Time for a Get-a-Way?

Are the long hot days of Summer starting to wear you down? Feel like you need some time off from work but can’t afford the time or funds to take a regular vacation?  Then I’ve got the perfect solution for you!

Less than an hour away from Lakewood is historic Idaho Springs. The Chamber of Commerce calls it the best-kept secret in Colorado and I would agree.  It's the perfect get-a-way whether it's just for a day trip or for a weekend away. Once known for mining, this quaint little Victorian town is chock full of things to do. 

For example, if you’re looking for a day trip, there are lots of little craft and antique shops to browse in town.  For lunch or dinner, check out Tommyknocker Brewery or Beau Jo Colorado Style Pizza.  We had a fantastic buffalo burger at the Buffalo Restaurant and Bar.

If you’re the physical type there are plenty of hiking and ATV trails.   For the really ambitious there is Mount Evans, a 14-mile ascent through some of the most beautiful country in Colorado.  They say you can see mountain goats along the road. I have to take their word for that as I would be lucky if I could make 1 mile and as sure as heck couldn’t make 14 miles!

History buffs will enjoy the recently opened Argo Mine. The mine is located in Idaho Springs and the tall red structure can be seen from nearly everywhere in town. Formerly a gold mining and milling property, it later became a Superfund cleanup site. In May, a group of investors and a preservationist opened a tunnel for visitors to see parts of the mine. Now, how’s that for innovation! This is only the first phase of an ambitious plan to increase tourism in Idaho Springs. Also planned are a 160 room hotel, cabins, and a convention center. Way to go, Idaho Springs!

If you have a little more time, stay at the Indian Springs Lodge. The 100-year-old lodge was built at the hot springs from which Idaho Springs gets its name. With time they have added on additional rooms and cabins. Be sure to check out the great photos of the early days in the lobby. Rooms are not fancy with just a bare minimum of amenities but you’re not there for the rooms. If you don’t want to swim in the hot springs or relax in the separate men’s and women's geothermal cave baths, then try the private hot tubs. There is nothing more relaxing than sitting in a hot tub under the stars.

Temperature wise, Idaho Springs is a comfortable high of 80 degrees right now while we are sweltering at 95 to 100 degrees.  Nights dip down to around 58 which is great for sleeping.

So go check it out.  You will feel like you went far away and come back feeling relaxed and ready to take on whatever comes your way.

How Do You Celebrate Independence Day?

When you work in real estate holidays can become just like any other work day.  After all, this is when people are off from work and have time to see homes. I don’t resent it. It comes with the job and I love helping people find the place where they will make memories.

Today, however, I  found myself with no appointments so  I was scrolling through social media reading what everyone was planning for the 4^th of July holiday.  Some were going to the mountains or the lakes, others were attending barbecues, and still others were meeting family or friends.

 It started me thinking about ways I have celebrated in the past.  As a child I loved July 4^th and what was not too love?  It was the height of the summer vacation.   School seemed like it was a long way off.  The days were filled with exploring, playing in the park and riding our bikes in the evening with the smell of Jasmine in the air.  I am sure I didn’t understand the larger meaning of the holiday. It wasn’t until I was older, I understood what had been sacrificed so we could celebrate this day. I was even older before I understood what American Exceptionalism really meant. 

When I was very young, my family would go to the local park to watch the fireworks.  We’d look for a good place to spread our blanket and then we kids would run around and play until it got dark.  When the fireworks started the oohs and ahhs would send a thrill down my young spine.  I especially loved the ground fireworks that would be a flaming Statue of Liberty or an American Flag.  When I got older, we would light fireworks in our yard and sometimes there would be a block party where all the families would meeting in the street.  Being a bit of a chicken I was content to play with my sparklers while we watched the older kids light the rockets, whistlers, and fountains.   We would pretend the sparklers were fairy wands and loved to see the streaks of light as we ran with them.  I’m sure it was dangerous but it was a time of innocence that I feel may have been lost.

As an adult, we try to recreate that feeling by meeting family and friends at the local park. We usually bring a big cooler of food and drinks.  The kids throw a football or run through the park with electric pinwheels and glowing bracelets.  The adults sit, eat and talk about everything under the sun.   If there is a good band playing, we might dance to the music.  By the time the fireworks start, we are happily full of good food and good conversation.  We sit in our lawn chairs as we oooh and ahhh the fireworks.  I always try to see if I can get better fireworks photos than the year before.   When it is over, we always talk about how this year’s finale was better than last year’s as we pack up our blankets and cooler. Then we make our way to our cars, patiently maneuvering around others with wagons and carts of sleepy kids.

So how do you celebrate Independence Day? What is your family tradition?  I’d love to hear what you how you make this day special.

If you’re looking for an event to start your own family tradition, you might want to check out the fireworks at Belleview Park/Cornerstone Park.  It’s a free event sponsored by the cities of Littleton, Englewood, Sheridan and the South Suburban Parks and Recreation.

Schedule of Events
Cornerstone Park (5150 S. Windermere Street)
10 am - 7 pm	Colorado Journey Miniature Golf (fee charged)
Noon - 2 pm	Batting Cages Open
3 - 9 pm	Food and Novelty Vendors (fee charged)
3 - 9 pm	Slide, Bounce Castle, etc. (fee charged)
7-9 pm	Live Band - Euforquestra
9:30 pm	FIREWORKS!
Belleview Park (5001 S. Inca Street)
10 am - 6 pm	Pirates Cove open (fee charged)
10 am - 4 pm	Miniature Train open ($1.75 per person)
10 am - 4 pm	Children's Farm ($1.75 per person)
3 - 9 pm	Food & Novelty Vendors (fee charged)