Saratoga is one of Wyoming's hidden beauties. A small town in southern Wyoming, it has a gorgeous hot spring. It is close to the Sierra Madre mountains which offer hiking opportunities, beautiful drives and the opportunity to learn about a gold rush which took place in the area. Apparently, it is a highly historic area. Besides this...Saratoga has hot springs. There's a public pool, called the Hobo Pool, which is free and open to the public. You can sit in its scalding hot water, and then climb down to the river and sit in the pool where the spring empties out and mixes with the cold water. Refreshing.
Saratoga also has the Saratoga Inn. If you are looking for a place to stay, this is it. Very comfortable beds. Clean and friendly. Good food. A nice place for a meeting or retreat. The three buildings are built around a courtyard. The fourth building is a spa. In the courtyard there is a pool of hot springs water, and not a small one either, but big enough to actually get up a little swimming speed before you have to turn around. Then there's about 6 hot tub pools, some covered with teepees and others open to the stars. It is all deliciously warm and wonderful in the cold weather, especially when it snows.
The town is cute. You can walk most places. There's art galleries, and Laura M's. Laura M is a clothing designer who makes everything in her store. Lovely stuff, lots of variety. The Hotel Wolf is a historic hotel, nice to stay in with a good restaurant. Across the street is the Lazy River Cantina, mexican food, very popular.
In the summer, the local arts council hosts an artfair and gala around the 4th with all sorts of events. This is also a good time to go over the snowy range mountains which have breathtaking views.
All in all, a good place to come for a relaxing time.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Jackson, con't
Two organizations I would love to be involved in more reside in Jackson, too far for all the fabulous classes and opportunities they offer. Those are the Dancers' Workshop.
The Dancers Workshop, in the same building, offers dance classes in everything from ballet to hip hop, modern to ballroom dancing, plus yoga and something which looks very painful called jazzercise (I think I spelled that right). I was watching one of the jazzercise classes last time I was there and thinking this is dance? It looks very, um, mechanical, not to mention aerobic (not that dance isn't aerobic, but this had no redeeming gracefulness). The director, a sweet lady and excellent teacher, dancer and choreographer, told me that isn't one of their classes, however; the lady rents the space from them. Dancers' Workshop has 4 beautiful classrooms, which any dance studio would die for, and one of them is a blackbox theatre. See, I could be taking classes and attending dance performances if I lived there. Dancers' Workshop also houses Contemporary Dance Wyoming, our own wonderful and sole professional modern dance troupe.
All this, and so much more I haven't even mentioned here, in a town of less than 9000. They also have the National Museum of Wildlife Art (which currently, 8/2006, has an amazing Andy Warhol show), Jackson Hole Film Festival and the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival, plus the Jackson Hole Music Experience and so much more. Most of these and more at the
The Dancers Workshop, in the same building, offers dance classes in everything from ballet to hip hop, modern to ballroom dancing, plus yoga and something which looks very painful called jazzercise (I think I spelled that right). I was watching one of the jazzercise classes last time I was there and thinking this is dance? It looks very, um, mechanical, not to mention aerobic (not that dance isn't aerobic, but this had no redeeming gracefulness). The director, a sweet lady and excellent teacher, dancer and choreographer, told me that isn't one of their classes, however; the lady rents the space from them. Dancers' Workshop has 4 beautiful classrooms, which any dance studio would die for, and one of them is a blackbox theatre. See, I could be taking classes and attending dance performances if I lived there. Dancers' Workshop also houses Contemporary Dance Wyoming, our own wonderful and sole professional modern dance troupe.
All this, and so much more I haven't even mentioned here, in a town of less than 9000. They also have the National Museum of Wildlife Art (which currently, 8/2006, has an amazing Andy Warhol show), Jackson Hole Film Festival and the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival, plus the Jackson Hole Music Experience and so much more. Most of these and more at the
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Jackson
Jackson, ah, Jackson. A lot of people don't like Jackson, but I think that is because they see the surface only. If you spend some time there and get to know locals, and see what is happening under the polished western facade, Jackson starts to look quite wonderful. The Grand Teton Music Festival, for example. Not only is it a world class music festival, but they offer free private lessons to middle and high school kids during the school year. How cool is that? They support local musicians, and grow student abilities, while boosting the music program at schools.
I am in love with Jackson, truly in love. I could live there, if only I could afford it.
I am in love with Jackson, truly in love. I could live there, if only I could afford it.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Evanston
Evanston is a town in the far southwest corner of Wyoming. While many people seem to think Evanston is a town to blow through on the way to Salt Lake City, I am very fond of it and always enjoy my visits.
One of my favorite places to eat and visit is Main Street Artisans. Right downtown on Main Street, this sweet cafe and gallery has just been remodeled for its 10th anniversary. They carry a variety of artwork from Wyoming artists, also art teachers, including Chris Amend, John Webelow, Bill Yankee and Terri Thurman. They make all their own food and it is good--salads, soups, sandwiches and cakes. Not to mention drinks.
Evanston has several other good restaurants. It also has a lovely remodeled depot, and a train yard, I guess it is, which is slated to become a town center. They have most of a roundhouse which they plan to convert to city offices and a plaza. They've already converted the machine house into a community use space for holding events. Elements of the original building can still be seen, including the train tracks and holes in the floor used for working on engines.
Evanston has an active music education and music scene which Bear River State Park along the river.
One of my favorite places to eat and visit is Main Street Artisans. Right downtown on Main Street, this sweet cafe and gallery has just been remodeled for its 10th anniversary. They carry a variety of artwork from Wyoming artists, also art teachers, including Chris Amend, John Webelow, Bill Yankee and Terri Thurman. They make all their own food and it is good--salads, soups, sandwiches and cakes. Not to mention drinks.
Evanston has several other good restaurants. It also has a lovely remodeled depot, and a train yard, I guess it is, which is slated to become a town center. They have most of a roundhouse which they plan to convert to city offices and a plaza. They've already converted the machine house into a community use space for holding events. Elements of the original building can still be seen, including the train tracks and holes in the floor used for working on engines.
Evanston has an active music education and music scene which Bear River State Park along the river.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Lander
I'll probably have to write quite a lot about Lander over time. Lander is one of my favorite towns in Wyoming. For one thing, it is about the size Port Townsend was when I moved there, and I liked that--about 5000 people. Lots of artists, with a core of non-art people who have lived here forever. It has a sweet downtown and some very good eateries. The Cowfish and the Gannett Grill, right next to each other, are two of my favorites. The Gannett is casual--huge salads, pizza, burgers and some more "healthy" type stuff. There's a bar attached and a deck to eat outside. The Cowfish is more upscale with sophiscated Asian and American cross cusine. A section of their menu is called "Bowl Food" and, well, you get this huge bowl of spaghetti, or Thai curry, or other interesting food. The Gannett and the Cowfish share a yard and they have an organic garden which provides herbs and vegetables for salads and flavoring, and the Gannett serves organic beef, too. Definite points in their favor! They have a brewery attached, which provides the beer for the Gannett too. It's a Snake River Brewery, which originated in Jackson, and they have some nice beers. Nothing like that Framboise Lambic I mentioned a post or two ago, but some very good ones. There is also an excellent bakery called Wildflower which bakes yummy fresh bread, makes soup and sandwiches and good coffee.
Lander is a great town to walk in--the Popo Agie river runs through it and there's a river walk which feels secluded and wild. There's a mixture of house styles which is pleasing to the eye. Sinks Canyon State Park is just a few minutes away and this is a park that should be on the MUST SEE list. The Sinks are fascinating and there's nothing like this anywhere in the world--the water goes underground and no one really knows where it goes, or what it does, until it rises further downstream. They know it is the same water because they did die tests. There's a gorgeous hike up to a waterfall, but I don't recommend it for anyone who is not acclimated to the altitude. It is quite a climb, but breathtakingly beautiful--both the way, and the falls. Don't think too hard about swimming, though, because the water is cold. Very cold. Ice melt cold. Teeth aching cold. But possibly worth it on a very hot summer day, as you'll be practically dead anyway once you get there and it will revive you.
Enough for now, as I don't want to just skim over everything Lander has to offer.
Lander is a great town to walk in--the Popo Agie river runs through it and there's a river walk which feels secluded and wild. There's a mixture of house styles which is pleasing to the eye. Sinks Canyon State Park is just a few minutes away and this is a park that should be on the MUST SEE list. The Sinks are fascinating and there's nothing like this anywhere in the world--the water goes underground and no one really knows where it goes, or what it does, until it rises further downstream. They know it is the same water because they did die tests. There's a gorgeous hike up to a waterfall, but I don't recommend it for anyone who is not acclimated to the altitude. It is quite a climb, but breathtakingly beautiful--both the way, and the falls. Don't think too hard about swimming, though, because the water is cold. Very cold. Ice melt cold. Teeth aching cold. But possibly worth it on a very hot summer day, as you'll be practically dead anyway once you get there and it will revive you.
Enough for now, as I don't want to just skim over everything Lander has to offer.
Lit Mail
One way to find out about things happening around the state and the region, particularly in Literature, is to read the WyoLitMail blog. The blog is a spin off of a weekly newsletter on literature and other related items in Wyoming and the Rocky Mountain region that Michael Shay produces on a weekly basis from the Wyoming Arts Council. It is a great way to learn about recent books by Wyoming artists and for musings about literature in general.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Jeffreys
Jeffrey's Bistro is my very favorit-ist place to eat in Laramie. It is a contender for all time Wyoming favorite, too. I go there whenever possible, which is not always as often as I would like. They make everything from scratch; much of it is vegetarian, or can be; and they have an eclectic mix of food. On Fridays they make clam chowder, deliciously full of clams, potatoes and other good stuff, and without bacon! The salads are huge. They have this great full meal deal where, for a few dollars more, you get soup or salad, choice of dessert and coffee or tea. A very good deal indeed. Dinners consist of such delicious things as stir fries with many possible add-ins, seafood tetrazzini, siamese chicken and broccoli.... I have never had a thing I didn't like there.
The real problem with the good food is that you can get too full to have dessert and that is really a dumb thing to do. Sara's desserts are fabulous! I am a baker, and I regularly don't have dessert because I can nearly always make it better, but not at Jeffrey's. I have never met this woman, but I have a lot of respect for a baker who is as consistent as she is at 7000 feet. They consistently have at least 10 desserts, the regulars, and then usually also a special. One of her specials is frangipani tart with cherries. Some regulars include a Ghiradelli Chocolate Cherry Torte, a Mocha Butter Crunch Pie, Tiramisu, fruit crisps of varying flavors, and always at least 4 differently flavored cheesecakes.
Today I also had this lovely stuff called Framboise Lambic Ale. I have never had this before, and I highly recommend it, even if it is expensive for a beer. It is imported from Belgium, and has a gorgeous garnet color and a very strong raspberry flavor. They suggested it as a dessert beer, so I had it for that, and, well, yum!!
All this to say, this is not a restaurant to skip if you are going through Laramie.
The real problem with the good food is that you can get too full to have dessert and that is really a dumb thing to do. Sara's desserts are fabulous! I am a baker, and I regularly don't have dessert because I can nearly always make it better, but not at Jeffrey's. I have never met this woman, but I have a lot of respect for a baker who is as consistent as she is at 7000 feet. They consistently have at least 10 desserts, the regulars, and then usually also a special. One of her specials is frangipani tart with cherries. Some regulars include a Ghiradelli Chocolate Cherry Torte, a Mocha Butter Crunch Pie, Tiramisu, fruit crisps of varying flavors, and always at least 4 differently flavored cheesecakes.
Today I also had this lovely stuff called Framboise Lambic Ale. I have never had this before, and I highly recommend it, even if it is expensive for a beer. It is imported from Belgium, and has a gorgeous garnet color and a very strong raspberry flavor. They suggested it as a dessert beer, so I had it for that, and, well, yum!!
All this to say, this is not a restaurant to skip if you are going through Laramie.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Closed roads
This evening there's snow in the southeast of Wyoming. Cheyenne got at least 6 inches--it snowed all day, and was apparently worse after I left about 5. I'm in Laramie now, and it is snowing here. It was warmer today, so there is a sheen of ice on most of the roads and cars and everything. People are off the road all over the place because they haven't slowed down, and now the interstates are closed--no unnecessary travel. Wyo roads are nothing to play with when the weather is bad. I recommend going very slow, or just not traveling at all (I'm holed up in a hotel, and happy about it!).
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Thermopolis
Thermopolis is a lovely little town in the center of the state with one of the world's largest natural hot springs. Thermopolis is the site of Hot Springs State Park, which has a free bathhouse. The park is a beautiful site where the hot springs run over colored terraces and which is the home to the Hot Springs Bison Herd.
There are two nice hotels in the park itself--the Best Western Plaza Inn and the Holiday Inn. The Best Western is a restored hotel with log furniture and breakfast and a hot springs fed hot pool, plus a swimming pool in the summer. The Holiday Inn also has a hot springs pool and a restaurant. The hotel has a safari theme with pictures of people hunting and many preserved animals all over the place.
Downtown there's a lovely gallery and museum. Sunshine Gallery is owned by a local metal artist and stocks artwork by artists from in state and elsewhere across the country. There's an excellent museum well worth the stop called Dancing Bear Folk Art Center. This center showcases traditional arts, including exhibits and demonstrations of spinning, weaving, food ways, marbles, needle felting and much more. It has the largest collection of artist bears in the country. During the annual marble exhibit, which includes old and new marbles of all sizes, they have a variety of marble games available to play with, including musical marble trees. Above the Folk Arts Center is the Old West Wax Museum.
One other spot to stop is Domhoff Gallery, which is on the Worland road north of town on the west side. Two potters live there, mother and son, and they do unusual dinnerware and a variety of other functional pottery. They were both trained in Germany.
There are two nice hotels in the park itself--the Best Western Plaza Inn and the Holiday Inn. The Best Western is a restored hotel with log furniture and breakfast and a hot springs fed hot pool, plus a swimming pool in the summer. The Holiday Inn also has a hot springs pool and a restaurant. The hotel has a safari theme with pictures of people hunting and many preserved animals all over the place.
Downtown there's a lovely gallery and museum. Sunshine Gallery is owned by a local metal artist and stocks artwork by artists from in state and elsewhere across the country. There's an excellent museum well worth the stop called Dancing Bear Folk Art Center. This center showcases traditional arts, including exhibits and demonstrations of spinning, weaving, food ways, marbles, needle felting and much more. It has the largest collection of artist bears in the country. During the annual marble exhibit, which includes old and new marbles of all sizes, they have a variety of marble games available to play with, including musical marble trees. Above the Folk Arts Center is the Old West Wax Museum.
One other spot to stop is Domhoff Gallery, which is on the Worland road north of town on the west side. Two potters live there, mother and son, and they do unusual dinnerware and a variety of other functional pottery. They were both trained in Germany.
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