January in Rapid City!

Get ready for one of the premiere events coming to Rapid City the end of this month. I'm talking about the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo -- watch my blog for information about upcoming events, shows I find particularly of interest and all the fun stuff that will be going on!

As for this weekend, I thought you might like to see that there is a Free day at the Journey Museum in Rapid City, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., bring along a donation of 2 cans of food for the food drive.

They are also offereing a Family Fun Day “All About Bears,” 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., The Journey Museum. Cost is $3. Find out all you ever wanted to know about Bears!




On Sunday, I am offering two open houses for you. If you have a moment, please stop by and see me!

4116 Augusta open from 12:30-2:00














Exceptional home on the 14th fairway of the Elks Golf Course! Far and away the greatest in design and style. Bea utiful views from the spacious deck. Completely maintenance free and everything inside of the highest quality. 6 -Panel doors, whirlpool tub, Corian counters, Marblecast showers, and 2 furnaces for efficient heating.


Click Here for directions.
















West Park Lane from 2:30-4:00. Dream designed and decorated showplace home! Amazing open floor plan with great views! Granite counter tops, cherry cabinetry, hard-wood floors, updated lighting, leopard entry carpeting! Central vac system, 3 bedrooms plus an office, and a 2 1/2 car garage. Scenic views, private and fenced back yard with amazing wrap around decks in back and on both sides of home. Outdoor fireplace too. You don't want to miss this one! Tin ceiling and bar covering from old hotel in Deadwood! Click here for directions.

There are so many happenings in the hills this time of year to get you into the Holiday spirit! Some of my favorites:

The 1880 train in Hill City, SD is holding its annual Holiday Express train ride. Enjoy hot chocoloate and cookies from Santa's elves. Each child will get the chance to meet Santa and receive a small Christmas gift. The depot and authentic 1880 train will be festooned with holiday cheer so make sure to bring your camera to capture memories that will last a lifetime. Click here for more info.

After you hop off the train, scoot on over to the Prairie Berry Winery for their Fezziwig Festival! Good wine, great food and entertainment to boot! More info here.

Still working on your Christmas shopping? Downtown Rapid City will be holding Super Sunday. Participating businesses will pay your sales tax. Don't miss our wonderful historic downtown rapid city, take your picture with the presidents statues and grab hot cuppa!

During all the festivities, take a break and join me for two open houses, both on the same street for easy visiting! Sunday from 1:00 - 2:30.

Lovely split level home on a corner lot in Valley Heights. Split rail and chain link fence surround the large, landscaped lot. Wonderful open family room area, walk-out basement, and divided bedroom arrangement on upper level. Glorious views of the Black Hills from the deck. Lots of extras in this home with wide entry staircase.

14794 Sunlight Drive is offered at $239,900




And right down the street-- the second open house also on Sunlight Drive!














14790 Sunlight Drive is offered at $229,900

A map to Sunlight Drive and both open houses can be found by clicking here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Open Houses!

A quick note for my open houses this Sunday, November 2. It would be great if y'all could stop by!

The first is at 14790 Sunlight Dr.

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.

Here is a handy map to the location. I'll be there from 12:00 - 1:30 pm

Next, from 2:00 - 3:30 come to 4116 Augusta Drive

Exceptional home on the 14th fairway of the Elks Golf Course! Far and away the greatest in design and style. Bea utiful 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 efficent heating.

Again, a handy map will help you find me!

Sunday Open Houses

We had a dusting of snow this week in the Black Hills. It's time to start thinking of cool mornings, hot cocoa and hikes in the Hills on snow-touched trails.

Homes are decorated for Halloween, I especially love to drive on the side streets and see the creative ways people have come to celebrate this holiday. Trick-or-treaters sure do get a treat at some of these homes, and I don't just mean the candy! I noticed a home the other day that had a "pathway" to the front door lined with cobwebs and goblins -- just as good as any haunted house you will find!

I've got two open houses for you this Sunday:

The first at 4933 Chalkstone Drive from 12:30-2:00. This is an awesome 5 bedroom 3 bath home in beautiful Auburn Hills! Gorgeous kitchen with new laminate flooring, large snack bar, and all appliances. Roomy family room with bar, beautiful landscaping, wired for a hot tub in back. Close to all shopping and stunning views all around.




The second is located at 5003 Whispering Pines Drive from 2:30-4:00pm. Follow this handy map to Whispering Pines!



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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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