Denver: The Mile High City.

After finishing up with Kansas City we set off for Denver Colorado. We drove through the entire state of Kansas with absolutely nothing to look at around us (the ground was entirely flat) until we saw signs for Prairie Dog Town. The signs on the road were intriguing because they showed photos of Prairie Dogs along with text saying that they had rattlesnakes, goats, and a six legged steer. So, obviously, we needed to check it out.

(there were a bunch of animals)

*I didn't take a photo of the cow with six legs. It was just cow with a parasitic twin connected to it. There were two small limp legs connected to his backside. Not that great of a sight, really.

*The Prairie Dogs were running around loose. It was really cute.

After enjoying Prairie Dog Town, we set back on the road for a few more hours worth of driving. Just as we entered Colorado the terrain completely changed. It went from boring flat lands to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. As an Ohio native and one who has never been west, seeing the Rockies was a big thrill.
We spent two days in Denver and we did the following:

-Ate from a well known street vender named Biker Jim. He makes gourmet hotdogs made of Elk, Reindeer, Boar, and Bison. I tried an Elk sausage while Matthew had both an Elk and Reindeer. They were extremely good.

-We visited the Art Museum, Natural History Museum and the Zoo. (These chipmonks aren't found in Ohio . They were very friendly and I actually pet this little guy right after taking his photo.)

-We went to the brew pub Breckenridge for dinner and a flight of beers and tried a Bison burger (It was pretty good and tasted better, I think, than beef)

-We walked around a shopping area called Larimer and had cheap mexican food called Illegal Pete's (which was very much like a Chipotle atmosphere--but cooler) as suggested by a Pedicab driver that drove us around the city.

This morning we left Denver and decided to drive to Boulder. Avery Brewing is located there and we actually got to go on a tour of the brewery so that was cool. We tasted a beer that will be released soon called Ale To The Chief in it's fermentation stage. It's being released in a few months to celebrate President Bush leaving office. Clever name, huh?

The entire time in Denver we really wanted to get close to the mountains but from the city they are still pretty far away. Before leaving Colorado we drove around aimlessly and finally found an area where there is housing right up near and in the mountains. The view those people have right in their backyards is absolutely amazing. Here's one photo from that area:
As of right now we're about two hours into Wyoming and taking a break for the night. We're on our way to Yellowstone National Park and have another 8 or so hours of driving to get there. Stay tuned and thanks for reading.

Kansas City: The City of Fountains.

On the road to Kansas City we saw a huge shop called Bass Pro Shops and felt the urge to stop and check it out. The place was filled with taxidermy, fish tanks filled with Salmon and other random fish, and equipment galore. Angie picked up a sticker and water bottle just for fun.

Upon entering Kansas City, we ate at Arthur Bryants. It was the very first BBQ place created in Kansas City. Angie got a BBQ chicken sandwich with potato salad and Matthew got a pulled pork sandwich with fries and a lemonade.
Driving into the city we walked around a neighborhood called 39th St. West, a "bohemian area" that is comparable to the Short North of Columbus Ohio. We hung out there but the heat was a huge hindrance. The thermometer in the car was at 100°F. After walking around for as much as we could, we parked the car in a neighborhood and waited for it to cool down.
We had an early meal at Pier Pont's where Angie had a Caesar Salad and a yummy alcoholic Italian Soda and Matthew went with the beef Carpaccio with a glass of wine.

Our late dinner was at Hereford House where we split a Kansas City Strip and ended the night completely (borderline disgustingly) full.
Next up is an 8hr or so drive to Denver, Colorado. Stay tuned.

St. Louis: The Gateway to the West.

Yesterday we spent the day in St. Louis. After a long day of driving it was a nice feeling to see the Arch in front of the city.
After parking our car we took the Metro to see what St. Louis had to offer. The weather was a bit of a hindrance and we hid under an awning waiting for the rain to stop. After the rain let up, we walked to the brewpub Schlafly for lunch and a flight of beers.

We walked around admiring the sights and then went to The Old Spaghetti Factory to try their fried ravioli. While there, we saw a child fall off his booster seat and bloody his lip which was sort of amusing. As far as the fried ravioli, they were pretty good. The insides were filled with beef but I think if filled with cheese they would have been much more delicious.
As we departed the city we saw billboards for a tourist attraction called Nostalgiaville. We figured we'd check it out because we're on no set schedule. Nostalgiaville was filled with toys, bumper stickers and lots of 50s and 60s memorabilia.


One of the things purchased at Nostalgiaville were these Candy Buttons. I was so excited to see them because years go my Uncle Leo used to give me these whenever I visited his house. His though came in a huge rolls and he'd just rip off a piece and give it to me. Tasting them now I realized that they aren't that great, :).

Next up is Kansas City and the barbequed food it has to offer! Stay tuned.

PS: IHOP has some pretty good coffee.

Almost ready!

Hey there.

We're about to embark on our trip this Monday. The next time you hear from us we'll be in another state with photos and stories to share. Stay tuned.

Angie.

The Route.

Edit: A little change of plans. All the same destinations but completely backwards. The person we're staying with in Seattle isn't available later in July so we have to get there sooner. We're spending the fourth of July in Seattle now. This now means that places like the Grand Canyon will be in later July and that means more HEAT. Oh well.

Comments?

We're about to embark on our month (or even longer) trip in a little over a week. In this entry, I'd like for you (our readers) to comment with what you'd bring along on a road trip. What are some fun ways to pass the time in a car? Mix CDs, sure. iSpy, yep. Anything else?

Any suggestions for good road trip music? Food?

Thanks.
Angie.