Article and Photos By: Adriana Carlson
Two months before we relocated to Palmer Lake, my husband and I went to the 2nd annual Palmer Lake Arts and Food Festival. A community set back from the interstate and the rush of big city life, Palmer Lake’s festival matched the city’s laid back appeal that enticed us to move here in the first place.
Charm spreads through every corner of this town. Artists displayed original pieces, which were not typical “art show” style. Pottery, paintings, collages, jewelry, and photography booths lined the road next to the lake. Across the highway, restaurants showcased their tasty goods. The Italian restaurants by far out did the local steak joint O’Malleys which unfortunately for this reviewer only offered one chicken wing and a dot of hot sauce. La Zingara and Bella Panini were both outstanding choosing to serve samples the size of appetizers. La Zingara gave out a small bowl of noodles in a white sauce and a large meatball. While Bella Panini served a dish with what appeared and tasted like grits, ham, and a cheese sauce. Sounds weird, but tasted wonderful.
The Inn and Palmer Divide gave out dinner toast with a drizzle of vinegar and roasted veggies on top. Yum! and B&E Filling station served samples of shrimp in an onion and vinegar sauce. Delicious! Rock House Ice Cream impressed once again with a small bowl of ice cream. I got two bowls since Chris didn’t want his.
In the pavilion next to the lake there was a Battle of the Bands. And like a very bad travel writer (I promise next time I will be better) I only listened to one band. They were very talented, singing original music and covering a few songs. The sounded like the Wailing Jennys, they even covered one of the Wailing Jennys songs, but once again I am a very bad travel writer and I don’t remember their name. I think it was something like Half-Day, Two Hours Late, or Two Hour Delay. I’m pretty sure it was the last one. Anyway, they got their name because they are all teachers at the Blind and Deaf school and so when school is delayed they are happy, I think…
As we were leaving we walked by the Tri-Lakes Art Center where kids were encouraged to paint the wall facing the Highway. We put Leila’s footprints on the side, and they are still there!
Anyway, next time I will take much better notes and I will post sooner. This festival is two months late because we’ve been on vacation, moved, and I covered more hours at work while they looked for my replacement.
Till’ Next Time…
Adriana
