Hard Rock Addiction

As many of you will note when reading the other blogs, that Bev has a "fetish" about visiting any Hard Rock Cafe that is in the vicinity of where she is traveling.  There have been family, co-workers and friends that have had many a drink and/or dinner at these cafes around the world.  Along with the Hard Rock, there have been other restaurants that have come into notice by Ed and Bev on their travelers.  In fairness to these other venues, they are given worthy mention in this blog.


The original Hard Rock Cafe was opened in London, June 14, 1971, by two expatriate Americans who thought Europe should taste authentic, down-home American cooking flavored with a heavy dose of Rock & Roll.    What was once an American hang-out in London has become a gathering place for the global tribe of Rock & Roll.  The first display of music collectibles was introduced in the New York Hard Rock in 1984.

All the sites in this blog represent the desire for adventure that Bev and Ed share.  Although not a restaurant, this first photo shows their sense of adaptability and willingness to accept a situation as is.  This was their first van trip (Summer, 1991)  -- the week was bookended with concerts at Winter Park and Telluride and bicycling in Moab in-between.  One night, knowing they would arrive at their next destination later than expected, they pulled out their grill and had brats alongside the road between Craig and Rifle.

When Bev and Ed met, Bev was working for Continuing Education at CSU.  In the fall of 1991, they enrolled in a "Colorado History" course.  Ed had a Porsche at the time and suggested that instead of just reading about these places, they take a road trip.  One weekend they toured the area around Leadville, and had lunch at the Claredon Hotel; and then watched part of a Broncos football game at a bar in Aspen before heading home. 

The first Hard Rock that came to Bev's attention was the one in London.  She and her mother Marguerite were on tour and the bus driver called it to their attention.  Her first view to the inside of a Hard Rock Cafe came in Cancun.  Ed and Bev had taken their first visit to the Mexican Riviera in Spring, 1992.  This was Bev's first visit to Mexico.  Their hotel was located in Playa del Carmen.  In addition to beautiful beaches, they visited both Tulum and Xel-Ha.  Although Cozumel wasn't part of the packaged deal, they took a ferry ride to the island.  They reserved rooms in a quaint hotel around the plaza, so they could enjoy the nightlife at Carlos and Charlies.  (More of this trip can be found on the Trips to Mexico & other warm places blog.)

Another impromptu stop was lunch in Organ Pipe National Park in Arizona on the way to Puerto Penasco, Mexico in the Spring, 1993.  Bev and Ed had decided to drive the Porsche to Arizona to see Bev's parents (snowbirds).  While there they attended a Rockies training game with Bev's mom and then headed south to Mexico.  On the way back, they stopped to visit friends Bill & Ginny in Sierra Vista, AZ.  (More of this trip can be found on the Trips to Mexico & other warm places blog.)

After Bev's parents returned to Denver in Summer 1993, Bev & her mom took a trip to Washington, DC.  They travelled all around the various monuments and museum -- including the Air & Space Museum, US Naval Memorial, National Museum of American History, White House, Mt Vernon and Vietnam Memorial to name a few.  Before attending a play at the Ford Theater, they stopped for lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe.  From here they rented a car and headed into the surrounding states to see other sites -- including Harper's Ferry, Gettysburg, Eisenhower National Historic Site, Amish Country, Valley Forge, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel , Virginia Beach, Jamestown, Busch Gardens, and Colonial Williamsburg.  Their last stop before heading home was in Annapolis where they visited Bev's cousins Scott & Patsy who had just purchased a new sailboat.  Although in dry dock, Bev & Marguerite were their first visitors to stay on the boat.

While working for Cont Ed, Bev became project manager for the RMITS grant for police training and safety programs.  During her time on this project, she was required to travel throughout the state and meet with various sheriffs, officers, marshals, and deputies in the various towns.  One of the training trips in 1993 took her to Aspen.  After the meetings were over, the group had drinks at the Hard Rock and then ventured next door to Planet Hollywood for dinner.

In 1994, Bev moved from Cont Ed to Cost Accounting at CSU.  Two of her responsibilities were: 1) to count cows (which allowed her to travel to Saratoga, Wyo, and Akron & Hesperus, CO to do inventory) and, 2) indirect cost study (which included a visit to Chicago with her boss Barb).  While staying there, between meetings, they were able to visit some of the sites.  Next door to the Hard Rock Cafe was the Al Capone Theatre.

In 1994, Barb and Bev attended another Indirect Cost Seminar in Washington, DC.  Prior to the meeting, they agreed to take some extra annual leave; which gave them additional time to tour the city.  Although Bev had been here with her mother previously, seeing the nation's treasures was always enjoyable.  This adventure also included new sites like the Smithsonian Art Museum.

CSU won the WAC Title for the 1994 season; which meant they would be playing in the Holiday Bowl in San Diego.  Being a CSU alumni, Bev wasn't going to miss seeing this particular game.  So she and Ed headed out for San Diego.  On the way they met Bev's parents in LasBev & spent New Years at the Hard Rock in Tijuana, and then joined Bev's mom at the CU/Notre Dame Orange Bowl game in Phoenix.  (More of this trip can be found on the Trips to Mexico & other warm places blog.)

By the time it was decided that Bev should attend the Cost Accounting Workshop in Seattle in 1995, the reserved rooms had been sold out.  For the same price, Bev was able to book a hotel room near the University and a rental car.  Knowing that she had the car available, she took additional annual leave and headed north.  There was an electrical problem with the airplane, and the passengers were asked to depart\reboard 3 times before the plane was fixed.  So, having set her alarm clock wrong and getting to her seat as they were closing the doors, when boarding the plane for home everyone accused Bev of waiting until the last minute.

Part of the conference entertainment was to take the participants to the Tillicum Village.  The boat ride, although chilly, gave everyone a different view of the city.  This is the first time Bev had been back to Seattle since her family had visited during the World Fair.  http://www.tillicumvillage.com/   Part of the visit included a delicious salmon dinner.

After the conference ended, Bev decided to explore the area.  After catching the monorail and riding to the top of the Space Needle and visiting shops around the Pacific Science Center, she stopped at Ivars for a scrumptious meal of fried oysters.  Then it was a car ride to north.  The tour would begin at Deception Pass, then follow Highway 20 south across Whidbey Island; traveling near the Air Station, through historic Oak Harbor and Coupeville, stopping at Fort Casey State Park and seeing the Admiralty Head Lighthouse.  She then boarded a ferry to historic Port Townsend where she encountered a street parade.  She traveled across the Hood Canal Floating Bridge, which brought her to the USS Missouri museum in Bremerton.  She stopped for fried oysters (you can't have too many) in Gig Harbor, before crossing the infamous bridge between to Tacoma.  Back towards Seattle with a sunset view on Mount Rainier.  Then an early flight home. 

Marguerite had always wanted to see Epcot Center at Disney World; so, in 1995, Bev & her mom were off on another adventure.  Bev's Aunt Althea was planning on visiting a friend in Knoxville, TN, so Bev arranged for them to fly to Knoxville and then rent a car for the journey south to Florida.  While in Tennessee, they visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Gatlinburg with Althea and her friends.  Chattanooga wasn't that far off the beaten path, so they stopped to have their pictures on the Chattanooga Choo Choo before heading to Atlanta. 

When entering Atlanta they debated between which museum to see -- Martin Luther King & Jimmy Carter.  The exit to Jimmy Carter came first; and the museum was not a disappointment.  It covered the lifetime of the President and his wife; and outlined all of the humanitarian work they had performed.  Then they were off to Orlando. 

Being children-at-heart, they couldn't pass up the 3-park pass that Disney World offered.  Their next few days were filled with rides, exhibits, and dining.  Epcot was first priority, and it did not disappoint.  Along with the "educational" displays, they offered the World Showcase -- this represented food, history, displays, and shopping from 11 countries.  Rides at the Magic Kingdom included "ExtraTerrorestrial Alien Encounter" (which was presented in 4-D, you felt the Alien sitting in the chair with you), rides on Splash Mountain and the Runaway Train, as well as an historic moment at the Hall of Presidents.  The third pass took them to MGM Studios where they saw the Indiana Jones stunt show, had a drink at the Brown Derby, and a trip down Sunset Boulevard.

Across the street from the hotel was Splendid China.  This was a miniturized version of the country, showing over 60 exhibits and displays of well known places in China, including a full miniturized version of the Great Wall.  They were entertained with acrobats and dancers, and a sampling of Chinese cruisine.

Heading back to Tennessee, they decided to take the ocean route north.  They stopped in Daytona long enough to step foot into the Atlantic, and then on to St Augustine for the night.  Along with many historical reminders of the oldest city in the United States, they also found Barnacle Bills Restaurant.  Now who could pass up a seafood dinner at the place with that name. 

From here the journey took them through Mayport Florida where they encountered the arrival of the USS John Kennedy as it was returning to base.  They then arrived in Charleston, SC where a visit to Fort Sumter is a must.  Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum had the Yorktown in dry dock and on display, as well as the Submarine Clamagore.  Bev's Dad had served 20 years in the Navy, so these displays were sentimental for both Bev & her mom.  The journal continued to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC before heading back across Tennessee to Knoxville.  President Andrew Johnson's (17th) home could be found in Greeneville, TN.  Also, having grown up with Disney's tales of Davy Crockett, Bev took a detour so she could see his birthplace.  http://www.tn.gov/environment/parks/DavyCrockettSHP/

In 1996, Bev & Ed took Ed's dad Gilbert to Florida to visit Ed's brother Bill and his family.  In the two weeks  they were gone, they travelled through 10 states.  Kansas provided a stop at the Eisenhower Center; Missouri had Branson and it's array of shows; Arkansas was a quick drive through the Ozarks (with a stop for green tomatoes and sweet potato french fries); on to Tennessee for a visit at Graceland; pass through Mississippi; arrival at Bill's Pensacola, FL home for a visit; across to Alabama via the Mobile Bay Ferry (with a Civil War enactment); New Orleans with the spring French Quarter Music Festival and Swamp Ride (can't forget about the Hard Rock and a visit to a friend at the Tropical Isle on Bourbon Street); onto Dallas for a visit to the JFK Museum, Cotton Bowl, Cowboy Stadium, and Gilbert's experience at the Hard Rock; then off to Taos and home

In 1997, Ed and Bev headed to Mazatlan, Mexico.  They stayed at the Costa de Oro.  The swimming area was raised, but the edge was aligned with the beach area.  There was a vendor selling oysters soaked in garlic right below -- between this and the flow of drinks, Bev and Ed were quite relaxed.  One of the locals using the pool area recommended that Bev & Ed try "Panchos" for dinner.  There is no formal advertising, but the food is very delicious.  The "sampler plate" included all sorts of seafood:  crab, oysters, shrimp, etc. fixed in various ways.  From dinner, there was always dancing and partying at Senior Frogs.

 Las Vegas Hard Rock 1997

In August, 1997 (shortly after the devastating flood in Ft Collins), Ed and Bev drove Lyndee and Greg to Las Vegas for Greg's 21st birthday. Stops were made in various National Parks in Utah along the way. One night while camping, there was lightning and a cloudburst -- there was water running between the kids' tent and the van. Needless to say, when they got to Las Vegas, they needed to air out the tent and sleeping bags. There was a rock slide at Zion National Park, so they had to detour and enter the park from a different route. Because of this, they were late arriving in Las Vegas; the underpass to their hotel had been flooded earlier in the day. Everyone was relived to be out of the van, and took in the casinos, shows, and amusement parks (including rides on the The Big Shot atop the Stratosphere Hotel, the roller coaster at New York, New York & the MGM Grand Adventure).

In 1998, Ed and Bev made a trip to Arizona to see Bev's mom and dad.  Although Bev's mom had visited the Hard Rock on other occasions, Bev talked them into going to the one in Phoenix that had just opened.  Bev's dad tho't it was a little too loud for his taste.  While in Arizona, Bev's mom joined them for the remainder of the trip, which included:  1) a visit to see friends Bill and Ginny in Sierra Vista, 2) a Rockies game in Tucson; and, then lunch at a restaurant in Nogales where Pancho Villa was known to dine. 

In 1998, Bev & Marguerite were given a chance in a lifetime to visit Europe again.  Their first stop was Helsinki, Finland where they joined a tour group that would take them to St Petersburg and Moscow.  Upon returning to Helsinki, they boarded an overnight ship to Stockholm, Sweden.  From here they were to fly to Oslo, Norway.  Due to an airline strike, they had to take a bus from the airport instead.  In Oslo, they were joined by Bev's Aunt Althea and Cousin Donna.  From here they did a fjord trip, and then back to Stockholm.  They rented a car, and headed out to the countryside to Linkoping and Vimmerby to explore their Swedish heritage.  Back to Stockholm, and then on the Copenhagen, Denmark before heading home.  Bev added two Hard Rock Cafes to her list -- Stockholm and Copenhagen.  (As a note -- the Hard Rock is Moscow did not open until several years later.) 

Sunset Dinner - St Petersburg

In January, 1999 the Denver Broncos made it to the Super Bowl for the third time.  During the season, based on the way the team was playing, they felt there was a good chance that the Broncos would be in the Bowl.  So Bev & Ed made reservations early to go to Florida.  They made plans to travel around the state, and had their hopes that they would get game tickets through the Bronco lottery (however, this is the one year that the family season tickets were not drawn from the lottery). 
They arrived in Orlando and took in Capone's Theater and a day at DisneyWorld and then headed southeast.  They spent the night in St Petersburg and then journeyed through the Everglades (including an airboat ride).  Knowing they would be in Miami                for the Super Bowl festivities, they headed on down to the Florida Keys.  They arrived at Key West in time to celebrate the sunset on the square.  They had a drink at the Hard Rock Key West.  While in the keys they did a fishing trip.  Throughout the trip, seafood was on the menu for all meals.  They stopped for a meal at the Hard Rock-Miami; attended the festivities at the NFL Experience at ProPlayer Stadium; and took part in a tailgate party with the Barrel Man & Bronco cheerleaders.  They watched the game on a big screen TV in the hotel courtyard (buckets of beer and a bathroom close by).  Congratulations to the Broncos for their win.

In June, 1999, while waiting for Ed's daughter Debbie to participate in the Mrs Colorado Pageant, Ed and Bev went to dinner at the Denver Hard Rock with Ed's daughter Jen and her husband Joe.  While in Denver that weekend, they were also able to watch some of the XGames events and attend a Rockies game.

In the fall of 1999, Bev & Ed decided to tale their first week-long motorcycle trip to Yellowstone.  The temperature was 35 degrees when they awoke, so decided to stay in Jackson one more night.  The Broncos were playing, so they went to the Cowboy Bar to watch the game.  The next day the weather turned sunny and made for a beautiful  motorcycle ride.  More on this trip under Motorcycle Trips Diary blog.

CSU won the Mountain West Conference football conference for 1999, so Bev and Ed followed them to Memphis for the Liberty Bowl.  The Hard Rock was the headquarters for the CSU Alumni functions.  Bev & Ed were also able to visit the town (including Sun Studios).  Hard Rock is located on Beale Street, so most of the festivities centered in this area (including Elvis' Restaurant).

In May 2000, Ed and Bev returned to Cozumel with their friends Mike and Barb.  It was a quick four-day adventure, which was shortened even more when the plane they were taking needed repairs in Denver.  With having their time cut short, they used their time in the sun to the maximum -- including snorkeling both by the hotel and at  Chankanaab snorkeling park.  In the evening they returned to Carlos and Charlie's and the new Hard Rock Cafe.

Bev & Ed also found that campsite eateries fit into their lifestyle.  Here Bev is celebrating her birthday at a campsite in Moab in Summer 2000.  This area was a popular spot for a quick getaway to ride both the mountain bike and the dirt motorcycle.  It also gave them the chance to bring along their golden retrievers Kodi and Bailey.

In April, 2001, Ed left from Denver with Bev's brother Danny & his wife Michele, while Bev flew to Phoenix to pick up her mom, and then on the Puerto Vallarta for a family vacation.  During the days, the family explored the area which include a ride on a sightseeing boat; Ed and Danny by jetskis; and, Marguerite via parasailing.  Bev and Michele also took a swim with dolphins; which included a ride across the pool hanging onto the dolphins' fins.  Meals were either at the hotel, or in the downtown area at such places as Hooters, Hard Rock or Carlos OBriens.

Ed called Bev on a Monday in August, 2001 and asked if she would like to go to Boston.  It seems that he had won a local radio contest for an all expense-paid vacation to the Sam Adams Summer Jam.  They were to leave the following Friday.  Never given an official schedule, and having arrived a day before the event was to begin, they left the hotel early for a day long hike following America's history on the Freedom Trail.    They stopped for lunch at the Ye Olde Union Oyster House (oldest restaurant established in 1826).  After reaching the end of the trail, they took the bus back to the hotel so they would be ready in time for a free concert with muscial groups Fuel and Train.  The next day they arrived at the Sam Adams Brewery for a day long event.  Along with the brewery tour, free beer, drinks and food, and music entertainment, they also had an oxygen bar and celebrity guests appearing throughout the day.  The remainder of the time in Boston was spent around the city -- Cheers was just a few blocks from the hotel; seafood dinner at Legal Seafood Restaurant; drinks at the Hard Rock; harbor cruise; and, a subway ride to see Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox.

The 2001 season brought another conference title for CSU, so Bev & Ed headed to New Orleans for the Bowl Game. They stayed right in the French Quarter this trip, and joined in all the celebratory activities (including a parade down Bourbon Street with the marching band and other fans).  The Voodoo Tour gave them a new perspective of the culture in this area. The Acme Oyster House was (and still is) one of Bev's favorite stops because of the delicious fried oysters; and she tried crawfish in one of the bars as they watched revelers on Bourbon Street. An evening stop was Pat O'Briens to watch the dueling pianos. The guest performer was a waiter making music with quarters on a metal tray. One wouldn't believe the sounds he created.

In March 2002, Ed & Bev drove to Laramie to pick up their friends Mike and Dee to head to Las Vegas for the Mountain West Basketball Tournament late Thursday night. Now, Mike being an avid Wyoming fan was not aware until the next day that he was riding in a green car with CSU license plates! Mike & Dee were going to the tournament to see the men; Bev & Ed were going to see the women. They stayed at the Excalibar, and in-between tournament games they were able to venture out along the strip to visit such places as the Venetian (gondola rides), ESPN Cafe, and see the Tournament of Kings show. They visited the Harley Cafe -- while as the Hard Rock displays music memorbilia, Harley Cafe shows motorcycle memorbilia, including full-size motorcycles on a moving display througout the cafe.

When traveling in Colorado, you only come across one Hard Rock Cafe (in Denver). Therefore, restaurants of other sorts provide the food and entertainment along the Colorado mountains and plains. While on their 2002 Motorcycle Trip with Tom and Trudi, everyone stopped at Floradora's restaurant in Telluride for a bite to eat. (You can find more on this trip by reading the Motorcycle Trips Diary blog.)

In 2002, Bev's Mom and brother Dan and his wife Michele joined Ed and Bev for a trip to eastern Mexico.  They stayed at the Occidental Hotel at the new Xcaret Resort.  Although the package was all inclusive, they did venture in to Playa del Carmen for some beach time and cervezas.

In 2003, Bev's boss suggested that Bev start attending the American Library Association (ALA) Conferences.  Her first trip was to Philadelphia.  Although being there previously with her mother, this trip she had more time to do the walking tour through this historical city. (More on this trip can be found on 2003-2008 Pseudo-Librarian - Part I)

In the Summer 2003, the ALA Conference was to be held in Toronto, Canada.  Ed joined Bev on this trip -- so they arrived one week earlier so they could explore the countryside.  This added 3 more international Hard Rock Cafes to Bev's list (Niagara Falls, Montreal, and Toronto).  One cannot go without mentioning a good lobster dinner when traveling in Maine.  (More on this trip can be found on 2003-2008 Pseudo-Librarian - Part I)

In January 2004, Bev headed to San Diego for her ALA conference.  Friends at the conference introduced her to other places, such as Dick's Last Resort.  And, you can't forgot about the fried oysters at Ivars.  (More on this trip can be found on 2003-2008 Pseudo-Librarian - Part I)

In June 2004, the ALA Conference was in Orlando, Florida. Some of the restaurants visited were the Motown Cafe in the Universal City Walk and Dan Marino's Restaurant in the mall across from the hotel. 

(More on this trip can be found on 2003-2008 Pseudo-Librarian - Part I)

In November 2004, Bev & Ed joined Bev's family again, along with a friend Marge, to take a trip on the Mississippi Queen paddleboat.  The trip was 6 days and took them to places like St Francisville, Natchez (where they were bussed to see Vicksburg Battleground), and Baton Rouge (where they saw/held live alligators and heard music and stories of the cajun lifestyle).  There were two nights in New Orleans to explore (one being Laura's Planation where Br'er Rabbit was written).  Dinners were at places like Bubble Gumps and Margaritaville.  And, you can't forget the Acme Oyster House for fried oysters.