January 12, 2016

Tanya's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 2 DAYS

New Plans for Colorado

Howdy Folks!

It's Travelin' Tuesday and I've got lots of packin' to do for plenty of travelin!

We are off to Colorado in 2 days!
And while we've been going to Colorado for years, I thought that I'd mix it up a bit and add a few totally cool things to our itinerary.

When I did made these adjustments, all of a sudden this trip that we've been doing annually now became new and exciting...

For starters I've added a Tour of the Colorado State Capitol. I'm not sure if you realize that I posted a LIVE running list A tour of the US State Capitols and Facts about them; which is basically a virtual visit to all of the State Capitols that we have visited/toured. Denver will be added to this list after our highly anticipated tour!

​One of the reasons why I'm so excited about touring the Colorado Capitol is because of Mr. Brown's Attic and Dome Walk:

Mr. Brown's Attic is an exhibit area located between the third floor and the dome. Devoted to Colorado's early history, Capitol construction and architecture, and the legislative process.

And the dome walk is a 99-step climb to the interior observation area with a 360-degree panoramic view of downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountain range. Awesome! I love great views!!

The next "new" adventure that I've added, is going to Dinosaur Ridge...

Dinosaur Ridge is a segment of the Dakota Hogback in the Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark located in Morrison, Colorado, just west of Denver. 
I can't believe that I didn't know about this before?!
​
The Dinosaur Ridge area is one of the world's most famous dinosaur fossil localities.
In 1877, some of the best-known dinosaurs were found here, including Apatosaurus, Diplodocus, Stegosaurus, and Allosaurus. In 1973, the area was recognized for its uniqueness as well as its historical and scientific significance when it was designated the Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service.

We'll be walking in the same place where 90-foot, long-necked giants crossed a floodplain lined with streams, ponds, and watering holes!  
Tracing the ripple patterns left by Colorado’s ocean on Morrison’s sandy beaches! And mucking through Golden’s swamp under the shade of palm trees with Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus rex at Triceratops Trail!

While I'm no Dinosaur enthusiast, I was very stoked and undeniably excited when traveling around Moab, Utah last year and realizing that we were traveling through Dinosaur Diamond. And I was actually touching and standing next to the footprints of Dinosaurs - then all of a sudden
​I became enthralled!!!

Cooper Ridge, Utah (C) Travelin Couisns

So I'm sure you can at least understand my excited about going to Dinosaur Ridge. I'm pretty sure that Dominic is excited as well. Cosette on the other hand thinks it sound boring. I hope that being there changes her mind!!!

Another addition to our itinerary is going to
​Rocky Mountain National Park.

nps.gov

I've been wanting to go to this park for years! 

It was even planned as part of a National Park Road Trip that I did in 2013, but the park had been recently flooded and closed during our trip. It was a bummer. I can't wait to see it all covered in snow. It's sure to be incredibly beautiful! 

And the last "new" thing that I've added to our itinerary is Horseback Riding in Rocky Mountain National Park. Horseback Riding adventures through the snow are always COLD and lots of fun!!
We can't wait!

Speaking of Horseback riding, Cosette went riding yesterday, and that was after we had already gone to visit Dream and Star.
Yup 2 stables in a day.
Jet and Chaplin joined in on the fun coming along with us to the first stables. And all 3 of the gals were doning their "cowgirl" boots (and riding boots), except for me! Which got me thinking that I really should think about getting a pair for myself... 

Chaplin's favorite Mini (C) Travelin Cousins

A cute mule with the snow capped mountain range behind him. (C) Travelin Cousins

(C) Travelin Cousins

Oh well folks, I've gotta get crackin' and packin'!

Be sure to check out Elisa's column in which she focuses on B&B's in Colorado. And although I'm not a fan, she actually found a few that got me curious about checking them out!!!

I hope that you have a great day, and that you come back and see us again tomorrow!
​-T

Elisa's Daily Scoop

B&B's in Colorado

Hi there!  How's your week going?

So far, so good.  I got so much accomplished yesterday.  Do you believe that it is January 12th and I still hadn't taken in the cushions from the outdoor furniture!!

With the weather having been so unseasonably mild the past few months, I just never did my "Fall cleanup."  I decided it was finally time yesterday.

Today, I will be finishing the job I started yesterday afternoon. My intention is to also straighten out my garage so there is room for my car, for when the inevitable snow hits.

Travel talk...
Well, today is Travelin' Tuesday and just as I was thinking, "Hmmmmmm, what am I going to write about?" 

Then I realized that Tanya will be starting her ski season travel on January 14th (2 days away!)!

Now, one of the things that makes Tanya so close and such great "partners" both traveling and while writing our blog, is the many similarities we both share as well as the differences!!

I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Bed & Breakfast accommodations.  I find them homey and welcoming and very intimate.

Getting to know the proprietors and the other guests on a personal level is much more likely to occur at a B&B versus a large hotel or private home or condo rental.

This past October, when visiting Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which turned out to be a little "Mommy & Me" trip for Gianna and me), it marked Gianna's first experience at a B&B.

In a word, she loved it!!  (Like Mommy, like Daughter!)  She couldn't get over the idea that there was this big "house" where everyone could just treat enjoy breakfast and the common areas together; that cooking and serving delicious food was a major focus; and that, it was a like a home away from home!
 
Now, getting back to my dear Cuz, B&B's are not on the top of her traveling list, but, I thought in spite of this, I would feature today BedandBreakfast.com's Diamond Club Bed and Breakfast Accommodations in Colorado!! 10 in all!

The Diamond Club Collection is a group of professionally inspected and guest reviewed luxury inns with extensive modern conveniences.

1. Antlers on the Creek
Durango, CO
www.antlersonthecreek.com
Just outside Historic Downtown Durango, Antlers on the Creek Bed and Breakfast is a mountain hideaway offering luxurious accommodations. Attention to detail abounds with fresh flowers, homemade cookies, 100% cotton sheets, thick plush towels, comfy robes and of course, our delicious four course breakfasts.  
​Rates starting at $169

2. Frisco Inn on Galena
Frisco, CO
www.friscoinnongalena.com
According to their site, this boutique hotel is "Close to Everything that is Colorado." Located in the heart of Frisco Colorado just steps off of Frisco's historic Main Street with all of it's fine restaurants and shops, the Inn is surrounded by six world class resorts: Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Loveland and Vail. Offering full gourmet breakfast, afternoon wine, cheese, and appetizers, and our beautiful accommodations​.
​Rates starting from $119 

3. Blue Lake Ranch
Hesperus, CO
www.bluelakeranch.com
Durango Colorado's award-winning Country Estate Bed & Breakfast Inn, is located on 200 secluded acres just 20 minutes from Durango and the Train, and 25 minutes from Mesa Verde National Park. With Spectacular Mountain views, and its own private lake, guests enjoy hiking and fishing on property. The spacious world class accommodations have fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, small kitchens, and many are designed for families and groups. A delicious complimentary Southwest breakfast is served daily in the Main Ranch House. Complimentary movies, enjoy the Gift Shop.
Rates starting from $159 

4. Frisco Lodge
Frisco, CO
​www.friscolodge.com
Frisco Lodge, "Your Home Away From Home", for the young at heart and adventuresome of spirit. Rated 42 of the Top 50 B&B's nationwide for food, this historic inn offers exceptional service, victorian decor, a full breakfast, and afternoon wine and Hors D'oeuvres. Amenities include an award winning courtyard with an outdoor hot tub and fire place, Wi-Fi, telephone, Flat screen cable TV with DVD/VCR in all rooms. Video library available. We are located downtown Main Street within easy walking distance of Frisco's distinctive shops and restaurants. Activities: skiing, snowboarding, cycling, rafting, hiking, fishing, golf, sailing, kayaking.
Rates starting from $119

5. Highland Haven Creekside Inn
Evergreen, CO
www.highlandhaven.com
Picture postcard view of beautiful Bear Creek from your private deck. Nothing is overlooked here...Decadent King Canopy bed in front of moss rock gas fireplace. Private two-person Jacuzzi tub, Steam Shower. Handsome sitting room with deep rich woods and leather. Full wetbar and 42" flatscreen TV. Newly remodeled and upgraded
​Rates starting from $170

6. Castle Marne
Denver, CO
www.castlemarne.com
Built in 1889, the Castle Marne Inn is a local and national landmark and is considered to be the finest remaining example of architect William Lang. A stay at the Historic Castle Marne combines Old World elegance and Victorian charm with modern day pampered luxury. Carefully chosen furnishings of period antiques, family heirlooms, and exacting reproductions create the mood of long ago charm and romance. Luxury suites have jetted tubs. Three rooms have hot tubs for two on private balconies. Afternoon tea, served in the parlor. Gourmet breakfast served in the original formal dining room.
Rates starting from $129

7. Romantic RiverSong Bed & Breakfast Inn
Estes Park, CO
www.romanticriversong.com
Romantic RiverSong is a small mountain inn, nestled at the foot of Giant Track Mountain in Estes Park, Colorado. Once a luxurious summer home of the wealthy and the scene of "Great Gatsby" type parties. The property is situated on 27 wooded acres with the river, ponds, hiking trails, and tree swings and benches and boarders Roosevelt National Forest and has spectacular views to Rocky Mountain National Park only a mile and a half down the road. Candlelight dinners for two prepared by the inn's private chef.
Rates starting from $189
​

8. Old Town Guesthouse B&B
Colorado Springs, CO
www.oldtown-guesthouse.com
The Old Town Guesthouse features guest rooms that are all unique which are quiet and home-like cozy with private outdoor hot tub and an in-room steam shower/sauna and fireplace. Situated perfectly to stroll the streets of Old Colorado City, Colorado Springs' Old Town.  
Rates starting at $125

9. The Ruby of Crested Butte - A Luxury Bed&Breakfast
Crested Butte, CO
www.therubyofcrestedbutte.com
Rated #1 Colorado Bed and Breakfast Inn by TripAdvisor, and recommended by Sunset, Southern Living, and Mountain Living magazines! 
The Ruby is located in downtown Crested Butte in the heart of the Bed and Breakfast District. Ruby amenities include an all concierge staff, complimentary organic country-style breakfast, Crested Butte's cleanest and most luxurious accommodations, comfy beds overflowing with chic 1000 thread count bed linens, private en suite baths with oversized Frette spa robes and towels, Natural Earth bath, body, and face products, high-definition flat screen LCD televisions with HD and digital music, DVD players and Sony CD Dream Machines, complimentary audio and DVD library, telephone with free local and long distance calls and personal voicemail, complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access, posh Western antique furnishings, complimentary fair trade organic coffee and espresso drinks, our relaxing Mountain Room is the location for our complimentary afternoon wine gatherings, a large six person hot tub, two large living rooms both with fireplaces, a beautifully landscaped backyard and garden with unobstructed views of Mount Crested Butte, authentic Crested Butte Townie bikes, secure indoor ski and bike storage, fax and copier services, and complimentary guest parking
​Rates starting at $129

10. Holden House - 1902 Bed & Breakfast Inn
Colorado Springs, CO
www.holdenhouse.com
Award-Winning B&B voted "Best" bed & breakfast for Honeymoon/Anniversary by Arrington's B&B Traveler. Romantic and historic storybook Victorians with five antique-filled guestsuites. Each boasts a fireplace, oversized 'tub for two', TV/DVD/CD player, private label amenities, refrigerator, phone/modem, iron/ironing board, hairdryer and snuggly robes. Enjoy the living room with fireplace and computer workstation, dvd collection/games, front parlor, verandah with mountain and cottage
Rates starting at $145

Wow!!! I cannot wait to plan my trip to Colorado!! What lovely Bed and Breakfast accommodations!!
C'mon Tanya, you have to admit - these are lovely!!

Boy, do I have tons of outdoor clean up and organizing to do now.  It's a bit chilly, in the 30's, but it is sunny - thank goodness!

See ya back here tomorrow!!

-E
xoxo