Arcade games are continually evolving, with the turn-of-the twentieth century introducing pinball before evolving into traditional video games (Pac-Man, anyone?) and, now, virtual reality games. Do you want to get a taste of all of the above? Then you will want to visit Colorado's epic Fun Street Arcade:
Located in Salida, the Fun Street Arcade is a "social place, a safe space, and a place for all" that offers something for everyone.
From the moment you step foot inside the Fun Street Arcade, you are guaranteed to find something to entertain you, beginning with old-time favorites like Skee-Ball, the Cyclone, and old-school pinball.
Like all great arcades, Fun Street also boasts all of your favorite 70s, 80s, and 90s video games a la Street Fighter, Cruisin' World, and Ms. Pac-Man.
While all of the above may sound pretty standard for an arcade, Fun Street also offers state-of-the-art virtual reality games, including a Zombie Training Simulator, Shooty Fruity, and Google Earth VR.
As if you needed another reason to visit, Fun Street Arcade even houses unique sports simulators that put you right in the middle of zombie dodge ball, soccer, and/or golf.
Colorado’s Bishop Castle Was Built By One Man Over 60 Years and It Will Blow Your Mind
After living in Colorado for over a decade, I finally made it to Bishop Castle - a well-known, multi-story, several thousand square foot, free-admission landmark built by one man over more than half a century. It was even more amazing than I imagined!
I moved to Colorado in 2013. Soon after, I heard about an interesting attraction called Bishop Castle. It was in Rye, an off-the-beaten path, small town about three hours south of Denver. A very good friend of mine from New York saw something about it in a Colorado guidebook, and it seemed interesting to us. He made me promise to “save it” and wait until he visited to check it out. I agreed.
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Although that friend visited me in Colorado many times over the past decade, we never made it down to Rye; we were always busy doing other things when he came to town. So, last month, in September 2024, I decided I’d put off my Bishop Castle adventure long enough and made a detour to stop by it with another friend on my way back to Denver from Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
I’m so glad that I did! I do hope to bring my New York friend to see it on his next Colorado visit, because now I realize this free, gigantic, impressive, and unusual attraction is absolutely worth the drive and effort to reach it. It far exceeded my expectations, and I can’t wait to go back again.
Photo by Christy Articola
So, what is Bishop Castle, anyway? Why is there a castle in rural Colorado? The answers to these questions all lead back to a man named Jim Bishop. Bishop Castle, a three-story structure with vast windows, winding staircases, and two towers - one of which reaches 160 feet in height - was built entirely by him over a period of sixty years.
That’s right. Brick by brick, Jim Bishop built an entire castle - by himself and on his own. And today, you can visit it for free and explore it be overwhelmed by wonder.
When Jim Bishop was 15 years old, he bought the land upon which Bishop Castle sits for $450, and he soon started building a small cottage using found materials from the surrounding land. As he began to stack rocks to create the walls, locals jokingly asked if he was building a castle.
Photo by Christy Articola
This was all the inspiration that Jim Bishop needed. From that point forward, he continued to build until he was no longer able to build anymore. Over the following 60 years, the castle that stands on the property came into being - and it’s an incredibly impressive sight to see.
Bishop Castle is made almost entirely of stone that Jim Bishop took from the adjacent national forest land. There’s also a vast amount of wrought iron which was used to create supports, railings, stairways, and walkways. The windows are of course made of glass, and the flooring is wood. Jim Bishop created the entire castle without blueprints or any real plan; he simply put it together, piece by piece, and added new and interesting features as they appeared in his mind.
Today, Bishop Castle is open to the public and it’s free to visit. Donations are welcome, and there’s a gift shop onsite selling Bishop Castle merchandise, too. Jim Bishop is still alive, but his days of building are long past. Some days, he’s present on site and is available for questions and conversation about his masterpiece.
Photo by Christy Articola
I made it to top and immediately, my concerns about safety were tossed aside in favor of wonder. I couldn’t believe the size and beauty of the large, central room I entered first. It was like walking into a church. Three huge, many-paned windows and a glass ceiling allowed natural light to enter while offering views of the surrounding forest and mountains. The interior space was empty but was surely large enough for a group of over 100 people to comfortably gather for a party or event. Open archways on both sides of the room led to stairs.
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Photo by Christy Articola
Now that I was inside, I felt a lot more confident about my safety. It was clear that this castle was very solid and that it was not going to crumble or disintegrate in any way any time soon. In fact, even if unmaintained, I truly believe that Bishop Castle would stand on its own for centuries to come. Jim Bishop constructed his castle to last for the long term.
My companion and I next decided to climb one of the towers. I chose one at random and started my ascent. Unknowingly, I chose the shorter of the two towers - but it was still quite tall. The stairs seemed to continue forever upward until I finally reached the top.
I’m not afraid of heights under normal circumstances, but when I saw how high up we were, and felt the strong breeze at the top, I definitely got a little nervous. I held on tight and looked at the beautiful views all around. We snapped a few pictures and soon went back down to the main chamber.
I was quite tired after this part of the adventure, but my companion decided to climb the stairs to the second, taller tower - and next time I go, I certainly will, too. He said that this one was even more terrifying, despite the structure clearly being very solid - but he’s glad he went to the top. Meanwhile, I went down the stairs to the area below the main chamber and checked that out. Stone archways offered a true castle feel, and stained-glass windows were a very nice touch as well.
Photo by Christy Articola
After we reconvened, we stayed a bit longer and took lots of photos. It was great that we had the place to ourselves. It was like we were in a giant playhouse built for adults, and we felt like we were king and queen of this castle. Together, we marveled at this incredible work of art and continued to point out various details to one another. We were absolutely amazed by this castle and were filled with wonder. It’s truly incredible in every way regardless, but when you stop and take a moment to remember and recognize that it was built by a single human being - a man with zero architectural or construction training and without help from anyone else - it becomes nearly unbelievable.
Bishop Castle far exceeded my expectations for it and I am so glad that I finally made it to Rye to see it for myself. I will surely return to it time and time again in the years to come, and I am excited to spread the word to you, dear reader, and to anyone else who will listen. Hooray for Jim Bishop and hooray for Bishop Castle. There is likely nothing else like this castle in the entire world, and we are so lucky to have it right here in Colorado.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
