Red Rocks is the coolest! I'm sure it's a phenomenal place to see a show, but I also had a blast just stopping by on my way out of Denver. There are a ton of people doing day hikes throughout the park (which is beautiful, by the way), and even more either exercising or chilling in the amphitheater. You can also snag an awesome view of the Denver skyline from the top rows in the theater. Definitely worth checking out if you're heading west on i-70.
If you're ever at Red Rocks, chances are you'll check out the visitors center when you run to the bathroom. They've got some cool photos of bands that played there, as well as interesting tidbits of history about the amphitheater.
Stopped by the Grizzly Creek rest stop to stretch my legs for a bit on the way from Denver to Moab. Bathrooms were clean, and the river water feels good to splash on your face to wake you up a bit and get you through your drive.
Still don't quite know what to make of the Rio. I ate here late on a Thursday night after driving in to Moab--the burger was pretty decent, but the service was slow. The Rio seems to attract much more of a local clientele than the more touristy places along Moab's main street, so if you want to drink and sing karaoke with some local characters then this is the place for you.
I had a pretty great lunch at The Happy Cooker after a couple hours of checking out downtown Georgetown. I got the French Dip sandwich, which was delicious, and sat outside, which was a great way to spend an afternoon.
Bishop's Castle is by far both the coolest and the most terrifying place I've ever been. It's incredible to think that the entire structure was built by one man--it's beauty and intricacy is amazing to behold. But the climb up to the top of the highest spire along those crazy metal spiral staircases scared the living daylights out of me, even though the view of the sunset through the San Luis forest was awesome. This is a place you definitely have to see to believe, although think twice before bringing kids. Not only can it be a very dangerous place to scramble around in, but Bishop's views on race and the government are both extreme and loudly voiced. Also note that, although entry is free, Bishop suggests that visitors provide a $5 to $10 donation and also sign his guest book to waive any liability claims.
Okay, so this place is bizarre, but also one of the most memorable places I ever visited in Los Angeles. I cannot recommend it to most people, but if you are into exploring the funkier/off-the-beaten part of L.A. and have a high tolerance for the blatantly offensive, then I'd say you should consider dropping by this "museum." As mentioned above, the place is owned by the Church of Scientology and operates as a propaganda mill for their anti-psychiatry ideology. They show you a ridiculous video about the evils of psychiatric treatments, take you through a series of exhibits that suggest that things like the Holocaust, 9/11, and slavery were caused by psychiatrists, and then try and sign you up for "the cause." It's crude and offensive and made a friend of mine angrier than I had ever seen him.
That being said, this was one of the most offbeat, unique places I visited in L.A., the kind of weird location that I never would have gone to otherwise but that I'm glad I did, if only because I got to witness something that was literally incredible.
An incredible and solemn place. It's an amazing way to spend a day in the DC area, and no matter what your political opinions it's something you need to see. Be sure and catch the changing of the guard as well as Kennedy's tomb.
A pretty cool spot to see if you're a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan, or just want to get a sense of what her life was like. Hours are seasonal and extended during the winter, so be sure and check out their official site (http://www.discoverlaura.org/hours.html) before planning your trip.
Definitely a cool site to check out if you're in the area. The bones are super cool, as is the history of the place. Note that the Monument is open from 8:00am until 4:00pm in the winter between Labor Day and Memorial Day.