July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -1-
-2- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -3-
Table of Contents
48 38 Feature : Product Reviews for Easier Traveling
PLACES TO GO: Northern Colorado
FEATURES
6
Remember Dad on his Special Day!
Key West, FL Riding Sun, IN Hollywood, FL
8
Nashville, TN Sioux Falls, S. Dakota New York, New York
Things to Do: Celebrate at a Freedom Festival
10
Places to Go: Pennsy Trail Art Fair
12
Things to Do: Reminisce in the Past Powers
14
Festival Previews in Ohio
20
Things to Do: Eat, Drink SLC in Utah
44 THINGS TO DO: with the kids at a Western Dude Ranch
24 Places to Go: Cheat River Water Trail 26 Food Column: Food Fun / Kandy Derden 28 People To See: Exile 30 Things to Do: Traveling with Pets 32 Places to Go: Silver Dollar City 34
Places to Go: Aquatopia Water Park
36
People to See: The Mob Story
38
Places to go: in Northern Colorado
44 Things to Do: With the Kids at a Dude Ranch 49 People To See: At Billy Bob’s Texas
28 PEOPLE TO SEE: Exile
-4- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
The Weekender Extended Magazine is Published Monthly by BarnettPRO Publishing 71 Plymouth St., Plymouth, OH 44865. PHONE/FAX 419-687-0002 Email: info@barnettpro.com Publisher - Michael D. Arnold mike@barnettpro.com Sr. Managing Editor- Kathy Barnett kathy@barnettpro.com Technical Director - Norman Reed Managing Editor : Social Media Norm@weekenderextended.com Places to Go Editor: Kandy Derden Things to Do Editor: Lisa Rhoden People to See Editor: Sheeree Oney editor@weekenderextended.com Visit our Website for event coverage between regular issues at www.WeekenderExtended.com Online Subscriptions are FREE! Submit your name and email address & we’ll also enter it in our monthly drawing for a FREE weekend getaway! Copyright 2018 by BarnettPRO Publishing All rights reserved. Reproductions of any material from this issue is expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher. Advertisements in this publication do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the publishing company.
Up Close: From the Editor
I guess I did need an extended weekend getaway after all! I just reread last month’s Up Close notes and found four typos in the very first paragraph! I didn’t even bother to read the rest. However, this month I’m back at it, hot and heavy, into the middle of festival and fair season with new places to go, exciting things to do and great people to see! It has always been my goal to bring at least one more event to our subscribers that was not previewed before. Because our fair/festival is one of the two most popular issues of the year, any new columns, new feature topics, or expansions are usually decided upon and integrated into this issue. So I am very excited to announce our newest division of BarnettPRO Publishing, a “Let’s Go” series of children’s books to coincide with our many places to go on an extended weekend. The first book, “Let’s Go to the Circus,” by Kandy Derden is in it’s final stages of publication and will be available FIRST to our readers, hopefuly by our next issue. Besides being our Places to Go editor and regular Food Fun columnist, Kandy is also a school teacher for disabled students and a volunteer Disaster Relief coordinator/chef for the Southern Baptist Assoc. Here is a little bit more about her writing background: “I entered a short story contest in high school which was sponsored by the school newspaper. I won second place, but rather than being discouraged for not winning first, I realized I needed to learn how to get better so I signed up for a creative writing class and a journalism class. My teacher liked my articles enough to make me one of the editors of our high school newspaper. I even “sold” a few stories (mostly to classmates who didn’t do their assignments.) I loved it! I haven’t been bored since because I can always be thinking about a story line. I began my first novel right about then. I believe I made it all the way to page two before realizing I really wasn’t ready for a project that big.” Fast forward ... Coming Very Soon....
Kathy Barnett July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -5-
saluting Indepen
Freedom of an Adventure on an Extended Wee 38th Hemingway Days Key West, Florida
Independence Celebration Rising Sun, Indiana
Beer - Soaked Spa Hollywood, Florida
July 17-22 — Fans can celebrate the late author’s literary accomplishments and colorful Key West lifestyle as they salute the legacy of the Nobel Prize winner who lived and wrote on the island for most of the 1930s. Events include the famed Hemingway® Look-Alike Contest, prose and poetry readings, the tongue-in-cheek “Running of the Bulls,” symposium presentations and a film evening, a look-alike “party” on Hemingway’s July 21 birthday, running and paddleboarding challenges, a lively street fair and a high-stakes three-day marlin tournament recalling his passion for Florida Keys angling. The festival’s other literary offerings include the “Voices, Places, Inspirations” author readings, “Papa’s Poems” and an evening spotlighting Sinclair’s “The Hemingway Monologues” film and seven-book series. Visit www.fla-keys.com/hemingway-day
July 3 - Rising Sun Main Street will host a golf cart parade in the downtown area at 6:30 p.m. Walkers and bicyclists are also encouraged to participate. The parade will begin at Rising Sun City Hall and conclude on Front Street along the riverfront. Decorations will be available at the City Hall parking lot beginning at 6 p.m. for those who would like assistance in preparing for the event. Drivers of pre-decorated golf carts must arrive by 6:15 p.m. All golf carts and bicycles must be decorated in a patriotic theme. Walkers are encouraged to dress in patriotic attire. After the parade, stay for live music by the Side Effects beginning at 7 p.m. Food will be available for sale by the Rising Sun Lion’s Club. Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. For more information, call 812438-2750.
Looking for something fun to do this Fourth of July? Escape to The Diplomat Beach Resort, a most encompassing destination resort, which boasts 1,000 bright, beachy guest rooms, two sun-drenched pools, four exclusively designed Trina Turk cabanas, a glittering, ultramodern spa, and 10 culinary concepts led by celebrity chefs. The property is offering a special limited time rate of $199 per room/per night until July 5th. The resort is also hosting festive parties and activations at several of its outlets, including a Diplomat Landing BBQ & Beer Bash, 33rd Floor Private Viewing and Playa Satellite Stations. Diplomat Landing BBQ & Beer Bash: Noon - 9 pm DJ: 12 pm- 6 pm 33rd Floor Private Viewing Ticketed event 8-11 p.m. ($100 per person) Open bar included Fireworks at 9 pm For more information and/or tickets, please call 954-602-6000.
-6- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
ndance Day
ekend Getaway Red, White, and BBQ Nashville, Tennessee
Folk Off & Rib Challenge Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Celebrate on the highest rooftop in Nashville this Independence Day with luxurious accommodations, valet parking, spa pampering, and an All-American BBQ bash. The Westin Nashville is pulling out all the stops to ensure guests experience the highest level of service to celebrate the red, white and blue July 4th. Party attendees at L27 Rooftop Loung will receive two drink tickets, live DJ entertainment, and a menu of All-American fare for purchase including Smoked BBQ Pork and Chicken Sandwiches, Coleslaw, and Steak Fries. Specialty cocktails will be the Sour Cherry Gin Sling, Electric Blue Margarita, and White Sangria. Use promotional code LQPKG1. This package is available July 2 - 6th (must stay July 4th). Call 615-248–2800 or visit the www. westinnashville.com. Tickets for the “Red, White, and BBQ” party alone are $75, and can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/july-4th-red-white-andbbq-tickets-46197854025.
The Strawbale Winery is proud to host Folk Off and Rib Challenge, a folk and Americana Music competition and a BBQ Competition on July 28th. Up to 12 musical acts will compete for Peoples Choice and Judges Choice and a chance to perform at the Sioux River Folk Festival the following weekend. Up to six local BBQ food vendors will compete for Peoples Choice. This is a fund raiser for Boys and Girls Club of the Sioux Empire and for the Friends of Traditional Music. The competition begins at 10 a.m. It’s all about the Music, Wine, Beer, and BBQ. The headliner entertainment for the event is the Red Willow Band taking the stage at 7 p.m. Please no outside food, beverages, or pets....all will be provided. Kids and lawn chairs welcomed. Tickets are $15 in advance and available at Strawbale Winery and on www.BrownPaperTickets.com. Tickets are $20 the day of the event. For more information, call 605-543-5071
A Healthy Getaway New York, New York
Celebrate our nation’s birthday NYC-style this 4th of July. NYC will be the best place in the country to celebrate Independence Day as it’s the home to the incredible Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks display. From NYC parks to rooftop bars, catch the most spectacular view of the show set against the city’s skyline. Check out the guide at www.timeout. com/newyork/4th-of-july to the biggest summer holiday and make the most of this year’s long weekend with plenty of epic parties and things to do outside. Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks occur over the East River and the show begins at 9:25 p.m. The show during the annual Freedom and Fireworks Festival at Jersey City starts after dark. These displays should last about 25-30 minutes. The Macy’s fireworks are set off from barges located on the East River and are spread between 23rd and 40th Sts. Jersey City will be displaying fireworks at Liberty State park where you’ll get a waterfront view of New York. July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -7-
Things To Do
Cel ebr at e at
CE D A R RA P I D S , I A
The band Vintage Jammers will be playing from 8-11am. Bring your family, friends, neighbors and Please join us as we celebrate our nation’s birthanyone else who doesn’t want to cook on a nationday with tons of fun, affordable, family-friendly al holiday and we’ll do the cooking for you! After events! Each year thousands of Eastern Iowa respancakes, be sure to stop by the 3rd Avenue Bridge idents and visitors join together to celebrate our for the Freedom Festival Car Show! FREE Parking nation’s birthday by enjoying the many events and is available in the Mays Avenue Parkade. Handicap activities of the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival. More than 400,000 area residents and visitors attend accessible from parkade to Vets Colliseum through basement entrance the Freedom Festival each year. The Freedom FestiAn evening concert is scheduled at the McGrath val begins in June and culminates with the annual Amphitheatre. Doors will open at 4 p.m. and the Celebration of Freedom Fireworks on July 4th. night will conclude with the celebration of Freedom Admission to Freedom Festival events are free Festival Fireworks. Johnny Holm Band will play with the purchase of this year’s Freedom Festival button. Buttons are $5 each and can be found at vari- from 7-9:30 p.m. Then enjoy the Fireworks Show starting at 9:45 p.m! ous businesses throughout Cedar Rapids. Opening act is the local band Airwaves, they will The annual pancake breakfast will be inside the rock the stage from 5-6:30. Don’t miss this great local Veterans Memorial Colliseum, a beautifully restored, band as they kickoff the big show! For more inforhistoric building in Cedar Rapids. Exhibits will be mation, visit www.freedomfestival.com. open during the breakfast for your enjoyment. -8- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
F r eedom Fes t iv al s Annual Salute to Freedom
MOUNT VERNON, IL - Celebrate Independence Day with the community on July 4, from 5-10 p.m. during the 33rd Annual event at the Mt. Vernon Outland Airport. No admission fee is required to enjoy the live DJ while partaking
in lazer tag, inflatables, concessions, a performance by Patch Lee at 7 p.m., and a colossal fireworks display at dusk. For more information call (618) 242-3151 or visit online at www.enjoymtvernon.com.
FREEDOM DAYS
CELINA - The most Spectacular Fireworks display in all of Western Ohio!!! Enjoy Free live music by great bands, games, and family friendly competition all weekend long as we celebrate our Nations Independence the right way!!! There will also be great 4th of July food...Cheeseburgers & Hotdogs.. Snow cones...You name it...they have it at the Freedom Days Picnic along the beautiful shores of Grand Lake St Marys in Celina, OH. See ya there!!!
SPIRIT OF FREEDOM
FLORENCE - Celebrate Independence Day in the Shoals! Live, nationally- known musicians perform all day, food vendors are onsite, and activities for the entire family in McFarland Park throughout the day. The celebration culminates with one of the largest fireworks shows in the Southeast. The fun kicks off at noon. http://www.visitflorenceal. com/event/spirit-of-freedom/ July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -9-
Festival Previews:
GREENFIELD – Be sure not to miss a great day of fun, food, and festivities on July 28 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. when the annual Pennsy Trail Art Fair and Music Festival begins. This year the fair features more than 100 quality artists showing off their work. Some will present different art demonstrations of their craft. Only handmade items are sold at this festival! Also, enjoy live music, children’s art activities, and great local food. As usual the annual Duck Derby Raffle will be held for great prizes throughout the festival. So “try your luck and buy a duck!”
have here in our community or surrounding areas,” said one of the committee members. If you are interested, please call the MHP office at 317-462-2877. As Artists register they will be posted on the website at www.mentalhealthpartnershc.com/events. Applications are still rolling in, so check back often! The event was created to link the arts, local community, and local social service needs. Proceeds from the Pennsy Trail Art Fair & Music Festival benefit the non-profit organization: Mental Health Partners of Hancock County, a United Way of Central Indiana Agency.
Introduced as a new event this year is To date, the following musical groups the Greenfield MHP Grand Prix. Adults are scheduled for the entertainment: will get in on the action from 2-4 p.m. 11-12:00 - The Rizer Project as they enter to compete in an adult 12-12:30 - Wilkerson Dance Stubig wheel race. Be sure to sign up at: dio https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018pennsy-trail-art-and-music-festival12:30-2 - Bum Doubt and-big-wheel-grand-prix-race-tick2-4 - Occassional Blues Band ets-44932185376 “Keeping It Local” is an importand goal of the organizers of the annual Pennsy Trail Art Fair. “We would love to make this year’s festival all about the great talent we -10- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
4-7 - Pauls Court
This Festival runs from 11 am - 7 pm on Saturday July 28, 2018 Located Downtown Greenfield on Courthouse Plaza
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -11-
Things to Do Reminisce in thePast GREENSBURG - The 29th Annual Power of the Past Machinery Show will feature Oliver, Case, and Maytag farm equipment this year at the Decatur County Fairgrounds. This event is scheduled for August 16th to the 19th. Anyone owning machinery of the featured brands that is 40 years old or older is encouraged to bring and share in the displays. An important goal of the Greensburg Power of the Past Club organization is to educate its members and the general public of the historical, technical, and social contributions and impact of these items of the past. Another goal is to be involved in giving back to the local community. “Our main goal is to preserve a part of our heritage for all generations and historians to enjoy,” said Tom Cherry, longtime member of the organization. The public is invited to come and see all the antique machinery used as the days gone by like; plows, disks, combines, planters, cultivators and many more. Not only will you be able to view the antique machinery, you will also get the opportunity to watch these machines operate, Cherry explained. Witness the saw milling with the almighty Steam engines and other various shows such as the spark show or wood carving. After enjoying all the displays -12- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
of the antique machinery you can stroll through the flea market booths and you can purchase a variety of items including antiques, arts, crafts and collectibles. There is an antique tractor pull on Thursday and Friday nights at 6 p.m. This is an event for farm tractors made before 1959 to test their pulling power and show off their restoration. This pull is a low gear percentage pull. There are other tractor games and theme-oriented competitions scheduled throughout the weekend.Another major highlight is the annual parade of antique power on Saturday. You can play games, enjoy the old-time music, or even compete in an old-fashioned fiddle contest or horse and pony pull. Even the kids will have special games scheduled just for them on
Saturday evening. Don’t miss the special toy show on Saturday and Sunday, the annual consignment auction on Sunday morning and the live entertainment and food. The Greensburg Power of the Past has become one of Greensburg’s most recognized and well-attended events. The Greensburg Power of the Past Club is a non-profit organization, founded in 1989, to promote interest in antique tractors. While in town, make sure to stop by the city’s popular tourist attraction, the famous Courthouse Tower Tree. Call Visit Greensburgh at Tourism at 812222-8733. For more information, visit online at www.greensburgpowerofthepast.com.
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -13-
Places to Go:
Mia
Steam Th PLAIN CITY - A fully-packed schedule is in store for visitors of the 2018 Show at the Pastime Park. Each year a different model and make of farm equipment is featured. This year, it is Ford Tractors with Rare and Unusual Models. All gas engines and tractors are welcome. The fun begins each day at 7 a.m. and ends at 10 p.m. July 12 through the 15th. A family favorite is the annual Grand Parade held in the downtown area on Friday evening. Don’t miss the truck and tractor pull competitions. There will also be lawnmower pulls and kids games, including a pedal tractor pull on Sunday, to keep all entertained. Displays and demonstrations include steam engine demonstrations on a daily basis - a working sawmill, veneer mill, and wheat threshing. Small engines, antique tractors with working implements will be on display. Don’t miss the flea market with hand made/locally made arts and crafts; parts vendors, equipment and other misceslllaneous items for sale. Food vendors will be on hand to make sure visitors don’t go hungry. Each day, there will be a $5 admission with free, on-site parking spaces. Leashed dogs are welcome. However, please bring no bicycles, scooters or ATVs. There will be free WiFi available for those who need it. For those choosing to stay overnight, camping is available. Come and enjoy the whole weekend! For more information, visit the Facebook Miami Valley Steam Threshers Association page.
-14- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
ami Valley
hreshers show
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -15-
Places to Go:
INKcarce MANSFIELD– A rocking cocktail of a haunted and iconic prison, metal music and tattoos will take place this summer at the Ohio State Reformatory July 13-15. Bringing guests top best rock n’ roll and heavy metal music acts, INKcarceration not only features some 30 bands on two stages, but celebrates all things tattoo related. More than 25 booths will feature the work of 70-plus local and regional tattoo artists. Live demonstrations and contests in 25 categories, including a best in show, will highlight their artistry. More than 15 different vendors will serve up a variety of food and beverages, and tours of the legendary Ohio State Reformatory will be offered daily. With two stages programmed around the clock, this year’s lineup includes some of the top bands in rock and metal, such as Rise Against, A Day to Remember, Of Mice and Men, Lit, Life of Agony and Bad Omens on Friday; Bush, Our Lady Peace, Living Colour, Fuel, Alien Ant Farm, ’68, Through Fire, Akadia and All About A Bubble on Saturday; Black Label Society, Clutch,
-16- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
Hatebreed, Suicidal Tendencies, Sevendust, Corrosion of Conformity, Adelitas Way, JennCity SOiL and Fear the Fall on Sunday. The Ohio State Reformatory, best known as the location for the No. 1 movie of all time (IMDB), “The Shawshank Redemption,” provides the perfect backdrop to the festival offering even more entertainment inside its walls, given the prison’s prominent history and lore. Tickets to the festival are $89 per day and includes all music acts. Special VIP packages are also available. Tickets and additional information are found at inkcarceration.com. A destination unlike any other, Mansfield and Richland County, Ohio offers unusual travel adventures and experiences, such as spending the night in a haunted former state prison where Hollywood blockbuster movies are shot, world-class motorsports, snow skiing and boarding, hiking, biking, golf and loads of other outdoor adventures attract families and visitors of all ages. Complete visitor information, details on dining and accommodations and free visitor guides are available at DestinationMansfield.com.
eration Festival
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -17-
Places to Go:
Lilyfest ROCKBRIDGE – Lilyfest is a family-friendly festival in the Hocking Hills that combines art, music, and gardening with outdoor education scheduled for July 13 - 15, 2018 in beautiful Southeastern Ohio. It’s a three-day festival that takes place at Bishop Educational Gardens, where three acres of artistically landscaped gardens are nestled in the woods and filled with thousands of colorful lilies, flowers, plants and ponds. Clay sculptures and water features that are whimsical in nature dot the landscape, which is cared for by several volunteers and local families. Each piece helps create a unique experience for visitors as they walk along the paths, and represent a good bit of the diversity that the artists bring to Lilyfest each year. “They’re not formal gardens. They’re designed to give you a chuckle,” said Bobbi Bishop, who with her late husband, Bruce, donated the land to the
-18- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
Hocking Soil and Water Conservation District in 2008. Tiny, angelic clay butts stick out of the ground in one location, for example. Lilyfest started as a backyard pottery sale 27 years ago and has grown to attract 5,000 visitors a year. More than 70 artists now have their work on display. It’s a showcase of local clay sculptures, blown glass, jewelry, wood carvings, photography and everything else that artists from the Hocking Hills region create. Several educational workshops are planned, as well as regularly scheduled interpretive hikes with certified naturalists along the Paul Hoskins Trail. An interpretive hike schedule will be located at the entrance to the trailhead. Leisurely take a hike or simply meander around the gardens and enjoy the sites and sounds that make Lilyfest beautiful. Stop by the butterfly enclosure
and observe every stage of the species’ remarkable life cycle, sit on a bench in the Japanese garden, watch artists carve wood creations, hear musical acts perform, purchase native and exotic plants and colorful artwork, attend workshops about the environment, have gardening questions answered by master gardeners or naturalists, and eat scrumptious, meltin-your-mouth food. For the first time this year, Lilyfest will be a Zero Waste event. Each food vendor has committed to using compostable containers. Recycling and compost containers will be located throughout the grounds. Bishop hopes that next spring when it comes time to pull weeds and fertilize the gardens again, that it will be with compost from this year’s Lilyfest. “We try to do something new
each year with the environment and outdoor education,” she said. “It’s kind of like an outdoor learning lab for everyone.” Anyone worried about lugging their newly purchased artwork to their car can be rest assured that it will arrive there safely. School-age wagon pullers are available to assist people take items to their vehicles. “Lilyfest isn’t your typical festival with crowds and noise,” explained Dave Brimner, a pencil sketch artist whose work has been featured at the festival for years. “The music is very soft and acoustic and there are nice crowds of people that come through the gardens.” Musicians will perform Appalachian-style music on two stages. A schedule of performers is available at www.lilyfest. com.
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -19-
Things to Do:
Eat, Drink SALT LAKE CITY – Eat Drink SLC, now in its fourth year, celebrates Salt Lake’s culinary evolution, a summer food & drink festival where visitors and residents stroll and sample the best in seasonal fare from many of the city’s finest restaurants, food purveyors and boutique wineries. The fourth annual Eat Drink SLC is being held once again at Tracy Aviary in the heart of the city on Thursday, July 12th, from 6:30-9:30pm. “Eat Drink SLC is a delightful way to celebrate our community’s coming of age as a culinary hotspot and raise visibility for the vibrant food and drink scene for both locals and tourists,” says Tracey Thompson, president of Vine Lore Wine and Spirits, the event’s Presenting Drink Curator. Eat Drink SLC offers patrons a chance to sample seasonal fare from many of Salt Lake’s leading restaurants and purveyors. They can taste a selection of 80 wines from an international assortment of family-owned wineries as well as enjoy craft cocktails from small-batch distilleries, including several which are locally owned and operated. In a city now synonymous with craft beer and brewpubs, they can also enjoy local beers from some of Utah’s award-winning breweries. There are three distinct festival “pods,” each one featuring its own culinary mix and musical genre, allowing patrons to chart their own course through the evening around Tracy Aviary’s beautiful grounds. This year’s partners include Amour Café, Avenues Proper, Bambara, Beehive Cheese, Canoe Ridge Winery, Charles Krug Winery, Copper Kitchen, Copper Onion, Cucina, Duckhorn Vineyards, Eva’s, Frida -20- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
k SLC Festival
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -21-
Bistro, Gruet Winery, Lake Effect, Laurent Perrier, Pallet, Piatelli Vineyards, Red Rock Brewery, Rutherford Wine Company, Stanza, Stoneground, Takashi, 3 Cups, Vine Lore Wine & Spirits, White Horse Spirits & Kitchen and Willamette Valley Vineyards. All proceeds from this year’s Eat Drink SLC benefit Neighborhood House, a local non-profit. All summer long, visitors to Salt Lake can partake in the booming dining and nightlife scene and the new restaurants, bars and cafes that are emblematic of the growth of chef-driven and owned restaurants, as well as the rise of craft beverages, urban wineries and distilleries. Salt Lake’s changing palate can be seen in new eateries like White Horse Spirits & Kitchen, a modern American Brasserie where a full oyster bar can be the prelude for steak Lyonnaise or roasted organic salmon. Table-X is located in a barrel-roofed warehouse that once served as a cheese factory, where the focus is on local meats and produce, some of it from the restaurant’s own garden. At Lake Effect, adjacent to the Salt Palace Convention Center, mixology rules, live blues and jazz can be heard and a cool small plate menu is on offer. Seasons is a vegan’s delight and serves “classically inspired gourmet plant-based comfort food” with an Italian-based menu. The latest brewpub in a city full of them is Fisher Brewing Company, a revival of a brewery that dates back to 1884. The eating highlight is the daily parade of food trucks that swing by, offering Korean, Mexican, Chinese fare and more. Salt Lake has firmly secured its place as one of the gastronomic stars of the West, a metropolis that cleverly balances the performing arts and the great outdoors, all while serving up a vibrant urban lifestyle. For more on Salt Lake’s bars and restaurants go to https://www.visitsaltlake.com/restaurants-and-bars/ Eat Drink SLC July 12th, 2018 from 6:30-9:30pm at Tracy Aviary Tickets: $90 (plus a $6 processing fee)
-22- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -23-
Places to Go:
W
DAVIS– Whether your passion requires a paddle, pole, or swimsuit, Tucker County, West Virginia’s waterways will quench your thirst for adventure. The Cheat River Water Trail is an ideal place for some R&R. Tucked away in the Allegheny Mountains of northern West Virginia the Cheat River is a scenic escape within a day’s reach for much of the eastern United States. The rugged topography that surrounds the Cheat, however, provides opportunities for solitude. It is a network of access points, resting places and attractions for users. “The Cheat River is one of the largest un-dammed watersheds east of the Mississippi River, making for a natural aquatic playground for fishing, boating, swimming and other paddle sports,” Brian Sarfino, Tucker County CVB Marketing Manager, said. “It provides some of the most fun white water runs in West Virginia to some of the best trout fishing throughout Appalachia.” The formation of the Cheat River’s main stem marks the start of the Upper Cheat River Water Trail with several access points near Parsons and Hendricks. The trail covers nearly 40 miles of beautiful water through calm, flat pools and wide, shallow riffles. Currently, nine existing access points allow for human-powered watercraft trips of various lengths and scenic opportunities. Visitors may expect to see a brilliant
-24- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
Cheat R
display of the region’s flora and fauna as you meander through the water trail’s scenic valleys, open pastures, and forested mountainsides. For guided trips on the Cheat River Water Trail, boat rentals, and shuttle service contact Blackwater Outdoor Adventures (www.blackwateroutdoors.com) or Patriots 4 General Store and Outfitter (www.patriots4.org). Blackwater Outdoor Adventures provides guided whitewater rafting, kayaking, tubing, standup paddle boarding, ducking and camping trips. Patriots 4 offers cabin rentals, as well as kayak, canoe and tubing rentals. While in the area, don’t miss seeing on land is Blackwater Falls State Park. Within the park visitors will find Blackwater Falls, one of nature’s crowning achievements and West Virginia’s most visited park. While its 2,358 acres of rugged natural beauty and towering hardwoods certainly don’t lack standout, jaw-dropping, Instagram-worthy features, the iconic Falls themselves are indisputably the park’s crown jewel. Tucker County is also home to Elakala Falls, Douglass Falls, and Pendleton Falls. Seeing, hearing and feeling the water crash over each falls is a rush all its own. To download a water trail map or learn more, visit http://cheatriverwatertrail.org/. To learn more about the Tucker County CVB, visit www.canaanvalley. org.
River Water Trail
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -25-
Food Fun
By Kandy Derden, Places to Go Editor
What comes to mind when I say, roasted peanuts and kettle corn? How about corn dogs and funnel cakes? Don’t forget the cotton candy and snow cones! These are all pretty standard fare at any carnival, street fair or festival of any type. Yes, some of these foods are available elsewhere, but most can only be found at these yearly events. My personal favorite is fresh lemonade. That is, unless limeade or strawberry limeade is an option. Nothing is more refreshing in the summer when the weather is hot, HOT, HOT!
There are numerous reality television shows devoted to discovering small local food establishments which are really hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Such was the case with a little place we passed regularly on our way to visit our grandparents. It was a small drive-in with all the usual offerings of burgers and ice cream. But the star attraction for us was unique for this part of the country. They served limeade! Limeade? Yes, limeade. Simple enough, in Florida maybe. But Missouri? Not so much. We didn’t stop there regularly, but that didn’t keep us from noticing the little shop each time we passed by and thinking, “That’s the place with limeade.” A few years ago I wanted to make some red punch for a party. I came across this recipe and decided to try it. It was so good, I made a double batch for our family Christmas gathering. It was a hit! That time, I even added slices of limes to float in the punch bowl. The color contrast was perfect for the holiday. It has become a tradition to make it every time the family comes, no matter what time of year. -26- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
STRAWBERRY LEMONADE (LIMEADE) 3 c. boiling water 1 sm. pkg strawberry jello 1 sm. pkg (approx. 12 oz.) frozen sugared strawberries, thawed 1-12 oz. pkg. frozen lemonade (or limeade) 1 liter gingerale 1/4 c. sugar 2 c. water (optional, to taste) Mix gelatin and boiling water, add thawed strawberries, lemonade and sugar. Add gingerale just before serving. Adjust strength with water if needed. Nowadays, finding a fast food restaurant that serves a good strawberry limeade is easy, but being able to make it at home is now possible also. As for the drive-in that was instrumental in introducing me to limeade, it is still there. If anyone has discovered this little goldmine and featured it on television, I am not aware of it. But each time I drive by, I still think, ”That’s the place where I first learned about limeade.”
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -27-
People to See: Exile
NASHVILLE – Members of the crossover hit-making band Exile, composed of Steve Goetzman, Marlon Hargis, JP Pennington, Sonny LeMaire, and Les Taylor, have released their first full studio album since the 1990’s - a re-recording of their hit songs through the years. This year, The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame members are celebrating a distinguished career and the 55th Anniversary of the band. The Hits project is available now at www. exile.biz, at their live shows, and will be available soon at additional outlets. The project, self-produced by the band, coincides with and supports their “No Limit 55th Anniversary Tour,” and was recorded over the past year, between touring dates. “This is something our fans have been asking for for years,” said band member Marlon Hargis. “It was a pleasure to re-record these hit songs, and we’re very pleased with how the project turned out!” Hits is released on Exile’s label, Big Horse Records, and contains 11 No.1 hits, spanning the 70s, 80s, and 90s, and four addition-28- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
al top ten hits. The tracks are in the chronological order of the hit songs, and includes a couple of extra surprises. The longest-running American, self-contained vocal group kicked off 2018 with their “No Limits Tour” and is also celebrating 40 years of their hit song “Kiss You All Over,” which hit No. 1 in 1978 and stayed No.1 for four weeks and charted for 23 weeks. The group has sold over eight million records, including three Gold records and 11 No. 1 hit songs, along with numerous hits on the pop and country charts. They are known for many major hits including “Give Me One More Chance,” and “I Don’t Want to Be a Memory.” Exile’s music is available on all digital platforms. For more information, visit online at www.exile.biz.
Exile No Limit 55th Anniversary Tour 2018
July 3 - Denton, NC - Denton Family Farms* July 4 - Petersburg, WV - High School Stadium* July 13 - Albuquerque, NM Isleta Resort & Casino July 20 - Mineral Wells, WV WV Interstate Fair and Expo* July 21 - Midway, KY - Equus Run Vineyards LLC* July 22 - Iowa City, IA - Johnson County Fair Aug. 11 - Bevier, MO Bevier Homecoming Aug. 16 - Appleton, MN - Swift Co. Fair Aug. 17 - Sisseton, SD Aug. 18 - Fort Pierre, SD - Bad River Days* Sept. 8 - Olathe, KS - Johnson Country Old Settlers* Sept. 29 - Coshocton, OH - Coshocton County Fair*
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -29-
Things to Do
When Traveling
It’s great to take your pet along on vacation, but pets require special treatment during the heat of summer to protect them from dehydration, heat stroke, and other warm weather ailments. Here are some summertime pet tips from NHV Natural Pet Products, makers of veterinarian-approved and formulated plant-based natural supplements from organically grown and wild crafted herbs, to keep your cats and dogs safe during summer travel: Road trip! Give pets a small meal 2 hours prior to traveling in the car. This will help alleviate car sickness. Secure pets safely in carriers that are large enough to move around in and are well ventilated. Make frequent rest stops for walks. Start NHV Matricalm up to 1 week before the trip and during the trip to help calm and reduce agitation in pets. It’s all natural, and it’s also safe for long-term use. Hydrate Well -Wherever you go, ensure that your pets have access to water at all times. Keep water fresh and cool if possible (place dish in the shade or place ice cubes in the water). Put out multiple bowls on really hot days. When traveling with your pet, always carry a com-30- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
pact portable pet water bowl. Don’t Leave Me in the Car -Do not leave your pets in the car – even if it is just for a couple minutes and the windows are down or if it is running with the air conditioning on. Temperatures elevate quickly in vehicles and it only takes minutes to cause irreversible organ damage or worse. Tick and Flea Battles -If you’ll be outdoors a lot, remember that furry pets are at risk of contracting tick-borne infections like Lyme disease. Comb for fleas daily and treat their bedding with citrus extract spray (steep lemon slices in water overnight and then use the lemon infused water as a spray). Use NHV Target Spray to help keep flea, lice, ticks and mosquitoes off of your pets - it is all-natural and works quickly. It’s a must-have summer tool. Hotspots -Hot weather, insect bites and sweat often makes pets scratch aggressively, leading to hotspots. Keep NHV All Clear Ointment handy. It soothes inflamed skin and reduces itching. It is all natural so there’s
no fear of the pet licking it, though you might want to let the cream soak in properly before your pet starts biting the spot. Know the Signs of Heat Stroke – Excessive panting, reddish tongue, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea are all signs of heat stroke. If you notice any of these, get your pet to a cool shaded area immediately. Soak a towel in lukewarm or moderately cool water and wrap your
g with Pets on hair - When the humidity is high, it can cause a pet’s temperature to rise because they become unable to cool themselves. Body temperatures can rise very quickly and become dangerous. Be sure to keep your pet indoors or out of the hot sun. Made in the Shade - Many cats and dogs love to bask in the sun, but too much time in the sun can cause heat stroke and even increase the risk of developing skin cancers. Be sure to provide your furry friends with a shady area to retreat to, especially if they are in an enclosure. Also be aware that pets can get sunburns and burns too – ear tips are sensitive to the sun, paw pads are sensitive to hot surfaces, etc. To help protect and soothe paw pads, try NHV Heal Care Ointment for cats and dogs. pet in it. And rush to a vet. Circulate Indoors - If your Cooling Off Aids -If it gets lodging does not have air scorching hot where you conditioning, ensure that are, if possible get your pet you have some sort of aira kiddy pool or a sprinkler. You want to give them a hy- flow/ventilation. Even a slight breeze will be appredrated cool spot to sit in. If ciated by your furry friend. you notice your pet getting If possible elevate their bed restless because of the heat, so that air can get underplace a wet towel under his or her body. On hot summer neath – you could try a cat days, this is more comforta- hammock. Please note that ble than their warm bedding fans do not cool pets as well as they do for us humans, so or the hot floor. do not rely on a fan only. Humidity isn’t just hard
Walk with care -Exercise will need to be limited on especially hot days. Try to go for walks or have play time early in the morning or later in the evening when it is cooler and try to keep the exertion level lower. Instead of using the sidewalk, go on the grass, it will be easier on their paws. Make sure to keep a bottle of water for yourself and your pet when you go for a walk. During the summer, joints are prone to becoming more swollen than usual, which can sometimes be caused by water retention. Use NHV Turmeric twice daily to help reduce inflammation and pain. NHV NATURAL PET PRODUCTS provides veterinarian-formulated herbal supplements derived from organically grown or ethically wild crafted herbs to support the health and well-being of pets including dogs, cats and other small animals. All supplements are manufactured at a stateof-the-art GMP and FDA certified facility. NHV also offers vet consultations to provide professional support and guidance for disease prevention and integrative treatment of any condition. For more tips, visit www.nhvnaturalpetproucts.com. July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -31-
Places to Go: Silver Dollar City Presents a Bucket-List Summer: Time Traveler Thrills, Stunt Dogs & Cool Concerts for Star-Spangled Summer
BRANSON - Silver Dollar City kicks off summer with bucket-list topping opportunities from the all-new record-breaking coaster Time Traveler and 40-plus rides and attractions to high-flying stunt dogs and cool summer concerts. Especially geared for families, the Star-Spangled Summer festival runs thruough July 22 at the Branson theme park. Offering thrills like no other ride in the world, Silver Dollar City’s new coaster Time Traveler – the World’s Fastest, Steepest and Tallest Complete-Circuit Spinning Coaster – impresses even the most seasoned coaster lovers. David Lipnicky, an economist from Grand Prairie, Texas and vice president of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), came to the park with a group of over 400 ACE members in May. “I’ve ridden around a thousand coasters all over the world, but I’ve never ridden -32- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
anything like Time Traveler,” he said. “It’s one of the most unique coasters on the planet, and it’s so much fun!” At an investment of $26 million, Time Traveler is Silver Dollar City’s biggest attraction ever, introducing a new generation of thrill coasters for families. This custom-designed, custom-engineered attraction is world-record breaking as the fastest, at 50.3 mph; steepest, with a 10-story, 90-degree vertical drop; tallest, at 100 feet at the tallest point; and is the first and only with three inversions, a vertical loop and a double launch. Time Traveler is the newest of the park’s 40 rides and attractions, including the groundbreaking wood coaster Outlaw Run, voted Best New Ride of 2013 worldwide and featured in Guinness World Records 2015 for Steepest Drop. Additional rides include the explosive launch roller coaster PowderKeg, the multi-looping roller coaster WildFire, the Giant Swing that launches riders more than seven stories in the air, plus themed ride areas Fireman’s Landing with 10 family attractions, and the Grand Exposition with 10 family rides. Star-Spangled Summer also features a Stunt Dog Extravaganza with the amazing and hilarious antics of a high-jump-
ing, disc-catching canine crew, and entertainment including international touring a cappella group Rockapella performing pop, Motown and soul classics with their signature harmonies and high-energy style. Champion cloggers perform and kids can meet their favorite cartoon characters. For more information, call 800-831-4FUN(386) or visit online at www.silverdollarcity. com.
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -33-
Places to Go:
Aquatopia
Aquatopia has been voted the #1 Indoor Waterpark in the Nation. Camelback Lodge is winner of latest 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel awards
TANNERSVILLE – Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark, the Poconos’ premier adventure destination, has been named Best Indoor Waterpark in the country. From the hundreds of indoor waterparks nationwide, Aquatopia secured the winning spot in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest for the second time since opening its doors in 2015. The contest, which was launched on May 14 by USA TODAY, gave voters four weeks to vote for the candidate of their choice. This is the third time Camelback Lodge & Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark was nominated and the second time it has been voted #1. “The results are in and we could not be more excited that Aquatopia has been ranked #1 as the best indoor waterpark in the USA,” said Ame Cameron, VP of Sales & Marketing at Camelback Resort. “We are grateful to everyone who voted and invite new guests to experience the thrills and amenities that set Aquatopia apart from the other indoor waterparks in the county.” Committed to providing adventures for guests of all ages, the 125,000-square-foot indoor waterpark is housed under a Texlon transparent roof that immerses guests in natural sunlight year-round while providing protection from the sun’s harmful -34- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
UV rays. Aquatopia features seven pools, 13 water slides and a multitude of thrilling water attractions, including: Storm Chaser, North America’s longest uphill water coaster; The Great Ka-Na-Gawa Wavepool; an indoor/outdoor hot tub; and Kartrite’s Quest, the world’s first themed “next generation” multi-level aqua play structure equipped with 84 interactive water effects. 10Best.com provides readers with original, unbiased, and experiential travel content for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world. At its core is a team of local travel experts: a well-traveled and well-educated group who are not only experts in their fields – and their cities – but discriminating in their tastes. These local experts live in the city they write about so the content is constantly updated. USA TODAY invites individuals and families from across the country to participate in these respective month-long “10Best Readers’ Choice” awards by voting for their travel favorites, including “Best Indoor Water Park.” Earlier this year, Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark received the “Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award” from Jeff Ellis & Associates, Inc. International Aquatic Safety and Risk Management Consultants. This prestigious honor is awarded to aquatic facilities that epitomize safety excellence and exceed industry standards in risk management. Aquatopia was also ranked among the top indoor waterparks in the world by U.S. News & World Report in an article that was published in March 2018. Opened in April 2015, Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark is the most innovative waterpark ever constructed in the U.S. in a single phase. The award-winning leadership and cutting-edge innovations of Aquatic Development Group created the largest indoor waterpark in the Northeast with several never-before-seen attractions, such as the Venus SlydeTrap, a 608-foot-long, fully-enclosed family rafting experience with a record-breaking sphere and open ‘manta’ wall ride. Aquatopia was part of a $163 million project that also included the construction and development of the eight-story,
453-suite Camelback Lodge. The Great Kanagawa Wavepool features a snowcap-topped mountain, complete with a real Sno-Cat that uses thousands of LED light and sound effects to create the illusion of an avalanche plummeting into the pool. Bombora FlowRider® lets guests ride the waves alone or with a partner. The Lost River is a vast departure from a typical lazy river, enthralling guests with an adventure river ride through the jungle into a mysterious temple to find clues before emerging into daylight and a 60-foot waterfall. Perched on its launching pad high above Flyboys, the adults-only swim up bar, is Kartrite’s DHC-2 Beaver Float Plane, affectionately named, “Spirit of Tannersville.” Aquatopia perfectly complements the existing family-friendly adventures at Camelback Resort, including 36 ski trails; the biggest snowtubing park in the U.S.A. with 42 lanes and a nightly Galactic LED light show experience; Pennsylvania’s only Mountain Coaster; North America’s longest twin, 4,000 ft. zip-flyers; and Camelbeach, Pennsylvania’s
largest outdoor waterpark. Located just 90 minutes from New York City and two hours from Philadelphia, Camelback has wide appeal to a broad audience, including families and seasonal outdoor enthusiasts. Camelback Resort serves more than 1.7 million guests annually. In early 2019, Camelback fans will have a new vacation destination to explore: The Kartrite Hotel & Indoor Waterpark, the latest creation of Ken Ellis and Arthur Berry II, co-owners of Camelback Resort. Built in the midst of 1,600 acres of wilderness in the Catskill Mountains, The Kartrite will feature New York State’s largest indoor waterpark—designed by Aquatic Development Group—and a luxury hotel with 324 exquisitely designed guest suites. For more information, visit TheKartrite.com. For more information about Camelback Resort
or to make a reservation, call 855.515.1283 or visit www.CamelbackResort.com. Camelback Resort continues to reinvent itself since opening in 1963 with 14 trails and three lifts serving 41,656 skiers.
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -35-
Things to Do:
Witness the M
New show entertains with modern production about history of the Mob
LAS VEGAS – Love them or hate them, mobsters played a major role in the rise of Las Vegas as a legendary tourist destination. Opening in July at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, “A Mob Story” will entertain audiences with an original production that tells the “tale of how the Mob made Las Vegas, and how Vegas took down the Mob.” Tickets are on sale now for the limited engagement show featuring stunning 180-degree visual effects and world class choreography set to today’s popular music, influenced by wiseguys, gangsters, and mistresses to the mob. Created and directed by legendary producer, Emmy and Golden Globe award winner, Jeff Kutash, “A Mob Story” is the most realistic portrayal of the mob ever presented on stage, as told by the last Godfather, former Colombo family capo, Michael Franzese. A true “made man,” Franzese will provide an unprecedented authentic journey into the secret world of the mafia as the show’s host. Former city of Las Vegas Mayor and illustrious mob attorney, Oscar B. Goodman will be an ambassador to the show with special appearances. Kutash, known for creating 12 time “Las Vegas Show of the Year,” “Splash,” has re-36- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
cruited a first-class team of dance masters and Broadway theatrical designers to bring “A Mob Story” to life on the stage. The show’s supervising choreographer, Brian Friedman, has worked with mega music artists including Britney Spears, Cher, Beyonce Knowles and Mariah Carey. He partners with choreographers Will “Willdabeast” Adams, Janelle Ginestra, Tracy Philips, and Shannon Mather, who add to the production diverse dance styles staged to an eclectic contemporary music score featuring a stellar cast of 25 singers, actors, and dancers who are sure to captivate and engage diverse audiences. “Downtown Las Vegas is where Vegas began, and the Plaza has been a downtown iconic hotel for decades. Our vintage showroom is the perfect place for the debut of this amazing show that will entertain audiences, young and old,” said Jonathan Jossel, Plaza CEO. “The mob is big part of the intrigue of Las Vegas, and as we welcome more visitors to downtown, we are proud to offer them a fresh Vegas experience on a historic tale. ‘A Mob Story,’ with its unparalleled leadership and world-class production staff, will give audiences a glimpse of Vegas history in an unforgettable way.” Tickets go on sale today for shows in July, and prices start at $59.99 for general admission, $79.99 for VIP with preferred seating, and $150 for platinum tickets that offer preferred seating and a meet and greet with
Mob Story at the Plaza
the performers and Michael Franzese. Ticket prices do not include taxes and fees. Tickets are available by calling 702-386-2507 or online at https://www.plazahotelcasino.com/ entertainment/a-mob-story. For the latest updates, follow the Plaza @ PlazaLasVegas and A Mob Story @amobstory on Facebook, Instagram, You Tube and Twitter. Located in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, the Plaza Hotel & Casino combines a vintage Rat Pack attitude with modern styling and personal customer service for the ultimate Vegas experience. First opened in 1971 and built on the site of the original Las Vegas railroad depot, the Plaza has 1,003 renovated rooms and suites, a classic Vegas showroom, downtown’s only bingo hall and
30,000 square feet of ballroom and meeting space. Guests enjoy a variety of dining options led by the Rat Pack-styled Oscar’s steakhouse in the hotel’s iconic glass dome overlooking the Fremont Street Experience. Hundreds of slot machines, from the latest games to traditional coin machines, and nearly two dozen table games comprise an 80,000-square-foot casino floor, which is also home to downtown’s largest race and sports book. A fully renovated rooftop pool and recreation deck, complete with private cabanas, hot tub, food truck, tennis court and dedicated Pickleball courts, provide guests with a variety of outdoor amenities. For more information on the multiple award-winning Plaza Hotel & Casino, visit www.plazahotelcasino.com. July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -37-
Places to Go:
W
Crafters Arou
Submitted by Mona Mesereau Mesereau Travel Public Relations
With the Rocky Mountains as muse and sunshine as the default setting, it’s no wonder Northern Colorado is home to hundreds of makers of innovative craft products, many which are available in studios, shops and breweries and ready for the enjoyment of visitors with a passion for locally based fun. There are Northern Colorado-made products for nearly any kind of day. If it’s date day, Loveland’s Sweet Heart Winery sets the mood while Shoes & Brews is a perfect place for a spirited girls day on the town. Boulder-made Polar Bottles and Upstart Kombucha are an exceptional fit for a sweaty Saturday with athletic friends, and Odell Brewing is one of many popular stops for groups enjoying a bike-and-beer day in Fort Collins. Estes Park fiber artist Amy Fox is one of many Estes Park artists who find inspiration in the Rockies. And Distortions Unlimited is one of many fun-filled stops for inquisitive families on the go. Here is a sampling of ideas for travelers with a passion for local and craft products and experiences:
-38- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
und Northern Colorado
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -39-
Northern LADIES DAY OUT: Got a group of high-energy gal pals? Visit Longmont for a jam-packed day of local fun. Get an early start at the Longmont Farmers Market to stock up on seasonal produce and locally made items like farmto-skin products from Colorado Aromatics. Next stop, Longtucky Spirits for a morning yoga class and a post-Shavasana southern whiskey or Caribbean rum cocktail made with local ingredients. Then find your feet a new friend at Shoes & Brews, where the motto is “Run Wild. Drink Beer.” Strap on those new shoes and grab a food truck lunch before heading to the Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy for a three-hour Art of Cheese class. Then pack up your homemade burrata and explore charming downtown shops like Magic Fairy Candles, Robin Chocolates and Mud & Madder. Cap the day with a gluten-free cider at St. Vrain Cidery, where the official “cider dogs,” Mycroft and Grace, deliver a big dose of Colorado-style cuteness with every glass. FUN FOR THE CURIOUS FAMILY For a day of family discoveries, head to Greeley where history, adventure and fun collide. Start the day with a dose of weirdness at Greeley’s Distortions Unlimited, where owners make monsters like brain-eating hunchbacks and wall-scaling zombies for movie props and home decorations. Next, visit Greeley Hat Works and learn why it takes nearly eight hours to create a proper chapeau. Recharge with an age-appropriate beverage and lunch at Wiley Roots Brewing Company featuring award-winning beers on tap and food truck offerings on the weekends. Learn about the history of the region at Centennial Village where living history performers demonstrate how Colorado pioneers made rope and other household goods. Next, stop at the Colorado Model Railroad Museum, -40- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
Colorado home to the country’s largest miniature railroad and a kid-friendly “eye-spy” interactive game. Wrap up the day with a relaxing beverage – including craft sodas for the kids – at Crabtree Brewing Company, and challenge the gang to a friendly round of cornhole before heading home. ROMANTIC DAY WITHOUT THE KIDS Named after Colorado Central Railroad president William A. H. Loveland, the city of Loveland is more commonly known these days as the nation’s Sweetheart City, reflecting its 72-year-old Valentine Re-Mailing Program. Start the day with some micro-roasted java and a fresh cinnamon roll from Colorado Coffee Company before heading to Donna Gordon’s NodRog Studios to peruse the artist’s signature heart sculptures made from colorful molten glass. Find inspiration at Artworks, a contemporary gallery where local artists work and exhibit their latest creations. Head a few blocks north for some “forbidden” brew from Verboten Brewing. The brewery lampoons Germany’s one-time purity laws and its forbidden (verboten) beer ingredients like fruit and spice, which the brewery gleefully incorporates into its handcrafted ales. After lunch, explore Loveland’s thriving three-dimensional art scene at various bronze foundries – including Art Castings of Colorado, Bronze Services of Loveland, Rocky Mountain Bronze and Western Heritage Company – and Loveland’s sculpture parks. Enjoy a late-afternoon flight of wine and charcuterie tray in the riverside tasting room of Sweet Heart Winery. Then end the day at the Thunder Mountain Amphitheater and enjoy a summer concert under the stars.
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -41-
ACTIVE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES For a day of muscle-burning adventures, head to Boulder, the home of numerous aspiring and accomplished athletes (including some 75 Olympians) and an array of makers of gear, equipment and healthy foods. Stop by Newton Running’s flagship store for some new athletic shoes and then try them out on a warm-up run through the pedestrian-friendly town. In the market for a new bike? Switch your attention to free-wheeling adventures and pedal to any of the six bicycle manufacturers that call Fort Collins is a beer-and-bike town. The Munchin House in Estes Park is a locals’ favorite. Head out for a warm up run in Boulder wearing your new Newton Running shoes. An Estes Park scavenger hunt challenges you to find the pika. The Colorado Model Railroad Museum in Greeley delights visitors of all ages. Boulder home. Then spend some time updating your locally made outdoor gear collection. Multiple retailers around town carry products from Sea to Summit, a local gear manufacturer founded by Tim McCartney-Snape who was the first person to climb to the top of Mount Everest after starting his trek from sea level. Or look for high-end products from Exxel Outdoors. Be sure to pick up a Polar Bottle, a Boulder original from a company that was started in a garage. Because all that running, biking and shopping can make you thirsty and hungry, have a “farmto-bag” snack of Quinn’s Popcorn washed down with some Upstart Kombucha. Reward yourself at the end of the day with a cold one at one the 24 breweries in town and listen to some live music at the Fox Theatre, recently voted 4th best music venue in the country by Rolling Stone Magazine. -42- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
July, 2017~ 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -39-43-
Things To Do:
With the Kids
Here are Eight Child-Friendly Ranch Vacati Approved bo Gene Kilgore and Top50Ranch -44- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
at Best of the West
ions hes.com
SONOMA – Gene Kilgore, the world’s leading expert on dude ranch vacations and the authority behind the popular site Top50Ranches.com, suggests eight child-friendly ranches that embrace family fun. These ranch vacations stand out for their focus on junior wrangler activities. Additional listings with programs for children can be found in the Best Ranches for Families guide. Lifetime member of the Dude Ranchers’ Association, Gene Kilgore is the best-selling author who recently released Gene Kilgore Ranch Vacations 2018, the 11th edition of the popular guide that describes over 100 ranches offering vacations in the US and abroad. It has become the leading resource for those looking for a romantic getaway, multi-generational and family vacation or beginner to advanced riding vacation. Kilgore is also the authority behind two dedicated websites, www.top50ranches.com and www.ranchweb.com which focus on what truly is one of America’s most iconic homegrown experiences – the dude ranch vacation.
In Wyoming
Lazy L&B Ranch strikes a balance between the kids being independent and sharing a family experience. Kids Programs are grouped by age and ability for roping clinics, horseback rides and hikes. There are a couple of family rides, but otherwise kids and adults ride separately. One evening children eat with the wranglers and one night at a cookout by the river. A pool, treehouse and petting zoo are other enticements. The trail-riding program starts at age six. Those younger are well cared for and can also be ponied around the ranch. Family weeks in 2018 are through Aug. 19.
The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch invites parents to hand over their children to on-premise professional counselors and guides for morning horseback rides, wildlife viewing, archery, hiking and more. And the parents? They are enjoying the Trailhead Spa or perhaps working on advanced horsemanship skills. Children ages four to eight are welcome in the Lil Wrangler program. The ranch is open in 2018 to Oct. 20.
In Colorado
C Lazy U Ranch has been running its Kids Program for over 50 years, drawing generations of repeat guests and families. Counselors supervise children on horseback rides, on a ropes course and zip lining, in paddle boats, in the pool and while fishing. Age groups are Cowpokes, three to five; and Mustangs, six to 12. In 2018 the Kids Program is available from mid-June to Aug. 19. Elk Mountain Ranch engages two children’s counselors who supervise such activities as panning for gold, greeting animals in a petting zoo, caring for animals, hiking, crafts, fishing and visiting the hot springs. Along with Indian crafts there are hikes to a tepee and hunts for arrowheads. A visit culminates with a rodeo to showcase what’s been learned from horseback riding lessons in the arena. The Little Buckeroos’ age limit is seven; older children participate in regular ranch activities. The 2018 season begins in late May and continues through Sept. 16.
In Idaho
Western Pleasure Guest Ranch offers a Youth Horsemanship Program that is the ultimate ranch vacation for kids who love
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -45-
horses. They learn how to be responsible for their own horse and equipment, and about horse husbandry and care. Daily they engage in grooming, saddling, arena lessons, arena games, trail rides, cattle sorting and rides. A real horse show with ribbons and trophies concludes a visit. Ages eight to 18 may participate in the program that is available in 2018 from June to Aug. 31.
In Montana
Bar W Guest Ranch hosts its Junior Wrangler Cowpoke Program that includes pony rides and meetups with goats, a rabbit, chickens and a cat. Children may help collect eggs, groom and feed animals, and clean pens. They learn how to groom, saddle and care for a horse, plus some rodeo routines: barrel racing, keyhole and pole bending and working the cattle. Ages seven to 11 are welcome in the program, children three and under can visit free. The program is open in 2018 from June to September. The Ranch at Rock Creek engages guides trained in safe and natural play to supervise The Little Grizzlies Kids Club as children flyfish, go on naturalist hikes, horseback ride and more. Twice-weekly there’s a Little Grizzlies Dinner in the Silver llar Saloon available for ages four to 12. The 2018 summer season begins in early June and runs through early September.
-46- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
In Mexico
Rancho Las Cascadas offers horseback riding for children as they learn how to care for and even paint horses. Bonfires, pool activities, art classes, hiking and biking, outdoor games and activities amuse horsey and non-horsey children alike. One child age 14 or under can visit for free when sharing a room with a full-paying adult. Summer ranch vacations for kids in 2018 fall between June and August. As the World’s authority on ranch vacations, Gene Kilgore also has an inside look at ranch kitchens. Please see this blog post for some favorite recipes gleaned from his ranching friends, https:// www.top50ranches.com/blog/6-real-ranch-recipes-thatll-make-youdrool.
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -47-
-48- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
People to See at:
Billy Bob’s Texas TEXAS MUSIC HIT-MAKERS KEVIN FOWLER, KOE WETZEL & JOSH WEATHERS READY TO GRACE STAGE OF WORLD’S LARGEST HONKY TONK Fort Worth, Texas – Billy Bob’s Texas continues to bring America’s Music to the World’s Largest Honky-Tonk throughout the month of July. As Texas and the nation celebrate America’s Independence, Billy Bob’s Texas is proud to announce these All American concerts: • July 06 – Tyler Farr Live Bull Riding 9 p.m. • July 07 – Gary Allan Murder Mystery Dinner • July 8 & 15 - Justin Frazell • July 13 – Kevin Fowler • July 14 – Mark Chesnutt Murder Mystery Dinner • July 20 – Koe Wetzel • July 21 – Tracy Byrd • July 27 – Josh Weathers • July 28 – Terri Clark
What has made Billy Bob’s Texas so special?? Well, let’s just say that if you have not been to Billy Bob’s or heard of it, something is wrong. The 10time Academy of Country Music “Nightclub of the Year” has had over 17 million visitors since opening in 1981. In addition, Merle Haggard made the Guinness Book of World Records for buying the largest round of drinks when he bought 5,095 drinks of Canadian Club for the entire club. The bill totaled $12,737.50 and equaled 40 gallons of whiskey. Billy Bob’s Texas has also been featured in many notable movies, including Pure Country starring George Strait, Baja Oklahoma starring Lesley Ann Warren, Peter Coyote and Willie Nelson, Necessary Roughness starring Scott Bakula, Sinbad, Robert Loggia and Kathy Ireland, and Over The Top starring Sylvester Stallone just to name a few. In addition, Billy Bob’s Texas can be seen on reruns of many episodes of Dallas and Walker, Texas Ranger. Billy Bob’s Texas is not just about the concerts, more than 47,500 bulls have bucked in Billy Bob’s Arena to date.
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -49-
Making Travel Easier
Whether you are or halfway aroun along the followin your carry-on ba
BugBand Towelettes Worried about mosquito-borne illnesses while traveling? Keep pests away with BugBand Towelettes! The BugBand Towelette is a very handy, easy-to use method of applying Geraniol DEETFREE insect repellent for heavy duty insect protection. The towelettes travel anywhere, are lightweight and take up very little space. Safe and effective, the towelettes allow for exact application of Geraniol lotion on exposed skin. They’re ideal for using around your face or neck without over-applying. The towelettes can be folded and stored in the foil container for future use. Safe for the entire family, even pets! www.bugband.net
Inflatable Plane Pal Create a cozy spot for kids to sleep and play! Designed by an Australian mom of three, the Plane Pal is a travel pillow that makes a cozy spot for kids to sleep and play. Plane Pal is an inflatable travel pillow that fills the space between your child’s seat and the seat in front, creating a flat space. The pillow makes it easy for kids to play and sleep on a long flight. The Plane Pal Kit includes an inflatable cushion, a convenient hand pump and a carrying case. The Plane Pal is life changing for families flying overseas! www.penguinotravel.com
-50- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
traveling to a neighboring state nd the world, don’t forget to pack ng compact travel essentials in ag, purse or backpack!
Product Reviews Staheekum Slippers Treat minor cuts and rashes while traveling with CUROXEN, a safe, organic, & natural wound cleaning product for your scrapes, abrasions, minor burns & rashes that effectively kills bacteria. Providing a safer alternative to petrochemical and drug-based wound care that actually works, CUROXEN is made with just three ingredients you’ll recognize from nature, which include organic Olive Oil, Calendula, and Lavender Essential Oil. All-natural and safe for adults, children and even pets. Available in a 0.5 oz tube that packs easily! Learn more at www.curoxen.com.
Sunblocz
Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than a sunburn. And children and babies are especially susceptible. The safest and most effective sunblock on the market, Sunblocz Baby & Kids is a 100% all-natural, mineral, hypoallergenic, UVA + UVB broad-spectrum, 50+ SPF sunscreen. The formula contains the highest percent of Zinc Oxide (non-nano) in a base of natural and anti-oxidant ingredients providing a safe, natural formula that offers superior sunburn protection. Sunblocz Baby + Kids sunscreen is recommended by Dermatologists and Pediatricians to be safe for baby and children’s sensitive skin and it’s reef friendly! Not only will it keep skin soothed and safe in the sun it’s reef friendly so good for you, your kids and the environment. Available at Amazon.com
DYLN Living Water Bottle An eco-friendly alkaline water bottle for whenever, wherever healthy hydration. Reduce plastic waste and create alkaline antioxidant water whenever, wherever. Bridging the gap between wellness and convenience, the DYLN Living Water Bottle makes the consumption of alkaline antioxidant water portable, affordable and reusable. Alkaline bottles are available for purchase online.Available in seven different colors. www.dyln.co
$46.00
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -51-
Across the Mile Alabama - First Fridays Entertainment July 6/FLORENCE - July First Fridays 2018 is coming in hot! There will be dozens of arts and crafts vendors lining Court Street. Restaurants and shops will be open, plus there will be live music on the Big River Broadcasting Stage. We’ll also be celebrating the Florence Bicentennial with a focus on music this month. It’ll be an awesome
time and we hope to see you there! The event begins at 5:00 pm in downtown Florence! Music lineup: 6pm – Lucero 7pm – Ashley White 8pm – Mel Bryant & the Mercy Makers For more information, visit http://www.visitflorenceal.com/ event/first-fridays-8/
Iowa - Stay Cool in Free Splash Pads! Community splash pads across Iowa excite with jets, water cannons, fountains and more. Most of them are free to use and are perfect for younger kids who aren’t quite ready for the big slides at waterparks. There are 11 splash pads in parks across Cedar Rapids. Nearby Marion has two more parks with free
splash pads. The state’s capitol city has four splash pools staffed by the city. The Ashby Park Splash Pool receives 14,000 visitors each summer. The city also operates an additional nine spraygrounds for more water fun. West Des Moines also features a splash pad at the American Legion Park.
Minnesotta - Antique Cars The New London to New Brighton Antique Car Run is an American version of the prestigious London to Brighton Commemorative Run. Held Aug. 11, the run starts in New London, winding 120 miles through the countryside and ending in New Brighton. It kicks off with a parade down Main Street in New London on Friday evening. Only -52- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
vehicles from 1908 or earlier, or any 1- or 2-cylinder vehicles up to 1915, are eligible to participate, adding turn-of-the-century charm to this unique event. Enjoy the showcase of great American automobiles from the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s at the St. Cloud “Pantowners” Antique Auto Club’s Annual Car Show & Swap Meet Aug. 19th. Cruise Saturday evening during the fun-run.
es: In Brief Florida - 10th Annual Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair MIAMI - To kick off its tenth anniversary celebrations, the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum FIU presents the premiere of Deconstruction: A Reordering of Life, Politics and Art featuring the work of twelve Miami artists. These 12 artists hail from all over the country and the world, and now make Miami their home. Many have been
exhibited at some of the most prominent museums and galleries nationwide and throughout Europe, Latin America and Asia. These works examine the theme of deconstruction - from current events in the social media stream to cross-cultural awakenings experienced in Miami. www.frost. fiu.edu/
Ohio - Festival of Sail Sandusky • July 12-15 SANDUSKY - A fleet of historic tall ships accompanied by the internationally renowned World’s Largest Rubber Duck, will visit in celebration of the city’s bicentennial. Circling the duck will be the main attraction, majestic tall ships hailing from across the globe. A plethora of additional attractions will be featured during
the festival that includes ship tours, day sails, educational programming, local food and beverage, live music, entertainment and fun for the entire family. Tickets for the festival range from $20 Multi-Day On Board Tour Passes to a $59 Fast Pass or $65 Day Sail. For more information, visit www.festofsailsandusky.com or call 888-718-4253.
Washington D.C. • MLB All-Star Game • July 17 Skip the traffic and ride Potomac Riverboat Company’s baseball boat to the 2018 MLB All-Star Game at Nationals Park. No worries if the game goes into extra innings. The boat stays until twenty minutes after the last pitch no matter how late. Looking for the best place to stay for the 2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game Week?
Stay in Alexandria, located just minutes from Washington, D.C. on the Potomac River waterfront and named the #1 Best Value U.S. Travel Destination 2018. Also known as one of the South’s prettiest cities, Alexandria delights travelers from all over the world. www.visitalexandriava.com July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -53-
Dr Mo ive-In vie Nig ht Flag Para de Ice Crea m Social Vendors ! Sunset Ride/Bug Run
-54- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
Website: http://visitlitchfield.com
August 2nd - 4th Niehaus Cycles Litchfield, IL
f
L
o ots
!!
es d i R
es m a G s! r o end V 0 50/5 ner n i D Free Friday Bike S how Light Show
Historic New Bridge Landing
Vintage
Baseball Flemington Neshanock vs.
Brooklyn Eckford
SATURDAY July 9 DOUBLE HEADER
11 AM - 2 PM
$10 adults, $5 children, BCHS members free
BergenCountyHistory.org
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -55-
-56- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
July, 2018~ WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM | -57-
BarnettPRO DBA: Weekender Extended 71 Plymouth Street Plymouth, Ohio 44865
-58- | WEEKENDEREXTENDED.COM ~ July, 2018
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Plymouth, Oh Permit No 71