of Bill’s creations are still housed on his farm (8 miles North of the Ranch).  Enjoy a picnic at this free “zoo,” which is open every day during daylight hours.  The Swetsville Zoo is across from the Walmart Supercenter at the Harmony Exit of I-25.

25 Fun Things to Do During the National Show! #8: Fly Fishing!

Posted by Helena Bowen in Colorado, Fun Things to Do in Colorado and tagged with , , , , , , , , , ,

#8: Go Fly Fishing

Listen up boys!  While your wives are out fabric shopping, the river is where it’s at!  (Ladies, that doesn’t mean I’m discouraging you from going fishing too!)  Unfortunately, the status of the Cache la Poudre River, one of NoCo’s most popular fly fishing rivers, is questionable right now because of the fire.  But there are still plenty of excellent fishing opportunities!  Don’t worry if you’ve never done it before – pictured above is Arcangelo Cella, my Italian best friend from Boston, who’d never fished a day in his life before vacationing with me in Colorado.  He was a fly fishing pro in no time!

Keep in mind that if you’re over 16, you need to get a Colorado fishing license (available for 1 day, 5 days or more!).  Do not fret – Sportsman’s Warehouse is just THREE MILES from the Ranch and is on your way to either The Big Thompson or St. Vrain Rivers (listed below).  Sportsman’s Warehouse sells fishing licenses at their customer services counter: 1675 Rocky Mountain Avenue, Loveland, CO 80538.  As you get closer to the foothills, there are also several mom n’ pop type fishing shops that sell licenses.

Anyway, The Big Thompson River and St. Vrain Rivers are two of your best fishing options within reasonable driving distance of The Ranch:

The Big Thompson River (West of Loveland) is closest to The Ranch.  The Big Thompson starts in Rocky Mountain National Park and flows into the Estes Park Dam.  Once through the dam, it maneuvers through Big Thompson canyon down to Loveland.  Check out this great blog on fishing The Big Thompson: http://coloradoflyfishingreports.blogspot.com/2011/05/big-thompson-river-colorado.html

The St. Vrain River (West of Lyons) is another very popular option.  Check out this link for more information: http://www.coloradofishing.net/ft_ffish1.htm

Here are some helpful links on Fishing in Colorado:

http://wildlife.state.co.us/fishing/Pages/Fishing.aspx

http://coloradofishing.net/

And if you want to be a total geek (like my dad), check out the fishing reports before you go:

http://coloradofishing.net/reports.htm

Finally, let me recommend Jax Outdoor, a favorite of many Colorado outdoors-men & -women :)   It has stores in Loveland and Fort Collins!  This is also a great place for good quality Coloradoy food (elk jerky, buffalo jerky, deer jerky, steak rubs, CO based food products, etc.) and souvenirs if you’re interested.

http://www.jaxmercantile.com/

25 Fun Things to Do During the National Show! #9: Benson Sculpture Garden

Posted by Helena Bowen in Colorado, Fun Things to Do in Colorado and tagged with , , , , ,

#9: The Benson Sculpture Garden

Art lovers, look no further than the Benson Sculpture Garden, one of Loveland’s favorite public displays of art.  Benson Sculpture is a 10 acres park with over 135 beautiful sculptures located at 2908 Aspen Drive in Loveland, Colorado (10 miles from The Ranch).  It’s a great place to take a peaceful stroll or enjoy a picnic!

Check out this great site if you’re interested in further exploring the public art of Loveland!  http://www.colo-news.com/art_of_loveland/

25 Fun Things to Do During the National Show! #13: See a Movie!

Posted by Helena Bowen in Colorado, Fun Things to Do in Colorado and tagged with , , , , ,

#13: See a Movie!

There’s nothing wrong with hitting the theaters after a long day of goat showing!  (Especially because that’s 2-3 hours of free air-conditioning!)  There are tons of great theaters in the area.  The closest are the Metrolux 12 – 6085 Sky Pond Dr. Loveland, CO 80538 (3 miles from the Ranch) and the Cinemark Fort Collins- 4721 South Timberline Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80525 (9 miles from The Ranch).

I will also direct your attention to the Holiday Twin Drive-In in Fort Collins (pictured above).  Clearly, drive-in movie theaters are extremely rare these days, so it is a great opportunity to experience this American classic once again!  http://www.holidaytwindrivein.com/  The Holiday Twin shows 4 movies each night, a double feature on each of two screens.  It is located at 2206 South Overland Trail in Fort Collins, which is 18 miles (about 30 minutes) from The Ranch.

Here are a few of the big summer movies that will be in theaters during your stay.  Click on the title for more information on each movie:

Pixar’s Brave (Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly)
Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (Steve Carell, Keira Knightley)
As an asteroid nears Earth, a man finds himself alone after his wife leaves in a panic. He decides to take a road trip to reunite with his high school sweetheart. Accompanying him is a neighbor who inadvertently puts a wrench in his plan.

Magic Mike (Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey)
A male stripper teaches a younger performer how to party, pick up women, and make easy money.

Ted (Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis)
A story centered on a man and his teddy bear, who comes to life as the result of a childhood wish.  (Take note: this is DEFINITELY not a kid’s movie, despite what the plot sounds like.  Rated R.)

The Amazing Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone)
Peter Parker finds a clue that might help him understand why his parents disappeared when he was young. His path puts him on a collision course with Dr. Curt Connors, his father’s former partner.

Katy Perry: A Part of Me
A documentary that chronicles Katy Perry’s life on and off-stage.

Prometheus (Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshall-Green)
A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race. (Take note: This movie is already in theaters, but it is immensely popular and I would be surprised if it weren’t still in theaters during the National Show)

Check www.fandango.com for show times, tickets and more theaters.  The Ranch’s zip-code is 80538.

25 Fun Things to Do During the National Show! #14: Red Rocks

Posted by Helena Bowen in Colorado, Fun Things to Do in Colorado and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

#14: Red Rocks!

Concert junkies, listen up!  Red Rocks Amphitheater is one of the PREMIERE concert venues in the country.  This outdoor amphitheater A) is stunning B) has incredible views of Denver at night (see above) and C) has amazing natural acoustics created by the walls of rock on either side.  Here’s the schedule for National’s week:

FRIDAY JULY 6th – String Cheese Incident

SATURDAY JULY 7th – String Cheese Incident

SUNDAY JULY 8th – Symphony on the Rocks – the Music of John Williams

MONDAY JULY 9th – The Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Tour

TUESDAY JULY 10th – Film on the Rocks – “Bridesmaids”

THURSDAY JULY 12th – John Denver Tribute w/ John Adams Band and CO Chamber Orchestra

FRIDAY JULY 13th – An Evening with Yanni Under the Stars

SATURDAY JULY 14th – Brandi Carlile with Ingrid Michaelson & Gregory Alan Isakov

Check out their website for more information on shows and tickets: http://www.redrocksonline.com/

If you aren’t interested in going to a concert, Red Rocks is still a great place to visit!  It also has several stimulating hiking and biking trails that show off the locations natural beauty and amazing geological formations.  More info here: http://www.redrocksonline.com/PARKAMENITIES/HikingBiking.aspx

25 Fun Things to Do During the National Show! #15: Hot Air Ballooning!

Posted by Helena Bowen in Colorado and tagged with , , ,

#15: Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride!

Back to the more accessible, local stuff.  I’ve given you many different options to see Colorado by foot or by tire, but did you know one of the best ways to see Colorado is by air?  NoCo has dozens of Hot Air Balloon companies.  My mother and I went probably 10-15 years ago (when I was much younger) and we had a FANTASTIC time.  I highly recommend it (so long as you aren’t terrified of heights).

Here are just a few different Hot Air Balloon companies in the area.  I’m sure google will help you find more if you’re interested :)

http://www.adventureballoonsports.com/

http://www.hotairballoonridescolorado.com/

http://www.spiritofcoloradoballoon.com/

http://www.hotairballoonsdenverco.com/

http://aircolorado.com/

http://www.windtracker-balloons.com/

http://www.flightsoffancyllc.com/