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Tyler and I enjoying a night out with Stella and Mary Rose at Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub on Tejon Street. We absolutely love the Rueben Fritters, which we first discovered last summer. The Whisky Maple Wings and Celtic Rueben were very tasty too! We love that Mary Rose, and a shout out to Colleen for taking such good care of us! Jack Quinn's Irish Pub 21 S Tejon St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 719.385.0766
Tyler and I had lunch at Jake & Telly’s in Old Colorado City today. The stuffed grape leaves (lamb and beef) were accompanied by an awesome cream sauce. We both thought they were fantastic, but we (I use the word "we" loosely) completely forgot to get a pic we were enjoying them so much! My Chicken Meatballs were equally delicious and also served in a similar, just as fantastic cream sauce. Jake & Telly's Greek Restaurant 2616 Colorado Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80904 719.633.0406
Took a spin (literally at times) in Tyler’s convertible today through Garden of the gods. Then we headed west on 24 to Woodland Park and north on 67 through Deckers and Sedalia, along the South Platte River and through Pike National Forest. Some of 67 was an ice and snow packed gravel road that made for a rather intense ride from the passenger seat I managed to wedge myself into. Beautiful scenery when I wasn’t hanging on for dear life! LOL  While traveling through Denver I asked Siri where a good Mexican restaurant was. She suggested Casa Don Juan's on Washington Street. I headed that way and must confess that, because of the area, I was a bit skeptical. I googled and found some awesome reviews so decided to check them out. So glad I did! The food, ambiance, and friendly service was exactly the way the reviews said. Even the complimentary chips and salsa were excellent! Casa Don Juan Mexican Restaurant 106 Washington St. Denver, CO 80216 720.353.4846
Arriving DIA around noon, I had my heart set on having lunch at the landmark White Fence Farm Restaurant on West Jewell Avenue in Lakewood. To my great disappointment, I found it closed and learned that after 45 years they closed their doors for good at the end of December 2018. It's always hard for me to see this happen. They were a great family restaurant and known especially for their fried chicken and family-style meals. They will be missed. 
DAY 1 That's right. DiscoverCOS is ON THE ROAD AGAIN to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, located at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We found a fantastic fare for a non-stop flight from Denver to Knoxville on Colorado-based Frontier Airlines. We saved about $50 by including our car rental with the flight purchase. Tim at Avis took really good care of us. He gave us a Ford EcoSport for the three day adventure. With gas prices at $2.16/gallon we only used about $12 worth of fuel the entire time.  Colorado based Frontier Airlines NON-STOP from Denver to Knoxville.
The drive between the airport and Pigeon Forge is very scenic. Along the way we stopped in at Apple Valley Farm and had a burger at the cafe. They have a "topping bar" to top off your burger any way you like.
 Apple Valley General Store and Cafe. THE CABIN We rented a mountain-top cabin nestled in Smoky Mountain Ridge, a beautiful resort with a natural park setting. It had all the amenities we needed for a fun-filled, autumn get-a-way.
DAY 2 We arrived at the Old Mill Restaurant precisely at noon, and parking was quite a challenge. With a little patience and a few times circling around I ended up with a great spot. There were eleven of us so we decided to have lunch at the Old Mill Cafe, directly across the street from the mill. Sheri told us the Ribeye Steak was awesome, and she was right! It was probably one of the best I've ever had. While we were here we discussed our plans for the afternoon.
HIKE TO LAUREL FALLS While part of our group went shopping, a few of us decided to take a hike to Laurel Falls in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
THE COMEDY BARN After reconvening at the cabin for a delightful, home-cooked meal of barbeque ribs and chicken tenders we all went to The Comedy Barn for a night of good, family-friendly fun. Two members of our group were actually called on stage to be a part of the show.
DAY 3 Today we spent the day at Dollywood! Rides, shows, food. Did I say food? Each day our group expanded as others joined us or we met up unexpectedly with friends who also happened to be in the area. With more people came more opportunities to eat and snack. Don't miss the Cinnamon Bread at the Grist Mill!
Gone fishin’ at the grand-opening of The Chippy, serving up authentic British fish and chips. You can catch some too on Austin Bluffs, just west of Academy (next door to Popeyes). We were chuffed! The Chippy 3430 Austin Bluffs Pkwy. Colorado Springs, CO 80918 719.285.7040
Scouting out some fall colors this afternoon at Helen Hunt Falls in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. Not much at this elevation, but definitely seeing more vivid colors higher up the mountains.
Lakeside lunch on the terrace this gorgeous October afternoon at The Hotel Bar. Established in 1936, it's located on the main level inside the beautiful Broadmoor Hotel. The Wagyu Beef & Short Rib Sliders, topped with Onion Straws, Pepper Jack Cheese, and a side of Pueblo Green Chile Mayo, are amazing! While you wait enjoy some Mountain Medallion Chips and Mountain Man Chili Lime Pistachios...so addicting! Free Valet Parking. The Hotel Bar at The Broadmoor 1 Lake Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80906 719.623.5112
Totally dazzled by this new find just around the corner from us. You’ll literally feel like a kid in a candy store in this amazing place! Ice cream, candy, popcorn, vintage candies and more! Great gift ideas for the holidays! Cole's Gourmet Popcorn & Treats 7830 N Academy Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80920 719.434.1461  Literally!
A great finish to September with dinner at this local favorite in Old Colorado City. My 12oz ribeye was cooked to perfection (WELL!) and paired wonderfully with a delicious loaded baked potato and side salad. Our server Nick didn’t have to twist my arm to try the blackberry cobbler. In fact, I don’t recall him even trying! The Mason Jar 2925 W. Colorado Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80904 719.632.4820
Celebrating National Pepperoni Pizza Day for lunch today at Joey’s NY Pizza in Briargate. Tis also the season for some delicious Hatch green chilis as a topping for a limited time. A little dough will get you two slices and a drink. (under $8). Joey's NY Pizza 1843 Briargate Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80920 719.265.6922
We had a delicious 1/3 lb Angus bacon burger for lunch today at Larkburger, a Colorado based restaurant located in the Broadmoor Towne Center, directly across from Gordman’s. Sides include regular or Truffle fries or our favorite, tater tots. They also have a variety of other sandwiches, sides, salads, desserts, and drinks, including Blue Sky sodas and adult beverages. Larkburger 1904 Southgate Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80906 719.466-6111  1/3 lb Angus burger with bacon and cheese.
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. |
