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?)

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 Rick Romancito

Summertime always makes me nostalgic for my hometown of Taos, NM.  Taos is one of those places that lingers, sticks to you, gets under your skin. They don’t call New Mexico “The Land of Enchantment” for nothing. There’s something about the never ending blue skies, the smell of chamisos (sagebrush) and the protective gaze of Taos Mountain that seduces the senses. There really isn’t a bad time to visit Taos, but if you’re looking for a cultural experience like none other, time your visit during the Taos Pueblo Powwow.

Taos Pueblo is the oldest still inhabited Native American community and is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a National Historic Landmark. The Red Willow people of Taos Pueblo have been living there for over 1,000 years. To say this site is historically rich is an understatement.

This weekend from July 13^th – 15^th you can experience the culture of Taos Pueblo while being introduced to the music and dance of different Native people from all over the nation.  There will also be booths from which you can purchase jewelry, pottery and many other mediums of arts and crafts. While there, be sure to eat some fry bread and red chile for me – seriously, you will never find red chile like this anywhere else. It is the best! Yes I said it, the best!

While you may not want to leave the Pueblo grounds, take some time to walk around Taos. You may just happen across the many murals that were done by the father of yours truly . . . here is a hint.

Have you seen this mural? Where is it located?

For more details on the Taos Pueblo Powwow, click here.

Provided by playpianoking

Oh Smokey the Bear, how I mocked you as a child. You made it so easy for me and my friends to twist your words into something inappropriate.

This, however, is no joking matter.

Having grown up in New Mexico, I know what it’s like to live in a dry climate. Colorado can be much the same. And unfortunately, this year is one for the books.

Our gorgeous state is in a state of emergency. There are currently fires in Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and Boulder.

• 32,00 People were evacuated in El Paso County near Colorado Springs as the fire came down Waldo Canyon.
• Flagstaff fire is about 1.5 miles from the Boulder city limits.
• 90,000 acres have been swallowed up by the The High Park fire in the Fort Collins area. With containment not expected for TILL JULY 30^TH!

We haven’t had any rain, we have extreme temperatures (reaching 106 in the Denver metro area), and high winds. All of these things equal disaster.

So what can we do?

• The Denver Post has provided resources and information on how we can all help in all 3 areas.
• Here is a full list of county bans and restrictions.
• There is a ban on all private fireworks.
• You can only have a campfire if it is in a developed campsite with a metal fire ring.
• DO NOT, I repeat, do not smoke outside!!!!

Fires can happen anywhere. Caution should be exercised everywhere you go. If you are unsure of what preventative measures to take our old friend Smokey the Bear is here to lend a helping hand.

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragedy.

Do you have any updates on the situation? Can you provide any tips on how to prevent fires? Let us know in the comments below.

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”)