They're famous for BBQ, and the smoker is located outside so you get a whiff driving by. Hickory smoked ribs, chicken and pulled pork are favorites. You can dine on buffalo or elk burgers, Rocky Mountain trout, Italian specialties, steaks and chicken. There's also a soup and salad bar - nothing fancy.

Judging from our two visits, Big Horn is definitely a popular spot for family meals at great prices.

We were there for lunch on a busy weekday. We were seated promptly but then forgotten. Others came in after us and had their drinks before we even saw a waitress. After reminding the hostess of our presence, the waitress finally showed up. Our orders were brought right away.

The menu featured the usual western/American fare - BBQ, burgers, salads, wraps. The beef brisket BBQ was most tender. Entrees are served w/ a choice of side such as baked potato, baked beans, fries, and the like.

The food was good, but our service was not. Other diners did not seem to be "neglected."

There are fat quarters, but if you don't see what you like, they will cut it from a bolt. The women working there are most accommodating in helping you find fabric for a pattern, even laying it out to capture a certain part of the design.

Many of the patterns sold here feature designs of the wildlife and flora of the Rockies. Classes are offered at the shop and they have a website so you can still shop from back home.

As one customer said while I was there, "If I stay in here much longer, I will need another suitcase to get everything home!"

The return trip on the Trail Ridge was a bit hair-raising when we reached the summit over 12,000 feet. Without guard rails and the steep glacier valleys below and the looming threat of afternoon thunderstorms, it was a trip to remember.

Our second day at the park was another early one = drive to the parking area for the Bear Lake shuttle. Buses take hikers up to the trailheads while the road is under construction. Bear Lake trail is easy and handicapped accessible. It affords everyone the opportunity to view the pristine lake and Flat Top Mountain. We hiked further in to Nymph and Dream Lakes - the views are awesome. Follow the advice in park literature about hydration, high altitude symptoms, wearing layers of clothing. We concluded our hiking at Alberta Falls trail, another popular trail in the park.

The third day was more relaxing as we took in a Wildflower Walk at Lily Lake. With Long's Peak looming in the distance, we appreciated the beauty of Colorado's native flowers. A highlight of this walk was seeing a hummingbird sitting on its nest in a pine tree. We returned to the Moraine Park area and were amazed at the cars entering at Beaver Meadows on a Sunday afternoon. It reminded me of the toll barriers at NYC bridges. IT was worth the wait when we saw a herd of bighorn sheep in one of the meadows and watched a mother and young one take their time crossing the road while traffic was at a standstill.

In all, we enjoyed and marveled at the peaks, the glacier valleys, the wildlife and awesome beauty in this national park.

There are several parks in town where local events take place. At Bond Park there are Campfire Sing-Alongs every weekend with local troubadour, Brad Fitch. We were fortunate enough to hear his group do a John Denver tribute concert at Performance Park's amphitheatre. Hearing John's music surrounded by the mountains that inspired him - a real Rocky Mountain High! We found the local shop and restaurant owners very friendly, interested in knowing where tourists were from, and sharing advice on the area.