Ken Dabkowski

The Highland County Maple Syrup festival is coming up soon. Come to Virginia and enjoy on March 13-14 and 20-21st.

http://www.highlandcounty.org/maple.htm

http://www.bullpasturemountainranch.com/

Well kept ranch just hours from D.C. The couple that runs it are super!

“Imagine yourself on horseback, at Bull Pasture Mountain Ranch, trail riding through the beautiful mountains and rolling hillsides of Highland County, Virginia. Take a hike to check out our picturesque views. When you return, enjoy a home cooked meal with friends around our fabulous campfire and then relax in our hot tub to round out your busy day. We specialize in making all of this a reality.”

The town of Glenwood Springs Colorado is a sweet little town. Certainly set up to cater to tourists, but lots of outdoorsy opportunities exist too. On a short layover I had the chance to stay a night and enjoy their Hot Springs and Pool. View Website here: http://www.hotspringspool.com/ The pool offered a hot pool and a warm pool, both very relaxing. The hot pool offered neat bubbling machines and the regular pool had a spring diving board which was lots of fun. Lastly they have a slide which wasn’t open when I was swimming. Clean facilities, lockers, a bit pricey but if you plan to spend the day, totally worth it.

Can enough be said about Hut’s Hamburgers? On a cold winter night, I approached this unsuspecting hamburger joint and upon entering was graced by atmosphere and smells hidden to the outside world. Super sized drinks are poured while you wait for the main event, one of many varieties of Hut’s Hamburgers. Serving since 1939, this place knows how to make a burger. Go there next time you are in Austin, Texas. Visit it here: http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~russell/students/spr06/huts2/aboutus.html

The Salt Lick is a wonderful BBQ joint about 45 minutes outside Austin, Texas. After a nice leisurely drive, a wide open ranch appears. Bring you own libations and drink outside in the fresh air while waiting for your table. Once inside, I recommend the all you can eat family style BBQ. Unlimited portions of brisket, sausage, ribs and sides continually grace the table and all of the meats are soaked in the Salt Lick’s rich BBQ sauce. A fun family or group experience, just make sure you drive home safely! Check it out here: http://www.saltlickbbq.com/

On a quick day trip to Martha’s Vineyard last month, I encountered a wonderful little restaurant called Park Corner Bistro in Oak Bluffs. Tucked away in a short alley way, I wandered in to try the swordfish. Wonderful bread, wine selection and fish - all perfect. My companion had an excellent chicken marsala dish. Give it a shot next time you’re that way.

Park Corner Bistro
20 Kennebec Ave # H
Oak Bluffs, MA 02557
(508) 696-9922

The Atlantic Hotel is a charming property in Berlin, MD. Very nice modern bar and restaurant. Antiques and rocking chairs abound on the magnificent verandas. Also, try the general store!