Beautiful Colorado Things to Do Editor/Kandy Derden

Go, Do, See Welcome to Beautiful Colorado!

The only thing is, some of it isn’t so picturesque any more. Recently, I was given the opportunity to see firsthand the devastation from the forest fire which ravaged portions of a once scenic area. I expected to see some parched ground and scorched trees. I did not anticipate miles and miles of barren nothingness. Why would anyone go sightseeing in such an area? I have absolutely no idea, but having seen it, I can now understand the hopelessness being felt by landowners.

Lest that sound like a bit of hypocrisy, allow me to explain why we were there. Sightseeing was not our purpose. I was with a Southern Baptist Disaster Relief team assembled specifically to help property owners with their clean up efforts. “Many hands make light work” is a quote which was proven once again to be oh-so true, especially in this situation.

I didn’t know what to expect. Many times during my life, I listened to the story of the day my grandparent’s home burned. As the story goes, my grandmother had been washing dishes so she took her wedding ring off and laid it in a little dish in the window sill over the sink. She forgot to put it back on before they went to town for supplies. Someone in town told them the news of their home burning. By the time they returned, it was a total loss.

But since she knew where to look, they poked around in the ashes until they found her diamonds encased in the now melted dish. I never cared for the motif of her new wedding set, but the story of how it was designed to include her original stone makes it especially sentimental to the family. For this reason, I am able to empathize with those who have lost everything. Each has been given the opportunity to list any items which they would hope to have recovered. That’s where we come in. Our volunteers sifted through an entire lifetime of accumulated memories in the form of momentos, decorations and collections. There was rejoicing and celebration each time we found something salvage-

Welcome to Beautiful Colorado!

able, even if for the sole purpose of sentimental attach-

ment rather than any monetary value. Yes, clean-up efforts are under way, but it is still going to take time for nature to recover from such widespread damage. Alas, Beautiful Colorado isn’t attractive anymore. Or is it? While in the area, we took a brief side trip to the Rocky Mountain National Park. From what little I was able to see, it is still a monument to God’s artistic flair during the Earth’s creation. Even in summer, snow still covers the magnificent mountain peaks creating some gorgeous waterfalls and mountain streams. Wildlife has a sanctuary there because there is a diverse assortment of foliage providing a lush habitat. There was plenty of foot traffic within the areas where restaurants, shops and hotels were located. Tourism is alive and well in the area in spite of natural disasters.

Our team didn’t have much time to explore the many unique local shops or restaurants. However, I did find time to check out one business idea I would love to see catch on. In the midst of all the tourist attractions, we found a breakfast/lunch counter which was also a book store, book exchange and reading library. Bookshelves were strategically located everywhere plus tables were laden with stacks of books and reading material. I loved it! If none of the above options are of interest to you, check out the YMCA. For years I had an image in my head of YMCA buildings. The only information I had to draw upon was from television where the Y is a non-descript gray building in a deteriorating area of the city. A cot could be rented by the day for single men with limited means and if you were lucky, they had an indoor pool.

Nothing could be further from the truth at the Snow Mountain Ranch, known as YMCA of the

Colorado _ Continued

Rockies located near Granby, Colorado. Thousands of acres are home to numerous lodges for rent, suitable for large group gatherings such as retreats, family reunions, vacations or as in our case, a place to call home while working with a recovery unit. If it hadn’t been for our schedule, we might have been able to take advantage of hiking, rock climbing, biking, camping, day camp for children, miniature golf, crafts, therapeutic horseback riding, indoor swimming or a rodeo. The list goes on and on. We observed antelope, fox, elk and moose all from the comfort of our lodge.

For those of you interested in such a place, be aware of one thing. You know that handy dandy little catch phrase we used to describe stadium seats which are way in the back, up high? They are called the nosebleed section for a reason. Expect thin and dry air associated with the altitude. If you plan on any physical exertion, be prepared with a can of oxygen (available in most locations). Sometimes, one quick breath of pure oxygen is all it takes to get you going again. The population of this tourist area fluctuates greatly. I was surprised, though I shouldn’t have been, to discover how many people move there to live and work for the season, then return to their permanent place of residence. Locals are resilient although still traumatized by their losses. We found some who are rebuilding, some who are still living in very temporary quarters, and others who are doing all they can to help their neighbors (or former neighbors) bounce back. Sadly, there is a percentage who will never have the means to recover completely. My heart goes out to them. Even though I have experienced losses from a housefire, tornado and a break in, we have always managed to recover. Although this is not my primary reason for being a Disaster Relief volunteer, it is something which helps me have compassion for those who are affected by a disaster which caused damage from which they cannot recover without assistance. Additional teams of trained Southern Baptist Disaster Relief workers will be rotating in and out throughout the summer providing help, hope and healing. Please don’t ignore the travel and vacation possibilities which are available. Not to worry, Colorado residents still welcome visitors with a smile and a greeting:

“Welcome to Beautiful Colorado!”

Things to Do: A Disney Breakfast

Enjoy a dinner or a Disney Character Breakfast at Makahiki, a restaurant at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii.

Treat your family to “Aunty’s Breakfast Celebration at the Makahiki,” a lively Disney Character Breakfast now offered daily!

You can also enjoy a casual family-friendly preset 3-course breakfast featuring fresh local ingredients and chef-inspired dishes Or the buffet is loaded with family-friendly breakfast foods as you interact with some of your favorite Disney Characters.

BREAKFAST BUFFET

The buffet includes a selection of delicious choices like pancakes, waffles, French toast, island fruits, traditional Asian offerings, housebaked pastries, daily specialties and a build-your-own omelet station. DISNEY CHARACTERS

Mickey Mouse and some of your other favorite Disney Characters are available for photos, fun interactions and a few very special surprises that your family will never forget!

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

Chefs at this restaurant can often substitute different ingredients and offer alternative food options for Guests with special dietary requests. Please tell us about your food allergies and dietary requirements when you make dining reservations.

At this time, you can make online reservations for a party of up to 10 Guests. For larger parties, please call (808)674-6330 to reserve a space that accommodates your group.

This casual, family-friendly restaurant is named for the Makahiki season, the traditional Hawaiian celebration of the harvest. Here, the spirit of Makahiki is celebrated through delectable cuisine and local artwork.

Satisfy your appetite with fresh, local foods and international flavors in a vibrant setting. Throughout the restaurant, you’ll find elegant glass designs and jewel-toned murals that depict the story of the Makahiki season. And as day turns to night, the restaurant’s lighting gradually turns from rose to indigo with the setting of the sun.

Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily. Reservations should bemadeonline at https://www.disneyaulani.com/dining/reservation/

For more on Hawaii >Click Here

Go, Do, See Best of the Best

BOISE - Whether you’re an Idaho native or just passing through on your extendedweekend getaway, be sure to reserve enough time to try out all the “BEST” ranking places to grab a bite or a drink. The following dining options are sure to fill your hungar pains from travels:

Best Airport Restaurant

Parilla Grill at the Boise Airport.

Order fresh and grilled marinated meats and vegetables accompanied by delicious salsas, sauces, and dressings made in-house and served in steamed tortillas.

Best Food Truck

The Kilted Kod

Fish and chips is a simple dish consisting of only fried fish and french fries, but this means there’s no sauce, topping, or bun to cover up any misstep. The Kilted Kod has perfected this dish, which is why Yelp reviewers are absolutely raving about the perfectly crisp pieces of fried cod and shoestring fries. The batter is a bit spicy, and the whole platter is served with house-made tartar sauce and a few glugs of malt vinegar. nese-American dish you can dream of, the restaurant also recently added a hibachi grill as well as a full-service sushi bar, which would easily be worth the price of admission alone: Eight bucks for lunch, and $11.25 for dinner.

Best Brunch (and Fried Chicken) Fork....

Best Buffet Restaurant

All-U-Can-Eat China Grand Buffet

Going strong for more than 10 years, this beloved Boise institution serves all the Chinese and Japanese classics, more than 200 items in total. Along with just about every Chi-

This farm-to-table Boise hotspot is run by a husband-and-wife duo, Cameron and Amanda Lumsden. Much of the ingredients are sourced from local Boise and Northwest farmers, ranchers, bakers, producers, and cheese makers, and the end result is a brunch menu that highlights fresh ingredients from local farmers markets. Start with a trip to the Bloody Mary bar, and follow that up with a house-baked cinnamon roll. As many items as there are listed on their menu, they alway take the honor of having the “best” fried chicken also.

Tuesdays are the days to go, when the cast-iron buttermilk fried chicken and cheddar waffle are on the menu. Drizzled with balsamic-infused maple syrup and local honey-orange butter, it’s a true masterpiece, but be there early: It’s only available while supplies last.

Best Burger

Bittercreek Ale House in Boise

It’s made with 100 percent grass-fed, house-ground chuck and brisket and served on locally baked potato buns. You can have yours topped with cheese or bacon (or both), or you can opt for the popular Huntsman burger, topped with English Cheddar, Stilton, pickles, lettuce, onions, bacon, and special sauce.

Best Ice Cream Stand Goody’s Soda Fountain and Candy

An old-fashioned Idaho soda fountain serving up comforting classics like banana splits, waffle bowls, and handmade chocolate and fudge.

For more on Idaho >Click Here

Go, Do, See Delicious in Montana

Hootdogs “It was a wild hair idea,” laughs Rita Hofer, a King Colony Hutterite woman who on a whim skewered a hot dog, swaddled it in fry-bread dough, then dunked it in a vat of boiling oil. Voila: the Hootdog! Hofer serves her creation with a side of ketchup and mustard at the Lewistown Farmers Market on Saturdays from June through early October. Hofer had fun incorporating the word Hoot, a slang term some Montanans use when referring to a member of her Anabaptist-descended religious colony, the Hutterites. Huckleberry Swirls “The whole reason we moved to Montana 23 years ago was because of my husband’s mistress: the Montana huckleberry,” jokes Paulette Njirich, who owns the Libby Cafe with spouse Jim. Each year, the Njiriches purchase more than 1,700 pounds of plump, purple berries from local pickers to feature in items like Huckleberry Flapjacks drenched in homemade huckleberry syrup. “They’re not a pancake; they’re not a crepe,” explains Jim (who inadvertently invented them one day by adding huckleberries to potato flapjack batter), when describing the flapjacks’ texture. “And they’re loaded with huckleberries,” adds Paulette, who crafts from-scratch Huckleberry Swirls. “I dust [the dough] with finely ground walnuts, sugar and lemon and really pile on the berries. Then I roll them up and bake before topping them with huckleberry cream frosting.”

Fry Bread

If you’re not lucky enough to have a grandmother or special auntie who makes fry bread, then head to Crow Fair the third weekend in August. Held on Montana’s Crow Reservation, the annual event celebrates Native American culture, and reunites family groups with a traditional powwow, dances and Indian horse races. At the center of “Teepee Capital of the World” is a dance arbor surrounded by vendors selling all sorts of carnival fare — including fry bread and Indian tacos (fry bread with taco toppings). Locals eat theirs unembellished, slathered in honey, or sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. For more on Montana > Click Here

The thoughtfully restored landmark celebrates heritage, original design and one-of-a-kind experiences in a spectacular natural setting

Bordering on 1.5 million acres of Santa Fe National Forest, Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection is now open, just minutes from the city’s historic plaza. Dating back to the 1860s, when Santa Fe’s first archbishop built a chapel and lodge on the property, the resort pays homage to the past, while celebrating Santa Fe’s vibrant cultural, art and culinary scenes and the spirit of adventure that epitomizes the Rocky Mountains. The first luxury offering of its kind in Santa Fe, Bishop’s Lodge provides state-of-the-art accommodations, a destination restaurant conceived by Chef Dean Fearing, an array of outdoor adventures and transformative wellness experiences set against one of the most starkly beautiful backdrops in the Southwest.

The beating heart of the resort is The Lodge, home to SkyFire, the signature restaurant of Bishop’s Lodge, a bar lounge, living room and expansive outdoor decks with fire pits and breathtaking sunset views. Artworks from the property’s original collection dating back to the 1940s adorn the walls and the centerpiece attraction is an oversized alfresco Kiva fireplace, where guests can gather in the evenings to toast the setting sun.

Located beneath the Main Lodge is NATHALIE at Bishop’s Lodge, a boutique curated by former French Vogue fashion editor Nathalie Kent. NATHALIE’s boasts a bespoke collection of turquoise jewelry, cowboy boots and western wear alongside handpicked Southwest objects and one-of-a-kind treasures from around the world. Adjacent is the Gerald Peters Gallery, which displays an array of local artwork and a collection of historic Navajo rugs and artifacts while also hosting a visiting artist program.

Bold Southwestern Flavors

Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection offers three distinct dining destinations. Drawing inspiration from the diverse ingredients and rich textures of New Mexico, the resort’s signature restaurant, SkyFire, was conceptualized by Chef Dean Fearing, the “Godfather of Southwestern Cuisine.” Featuring breathtaking views, it offers both indoor and outdoor settings and the unique services of a Chile Host to curate peppers and chili oil pairings based on each guest’s palette. The element of fire is present throughout, informing the ambiance and menu as the wood-fired piñon and cedar grill imparts complexity to bright, vibrant fare.

The Bar is the atelier of SkyFire, boasting its own private terrace and open fireplace. The menu features inspired mixology creations such as smoky craft mezcal cocktails, as well as elevated Southwestern bar snacks. The hotel’s casual eatery, Two Dogs Café, is a bright and relaxed cafe offering artisanal coffees, homemade pastries, hearty sandwiches, fresh salads and cold-pressed juices, as well as a small selection of curated general store retail goods.

With the resort’s picnic offering, dining extends beyond the property’s 317 acres and into the foothills of New Mexico’s Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The guest rooms, suites and casitas at Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection have a distinct yet modern Santa Fe aesthetic. Each of the resort’s 83 guest rooms has its own private terrace and Kiva fireplace, as do the freestanding suites. These include six junior suites, three one-bedroom suites, one two-bedroom suite and three signature Kiva Suites. The latter is located atop one of the most scenic overlooks on the property and features outdoor soaking tubs, stone rain showers and indoor and outdoor kiva fireplaces. The Casitas are three- and four-bedroom abodes with ensuite bathrooms, living and dining rooms, a full kitchen and an expansive patio with an outdoor grill and lounge seating.

For more information: aubergeresorts.com/bishopslodge/

For more on New Mexico > Click Here

Go, Do, See The Best Casino Buffet

LAS VEGAS - The no-limits spread initially known as a “chuck wagon buffet” has evolved far beyond the handcarved prime rib station and rows of chafing dishes from the original mid-century spreads. These days, for quality, variety and sheer excess, it’s hard to beat Caesars Palace’s Bacchanal Buffet.

Redesigned in 2012 to offer more than 500 daily items through nine different kitchens, the Las Vegas buffet included enough to satisfy pretty much any appetite. It included belly, made-to-order crepes and dazzling desserts. Today, this over-the-top buffet features 600-items. Particularly mouthwatering is the roast suckling pig on the holiday menu. The meat is slow-roasted until perfectly tender, then finished over an open flame to ensure a satisfyingly crispy exterior.

Now, raising the bar on vegas buffet, the newly-renovated Bacchanal Buffet, you’ll explore dozens of cuisines and hundreds of perfectly prepared offerings from specialty chefs. With food prepared right in front of guests in open kitchens, it’s like having your pick of nine high-end restaurants in one location. You will find American quisine, seafood, sushi, Mediterranean, dim sum and even more. Explore their many vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

As hard as it will be with all the deliciou choice, be sure to save room for dessert. Bacchanal’s bitesized gourmet desserts are perfect for sampling. Have some cake on a stick or shoot your favorite dessert from a single serving cup.

For More on Nevada, > CLICK HERE!

Things to Do: Take a Bite out of The Oregon Coast

From Astoria, Seaside and Cannon Beach, and through the Tillamook Coast, this region is ripe for culinary exploration. Enter an area of unmatched beauty and adventure—defined by fresh flavors, natural bounty and a variety of unique food experiences. The North Coast Food Trail inspires you to explore with your senses as you travel along Oregon’s north coast. Take a journey with us...

A partnership between three regions of Oregon’s shoreline, the Food Trail brings together the best of the tasty and rugged (and tastefully rugged) food-related fun from Cannon Beach, the Tillamook Coast and Lincoln City.

The Food Trail can be a great experience for kids, grandparents—and everyone in between. Check with our participating businesses for more details on safety and accommodations for small children, the elderly, or anyone in your party who has a special need. Plan your itinerary accordingly, and get ready for a fun family trip!

Traveling along the Food Trail itself is free. Meals and lodging will vary in price and individual stops may have an entry fee. Check with participating businesses to learn more about their rates.

The Food Trail is designed to be flexible to the kind of adventures you want to take, how much time you have and where you’re coming from. Choose the activities that speak to you.

A great way to experience the food trail is by train. Make reservations on the Sunset Diner Train or th Oregon Coastal Exursion at the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. The 1.5-hour excursion along the scenic Tillamook Bay and the Oregon Coast between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach is pulled by one of the historic steam or diesel locomotives. You can board at either Rockaway Beach or Garibaldi. It is open year-round with scheduled dinner trains. See https://northcoastfoodtrail.com/ for more information.

Another option is a Farm2Fork tour. Celebrate local, sustainably-grown, farm-fresh food. learn about Oregon’s artisan food production, sustainable farming, and local flavors through a unique and memorable culinary food tour experience! Each Farm 2 Fork tour is an exclusive opportunity to witness how your food is grown as well as taste the seasonal offering. Learn first hand from the farmers and fishermen as we connect visitors and the local community with the people that grow and craft their food. For more information, see https://www.farm2forktours. com/

For more on Oregon >CLICK HERE

Things to Do: Taste Of Utah

TOOLE - This year is the Utah Motorsports Campus’ (UMC) inaugural Taste of Utah Festival. They are sponsoring a fast fun- packed day of things local to Utah from noon to 8 p.m on July 10.

After a long 2020 and a slow start to 2021; we’re ready to party! Taste of Utah Festival is here to help support local Utah businesses as well as get all our wonderful Utah residents out of the house. On-site we’ll have vendors, craft beer, tons of food options & food trucks, a car show, live racing, go-karting, archery tag, nerf gun wars, dodgeball, and more!

So come join us at Taste of Utah Festival at UMC and support this great state and it’s people! Attendance is free with a FREE ticket registration. YOU MUST HAVE A FREE TICKET TO ENTER - NO EXCEPTIONS.

Parking is $10/per vehicle (motorcycles included). Please register online at eventbrite.com. For updates and more information visitonline at https://utahmotorsportscampus.com/taste-of-utahfestival/

This family-friendly festival is about all things UTAH! After more than a year of an unfortunate pandemic that severely impacted business around the state, the sponsorsdecided to create Taste of Utah! What better way to kick of this festival than with Utah’s very own SkyDive Utah! Don’t miss it!

A festival that celebrates this great state, its people, and its businesses! Businesses from all around Utah have been invited to participate and represent their county here at UMC. On top of this there will be a food contest, to find the best eats in Utah! The winner will be decided by the public, so come out and vote!

Come and enjoy the car show, sing with the musicians, and more, as we all come together to celebrate Utah.

For more on Utah > Click Here

For More on Washington >CLICK HEre

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People to See:

The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) will return with its exclusive Last Cowboy Standing series July 26 & 27, and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo (July 24 - August 1) will return to the arena in 2021.

Tthe 125th annual “Daddy of ‘em All®” will feature nine days of PRCA professional rodeo that will culminate in Championship Sunday where champions are crowned and legends are made. For two nights, the Top-40 stars of the PBR will return to attempt to conquer the sport’s rankest bulls on the historic Wyoming dirt at Cheyenne Frontier Days, strapping in for their shot to make the buzzer. A rider must stay on his bull for 8 seconds to advance. If he gets bucked off, he is out of the competition. The grueling match between man and beast continues until one prevails and is crowned the Last Cowboy Standing.

There will be hundreds of vendors, a full carnival, artists, food, and music that celebrate the history and culture of the American West.

Tickets are available at www.cfdrodeo.com, and by calling (307) 778-7222.

Concert ticket prices range from $49 – $94, rooftop starts at $150. Daily rodeo tickets range from $18 – $35. A $3 discount is offered on rodeo tickets and $5 discount on concert tickets purchased before July 1. PBR tickets range from $25 – $105 with special Elite Seating and V.I.P. tickets also available at various prices.

Fans can upgrade to a Frontier Nights® Fast Pass for early admission to the Party Zone, a voucher for best-available same-day rodeo tickets, and a souvenir rodeo program.

For a full events schedule and profiles of musical acts, go to www.cfdrodeo.com.

2021 Cheyenne Frontier Days™ Entertainment Schedule

July 23: Garth Brooks with Ned LeDoux

July 24: Thomas Rhett with Rhett Akins

July 25: Cody Johnson with Aaron Watson

July 26-27: Professional Bull Riders – Last Cowboy Standing

July 28: Maren Morris with TBA

July 29: Eric Church with Ashley McBryde

July 30: Kane Brown with Restless Road

July 31: Blake Shelton with John King

July 24–Aug. 1: PRCA Rodeo Action