The Butterfly Quest

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Looking for something fun to do with the entire family? The Butterfly Pavilion’s Butterfly Quest Event is ongoing until March 30th and is exactly what you’re looking for. The event is, “a search to discover, track and monitor butterflies in the butterfly conservatory, capturing important data that contributes to our scientists’ research.” Continue reading for information an this Colorado adventure. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

Westminster Butterfly Quest

The cool thing about Butterfly Quest is that you’re just looking at butterflies, which is fun by itself. But you will also be helping scientists and their studies at the same time. As you observe tagged butterflies, you can record what you see on your phone. This meaningful data helps scientists shape animal welfare in zoos around the country. Here are some of the things you’ll help the experts keep track of. Also, check out their website for more details.

In order to understand and observe the lifespan of different butterfly species, there are a few things they need to know. You will record how long the butterflies live and how they behave. To collect this data, the butterflies are tagged upon emergence from their chrysalides. The scientists want to know how the butterflies spend their time in their home. This work can be very time consuming for them, which is why your help is so valuable. Of course you need to have fun with your family at the same time. It’s a win-win! The information you gather will help the experts discover new ways to improve animal care.

St. Patrick’s Day Bar Festival

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You and your close friends can enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day adventure this year that you’ll never forget. I’m talking about the St. Patrick’s Day Bar Festival. The event takes place on Saturday, March 12th. Expect to see Irish jigs, DJs, live bands & green drinks. Continue reading for more information.  Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

The 2022 St. Patrick’s Day Bar Festival

Did you know that Saint Patrick’s Day was made an official Christian holiday in the early 17th century? It was once observed religiously by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Lutheran Church. It started as a commemoration of Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. Now it is widely used to celebrate the heritage and culture of the Irish in general. The bar festival this year will be a “Socially Safe Event.” This means that there will only be a certain number of tickets and they will not oversell tickets.

Therefore, go to their website and get your tickets now to guarantee your spot! There are many great Denver venues participating in the festivities this year. They include Gaslamp at 1437 Market St, Nola Jane Restaurant and Bar at 1435 Market St, and Society Sports & Spirits at 1434 Blake St. Another popular spot is Front Porch. This relatively new bar has a great atmosphere and rustic vibe. The Front Porch was made popular by its Flip Night, in which guests can win free drinks by correctly calling a coin toss.

National Coin & Money Show

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If you love to collect old coins or just looking to have a unique experience this weekend, the National Coin and Money Show is exactly what you’re looking for. Did you know that a person that collects coins is called a numismatic? Continue reading for everything you need to know about the National Coin and Money Show. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

The 2022 National Coin and Money Show

The Broadmoor, a beautiful resort in Colorado Springs, hosts the event this year. The show will begin on March 10th and end on the 12th. Attendees will witness millions in rare coins and numismatic treasures. Also, you will be able to buy, sell and trade with hundreds of coin dealers, participate in live auctions showcasing amazing rarities, and attend lectures and presentations from noted numismatists. Moreover, you can even bring your own coins and get them appraised by the experts!

The show hours for that Thursday and Friday are the same. That is 10 AM to 6 PM in the main room at the Broadmoor, which is called Broadmoor Hall. The last day of the event on Saturday will be open from 10 AM to 4 PM. The admission on the last day of the show is completely free. However, on the other days, Admission is $10. If you are an American Numismatic Association member, a child under 12, and active and retired military personnel you can also get in for free. You can even bring up to 3 additional guests. Check out their website for more details. 

Famous Gravesites in Colorado

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Did you know that Colorado is the final resting place for many famous figures. John Henry ‘Doc’ Holiday was a famous gunfighter and professional gambler, most well-known for his part in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. Holiday died from tuberculosis in Glenwood Springs and his grave is located there at the Pioneer Cemetery. Continue reading for more historic gravesites in Colorado. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

Historic Gravesites in Colorado

One of the biggest historical figures buried in Colorado is Chief Ouray. This was a major chief of the Ute Nation that obtain six million acres of land for the Ute Nation. His grave is at Ouray Memorial Park in Montrose. Joe Cocker, who was a blues-rock singer, is also buried in the Centennial state. He was known for ballads like “You are so beautiful” and “Unchain my heart.” During his career, he recorded 40 albums and worked with famous artists like Patty LaBelle. His grave is at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Delta County.

History buffs will know about Alferd Packer. He was a wilderness guide in Colorado and Utah in the 1870s. There is a gruesome tale of how his comrades died from cold weather exposure and how he ate them to survive. Packer’s final resting place is the Littleton Cemetery in Littleton. Also, there’s Buffalo Bill. Buffalo Bill is the man who gave the Wild West its name. He was an entertainer, entrepreneur, and a Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient. He later died from kidney failure and is buried at the Buffalo Bill Memorial Museum in Golden, Colorado.

Rocky Mountain Horse Expo 2022

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The Rocky Mountain Horse Expo is a Colorado tradition that has been around for over thirty years. It has entertained and educated horse lovers of all breeds and disciplines for a long time. This year will be no exception. The 2022 Rocky Mountain Horse Expo starts February 24th and ends on the 27th—that’s 4 days of horse fun! Continue reading for what you can expect to see that this great event. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

What to Expect at The Rocky Mountain Expo

The most anticipated part of the expo will be The Mane Event. The show includes many breeds and disciplines performing to music and lights. It is a great show for the entire family. Tickets for the Main Event shows are sold separately from admission tickets. Therefore make sure you get them ahead of time by going to their website. Another big event at the expo is The Ride with the Experts program. This program is designed for you to bring your horse and ride with the clinician during their presentation. Also, did you know that there was an art show at the show?

It’s called the Expo Art Show and Literary Corral. This will be part of a larger promotion of Art, Film, and Books at the event under the EQUUS Film and Art Fest. There are many great Equine Filmmakers, Artists, and Authors out there. This even will bring much needed awareness for the industry. The event will feature 300 vendors at the National Western Complex. Organized by the Colorado Horse Council, the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo is the council’s largest annual fundraiser and this year’s charity is the Ronald McDonald House in Denver.

Nordic Ski Areas in Colorado

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Did you know that there are several great Nordic ski areas close to Denver? It’s true! Even urbanites can quickly get out and ski without driving for hours or paying for an expensive plan ticket. Here are some of the best Nordic ski areas in Colorado. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

Colorado Nordic Ski Areas

Premiere Nordic ski area Roxborough State Park is located just outside of Denver. Roxborough is along the Front Range and known for its jagged red rocks. The sights here attract more that just skiers to the area. Nordic skiers often hit the trails here and explore the snow-capped red rocks for a unique experience. Skiing is only allowed on designated trails and there is a fee to enter the park. Therefore, make sure you check out the Parks website before heading out of the city. Another great area for skiers to check out is Eldora Mountain.

Eldora Mountain is located near the small town of Nederland. The Nordic Center at Eldora features thirty-four miles of trails. This area features beautiful pine forests and expansive alpine meadows in the backdrop of the mountain. Skiers at Eldora Nordic Center also have access to National Forest lands via the Jenny Creek Trail. This one is really worth the measly fifty-mile trip from the city. If you are new to skiing, you can get lessons from the center. For more information like season ticket prices check out the Eldora Mountain website.

Cowboy Downhill

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Have you ever heard of the Cowboy Downhill? This Steamboat Springs exclusive event is where pro cowboys from all over the state trade their boots for skis. It started over 40 years ago when a few Rodeo stars were invited to Steamboat for a day of skiing. It was such a historic event that it has become a huge tradition in the area. Continue reading for all the details. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

Cowboy Downhill Even Details

Everything starts on Monday, January 17th, at 11:00 AM in Steamboat Square. This is the 47th Annual Cowboy Downhill (sponsored by Bud Light) and there will be a western celebration in Gondola Square to kick things off. You will experience 4H farm animals, food and refreshments at Timber & Torch Grill, and a learn-to-rope clinic. There will also be appearances by the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders, as well as commemorative Bud Light Cowboy Downhill logo wear and souvenirs.

There are two main parts to the Cowboy Downhill: the timed Dual Slalom and the Stampede Event. The race starts at 1:00 PM. Participants will ski down a dual slalom course, go over a jump, lasso a person, saddle a horse, and cross the finish line. You didn’t think it was just skiing did you? Afterwards is The Stampede Event. This is a mass start ski competition. First cowboy to the bottom wins the race. Also, there is an after party concert that you will not want to miss. This unique concert will feature the band Lil Smokies in Steamboat Square.

Sleigh Rides in Colorado

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Winter in Colorado is a magical time. Snow blankets the ground in white as everyone prepares for the holidays. Imagine taking a sleigh ride along beautiful Colorado landscapes, holding your loved ones and enjoying the crisp winter weather. Well, you can actually take a real sleigh ride with the whole family this year! Continue reading for some of the best places to find winter sleigh rides in Colorado. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

Popular Winter Sleigh Rides in Colorado

One of the best places to find winter sleigh rides in Colorado is Breckenridge. The Breckenridge Stables offer tours in two locations, namely Peak 9 and the Breckenridge Golf Club. Peak 9 is usually open from late November through mid-April, while Breckenridge Golf Club is open from mid-December through end of March. Therefore, it shouldn’t be hard to plan a day around it. Both areas have amazing views that are different from one another. Breckenridge Stables has three different sleighs. One seats 12 to 14 people, one seats up to 28, and a more intimate one that seats up to 6.

Another great venue for sleigh rides is Bar Lazy L Ranch in Steamboat Springs. The rides here are fully planned events, so the tickets are worth every penny. First they pick you up in town and shuttle you to the ranch where your horse-drawn sleigh awaits. Tickets even include a meal. That’s right, the sleigh takes you to one of their pristine outdoors settings so you can take in the sights while dinning. After you finish eating, there is some additional entertainment to help you relax a bit before riding the sleigh back to the shuttle.

Christmas Adventures

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Christmas is just around the corner. Are you looking for a new Christmas adventure to take your family on this year? How about a scenic train ride through some of the most beautiful places in Colorado? Continue reading for everything you need to know about these unique Christmas adventures. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

Christmas Adventures: Santa on The Train

This year you can live out your childhood dream to be on the Polar Express, now until December 24 with the Georgetown Looper. Enjoy the wonderful snowy vistas as you’re visited by Santa and his Elves. Also, they pass out presents and goodies to the little ones aboard the decorated and heated coaches. It is truly a magical experience for everyone in the family! Get your tickets now as their seats usually fill up quickly. If you miss out on this specific ride, don’t worry. Georgetown Looper also has a Victorian Holiday Celebration from December 26 to January 3. Your journey to this North Pole lasts approximately 50-60 minutes, round-trip. Guests may choose from the coach section, parlor car, or Presidential car.

Every wondered how the Georgetown Looper started? Here’s a quick history lesson. The Georgetown Loop Railroad was one of Colorado’s first visitor attractions. This spectacular stretch of 3 ft. narrow gauge railroad, built by the Georgetown, Breckenridge and Leadville Railway, was completed in 1884 and considered an engineering marvel for its time. The thriving mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume lie 2 miles apart in the steep, narrow canyon of Clear Creek in the Rocky Mountains west of Denver. Engineers designed a corkscrew route that traveled nearly twice that distance to connect them, slowly gaining more than 600 feet in elevation.

Ye Olde Chuckwagon

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Ever wondered where early Colorado Cowboys and settlers get there food? From the chuckwagon of course! The chuckwagon was historically a type of field kitchen in a covered wagon. They were once used for the storage and transportation of food and cooking equipment on the prairies. They would line up in a wagon train for feeding workers—an old version of food trucks today. Continue reading for everything you need to know about the history of the chuckwagon. Also, if you are looking for a horse property for sale in Colorado, contact Colorado Horse Property today and speak with one of our horse-person realtors.

History of the Chuckwagon

There were mobile kitchens before the chuckwagon, but weren’t as elaborate. Charles Goodnight invented the chuckwagon in 1866. Goodnight was a Texas rancher known as the father of the Texas Panhandle. Goodnight created the chuckwagon from a Studebaker covered-wagon, a durable Civil War army-surplus wagon. He wanted it to suit the needs of cowboys driving cattle from Texas to sell in New Mexico. What made the chuckwagon unique was the addition of the “chuck box.” This was a set of drawers and shelves for storage space with a hinged lid to provide a flat working surface.

Cook provided many different types of foods out of chuckwagons. The food typically included easy-to-preserve items like beans and salted meats, coffee, and sourdough biscuits. Workers gathered food on the wagon’s route to cook and serve later. However, not everything was available. There was no fresh fruit, vegetables, or eggs available and meat was not fresh unless an animal was injured during the run and therefore had to be killed. The meat they ate was greasy cloth-wrapped bacon, salt pork, and beef, usually dried, salted or smoked.