|
Every now and then we get a chance to get away and like to share with you our experiences ON-THE-ROAD. Just a two hour direct flight from Colorado and you can be in sunny San Diego, California, and for a rather good deal if you are flexible. We found $59 flights to and from San Diego on Southwest Airlines. Once arriving San Diego airport we walked across the Skywalk and had a cab take us the 2-3 mile ride ($12) to catch the Hornblower Harbor Tour at Pier 2, where you have an option for a one OR two hour boat tour. We bought our tickets on-line ahead of time to be sure and catch the two-hour tour we wanted. Boarding begins at 09:45 so we have time to grab a lite breakfast at one of a few places within walking distance along the water. We chose Hazelwood's On-The-Bay and had a tasty, filling breakfast for about $13.
While we waited for our Harbor Cruise we enjoyed seeing these awesome beauties docked at nearby piers. The Star Of India has been docked here since 1910.
The ‘Embracing Peace' statue next to the U.S.S. Midway Museum. The artwork depicts a scene from a famous photo taken in 1945, as an American sailor embraced a woman in New York City's Times Square to celebrate the end of World War 2. The guide on our Harbor Tour recommended the Top-Of-The Market restaurant as the best seafood restaurant in town. We enjoyed a wonderful Fish and Chips lunch on the water for just $20.
Built in 1888, Hotel Del Coronado is among San Diego’s most popular oceanside resorts and is located on Coronado Island across the bay from San Diego. We rode the ferry from Pier 2 next to the USS Midway for just $5 each way. It docks at Coronado Ferry Landing Pier where you can enjoy a variety of shopping and dining opportunities. The hotel is just three miles from the dock on the opposite side of Coronado Island.
The Pier Cafe at Seaport Village is a great place to enjoy water-front dining while visiting San Diego. It’s so nice to be only a two-hour flight away from this awesome Pacific get-a-way.
Tonight our “party of five” enjoyed a fine evening of Mexican fare on the creekside patio of this local favorite on Colorado Avenue. Darrell took awesome care of us as we caught up with each other’s latest been-going-ons, which is always a delight between good friends. Amanda's Fonda 3625 Colorado Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80904 719.227.1975 
Lunch special #2, the shredded beef Chimi...SO good and SO filling! Fast, friendly service by our awesome server, Makala. Señor Manuel Mexican Cuisine 4660 N. Nevada Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80918 719.598.3033  No morning drive through Woodland Park would be complete without a stop at The Donut Mill. Sunday we (I use the word “we” loosely) enjoyed a Bear Claw and an apple-filled danish...simply delicious! The Donut Mill 310 W Midland Ave. Woodland Park, CO 80863 719.687.9793
Just a 40 minute drive west on Highway 24 of Colorado Springs is the road that leads to the Eleven Mile Canyon scenic drive that follows the Platte River. There is a $7 entrance fee, but the drive is well worth it and there are plenty of delightful photo opportunities. The road is gravel and can be a bit dusty, but is well maintained. Just a little further west on Highway 24 from the road that leads through the canyon you’ll find the turn-off for Eleven Mile State Park and the reservoir. The paved road is in need of repair along the edges so watch for potholes, but the drive is worth it, along with the $8 entrance fee. We drove around the entire reservoir and saw some interesting sites along Highway 59, which is a well-maintained gravel road.
Enjoy some great lunch specials at Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub downtown. Today we had the two-piece fish and chips (Alaskan Cod) with coleslaw and drink for just $10. Couldn’t resist an order of Rueben Fritters with Mary Rose sauce...SO delicious! Jack Quinn's Irish Pub 21 S. Tejon St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 719.385.0766  Rueben Fritters with Mary Rose sauce. Five of us celebrated a couple of co-workers 20th anniversary with the company today Jose Muldoon's downtown. Great food and service on the patio at this local favorite, which is celebrating their own 45th anniversary! Jose Muldoon's Downtown 222 N. Tejon St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 719.636.2311 Jose Muldoon's Powers 5710 S. Carefree Circle (at Powers) Colorado Springs, CO 80917 719.574.5673
Enjoy the great taste of Chicago at this hidden gem near Maizeland and Academy, featuring Chicago Dogs, Chili Dogs, Pizza Puffs, and more. Awesome daily specials that won’t blow your lunch budget! Larry’s Chicago Dogs 2220 Academy Place Colorado Springs, CO 80909 719.354.9694
That’s the name of the pizza I ordered. This third generation Bambino’s offers build-your-own pizzas, or you can choose one from the selection of “No Brainers” which are all made right in front of your eyes and then placed in a fast-fire oven and cooked to perfection. They also have appetizers, pasta bowls, salads, and desserts. Bambino’s is owned by the same great people who introduced Colorado Springs to The Skirted Heifer, which is just around the corner on South Tejon Street. Bambino's Urban Pizzeria 36 E. Bijou St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 719.630.8121
Nothing like a fresh deli-sandwich at Oliver’s Deli in Rockrimmon. The “Tom Terrific” is just another one of our favorites at this family-owned Deli, serving satisfied customers since 1983. Oliver's Deli 6602 Delmonico Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80919 719.599.9411  The "Tom Turkey" is a local favorite.
A Colorado Springs tradition since 1973, and guaranteed family fun for kids of all ages. Enjoy your favorite pizza and one of the freshest, well-kept salad bars in town. Delicious chocolate or karrot cake by the slice or whole to go. Fargo's Pizza 2910 E. Platte Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80909 719.473.5540
Our 100th Love Local Challenge stop (supporting local businesses in 2019) was at Wade's Cafe on North Academy. They serve breakfast or lunch from 6:00am - 2:00pm daily. The Country Omelet is comfort breakfast food at its finest, and includes three delicious pancakes or hash browns and toast. Wade’s has been a local favorite since 1953. Wade's Cafe 3504 N Academy Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80917 719.596.8122
We always enjoy our visits at Shuga’s on Cascade, just a few blocks south of downtown Colorado Springs. The warm and friendly staff make you feel so welcome in this cool neighborhood cafe. The Brie & Apple Brochette was a very tasty light lunch, chased down with a refreshing Lavender Lemonade. That left room for an absolutely delicious slice of Key Lime Pie. They have a nice patio for outdoor seating on those not so rainy afternoons. Stop in an get you some Shuga's! Shuga's Restaurant 702 S. Cascade Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 719.328.1412
Enjoy the taste of Chicago at Margo’s Vienna Station, on the west side, between Old Colorado City and Manitou Springs. Our Chicago and Maxwell dogs were well loaded and packed with flavor. Margo's Vienna Station 3442 W. Colorado Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80904 719.630.7453
This was our first time at Snooze on North Academy. The Breakfast Pot Pie at this Colorado-based chain that originated in Denver was served over a light and flaky pastry crust with a side of hash browns. The food was very tasty and the decor bright and cheerful. I would probably opt to sit on the patio next time because the music combined with the noisy conversations inside a half-full dining room was a bit annoying for me personally. Perhaps it's just the acoustics. Nice to see the use of paper straws for a change. Snooze...An AM Eatery 7587 N. Academy Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80920 719.694.1360
A delightful meal as usual at Marigold Cafe. This evening it was the 8oz Filet with grilled vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes. Mine was SO flavorful and cooked to absolute perfection! Thanks to Iveta for excellent service. Marigold Cafe & Bakery 4605 Centennial Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80919 719.599.4776
The Farmer’s Classic is an excellent choice for Saturday brunch, and the Coconut-Lavender Lemonade is delightfully refreshing. We love the spacious dining area with its large open kitchen and awesome mountain views! A shout-out to John for some great suggestions and service today. Till Kitchen 9633 Prominent Point Colorado Springs, CO 80924 719.282.8004
You don’t have to be enlisted in the army to enjoy the Fort Carson burger at Bingo Burger, and the bacon-mayo is great for fry dipping too! Bingo Burger 132 N. Tejon St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 719.418.6223
We love this place, and especially have a hankering for the Passion Fruit chocolates. Satisfy YOUR hankering! Cacao Chemistry Chocolatiers 109 N. Tejon St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 719.633.3686  It was a beautiful afternoon for a visit to Helen Hunt Falls with a group of about 30. We had a picnic lunch right next to a babbling brook, just a few hundred feet from the base of the falls.
After grabbing a bite to eat at Dex's Depot, a quick stop at Palmer Lake Regional Park offered a nice photo opportunity for a picture of Palmer Lake. The park is located off Highway 105 near County Line Road, about three miles northwest of Monument. 
Looking for a great place for a business lunch or just to catch up with some old friends? Flatiron’s Grill fits the bill! You’ll find a nice variety of menu items and a friendly staff. Conveniently located on Lake Avenue (I-25 Exit 138) just west of Venetucci. Flatiron's Grill 2540 Tenderfoot Hill St. Colorado Springs, CO 80906 719.576.2540
Mi Mexico is located on North Academy Boulevard just south of Austin Bluffs Parkway. They have a huge menu of items to choose from. We settled on the Queso Dip Burrito which really hit the spot! Luis took great care of our table and made us feel right at home. We found the restaurant to be very clean and comfortable, and the staff warm and friendly. Love the Mariachi Band across the top of the building! Mi Mexico Family Restaurant 3956 N. Academy Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80917 719.591.7722
|
