City Spotlight: Cheyenne, WY

When you think about the state of Wyoming, you think barren, cold, and Yellowstone National Park. During the summer, however, Cheyenne becomes an active city, with visitors from all over the U.S.

Today, Cheyenne’s economic base is supported mostly by government, wholesale, retail trade, and tourism. Cheyenne still serves as a major crossroad in the Western U.S.

Gone are the numerous saloons and vigilante days, but the spirit of the old times still comes to life each year during Cheyenne Frontier Days. The Daddy of 'em All, has been around since 1897 with the world's largest outdoor rodeo and western party. This week-long event takes over the town and is chock-full of things to do, such as the free downtown pancake breakfast.

This year, I had the privilege, to go to Frontier Days to watch Country music superstar Kenny Chesney. When walking into Frontier Park, you are taken back to the old west days, with actual camp sites, old wooden buildings, and straight-from-a-John-Wayne-movie cowboys. The park has many attractions to keep you entertained all week. With carnival rides, good old-fashioned western food, and authentic cowboy hats and boots, if it's Western you're lookin' for, you'll be in the right place.

When the sun goes down, the party gets started with live concerts featuring many country super stars. A few of the artists at this year’s Frontier Days were George Strait, Kenny Chesney, and Taylor Swift. If you're not in to country music, fret not because Frontier Days also attracts bands like 3 Doors Down and Theory of a Deadman. So dust off your cowboy hat and get in touch with the old Wild West at Frontier Days next year!

Visit Cheyenne, WY's homepage HERE

-Joey

joey@themensfashionblog.com

City Spotlight: San Francisco

Fisherman's Wharf

I recently travelled to San Francisco and, as I had never been there before, I really didn't know what to expect. I've heard lots of stories about the great Sourdough Bread, the Golden Gate Bridge, Trolleys, and, of course, the interesting people. Upon landing at SFO, we boarded the BART (Bay Area Regional Transportation) to our hotel downtown. When we emerged from the underground transportation system, it was like stepping into a movie, completely surrounded by tall buildings. One thing that caught me off-guard was the large homeless population but, then again, I'd never considered how big the city actually was. I'd recommend taking a couple of hours to get used to your surroundings before you start your sightseeing. But don't take too long!....you'll miss out on the good stuff.

I read an online review about San Francisco and the article warned readers of Fisherman’s Wharf because it reminded the writer of a "third world country and carnival combined". This didn't bother me at all, mainly because one of the reasons I wanted to go to SF was specifically to visit Fisherman’s Wharf.

The second day, we took a trolley to the Wharf [only $1.50/roundtrip I might add!]. That's amazing for public transportation in my mind, since it usually costs around $6-$8 in Denver to go half the distance roundtrip. When we'd arrived at the Wharf, I was stunned. It looked nothing like how that critic described it as. The Wharf had lots of families, beautiful scenery and a smorgasbord of small shops. The view was unbelievable; the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the Bay Bridge were all in sight.

The best place I found to grub is Bistro Boudin, serving world-famous San Francisco sourdough bread. Try a bread bowl with New England clam chowder and you'll be blown away! For you thrill-seekers, take the Rocket Boat Tour for an adrenaline rush to get you fired up. This high speed journey takes you on an accelerated tour under the Bay Bridge and around downtown San Francisco.

If you're planning a little summer getaway, San Francisco makes for a perfect destination! Happy Travels!

Click HERE to visit San Francisco's official visitor's site

-Joey

joey@themensfashionblog.com