It was so nice getting to stay two nights in one place, and the “Bed & Brunch” place we stayed at was pretty cool. We stayed in Casita #2 but spent most of our working hours in the common area. They encouraged the communal living space, even more so than a traditional B & B. It also embraced the CO legalization lifestyle, so there was a “munchie bar” 24/7 and hors d’oeuvres at 4:20 every day. The munchies included typical packaged snacks but always also had fruit, warm cookies, and/or homemade danishes and muffins. There was also always french-press teas and coffee. They had a chef managing a huge kitchen that was open to a large bar, table, and living area. As best I could tell, Chef (as everyone called him) was always in the kitchen tending to anyone’s needs as well as being a social director of sorts. Whether it was 8am or midnight, there was always a group hanging out talking, playing games, working on a puzzle, etc. As you can see below, we ate well at this place that felt like a home away from home. If we’re ever out this way again, we would definitely stay here again for a few days.
It was certainly hard to leave, as these last two days are mainly about getting home. We lingered at breakfast too long, so we didn’t make it to Spicin’ Foods in Kansas City before they closed (to get some hot sauces, including Da Bomb–featured on Hot Ones). However, we had some fun along the long drive. We marveled at how quickly the Colorado landscape changed from massive mountains to farmland or prairie. We got to see windmills again and, once in Kansas, saw oil drilling stations peppered throughout the land. We had a delightful picnic at the Kansas welcome area, featuring some fresh cherries right off the tree (from our first B&B in Colorado). I hadn’t made the Kansas/Wizard of Oz connection for some reason until we saw the feature in the rest area. So, of course, I had to get a photo with Dorothy and the gang. (I tried the whole heel clicking thing to get home, but it didn’t work. Must be the shoes…)
Our last adventure of the day was to acquire Kansas City BBQ. The welcome center had recommended Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, so we headed there. It had a line wrapped around the outside of the building, so we settled in for a wait. After about a half hour (still waiting outside), Thom got an alert that his car was tampered with. So we stepped out of line to go check things (all was fine…so whoever it was had left without damaging anything). We didn’t want to get back in line, so we decided to try one of the suggestions Chef had made: Jack Stack BBQ. This place was a little more elevated, but the food was amazing. It was almost too good, as we still had 90 minutes to drive to our hotel, in the dark due to all the delays of the day. I highly recommend this place if you’re ever in Kansas City.
Standing Strength 