Gray Line Wanderings Travel Blog

Coney Island

I just got back from a trip to NYC. I hadn’t been to the city in a while and was really excited to catch up with old friends, eat some great food, and of course see a show. With those 3 things in mind, I’m happy to say it was a successful trip.

I got to see Once the musical and if you have an opportunity to see it, DO IT! It’s easily one of the best shows I have ever been to and the venue is a gem. If you happen to run into Paul who works security, be nice to him. He is THE MAN! Seriously though, he let my friend and I leave during intermission to make a bathroom run, despite the fact that we lost our tickets! Not only that, there is literally a bar on the stage(!) that you can order drinks from!! They may be expensive, but they come in Once sippy cups (adorable) and they don’t skimp on the pours…

My last day in the city, I was invited to go to Coney Island for a friend’s birthday. I’ve never been and I was eager to get my hands on a Nathan’s Famous hotdog and stroll down the boardwalk. Little did I know that the highlight of my time there would be a roller coaster – The Cyclone!

Image Provided by Flickr User: Loozrboy

Heard of it? Of course you have! If you haven’t, well now you know. The Cyclone is a national landmark and was the first wooden roller coaster in the US.  It’s THE standard to which all rides are held. Here are some facts:

• The Cyclone made its debut in 1927 and is one of the oldest roller coasters still in operation
• Height: 85 feet
• 1^st Drop: 85 feet at 53 degrees
• Top speed: 60 mph – feels faster
• Number of Drops: 12(!)
• Changes in Direction: 16
• Number of 180 Degree turns: 6
• Number of Elevation Changes: 27
• Duration: 1 minute 50 seconds

There was something so terrifyingly wonderful about this ride. Don’t let the fact that it doesn’t look too intimidating from the ground fool you as it did me. I was not expecting so many steep drops. You know how most roller coasters are, they start you off with the steepest drop and then it’s smooth sailing from there. Not the case with the Cyclone. Once you have recovered from the last drop, you are jerked to the right and you find yourself falling again – lifted out of your chair – stomach in your throat – holding on for dear life. They say if you’re sitting in the back car you can actually feel the coaster lift off the tracks!

Once the ride was actually over, the #1 comment everyone made was how long the ride felt! Regardless of length, I can honestly say my equilibrium was off and I couldn’t hardly stand, as you can see in the photo:

If you are in the city, you should really take some time to hop on the train and head out to Coney Island to ride the Cyclone – it would also be a good idea to wait to eat your Nathan’s hot dog until afterwards… jus’ sayin.

And seeing as how New York is known for its food, here’s a plug for a restaurant you have to try. If you are in the East Village, check out the chic new restaurant Ducks Eatery at 351 e 12th street, New York, New York, and tell them Sonja sent you. Great food (especially try the jerky, pig ears and wings), great drinks and great people. I may be a little biased on the last one, seeing as most of the staff is from my hometown of Taos. And finally, here’s a shout out to Alie Valerio for providing the uncaptioned photos !

Have you been to Coney Island? What was your favorite ride? What did you think of the Cyclone? Share your comments below! (Click here if you can’t see Facebook comments: We All Know About the Twister But What Do You Know About the Cyclone?)

Image Provided by Flickr user Nick Ares

Ok, you know the feeling. You’re sleeping, probably having great dreams about skipping through lavender fields, puppies, and Ryan Gosling as your own personal cabana boy (wait sorry that’s just me). Then slowly the sunlight hits your eyelids and you’re jerked away from your state of bliss – and into a state of panic. Your heart drops as you reach for your phone to realize – it happened – you missed your flight.

Groannnnn… (insert every curse word you know)

And it’s not as if you are making a solid attempt to be there, ie: running for the gate “Home Alone“ style, boarding pass in hand screaming “I’m coming” as your name is being called out over the intercom.

No.

You are in bed while the plane you should be on is flying over Nebraska. Why Nebraska? Because this literally just happened to me. I was visiting a friend and we BOTH over slept!!!! I didn’t barely miss my flight, I full on missed it. What was the result? I dished out over $200 to get back to CO so I could make it to work on time that night.

Not cool.

So here’s my advice:

1)   DON’T MISS YOUR FLIGHT! Just kidding – but really, don’t do it. Set two alarms if you have them.

2)   Accept It – It happened, it’s annoying, but get your head together, you have somewhere to go.

3)   Act quickly – Get on the phone with an airline rep and know your options. Some airlines will give you a 2-hour grace period if you have had car issues – ie: flat tire, broken down, etc. The next flight out might be 30 minutes away and the one after that might require an overnight stay.

4)   Be Patient – The airline rep wants to help and is trying his or her best to get you on a plane, so be NICE.

5)   Understand – If you booked your flight through a service like bobscheapflights.com, a low-cost european airline, one time charter flight deal, etc, you’re probably going to have to just suck it up and pay for a new flight.

6)   Accept It – Yes, I know that I already said it but it’s true. Flip the situation and choose to see it as a vacation extension.

7) Think Outside the Box – If time is of the essence and there are no more flights out or it’s ludicrously expensive, don’t forget to check into trains, buses, car rentals, ride sharing websites, ferry boats, etc.

We’ve all missed flights before and every situation is different. At the time it can be frustrating but on the positive side, there’s always a good story to tell. What did you do? Do you have a funny story to share? Tell us about it in the comments below! (Click here if you can’t see comments: You Missed Your Flight – Now What?)

Hatch Green Chile Image Provided by Flickr user vxla

Autumn pulled back her cloak this morning and gave us the shoulder. A crisp reminder that summer is coming to a close. For a brief moment I was saddened but then I was reminded that this time of year means one thing – CHILE ROASTING SEASON!!!

It’s not a secret that I am indigenous to New Mexico and that I am incredibly proud of it. If you have ever met anyone from NM, and talked food, then you know there is only one kind of green chile – Hatch green chile. We take our green chile seriously.  We will put it in EVERYTHING. It’s true, I need an I.V. drip. If it ain’t Hatch green chile, I really don’t want anything to do with it.

Growing up, August and September was that special time of year in which the air becomes saturated with the glorious smell of roasting Hatch chiles. We would pick up bushels, line the table with newspaper, a bowl of water, and Zip Lock bags for days. No gloves though–if you use gloves you don’t get it. It is as if summer is giving you a kiss goodbye. You have to feel the heat in your hands, it needs to seep in your pores – this is a ritual.

Since I have left home, I have deeply missed this time of year. Fall just doesn’t feel right, it doesn’t smell right. Luckily there is always someone willing to bring a cooler up to me so I can stuff my freezer with this vital life source.

If you haven’t experienced this you have to! Go to New Mexico and just smell the air. It’s something so special, unique and tasty! I mean, even Anthony Bourdain (my dream man) agrees that you will never have green chile as good as Hatch green chile. So go support local farmers, grab a bushel and get a taste of heaven.

Do you have a favorite green chile recipe?

Do you disagree with me?

Let me know in the comments below!

Image Provided by Flickr Nesster

Despite the fact that it’s still summer and the impended changing of the weather makes me grumble, I can’t stop thinking about my favorite month! Can you guess which one?

October!!! Why? Halloween obviously!

1. I love a good scary movie, not gory though – I liked to spooked, not grossed out.
2. I love a good ghost story.
3. I love feeling like maybe I should sleep with the lights on because I am so scared – You feel me?

This year I think I am finally going to do something that I have wanted to do for a long time. . . A haunted tour – of sorts.

What it will consist of I am not really sure yet. Here are some ideas. . .

•  Stay in a haunted hotel
• Visit a haunted asylum/hospital (is this even an option?)
• Creepy forests
• Famous crime scenes (morbid I know but still intriguing)

Ok so the list is small. . . but I will not be discouraged!

So now I am going to ask you to help me out.

• What would you do?
• Have you done anything related to this?
• Do you have any suggestions for me?

I have about 3 months to plan an epic fright fest!!! So give your girl a hand and leave your suggestion and stories in the comments below. I promise there will be photos and blatant honesty. Mad props if your suggestion(s) scare me to the point of tears…

BRING IT ON

Image provided by Flickr Rob Sinclair

What do you think of when you hear the words Rocky Mountains? Jagged mountain ranges? Big open skies? Breathtaking views?

What if I told you that not only could you get all of the above, but you could also throw world-class entertainment into the mix? Pack your bags, you now have another reason to visit Colorado, aka the Rocky Mountain State. What is it? Well, Red Rocks Amphitheater of course!

What is Red Rocks Amphitheater? It is a geologically formed amphitheater that provides acoustic perfection! It is the only one of its kind in the world! Based on that alone, it’s not hard to understand why we Coloradans are obsessed with Red Rocks. You can literally fulfill all of your summer needs here.

• Exercise: This is one of the best places to get your fitness on. Once the weather starts to warm up there are so many Boot Camps that you can partake in. Join a group or go alone–running the stairs at Red Rocks is no joke. Best part is as long as there isn’t a show or festival going on the park is free!
• Hike: Walking around the Amphitheater can be a trek in itself, but the area surrounding contains some great hiking trails.
• Film on the Rocks: Wait, what?! Yes, during the summer Red Rocks Amphitheater, the Denver Film Society, and the Arts & Venues Denver collaborate to bring iconic movies to the masses at an affordable rate.  You can find me this year at the showings for Spirited Away and (ahem) the Notebook – Ryan Gosling – I’m just sayin’.
• Concerts: I mean hello! Red Rocks is a favorite place to play for so many artists. And I am going to say it; there is no such thing as a bad show at Red Rocks. Seriously, Yanni, would be amazing here – no offense to the Yanni fans out there. You have: your favorite bands, the massive, awe-inspiring sandstones that give the venue its name, panoramic views of Denver and guaranteed amazing sunsets!

I can go on and on but it won’t do you any good. This is something you need to experience for yourself.  Trust me, one show here and I am certain you too will prefer to spend your summers on the rocks.

Check out their website for more information about the history, geology, and events at Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Who would you love to see at Red Rocks? Better yet, what was your favorite show at Red Rocks?

Image provded by Flickr user Sean Buchan - MacKinnon Photography

Friend: “Did you know Denver brews more beer per capita than any other city in the US?!”

Sonja: “Awesome! That would come in handy, if I liked beer.”

Friend: “Wait, what? That’s like saying you don’t like to snowboard”

Sonja: “I don’t like to snowboard”

Friend: “You, Sonja, are in the wrong state ”

This is a conversation I often have. Yes, I am very much a fish out of water living in the Rocky Mountain State. I am not a fan of winter sports. Why? Well, I am a huge klutz, my legs are constantly covered in bruises and the idea of strapping myself onto a board/skis and gliding down a mountain sounds like an accident waiting to happen. Now don’t worry, I won’t knock something til I’ve tried it… I’ve tried it and it’s not for me.

The same goes for beer. If I am handed a beer, I will take a few sips put it down, only to return to it 1 hour later when it is warm and flat… and who wants a warm, flat beer? Every time I inform someone that I don’t like beer they seem to take it as a challenge. As if no one has ever tried to convert me. It’s all well intentioned and who would I be to turn down a free drink? Crazy, that’s who.

Why is this so strange? So I don’t like beer, so what? Well I live in Denver, Colorado and went to college in Boulder. To say these two cities love their beer is an understatement. There are so many local breweries and microbreweries in the state that it really is odd that I have not found ONE beer that makes me crave it on a hot summer day.

I’ve decided that in 2012 I will expand my horizons, make a conscious effort to try new things, so I’ve decided that I will do my best to develop at least an appreciation for beer. You may never catch me purchasing a Growler but who knows I may surprise you and invite you out for a “cold one”.

So where to start?

1)   Check out this list of Top 10 Denver Area Breweries and Brew Pubs. Favorites include: Wynkoop Brewing Company – the oldest brew-pub in Denver, Great Divide Brewing, Del Norte Brewing, and of course Coors with their famous brewery tours.

2)   Boulder Beer Company: Colorado’s first microbrewery. Stop in to grab some grub and sample a few beers direct from the source.

3)   Avery Brewing Co: I actually used to attend deaf events here when I was an undergrad; it was a great way to practice my ASL.  American Sign Language Night is on the 1^st Tuesday of every month and is open to everyone. Don’t know ASL? That is ok; this is a great way to learn! ASL Night is on hold till August so you have time to at least get the alphabet down!

4)   Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery: There are 3 locations and they all offer great food, great brews, which equals a great time.

Even better, plan your visit around one of Denver’s famous festivals!

1)   Summer Brew Fest - July 27, 2012 – Held at Denver’s Mile High Station, this festival features 125+ brews from 45+ craft breweries as well as live music, food and more. If that doesn’t win you over, this is a great way to give back while getting your “swerve on”. Summer Brew Fest benefits the Swallow Hill Music Association which promotes the art of music in our community. Check them out!

2)   Oktoberfest - September 21-23 & 28-30, 2012 – Held in Denver’s Ballpark Neighborhood, come celebrate German heritage through music, dance and of course beer! If you have kids, don’t worry, Denver’s Oktoberfest is an event with fun activities for the whole family!

3)   Denver Beer Fest – October 5-13, 2012 – Held at various locations throughout Denver, this is a great way to experience the “Suds City”. Get a taste of what each eclectic Denver neighborhood has to offer.

4)   The Great American Beer Festival - October 11-13, 2012 – Held at the Denver Convention Center, this isn’t a mere tasting, this is the mother of all beer festivals! Last year 466 breweries were in attendance. They poured over 2,000 types of beer to a crowd of 50,000 “tasters” packed into the Denver Convention Center, a space roughly the size of 5 football fields! If you don’t like beer after this event, well, there really is no hope!

Don’t live in Denver? Now you have a reason to visit! Come during any of the times listed above to attend a festival or come out and make your own! Just remember to be safe, be courteous and have fun! While you’re at it, why not take a break from drinking to get to know our city by taking a quick tour. Whether to get the lay of the land or to head up into the beautiful Rocky Mountains, you can find tours in and out of the city at grayline.com/denver.

What are your favorite breweries in the Denver/Boulder area? (Click here if you can’t see the Facebook comments field below: “Of all my favorite things to do, the utmost is to have a brew”)