While traveling toward the high country from Denver, there’s a Golden, Colorado restaurant, a little gem in downtown Golden, not far off Interstate 70. Whether you’re staying at Table Mountain or just passing through, Golden, CO is definitely worth a visit. Here they specialize in authentic Southwestern and American cuisine and they really make you feel welcome and comfortable. This award-winning restaurant is only a 15-minute drive from Denver. Enjoy a delicious mix of southwestern and western cuisine for breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, or dinner at one of Golden’s most revered restaurants.

At breakfast, choose from dishes such as down-home Country Biscuits and Gravy, griddled Salmon Cakes, Omelets, Benedicts, Smoothies, and egg skillets. And the dinner menu is amazing and offers such specialties as Mesa Pork Ribs, fresh Rainbow Trout, Filet Mignon, Pinon Cherry Chicken, Fire Roasted Chile Rellenos or Chicken Enchiladas.

The kitchen here continues to serve superb Southwestern-focused cuisine and then will follow it up with some stunning desserts, such as the chocolate taco.

Table Mountain’s bar features amazing deals for Happy Hour. The bar contains a wide variety of fine tequilas, an extensive wine list, choice of local microbrews, and specials to aid with relaxation. So, try to make time for a quick meal or snack on your way up to play in the Colorado high country.

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Sailing is not only a hobby, but also often considered an art form.  Newport Rhode Island, also known as “The Sailing Capital of The World,” offers a variety of sailing options for all ages and ability levels.  From the experienced captain looking for a challenging day at sea to a novice looking to learn the ropes, Newport has a little something for everyone.

If you’re interested in learning the ins and out s of sailing, there are a variety of charter services and sailing schools in the area ready to assist you in achieving your sailing goals.  Relaxation more your style?  Book a day trip on a charter boat instead, and let someone else do the work while you take in the beautiful scenery!  Become everyone’s favorite boss with a corporate or team building retreat, or get the family together for some much needed bonding -everyone will be thrilled to spend some time on the water!

Coming from out of town?  Be sure to check out one of the area’s charming Newport Bed and Breakfasts -Newport’s innkeepers will make you feel right at home while visiting.  Many of these inns offer great rates, and are located within walking distance of popular downtown,  beautiful beaches, historic mansions, and amazing restaurants!

Be sure to consider Newport, Rhode Island when planning your next getaway!  Newport is the perfect locale for great family fun, quiet romantic getaways, and memorable corporate retreats!

Images Courtesy Kables

Outer Banks, North Carolina is a chain of barrier islands that stretch for 200 miles from north to south in the Atlantic Ocean.  Nags Head of Outer Banks is located roughly 6 miles off the mainland and is situated in the middle of the long stretch of islands.  With being basically on the water, the Outer Banks affords the luxury and privy of having great fishing reserves and therefore fresh and succulent salt water and fresh water cuisine. 

The Outer Banks of North Carolina allow for several types of fishing; pier fishing, surf fishing and of course charter fishing.  Fishing off of Outer Banks piers can result in catching Cobia, King Mackeral, Rock Fish and Speckled Trout.  The Nags Head pier produced the largest known King Mackeral to be caught off the pier at 58 1/2 lbs.

Surf fishing is great because you don’t need a boat, a pier or pay someone to take you out on a charter boat.  As long as you can access the beach you’re in.  In the Outer Banks, surf fishing produces Blue fish, Croaker and Flounder and they can be caught most anytime especially in the Spring and Fall. 

Charter fishing can be done most anywhere but the Outer Banks is special in that the Intercoastal Waterway runs close to the shore due to the Barrier Islands and that means big fish are always traveling up the coast in search of food.  Pretty much the same kind of fish can be caught offshore as you can catch off a pier with the exception of Albacore Tuna and some other deep water species.

The really fun part of catching all of these great tasting fish is to eat them.  One can have their catch fried, grilled, baked and blackened at one of the many seaside restaurants or one can visit a plethora of seafood markets with most having their own restaurant inside.  Lots of crab, clams and shrimp are to be expected.  What is really fun is to spend all day catching fish off of the pier and then having the Nags Head Pier Restaurant cook them up for you.  After eating, enjoy taking a long stroll on the pier and check out others trying to land a “Big One”.

If a beach vacation is on the horizon and fishing is expected to happen then plan a trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and the Nags Head area.

Photos courtesy of:

The Outer Banks Pier in South Nags Head by BOBXNC

Outer Banks Pier Fishing by MadAboutCows

Seafood in Nags Head by D. B. Blas

The 2009 Mendocino Music Festival is rapidly approaching, will you be attending?  The festival has been running for over 20 years, established in 1986 by a group local musicians with a passion for classical music.  The festival is comprised of a combination of both local and professional artists with the mission of bringing musical education to the Mendocino coast.

If you enjoy great music and amazing seascapes, this concert is not to be missed!  The festival takes place in a beautiful venue overlooking the Pacific, and is close to many of the area’s finest attractions.

Coming from out of town? Check out one of the Mendocino bed and breakfasts that the area is famous for.  Also, be sure to check out some of the amazing area wineries, no matter your preference, the local wineries offer something for everyone!  From  rich Cabernets to sweet Rieslings, the region is sure to please!  The Mendocino Valley has long since made it known that charming bed and breakfasts pair excellently with fine wines.

Images Courtesy *clairity*

Sitting around 7,000 feet above sea level, Park City is the perfect locale to escape from the summer heat!  Park City, Utah is home to the US Ski Team and the Sundance Film Festival, and is widely known as a great winter vacation destination.  What many people don’t realize, is that Park City is also an amazing summer destination.  With a fun, bustling downtown area, wildflowers as far as the eye can see, golf, fishing, and a variety of festivals, the mountain village is the perfect summer vacation destination!

The same mountain that provides world-class skiing also offers some amazing mountain biking in addition to an alpine slide, ziprider, alpine coaster, a climbing wall and more!  For the less adventurous traveler, there is also the option of a scenic chairlift ride, hiking, and mini golf.  Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort, and The Canyons Resort  all offer a little something for everyone in the summer.

When planning your vacation, be sure to check out some of the amazing Park City vacation rentals.  Amazing mountain condos and private homes that command high rates in the winter are often offered for a fraction of the price throughout the summer months!

You may want to center your trip around one of the many festivals that Park City is famous for.  Here is some information on a few of the area’s most popular summer events:

• Park City Food and Wine Classic [July 9-12] -An “Epicurean Extravaganza” featuring master winemakers, amazing chefs, and an impressive guest list!  This delectable event is a must if you love food, wine, and good company!
• Fidelity Jazz Festival [August 21-23] -An annual festival featuring amazing musicians.  In addition to nightly performances, this festival features daily workshops and clinics for budding musicians.
• Deer Valley Music Festival -A variety of musical styles to suit all tastes and ages!
• Park City Farmer’s Market -Held every Wednesday between June and October from noon to seven pm at The Canyons Cabriolet parking lot.
• Park Silly Sunday Market -An eco-friendly open market and street festival.  Every Sunday from mid-June through September.
• Fourth of July Celebrations -There are a variety of celebrations surrounding Independence day! Starting with the July 3rd celebration at The Canyons Resort, finishing up with activities and fireworks at Park City’s Traditional Independence Day Celebration and The Flying Ace All-Stars Show at The Utah Olympic Park.

What are you waiting for? Start planning your Park City getaway today!

Images Courtesy ArtBrom