My family and I moved here 4 years ago from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Since the move, it's been two jobs and go go go. When I got hired as a promotions person for K99 (you know, the guy or girl who ISN'T the DJ at our live events) I really started to get to know the area around the cities and townships. I realized that Northern Colorado has to be one of the most beautiful and diverse places on Earth. With that said, I learned last week, I hadn't even scratched the surface on the beauty of Northern Colorado.

Last week I took part in the Sleigh Riders Motorcycle Toy Run. I had such an amazing time and was completely starstruck during a leg of the run. I was so breathtaken, I took my family down that same part of the toy run. I started by taking them to the Masonville Mercantile. I was surprised when the first words out of my kids mouths was "COOL!". Masonville is a great experience with the Meracantile there as well as all the sculptures across the road. There were plenty of photo ops with the sculptures as well as the little buildings.

Danny Joe TSM
Danny Joe TSM
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Danny Joe TSM
Danny Joe TSM
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We continued our sight seeing tour down Stove Prairie Rd. The scenery is what I would picture heaven to look like. The first 20 minutes of our sight seeing were consumed with picturesque valleys nestled between the hilltops of the Front Range. We made it a point to stop at the first pull off we came to so we could get out and fully take in the spectacle. It was my oldest daughter's idea to see if we could hear echoes. We decided to shout one word that we really like. I, naturally, chose to shout "CHEESEBURGER!!!" as we heard it reverberate numerous times. Rylie, my 8 yr old, decided to yell "One Direction!" Typical for her. Shelby, my 3 yr old decided to whisper "macaroni and cheese" while my wife, Sara, chose "Channing Tatum!!" Yeah, I know. As we were getting back into our car, Katlynn informed us that she hadn't had her turn yet. She thought long and hard about what she was going to shout. Then the words flowed out of her mouth "HONEY BOOOOO BOOOOOO!!!" Yep. That's my girl!

After getting into the car, we continued north on Stove Prairie Rd. The rolling hills and valleys had started to darken and it was then we realized we were surrounded by the sight of last year's wild fires. We used that as a lesson to our daughters to be thankful for what you have because, in a moments notice, it could be taken away. It was nice to see new vegetation sprouting up around the burnt trees reminding us when something ends, it means the beginning of something new.

Danny Joe TSM
Danny Joe TSM
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Our trip took us down toward the Mishawaka, a place I had heard about but have never seen. It was then that the walls of the canyon started to close in on us. Gone were the gentle rolling hills of before as they were replaced with walls of sharp jagged rock. It was then we started seeing the river littered with kayakers, rafters and the busses that were bringing groups up for the river tours.

Danny Joe TSM
Danny Joe TSM
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Danny Joe TSM
Danny Joe TSM
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If you want a picturesque and peaceful escape that is just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Fort Collins, I suggest a ride on Stove Prairie Rd. For me, it was absolutely spiritual. I can not wait to see what other gems Northen Colorado has kept hidden from me. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to let me know on the face book post for this article.

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