Mike and I traveled to Idaho Springs this past weekend. It is a very rustic town in Clear Creek County, Colorado, founded in 1859. It was about an hour drive, 32 miles NW on I-70. While we were there, we stayed at Indian Hot Springs -
http://indianhotsprings.com/ - People have been going to this hot springs for over 100 years! We went into the mineral water swimming pool, the indoor private bath, mud room and had an hour long couples massage. While we were there we ate as some amazing places, Tommyknockers Brewery & Pub, Mangia! Casual Italian and Cafe' Aimee -
http://www.cafeaimee.com/ - On Sunday we went to Black Hawk. We have been there a few times since we have been in Denver. We have gone there because they allow gambling. Coming from Oregon, where you can gamble on Indian Reservations, I wanted to find out why gambling was allowed. I discovered that in 1990 there was a statewide referendum allowing casino gambling in Black Hawk as a way to promote the historic preservation. It is referred to as the Central City/Black Hawk National Historic District. At one time the area was known as the Richest Square Mile on Earth. Black Hawk was also founded in 1859 during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush. I enjoy learning about the historic aspects of these areas - especially considering that Oregon become the 33rd State in 1859, when these towns were being established!
Last night we celebrated Lisa's birthday at The Buckhorn Exchange -
http://www.buckhorn.com/ - Another place on the National Historic Landmark list! This restaurant has been serving meals since 1893, making it Denver's oldest restaurant. For our appetizer we had Rocky Mountain Oysters. Much like Chicken McNuggets... The birthday girl had Cornish Game Hen, Mike had Elk and Buffalo Steaks and I (Miss Piggy) had, Kobe Beef Steak, Ostrich and a Quail. We finished our excellently unusual meal with hot Dutch apple pie ala mode with cinnamon rum sauce! YUMMY!!!
