It’s big, it’s mouth watering hot to trot, and it hits all the tasty cylinders with craft tacos…

Top Taco is back in Denver, and while the chefs compete for the hardware, you are the big winner. From regular taco creators to ones that want to just amp it up for the event, you will taste things that are their best.

The event is the brainchild of Jeff Suskin, and this is better than ever. Suskin connects people through food and drink. In the post-Covid world, connecting over a common interest is more than sustenance, it is mental health. His other event is a hoot as well, ChickenFight!

At Top Taco, festival-goers sample unlimited taco tastes and signature tequila cocktails from 70 of the best restaurants in Denver. And the participants vote while sampling. The taste buds’ rule for the winners in creative, traditional, vegetarian and of course, top cocktail.

The venue is Westminster Park, an easy highway zip just northwest of downtown Denver. The tasty action gets started at 6 p.m. on July 13. Ticket options run from general admission, all the way up to a private tent with special fare, drinks and entertainment. The VIP ticket includes eight renowned chefs creating taco creations inside the special tent.

And its not just tacos and accompanying drinks, there are five stages of entertainment as the evening spices up. You can’t go wrong with tacos that could beat Bobby Flay.

Colorado has been a transportation crossroads for over 200 years. Railroads were a pivotal part of Colorado starting in 1858. In 1870, in the town of Strasburg, the last spike was driven into the first transcontinental railroad extending from east to west.

Where a place has been had relevance to where it is going.

On the way skiing, you might go to Golden, Colorado, have a tour of Coors brewery, or even visit Buffalo Bill’s grave. Another historical treasure experience is the Colorado Railroad Museum. On its own spur, so to speak, the CRM has been going since 1959 and has been expanded three times. It features an extensive main building replicating a Denver & Rio Grande Railway Station. It includes multiple transportation exhibits, old-time photo documentation and even model trains. Even if you have never slept on a train, the Pullman Exhibit will give you a view to sleeping on long train journeys. George Pullman spent time in Golden as he developed the famous railroad sleeping car. Weekly train rides give you an up close and personal experience with the past.

Because of the treacherous terrain along passes, mountains, and rivers, narrow gauge trains were the option to hug the mountain land in Colorado. The CRM features 100 locomotives, which can operate on its circular track. The complex boasts significant model train exhibits where you might get a better sense of scale.

And, like any museum that bridges the gap from then to now, some events hit the multi-generational note. One of their most popular every year is an up-do of the Polar Express™. The book by Chris Van Allsburg set the stage for the movie, and the film then inspired actual train rides at Holliday time at locations around the U.S. and Europe. When a bit warmer, the all family special event is Day Out with Thomas.

The Express production is a cabaret-style show that is family-friendly and warmed up with cookies and hot chocolate. It starts with a lively production, carols, and the “Hot Chocolate” song. For the last part of the show, you climb aboard the Polar Express™ and head to that icy pole complete with elves and the quintessential, red-suited big dude. I was a little skeptical as I was not wearing pj’s and a robe for a ride with people I didn’t know. Even for the adults, it was a holiday hoot.

The CRM is a history blast from the past, even for those who don’t have a keen interest in history and tales of transportation. The lineup of special events like the Polar Express™ means there is something for the kids and history buffs all year round. When you get close to these steam engines and other equipment, your amazement with the “Iron Horse,” like steam rises.

Your baggage and contents are damaged on a trip with the airlines. They owe you. Maybe, maybe not.

My travel golf bag had significant damage on a recent golf trip. It appeared to be caught in a belt or from a Velociraptor missing a meal. In any event, I made the initial claim with American Airlines at the airport to get the process started. The club heads were obviously ground in the conveyor system through the holes in the top and side parts of the bag.

I have never filed a luggage claim, so this was an education. Can you get luggage, contents, or this case, golf clubs replaced when damaged or lost as luggage?

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Your baggage and contents are damaged on a trip with the airlines. They owe you. Maybe, maybe not.

My travel golf bag had significant damage on a recent golf trip. It appeared to be caught in a belt or from a Velociraptor missing a meal. In any event, I made the initial claim with American Airlines at the airport to get the process started. The club heads were obviously ground in the conveyor system through the holes in the top and side parts of the bag. 

I have never filed a luggage claim, so this was an education. Can you get luggage, contents, or this case, golf clubs replaced when damaged or lost as luggage?

The airlines move an incredible about of bags at a break-neck speed to keep up with passenger flow. Normal wear and tear to your baggage are not covered. If the damage exceeds that, they may reimburse or repair, if at fault. In extreme cases, a severely damaged bag may be replaced at the airport if it won’t securely hold its contents. The Department of Transportation sets general guidelines for all airlines, including a maximum reimbursement of $3800 for baggage issues. However, that is not automatic or guaranteed.

Baggage-specific regulations are part of your Carriage Contract, or how the airline interacts with you in all facets during the trip. Specifics are different regarding baggage for American Airlines, United, Delta and Southwest. For example, United Airlines will not assume liability for golf clubs unless they are in a hard-sided case. Luggage outside specific requirements travels under limited liability if any. Only 2% of passengers have read the contract of carriage. Most passengers are surprised what is not covered.

If your luggage and contents were damaged or come up missing, that generally requires a receipt to prove content value and ownership. Keep receipts for major items and take an interior photo before your journey. Don’t expect the airline to replace tee shirts from a concert 17 years ago or $1.99 beach flops. 

When I came home, I filled out a more detailed form and attached the photos and receipts. Within a few days, a baggage claim representative contacted me, and I provided a few further details. There are exceptions to their regulations. These need extraordinary circumstances for reimbursement or replacement outside of stated policies.

After I submitted the required documentation and photos to AA, my issue was resolved with a new travel bag and replacement clubs. I was prepared for a two-month process. American Airlines fixed this in less than 23 days. Given the volume of issues the airlines face daily, my experience with AA was stellar.

The moral of my luggage experience – know what is covered before you travel, then plan and expect accordingly.