If you are a long time reader of Only in Colorado, you know that I sometimes complain about Casa Bonita… okay, okay, I’ll admit it; I complain A LOT about the mega restaurant and its atrocious food. However, despite its inedible fare and obnoxious line to even receive a tray of said slop, it is still one of the most unique restaurants in America for a number of reasons. Let’s check it out:...
Vermonters can be creatures of habit, so naturally there are a few things that we continue to do. Whether it’s an annual events or daily habits, here are a few traditions in VT that you’ll catch us doing more than once. We pick our own berries by the quart as soon as they’re ripe. Flickr/Danny Barron And what we don’t eat, we freeze to use throughout the year. A trip to the Tunbridge World’s Fair Flickr/Michael Maggard Always 10 days after Labor Day, this great fair is on it’s 146th year!...
If you’re looking for a life-changing experience that’s close to home and doesn’t have a huge price tag, swimming with the manatees could be perfect for you. Sure, they’re kind of funny looking (no idea how early explorers confused them with mermaids), but if you get in the water with these gentle giants, they’re sure to win your heart. Manatees have no natural predators and few inhibitions. They’re known to swim right up to visitors like happy puppies....
Rhode Island is a small state with big offerings. With so many places to stay, sometimes it’s necessary to do your research so you can find somewhere a little more memorable. What could be more memorable than a themed hotel? Few places compare to this perfectly New England inn. The Lighthouse Inn of Galilee is located at 307 Great Island Road. Facebook/Lighthouse Inn As you may have guessed from its striking exterior design, the inn has a quintessential New England nautical theme....
Every Clevelander has plenty of fond memories surrounding Lake Erie in the summertime. While we haven’t quite the days of barbecues and bare feet just yet, the spectacular spring weather lately has us excited to hit the beaches soon. If you’re looking for a great sandy spot to enjoy all the North Coast has to offer as the temperature continues to rise, look no further than this off-the-radar beach. Nickel Plate Beach in Huron, Ohio is only about an hour’s drive from Cleveland....
Mainers and tourists know that there’s certainly no shortage of places to stay in Maine. Whether you love campsites near the ocean, cabins in the forest or five-star luxury, there’s something for everyone here. With all that choice, it’s hard to decide where to spend your time. So, we thought we’d help. When there’s an actual castle available, why choose anything else? The Norumbega Inn is located in Camden, overlooking the Penobscot Bay....
If there’s anything Arkansans love it’s small town, locally-owned restaurants. If those restaurants happen to have an extensive and absolutely delicious seafood buffet, all the better. You’re going to find just that at Tadpole’s Catfish Barn. Pleasant Plains has a population of 349 right now, but you might decide to move in once you taste the food at Tadpole’s Catfish Barn. Tadpole’s Catfish Barn is located at 6201 Batesville Boulevard in Pleasant Plains....
There are many other states that are known for their vineyards, so you may be surprised to learn that there are a few serious grape-growers here in the Cowboy State. There’s one specific vineyard and winery in east Wyoming that produces award-winning wines. It’s a little remote but, truthfully, almost everywhere in the state is off the beaten path. The location is beautiful and the wine is delicious, a combination that makes for a perfect excursion when you feel like making a day trip....
North Dakota isn’t exactly known for being covered in trees. A lot of early settlers described the prairies as mostly treeless and that still holds true today for much of the state. However, we aren’t entirely without forests. North Dakota has five state forests and plenty of beautiful, dense tree groves in various areas around the state. One of these state forests is the Homen State Forest, located up north in Bottineau County and Rolette County, and it can take your breath away:...
Ask 100 Minnesotans their favorite lake and chances are, you’ll get 100 different answers. We all have a favorite lake for one reason or another. Some are attracted to unknown lakes in the middle of nowhere. Others love city lakes full of activity. And still others prefer to visit the most beautiful lake they can find. If you’re part of the third group, Deer Lake in Itasca County is for you....
There’s something magical about wishing wells. The idea of tossing a coin into a fountain and hoping for the best is a wonderful tradition that’s been around for ages. Most wishing wells are man-made and can be found anywhere from town squares to shopping malls. It’s rare to find a natural pool of water used for this purpose. And there just so happens to be one located in Virginia’s Luray Caverns....
There are many ways to have a blast in Minnesota. You’ll find something whether you love spending every moment outside, trying new restaurants, or road tripping across the state. There are also plenty of chances to take part in unique events. For example, many small towns hold a yearly festival. These are great opportunities to see what makes each town truly special. Taking part will give you an up-close look at Minnesota history and culture....
New Jersey has so many hikes, it’s hard to single one out as being the most beautiful. However, this “Stairway to Heaven” hike lives up to its name. A moderate hike along the Appalachian Trail, you’ll start at the Pochuck Boardwalk and end at Pinwheel Vista. Pochuck Boardwalk Image/NJHiking.com You’ll begin your hike at the start of the Pochuck Boardwalk in Glenwood. There is a small pull off near the “hiking” sign, along with street parking nearby....
One of New Jersey’s greatest strengths is its cultural diversity. We’re truly a melting pot and so fortunate to be surrounded by a wide variety of beliefs, races and religions. One of my favorite perks is being able to enjoy authentic cuisine from around the world, but there are other benefits. The opportunity to learn is precious and, lucky for us, plentiful in the Garden State. This stunning temple is the perfect place to learn about Hindu culture....
Commuting is usually one of the most tedious parts of your day. Even if it’s not that bad, you rarely hear a friend raving about a really great bus ride. It’s a different case for some holiday travelers in Pittsburgh, however. Bill Sanfilippo, a transit driver for the Port Authority of Allegheny County, has been decorating his bus for Christmas since he took the job ten years ago, but this year he’s gone all out like never before....
This lovely restaurant nestled in a lakeside setting is a true gem in Las Vegas. You won’t forget having an exquisitely prepared French meal while watching swans glide past you on the shimmering blue water. Marche Bacchus is located in Summerlin, an upscale neighborhood in the western part of Las Vegas. Marche Bacchus Facebook Page The restaurant’s elegant decor has an “old world” feel to it. The rooms inside are decorated with wine cork art and romantic chandeliers....
When it comes to Nevada lakes, Lake Mead and Lake Tahoe always seem to be the first to come to mind, but there’s an underrated lake in Nevada that will take your breath away. Pyramid Lake, located 35 miles northeast of Reno, is one of the state’s largest natural lakes, covering 125,000 acres. The saltwater lake is a remnant of the ancient Lake Lahontan, which once covered most of Nevada....
Arizona is a non-stop viewing pleasure. It’s home to the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and plenty of other iconic landscapes that most people would only be able to see in the movies or in their dreams. We’re fortunate to have those right in our backyard! I think all of these places are gorgeous but if there’s any place that is dreamy and a rare find, it would have to be The Wave at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument....
By August, most Missourians are ready for fall weather to return and for the summer humidity to finally dissipate. However, the cool fall temperatures are still weeks away and if you’re hoping for a cold snowy winter I may have some bad news. According to the latest predictions from the Old Farmer’s Almanac, Missouri residents can expect an overall warm and rainy winter season. In typical Missouri fashion, wild weather has been predicted for this upcoming winter....
One of the greatest rewards to waking up early in the morning is witnessing a beautiful sunrise as it stretches across the sky. I can’t think of a better way to start the day! From ocean views to lake views, and country views to city views, here are 10 beautiful Alabama sunrises that are worth waking up early for. Sunrise at Perdido Beach flickr/Brian Jeffery Beggerly Pine Tree Sunrise in Birmingham, Alabama flickr/Alby Headrick...
