A road trip to meet several other couples has been planned for October.
Never been to Boulder, so we are staying 2 nights, and know we should go to Avery, Upslope. We are staying in an AirB&B near the Pearl St Mall, so Mountain Sun will be a stop too. Any others? Non beer related recommendations are welcome too.
Sedona, well I have driven trough there many times starting back in 1984, last time was 10+ years back, and I know it will have changed. We have 4 nights there. Any recommendations? Will probably go to some of the Natioinal Parks and Monuments to make use of the new Senior Pass I have, got to get my money’s worth. 8)
Flagstaff will be a stop for lunch one day. I know it has changed. More breweries today.
Sedona seemed way too touristy for us when we were there several years ago. The drive to Taos is nice though, as well as Taos itself. If you are driving this trip, can I recommend going through the high plains of central Colorado to N.M.? We stayed overnight at Great Sand Dunes National Monument, which is far enough away from most civilization to see a whole lot of stars.
Along the drive from Taos in Chumaya is one of those old missions where you can spoon up some healing dirt.
Yeah, it is pretty there. Plan on doing a little hiking in the red rocks. Maybe a day going up to the Grand Canyon or one of the other National Monuments in the area (been to most).
I know it is touristy, but I am taking one for the team. Original plan was Santa Fe, and not to be denied we are going there after Sedona. After Santa Fe we are going up to Salida, which takes us through the San Louis Valley right by the Sand Dunes, might stop this time. Salida is an old mining town that has remade itself into an artsy/adventure recreation place. Right outside of Salida is Elevation Brewing, which was really good last time we were through there 3 years ago.
This will be around 4200 miles without side trips, and those will happen.
My car is a lease, which still has 11,000 miles on the lease which ends in March. It is the type of car that is good on a long trip, and a blast on the twisty bits. That is why I said we will drive to this get together.
If you are going to the GC be sure to check the weather. We were dressed for Phoenix and it actually snowed a little while we were in Williams. By mid-morning it was normal temps, but I was not prepared for the light dusting in the morning. Sedona was fine the entire time BTW.
Dude, not my first rodeo! Elevation determines the temperature.
Edit - Mike we are much more aware of what to do in the west, and what gear is needed. Spent the 90’s and the early 2000’s knocking around Northern AZ and Southern UT. Every chance we could get, we were doing something out there. Just saying we know better now. Some guys at work used to call me the Dessert Rat, as we were always there.
In 1984 we left Pheonix and went to the south rim, in shorts and short sleeve shirts, and we’re fine in the daylight. Left the Canyon at dusk, stopped at a Fast food place in Flagstaff on the way back and we were darned cold, and had the “must be tourist look” from locals.
We have been to the north rim in summer, and since it is 1200 ft higher than the South Rim, it can get a little nippy at night.
If you have never seen the Canyon from the bottom on a river trip, it should be a big bucket list item. I want a repeat of that one, 15 days on the river, it was the best vacation ever!
Those two places are chains as far as I know. We went to Joe’s Kansas City and waited in line for ribs and burnt ends. Although an hour wait probably wasn’t worth it, the food was very good.
Can’t help you on the BBQ advice, but I highly recommend KC Bier co. if you have the chance. They had a nice little menu there. I liked the soft pretzel with pimento cheese myself. Beer was great. The Nelson-Atkins art museum was great as well if you have a few hours.
Gates or JackStack and you won’t be disappointed. KC does baby back ribs, burnt ends, and pulled pork like no other. Skip Arthur Bryant’s unless you like overrated room temp fatty meat on wonder bread with a side of potential food poisoning.
About 600 miles out of the way. Checked into the Hotel, which is a block from El Bait Shop. Currently having my second pint. I see why it makes the “Best Beer Bar” Listicals. I like it!
Sort of… Coming through Leadville would add about 10 miles and 20 minutes. As of now, I’m free all day the 30th, so I could meet up at one of the breweries in Salida or BV if you don’t want to detour. Let me know what Stubing says. 8)
Stopped in Leadville today, Sean showed me his brewery location. Had lunch and a beer with him. Make an effort to stop there next summer when he is open, everyone.
