Monthly Archives: October 2016

World-Class Fall at the Broadmoor

103 Views

The constant success and reputation of the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs has at something to do with the incredible setting in the shadow of Cheyenne Mountain. The Broadmoor has expanded from primarily a summer resort to offer the same level of luxury experience in every season with a unique Colorado flavor. As a transition time, fall is a little quieter and a prime time to visit.

417 yd par 4

The Broadmoor has a reputation as a world-class hotel with one of the top ten golf courses in the world; the resort has purposely mutated programs and offerings to broaden the guest experience.

 

In terms of golf, the East and the West courses have not really changed. While not long by modern standards, they are challenging nonetheless with the courses following the natural contours of the foothills and terrain making most second shots an art form. It’s easy to get lost in the scenic beauty with the result a less than optimal second shot. The USGA picked this for the Senior Open in 2018. The course never closes, and from December 15 into March, guests can play the original 11 holes for no charge.

611 yd par 5

The Spa at the Broadmoor has also turned into a world-class operation that offers some very unique relaxation and rejuvenation options. For example, both the men’s and women’s area feature an oxygen room, which aids recovery and energy. Their signature massage individually adjusts Swedish, deep tissue and Shiatsu techniques for individual needs.

couples-room

Typically, resort food rarely lives up to the other features of the resort. At the Broadmoor, the dining options are as exceptional as the rest of the resort.  The 12 restaurants of the Broadmoor are extensions of their guest experience standards combined with mountain-vista inspiration. The Summit is just celebrating its’ 10 year anniversary at the Broadmoor. Quite an accomplishment for the French Bistro that combines inspiration and tweaks from American originality and regional high-country attitude.

moodyinteriorsummitcc

Most hotel restaurants undergo some type of major re-do every three to four years. However, the Summit has stood the restaurant test of time both in culinary approach and decor. Chef Musial, has perfected culinary consistency with the Black Angus Hanger Steak and for those a little too calm upon their arrival from their spa experience, the Angry Trout. The Paupiettes De Porc will leave any foodie craving seconds, and when combined with the Lobster Mac n’ Cheese provide ultimate gourmet comfort food.

Fall and winter are usually quiet times at most resorts, yet the Broadmoor really gets geared up for the Holidays. Starting with the Spooktacular, the Broadmoor then adds a Thanksgiving Get A Way package. The ultimate may be the Classic Broadmoor Holiday. This features a stunning holiday show with Grammy winners, such as Melissa Manchester and others in the dinner/show combination. And, the Broadmoor lights just about every tree and shrub on the property, so a beautiful walk between venues.

 

 

The Whiskey Wagon Rides!

160 Views

In Denver, where the mountains meet the plains, the new West is the craft distillery business and how you explore this expanding landscape. Ten years ago, there was one craft distillery in Denver. By the end of 2016, there will be over 90 craft distilleries giving the mountain west a rich new history of vodka, gin, rum, agave derivatives, and whiskey.

whiskeywagon

These operations are spread from Colorado Springs to Boulder, in nooks and crannies best described as on the border of residential and light business/industrial.

rickatmilehigh1

The Denver area has a penchant for brewing and distilling, and per capita ranks in the top 10 in both craft beer and spirits making and consumption. Attempting a tour on your own is the ethanol version of a 90 proof scavenger hunt, because finding these operations and linking them to something that makes sense would drive you to drink.

 

Unlike any other place in the U.S., there is a tour that blends your particular cultural and historical interest with these libation purveyors. Centennial Specialty Tours lets you hop on the comfy shuttle bus and make your way through specific distilleries, breweries and even history and music. Moreover, of course, you can consume and sample while leaving the driving to the tour operator.

stopatprostbrewing

Rick Tyson, a former tour leader for distilleries and breweries, came up with the idea. In a few short years, Tyson has turned this into a menu of historical and beverage options that power pack your time with a 90-proof experience. A former Air Force Security Officer, Tyson lead tours for a variety of distilleries and cultural destinations in and around Denver for over eight years. Tyson notes, “I loved giving tours almost as much as I liked to imbibe, and if I could ever bring the two together, the dream job would finally be at hand.”

 

Like a two-fisted Phoenix rising to meet the need, Centennial Specialty Tours was formed as the catch-all for different tours that combine sights, history, and liquid libation. Tyson offers walking and chauffeured tours in the Denver metro area. Guests learn about the distilling and brewing process and enjoy craft spirits, cocktails, beer, and wine. Denver has much history, so these tours have options with live music, mountain vistas, and even a little dabbling into the city’s haunted past. Nothing might go better with a ghost story than a little liquid courage.

 

Tours leave from various locations, with a popular one starting on the east end of Downtown at Mile High Spirits, and then meandering to three other stops. Some of the notable distilleries include Downslope,State 38 and Rising Sun. The drive to the next location is just the right amount of time to let the ingestion of the last libations settle before rounds two, three and four.

tysondiscussesmoscowmule

While focused on distillery tours, Tyson is adding brewery tours and even adding in artisan coffee stops along the way to keep the participants awake. Their first tour was the Whiskey and History Tour, and still most popular. Tyson notes “more companies are using these tours as team building excursions and perks.” For the cigar lovers in the group, there will soon be an option to stop at the Robusto Room for a stogie and scotch pairing.