{"id":453,"date":"2009-06-22T12:01:06","date_gmt":"2009-06-22T19:01:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lastgreatroadtrip.net\/?p=453"},"modified":"2009-06-28T11:27:20","modified_gmt":"2009-06-28T18:27:20","slug":"picks-and-pans-between-denver-and-rocky-mountain-national-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.lastgreatroadtrip.net\/?p=453","title":{"rendered":"Picks and Pans – Between Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park"},"content":{"rendered":"

PICKS:<\/strong>
\nThe Coffee Tree<\/a> in Loveland, CO<\/p>\n

Located inside a cozy used bookstore, The Coffee Tree was another great locally owned coffee shop… Why does anyone go to Starbucks?! The staff were super friendly, the wi-fi was free and the local patrons were a colorful bunch. Plus, they have a real live arabica tree right in the shop.<\/div>\n

Swetsville Zoo<\/a> in Timnath, CO<\/p>\n

Mr. Swets is a retired farmed who has decided to use his previously practical metal working skills to produce a veritable zoo of enormous, witty creatures. His barnyard has been transformed into a whimsical wonderland of hundreds of engaging “animals”. Each sculpture is made of recycled metal and each has a very specific character conveyed through Mr. Swets’ tremendous talent for creating evocative postures and comical facial expressions on each of his creatures. It is Mr. Swets’ sense of humor and joy that pervades the entire zoo. Each sculpture has its own little joke. It was a utter pleasure to be a part of it. We also had the privelege of meeting the artist while he was putting the finishing touches on the large heart shaped throne he was making for his upcoming 50th wedding anniversary party. This was definitely one of our favorite folk art stops so far on the trip!<\/div>\n

PANS:<\/strong>
\nSt. Vrains State Park<\/p>\n

Worst campsite ever. Yep, that’s right, worst EVER. It smelled alternately like pit toilet, sulfur-y pond water or cow manure. There were swarms of mosquitos. Day and night, mosquitos everywhere. It was in sight of the highway, a huge gas station and a McDonalds. The garbage dumpster was overflowing with rotting trash. They did have showers, though, which is the only reason we stopped. I say even if you haven’t showered in a week, do not pass go, do not collect $200 and do NOT camp here. I’m sure there’s something better up the road.<\/div>\n