Spend a day in Kit Carson County

Midway Theater

Downtown Burlington features the Midway Theater, not just any movie theater. Since 1916, with the exception of a span from 2012-16, it has been providing first-run movies to folks in the area. The theater closed for a few years when owners decided not to upgrade equipment, but in 2015 Our Hometown Charitable Organization was organized as a nonprofit and a renovation took place and it reopened a year later. Not in the mood for a movie? Stop by their snack bar, which has a window on the street side for folks to grab some popcorn, a snack or a soda as they walk around downtown. All Veterans Monument

If you spot the helicopter in Burlington, underneath you will find a tribute to local veterans in the area at The Post Bar and Grill. The All Veterans Monument was constructed to recognize all veterans who have ser ved in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Any veteran, regardless of branch of service, combat status or residence is honored there. The monument was constructed by the VFW Post 6491 in 2002 by all volunteer workers. South Republican State Wildlife Area

Tucked away off U.S. Hwy. 385 between Burlington and Idalia is great place for wildlife and bird watchers and avid hunters, the South Republican State Wildlife Area. The SWA is open year-round and covers most of the area below the dam at Bonny. There is more wildlife there than at many other plains reser voirs and river bottoms. Habitat varies from yucca grassland and large hedgerows to lowland riparian. If you are a birdwatcher, it’s a good spot for northern cardinals, sparrows during the winter, owls, eastern screech-owl, wild turkey, northern bobwhite and migrants, not to mention whitetailed deer. There isn’t boating or fishing since the lake has been drained, but the 13,000 acre area offers deer and small game hunting. Species include deer, turkey, waterfowl, dove, pheasant, quail, rabbit and squirrel. If you want to plug The South Republican State Wildlife Area into your GPS, the address is 30010 County Rd 3, Idalia, Colorado.

A tribute to local veterans is easy to spot under the helicopter outside The Post Bar and Grill. (Joyce Lightle/Burlington Record)

Take a step back into a bygone era at the I-70 Diner in Flagler. (Burlington Record photo)

Claremont Inn and Winery

Unwind and pamper yourself at the Claremont Inn and Winery in Stratton. Let the smell of fresh baked cookies and bread welcome you into this beautifully appointed and individually themed 10-bedroom (plus private bath) countr y inn. The owner, chef and wearer of many hats, Dave Dischner dreamt up this beauty and brought it into fruition 25 years ago as a way to provide travelers with a nicer stay than just a roadside motel. In the years since, it has become a destination for people wanting to escape the city and just take time to enjoy life. You will wake up to the smell of fresh baked croissants and arguably the best French toast of your life. The pampering includes tasting some of the 65 different varieties of wine crafted on site and enjoying a four-course dinner prepared by Chef Dischner and his delightful staff. However, if relaxation isn’t all you are looking for, be sure to time your stay to take in one of the murder mysteries, cooking classes, escape rooms or paint and taste events looking to pick back up this year. Flagler Hospital Museum

1909 as a hotel, the building later became a hospital, and is now home to the town hall and library. The building’s past is celebrated on the second floor with medical memorabilia and interpretive signs, along with a replica of a hotel room. Author Hal Borland moved to Flagler at the age of 15 when his father became publisher of the newspaper. Second Central School

The Second Central School Museum in Flagler offers an opportunity to inspect a country schoolhouse and see a number of historic items. The building retains its old school feel, thanks to authentic desks, a drinking water crock, a chalkboard and other artifacts salvaged from other rural schools in the area. I-70 Diner

And while in the area, stop and grab a bite at the I-70 Diner in Flagler. Not only is the food fantastic, the atmosphere is reminiscent of stepping back into the days of poodle skirts for girls and slicked back hairdos for boys. You’ll swear you walked into a scene from “Back to the Future.”

Explore Nor theast Colorado Golf getaways a great escape

9-hole courses dot the Eastern Plains

Among the many things to explore across the Colorado Plains are its many golf courses. After all, few things match the feeling of escaping from the rest of the world into the challenge and serenity of a nice golf course.

And there are plenty of wonder ful courses to take in during a getaway.

Don’t have a lot of time? There are numerous other things you want to do as well, and the family beckons a visit to the next museum or legendary food joint. Not to worr y. The Plains specializes in nine-hole golf courses, so you can get your golf fix in and still have plenty of time for a day of, well, exploring the many other places on your list.

While most every course across the Plains is wor thy of playing, here are a few of the more notable public courses to schedule a day trip around: Brush Municipal Golf Course at Petteys Park

There’s a reason the city of Brush bills its public golf course as the best on the Nor theast Plains. This deceptive par-36 ninehole course appears like an easy play, but there are challenges that, if the golfer is not aware of, will bump up the score in a hurr y.

The course, designed by Frank Hummel, opened in 1971 as the Bunker Hill Country Club. Though the name is dif ferent, thousands of golfers have played the course, and will make the journey to enjoy the lush fair ways and immaculate greens.

Hummel designed many courses throughout the western range, most in Colorado, but also including Nebraska, Kansas, Wyoming and Montfana.

The longest hole is the par-5, 530-yard (500 yards for ladies)

The Tamarack Golf Club in Limon, designed by Henry Hughes, is a nine-hole course but can be played as 18 holes using two different sets of tee boxes. (Rick Mauch/Burlington Record)

Miss the fairway at Holyoke Golf Club and you'll pay a severe price due to the trees that ring the course. (Rick Mauch/Burlington Record)

ninth hole. The shor test is the 158-yard (141 for ladies), par-3 eighth hole.

Water hazards exist on holes 1,2 and 9. They are to be played as lateral water hazards, or it is deemed not possible — or at least impractical — to play from behind the hazard.

Strategically placed bunkers of sand include two in front of the greens on the par-4 sixth and par-5 ninth. This is one of many places on the course where it pays greatly to hit it straight.

There aren’t a lot of trees, so be sure and bring sunscreen. Also, that doesn’t mean a shot in the rough won’t force you to pay a price.

The course also has some of the nicest car ts to be found. You can even charge your cell phone while you play in the convenient outlet available on each car t.

The accompanying restaurant overlooks the course for a spectacular view.

The course is located at 2301 West Mill St. in Brush. Contact 970-842-5470, or visit www.petteysparkgolf. Holyoke Golf Club

Of course, hitting it straight is a necessity for success in golf on any course. Not all of us can be See GOLF, pg. 33

Seve Ballesteros and manage to shoot under par despite missing 14 of 18 fair ways.

At the HGC, however, there are severe prices to pay for veering off the fair way, with a plethora of trees under which it can be a challenge to play from.

And what beautiful fair ways they are. Likewise for the greens, which are a bit smaller than greens you might find on other courses, so accuracy on approach shots is a must.

Water hazards exist on the first three holes, including at approximately the midpoint of the fair way on Nos. 2 and 3, so careful play with drives and tee shots is impor tant. On the ninth hole, the water hazard directly in front of the green adds a challenge, along with the uphill slope just beyond.

The longest hole on the course is the 550-yard (447 for ladies) par-5 four th hole. The shor test is the 132-yard (127 for ladies) par-3 third hole. There are three other holes that measure more than 500 yards for the men.

The course is located at 415 E. Carnahan St. just of f of downtown Holyoke. Contact 970-854-3200. Tamarack Golf Club, Limon

Henry Hughes, known for designing such renowned golf courses as the Kennedy Center in Aurora and the Columbine Country Club, also designed this little jewel on the Plains that opened in the late 1960s.

Tamarack is interesting in that, while a nine-hole course, it has a format for being an 18-hole course. Sure, you’re playing the same fair ways and greens on the second time around (the back nine), but with completely separate tee boxes.

In some cases a par-4 will become a par-3, or a par-5.

While there are no water hazards on the holes themselves, per se, a pond located next to holes 1 and 2 can be a challenge, par ticularly with an errant drive on the first hole. Another pond between holes 3 and 4 of fers the same dif ficulty. Both play as lateral hazards.

It is a cool sight to see the course.

There are no 500-yard holes on the par-35 course. In fact, there is only one par-5, the 426-yard (330 for ladies) seventh.

The shor test hole is the 129yard (118 for ladies) par-3 ninth.

Next to the course is the Spices On the Green restaurant, a local favorite not just for golfers, but for folks around town.

The course is located a shor t drive nor th of Burlington at 48680 Snead Dr. Contact 719-346-8207.

Don't be fooled by the easy appearance of the par-36 Brush Municipal Golf Course, as the nine holes have plenty of hidden challenges. (Rick Mauch/Burlington Record)

geese making themselves at home on both ponds. They will wander all around, clearly not bothered by the folks hitting golf balls all around them.

Because of the bluegrass tur f on the course, carts are limited to paths only, so along with hitting the ball, there’s plenty of walking exercise as well.

The longest hole on the course is the 501-yard (425 for ladies) par-5 third hole. The shor test is the 109-yard (101 for ladies) par-3 11th.

The clubhouse features a large banquet room.

The course is located at 50771 Hwy. 71 in Limon. Contact 719775-9461 or visit www.tamarackcc.com. Prairie Pines Golf Course, Burlington

Though one of the shor ter ninehole courses, don’t be fooled. It takes an accurate and straight hitter to master this course that has been a challenge to golfers since its opening 50 years ago in 1971.

The greens are exquisite. It would be a challenge to find better kept greens on just about any

Also wor th the visit:

Stratton Golf Course, Stratton — Shorter than most nine-hole courses with a total distance of just over 2,600 yards with a par of 34. There are no rental carts, but the course is short enough to enjoy a good walk. First and Wyoming, Stratton. Mossland Memorial Golf Course, Flagler — Much like its counterpart up the road in Limon, this course is a great place for folks coming from both directions on I-70 to meet. Make sure you have lots of water to stay hydrated as there is very little shade. The greens are in great shape. Afterwards, visit the I-70 Diner across the bridge for a trip back to the 50s and some great food. 16820 County Rd. 5, Flagler. Contact 719765-4659. Hugo Golf Course — Opened in 1960, it is one of the oldest nine-hole courses around. Also, there are no cart rentals, but at the unbelievably low price of $5 to play, it’s well worth walking and getting the extra exercise. 44161 County Hwy. 109, Hugo. Contact 719-760-9806. Quail Dunes Golf Course, Fort Morgan — This beautiful 18-hole course was originally designed as a wildlife sanctuary in 1994. Wildlife habitat in the area include eagles hawks, deer, quail, pheasant, coyotes and more. The course is home to two distinct nine-hole courses, designed by Henry Hughes and Frank Hummel. Hughes designed the original nine holes that opened in the early 1920s. In the late 1960s another nine from Hummel was added. 117586 County Rd. T5, Fort Morgan. Contact 970-867-5990, or visit www.https://www.quaildunes.com/.

Lincoln County • Genoa, Hugo, Limon Spend a day in Lincoln County

There’s a lot more to Lincoln County than meets the eye driving down I-70. Pull off the road and take it in. Your destination can wait, and you’ll be glad you stopped. It’s also worth scheduling a day — or two — for a trip that you’ll find relaxing, friendly, educational and downright fun.

In Limon, which bills itself as the Hub City, a trip to Limon Heritage Museum is a must. Located at 899 First St., the free museum (it operates largely on donations) features the town’s location at the intersection of the Union Pacific Railroad and the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad. Yes, that would be the same Rock Island Line that Johnny Cash sang about. It was built in 1910 after the original building was destroyed by fire and is one of only three Rock Island depots remaining in Colorado. A trip through the small but informative and most interesting railroad museum reminds visitors of what made Limon an important regional rail center.

Outside of the railroad museum are several classic train cars through which visitors can tour, giving them a glimpse of what life was like for travelers and workers in the old days. One of the cars is still used, in fact, as folks can belly up to the counter and purchase delicious pies during the annual Heritage Festival, which is slated to return this year.

The Heritage Museum area also includes an old school house and a saddle exhibit in an old train boxcar. Rumor has it Teddy Roosevelt used to shoot buffalo off of one of the trains, though no proof has been presented.

Just a short walk down the street is the exhibit building for the Heritage Museum. It features a look at

The Lincoln Theatre in Limon was built with the screen behind you as you enter. (Rick Mauch/Burlington Record)

the prairie from yester year. You can check out what the inside of a sheepherder’s wagon looks like, what a living room and kitchen looked like back then, and you can even walk inside a Plains Indian tipi. The military room encompasses a salute and museum dedicated to the many men and women who have ser ved in the armed forces throughout America’s many wars. There’s also an exhibit that delves into the Dust Bowl and its impact on the families and folks in the Plains.

Movie theatre history buffs should make a stop at the Lincoln Theatre in downtown Limon. Opened in 1938, it is one of a ver y few movie theatres in the United States where the screen is behind the person entering. Legend has it the original owner who bought the land in 1938 designed the theatre backwards to avoid an $860 bill to hire a mule team to grade enough soil to have it oriented to the west. As a result, the theatre had stadium seating long before others made the switch. In its glory days it ran six days a week with multiple showtimes (Wednesday was for church). The theatre underwent some renovation following the tornado of 1990, and in 2013 Your Community Foundation raised funds for the $54,000 needed to upgrade the projection room to digital. Since 2017 the foundation organized volunteer teams to run concessions and take tickets.

Outside the theatre and just around the corner is a mural of The Duke, John Wayne, complete with the yellow neckerchief he wore in the movie “McClintock.” It was created by Some Girls and a Mural. The project has the seal of approval from the John Wayne Foundation painted into it as well.

In Genoa is the World’s Wonder View Tower, opened in 1926. It was established on Colorado’s Eastern Plains as a commercial and recreational center designed to profit from the needs of rail and highway travelers. It is, however, no longer open for the public to enter.

Also in Genoa is the Martin Homestead, which was originally homesteaded in 1899. The fourth generation of the same family continues to work the farm. It includes the original sod house and a large frame barn.

Want more railroad histor y? Visit the Hugo Union Pacific Railroad Roundhouse. The 1909 roundhouse is associated with the operation and maintenance of the Union Pacific Railroad in eastern Colorado. It is the state’s most intact Union Pacific example and one of only four surviving roundhouses in the state.

Also in Hugo is the historic Hedlund House Museum. The circa 1877 house is part of the first homestead filing in the Hugo area. It also houses memorabilia from the Hedlund family and artifacts representing all of Lincoln County.