keepitreal08628 Posted August 17, 2006 Report Share Posted August 17, 2006 My husband and I spent 3 days at the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo the last week in July. If you are a rodeo fan, this is a GREAT experience! It's been running for years, and the logistics are all ironed out. We had great seats (saw the bull riding on Tuesday night, and the full rodeo on Weds. and Thurs.). Loved Cheyenne! We took a 45-minute bus tour of the town...driver was personable and knowledgable. The parade was excellent (held several times during the 10 days the rodeo is in town). People were friendly and weather (except for some rain the first night) was perfect. We stayed at Motel 6 (first time we ever stayed at one)...it was "bare bones", but the price was less, and it was clean and had all that we needed (except hair dryer and iron!) including a pool. We were blown away that even though there was the influx of people in town for the rodeo, there was NO TRAFFIC!!! The Union Pacific RR was a big factor in the growth of Cheyenne, and is still a big factor today. The UP train station has been restored and contains a gift shop, a restaurant, and a museum. Will definitely try to get back to Cheyenne! We then spent 4 days in Estes Park, CO, which is near the entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park. I am born a city girl, but a country girl in my heart. I fell in love with this beautiful area! We hiked up the small mountain next to the visitor's center in RMNP...gorgeous view! We took a 2-hour trail ride...we are very novice riders, but all went well and I this was exactly how I wanted to view the West! We enjoyed a 2-1/2 hour Wilderness Tour to the top of a mountain in Roosevelt Forest. They warned it was bumpy and THEY WEREN'T KIDDING! I do NOT like amusement rides, but this was outstanding! We had a nice driver, who brought his 6-yr-old son along. A real blast! They run these wilderness tours incorporating either breakfast or dinner as well...but we were not there at the right time for those, so just had the tour alone. WELL WORTH THE REASONABLE COST! Shopping in Estes Park is delightful. All the salespeople are pleasant and helpful. It's a small town...only a few blocks each direction...with maybe four or five public parking areas WHICH ARE FREE! Here in NJ, we are not used to "FREE"! All meals, both in Cheyenne, and Estes Park, were delicious and reasonably priced. I LOVE COLORADO! After returning from this trip, the following weekend I went back to Colorado...thsi time to Denver...accompanying our daughter who had a two-day computer class there. I like to say that we attended a workshop: she worked, I shopped! Plenty to do. We stayed at the Grand Hyatt, and the concierge was the most friendly, enthusiastic person! Lots of patience, made sure I knew where everything was. I took a bus trip up to the Black Hawk casinos...did not win, but enjoyed going and see it. If you like that sort of thing, I would go if you have time. It's about a 50-minute ride up from Denver. We shopped at the Cherry Creek mall (kind of pricey...I'm not much of a mall person anyway)...bowled at Lucky Strike lanes in the Denver Pavillions (GREAT atmosphere!)...and found many shops of interest along the 16th Street mall. Went to the Tattered Cover Bookstore near one end of the 16th St. mall, and the Colorado History Museum not far from the opposite end. There is no traffic allowed on 16th St. except for the FREE mall buses, which run continually. What a great (and helpful) idea! I wanted to do the 45-minute FREE tour of the State Capitol, but time was running short and so decided on the Colorado History Museum instead. Had to choose only two exhibits: I chose the one featuring the western jewelry of Ben Nighthorse, and the one on the place of women on the range. I could have spent the entire day in that museum...very well done. I will definitely return again. Also a nice gift shop there. Thanks to all who gave me ideas of places to go in WY and CO. We returned from Denver one day before the security situation drastically changed. Our flights both times (on different airlines) were surprisingly ON TIME and uneventful (thank God) . I look forward to returning to WY and CO again.....This is a wonderful group, a valuable resource. Rita Trenton, NJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Reese Posted August 17, 2006 Report Share Posted August 17, 2006 ...and found many shops of interest along the 16th Street mall. Went to the Tattered Cover Bookstore near one end of the 16th St. mall, and the Colorado History Museum not far from the opposite end. There is no traffic allowed on 16th St. except for the FREE mall buses, which run continually. What a great (and helpful) idea! I wanted to do the 45-minute FREE tour of the State Capitol, but time was running short and so decided on the Colorado History Museum instead. Had to choose only two exhibits: I chose the one featuring the western jewelry of Ben Nighthorse, and the one on the place of women on the range. I could have spent the entire day in that museum...very well done. I will definitely return again. Also a nice gift shop there. Rita Trenton, NJ Rita, I have spent many hours in the Tattered Cover and just love that store. I was even able to hear an author there one evening discussing Lewis and Clark after he had re-enacted their exploration voyage. His slide show was very informative. You must get back to see the rest of the history museum. It has some marvelous dioramas of the development of Denver. Also, the State Capitol tour is very interesting and worth the time if you get a chance. Plus, Coors Field is a relaxing venue for a Major League game when the Rockies are in town. If you are at the 16th Street Mall, it is an easy walk through LoDo to the stadium, and their are parking lots near by that are very reasonable. I still wish Philly could have found a downtown site for Citizen's Bank Park. I would go down to more Phillies games if it tied in better with visits to Reading Terminal Market... Thanks for sharing your exciting trip... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer Posted August 17, 2006 Report Share Posted August 17, 2006 I look forward to returning to WY and CO again.....This is a wonderful group, a valuable resource. Rita Trenton, NJ Thank you for sharing your story with us Rita! That sounds exciting...I would love to get a chance sometime to see beautiful country like that. Great photo ops, I'm sure! I'm glad you enjoy our group! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.