Hearts in Hawai'i
Our Trip to South Dakota (2023)--Day 7
9/15/2023
Spearfish Canyon
We have one final day in Rapid City and one final activity--a drive of the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, requiring a short drive west on I-90 to the town of Spearfish. Jumping off the freeway in Spearfish, we cut south on US-14A. This drive took us through Spearfish Canyon to locations such as Bridal Veil Falls and other trails and overlooks, eventually ending at Cheyenne Crossing. From there, 14A cuts to the east and then to the north, through the towns of Lead and Deadwood until it reconnects with I-90 at Sturgis. Deadwood certainly looks like a place we'll have to spend some time in on a future trip rather than just scooting through it.
During various stops on this drive, I had the chance to converse with a worker who looked like he was about to trim brush or trees (judging by the chainsaw he was carrying) who told me that the colors had just started to pop in the past day or two. Early October is the peak season for leaf viewing. We also chatted up some bicyclists at the Latchstring Restaurant who were about to embark on a drive down the highway to Spearfish where they would be picked up by van and transported back to Rapid City. It was a nearly perfect day for such an activity.
I'm tired of driving! Too bad, because I'll have to drive 350 miles tomorrow and close to 400 more on Sunday. Our total mileage will top 2,200.
This and the next six pics give a taste of Spearfish Canyon
Bridal Veil Falls
Spearfish Creek
After skipping lunch other than a granola bar, we were anticipating our 5 p.m. reservation at the Dacotah Steakhouse. This turned out to be a perfect choice for a final meal. The restaurant is a short walk from the hotel and we arrived promptly at 5 p.m. Our server, Ashley, did an outstanding job. We wanted a booth and ended up seated in the bar area but it wasn't loud when we got there. In fact, it stayed fairly quiet even as the bar (which only had two people at it when we arrived) filled up by 6:00. They do a brisk business here and it's obvious why--nice atmosphere, stellar service, excellent food. This was the best meal we'd had anywhere in quite some time. It reminded us of a memorable meal we had enjoyed at Ruths Chris Steak House in Lahaina in 2012.
The feast began with Steakhouse Onion Rings; these had an outstanding taste by themselves. With the included Chipotle Roumalade, they were phenomenal. The next course was a House Salad with Sirloin Steak (for Patty) and a Caesar Salad (for me). Both were great. I don't generally get fired up about salads too much, but these met expectations. Mine was fresh and crisp without either too little or too much Caesar dressing. My steak choice was a 7 oz. filet with added sautéed onions. I found the steak to be nearly as good as what we had at Ruths Chris. Service was spot on and timely--they didn't rush anything out to you but also didn't make you wait too long for the next item.
The $90 pre-tip bill was worth every penny.
Back at the hotel, it was packing time, getting everything put away in our luggage other than the few items we would need in the morning.
As a whole, I loved Rapid City. The terrain, the weather, the people, the surrounding area all make me wonder if this is a place we'd like to live in.
Previous: 9/14/2023--Our Trip To South Dakota (2023)--Day 6
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last updated september 25, 2023
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