Governor's Mansion and Cherokee Castle

I went on a tour with my friend Rachelle to visit the Governor's Mansion in Denver and the Cherokee Castle in Sedalia. The Governor's mansion was a surprise. It was a huge mansion unlike anything else I've seen in CO - no trace of the SW style and I reminded me much of the homes in Old Town Alexandria. The house is open for tours at Christmas time and the place was beautifully decorated using all "recycled" materials and Christmas decorations in the attic. It seems budget cuts are everywhere. The staff was soooo friendly and welcoming, esp. when they found out I was a military wife. They even had a special tree for the fallen heros who were from Colorado, which had ornaments with each of their names on it. I was especilly impressed that they had a few Coast Guard ornaments on the tree. Thank you Mrs. Ritter for remembering we are here too.

Another highlight and if you are ever in the Denver area, I cannot recommend more that you visit the Cherokee Castle. I went there for high tea and a tour. The food was impressive. The art collection ...priceless. The silver and furnishing...timeless. The history...rich. The castle itself... enormous. Nothing was more impressive than the view. On the back deck there was nothing but wide open space. Acres and acres and acres. Nothing in front of you but land and the mountain range everywhere you looked. In front of you, to the left, right, and behind you. And it was quiet. So peaceful. On the right side in the far distance, you could see the skyline of Denver downtown and that was it. Amazing. I hope to go back for a romantic dinner with my husband in the summer on the deck and just sit and look out. So much beauty out here.

Tours coming up: Breckinridge for Christmas, Keystone for Sno Fest 09, Estes Park in May.

I'm hoping to go dog sledding or on a sleigh ride and outdoor dinner in February depending on mouse's work schedule. Mouse, thanks for taking off work so I could do this trip and others. I love you!