Buffalo Bills Museum and Grave - Golden, Colorado

I have to tell you that as much as I've heard the name "Buffalo Bill" throughout my life, I had no clue who he really was when we took this trip.  My parents even had the same feeling. Heard of him, but "Who the hell was Buffalo Bill?"

Besides being an Army scout, Pony Express rider, Buffalo hunter and a true cowboy; what made him so famous was the Wild West shows he put on while traveling the world.  Needless to say I had never put two and two together having gone to the "Buffalo Bill's Wild West dinner show" in Anaheim California.  His shows featured some of the most skilled cowboys and girls around the world - sort of like a Rodeo show.

For some, this may not seem like something that would interest you.  In fact, my parents were not totally impressed with needing to know about Buffalo Bill, but it turned out to be a great trip.  See, Buffalo Bill is buried at the top of Lookout Mountain in Golden, Colorado. Why? Because he wanted to be buried there (I asked).  The drive up the mountain is quite the entertainment of winding back and forth, all while dodging the crazy mountain bikers along the way.  Once we made it to the top, the view was amazing! 

If you don't care to know about Buffalo Bill, then don't waste your money on the museum. It's all about him and his life, which I found somewhat entertaining, but I probably could of done without it.   Although we had fun mid-way playing dress-up in the cowboy gear.  It may even be worth reading about him online before going, so you have a better understanding of what your seeing in the museum. 

William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody's grave is outside, just to the side and rear of the museum and is free to visit.  We had thought it was part of the museum admission until we found out afterwards it's open to the public. 

Even if the interesting lifestyle of Buffalo Bill doesn't get your heart racing...take the ride up just for the view! You can see the entire city of Golden and even Denver from Lookout Mountain.  Coors Brewery is located in Golden and you can see how enormous it is from above. Once you get back down you can also take a tour of the brewery if beer is your thing.

ADMISSION PRICES for the Buffalo Bill Museum
$5 for adults, $4 for seniors ages 65 and older, $1 for children 6 - 15, 5 and under are free.

ShareThis

Hyatt Summerfield Suites - Denver, CO

I was on the search for a hotel in Denver, Colorado for a trip with my parents.  I needed wanted a 2 bedroom unit with my usual necessities; free Wi-Fi, free parking, comfortable bed, complimentary breakfast and if I am lucky a full kitchen.  Although after the trip was over I realized the kitchen was unecessary with my parents who prefer to eat out.

I went on my usual online search and came across a couple suitable hotels.  Neither were dead smack in the middle of downtown Denver, but I didn't mind and honestly prefer to be slightly away from the large Cities. Staying downtown would have most likely included an older hotel, paid parking and paid internet.

The Hyatt Summerfield Suites had everything I needed and I was more than pleased when we arrived.  My parents (being the non-travelers) were impressed with their booking agent (me) and loved the 2 bedroom unit we got.  They thought I was some sort of Travel agent goddess, but really it was a simple Expedia find and at a great price. 

The rooms were spacious, very comfortable with ample seating for a family and included a nice full kitchen.  Each room had a master bath with a working desk area, flat screen TV and plush beds.  In the morning we went down for a great complimentary breakfast and hit the road for downtown Denver, which was only about a 20 minute drive away. 

The hotel also had a pool, business room with Wi-Fi printing from your room, a small grocery area for those needed items and they also offered grocery delivery to your room if you didn't want to handle the shopping yourself.  My only complaint was that the dryer we used (out of the 6) didn't work.  I stayed up until midnight trying three times to run the load.  I did let the front desk know and they said they would look at it. But I was hoping for an offer to help dry them or give me back the $3 I spent, with my wet clothes in hand.

I can't wait to take this trip again, this time with my husband and children.  Denver is a wonderful City and staying at the Hyatt Summerfield Suites made it that much more enjoyable.  If your looking for a nice, clean family hotel at a great rate, stay here, you won't be disappointed. ShareThis

Foto Fun Friday - May 28th, 2010

What western City displays the "I see what you mean" Big Blue bear? 

This 40 Foot tall, 10,000lb fiberglass Bear peers into the Convention Center downtown and cost the City more than $400,000.

I'll give you a hint; I visited this City for the first time this week!

ShareThis