Category Archives: Art

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

Canton Trade Days

Maybe you’ve heard the name Canton, it is known as the world’s largest flea market. Canton Trade Days occurs the first Monday of each month in Canton, Texas. Settled oh so well along I-20 in East Texas, this event attracts vendors and visitors from near and far each and every month. Some of these visitors are from Texas but don’t be surprised to run into others from Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma who call Canton home one weekend a month.

Don’t be alarmed when exiting the highway to be in a slew of vehicles that are heading to the same place you are (to avoid a little traffic, take exit 526). When you arrive, you will see not only a ton of vehicles but also RV’s. Some people come out here all weekend. Also, don’t be surprised if you find yourself lost or needing a map or not knowing where the heck you are.. this place is huge and its a day long event.

When you arrive in Canton you will see an overwhelming items to see. There is a flea market type area where people are selling just about anything you can think of. In another section, you can walk through open buildings viewing, again anything you can think of (handbags, gourmet food, Texas decor, furniture, jewlery, clothing, baby items, doggie treats, etc.). It’s no joke when they say there is something for everyone.

Considering you will be there all day (or in some cases the weekend), there is plenty to eat and drink. You will find the normal “fair type” items such as corn dogs and hamburgers to slighly healthier options of sandwiches and fruit. Be sure to hit up a lemonade stand and we are after all in Texas so of course, there is Dr. Pepper.

If you find yourself with nothing to do one weekend and feel like roaming around looking for, well just about anything, head over to Canton and check it out.

Notes:
Parking is $4 cash.
Be sure to bring cash, not all vendors except cards.
Check out the website, there are coupons which can be used at some shops.

For More Info: http://www.cantontradedays.com/