SPRINGTIME IN THE ROCKIES MEANS BLOOMS, BARNS AND BABY GOATS

Colorado B&B Inn-Sights Spring 2013 Blog...  Springtime in the Rockies Means Blooms, Barns and Baby Goats -By Linda DuVal When Gina and D’Arcy Marcell bought the Mountain Goat Lodge near Salida nearly three years ago, it didn’t allow pets or children. Now, it welcomes both with open arms. “Were very pet-friendly – VERY,” Gina says. Guests can bring their dogs, cats, even horses. “And we’re family-friendly, too. Kids are welcome.” Has it been good for business? “When we took over, the occupancy rate was about 20 percent. Now it’s over 60 percent. That’s the difference it made.” And spring is an especially wonderful time to visit this central Colorado B&B.Why? Baby goats. “They start arriving in mid-March and the guests just love them,” Gina says. “You might say goats are my passion. We have pictures of goats on the walls. Breakfast usually features goat cheese I made, and goat-milk yogurt, as well as free-range chicken eggs.” (She also has cow’s milk products on hand, for those who prefer it.) Gina also teaches goat- and chicken-raising, cheese-making and other cooking classes. With four guest rooms and two suites (with king beds), the inn was built in 2003 on 19 acres with views of the Sawatch Mountains. It’s just 8 miles from Salida, known for its art galleries and good restaurants.   Guest rooms have balconies and private baths. There’s an outdoor hot tub, too. The communal great room has a two-story fireplace and comfy places to read or play board games. Plan to hike or bring your bike for some exercise, or take advantage of nearby rafting, skiing, hot springs and horseback riding, depending on the season. Located in what’s sometimes called Colorado’s “banana belt,” spring comes earlier to the Salida area than the deep mountains. That’s good news for guests – and baby goats. Springtime also comes early to southern Colorado, to towns like Trinidad, on the New Mexico border. The historic Tarabino Inn, built around the turn of the last century, was a family home for decades. In 2000, Teresa Vila and Kevin Crosby bought it and spent two years transforming it into a bed-and-breakfast inn. “I know spring is coming when the crocuses start to poke up through the snow in March,” she says. She also plants lots of tulips. “By May, everything is in bloom.”   You can’t miss the hot pink Italianate Victorian house just two blocks from downtown. It’s also just a couple of blocks from two historic homes – Baca House and Bloom House, which represent how the common folk and the rich folk lived during the town’s boom years.“We have a lot of heritage tourism here,” Teresa says. Trinidad also is a key point on the Scenic Highway of Legends driving route, a stop on the Amtrak train line, and a popular stop-over for would-be spring skiers coming by car from New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma and parts of Kansas. Guests are treated at the 4 p.m. check-in with cookies, fruit, chocolates and tea, and a full breakfast each morning. Though she does not do public tours of the house, guests can get an informal tour from the owners, detailing the history and architectural high points of the home. Each of the five guest rooms is different and decorated in period style. Trinidad has become something an artist’s colony in recent years, so guests also can admire (and buy) works by local artists hanging in the rooms and public spaces, or wander downtown and visit the local arts galleries. “Trinidad has changed a lot in the past decade,” Teresa says. “We have lots to offer, and some great new restaurants. People are amazed.” In 1997, Sharill and Jim Hawkins moved from Denver to Glenwood Springs to open a bed- and-breakfast, Four-Mile Creek. The property they found included a 1919 barn that was totally collapsing. It took them four years to rebuild the property enough so it could be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Once they rebuilt the barn, it became a focal point for guests, who loved to explore it. So, four years ago they added a suite in the barn’s milking area. It’s a popular accommodation among guest seeking that “rustic” experience. The property also offers two classic B&B rooms, and two log cabins. For several years, the Hawkins’ have hosted a small spring show featuring local artists, titled The Whimsical Women of the West. It happens the weekend after Mother’s Day (May 17-19 this year), when the barn and grounds are filled with displays of artwork, collectibles, folk art, fine crafts and other works by 20-25 local women. “It’s a true celebration of spring in the mountains,” says Sharill. “Each year, we choose a non-profit in our area to give a percentage of sales to. Guests and visitors to the show can enjoy refreshments and also the warmth of a fire near the barn if the weather is cool. We also include cooking demos in the main house on Saturday.” On Sunday that same weekend, the loft of the barn becomes a music venue. “It’s the first barn concert of season. Guests and up to 50 neighbors and friends fill the loft to listen to a local band and enjoy an incredible pot-luck.” There are three more concerts planned -- in June, September and October. -Linda DuVal is an award-winning freelance travel writer from Colorado Springs who has been writing about Colorado for more than 30 years.   Mountain Goat Lodge, 9582 Hwy 285 North, Salida, CO 81201 (719) 539-7173 or (877) 495-GOAT (4628) Tarabino Inn, 310 E. 2nd St. Trinidad, CO 81082 (719) 846-2115 or (866) 846-8808 Four-Mile Creek, 6471 County Rd. 117, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 (970) 945-4004 More B&B Inns throughout Colorado...

Frozen Dead Guy Days: A Unique Colorado Activity

Once upon a time there was a man with a heart condition and wanderlust.  Okay, maybe just a heart condition.  Mr. Bredo Morstel lived in Norway and lived there his entire life.  When his heart finally got the best of him in 1989, he made his way to California where he was cryogenically frozen before traveling to Colorado to be with his daughter and grandson (who had hoped to start a cryogenics lab themselves).  Without a proper place to host their father/grandfather, "Grandpa Bredo" was relegated to the shed where he was kept properly chilled.

To make a long story short, both visa problems and living space issues found the threat - nay, the problem - of grandpa facing life (or death) on his own.

What?  What about the summer months?  Who will look after Grandpa Bredo?

This is where the city of Nederland stepped in.  Working with Grandpa Bredo's daughter, the city  passed appropriate regulations in the mid 1990's that allowed Grandpa Bredo to be cared for by the city.

But, of course, where there is city responsibility, there is a city job.  In the years that followed, Grandpa Bredo acquired an "Ice Man" to keep his body packed in dry ice, keeping it at an appropriate temperature for continued cryogenic preservation (thank you, Bo Shaffer for over 20 years of service!).  Oh, and if anyone wants to see Grandpa Bredo, Mr. Shaffer is happy to let you visit.

And what does that mean?  It means that Nederland has quite the story to tell.  And any town worth its weight in good-natured population knows that a situation such as theirs warrants an event!  Ergo, Frozen Dead Guy Days (FDGD) began in 2001, and has been gaining popularity and attendance ever since.

Now, FDGD is considered one of the 100 top festivals in the United States (so named by the Chicago Tribune).  This year's 2013 celebration commences on the weekend of March 8-10.

When you attend, be prepared for both a lot of fun and a lot of spectacle.  Food, music, Grandpa Look-alike Contest, lots of people dressed as the dearly departed, a polar-bear type swim, Coffin Races, cryogenic-related activities, shopping, films, hearse parade, games and contests, and more.  You never quite know what might "animate" at this unforgettable event.

Nederland itself is a pretty little community in the Rockies.  Technically in the left leg of Colorado's Front Range Region, the town is also easily accessible from locations in the Denver, Northwest, and even the South Central Region!  Our member inns will keep the fire going and your room warm and cozy for your return from a grand day of cold fun!  With great amenities and first-rate, personal attention, your hosts will make sure that you have a great night's rest and a great breakfast in case you want to go back for more!

So why not plan a bed and breakfast getaway for the weekend of Frozen Dead Guy Days and enjoy some quirky fun that you will be talking about for years to come.

Discover History and Adventure on Colorado's Historic Trains

The whistle blows, the steam begins to chug, side rods groan into action making the wheels start to turn, and that unmistakable squeal of steel-on-steel announces that a steam-engine-led train is on the move. Fantastic scenery, arriving at destinations and vistas unattainable by automobile, and historic lessons await all who have boarded.

Do the above words make your heart begin to beat a little faster and send shivers up your spine? We can totally understand. Not only do trains bring back the feel and romance of the past, they can also be a very luxurious way to travel. If all this sounds like a great way to spend part of your Rocky Mountain vacation, it is time to plan your Colorado bed and breakfast getaway, and enjoy a riding-the-rails adventure!

Chances are, if you like the history and romance of the railroad, you will love staying at a Colorado bed and breakfast. Most of our BBIC member inns are historic homes and buildings found all around the state. Inside you'll find homespun comfort in the form of unbeatable hospitality, use of the inn's common areas, great breakfasts each morning, and a wide array of extras that rival any chain hotel.

When you arrive at your favorite Centennial State inn, you will be welcomed like a part of the family. After all, our inns are also our homes! Your innkeeper can also answer any questions you might have about your stay and the area. In fact, your CO innkeeper is the best place to begin looking for a day-adventure on the rails, as they can tell you what is close-by, if there are any details that you may want to consider, and can even point you to the antique and hobby stores with the best rail-related items, and to the best restaurants to keep your train-themed adventure alive.

Enjoy a great breakfast on the morning of your Colorado rail trip. If you need to schedule an early dining time in order to make your train, most innkeepers are happy to accommodate you. After your train adventure, spend some time shopping and exploring the area, and know that your welcoming B and B room and comfortable bed is waiting for your return!

To help you pick your favorite rail adventure (and coordinate your bed and breakfast stay), we offer the following brief descriptions of some of the state's most popular train excursions that are ideal outings during your Colorado vacation and invite you to visit our Locate an Inn by City or Region page of our website to choose the inn destination closest to your interests.

Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad
A 45-minute run offered between late May and early October, this excursion takes you through Cripple Creek's mining areas on a coal-fired steam train.  The station itself is located in Cripple Creek.

Before or after your train excursion, stop into the Midland Depot for lunch or dinner. Owned by one of our member innkeepers, the eatery features vintage train decorations and antiques.

　

Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
Offering full-day trips between late May and mid-October, this narrow-gauge coal-fueled train travels through two beautiful mountain ranges. Much like a “regular” railroad taken for travel, the train features an observation car and parlor car for use during the trip. Because the train travels through a variety of altitudes, it is recommended that you dress in layers for optimal comfort. The station is located in Antonito.


Georgetown Loop Railroad
This 1 hour, 15 minute loop runs from Georgetown to Silver Plume and back again. You will also enjoy a tour of the Lebanon Silver mine during the trip. The train travels more than 600 feet through wooded and mountain scenery - be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife!

Please note that the railroad cars are open to the elements, meaning that you’ll be riding whether it be raining or sunny… even snowing!  Please dress accordingly.


Leadville, Colorado and Southern Railroad Company
Operating from late May through early October, this 2.5 hour journey takes you through mining lands between Leadville and Climax. Native flora and fauna can be seen along the way.


Pikes Peak Cog Railway
A round-trip to the Pike’s Peak summit and back, this trip is offered year-round, leaving from the base of the mountain in Manitou Springs. This trip ascends over 14,000 feet through Aspen and Pine forests and past streams and wildlife (you are almost guaranteed to see deer and bighorn sheep). Total trip time is a little over 3 hours, with a 30-40 minute visit to the summit. On clear days you will enjoy majestic views at the summit, spanning as far as Denver to the north, to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the south.

This train varies from all others because of its rack-and-pinion rail-to-wheel system. Basically, both the tracks and the train’s wheels are notched like gears, helping them to make the steep ascents and descents needed on this steep track.

Please note that temperatures are about 30-degrees cooler on the summit than at the base. Those who have sensitivity to altitude may experience discomfort at the summit, as well as those with heart problems and asthma. The trip is not recommended for infants under 3 months of age.


Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
Between late May and mid October, you can enjoy a day-long excursion which may include shopping, a stop at the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and lots of gorgeous scenery.

This steam engine departs daily and features enclosed cars to protect you from the elements. If you chose the Toltec Gorge Limited trip, you will also enjoy a ride on the scenic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad through beautiful landscape and to the Toltec Gorge where lunch is provided.

The Monte Vista Mixed trip actually carries freight along with its passengers through gorgeous landscape to Monte Vista and back.


Historic Royal Gorge Route Railroad
Running from the start of February through mid-October for its regular season, this railroad offers scenic day trips with lunch, and romantic dinner rides. Specialty and off-season trips including murder-mystery, wine-tasting, New Year’s, and Meet Santa excursions are also offered.

Departing from Canon City, the train follows the Arkansas River and through the gorgeous Royal Gorge. Thrill at the hanging bridge in a 30-foot-wide canyon! Both open-air and enclosed cars are offered, and you may move about the train at will.