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First Night Northampton, Mass.: A New Year’s Eve Delight

by Deb C January 11, 2024

First Night Northampton, Mass: A New Year’s Eve Delight

It used to be that my husband and I would celebrate New Year’s Eve at a neighborhood party at a couple’s house we could walk to. Sadly, the hosts, and many of our neighbors and friends have since moved away. Some years, we have ventured the six hour drive North to Eastport, Maine, for it’s fun and unusual celebration. Searching for something a bit closer to home this past Dec. 31st., 2023, we found First Night Northampton, Mass., which is a New Year’s Eve Delight.

First Night Northampton, Mass.: A New Year’s Eve Tradition

First Night Northampton is a festive New Year’s Eve tradition going back decades to 1985. We live near Boston, Mass. which has a well known First Night, but we were unaware of Northampton’s. Like Boston, Northampton is a walkable city, and has a multitude of entities that participate in the festival. It’s grown to the point of 23 odd venues. Smith College, businesses, and churches, as well as traditional entertainment establishments, provide the necessary spaces for all the entertainers and audiences. Even a bank offers a warming center with bathrooms and hot beverages.

How it works: You purchase a button which admits you to all venues. Performances and activities are scheduled on the hour, beginning at 12 noon. They run for approximately 45 minutes so you have 15 minutes to walk to the next one.

Sometimes the settings are as enjoyable as the acts themselves. The Academy of Music building houses a wonderful vintage theater built in 1891 where Harry Houdini and Mae West and other legends once performed.

First Night Northampton, Mass.: A New Year’s Eve Delight for Young and Old

First Night Northampton has activities and entertainment for all ages and multiple interests. This festival of arts starts at noon with child-oriented entertainment, which is then a part of each hour’s eclectic performances until 6 p.m. Each event/activity/entertainment lasts about 45 minutes. About as long as many kids can sit still. Family activities this past New Year’s Eve included: a circus, a “mad” scientist, comedy magic, a juggler, face painting and balloon making, a yoyo guy, storytellers, and a puppet show.

The shows most likely to appeal to senior citizens wrap up by 9 p.m.

No staying up late or being awakened by fireworks! They start at 6:15, so that everyone can be in bed at a reasonable hour.

The fireworks are shot off a parking garage in mid-downtown. They can easily be seen from cars in nearby public parking lots and from many convenient vantage points, including in strollers. Once the show is over, it may be only a block or two walk to your parked car. There’s free on-street parking and in municipal lots, except for the downtown parking garage.

First Night Northampton, Mass.: 12 Hours of Musical Performances and Special Acts

Whether you’re seeking a day or evening filled with lively energy or a more laid-back experience, Northampton’s New Year’s Eve extravaganza has it all.

The contemporary performers at First Night run from amateur ensembles, such as The Raging Grannies, the AEIOUkes who are a mix of amateur and trained musicians, to professional musicians and groups of note. Some of the musicians and singers play or played with headlining Rock Bands and received Grammy nominations. Then there’s the delightful Ardaigh, an Irish band, and Klezamir, a rockin’ klezmer band as well as Happy Valley Guitar orchestra and the Offbeat Womyn’s Drumming Ensemble.

The Raging Grannies delivered their political commentaries in clever, whimsical, or poetic manner set to familiar tunes. We weren’t familiar with them, but chose them as the name appealed to us.

The casual upbeat atmosphere at First Night Northampton 24 lent itself to literal dancing in the aisles whether the two-step or the hora. For those who were in the mood for more dancing during the later evening hours, there was the Peace and Rhythm Dance Party.

As midnight approaches, it’s traditional to gather at the Hotel Northampton for the iconic raising of the ball. On Dec. 31, 2023, Steve Sanderson of WRSI hosted the Midnight Countdown with Peace & Rhythm DJs getting folks on their feet dancing.

Navigating First Night Northampton, Mass.

First, we went to FirstNightNorthampton.org.

We later picked up a newspaper that had a full page devoted to the event:

The website has all kinds of helpful information. We downloaded the performance schedule.

The next thing we did was look at FirstNightNorthampton.org to read the descriptions of all the performers and acts. They were impressive. My husband and I marked halfway across the box of which ones appealed to us with contrasting yellow and green highlighters. For most of the hour slots, we found performers we both agreed upon. We downloaded and printed out the map with the key to all the venues. As it was half the size of a letter size piece of paper, we then enlarged it to a full sheet. We highlighted the venues where we needed to go on the map. By and large, most weren’t that far from each other.

As you can see from the wear and tear of the the performance schedule and downtown map, we got a lot of use out of them.

Once we were sure we could commit to going, we bought our buttons online. We had to pick them up in person day of, but we saved $4 each by purchasing ahead of time and where we picked them up was in the heart of downtown. They also offered a discount for buying before Dec. 31, seniors, and adult day only (until 6 p.m.) buttons. There was a lower price for kids up to 10 and only 2 were free.

Finding parking was easy and plentiful when we arrived in Northampton on Dec. 31st., which was about 11:20 a.m. As we walked towards the Downtown, we could hear a lively band playing al fresco. Thorne’s Marketplace, where we could pick up our buttons, is in the middle of Main St., and just a few blocks away. We had no problem finding the First Night Box Office (tables set up in a hallway) and waiting in line wasn’t a trial.

As soon as we claimed our buttons, we attached them to our coats. Each venue had Greeters/Checkers at the door looking for buttons. It was very casual and easy as people just walked through entrances without pausing, much easier that using ticket takers. Checkers tended to be senior citizens and there was one in a wheelchair.

Note that, for those with children or finicky bladders, in addition to two designated warming centers with restrooms and hot beverages, several of the entertainment spaces allowed use of their bathrooms.

First Night Northampton, Mass.: Plenty of Shopping, Food and Drink Options

Downtown Northampton, Mass. boasts a charming downtown. It’s main and side streets are lined with charming shops and businesses. Thorne’s Marketplace, a circa 1873 historic three story commercial building, is home to an array of independent, locally-owned retailers and restaurants lining a sort of in-door wooden-floored alley. You could easily spend a day there. Check out ShopNoho and Northampton.live for more information about Northampton’s businesses. We walked by several vintage shops that I hope to explore someday.

If you’ve been reading this blog, you know that we are fans of craft beer. Whenever we go somewhere, we seek out breweries. Northampton has several, some steps away from where we parked. When it was time for a break, we went to Northampton Brewery Bar and Grill, western New England’s original brewpub.

It’s not only brewery, but also has a full bar and boasts a fireplace and rooftop beer garden. Unlike some breweries that have a sparce food menu, it offers a wide variety of appetizers, salads and soups, burgers, fish fry, and a kids menu. The food and beer were just right and service was quick and friendly. TV’s were placed so we could catch the end of the afternoon football game.

After catching the fireworks, and a few more performances, we found Progression Brewing Company on a side street off Main Street and just blocks away from our parked car. They had a more limited menu, but still better than many others. We split a handmade pretzel and enjoyed a flight of IPA’s. They were gearing up for a New Year’s Eve party with live band before we left for our hotel.

First Night Northampton, Mass.: A Fantastic Way to Spend New Year’s Eve

If you are looking for a fun and different way to spend New Year’s Eve, as we were, seriously consider First Night Northampton. What an incredible variety of entertainment and venues! What a reasonable price – $16 – for 12 packed hours! My only regret is that we didn’t go a day earlier to experience more of what the downtown had to offer. We were so busy moving from one performance to the next that we didn’t have time to take in much, except quick glances at the shop windows and signs. My other regret is that I wish we had gone a day earlier. If we didn’t drive there day of, we might have had the extra energy to go to the later dance parties and been part of the countdown and ball raising at midnight.

Do you have a favorite way of spending New Year’s Eve? Or a fun place to spend it? Please comment below.

So many beers and breweries, how to keep track?

If you want to keep more detailed records of where you went and what beer you enjoyed, you might like Keeping Up with Craft Beers: A Journal for Your Tasting Adventures. You can list up to 100 beers, as well as list breweries and brew pubs you liked as well as beer festivals.

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January 11, 2024 0 comment

Pirate couple at Lubec, Maine Pirate Invasion

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Lubec Pirate Invasion – Free and Fun for All in DownEast Maine

by Deb C November 30, 2020

The Lubec Pirate Invasion is a free and fun for all festival in DownEast Maine. Excepting 2020, it is an annual event on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend. The good people of Lubec gather at the waterfront to defend their small town from the pirates coming from the city of Eastport. The invaders come not only by sea, but also by land and air.

Here’s the schedule for 2022:

Click image for enlarged view. (Not responsible for changes in this schedule which was published August 22, 2022.)

Every year it gets better.

You can also find information on The Lubec Community Bulletin Board on Facebook.

The Lubec Pirate Invasion – A Newer Tradition with Historic Roots

Both Eastport and Lubec are in the Easternmost part of the United States and on the Bay of Fundy. As maritime settlements, their histories are tied into the sea. Also as border communities, their histories are also rich with invasions, enemy occupations, smuggling, shipwrecks, pirating, and other sea-related activities.

Twenty years ago, in 2005, Eastport established the annual Eastport Pirate Festival on the weekend after Labor Day. As a lead up to, and extension of the festival, in 2008, Eastport began “invading” Lubec on Labor Day Weekend. Thus began the Lubec Pirate Invasion, free and fun for all in DownEast, Maine.

It’s a fun and easy activity, as it’s only about a half hour boat ride between Lubec and Eastport. On clear days, you can see Eastport across the bay from Lubec. By car, it’s about a 45 minute ride. Both Eastport and Lubec have small airports and a plane ride might take 15 minutes. While there is a core group of “defenders” and “pirates” all are welcome to come in pirate or colonial style costumes and join in.

Lubec prepares to defend the town from the Pirate Invasion

Around 9 a.m. Lubeckers and friendly tourists dressed in colonial period and buccaneer style garb gather on the hill and waterfront overlooking the town dock. They are armed with water buckets, water balloons, and other water weapons, ready to defend the town. Water Street is blocked off for pedestrian traffic.

Some of the restaurants, like Cohill’s and Water Street Tavern, offer “dutch courage” in the form of drink specials. Cohill’s, which overlooks the town dock, has a deck overlooking Water Street and a view of the dock.

Frank’s Dockside and TakeOut (now closed) set up an outside beer garden one year. The Lubec Brewery opened its own beer garden.

Local organizations, crafts people, and vendors set up tables with goods, children’s activities, and raffles.

The Lubec Pirate Invasion: By sea, land, and air

Around 9:30 a.m. on Labor Day Saturday, boats and ships bearing flags with skull and crossbones come around the islands in the waters between Eastport and Lubec. They advance to the dock, some with flares.

The boats are a mix of private and charter boats offering pirates round trip voyages to Lubec and back to Eastport.

As the “pirate” ships pull up to the dock, small planes appear, coming from Eastport. As they pass over the waiting townsfolk and visitors, they may drop streams of toilet paper. One or two of the planes may have a “Jolly Roger” flag tied underneath.

As the pirate crews disembark, they brandish their weapons – super soakers and plastic swords. They dip the super soakers in the water by the dock to load their weapons. Surging up the boat ramp, they are met with townsfolk also armed with their water weapons.

As soakings commence, a rumbling announces the invasion by land. A group of pirates on motorcycles and carrying smoke flares roars through the waterfront streets. Pulling up in front of Cohill’s, they line up their bikes, dismount, and take to the streets in search of brews and booty.

After a good natured soaking fest, the pirates and Lubeckers settle down. The pirates and defenders wander along Water Street, stopping at the vendors, shops, and the Farmers Market. Many in costume good-naturedly pose for photos. Some enjoy beverages in their tankards, while others take to the Lubec Brewery beer garden or the restaurants along Water Street. Fortified, mid-morning a tug of war takes place, Eastport vs. Lubec.

No two Invasions alike as Eastport Pirates attack Lubec

In 2019, for the first time, British Redcoat and Machias Revolutionary War Patriot Re-enactors were also on hand to engage with the invaders. The Redcoats fired muskets and cannon as the pirates approached the waterfront.

Also in 2019, Lubec organizers added a pirate parade and boat races and some other family activities to the mix. Every year is a bit different from the previous year. The DownEast Dragonfly Bar and Grill offered a Pig Roast and costume party with a local band.

But wait, there’s more to the Pirates Invasion of Lubec

While the Pirates Invasion and “Occupation” of Lubec runs until about 1 p.m. There is a time gap before other activities. On Water Street, you can visit the historic Smokehouse complex and Lubec Landmarks gallery, as well as shops with locally made crafts.

A few miles away you can visit the famed “candy-striped” West Quoddy Head Lighthouse. On the way there you will pass the Lubec Channel Lighthouse, A.K.A. “The Sparkplug” and other galleries and shops. There are hiking trails by the lighthouse, as well as off Rt. 189, the lone road/route in and out of town. You can also stop in at Monica’s Chocolate’s or book a whale watch cruise.

Visiting Canada is allowed again, if you have your passport with you, and you fulfill whatever the current COVID protocol is, (at one point you had to fill out a form online) you can cross over the FDR bridge to the Canadian Island Campobello, which boasts the Roosevelt International Park, great scenic views, whale watch tours, and Herring Cove Golf Course and Restaurant.

View of Mulholland Lighthouse on Campobello Island, Canada from Lubec, Maine waterfront.

You can also make your way over to Eastport by car or ferry for the annual Salmon Festival which features salmon dinners, a street market, art auction, music, a boat trip to salmon pens and more.

To find out more about the Lubec Pirate Invasion and other town events and festivals, visit: https://www.visitlubecmaine.com/

See other posts with information about Lubec here:

Picnic with a million dollar view in Lubec, Maine

DownEast Maine Fourth of July Fun

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November 30, 2020 0 comment

New experience Railroad History Travel in the United States U.S. History

Laramie Wyoming Old West – Railroads, Outlaws, Hollywood, & Woman’s Suffrage

by Deb C September 24, 2019

Tenth and final post in a series about visiting Colorado and Wyoming.

Adventure in Old West Laramie Wyoming

Sign about Laramie Wyoming's origins on 50plusses.com

In Old West Laramie Wyoming, we found a new adventure. With our historic walking tour booklet in hand, we ambled along historic Downtown Laramie and got a history lesson. We discovered that the Union Pacific Railroad was the catalyst for the founding of Laramie. The Company established a major stop there in 1868 as it was building the Transcontinental Railroad. The Overland Trail went through the area, and there was Ft. Sanders and some settlers, but nothing like a town. Once Laramie was connected to the East Coast by rail, passengers began arriving. They came to seek their fortunes, by legal or illegal means.

The Wild Frontier in Laramie Wyoming

During Laramie’s early days, some of the West’s most notorious criminals headed there. They were trying to stay one step ahead of the law. Thugs and outlaws like Butch Cassidy threatened those who came to settle down and create a new community. After about six months of rowdy and murderous behavior, the law-abiding citizens had enough. They formed a vigilante committee. Villains were captured and hung and others fled. Law and Order came to Laramie.

Old West Laramie Wyoming, Hollywood, and actor Robert Fuller

Laramie Wyoming’s colorful Old West heritage was captured and re-lived in more than 14 TV shows and movies and inspired hundreds of books. If you are a Baby Boomer, you might remember one of the TV shows was “Laramie,” set in 1870s Wyoming. It ran from 1959 to 1963 and starred John Smith and Robert Fuller. Episodes now run on Encore, MeTV and Grit.

Robert Fuller went on to feature and guest roles in several other westerns, including “Wagon Train,” “Big Valley,” and later “Walker: Texas Rangers”. When Westerns waned on TV, he gained fame in the 1970’s as Dr. Kelly Brackett on “Emergency” but his first love was acting in Westerns.

Laramie Wyoming and Robert Fuller Fandom on 50plusses.com

As of this writing, Robert Fuller is very much alive and a trim, fit rancher in his eighties. He returned to Laramie in 2017 to a “heroes welcome.” He was Grand Marshall in the Laramie Jubilee Days Parade. In July of 2019 he was back for the Laramie TV Show 60^th Anniversary Reunion which was held in conjunction with Jubilee Days. He posed for selfies and participated in meet and greets and other events.

Laramie Wyoming Jubilee Days are Adventures for Old West fans

Laramie Wyoming’s Jubilee Days are billed as Wyoming’s Hometown Celebration – Celebrating the Western lifestyle and take place mid-July. Fans gather and get in the spirit by wearing western gear of yesterday as well as today.

The week-long schedule includes a parade, music, a golf tournament, a brewfest, and even a jalapeno contest. There’s also plenty to eat, as in addition to the local restaurants, there’s a BBQ, a pancake breakfast, and a chili cookoff. There’s even a carnival to boot. A western event wouldn’t be complete without horses and cows. So yep, there’s a rodeo with steer wrestling, tie-down roping, bull riding and more.

July 10 is Wyoming Statehood Day and celebrated during Laramie’s Jubilee days and includes the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site near Laramie. The prison was built in 1872. During the turmoil of the wild west it became a symbol of law and order . For 30 years it held violent and desperate outlaws (including the notorious Butch Cassidy). The 197 acre site boasts restored historic buildings and museum exhibits including the man and the myth of Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch gang. There’s also a nature trail, special events, a picnic area, and visitor center with gift shop. It’s open year round and there are guided and self tours.

If you are a fan of the Old West it looks like Laramie, Wyoming and especially Laramie’s Jubilee Days are for you.

Legends of Laramie Walking Tour with Robert Fuller

Walking Tours Legends of Laramie on 50plusses.com — from the Laramie Tourists Guide Book

Legends of Laramie is an audio walking tour that you follow with your cell phone. At each of 16 locations you can experience stories of Old West Laramie’s pioneers, outlaws, and vigilantes. As you stand where history took place, and you can watch a video, slideshow, or panorama recreating Laramie’s colorful past as Robert Fuller provides the narration. You can download the app or scan the QR code at the location to enjoy the tour. We had limited time so we stuck to using the Historic Downtown Laramie Tour Guide. However, we did come across one of the Legends of Laramie stops. We scanned the bar code and “boom” enjoyed Robert Fuller’s evocative telling of a Wild West moment of long ago.

Laramie Wyoming's walking tour guides on 50plusses.com — The Laramie Wyoming Visitors Center has eight walking tour guides, in print and online.

Downtown Laramie Wyoming Highlights

The railroad tracks run right along the outside of Laramie Wyoming’s downtown area. When the Union Pacific Railroad’s locomotive Big Boy 4014 stopped in Laramie the crowds were huge and filled the pedestrian footbridge over the railroad tracks . A short walk brings you to the restored Laramie Depot which is now a museum and community center. Nearby is Railroad Heritage Park which features a “snow train” consisting of a wedge snow plow, steam engine, bunk car and a caboose.

Pedestrian Railroad Bridge in Laramie Wyoming on 50plusses.com — The pedestrian footbridge in Laramie Wyoming spans one of busiest rail yards in U.S.
It says “Welcome to Laramie, Wyoming.” It’s an unparalleled vantage point for watching trains as they pass through Laramie.

The Buckhorn Bar in Laramie, Wyoming on 50plusses.com — The Buckhorn Bar in Laramie, Wyoming, formerly a saloon, has a bullet hole in the mirror put there by a jealous lover.

Coal Creek Tap and Restaurant in Laramie Wyoming on 50plusses.com — Coal Creek Tap and Restaurant in Laramie, Wyoming serves up a variety of craft beers as well as light meals as well as pizza (after 5:30 p.m.). It offers indoor seating as well as outdoor that it shares with it’s sister business, the Coal Creek Coffee Company. It’s one of the Laramie breweries on the Wyoming Beer Trail.

Women’s Suffrage started in Old West Laramie Wyoming

Wyoming Equal Rights Seal in Laramie Wyoming on 50plusses.com — Wyoming Equal Rights Seal

As we walked along, we saw this Equal Rights seal painted on a small door.

Did you know that Wyoming’s nickname is the Equality State? Buffalo Bill, founder of Cody, Wyoming, said: “If a woman can do the same work that a man can do and do it just as well, she should have the same pay.”

Perhaps his word had sway, because, on December 10, 1869, Wyoming was the first territory or state to give the women the right to vote and to hold public office. In March, 1870, Laramie was the first city in the world to include women on a jury. In September, 1870, it was in Laramie that 70 year old Louisa Swain became the first woman anywhere in the western world to vote in a general election. Wyoming also had the first female Justice of the Peace, bailiff, and first female governor.

We didn’t have time to investigate it, but Laramie has the Wyoming House for Historic Women. It is run by the Louisa Swain Foundation. It has displays honoring 13 women of Wyoming whose actions were “firsts” for women and democracy.

The Murals of Laramie Wyoming

As we walked through Laramie’s historic downtown, we noticed several murals. They are part of the Laramie Wyoming Mural Project and done by local artists. There are walking tour brochures and also a cell phone audio tour, much like the one for the Talking Boots in Cheyenne. We were walking up a very wide, and very clean alley when we saw #5 Prairie Dog Town.

Prairie Dog Town Mural in Laramie Wyoming on 50plusses.com

Wrapping up in Wyoming

If we could have, we would have spent more time in Wyoming. Going to Laramie was a late add-on. Someone at the wedding we attended said, well, if you’re going to Cheyenne, you should definitely consider going to Laramie. As it was, we were only in Wyoming for a day and a half. The time we were there was a teaser and it made us want to learn more about what we saw, and what we didn’t have time to visit.

We discovered that Wyoming has a great website with all sorts of visitors information and offers a free travel guide and email newsletter. We had no idea that Laramie and Cheyenne Wyoming have such rich histories regarding the Transcontinental Railroad, outlaws, and equal voting rights for women.

And, now we have a greater appreciation of reruns of TV and film westerns. Also of Laramie’s place in the Old West. Looking up actor Robert Fuller was fun. He has an international fan club and makes special appearances at western films festivals and nostalgia conventions. You can find him on YouTube showing how to stage a no-contact fist fight. Some videos share his anecdotes about the Laramie Show and working with Yul Brynner. If you visit his website, robertfuller.info, you will find more about his career, as well as personal appearances. You can even order autographed photos and have him record a personalized audio message for voice mail, congratulations, or a happy birthday message.

Final Takeaways of Our Trip

One final takeaway is that ordering guides to Colorado, Denver, and Boulder helped us make a list of must-sees and maybe-sees and plan our itinerary. We wished we had done that for Wyoming, but we thought we would only spend a half a day in Cheyenne. Borrowing guidebooks from our library helped, but the city and state tourism websites and materials provided more details, handy maps, and additional current tips.

We have to give a shout out to the friendly, helpful folk there who are great ambassadors for their states.

Lastly, allow yourself as much time as possible to explore Colorado and Wyoming.

September 24, 2019 3 comments

Building detail in Cheyenne that evokes western heritage

Craft Beer Adventures Museums Railroad History Travel in the United States U.S. History

Looking for the Old West in Cheyenne

by Deb C September 18, 2019

Eighth in series of posts about traveling in Colorado & Wyoming.

Looking for the Old West in Cheyenne includes railroads. After being enthralled by “Big Boy” we headed to Cheyenne’s restored train depot and depot square located at 121 W. 15th St. There you can see freight trains up close as they pass by the station.

Outside of the train depot and museum in Cheyenne, Wyoming

Boots, statues, and brewery in Cheyenne recall Old West

The Cheyenne Union Pacific Depot, built in 1886-1887 of rose and white sandstone, is a delight to the eye. No wonder it’s widely acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful railroad stations in North America. A National Historic Landmark, the Depot houses a visitors center, a museum, and a brewery/restaurant. The brewery is aptly named, “The Accomplice” with a nod to the outlaw gangs of yesteryear.

Cheyenne Depot Square and the restored Depot are impressive by their clean, well-kept appearance. Statues of people in period dress and a collection of over-sized boots enhance the ambiance. The inviting plaza is the site for community events and concerts. City workers were busy planting flowers throughout the Depot as we were walking by.

statue of circa 1890's woman at Cheyenne Depot

Depot Museum highlights Old West Cheyenne’s Railroad History

When looking for the Old West in Cheyenne, visit the Cheyenne Depot Museum. it tells the story of Cheyenne’s beginnings during the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, the Union Pacific Depot and the Union Pacific Railroad. You can view the Union Pacific Main Yard from the Coupler addition on the west end of the Depot. Trains still pass by the depot and tracks run over the city streets much more than what we see in New England. Trains definitely have a strong presence in this part of the country.

Locomotive brick in Cheyenne Depot — Locomotive inset in Cheyenne Depot

You’ll get a kick out of these cowboy boots!

Number 17 of 25 hand-painted 8-foot-tall boots in Cheyenne.

When you visit Downtown Cheyenne, and especially Depot Square, you can’t help but notice the colorful boots. Twenty-five tall boots are referred to as the “talk of the town” as they are part of a free audio tour. “These Boots are made for Talking” was a fund-raising project to benefit the Cheyenne Depot Museum. They were sponsored by local businesses and auctioned off. Each boot is unique and painted by area artists. The theme of the project is “If this boot could talk, what story would it tell?”

In a way, they do talk via your cell phone. A brochure available in the Visitors Center or online has a map and photos of the boots. Each boot has a number.

When you call 307-316-0067, and when prompted enter the number of the boot followed by the #key. Then you’ll hear the artist’s narrative about the boot. You’ll find more photos and information about the boots here.

Gunslingers “shoot-up” Cheyenne in mock gunfights

Gunslinger Square is the seasonal site of gunfights, western skits, and other Wild West activities. Find the fun at 15th & Pioneer, a short walk from the Depot. All of the shows are family-friendly, fun, and exciting. Every performance begins with a safety demonstration. Click here for more information.

What’s a cowboy town without a saloon?

As we were visiting the Depot at dinner time, we decided to check out the brewery/restaurant found in one end of the building. There is a patio in the front facing Depot Plaza. As it was a tad chilly, we opted for an indoor hightop. There we had a view of the tracks and the occasional freight train that passed by. It was a great experience.

According to its website, The Accomplice Beer Company brewery strives to be your accomplice on your beer adventures. They offer their own beer as well as guest taps. What is different about this brewery was that it is “self-serve.”

The hostess issues you a card. You place the card in the slot of the tap of the beer that you want. Grab a growler or glass or in a size you want, and fill as you wish. The card tracks the beer you pour and charges by the ounce. If there isn’t a server near by, you can ring a bell if you need assistance. The self-serve tap area is called “The Beer Shrine.” As you can see, they have 14 taps to choose from.

The food is good. The beer is better. It is quite the experience. It’s not only the self-pouring, but also watching other people using the shrine.

Get a taste of Cheyenne’s history with a Trolley Tour

Departing from the Depot, the seasonal Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley Wild West Tours are a great way to get an overview of Cheyenne’s rough and tumble past and a feel for the historic landmarks. The tours begin with tales of the railroad and wild beginnings from gunfights to brothels and vigilantes. You can see where the gunfights occurred and where Wild Bill Hickok was married.

The weekday trolley tours operate as a loop tour. You can disembark at any of the stops, then hop back on the trolley when it comes back by in 90 minutes. See this interactive map for information about the museums and sites that the trolley stops at. Refer to the schedule for stops & times.

You can buy tickets on this website or at the Depot. Or, you can call 307-778-3133 to purchase advance tickets by credit card.

As far as accessibility, each trolley accommodates two wheelchairs and has lifts.

Our trolley driver is a great ambassador for Cheyenne. She is full of vitality and enthusiasm for the history of the city. She provides lots of anecdotes and details as she drives from site to site. We wished that we had the time to visit some of the places we passed.

It was a Monday and some attractions, like the Cowgirls of the West Museum and Emporium, are closed every Monday.

Tips for visiting Cheyenne, Wyoming

A lot of the activities are seasonal. Be sure to visit Cheyenne.org which has a wealth of information about touring the city. Download or request guides from Cheyenne.org and the Wyoming Tourism Bureau. The guides can help you can find out when attractions are open and to plan your visit.

What isn’t readily apparent on the website, or by buying tickets online, that for a few more dollars you can buy a Trolley Plus pass that includes entrance to some of the museums along the tour. So, look into the combination rate when buying tickets. Several couples, including us, weren’t aware of this.

Please note, if you buy your tickets online, unless they change the process, you have to still physically pick them up at the Visitors Bureau in the Depot to give to the Trolley driver.

f you can only go once, go for Cheyenne Frontier Days at the end of July. That’s when they pull out the stops as far as cowboys then and now.

Whenever you might go, we highly recommend the Trolley Tour. And budget time to visit at least some of the stops along the way.

September 18, 2019 0 comment