The Best of the West!

Rapid City locals will tell you that we have a very well-kept secret around these parts. Seems like lately, however, our secret is getting out -- front and center. What is that secret? National Geographic knows. They've discovered that Rapid City is one of the best places in the West to call home. We've been ranked as a Next Great Adventure Town. We're #2 on the list if you'll permit me to do a little bragging. National Geographic is really just letting the whole world know what us Rapid Citians have known all along. This is one terrific place to live!

To paraphrase the article:

"These days, the glimmer of gold in the Black Hills may be the reflection off a mountain biker’s helmet. Rapid City’s 300 miles of two-wheeling trails were joined this summer by a dirt-jump park. Kitschy Rushmore attractions add flavor, but locals head to a community theater or a classical music hall instead."

It gets better every year, and I am always proud to call this town home.

It's Labor Day weekend! What to do? What not to do should be the question. Pick one: boating, biking, hiking, horseback riding, camping or just cooking out in the backyard. Are you a hardcore athletic type? There's the Southern Hills Triathlon going on in Hot Springs, SD. Not up for doing the full olympic length course? -- sign up as a team instead!

This sounds like a real good time:

Dakota Gathering of the Celtic Clans Festival, Memorial Park, Rapid City.
RenScots, an educational Scottish Renaissance re-enactment troupe, camp and demonstrations, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., The Journey Museum grounds.

Get our your plaid and enjoy the fun!

Of course there is plenty of live music performances at various in-town venues. A comprehensive listing can be found here: Rapid City Journal.

Whatever your cup of tea, take some time to enjoy our gorgeous weather this holiday weekend! I hope to see you soon, here in the "Next Great Adventure Town-- Rapid City, South Dakota!"

The Fair!

The Central States Fair kicks off this weekend. I can only imagine what it must have been like back in the olden days when the fair was such an event that participants and spectators traveled for days to come to Rapid City. The fair entertainment line up this year is something worth seeing: Miranda Lambert, Joe Nichols, the Honky Tonk Tailgate Party, Jason Aldean and the PRCA Range Days Rodeo. Click here for more information on these events.

There is also an impressive line-up of local entertainment, from local bands, to showcases of all kinds of talent. There is something for everyone in Rapid City at the fair!

Some of my favorites are the yummy cream puffs at the Fine Arts building. If you haven't had one of these, you are missing out. I don't even think I could describe them and do them justice. One word: decadent. And don't forget the legendary German Tent! Brats, polka and the chicken dance. What more could a fair-goer ask for?

I found a few "State Fair" trivia tidbits you might enjoy. When was the first State Fair? Well,
"American state and county fairs can credit Elkanah Watson, a wealthy New England farmer and businessman, for their start. Watson showcased his sheep under the great Elm tree in the public square in Pittsfield, Massachusetts in 1807. To attract attention, he clanged an old ship's bell with a piece of iron. Watson owned woolen mills and wanted to encourage the local farmers to raise Merino sheep because the wool was of superior quality."
-- courtesy statefairrecipes.com

Can Coca Cola be deep fried? Which state fair debuted the Snow Cone? If you are dying to know the answers to these and more take the State Fair Food Quiz -- test your knowledge of these State Fair mainstays.

So load up on funnel cakes, try that deep fried Twinkie (c'mon you only live once!) Take a ride on the carousel and see if you can identify all the breeds of chickens on display. It's all fun at the Central States Fair this week in Rapid City.

I've also got these open houses for you this Sunday. Stop by and visit! I would love to have a chance to say "hi":

4116 August Drive is an exceptional home on the 14th fairway of the Elks Golf Course! Far and away the greatest in design and style. Beautiful views from the spacious deck. Completely maintenance free and everything inside of the highest quality. 6 -Panel doors, whirlpool tub, Corion counters, Marblecast showers, and 2 furnaces for efficient heating. This home will be open from 12:30 - 2:00 pm.



Follow this handy map to Augusta:






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The Second is 3031 Sunny Hill Circle which will be open from 2:30 - 4:00 pm. This is a lovely home in Autumn Hills on 1/2 acre lot with stunning views. Best lot in the subdivision. The home has brand new hardwood flooring, ceramic tile, and carpet, with a new roof late fall. All new light fixtures have been installed. All three baths have updates. Three living areas on 3 levels. Watch the family of foxes play in the backyard and they return every spring! Great location near Corral and Southwest schools.Sprinkler heads (4) in garden area and in yard also.

Follow this handy map to find me at Sunny Hill Circle:



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Summer Grilling Fun!

Do you like to grill outdoors? This is a tradition here in the Black Hills as we are in the middle of beef ranch country. Bison steaks are easy to find as well, and many a summer evening is spent under the clear sky sipping a good red wine with a fine grilled steak. South Dakota has some of the best beef and bison around, and you'll be doing yourself a favor to get a prime cut of steak and firing up the grill at least once this August.

One of my favorite recipes to serve with grilled steak are these nifty little potato packages. The Black Hills Farmer's Market has some wonderful offerings of fresh garden potatoes.

These are fun as each person at the barbecue gets their own little package:

6 large potatoes, sliced (I like red potatoes, but Yukon Gold are good too!)
12 Tablespoons chopped onion (the Market had great onions this week too)
6 Tablespoons minced parsley (fresh parsley is the best)
6 Tablespoons heavy cream
6 Tablespoons butter
salt & pepper to taste

Lay out 6 large pieces of aluminum foil and divide the potatoes among them. Sprinkle each with equal amounts of onion, parsley, and cream. Dot each with butter. Wrap tightly and place on the grill. Cook for about a half hour - 45 minutes, keep warm on upper grill rack while grilling your steaks.

If I've got little ones visiting I'll make little mini-packages for them too.

Enjoy our prime South Dakota weather here in Rapid City and the Black Hills this August. Our fall weather is some of the best around as well. If you are out and about this weekend, I have these open houses for you this Sunday August 10. I would love a chance to say "hi" and meet you and your family.

The first is 14790 Sunlight Drive from 12:30 - 2:00 pm

This is a beautiful, sunny home with very open floor plan. Sequestered master bedroom with 3 main floor bedrooms. Amazing 22X24 grand basement family room. Unbelievable Black Hills view and the sunsets are breathtaking! Lots of landscaping with raised flower beds in large fenced yard. Douglas school bus stops directly in front of home.

The second is 3954 City View Dr. from 2:30 - 4:00 pm. There is stylish and imaginative design in this 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home on 1/2 acre treed lot. Gorgeous views from every window. Many textures in building prducts including, granite countertops, hickory floors and cabinets, stacked stone fireplace, ceramic tiled floors. Multi-level decks, main floor laundry, large walk-in tiled shower and whirlpool tub. Two hook-ups for washer dryer available. Oversized double garage.


Follow this handy map to City View:




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Little Town in the Black Hills

The Black Hills has been host to some of history's most colorful characters: Wild Bill, Calamity Jane, Poker Alice. What is little known to a lot of people, unless you are a diehard fan, is that Carrie Ingalls, sister of Laura Ingalls Wilder, made her home in Keystone, South Dakota at the base of Mt. Rushmore.

I can imagine that just about every little girl has at least leafed through the "Little House" books. And most people can remember the "Little House" series that was on TV in the 70s. It's always fun for me to discover these little known facts about the Rapid City area and the Black Hills.

Keystone has started to recognize Carrie Ingalls, and this Sunday they are hosting Carrie Ingalls Day. Her birthday will be celebrated at the Keystone Historical Museum. Admission is free.

While in Keystone, another terrific attraction is the 1880 train. This is a Western experience like no other! An authentic 1880 steam engine will take you on a ride through some of the most scenic areas of the Black Hills. You will end up in Hill City, South Dakota for a round trip back to Keystone. Some train riders are treated to an Old Tyme Western Shootout where the train is "held up" and "robbed". Lots of fun if you have children or out of town visitors with you!

The most popular event happening in the area starting next week, is of course, the Sturgis Rally and Races. Grab your Harley, put on your leathers and get ready for the ride of your life! A full listing of Rally events can be found here or here.

I have two open houses for you this weekend. I would love to have the opportunity to say hi, so please stop by if you have a chance.

The first is 24396 Theodore Place from 12 noon - 4pm on Sunday, August 3. This beautifully designed Mission style home is on almost 4 acres in the Hills with a view of Mt. Rushmore! Al Weidenbach built with many custom features: Jenn-Air range, radon mitigation system, beautiful cabinetry,6 panel doors, and amazing views from every window. Walk-out basement unfinished except for finished bath. Oversized double garage, whirlpool tub, May-air exchanger, lovely breakfast nook. Pellet stove in basement Love country living? Can't beat this beauty!



The next is 912 Lemmon Avenue. This is a very nice 3 bedroom home with detached over-sized single garage. Chain link fence front and back. Updated electrical, new sewer line in street in 2007. Some new flooring and newer garage door opener.








Follow this handy map to Lemmon Avenue:


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