OT - Anyone ever do a summer vacation in Colorado?

[IDoDis]

I did not know about that Santa's Workshop place! Dh hid that from me! I just asked him about it and he chuckled and asked how I found out about it. He hid it from me just because he didn't want to go to it!

We are so going there next trip!

I also want to go to Casa Bonita in Denver. I've been curious about it ever since I saw it on South Park.

Ooooh!! You have to go to Casa Bonita! The kids love watching the cliff divers! It's an awesome restaurant! http://www.casabonitadenver.com/ The food is not as good as what we get in New Mexico, but the theming and shows are all that!

As for places to stay, We love the LaQuinta Inns & Suites in Colorado Springs. It's right next to the World Arena right off of 1-25. It's a 3 star hotel, but very nice. (I forgot to mention earlier that the Figure Skating Hall of Fame is also in Colo. Springs). Also, as another poster mentioned, there is the Broadmoor Hotel which is fancy-smancy and very pricey. It would be fun to go for one night, at least. http://www.broadmoor.com/

You might also consider going to a dude ranch and living like a cowboy. This one is supposed to be good: http://www.sylvandale.com/dude_ranch_vacations/dude_week.html

 

[Mono~rail]

I have to laugh... Casa Bonita is a neat place to go... the food isn't that great, but that is not what you go there for anyhow.

As for South Park, there is a town here by that name, I have heard that the show was named for it... don't know how true that is, we drove through it and it didn't seem like there was much there.

Ooooh!! You have to go to Casa Bonita! The kids love watching the cliff divers! It's an awesome restaurant! http://www.casabonitadenver.com/ The food is not as good as what we get in New Mexico, but the theming and shows are all that!

Dh grew up in CO Springs, and he enjoys South Park. He gets all the inside jokes - like when they rip on Cherry Creek. His first job was caddying at the Broadmoor.

I so want to go for the cliff divers and other shows plus Black Bart's cave. I think the kids would have fun too. Dh's parents would take him there for his birthday every year when he was a kid.

I'm glad y'all mentioned the food quality so when we go I won't be disappointed. So long as it is edible I'm ok. I think WDW has really awesome food so I'm easy to please.

 

[drivencrazy]

Dh grew up in CO Springs, and he enjoys South Park. He gets all the inside jokes - like when they rip on Cherry Creek. His first job was caddying at the Broadmoor.

I so want to go for the cliff divers and other shows plus Black Bart's cave. I think the kids would have fun too. Dh's parents would take him there for his birthday every year when he was a kid.

I'm glad y'all mentioned the food quality so when we go I won't be disappointed. So long as it is edible I'm ok. I think WDW has really awesome food so I'm easy to please.

As for the inside jokes... we have only watched the show a few times and always seem to catch the inside jokes!

As for the food quality........ I do have to say it has been ages since I was there, but I remember it tasting like a frozen meal... the .99 budget ones! But my daughter (13) just went a couple of months ago, she had the taco salad and said it was pretty good?!? Not sure what that means!

But now thinking about it... our younger 2 haven't been and so I do think that we will head over there sometime after hubby gets back!

 

[writersblock42]

My uncle and his family live in Colorado in Frisco. There is a ton to do. One of our favorite things to do is to take our bikes to the top of Vail Pass and coast down the bike path-all downhill-have another car meet you at the bottom-there is also a shuttle. You can go gold mining, horseback riding, ATV riding, white water rafting, hiking, camping and a whole bunch of activities that I am missing. The weather is very mild in the summer. In fact, you will want to bring a light sweater for the cooler evenings. But days can get very warm-bring a water bottle to fill up-the water is very good there and ice cold right out of the tap but you need to drink a lot because it is very dry.

 

[IDoDis]

I'll also add that you should pack and wear lots of sunscreen. The high altitude makes for beautiful blue skies, but the sun is way more intense with higher rates of skin cancer in this area of the country. I would not call Colorado hot though. Yes, it does get up into the high 90s and low 100s at times, but then the next day it will be 83. Those temps are also cooler in the mountains. The heat is a dry heat which is much more bearable than a 90 degree day in Orlando.

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

I agree, Casa Bonita has a great atmosphere but the food is frozen dinner quality...yuck!!

Everybody has listed such great ideas that I was thinking about so I won't duplicate. One fun thing to do is go up to Steamboat Springs and grab a tube and float down the river...this is a blast. Also I would suggest to go to Red Rocks and watch a concert. I love seeing concerts there, the stage and everything is built in to the Red Rocks. There is also our amusement Park called Elitches (use to be 6 Flags) that has a water park, or you can visit our big water park that is on the Travel Channels Top 10 water parks that is called Water World.

 

[Soupermom]

I, too, LOVE Colorado in the summer. LOTS to do. Make sure you take a few days to get acclimated to the altitude and as a PP said, wear TONS of sunscreen. You'll need good sunglasses, too. And drink LOTS of water; if you are partial to an evening drink, you may have to limit those, too. That alcohol can really do you in in the higher altitudes. You can expect warm, sunny days and cooler (jacket) evenings in the mountains. We've even had snow on the 4th of July! (top of the ski hill). It was great! Even better...NO mosquitoes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My parents have a condo in Avon/Beaver Creek, actually they are in the process of selling, but anyway we love it there. Restaurants are a little pricey, but there is a nice grocery store and a Wal-Mart. If you are in that area make the hour or so drive to the natural hot springs in Glenwood Springs...beautiful drive!

If you'd like more info about this area, just let me know!

 

[budbeerlady]

I have to laugh... Casa Bonita is a neat place to go... the food isn't that great, but that is not what you go there for anyhow.

Casa Bonita is fun, I want to take DD and Dh there some time. I also loved Breckenridge in the summer! It was fun to hike around and throw snowballs in July.

We drove from MI for the YCF convention in Estes park years ago. It was fun to see all the differnt areas and Estes park was nice, I wish I had taken the ride up to pikes peak at the time. I was 16 and wanted to sleep in so I didnt go. We checked out the Garden of the Gods, the airforce academey, we hiked around and had a great time. I cannot wait untill DD is old enough to really enjoy it.

 

[tycopj]

I live here does that count??

I live in Colorado too! The posters have a lot of great suggestions here. One place we love is Glenwood Springs, home of the worlds largest hot springs pool. My kids love love love this place!!!! Hanging Lake is just East of Glenwood, it is a hike up to a small lake--it is BEAUTIFUL! Glenwood is near a lot of the "ski" towns.

Santa's workshop is always a hit with my kids (year round). Near Santa's Workshop is Cave of the winds, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Garden of the Gods. The Royal Gorge is a sight to see.

Down south are the Sand Dunes which are awesome! You can visit the Four Corners, the only place in the U.S.A where you can be in four states at one time.

Closer to Denver there is the town of Morrison which has Dinosaur Ridge, Bandimere Speedway and Tiny Town.

Golden has grown soooo much, but it is still a nice place to visit, you can take a tour of Coors.

Downtown Denver has the 16th Street Mall, Coors Field, Invesco Field, lots of night life, dining and shopping. Six Flags Elitch Gardens, The Aquarium ( I can't think of the name) The Denver Mint, I think you have to reserve a tour ahead of time now, I'm not sure anymore. The kids use to have field trips there, but they don't seem to do that anymore. My cousin came out last summer and was dissappointed to learn that an advance reservation is required.

Western Colorado is Wine Country..........I haven't really visited this area much but my BIL/SIL have and really enjoy it.

Sooooooooooo much to do, why do we leave? Oh yeah, we don't have Disney

Casa Bonita food atmosphere


Have fun!

 

[Earstou]

I'll have to second Sand Dunes National Monument. Do research it though, it's not for everyone. It can be hot and rugged at times, but we love it. Also, closer to the Four Corners area, there is Mesa Verde National Park where you can explore the ancient cliff dwellings built by the Anasazi. Awesome park!
In Durango, you can catch the Silverton, Durango train http://www.durangotrain.com/. You ride the narrow-gauge train through the mountains up to the old mining town of Silverton where you stop for lunch, then back again. This takes most of the day (something like 8am to 5pm) or you can take a bus one-way to shorten the adventure.
Dinosaur Ridge was already mentioned. If you are into dinosaurs, also go to Triceratops Trail on the edge of Golden, very close to Dinosaur Ridge.
We also love Casa Bonita, but have to agree with the food quality.
We've done all of the above (except Triceratops Trails, which we just discovered on our last trip) numerous times because they are our favorites!

Has anyone ever been to the Highland Festival in Estes Park? It's the weekend after Labor day, with highland games and a parade. A shopkeeper there told us about it, but I was wondering if it was worth traveling for?

 

[Irin997]

I lived in CO for a long time and reading all these tips makes me miss it sooo much!

BTW, Elitches is now Elitches again? It was Elitches, then 6 Flags, and is now just Elitches again..??

I love the mountain towns in the summer. It's just the locals and they are so friendly and nice (well, everyone in CO is friendly and nice for no reason).

Keep in mind, things in CO move at a MUCH slower pace. People tend to take their time and will say hi to you on the street just for the pleasure of being nice. Makes me really miss the friendliness you just don't get on the East Coast.

Estes Park is awesome and you've got to check out the Stanley Hotel, as someone mentioned was the inspiration for the novel The Shining. Also, the hotel was featured in Dumb and Dumber and is where Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniel's characters stayed in Aspen.

Check out Buffalo Bill's gravesite during a beautiful drive.

Take a tour of the Coors Brewery and get some free beer. Coors tastes a heck of a lot different in CO. Also affects you differently...ie more potent

The exit before Idaho Springs on I-70 west bound is a fantastic little biker bar that serves the BEST green chile ever! It's called Kermit's.

Go to a Rockies game and hit the bars after. Walk by the Real World Denver house that used to be a pool hall/bar called B-52's.

Take the Pike's Peak Cog Railway for a gorgeous trip to the top. Bring a jacket or sweater for the summit!

Go tubing in Boulder and take along a picnic lunch.

Take a trip to Seven Falls and see the shows and get brave enough to climb to the top.

Walk down 16th street mall in Denver and ride the shuttle bus.

Visit as many micro-breweries as you can!

Go down one of a couple different Alpine Slides.

Go to Red Rocks and admire the view. Yup, it's free to check out as long as there isn't a concert! Better yet, see a concert there!

After Red Rocks, take a walk through the quaint little town of Morrison and check out the shops.

If you're in the 4 corners area, check out Mesa Verde and the amazing cliff dwellings.

Go white water rafting, take an ATV ride, or just go hiking and see the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Check out the Royal Gorge Bridge.

Go to the Molly Brown house and museum.

Of course Casa Bonita...the only reason to go is for the sopapias (sp?) and entertainment. The food sucks.

That's just a small list. You can explore so much more just by driving around the mountains. Make sure you have an SUV if you want to go offroading and a good map!

 

[SummersMom]

I'm from Colorado also, born and raised in the Denver area and I moved back about 2 years ago. I also lived in Glenwood Springs for about 3 years and I have a summer home in Lake City (SW Colorado).

Everyone here has mentioned tons of great ideas. I think the question is what type of activities do you like? Colorado has it all - theater, nice restaurants & hotels, hiking, mountain climbing, rock climbing, mountain biking, river rafting, kayaking, "old west" theme, wine country, etc.

One other 5* hotel that hasn't been mentioned is the Ritz which just opened this week in Downtown Denver. If you have any specific questions that haven't been answered, you can email or PM me, especially regarding the western slope.

 

[Pooh_Friend#1]

The exit before Idaho Springs on I-70 west bound is a fantastic little biker bar that serves the BEST green chile ever! It's called Kermit's.

This almost made me cry, it brought up some great memories for me. My grandparents would take us to the Opera in the summer time in Central City (before it became a gambling town) and we would be dressed up and stop for dinner at a biker bar. I loved Kermits. All the employees would recognize us. I am going to have to stop by there, it has been a while since I have been there.

 

[Along4theRide]

My DH and I's favorite spot is Crested Butte in the summer and Breckenridge in the winter. Crested Butte is a cute little town with a lot of character!! We first found it when we were there for a Fat Tire Festive (Mtn bike). We take a lift up the mtn w/our bikes and ride down the mtn...a lot of fun!! We also went white water rafting, hiking, shopping and camping. I love going up there and can't wait to take the kids back up there!

 

[tar heel]

Mesa Verde National Park is one of the absolute coolest places we've ever been. I would highly recommend it.

We spent a week at a family reunion at Snow Mountain Ranch in/near Estes Park. While there, various family members hiked the Rocky Mountain National Park, took a train trip (which they reported as boring), rafted on the Colorado River, and went to a Rockies game.

We visited several states other than Colorado, but on that trip, our temperature range was 30-112! I have a photo of my sons standing in the snow on July 4 -- two days later we were at Four Corners and it was 112.

 

[dsnymomadopt2china]

I love to drive to Vail and eat at Blu's for breakfast. It is an affordable restaurant right along the gore creek river. Their is a fly fishing store close so you can watch them practise fishing in the river. Often kayakers will pass by, too. I love their green chile over potatoes and cheese. Then after you have been totally fueled up you can then go hike hanging lake. It is beautiful.
Then go to glenwood for the night. If you go early summer, Vail is still a season behind, so all the tulips are in bloom it is gorgeous.

 

[Irin997]

This almost made me cry, it brought up some great memories for me. My grandparents would take us to the Opera in the summer time in Central City (before it became a gambling town) and we would be dressed up and stop for dinner at a biker bar. I loved Kermits. All the employees would recognize us. I am going to have to stop by there, it has been a while since I have been there.

I LOVE Kermit's! I have a decorated dollar bill up there somewhere commemorating my first time snowboarding!

I miss Colorado soooo much!

 

[Stitches glitch]

From Denver and I love it! There is so much to do in the city, if you are looking to stay primarily in Denver here are some things to do:
The Denver Museum
http://www.dmns.org/main/en/
The Denver Zoo
http://www.denverzoo.org/
The 16th St Mall
http://www.denver.com/16th-street-mall/
The Denver Art Museum
http://www.denverartmuseum.org/home
The Children's museum
http://www.cmdenver.org/
Downtown Aquarium (or Ocean Journey)
http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumdenver/flash_content/index.html
Six Flags Elitch Gardens
http://www.elitchgardens.com/

Depending on the time you go there may be some activities downtown, they completely shut down one of the major intersections in downtown Denver 3 times a year in the summer to have what's kinda like a big block party. They have food, lots of different vendors selling local made stuff, rides, games and music and the best thing of all- admission is FREE! :
In May, "Cinco De Mayo"
http://www.newsed.org/cinco.htm
In June, "The People's Fair"
http://www.peoplesfair.com/display_page.asp?site_id=5&page_id=149&m=1&pid=186
And in August, "the Taste of Colorado"
http://www.atasteofcolorado.com/

In Westminster (about 20 miles outside of Denver) there is the Butterfly Pavillion, which is small but really cool.
http://www.butterflies.org/

In Colorado Springs be sure to check out:
Seven Falls (be prepared to climb ALOT of stairs but it's totally worth it! )
http://sevenfalls.com/
The North Pole
http://www.santas-colo.com/
Cave of the Winds
http://www.caveofthewinds.com/

And if you like to gamble check out Central City, they have some nice hotels up there too.
http://www.centralcitycolorado.us/

For cheap shopping on the weekend go to the Mile High Flea Market, where they also have food and a few rides for the smaller kids. Be sure to pack the sunblock because it's all outdoors!
http://www.milehighfleamarket.com/

I hope that I've helped! Have a great time and if you have any questions at all just PM me and I'll help you the best I can!