Perched atop a sloping hillside above the town of Avon, Colorado, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch hotel melds luxury accommodations with the majestic spirit of the Rocky Mountains. Opened in 2002 with 180 rooms, The Ritz is nestled into Bachelor Gulch on Beaver Creek Mountain. Upon arriving, guests can cast off the winter chill in front of the lobby fireplace. The Great Room offers a cozy area to enjoy a…
During the long nights of winter, nowhere does the full moon shine brighter than in Colorado’s high country. Tucked away from city lights, the silvery moon hangs like a lantern in the black sky, providing enough illumination for doing just about anything at night that you can do during the day. Mountain residents schedule nighttime activities by the lunar calendar, many of which include a meal or party to…
I love snowshoeing. I love the sound of nothing but aluminum crampons crunching over a packed trail, and, even better, the thumping of 25-inch tails on fresh powder. I love the solitude; the cold, high-mountain winter air and the reward of blazing new trail that I know others will follow. It wasn’t until I started snowshoeing that I felt I had really experienced a Colorado winter. And it wasn’t…
When you think of bed and breakfasts or a Colorado inn, you typically think of an old renovated house in the historic district or lodge. Boulder has redefined this notion with its Boulder Twin Lakes Inn. Finding it somewhere in between an inn and a hotel, Boulder Twin Lakes Inn incorporates the best of both. Why It is Popular Proving that sometimes bigger is better, the Boulder Twin Lakes…
A visit to Rocky Mountain National Park often means staying in adjacent Estes Park. But you can ditch the big tourist crowds and go not too much farther away – to Allenspark. It’s a quieter alternative. And you may see a side of the park you haven’t seen before.Allenspark, about 17 miles north of Boulder and 12 miles south of Estes Park on the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway…
Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway for two or a fun-filled Colorado vacation for the family, Durango proves to be the perfect staging ground for both. With picturesque scenery all around and activities that encompass all the seasons, this town is sure to be anything but a letdown. With a number of bed and breakfasts and hotels to choose from a stay in Durango is sure to…
For a first-hand look at Wild West history, check out the Blake Street Vault in downtown Denver. The restaurant’s original 19th-century architectural details and collection of Old West relics are something to see. But our favorite lure to this locale is the guided tour where guests learn the story of Lydia, a saloon girl who died in the building back in the 1860s and is believed to haunt the…
There is always something to be seen year-round at the Denver Botanic Gardens, even in wintertime, when more than a million gleaming lights turn the Capitol Hill complex into a fantasyland. Located off East 10th Avenue and York Street, this oasis in the city features extensive plant displays, with specimens from all over the world. Outdoor plants are chosen for their ability to thrive in Colorado’s high altitude and…
Cross Orchards Historic Farm, tucked into the eastern edge of Grand Junction, is a working apple farm and historic site that gives visitors a glimpse of farming life in the Grand Valley in the early 1900s. In its prime, the ranch was operated by the Red Cross Land and Fruit Company, and the orchard was one of the largest in the state, covering more than 200 acres with over…
Have you ever considered visiting Vail, Colorado, in the summer or fall? While the mountain may feel like the primary draw, with skiing being the premier activity, there is much to see and do in the Vail Valley when the snows melt. In fact, the Valley itself is a primary attraction, with outdoor activities welcoming guests to take in the natural beauty of the area. If you are one…