The day finally arrived – the Bean Trailer pick up in Salt Lake City, UT.
Jen and I drove out and picked up our tear drop trailer. It was both exciting and a little nerve wracking. Never hauled a trailer before. Turned out not to be too big of a deal. I will still need to practice backing up with the thing.
First camping spot, Utah Lake State Park, was very nice if a little windy the first night. The following morning was clear and beautiful. We were surrounded by mountains on all sides. This park is right in Provo, UT.
Jenna and the Bean in Utah Lake State Park
After a successful night 1, we were off to Moab, UT. Visited Arches National Park and Deadhorse State Park. Both are always a crowd pleaser. Apres Margaritas were a nice touch too.
Yesterday was the baby shower for little baby ‘Taco’.
The venue was the Breckenridge Brewery and the day was a historically windy one for Colorado.
Despite the wind, the gathering was very nice. In attendance were multiple generations of family from both sides of the little fella’s parents – Nanas, Mimis, Great Grandmothers, and regular old Grandparents. There were also aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and classmates.
It was fun catching up with some of the Vista and CU kids. Also fun attempting to predict baby names, as well as offering the best advice for the parents-to-be.
I’m sure they will be fine. I know I will enjoy watching them grow and experience the joys of parenthood.
I also expect a few “I had no idea how (hard, frustrating, awesome, tiring) this would be comments along the way.
This was my first visit to the Breckenridge “Beer Fort”, which is across from the main restaurant and bar area. It boasts a lovely patio with an outdoor fireplace that would have been perfect on a crisp spring day if the darn wind hadn’t been blowing so hard.
The indoor décor also provided an opportunity to educate the young ones about the status symbol of the console stereo system – a signature piece of furniture where LPs by Roberta Flack, Shirley Bassey, and John Denver were played in the Mahoney household back in the day.
No one can accuse them of moving slowly. First an engagement then a pregnancy announcement, things are moving quickly and can be challenging to keep up with.
So… I plan to keep track of what is going on here, on the ‘Cam and Mady‘ page – I’ll probably have to rename it if they keep up this pace.
My plan is to follow all things Cam and Mady; including tales of Dixe the dog and ______ the newborn.
I’ve already had fun making up and guessing names for what he may be named. Let me know if you have guesses too.
Looking forward to being that good ‘bad’ influence on the little dude.
The Mahoneys had fun hosting the Mckee-Greens for a pre-Christmas visit. Other than some of the folks feeling under the weather, we all had a good time either skiing or eating, or both.
Jenna brought a few games and ignited the competitive sprit in all of us. Who knew there were so many creative writers in the group – some more brief than others. My favorite answer “poop control”.
In addition to games, there was skiing/snowboarding, some serious snow tubing in Frisco and one quality day of just exploring the town of Breckenridge.
Took a trip through the Colorado mountains this week – north to south. Much fun. Here is a little video I put together while in Ridgeway. Thanks Rick and Linds, we had a blast.
The leaves have turned to the colors of fall, the Colorado mountains are topped with snow and the summer air has departed with cool, crisp air in its place. Fall is here, which means the haunting season is upon us. There are many fun and spooky things to do across the metro area this time of year. Refer to this list for the best bars in the city and one beyond that will serve up a side of spirits with your spirits.
Unfortunately this one is now closed: Blake Street Vault 1526 Blake St. Denver, CO 80202 (303) 825-9833 www.blakestreetvault.com
Blake Street Vault is in the LoDo area and is a classic historical saloon. The restaurant and bar is rumored to be haunted by a saloon girl called ‘brown ghost’ or ‘lady in red.’ According to legend, she was a saloon girl from the original establishment in the 1860s. People have heard her walking across the old wooden floors in her high heels and others have seen her while walking down the stairs into the basement. She isn’t the only ghost who haunts this bar, as there is also a story of a merchant marine that lives in the basement. Blake Street Vault gives tours regularly and you will need to call ahead to check on times. While visiting one of Denver’s most haunted bars, you can also enjoy a full menu of both food and drink.
Ship Tavern (inside the Brown Palace Hotel) 321 17th St. Denver, CO 80202 (303) 297-3111 www.brownpalace.com
Ship Tavern is located inside the Brown Palace Hotel. The vintage, pub-like atmosphere features several micro-brewed beer and wine selections. It also provides a full menu around the clock with live entertainment each Wednesday through Saturday from 8:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. The building was built in 1892 and is a big part of Colorado history. In 1911, it was the site of one of Denver’s most high-profile murders. Frank Henwood shot and killed Tony von Phul and George Copeland, who was an innocent bystander. Both Henwood and von Phul were in love with Isabel Springer, wife of political candidate John Springer. Underneath the hotel there are tunnels that go in every direction. Around this time of year, the hotel offers a ghost tour. Call for more information.
The Cruise Room (inside The Oxford Hotel) 1600 17th St. Denver, CO 80202 (303) 628-5400 www.theoxfordhotel.com
The Cruise Room Bar is located inside The Oxford Hotel, built in 1891. It was the first bar to open in downtown Denver and it opened the day after Prohibition was repealed in 1933. The trendy bar is famous for its handmade martinis, but maybe even more so for its haunted past. There is a legend of a man in a post office uniform who haunts the bar from time to time. He stopped in at the bar while traveling through on his way to Central City at Christmas time and never delivered the packages. The legend is that his body was found on the way to Central City with all of the packages with him.The Stanley Hotel Bar 333 Wonderview Ave. Estes Park, CO 80517 (970) 577-4000
The Stanley Hotel Bar 333 Wonderview Ave. Estes Park, CO 80517 (970) 577-4000 www.stanleyhotel.com
The Stanley Hotel Bar is located in one of the most famous eerie hotels in the US. The hotel is famous because this is where Stephen King was staying when he came up with the idea to write “The Shining.” This movie was released in 1980 and has become one of the most beloved horror films of all time and the television series was filmed on location. You can even order the ‘Redrum Ale’ which is made by the Estes Park Brewery.
Randolph’s Restaurant and Bar (inside the Warwick Hotel) 1776 Grant St. Denver, CO 80203 (303) 861-2000 www.warwickdenver.com
Randolph’s Restaurant and Bar is located inside the Warwick Hotel in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. This neighborhood is rumored to be one of the most haunted areas in Denver and there are regular ghost tours available. In the late 1960s, the local Playboy Club occupied the penthouse floor. The legend is that one of the bunnies died in a drug deal and she can sometimes be seen haunting the building.
We had another good July 4th barbecue over at Pinehurst. Mother Nature decided to give us a little pre-show with some wind and hail. We all made it through unscathed. It did make for some dramatic atmospherics. A little ice and fog just before sunset set the stage for the fireworks that followed. We had to dodge some rain once the fireworks started but we managed to stay relatively dry and had a great time to boot. Thanks Nana and Pappy for hosting again.
Had a lovely Christmas and New Year. We had the opportunity to visit the extended family at Uncle Bo’s house where we enjoyed some awesome Bloody Marys (with exceptional garnish options – olive, cheese and bacon, and celery for tradition’s sake).
All of the cousins were there as well as a few of the animals. Santa Gus was even able to make an appearance (pictured at right with Nana and Pappy).
Gus has recently adopted a new little brother who is very cute. I’ll tease a future blog entry by saying I follow up with the new doggy name an pictures in a future post.
Good having the kids home for skiing, eating and general revelry.
Spent some good time in Breck to celebrate Lindsay’s birthday with some of her friends. She got a chance to have a little slumber party with fondue, some hiking and picture taking, and experiencing an escape room. All in all, I’m told is was a good birthday.
Jen and I got to do a little walking around and taking some wildflower pictures of our own. Always a good vibe, and restful place to go.
Top Haunted Bars In Colorado
