Eating My Way Across Colorado: Aspen Leaf Bakery & Cafe

You want some of the best baked goods and fresh salads, sandwiches and soups that southern Colorado has to offer? Look no further than the Aspen Leaf Bakery & Cafe, located at 113 W. Main St. in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado.

Usually I eat my way across Colorado alone, but this time the girls and I went to see what was happening at one of the most popular spots in Florence.

The Aspen Leaf is so popular that people drive from out of town to feast.

Two people in our party had the turkey panini, which I've had before also. Imagine a stunning artichoke spread, provolone, sliced red onions, alfalfa sprouts and marinated tomatoes complimenting all that turkey on some flat bread. No, just don't imagine it. Get to the Aspen Leaf and have one. The garden salads at the Aspen are always clean, fresh and crisp.

Our salads were chock full of tender baby spinach, other greens and plump, bright tomatoes.

I had the egg salad accented with celery and a special seasoning on a croissant. Beyond divine.

I could blather on about the veggie mushroom melt, the organic, vegan burger, the fresh soups and tortilla and lettuce wraps. Yes, I could.

But let's be honest. We all have these healthy offerings and then want to get to the baked goods.

The Aspen Leaf even has a good selection of gluten-free offerings. They also have cookies, macaroons, scones, danish, brownies, turn overs, bear claws, cinnamon rolls, muffins, bundt cake, coffee cake, cheese pockets with various fruit fillings, tiramisu with mocha sauce, strudel, banana bread, bread pudding with vanilla sauce, pies and cheesecakes.

If that wasn't enough--the Aspen Leaf semi-recently added soft serve ice cream to the list of temptations.

Breakfast, served until 11 a.m. is just $4.95 at the Aspen Leaf and includes quiches, biscuits and gravy and breakfast burritos.

As if all the food and beverages at the Aspen Leaf weren't enough to keep one lingering in delight--then the ambience would be.

The Aspen Leaf's walls featured local artists' works.

This bakery and cafe is located in a historical building (complete with skylight) as are most of Florence's businesses.

Local handmade pottery for sale.

And local food products.

We loved this culinary collage.

Vintage aprons and kitchen tools.

More local art.

And if you really want to vicariously set your taste buds aflame, make sure and visit the Aspen Leaf's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Aspen-Leaf-Bakery-and-Cafe-117536445005789/?fref=ts

What I Found In Florence--The Antiques Capital Of Colorado

Here's a weekly roundup of fun and funky and unique items I found in some of the many shops in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado.

Yes, it's a butter churn. But I think of it as a vintage exercise machine. Notice that the churn has a foot pedal AND a handle for churning--for a total aerobic workout. DISCOVERED AT: Iron Gate Antique Mall, 109 W. Main St.

Handcrafted right in Florence--delicious organic vanilla. Here's a secret about Florence: There are a lot of home based artisans making small batches of edibles, soaps, crafts and other items, one batch at a time--the old fashioned way. DISCOVERED AT: Wood Grain On Main, 114 W. Main St.

Delicious honey. As it reads on the label: As straight from the hive as you can get.

It's unfiltered, raw and unpasteurized. I purchased some and can attest to the quality and taste. Florence resident, Shellie Busetti is responsible for the honey and the vanilla. DISCOVERED AT: Wood Grain On Main, 114 W. Main St.

Shellie is also a photographer, along with her husband, Bill. She recently showed the new note cards she is producing from her original photos--as well as Colorado postcards. Yes, scenes from Florence, are in the works! The Busettis' photos and artwork are also available matted and framed. They have a website at : http://www.busettiphoto.com/  DISCOVERED AT: Iron Gate Antique Mall, 109 W. Main St.

Handcrafted letters made painstakingly from beer bottle tops, by a local artisan. Each letter is sold individually, so one can just get one's initial or make an entire sign or statement. DISCOVERED AT: Wood Grain On Main, 114 W. Main St.

If you are missing an iron gate for your estate--no worries! You'll find it in Florence. And it's no accident or IRONy this treasure was discovered at The Iron Gate Antique Mall, 109 W. Main St., which always pays homage to its namesake with a good selection of vintage gates and fencing.

Beautiful Hoosier cabinet, spotted at the Iron Gate,which also carries separate Hoosier jars and glass.

Handcrafted, handpainted wood signs--made by a local artisan. DISCOVERED AT: Wood Grain On Main.

Scruffy, the antique dog. Not for sale--but he wanted to get on the blog. DISCOVERED: At my house.

FLORENCE,CO: Tour of BARN & BARREL--Total COOLNESS!

You all know I like to roam the streets of Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado and just see what's going on. Recently I stepped into Barn & Barrel, located at 115 W. Main St. And I also ascended into a world of total coolness.

For those familiar with Florence, the location of Barn & Barrel formerly housed the antiques and art shop, Touch of Grace--also a popular destination for those looking for top-drawer antiques, art, jewelry and architectural salvage. The owners of Touch of Grace relocated out of state--and Dan Vinton and his wife Tracy, a few months ago moved Barn & Barrel from a smaller location a few doors down to the spacious showrooms at 115 W. Main.

Barn & Barrel's slogan is: Farm Fresh To Barrel Aged. The shop specializes in antiques, art and architectural salvage.

                                                  BARN & BARREL IN FLORENCE,CO

I guarantee if you check out Barn & Barrel's Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/barnandbarrelflorenceco/?fref=ts
you'll be pleased and probably hop in the car to check out one of southern Colorado's most unique home decor stores.

Like most shops in Florence, thing change almost daily. But here's what was going on at Barn & Barrel last week. Join me for a fun tour!

Yes, they have a great selection of primitive wall cupboards with that delicious, chippy paint.

And free-standing primitive cupboards loaded with vintage smalls.

OK, you had me at chippy paint. But there's way more to be discovered at Barn & Barrel.

Salvage galore!

A wonderful farm (or harvest) table constructed of 100-year-old barn wood. And the price is a fraction of what it would generally be outside of Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado.

Another view of the delicious barnwood table.

Owner Dan Vinton said this area started as simply a quiet retreat area for customers and browsers to sit back in comfort and relax and rest. He said they put a comfy couch there for visitors--that wasn't supposed to be for sale--and it sold. They got another comfy couch and it sold. And then they finally put in this stylish, distressed leather couch--which is now for sale. But no worries--Barn & Barrel will always have a good selection of stylish furniture and a comfy place for visitors to unwind.

Here's how it all started. Dan said his wife Tracy, years ago, began offering a line of quality handmade soaps and body products--and they used some antiques as "props" in their display. The antiques and vintage items began selling--and the rest is history. But the Barn & Barrel still has a line of soaps and body products.

A display of handbags, scarves and other fashion accessories

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The Barn & Barrel also proudly sells local artisan work--like this handmade wooden bowl.

You never know what you will find at Barn & Barrel--and that's half the fun of browsing in this fantastic shop--and all of Florence for that matter!

A vintage car fender as wall art? You bet!

Thanks for joining us on a tour of one of Florence's coolest shops.

And make sure and snap some pictures of what YOU find in Florence--and feel free to send your pictures to this blog for possible publication.

Found In The Antiques Capital Of Colorado: Faucet Flowers

As regular blog readers know, I'm always curious what people are buying in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado. And more importantly, I want to know what they are going to do with their Florence finds.

                                                       Patty and her ten faucet handles

Look at those beauties! When this Iron Gate Antique Mall (109 W. Main St.) customer plunked down 10 funky faucet handles on the counter--I just had to ask what she was going to do with them all.

Faucet flowers. OK, I admit I don't hang out on Pinterest much and I read rather obscure magazines, so I am sometimes out of the loop on what's crafty, creative and hot in decorating.

Patty, of Weatherford, Texas, is going to make flowers from her faucets. I asked how she got the idea and she said she saw on a fence, with the leaves and stems painted on. But she was going to make free-standing flowers.

It is worth noting, that Patty, visiting in Colorado, came to Florence one day recently--and had so much fun that she came back the next day. Yes, that's a shameless plug about how much fun folks have in Florence. But Patty said it, unsolicited--even before I whipped out my camera.

Now, I don't know if Patty's finished project will look like this. But for those of you who have never heard of faucet handle flowers (like me) this picture gives one idea how people create them.

I went to one online site and these faucet handles (also labeled as industrial and steampunk) are selling for about $5 each. Just the handles. And of course these are vintage, metal and all cool with the chippy paint. But you know how much they are at Iron Gate in Florence? Just $2 each.

Stay tuned to this blog to see what customers (from all across the country) and even around the world are buying in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado. And what they are doing with some of the items.

And also stay tuned for a peek into all the cool steampunk-type items Florence has. I've termed Florence, the unofficial steampunk capital of Colorado. Not only for our annual steampunk festival coming up April 9 and 10--but also for the fact that Florence has many shops that have a HUGE selections of steampunk and industrial items like these faucet handles.

What Are You Doing In Florence, The Antiques Capital of Colorado? TINY TOWN, RAILROAD

We are always curious to know what people are doing in Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado. And most importantly, we are interested in what significance the treasures they find here have.

Recently we met Wayne Russert, who resides on a ranch outside of Castle Rock, in Florence.

                                                   WAYNE RUSSERT in FLORENCE,CO

At first I wasn't sure what had captured Wayne's attention. But when he began inspecting his find, the sound of a railroad crossing bell rang through The Iron Gate Antique Mall.

And this beauty is going to the world famous Tiny Town & Railroad in Morrison, outside of Denver.

For those not acquainted with the joys of Tiny Town, the attraction features a 1/6-scale Western town and a steam-powered locomotive vistors can ride.

Wayne plans on using this Florence find--a railroad signal--on the redesign of Tiny Town's railroad crossing.

The history of Tiny Town is interesting (as most places are in Colorado) and more information on this family-friendly attraction is available at: http://tinytownrailroad.com/

Wayne has an interesting history too. He's a retired aeronautical engineer who also happened to work at a railroad. He is also involved at the Pikes Peak Historical Street Railway Foundation. More information on that organization is at: http://www.visitcos.com/venue/colorado-springs-attractions/Pikes-Peak-Historical-Street-Railway-Foundation

Even though he is retired, the engineer says he is busier than ever. And it appears most of what he is involved with involves enjoying and preserving history.

So, like so many others--Wayne found himself in Florence, where history comes alive in every shop.

What Are You Doing In Florence, The Antiques Capital of Colorado? OLIVER LOTT

 I am curious to know what people are doing in Florence, the antiques capital of Colorado. Florence is a burg of about 3,900. So I am always interested how people found the town, what they are doing when they get here--and most importantly, the significance of the treasures they find here.

Today we found out what Oliver Lott was doing in Florence. Oliver is from Bath, United Kingdom.

Being the observant person I am, I noticed he had a big camera, so I correctly guessed he is a photographer. He currently lives in New York City and attends the School of Visual Arts there.

Oliver is graduating soon and needed some more photos for a school project. He was in Cripple Creek taking photos and absorbing the local history, gold mining facts and scenery--when someone suggested he take the semi-short drive to Florence to view all the antiques.

The first place Oliver stopped was The Iron Gate Antiques Mall, 109 W. Main St. where he was able to find postcards and a vintage photo that caught his attention due to his love of American history. And of course, a camera.

                                                  OLIVER LOTT IN FLORENCE, CO

It's amazing and wonderful to me that so many people with so many different talents and interests can usually always find something to feed their souls in Florence.

Oliver is a gifted photographer and has quite a presence on the internet. Just one place , his work can be viewed is: oliverlott.tumblr.com

Who Says Antiques Can't Be Fun? ITO'S Japanese Restaurant

Who says antiques can't be fun? Hardly anyone I've ever known. Rather, working in an antiques mall can be fun.

This week--Confessions Of An Antiques Store Worker--is about a fun encounter I had recently.

A gentleman and his wife came into ye olde antique shop and announced they were from Woodland Park and come to Florence every six months or so, to find out what treasures there are.

But they hadn't been to Florence in over a year. It was a Monday and most every restaurant was closed. He said they were faint from hunger and could I recommend a place that was good--and, um, open.

Why yes I could! Ito's Japanese Steak House at 106 W. Main St. For those True Story Club readers that missed my review on Ito's, you may read it at: http://truestoryclub.blogspot.com/2015/04/eating-our-way-across-colorado-ito.html

                                      BENTO BOX AT ITO'S JAPANESE IN FLORENCE

The man found a book on an obscure subject in ye olde antiques mall that he thought he would never find in Florence, or most anywhere for that matter and then they went to Ito's.

The couple returned to ye olde antiques mall over an hour later and told me they came back just to tell me that Ito's was--FANTASTIC! And to thank me for the recommendation. My pleasure.

It turns out the lady had been a Japanese foreign exchange student many years ago--and was very familiar with authentic Japanese food. How did Ito's stack up? The miso soup--just like Japan!

She told me the owners of Ito's are actually Indonesian and they chatted about authentic Indonesian cuisine, and the lady from Woodland Park hopes they will add an Indonesian dish or two to the menu.

This couple, were world travelers. So I asked how this restaurant, tucked in a tiny, semi-isolated location stacked up. For those blog readers who missed my post--I asked one of my friends, also a world traveler, how Ito's stacked up. Here's that previous post: http://truestoryclub.blogspot.com/2015/05/what-first-time-visitor-thinks-of.html

The Woodland Park couple said they would be dragging every friend they knew to Ito's--it was that good. Actually the man said, "no dragging" would be involved after their friends ate at Ito's.

They marveled that such a world-class restaurant was in Florence. I didn't take offense. I knew exactly what he meant. Florence is a burg of about 3,900. But there is a lot of talent in this town, that is totally unexpected. NOT that we don't expect to find talent in small towns--we just don't expect such talent-based enterprises to get the attention (and revenue) they deserve due to a lower population base, and/or being located off a major thoroughfare.

This couple brought me a menu to thank me for helping them discover a jewel that not only was great in its own right--but also reminded them of their times in foreign countries.

I thanked them for the menu--and for reminding me about Ito's. It's been at least a month since I've been there--and that has to be remedied.

But here's something I did learn recently from another antiques dealer, who is a huge Ito's fan--Ito's makes a wicked green tea latte. My friend brought me one from Ito's--and yes, it was delicious!