tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67982741120922154012024-03-13T09:28:16.098-06:00AppleLodge BlogOur recommendations for places to eat and things to do and see around the AppleLodge.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798274112092215401.post-66058075444943224862014-06-26T12:30:00.002-06:002014-06-26T12:34:19.759-06:00Fall in the San Juans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://applelodge.com/images/colors%20600w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://applelodge.com/images/colors%20600w.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
Our family had been coming up to the San Luis Valley for many years in
the Summer or at Spring Break and occasionally at Christmas to visit
family and to enjoy Colorado's beautiful outdoors. But it was not until
we moved here in 2003 that we were able to experience the best season of
all. In the <u><b>fall </b></u>the warm days and cool nights are
especially enjoyable. The short summer heat is gone, and the cold
winter has not yet set in, the wind has laid down and the leaves on the
aspens and cottonwoods turn to bright yellow and bronze respectively.
There is no better time to do some fishing or hiking or picnicking out
in the forest. The National Forest roads are endless in the San Juan
portion of the Rocky Mountains and walking or driving through the
changing colors is one of the most beautiful scenes Colorado has to
offer. You might get surprised by an early snow that blows through but
doesn't last long. You might see a bear or mountain lion or big horn
sheep looking for food before snows cover the ground. You might also
hear the mating call of a bull elk. No matter how you choose to do it,
it is the best time of the year to spend time outdoors. The colors
usually peak near the end of September/beginning of October and a
"colors tour can be a treat of a lifetime. We usually ride from South
Fork to Creed to Lake City and back and stop at North Clear Creek Falls
and at the overlooks above Rio Grande Reservoir and above Lake San
Cristobal. There are lots of places along the way to stop and take
pictures and to top it all off there is a great ice cream stop at the
Malt Shoppe in Lake City. Memory making at its best!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798274112092215401.post-45086308229062069692009-12-15T20:19:00.005-07:002011-05-20T10:00:43.638-06:00Our recommendations...This blog is a place where we post recommendations for places to eat, and things to do and see around the AppleLodge Bed and Breakfast. <br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: red;">Click on one of the links above to see more.</span></em></strong> <br />
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We will add to this occasionally so come back again to see even more ...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798274112092215401.post-70205008145242787602009-12-05T21:12:00.005-07:002010-12-02T09:51:22.169-07:00Wolf Creek Ski -- "Most Snow in Colorado!"<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xPayTWxxCkw/TPfOc30y4cI/AAAAAAAAAJA/JpsIG8cds34/s1600/wc_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xPayTWxxCkw/TPfOc30y4cI/AAAAAAAAAJA/JpsIG8cds34/s1600/wc_logo.png" /></a></div>The <a href="http://www.applelodge.com/">AppleLodge </a>is about a 40 minute drive from Wolf Creek Ski Area. It is located on the "East Side" of Wolf Creek Pass, which means that a lot of the time you can still get to the ski area when the "West Side" closes due to weather/avalanche problems. The AppleLodge is the perfect place for your Wolf Creek Ski vacation headquarters. There are places to get your skis on the way to the ski area in South Fork or at the ski area itself. There are also several eating options at the slopes, in South Fork, or in Del Norte. Give us a call 1-888-56APPLE. We would be happy to help you plan your ski adventure. We can also recommend places for snowmobile rentals if that's more your style.</div><br />
<div>The following is an excerpt from the Wolf Creek Ski <a href="http://www.wolfcreekski.com/">web site</a>:<br />
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<strong>Wolf Creek 2009 - 2010</strong><br />
Wolf Creek Ski Area is celebrating 70 years of great powder skiing this 2009 - 2010 ski season! Since 1939, Wolf Creek has grown naturally with both ups and downs, yet still prevails in an industry that continually challenges and changes.<br />
The skiing on Wolf Creek Pass began with a group of ski enthusiasts in Alamosa who were interested in skiing and found that Wolf Creek Pass offered “all kinds of ski slopes to all kinds of skiers”. The San Luis Valley Ski association established a small ski tow and warming cabin, “financed by popular subscription and memberships into the club”. With reliably excellent conditions and changes in ownership, incredible improvements have continued to the present time.<br />
Since 1976, owners, Kingsbury and Charity Jane Pitcher, along with family members, have offered a great product at a great price. A passion for the sport of skiing is shown in the management style and a respect to bring the mountain experience to every walk of life is a mission.<br />
In continuing with that tradition, Wolf Creek Ski Area’s lift ticket and season pass prices will remain the same as last season! Wolf Creek makes every attempt at keeping skiing affordable to the general public especially during these economically tight times. Fourteen “Local Appreciation Days,” specially priced days open to all guests – no ID is required ($31.00 Adult all lift ticket, $18.00 for Seniors and Children), have been scheduled throughout the busy season.<br />
The Raven Building, at mid-mountain, will be in full swing this season, with its’ state-of-the-art water free, composting restrooms. Not only does Wolf Creek have a reputation for excellent deep snow but both full service cafeterias are known for their delicious homemade menu items including: a gourmet salad bar, fabulous burgers, hot daily specials, green and red chili stews, soups, Frito pies, and wonderful desserts.<br />
Seven lifts operate at Wolf Creek daily from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Extended operating hours over holiday periods are a part of the special services program that many guests utilize and enjoy - these times are posted in the ticket office and on the website. The ski patrol is comprised of a friendly and professional staff; the ski school offers an extensive array of lessons, both group and private.<br />
The rental department at Wolf Creek has added 50 new sets of skis, snowboards and boots to its’ already great inventory of equipment. Ski and board tuning, as well as, free overnight storage is available for renters. The Wolf Creek rental staff is certified and trained to fit for top comfort and performance.<br />
Treasure Sports offers stylish and functional ski and board wear for all ages. Many other items are available such as goggles, sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, gloves and more. Snowboards, snowboard boots and bindings can be purchased at great prices in Noel Sports. Other amenities include a picnic building for guests bringing their own lunches and free parking with free parking shuttles.<br />
For the fourth consecutive year, Wolf Creek continues to purchase 100% of its power usage from a wind power supplier for both winter and summer operations. “Share the ride, Share the fun”, a free online car pool service will be available again this ski season. This program matches up skiers and boarders coming from anywhere, USA to the powdery slopes of Wolf Creek. “Share the ride, Share the fun” can be found here.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798274112092215401.post-49512029414966121402009-05-21T13:34:00.007-06:002010-01-10T21:27:37.441-07:00Trains, Trains, Trains<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xPayTWxxCkw/S0qoK58uxLI/AAAAAAAAAII/-AM2OhC6iBw/s1600-h/train+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xPayTWxxCkw/S0qoK58uxLI/AAAAAAAAAII/-AM2OhC6iBw/s320/train+b.jpg" /></a>From the <a href="http://www.applelodge.com/">AppleLodge</a> you have three choices of scenic trains to ride. The closest one is the <a href="http://www.riograndescenicrailroad.com/">Rio Grande Scenic Railroad </a>that leaves from Alamosa, just thirty minutes from our door. The train takes you over La Veta pass into a majestic valley in the shadow of Colorado's Spanish Peaks. The ride is a great day trip with a stop-over to eat lunch and do a little shopping in the quaint and beautiful town of La Veta. It returns in time to eat dinner at one of many restuarants in either Alamosa or Monte Vista on your way back to the AppleLodge.<br />
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</div>Another train ride, the <a href="http://www.cumbrestoltec.com/">Cumbres Toltec</a>, leaves Antonito, 1 hour away, and goes over two mountain passes and into New Mexico. We recomend staying the night in Chama, NM and returning the next day. There are many fine B&B's in Chama that we can recommend and we would be glad to help you make plans for staying at the AppleLodge on either or both ends of this trip.<br />
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The third train ride available in Southern Colorado is the <a href="http://www.durangotrain.com/">Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad</a>. It starts in Durango which is two hours away from the AppleLodge. This train is one of the most popular and most scenic in the state. It stops in the old mining town of Silverton with enough time to eat lunch and shop then returns to Durango. It makes for a long day so we recomend spending the night in Durango afterward.<br />
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If your looking for a <strong>real train adventure</strong> you can plan to use the AppleLodge as your hub for three trains, the Great Sand Dunes, and Pagosa Hot Springs in 5 days. First night at the AppleLodge with the Rio Grande Scenic Train the next day. Second night at the AppleLodge catching the Cumbres Toltec the second day. Third night at a B&B in Chama, NM and return to Antonito by bus the third day leaving time for a trip to the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsa">Great Sand Dunes National Park</a> on your way home. Fourth night at the AppleLodge and ride the Durango Silverton train the fourth day. Fifth night in Durango and spend the day shopping, rafting, kayaking, and sight seeing in the Durango area (or spend that same time at the <a href="http://www.pagosahotsprings.com/">Hot Springs in Pagosa</a>). Sixth night at the AppleLodge before you head home.<br />
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There are many different ways to put together a train vacation in beautiful Southern Colorado. Give us a call at the <a href="http://www.applelodge,com/">AppleLodge Bed & Breakfast and Group Lodge </a>(1-888-56APPLE) and we will gladly help you make those plans.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798274112092215401.post-75650424339719833252009-04-18T21:19:00.007-06:002010-01-10T21:34:53.779-07:00A Day Trip To The Great Sand Dunes<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xPayTWxxCkw/S0qqTVqUxkI/AAAAAAAAAIY/XlXnMrmPaSk/s1600-h/sand+dunes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xPayTWxxCkw/S0qqTVqUxkI/AAAAAAAAAIY/XlXnMrmPaSk/s320/sand+dunes.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">One of the most popular outings from the <a href="http://www.applelodge.com/">AppleLodge</a> is a day trip to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. The dunes are about an hour away from the AppleLodge's front door, but there are some really unique places to see along the way that are worth stopping at. From the AppleLodge you can go east to the only traffic light in town and turn left onto Hwy 112. If you stay on Highway 112 it will take you all the way across the San Luis Valley almost to the park entrance. As you travel you'll be crossing an </span><span style="font-family: arial;">8,000 square mile alpine valley, the world's largest. The average altitude is 7,500 feet and everywhere you look you'll see majestic mountains, many of which go above 14,000 feet. The valley floor is covered with irrigated farmland. Be on the lookout for pronghorn antelope in the farmers fields and bald eagles soaring above. If you look straight ahead toward the east you can see the 700 foot high sand dunes in the distance at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">When you reach the east end of Hwy 112 at the intersection of Hwy 17 turn right (south). A few miles down the road at Lane 9 North you will see the <a href="http://www.gatorfarm.com/front.html">Colorado Gator Farm</a>. This is a one of a kind attraction in Colorado. If you are so inclined, the gator farm will take 30 minutes to an hour to visit, depending on how fast you walk and how long you look. The tour includes getting your picture taken with a baby alligator, and a close up view of many other reptiles and other interesting animals and fish. Hours from Memorial Day through Labor Day (through the summer) are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Hours from Labor Day to Memorial Day (through the winter) are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. They're open seven days a week except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission is $12.50 for adults, $6.25 for children (6 to 15) and seniors (65 to 80), 5 and under and 80 and over are free. 719-378-2612 A discount coupon is available at this <a href="http://www.gatorfarm.com/coupon1.JPG">link </a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">After you get your fill of gators, snakes, etc. keep on going south on Hwy 17 a few more miles and turn left (east) on Lane 6 East. This road will go straight toward the Sangre de Cristos again and then curve into Colorado 150 which goes right to the park entrance. Entrance fees are $3 per adult (age 16 and older). Entrance fees are valid for one week from date of purchase. Children are free at all times. <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm">Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve </a>is open 24 hours a day. You won't want to miss the excellent Visitor Center. Hours vary from summer to winter so you might call ahead at (719)378-6399 for specific hours on the days you plan to visit. When leaving the Visitor Center turn left (north) and continue down the park road to the sign for the Dunes Parking Area and turn left again. At the parking area you will find restrooms with showers and trails that will take you to the dune field. In late May thru June <a href="http://www.nps.gov/grsa/medano-creek.htm">Medano Creek</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">runs and crosses these trails so you will either want to take off your shoes or wear water proof ones. Once you are across the creek the whole dune field is your playground. Some people like to hike up the creek bed. Some like to try to climb to the top of the dunes. Some just like to explore the lower dunes, and others will want to bring a folding chair to just relax. The views are spectacular and the environment is unbelievable. There are many trails that lead up into the mountains but you might want to leave time to go to two more stops.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Before you leave you'll want to empty the sand out of your shoes. Next stop <a href="http://www.sangres.com/features/zapatafalls.htm">Zapata Falls</a>. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">As you leave the park keep going south down Hwy 150 a few miles past the park entrance. You will see a sign on the left and you turn onto a dirt road with four miles of switch backs that ends at a parking lot with restrooms and some outstanding views. From the parking area it is about a <span class="bi">1/2</span> mile walk uphill to the falls. When you get to the creek walk upstream. It's a short hike that involves walking on slippery rocks and maybe getting a little wet.You will begin to hear the falls way before you can see them. Then step into the big hole in the rock. All of a sudden when you feel like you are in a cave you will see the water crashing down from above. Depending on the time of year the water might be flowing behind a wall of ice. The area surrounding the creek is covered with beautiful trees and is a great place for a picnic. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Next you might want to end the day with a dip in a swimming pool fed by hot springs. Go back north on Hwy 150, turn left on 6 east and backtrack to Hwy 17. Go back north past Hwy 112 a few miles and follow signs to the <a href="http://www.sanddunespool.com/index.htm">Sand Dunes Pool</a>. T<span style="color: #00000b;">his is a naturally hot artesian very large swimming pool kept between 98-100 degrees and a 25 person therapy pool kept between 105-107 degrees. The water is amazingly clear with no odors and no added chlorine. Great for family fun, relaxation and rejuvenation and the <span style="color: #330000;">Channel 7 News in Denver voted their concession stand "The Best Concession Stand in Colorado". Hours are 10 to 10 March through November and 1 to 8 PM in winter.</span> Admission is $10.00 for adults 13 & over ($8.00 winter hours), children (ages 3-12)$6.00 year-round, seniors (ages 65+), college students (with ID), & military (with ID)$8.00 regular hours $6.00 winter hours, children 2 & under free.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #00000b; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">To return to the AppleLodge just backtrack again to Hwy 112, turn west and this will bring you right back to Del Norte. If you are crossing the valley near sunset be sure to look back toward the Sangre de Cristos. You might get to see them lit up in a beautiful collor of pinkish red which it how they got their name--"Blood of Christ". Then turn right on US 160 and go about a mile west to the AppleLodge. This will be a full day of activities so you will want to plan for meals and plan to sleep well upon your return.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://www.sangres.com/colorado/riogrande/naturalarch.htm"></a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798274112092215401.post-11860600256253962122009-04-08T11:31:00.005-06:002010-01-10T21:38:52.255-07:00A Day at the the Hot Springs<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xPayTWxxCkw/S0qrTC8-k7I/AAAAAAAAAIg/sGp-TUWDUIU/s1600-h/pools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xPayTWxxCkw/S0qrTC8-k7I/AAAAAAAAAIg/sGp-TUWDUIU/s320/pools.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black;">One of the things that we frequently recommend to guests who stay at the </span><a href="http://www.applelodge.com/"><span style="color: #3333ff;">AppleLodge </span></a><span style="color: black;">is a day at the Hot Springs in Pagosa Springs. It is only 60 miles away and takes just over an hour to get there if you don't stop along the way. However we recommend stopping a few times because the drive and the scenery are spectacular. You take hwy 160 west through the town of South Fork and then follow the South Fork of the Rio Grande River most of the way up to the Continental Divide. You will want to go past </span><a href="http://www.wolfcreekski.com/"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #3333ff;">Wolf Creek Ski Area</span> </span></a><span style="color: black;">and then pull into the parking lot where there is an informational kiosk telling all about the Divide. As you continue on down the other side pull into the overlook parking lot and get out to enjoy the beautiful view towards Pagosa. Then go down the winding 6% grade to the bottom and pull into the parking lot at </span><a href="http://www.pagosa.com/adventure/scenery/160east/index.php"><span style="color: #3333ff;">Treasure Falls</span></a><span style="color: black;">. There are restrooms and hiking trails up to the falls. Then continue on into Pagosa. As you enter the quaint friendly town you will pass several shops worth stopping at and a Malt Shop on the right with great ice cream and malts/shakes. A little further into town you will come to an intersection with signs pointing left to the Hot Springs. Turn left and go into the visitors center on your right to get an idea of all the things to do in the area. Right next door is the parking area and entrance into the Hot Springs. </span><a href="http://pagosahotsprings.com/"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #3333ff;">The</span> <span style="color: #3333ff;">Springs Resort</span> </span></a><span style="color: black;">offers numerous hot pools to choose from. Multiple temperatures, ranging from 83 to 114 degrees F. (27-46 C.), ensure you will find the right comfort level. Every pool offers a different experience and we encourage you to try them all. Two pools are designated as Adults Only<strong>,</strong> however, there is a non mineral family-friendly swimming pool, a fresh water Jacuzzi, and 16 soaking pools for the children to enjoy. Swim attire is mandatory in all resort pools. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black;">You can spend a couple of hours or the rest of the day there. </span><a href="http://www.pagosa.com/index.php"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #3333ff;">Pagosa</span> </span></a><span style="color: black;">has a good variety of restaurants to offer. Right at the Hot Springs is Tequila's, a great <u>Mexican food</u> restaurant that overlooks the Springs. If you travel a few miles farther west on Hwy 160 you will find a restaurant called Boss Hog on the right. It is one of our favorites for <u>catfish, steaks, or barbecue</u>. If <u>Texas barbecue</u> is your style The Branding Iron has superb brisket, ribs, sausage, and chicken just out of town to the east on Hwy 160. A day at the Hot Springs in Pagosa will leave you with memories sure to bring you back again someday.<br />
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</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6798274112092215401.post-23034979815454754902009-04-06T12:00:00.005-06:002014-08-05T21:23:12.059-06:00Places to eat while staying at the AppleLodge.The area around the <a href="http://www.applelodge.com/">AppleLodge </a>is very rural. The first thing to remember is that the restaurant choices closest to us will sometimes close at 8:00 PM. There is not hardly anything open 24 hours a day. You will want to keep this in mind on your arrival date and when taking excursions during your stay.<br />
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The best family restaurant close by is <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?rls=com.microsoft:en-us&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=restaurants+del+norte+colorado&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&view=text&latlng=11667848325611937277">Boogies</a>. It has a wide variety of American and Southwest type menu choices and the servings are plentiful. The pies are out of this world, so save room for dessert. The atmosphere is family friendly, and they can usually handle a small group (15). They are less than a mile east of the AppleLodge on the north side of Hwy 160, next to the Shell staton. The best fine dining close by is the <a href="http://www.windsorhoteldelnorte.com/The_Dining_Room.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Windsor</a>, great for your anniversary or honeymoon, or any very special occassion, meal. It is an exceptional culinary experience that will tantalize your taste buds and make you want to come back again.If you are in the mood for great salads, pizza, and Italian dishes there is an outstanding choice in Del Norte. <a href="http://www.threebarrelbrew.com/" target="_blank">Three Barrel Brewing</a> makes their own craft beer and root beer and the brick oven pizza is hard to beat. If Mexican food sounds good Calvillo's a good menu and a filling buffet with great sopa pilla's.There is also a <b><u>Subway</u></b> in the gas station at the traffic light in Del Norte about a mile from us. These three are all within a mile of the AppleLodge right in Del Norte.<br />
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For another fine dining experience we recommend the Rockaway Cafe (719-873-5581) located 15 minutes to the west of us in <a href="http://www.southfork.org/business/restaurants.php">South Fork</a> with a menu and atmosphere that lends itself to a special dining experience. For more family dining we would recommend <a href="http://www.southfork.org/business/restaurants.php">The Shaft</a>, The Firehouse, Feeling Good Coffeehouse, the Malt Shop, or Ramon's Mexican Restaurant all in South Fork.<br />
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In <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=restaurants+monte+vista+colorado&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&startIndex=&startPage=1">Monte Vista</a>, 15 minutes to the east of us, you can find great Mexican food at either Nino's or Dos Rios, and great variety of foods at Mountain View, and for Chinese food we would recommend China Garden. If you want the fast food experince Monte Vista has many choices as well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com