...besides the festival of course. :D
Greetings! We will be road-tripping this weekend to Castle Rock (yes a butt-numbing drive from Dallas, TX!). Will be arriving Thursday evening and have all day Friday to have fun before attending the festival Saturday.
Any suggestions for sights to see or things to do? Last year we went to Cave of the Winds, the Pueblos and Garden of the Gods.
My suggestion would be http://www.dmns.org/featured-exhibition its the real pirates exhibit that runs for a few more weeks. Plus right next to the museum of nature and science is the denver zoo.
two weeks ago there was still quite a bit of snow up in Rocky Mountain National Park - if you like snow of course !
I heard the pirate exhibit is really good, wished we would have done that while we were there.
I second the priate exhibit!
There's a whole thread in the Rendezvous section about things to do in the area (area being within a hour or so's drive, and after driving all the way from Texas, what is another few miles?):
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=14340.0 (http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=14340.0)
Since you've done a few things near Colorado Springs, I'd look at things to do in and around Denver. But that's me.
If you've never done it, and if the weather is cooperative, it's hard to beat taking the cog train to the top of Pike's Peak.
Skip the Budweiser and Coors tours. Go to O'dells or try to get to New Belgium. WAY better beer if you like beer all the way in Ft Collins. Especially if you are headed to Estes to RMNP, Estes is not that far out of the way.
If you are going to RMNP, I'd suggest spending some time playing in Estes. 2 wineries that do free or cheap tastings, some art galleries. A fun little coffee shop, and all sorts of touristy stuff. And beautiful town.
And seriously, the Pirate exhibit is AMAZING.
Am I the only one who finds it hilarious that this thread quickly turned into "here's the best places to find booze!"?
Booze is a serious subject!
Great beers at the Rockyard!! If you like it hoppy like I do, get the Hopyard IPA! MMMmmmm GOOD!
The food is good there too....
oh and for the teetotaler, celestial seasonings had a great free tour where you get to go inside the plant.
Oh and for the none teetotaler not far away is redstone meadery, once again tour and tasting is available. ehehhehe
While we're at it, "Bubbles" is one of the biggest liquor stores in Colorado, located right in Castle Rock, and has an absolutely ridiculous and well-priced selection.
Bubbles was right across the street from the hotel we stayed in during RenDezvous... I was afraid to go in, lest I not [want to] find my way out... I do regret not making getting a case of Hopyard to take home...
I am shocked! Not one of you mentioned going to see any of the Castles around the State... least of all the one right outside of Castle Rock. Just off of Santa Fe. You can go there to have tea and everything, I've also heard rumors that they will be hosting dinner parties later on this year. And what about the 5 castles in the Colorado Springs area?!
http://www.dupontcastle.com/castles/#co (http://www.dupontcastle.com/castles/#co)
As far as things to do IN CASTLE ROCK. We do have a small museum that is fun to visit, some fantastic resteraunts (the old stone church and the Union Bistro). If you're into hiking, the view from the top of the Castle Rock Mountain (not the rock... I think that is still illegal... not that that stops anyone) is breathtaking! Although if you are from TX, that may not be the best idea. Although there are benches at the base of the rock.
And the Richthofen Castle in Denver owned by the Uncle of the Red Baron or Bishops Castle in Rye south of Pueblo. A One man made castle that is a work of art and love, never to be lived in because of Politics