Author Archives: Diana

About Diana

Canadian-Vermonter, Texas transplant. Cowboy boot wearing, maple syrup connoisseur, music lovin', wine and micro-brew drinkin', two-steppin' traveler who loves finding all the hidden gems the world has to offer. Come join me on the ride!

U.S. Mint, Denver, CO

Back in 2007, I was in Colorado visiting a friend and checking out the “west”. On one of the days I was there I thought I would head down to the “Mile High” city and check it out along with the U.S. Mint. Turns out the area I was in had a few too many one way streets for me to navigate by my lonesome so I pretty much drove around the arts district and went to the U.S. Mint. Here are a few pictures. (They didn’t come out too bad considering I was driving… don’t tell anyone.)
I believe this is where the Denver Bronco’s play.
 Skyline
 Arts District
Look! Its a horse…. on a giant chair!
 Look! It’s a ….!
 Modern day Cowboys and Indians!
 Cleaning up!
The U.S. Mint.
Now there are no pictures from the U.S. Mint for the following reason. The U.S. Mint is located in an area that had many one way streets and I was having quite the time parking. I ended up parking next to the jail which is next to the Mint. I walked to the Mint, was told that the only thing I could bring into the Mint was a wallet and my keys. I proceeded to walk back thru the jail (yes, there were some lovely looking folks standing around outside), drop my purse off, walk back thru the jail and back to the Mint. This wouldn’t have been as bad, if I wasn’t by myself (and if I read their provisions on their website before hand).
Touring the U.S. Mint was pretty cool, especially considering it is one of the largest Mint’s in the country. I saw / learned how money was made, more specifically coins. I found out how the U.S. currency was going to change the design on the pennies before it was actually released (four different designs!). The entire process is pretty interesting if you are into geeky things but I mean you use money everyday you might has well see how its made. The Mint is part of an old bank building, near the end of the tour you get to check out part of the old building. The architecture was beautiful. At the end of the tour, they even give you a free penny before he design is pressed.
This is a great thing to do with your family or if you have a couple hours to spare while in the area. They do require that you make a reservation so please plan ahead. Have fun!
If you are in Denver: U.S. Mint, Denver, Colorado

Busch Stadium, St. Louis

A few years ago I had the privilege of visiting one of my good friends in her hometown of St. Louis in May of 2006. Of course we HAD to go to a Cardinals game. Her family, huge Cardinal fans… HUGE. Little did I know the stadium had opened just a month before I arrived.

Busch Stadium is down right beautiful. If you drive by the stadium on first base line, you can literally see the game going on. Nice traffic hazard, huh? haha.

Here are some pictures, I’ll let you judge for yourself but I highly recommend this one, even if you are not a Cardinals fan. 🙂

 When they built this stadium (completed in 2006) they made sure in integrate some of the old stadium into the new stadium. 

Pretty sweet view of the outfield.
The stadium was built to have a panoramic view of the city skyline. In Gate 3 you can find a bridge resembling the Eads Bridge over the entrance. You can also find a bronze statue of Stan “The Man” Musial. Other statues are displayed around the stadium.
Check out that backdrop!
Can’t get enough of that skyline!
It’s the little things…
Busch Stadium also hosted the All-Star Game in 2009. The AL won 4-3.

In 2006, every game sold out, making the total year attendance the second-highest in the team history. It was soon moved to fourth-highest as 2007 and 2008 sold out as well. They’ve got some loyal fans.

Try to catch a game if you can: St. Louis Cardinals – Busch Stadium

Bayley’s Cafe

If you are ever craving a huge breakfast, Bayley’s Café is the place to go. I say breakfast but they also have lunch options and I guarantee that you will not leave hungry.
Located at Glade Road and 121 in Colleyville, Texas, Bayley’s Cafe provides a ton of breakfast options – French toast, waffles, pancakes, omelets and the portions are large and super filling. For starters, if you are a pancake lover like myself, I know you walk into a restaurant for breakfast and you are thinking, give me the biggest stack of pancakes you have! And you might as well bring out a gallon of maple syrup with it! (Ok maybe that second part is just me…) The pancakes at Bayley’s Cafe have to be a half an inch thick and the size of your plate. They are filling, delicious and try to devour them with all of your mite but good luck to you on that challenge. And this isn’t just with pancakes, you get the same thing with any order.
One of my favorite things about Bayley’s Café (besides the huge portions that I can’t finish) is the originality of some of the menu options. Cinnamon swirl pancakes, whole wheat pancakes with a hint of honey, a bunch of omelet and waffles options and they are downright delicious. And if you woke up late and find yourself more in the mood for a sandwich or another lunch item, they have that for you too, along with daily specials. 
If you live in the DFW central area or if you are just in the area, be sure to stop by Bayley’s for a delicious breakfast and friendly staff.
Don’t forget to grab a toothpick from the pelican on your way out!