From the Springs to the Source

On our last day and night in Colorado, we checked out of the Hotel Chateau Chamonix and decided to make a detour.  It was a rainy, foggy day but because we hadn't been to the Springs together, we headed South.  There are so many places here that I want to show the BF so it only made sense.  We arrived in time for lunch so our first stop was The Loop.  Located in the heart of Manitou Springs, it's a local favorite of mine serving up great Mexican food and thirst quenching margaritas.  After lunch, we strolled downtown checking out all of the cool shops.

Coffee, we needed coffee before we headed to our next destination; Garden of the Gods.  We stopped by 13 Trees Coffee, a small-walk-up coffee shop located right on Manitou Ave.  They are known for their butter-infused cup that is made fresh and smooth.  A perfect choice for a chilly day.  With our cups of java in hand, we made our way to the park; and even though it was definitely not the ideal weather forecast, I had to show him the beauty of this place.  The low-hung fog hid the tops of the towering rock formations, but it was still a site to see.  We made our way around the loop and I was excited to point out the different rock formations and where I had been hiking this past June.  Slowly, as we drove along Juniper Way, a mule deer ventured across the road.  He was beautiful and I instantly sent a picture of him to my Dad, because well, he loves Colorado and he loves deer even more.

Before leaving town, I had to see my Colorado Bestie.  So, we made a trip to Bass Pro on our way out of town.  They finally got to meet the BF and we were able to catch up for a bit before heading onto Denver.  We had decided to book a room at The Source Hotel, located in the heart of the ultra-cool art district of RiNo.  With views of the Denver Skyline and the Rocky Mountains, welcome beers upon arrival, a rooftop pub, concrete floors, and modern decor, it was the perfect place to stay.  We met up with some of the BF's friends at The Woods and enjoyed rooftop cocktails before calling it a night.  We had an early flight back to KC but our time in Colorado was one for the books.  We can't wait to return and adventure to some of the new places we spotted as we went off the beaten path.

For Now, Colorado...Peace
Shona

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Not Just Another Fly-Over State

Kansas...the state that connects East to West, North to South and if you ask me, should not be overlooked by the overlookers.  I have lived in this state my entire life, living in 7 different cities or towns and experiencing places some of you probably don't even know exist.  I grew up on a gravel road and my home was surrounded by cornfields, railroad tracks, fireflies, and nighttime silence. 

This post is for those who may want to venture out of the city to a small town where you may be labeled as the outsider or for those who may want to venture out of the country into the city where you become someone who "looks like you are from the country"...I have played both roles so I know all about that.  But guess what, no matter where I go the people are friendly, I can usually find a really good place to eat...necessity, and when I leave to go home, I have usually learned something new and have meet some really awesome people. 

Besides that, even though Kansas isn't surrounded by the ocean or the mountains, it is a beautiful place...I'll show you.

A little bit of country...because gravel roads lead to home.

 photo courtesy of @heather.rolf

 photo courtesy of @heather.rolf

harvested by my Dad

Lakes...because they are smooth like seas.

 Toronto Lake...photo courtesy of @heather.rolf 

 Clinton Lake

Perry Lake

Melvern Lake

Diners...because I mentioned I love to eat.

 Ladybird Diner, Lawrence KS...just overall amazing.

 Hookers N Reelers, Lake Perry...ask for extra bacon.

 The City Diner, River Market...great breakfast!

 The Pizza Parlor in LeRoy KS...homemade pies and pizza...need I say more?

Perry Bar and Grill, Perry KS...hamburger and fries please!

Trains...because they connect us.

photo courtesy of @heather.rolf

Flinthills and Wind Farms...because open highways and views for miles.

Last but not least, the city KCK-KCMO because we are one...with unexpected beauty.

For The Love Of Kansas

Shona

Weekend in T-Town

Besides attending the Deco Ball and Gala recently, I was introduced to a side of Tulsa that I have never seen before.  This town is popping with fun new places to be sociable  ~ think bars, restaurants, art galleries, food trucks, bowling, and endless nights of adventure. From the Blue Dome District, Brady Arts District, the Deco District and Brookside to shopping at Utica Square, there is something for everyone!

Lets start with The Valkyrie, located in the Brady Arts District.  The top quality drinks will please your palate and if you are unsure of what to order, the bartenders will make sure and mix up the perfect cocktail for you! The revolving menu will keep you trying new and classic cocktails each time you visit.  They also have an extensive Spirits list and many different Beer options. My drink of choice, The Bramlin' Man, is a mix of vodka, blackberry syrup, fresh sage, tellicherry peppercorn, aperol apertivo, honey syrup, and lemon juice. It was described as "Just like Christmas Morning" ~ by James. The bartenders were very knowledgeable and friendly; so friendly, we all toasted together with a fabulous shot, on the house of course!

The Tavern, also in the Brady District, was our second stop. A place with creative cocktails and craft beers, another great place to down a libation. Their beverage menu changes frequently so there is always something new to try.  We tried the April in Paris and the Bengali Gimlet, both amazing.

Arnies Bar, one word, Irish.  Located in The Blue Dome District, this pub is low key, laid back, and not fancy but definitely fun and has a very cool history.  It was all about the beer here and I am pretty sure I ended up with a Coors Light. Probably should have went with something Irish. Next time!

Did I mention Food Trucks? Everywhere.  For some reason, we went to The Dog House, two nights in a row. If you haven't had cream cheese on a hot dog, do it now.  Hot dogs aren't a food I usually go for, but hey, we were on an adventure so why not!  The spicy dog was good too!

Friday night ended with a stop into an Art Gallery to see  a few local collections.  They were closing up, but were nice enough to let James give me a quick tour and check out the art.  A very cool place that I wish we would have had a bit more time to take in.

We took in as much as we could on this fun weekend adventure. From bowling to brunching, to shopping at Utica Square; Patio's, walking the Tulsa streets to take in the nightlife and ending with lunch at Caz's Chowhouse and a short stop at Guthrie Green, where they play live music on the weekends.   A great place to visit!

 The Valkyrie

The Tavern
We opted for the "April in Paris" and the "Bengali Gimlet"

Arnie's Bar

Brunch at Stonehorse Cafe, Utica Square

Fun Out On The Town

Caz's Chowhouse, Brady Art's District

Until the next adventure, 

Shona