Page 13 - MAR 2019 proof 7 - The Castle Pines Connection

CastlePinesConnection.com
13
Relax and take
a spring break
staycation!
By Terri Wiebold
Want a new adventure this spring break that doesn’t break the bank but allows for quality time (away from home) with the family? Here area few adventures to consider, all within an hour of home:
Pack your suitcase and head to Denver International Airport, but instead of boarding a ight, drive past the passenger drop o and circle back o the property (as if you just arrived in on a ight). Book a room at the new Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center for less than $250/night and experience what it is like for travelers all over the world who come to our great state. Dine formally or casually at any of the four restaurants, book spa services, enjoy the heated indoor and outdoor pools, or – weather permitting – take advantage of the tennis and basketball courts. It is a Marriott property, so cash in some of those points and save even more money (www. marriott.com/hotels/hotel-photos/dengr- gaylord-rockies-resort-and-convention- center/).
Looking for something with a little extra entertainment for the kids while on your staycation? Pop down to the Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs. Everyone will have a crazy good time in the indoor water park and on the ropes course; kids will enjoy story time, pj parties, character appearances and scavenger hunts. With eight restaurants on property (two are bars) and a complete tness center, there is something for everyone. If you haven’t been before, it is de nitely worth checking out: www.greatwolf.com/colorado-springs.
If the kitchen is the gathering place in your home (like it is in mine), what about trying out someone else’s kitchen? Uncorked Kitchen in Centennial o ers family cooking classes, where everyone gets their hands dirty with all aspects of cooking. Create a delicious meal and lasting memories at the same time. Or, sign the kids up for the kids/ teen camp and sneak away for an extended “date” day at Park Meadows Retail Resort. Visit www.uncorkedkitchen.com/.
Remember to check out The Castle
Pines Connection website (www. castlepinesconnection.com) and explore the events page for FREE activities in March, including the Denver Art Museum, Denver Botanic Gardens at Chat eld Farms, Children’s Museum of Denver,
the Colorado Railroad Museum and much more. You will also nd great events at Lone Tree Arts Center, PACE, Comedy Works and more.
Wherever your staycation plans take you, we’d love to hear about them. Share your stories and email pictures to editor@ castlepinesconnection.com.
Help & Hope Center
Information and photo provided by Maryann Streater
We are here to help.
If you or someone you know are suffering from a hardship visit, www.helpandhopecenter. org and click on GET HELP or call the Help & Hope Center at 303-688-1114.
Help & Hope Center volunteers Peggy Haney and Pat Engfer joined Marion Dahlem, the center’s volunteer coordinator, and Maryann Streater for a break in the action. “Without volunteers, our mission of help and hope would not be possible,” stressed Dahlem. “We are incredibly grateful to them – we have the best volunteers in the entire area.”
There are always areas at the center that need support.
Whether working at the Treasures on Park Street store,
sorting donated items or helping at the food bank, the
organization has a place for anyone who would like to help. Informal tours will be held for anyone considering volunteering on Tuesday, March 12 and Tuesday, April 2 at 1 p.m.
“I encourage anyone who thinks they may want to join us to come check us out,” stated Dahlem. “Make new friends while supporting a good cause.”
For more information, visit www.helpandhopecenter.org.