Cascade, Colorado

Cascade is one of those little towns that’s easy to miss. Not to be confused with a small town on a strip of high speed highway, Cascade is actually positioned mostly on the side of a mountain and the reason it’s missed is because you’re rounding a hairpin curve heading west on Hwy 24, just as you see the exit.

It’s crisp and beautiful. It’s everything Colorado. Pine trees, log homes, bed n’ breakfasts (many), friendly postal people and a trail up the side of the mountain that offers the reward at the top with a large wooden swing to relax in while you enjoy the ‘exquisite mountain views!’

On the creekside of Highway 24 Cascade is home to ‘Wines of Colorado’ a creekside cafe serving up a variety of burgers, including buffalo, grilled and vegetarian entrees plus free wine tastings. There is an immediate quaintness as you walk in the door. Wooden beams, a rustic bar, beautifully dressed tables and large picture windows to enjoy the scenery.

My first visit to Wines of Colorado I was seated out on the patio. The ambiance of soft lighting, sounds and smells of the creek and evergreen trees below was a perfect setting for savoring the yummy, grilled portabello mushroom burger I ate with a carefully matched Colorado wine.

If there’s anything you WILL notice passing through Cascade it will be the signs advertising Santa’s Workshop; a Colorado north pole with puppet shows, rides, cotton candy and of course, toys. You have little ones you’ll want to make this part of your visit.

September in Cascade marks the date for the annual chili cookoff; a time when the town comes together at the local grange hall. Good food, great chili and a silent auction full of the wares of the town, usually raising money for a local cause. Cascade is a replica of many Colorado mountain communities.

If you want more information on Cascade; google ‘Cascade Colorado’

Castle Rock, Colorado

South of Denver over a couple hills and down 1 large evergreen lined portion of I-25 you can see the Castle Rock perfectly proportioned against the bright Colorado sky. The once sleepy little town of Castle Rock, is now one of the fastest growing bedroom communities on the outskirts of Denver. The town has several ‘best and unique’ adages to it’s tribute including the ‘best in the state’  fried chicken at the historic Castle Cafe and of course the annual Ostrich Race that takes place at the Douglas County Fair Grounds every June.

Of all the places and events to love about Castle Rock one of my favorites is the annual ‘Lighting of the Star’ on the Castle Rock, each November just before Thanksgiving. It’s an all day event with the closing off of several streets, chestnuts roasting, street vendors grilling and all the little street shops dressed up for the holidays. Families come out in droves and mittened hands holding steamy cups of hot chocolate can be seen everywhere.

The excitement of the day is complete when the band has played and all eyes are fixed on the top of the Castle Rock as the switch is flipped and the wire shaped star is lit up with a string of Christmas lights, bright enough to be seen by those new comers heading over the hill for their 1st view of the famed Castle Rock. The light of the star is then dimmed as a burst of fireworks lights up the sky. The red nosed, anticipating crowd cheer, the horse pulled wagon heads down the street in the jubilee and another holiday season in launched in Castle Rock, Colorado.