Getting geared up for the Holidays!

Feeling stuffed after all that good turkey and pumpkin pie? I've got a few happenings for you that will help get you goin' after the big day!

My favorite "mark off the season" event in Rapid City is the Festival of Lights Parade. This community event kicks off Saturday in downtown Rapid City at 6pm. The city lights will dim and downtown will be transformed into a magical land of lights and floats and horse-drawn carriages. It is a must see! For more information click here.

Head on over to the Boy's Club to get your tree. Tree sales started November 24 and they have an awesome collection to choose from. You'll get your own personal "tour guide" who will willingly hold up as many trees as you like so you can walk around and judge them from all sides. I know from experience :-) Click here for more information.

If hitting the hills with an axe or a saw is more your style, the Forest Service is selling tree permits. You are allowed to cut your tree in the Hills, subject to certain restrictions (be sure to read up before you go) -- but nothing is more fun than hiking around the Hills looking for that perfect tree! For more information click here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Where are all the Rapid City Goblins?

It's time for trick-or-treating! Get ready for those goblins and ghouls and pretty princesses that will come knocking on your door.

Still thinking about decorating for the holiday? This article at the Rapid City Journal talks about where to go and who to see for those special decorating ideas. HGTV offers some terrific decorating ideas that won't break your budget. Even more decorating ideas can be found here at about.com.

Or if you prefer, many area groups and churches hold Harvest Festivals or Trunk or Treat festivities. And, if I am not mistaken, there is a huge festival at the Rapid City Civic Center with games and treats for all. And of course there is the spooky haunted house Terror in the Dark at the Central States Fairgrounds in the Soule Building. For older kids, this is a must-do!

Today I have a terrific open house for you.

Sunday 1-3pm

23700 Mulligan Mile

$268,500

HART RANCH golf course. One level living at its best! No more lawn mowing, no snow shoveling, just sit out on the deck or play golf and just relax. This 2 bedroom 2 bath home is just incredible, large kitchen, formal dining room, gas fireplace in the living room for those chilly evenings. What more could you want?



Follow this handy map to the open house:

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Fall in the Hills

Fall time in the Black Hills will take your breath away! The most gorgeous area, Spearfish Canyon, is bursting with color from the many groves of Aspen trees that cling on the sides of the cliffs. It is well worth a Sunday afternoon to take a drive through the canyon to see the changing leaves. Bridal Veil Falls is particularly gorgeous this time of year. Look for mountain goats on the craggy cliffs -- they are often seen here.

The best website I have found that details what to see and expect in Spearfish Canyon is put together by the Spearfish Canyon Foundation. This site details the Scenic Byway, along with maps, a self-guided tour, and interactive tour map and a photo essay. The history of Spearfish Canyon is also outlined here and well-worth a read before your trek.

This website also has lots of information on Spearfish Canyon and tons of pictures sent in from readers. However, pictures don't do it justice. This is something that needs to be seen in person.

Another website with great information about Spearfish Canyon comes from GORP. This site details Road Trip Guides and the Top 10 Scenic Drives. Spearfish Canyon is certainly in MY top ten! :-) The GORP site gives a mile-by-mile play by play of what to see and expect on your drive. It is a good resource to print out and take along or pull up on your PDA while you are driving through.


Want to find out more about the city of Spearfish while you are there? Spearfish itself has a website that details information about the town and what to see and do while there.

After your drive in the hills, stop for a coffee and then come by and visit me at two open houses this Sunday:


Open house from 12:00 - 1:45 at 2203 South Ridge.
This home is located in the West Boulevard area with a large living room and an awesome deck. Great location -- walk to everything!







Follow this handy map to get there:


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Our second open house is from 2:00 - 3:30 at 3918 Hall St. This cute story and a half home has new carpet and vinyl. A large master bedroom closet and master bath -- good sized eat-in kitchen. Newer furnace and air conditioner!









This map will take you right there!



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Never Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd!

This weekend there will be some thunder in the Black Hills -- no, not the Sturgis Rally -- that's already happened. I'm talking about the Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival in Custer State Park. Now this is a must see!

The event kicks off with a Chili Cookoff tomorrow -- the 19th annual Buffalo Wallow Chili Cookoff right in the park. This event grows larger every year and most competitors come complete with their own cheering sections, some even in costume! There will be live entertainment all day long and a large exhibit of arts and crafts for your perusal.

Don't miss the 4th annual Custer Arts Stampede. This exhibit features multiple life-sized buffalo statues that have been transformed into works of art by some of our best local talent.

Monday is when the real thunder starts. The 43rd annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup takes place starting in the morning and lasting throughout the day. Real cowboys and cowgirls round up the Park's buffalo herd for sorting, vaccinations and sales. It is amazing to see and brings you back to the true West. Park admission for the event is free on Monday -- you can't beat that! More information at www.custerstatepark.info

Of course, I also have two terrific open houses for you to visit as well!

The first is from 12:00 - 1:30 at 2218 38th Street in Rapid City. Immaculate cute and cozy! Super great location, close to Meadowbrook golf course, and Canyon Lake Park. The main floor features a newly remodeled kitchen, a living room and 2 bedrooms, the basement has a bedroom a large family room and laundry room. Hardwood floors and a neat archway that goes from the living room into the kitchen. The yard is private with a great patio, great for entertaining. Private well for watering the yard, flowers etc. Nice shed with power. Great home, great location.

Follow this handy map to get there:




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The second open house from 1:00 - 3:00 is at 2709 Knight Court. This is a Nnce home in Robbinsdale,new carpet and other updates, back yard great for kids or pets. New roof, sewer lines and appliances.

To get to this open house, here is a map:







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The big GRILL

It's Labor Day Weekend! I know there is plenty going on in Rapid City this weekend. You would be hard pressed to find something not to do. We've got camping, hiking, bicycling, spelunking, and good old-fashioned cook-outs. The last is something I love to do. I get to enjoy our wonderful Black Hills weather and try out some terrific new recipes at the same time. There is nothing better than kicking back on the patio, enjoy the garden flowers and cook up a delicious dish such as this:

Grilled Salmon Skewers:
courtesy allrecipes.com

INGREDIENTS
1 pound salmon filet without skin
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root
1 clove fresh garlic, minced
pinch of freshly ground black pepper
12 fresh lemon wedges
12 skewers

DIRECTIONS
Slice salmon lengthwise into 12 long strips, and thread each onto a soaked wooden skewer. Place in a shallow dish.

In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, vinegar, ginger, garlic, and pepper. Pour over skewers, turning to coat. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. When finished marinating, transfer marinade to a small saucepan, and simmer for several minutes.

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat.

Lightly oil grill grate. Thread 1 lemon wedge onto the end of each skewer. Cook skewers on the preheated grill for 4 minutes per side, brushing often with marinade, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Looking for something fun for the whole family to grill? Want to get the kids in on the fun. I've tried these delicious grilled pizzas, and let me tell you -- they are to die for. That's right -- pizza on the grill. If you have a pizza stone, I would recommend putting it on your grill and heating it up before-hand. Follow the rest of the instructions from this website link above for the best pizza you have ever tried. (Tip -- you can find King Arthur Flour at our local Safeway Store) The whole family can decorate their own pizza and then watch as it is grilled to perfection!

Be careful on this baking blog! It can be addicting and a little damaging to the waistline!

When you've had your fill of the grill -- I invite you to stop by my open house on Sunday from 1-3pm. It's new construction -- a terrific home. 4633 Kiowa Lane.

Little StorybookTreasures

Rapid City and the Black Hills are full of little treasures. If you have young children, one of the best is our own Storybook Island located off Sheridan Lake Rd. on the west side of Rapid City. This park is a virtual wonderland!

Storybook Island had its inception in 1959, created by the Rapid City Rotary Club. Area clubs and individuals made gifts in the form of attractions for the park. Over the years, Rapid City clubs, groups and individuals have donated their time and funds to help the park grow and prosper. The result is this wonderful free attraction for families.

I don't think there is a child in Rapid City that doesn't have fond memories of going to Storybook Island with their family. Visit Snow White, Dorothy and the Scarecrow, Cinderella, the Cat in the Hat -- take a ride on the fun train. Everyone you can imagine is here.

For kids aged 6-13, this August there is a theater camp held in conjunction with the Black Hills Community Theater. Each camper will have an opportunity to work with the Director of the Storybook Island Children's Theater to learn about different aspects of theatrical performance and participate in a completed performance at the end of the week. There are three age groups:

Anges 6-8 will put on "The Great Machine", ages 9-11 will show us "Puppet Theatre" and ages 12 -13 will work on "Improvisation".

To register call the Storybook Island Offices at 342-6357


Coming up is the ever-popular Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Ask any Rapidcitian about "Rally Week" -- you are sure to hear lots of stories!

And of course, before I forget, I have a terrific open house for you!

607 Minnesota Drive will be open Sunday, August 3 from 1:00-3:30 pm. This beautiful home is located in Minnesota Ridge with panoramic views of the canyon and plains. This home was built by Premier Homes and has an abundance of special features throughout. Large entryway with vaulted ceilings on the main floor with an open floor plan featuring a large living room with gas fireplace, combination dining room and custom hickory kitchen cabinets with lots of storage. All kitchen appliances are included as well as the washer and dryer. The main floor has three large bedrooms including a large master suite area with whirlpool tub, double vanities, shower.

Follow this handy map, and I hope to see you there!






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I Scream, You Scream!

It is hot! In the nineties today with high humidity. Really a different change in weather from recent summers. I won't complain. But I will look for some yummy ways to cool down. What better way than, you guessed it -- Ice Cream!! Where in Rapid City can you find the really good stuff? I have a few "insider" secrets for you:

The best locally made, homegrown with fun flavors: Fjord's Ice Cream Factory, Inc. This is truly gourmet. With over 40 flavors daily, plus desserts and fine chocolates, even herbs from their own garden -- what's not to love? Lines to Fjords, when it was a tiny building on Canyon Lake Drive, used to stretch for blocks. Now they have a new and improved location. Well worth the visit! 3825 Canyon Lake Drive.

Driving downtown in the early evening? Notice a BIG group of people in front of a little white building with a goofy animal on the sign? Could this possibly be another Rapid City ice cream secret? It could! It's Armadillo's Ice Cream Shoppe at 202 Main Street. Is the ice cream really that good? Just read these reviews and then check it out! You won't be disappointed. Scoot on over there this summer, they close in the winter months.

Want entertainment with your specialty waffle cone? How about flavors like "Knights in White Chocolate". Enter Cold Stone Creamery, not far from the Re/Max offices around the corner of Jackson Blvd and West Main: 1925 W. Main to be exact. Have them mix up your favorite flavors like cake batter with gummy bears and M&M's. They'll scoop it, place it in a chilled marble mixing board and smoosh it all together for you. Simply to die for! And here is a tipping tip -- if you tip the counter folk, they'll sing you a special song! Zippety Doo-Dah!

Other quick ice cream stops include, Dairy Queen, Culvers, TCBY & Dippin' Dots in the mall. And there is an ice cream truck that patrols around town. I've seen it here and there.

Enjoy the summer in Rapid City and the Black Hills! We've got a lot coming up-- The Sturgis Rally, The Central States Fair. Stay tuned for more insider tips from my blog!

--Dana

Summertime Recipe!

Rapid City and Black Hills gardens are doing wonderful! The spring and early summer weather has been ideal. Now we are getting into harvest time: lettuce, summer squash and zucchini abound! There are even radishes left that haven't gone quite woody yet. I found this lovely summer salad recipe to share. The colors look so inviting together. Add some grilled chicken to make this a complete, easy light meal. Or, says the recipe creator:

"Great for a light lunch when you are rushing around. Made with summer squash, this is a great twist on salad."

Serve on lettuce for a beautiful presentation.

Summer Salad from All Recipes

• 
  
• 1 yellow squash, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1 carrot, cubed
  
• 1 radish sliced
  
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing or preferred dressing
  
• salt to taste
• ground black pepper to taste

1. Toss vegetables with dressing, and chill for at least 1 hour. Season with salt and black pepper, and serve.

Pair with a nice white wine from our local winery: the Prairie Berry

Rapid City also offers a Farmer's Market. Lots of fresh vegetables, jellys & jams and the most amazing blueberry muffins! The market meets Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings starting at 9am on Omaha Street, by what we Rapid Citian's "affectionately" call the "Big Fish". You will recognize it when you see it!

Check back on Friday for our newest open house feature and I'll see what I can round up for fun things for you to do this weekend!

Rapid City and the Black Hills in July

Have you recovered from your 4th of July celebrations? There was so much to see and do in Rapid City and the Black Hills. This is always a lovely time of year, and we are enjoying exceptional weather this year with comfortable temperatures and lots of moisture to keep our gardens growing and the flowers blooming!

There are lots of things to do in Rapid City and the Black Hills this weekend. Just a few that come to mind:

The Nemo Volksmarch, Saturday July 12, 2008 from 6:30am - 1:30pm. For more information visit the Black Hills Volkssport Association.

Saturday will also host the Black Hills Rod Run in Hill City, South Dakota. This includes a show and shine, poker run, parade and more. Visit the Counts of the Cobblestone Car Club for more information.

The Story Book Island Children's Theater will kick off its summer season this week starting with "Jack and the Beanstalk". Shows run daily. Visit www.storybookisland.com for more information.

As our great weather continues it is a perfect time to get out in the Black Hills and hike and explore. We have many terrific lakes for water activities from Pactola and Sheridan Lake in the Black Hills to Angostura South of Hot Springs. Custer State Park also has a wealth of nature activities, lakes and trails to explore., as well as the Black Hills Playhouse.

When you are finished enjoying our wonderful Black Hills, I invite you to stop by my open house in Rapid City on Sunday, July 13 from 1:00-3:00 pm. This open house is at Sandstone Ridge #340 at 3600 Sheridan Lake Road. The two bedroom, two bath condo has beautiful views of the Black Hills. Carefree living with lots of amenities such as a car wash, very large storage unit, heated indoor swimming pool, hot tub, dry sauna, tanning room and a party room with full kitchen. Use the handy map below to find us and I look forward to seeing you there!




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Happy 4th and an Open House for You!

Happy Fourth of July! I thought I would provide you with a few links to activities going on in Rapid City and the Black Hills this weekend:

Of course there is the Independence Celebration at Mt. Rushmore. This event draws spectators from all over the world!

The Black Hills Heritage Festival features fireworks at dusk and a host of other activities.

For more, check out these Black Hills Events:

Rapid City
Black Hills Heritage Festival through Sunday at Memorial Park. Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m. at the park

Arrowhead Country Club fireworks display at dusk

Elks Golf Course fireworks display at dusk Friday

Belle Fourche
Fourth of July parade begins at 10 a.m. No fireworks display

Custer
Old Time Country Fair, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday, at the fairgrounds, 1880 Museum

Fireworks display Friday on Pageant Hill

Hot Springs
Festivities begin at 7 a.m. on Main Street. Fireworks will begin at dusk

Lead-Deadwood
Gold Camp Jubilee Days parade at 3 p.m. Friday in Deadwood, 4 p.m. in Lead. Fireworks at dusk

Sturgis
Fireworks will begin between 9-9:30 p.m. Friday off Ball Park Road


Open House!

This Sunday I will be hosting an open house from 1:00 - 3:00 PM just outside Rapid City at 1611 Morningside Drive. When you have finished with all the great festivities, stop by! This home is in an excellent location with excellent views. It is a very neat and tidy home, with lots of storage, 2 car garage with a carport. The back yard backs up to a hillside for privacy. The lower level is a walkout. There is a large laundry room and hobby room.


Follow this handy map to find us, and we look forward to seeing you there!



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Staging your Home

I came across this interesting article at MSN the other day that talks about staging your home for sale. Now, the homes in this article are professionally staged, however some of the tips and ideas could be useful for even the do-it-yourselfer right here in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Consider a neutral-colored throw on your sofa, or a mantle cleared of clutter with a tasteful painting centered against the rock-work. A mirror would be even better, as this will reflect light and make the room seem larger.


Throw pillows make a chair or couch look inviting. Remove extra items to storage and pull a room together with a neutral-colored inexpensive throw rug.

Special touches like these can add to the presentation of your home, making it even more appealing to prospective buyers.

Thank you for visiting my blog! Please check back on Friday for a listing of my upcoming open houses in the Rapid City area, with an easy map on how to get there. And please, don't be shy -- feel free to leave me a comment. I'll be happy to entertain suggestions for any future articles you might like to see.

In the meantime, enjoy this wonderful Rapid City weather! What a gorgeous start to our summer!

Friday!!!

TGIF what a week, how many days can you show homes in the rain and snow? Glad Friday is here and the weekend looks like it will be nice and maybe sunny. Having 2 open houses on Sun. One at Quartz Canyon and one at Hart Ranch. Stop out and take a look at these homes.

Dana

slushy weather

Anyone else tired of this weather? I know we need the moisture, but it is Spring right?

Welcome

Welcome to my blog! I am glad to have you here. I invite you to visit often as I will have fun, exciting, entertaining and informative content to offer, all about lifestyle and real estate in Rapid City and the surrounding Black Hills.