Pub parties for St. Patty’s Day

I’ve been reading a bit more about the best Irish pubs in America since it’s getting so close to St. Patrick’s Day! I‘ve read about a lot of really great-sounding pubs this week and I‘m sure all of them will be having special events for St. Patty‘s Day!

This year, Kell’s Irish Pub in Portland, Oregon is putting on a 4-day Irish Festival in honor of St. Patty’s Day. Kell’s is going all out with music, dancers, and traditional Irish food. Kell’s regular pub menu features a taste of Ireland, including Shepherd’s pie, fish and chips and Guinness.

If you happen to be in Atlanta, Georgia over St. Patrick’s Day, be sure to check out the St. Patty’s Day block party at Limerick Junction. For Irishmen at heart, this Irish pub offers year-round Irish charm with a selection of beer and lager, “pub grub” and Irish entertainment.

Cat’s Eye Pub in Baltimore, Maryland, is another truly authentic Irish pub in America. Located in the historical Fell’s Point area of Baltimore, this pub’s been sharing the luck of the Irish with Irishmen of all nationalities for more than 30 years. From the sounds of it Cat’s Eye is the best party in Baltimore whether it’s St. Patrick’s Day or not.

And, leave it to the Irish to create a true neighborhood pub smack in the middle of a coastal tourist town. The Poet and the Patriot opened in Santa Cruz, CA in 1982 and has been spreading Irish cheer ever since. Owner Chris Matthews makes an effort to educate his customers about the history of his beloved Ireland while pouring glasses of Guinness, Murphy’s and Smithwick.

I know I can’t visit all these pubs this St. Patty’s Day, but it sure would be fun to try. If you manage to pop into one of these or another great Irish pub this St. Patty’s Day, post a comment and let me know where you went and what you thought of it.

Colorado Charm

February is especially cold here in Colorado. For me, it’s even too cold to attempt a drive to the mountains. It’s a sad day when I’m not interested in being outside. If you haven’t heard, Colorado has some of the best skiing in the world and its right here in my backyard.

From Denver, you’re within a 3 hours drive of at least 5 ski areas that boast beautiful powder, fabulous food and Colorado charm.

One of my favorite destinations because of its simple, authentic mountain flair is only a quick hour and a half up Loveland pass and over the continental divide, where you’ll drop down into Winter Park; a true rocky mountain ski town that blows chilling temperatures all winter long.

The ski area of Winter Park is nestled right off of I-40. You also have the option of taking the famed http://www.skitrain.com/winter.html from Downtown Denver’s Union Station; starting this February 6^th, Thursdays-Sundays, the Train boards at 6:30 am. You arrive, slope-side, at 9:30am. Enjoy the day and jump back on the train at 4:30pm, fully exhausted but satisfied.

If downhill isn’t you’re thing, head out and through the town of Winter Park about 10 minutes and visit Devil’s Thumb Ranch and Spa http://www.devilsthumbranch.com/ . 5000 acres of sprawling lands and views, take your breath away. Consider resting up in one of their lovely cabins and soak those tired feet of yours in their special buttermilk bliss soak.

Take advantage of the Ranch’s February Sweetheart Special. Offered through 2/28/09.

For more about getting to and from Winter Park, check out http://www.skiwinterpark.com/index.htm

Until next time, Enjoy the trip!

Amity

Hi Ho Pocono

Beat the heat this summer by taking a trip into the mountains! There’s so many great places to explore in this country that I can’t possibly list them all in one post. So let’s start on the East coast with the Pocono Mountains!

According to the official Pocono website:

“The Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, USA offer 2,400 square miles of wooded peaks and valleys with numerous sparkling lakes, rushing rivers, and some of the loveliest waterfalls in the east. In the midst of such natural beauty are literally hundreds of attractions and places to stay, making the Pocono Mountains the perfect place to vacation year-round. The Pocono Mountains region encompasses four separate counties: Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne. Each has its own special appeal for the perfect vacation spot.”

Summer is a great time to visit, what with all the lakes and rivers just waiting for boating, kayaking and swimming. There’s also museums, fairs and NASCAR racing at Pocono Raceway.

Going to be around this weekend? Saturday, June 21st is the 18th Annual Great Tastes of Pennsylvania Wine and Food Festival at the Split Rock Resort.

“The two-day outdoor festival held on the grounds of Split Rock located in beautiful Lake Harmony will feature continuous musical entertainment on three separate stages, up to 30 of Pennsylvania’s finest wineries and a wide selection of food vendors to tempt your taste buds.  Educational Seminars will be held during the festival so check them out and learn some new things about wine.  Split Rock also offers a weekend package for our overnight guests.  Each festival attendee will receive a commemorative wine tasting glass.”

How fun! For more information about the festival, visit www.splitrockresort.com.

Lobsta!

If you haven’t made a trip to Maine you must take the opportunity this summer. Nothing screams New England as much as Maine sea air and a fresh lobster dinner. Or as they say in Maine, “Lobsta!”

Lobster From Maine.com has an entire page of recipes sure to make your stomach rumble. But if you want it the traditional Maine way, follow these simple steps:

- Select a pot big enough to cover the lobster completely with water.

- Bring water to a rolling boil and add 1tbs of salt per quart of water.

- Put lobsters in claws first and begin timing as soon as the water comes back up to a boil.

For 1 pound: 5 minutes
1 1/8 pounds: 6 minutes
1 1/4 pounds: 8 minutes
1 1/2 to 2 pounds: 8 to 10 minutes
more than 2 pounds : 12 minutes

Serve with a side of butter and lots of napkins!

(PS- if you’re looking for some Maine inspiration, check out the Maine Beach Tote. It comes with it’s own lobster bib!)

Escapes In Your Own Backyard — Florida

Residents of sunny Florida might be interested to know that the first weekend of May holds more than just the promise of summer.

It’s also the annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival! Visit May 2-4 and see more than 300 Arts and Crafts exhibitors, more than 75 antique dealers, fun zone for kids, and shrimp! Don’t forget the shrimp!

The festival is home to dozens of food booths boasting shrimp specialties. Yum, yum!

The Festival is held in the Historic downtown Centre Street business district in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida. Be sure the check out the website here for all the info!

Happy shrimping!