Faire is enough to fill the weekend, but why not explore a bit while you're here? There's TONS to do in Colorado, and plenty of things just a bit of a drive from faire. And for the record .... we have had skiing into June and July, it's just lousy conditions.
This is by no means an exhaustrive list, just a bunch of ideas.
Questions, comments? Jump right in ... (And huzzah to Lady de Laney for the list, comments are my own)
Denver ... (north of faire)
Colorado Rockies Baseball – home games June 28th – July 3rd http://mlb.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=col (http://mlb.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=col)
Denver Museum of Nature and Science http://www.dmns.org/ (http://www.dmns.org/)
I don't know if it will still be here, but in March a pirates exhibit opens, complete with loads of artifacts from the Whydah - the only truly authenticated pirate ship. I'll update when I know if it will still be here.
Denver Art Museum (as much history as art) http://www.denverartmuseum.org/home (http://www.denverartmuseum.org/home)
Molly Brown House http://www.mollybrown.org/ (http://www.mollybrown.org/)
Yes, THAT Molly Brown! Reservations required for tours.
Denver Zoo http://www.denverzoo.org/ (http://www.denverzoo.org/)
Denver Aquarium http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumdenver/default.asp (http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumdenver/default.asp)
Elitch Gardens (Six flags) http://www.elitchgardens.com/ (http://www.elitchgardens.com/)
Water World http://www.waterworldcolorado.com/ (http://www.waterworldcolorado.com/)
One of the largest water parks in the country.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary http://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org/ (http://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org/)
It's about 30 miles northeast of Denver.
North of faire .... few hours ...
Butterfly Pavilion – Broomfield http://www.butterflies.org/ (http://www.butterflies.org/)
Redstone Meadery – Boulder http://www.redstonemeadery.com/ (http://www.redstonemeadery.com/)
Tastings and a short tour. It's a tiny place.
Celestial Seasonings - Boulder http://www.celestialseasonings.com/visit-us/index.html (http://www.celestialseasonings.com/visit-us/index.html)
Tours (the mint room alone is worth the trek) and the shop stocks every single Celestial Seasonings available.
Estes Park http://www.estesnet.com/ (http://www.estesnet.com/)
Haunted and Historic Stanley Hotel – Estes Park http://www.stanleyhotel.com/ (http://www.stanleyhotel.com/)
Rocky Mountain National Park http://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm (http://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm)
Blackhawk/Central City http://www.blackhawkcolorado.com/ (http://www.blackhawkcolorado.com/)
Gambling in a mountain town.
Coors Brewery - Golden http://www.coors.com/ (http://www.coors.com/)
Colorado train Museum – Golden http://www.coloradorailroadmuseum.org/ (http://www.coloradorailroadmuseum.org/)
Buffalo Bill Gravesite Golden and Lookout Mountain Golden http://www.buffalobill.org/ (http://www.buffalobill.org/) and http://jeffco.us/openspace/openspace_T56_R14.htm (http://jeffco.us/openspace/openspace_T56_R14.htm)
New Belgium Brewery – Fort Collins http://www.newbelgium.com/LegalPurchasingAge.aspx?ReturnUrl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.newbelgium.com%2fhome.aspx (http://www.newbelgium.com/LegalPurchasingAge.aspx?ReturnUrl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.newbelgium.com%2fhome.aspx)
Rated top 5 breweries in the country, free tours must schedule in advance.
Raft the Poudre River – Fort Collins http://www.awanderlustadventure.com/poudre-river-rafting.htm (http://www.awanderlustadventure.com/poudre-river-rafting.htm)
Colorado Springs ... (south of faire, less than half an hour from Castle Rock)
Garden of the Gods – Manitou Springs/Colorado Springs http://www.gardenofgods.com/home/index.cfm?flash=1 (http://www.gardenofgods.com/home/index.cfm?flash=1)
It's a city park like no other ... tons of hiking and walking trails, but you can also drive through it.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo http://www.cmzoo.org/ (http://www.cmzoo.org/)Feed the giraffes, and the budgies. It's one of the only zoos in the country that has a moose. It's also on the side of a mountain, and small enough to see in a few hours.
Near-ish to Colorado Springs ...
Manitou Springs www.manitousprings.org/ (http://www.manitousprings.org/)
It's a small town practically inside Colorado Springs on the west side. Lots of tourist shops and some other neat places (including a shop/tasting room that sells nothing but premium olive oil and balsalmic vinegars). There are also natural springs you can taste.
Cave of the Winds - Manitou Springs http://www.caveofthewinds.com/ (http://www.caveofthewinds.com/)
Manitou Cliff Dwellings - Manitou Springs http://www.cliffdwellingsmuseum.com/ (http://www.cliffdwellingsmuseum.com/)
They're imported, but still fun to check out.
Pikes Peak http://www.cograilway.com/AboutPikesPeak.htm (http://www.cograilway.com/AboutPikesPeak.htm) or http://www.pikes-peak.com/page/122.aspx (http://www.pikes-peak.com/page/122.aspx)
You can hike, drive or take the train to the top of Pikes Peak. Amazing views, and fantastic donuts at the top.
Raft the Arkansas River http://www.arkansasrivertours.com/ (http://www.arkansasrivertours.com/)
There's many rafting companies to choose from. And the water WILL be cold - it's snow melt after all!
Cripple Creek – Gambling http://www.cripple-creek.co.us/ (http://www.cripple-creek.co.us/)
Victor just down the road - is a goldmine of mininig history, literally.
Elsewhere in Colorado ...Bishops Castle (southewest of Pueblo near Rye) http://webshells.com/cstlbldr/bishop_castle_main_index.htm (http://webshells.com/cstlbldr/bishop_castle_main_index.htm)
Mesa Verde (southwest Colorado) http://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm (http://www.nps.gov/meve/index.htm)
Dinosaur National Monument (North west Colorado/Utah) http://www.nps.gov/dino/index.htm (http://www.nps.gov/dino/index.htm)
Meadery of the Rockies Palisades/Grand Junction http://www.meaderyoftherockies.com/ (http://www.meaderyoftherockies.com/)
Durango Silverton train ride (old) http://www.durangotrain.com/ (http://www.durangotrain.com/)
Georgetown loop train ride (old) http://www.georgetownlooprr.com/ (http://www.georgetownlooprr.com/)
Royal Gorge Train ride out of Canyon City (modern) http://www.royalgorgeroute.com/ (http://www.royalgorgeroute.com/)
Glenwood Springs hot springs baths http://www.spaoftherockies.com/ (http://www.spaoftherockies.com/)
Mount Princeton hot springs http://www.mtprinceton.com/ (http://www.mtprinceton.com/)
Great Sand Dunes National Park http://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm (http://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm)
Bents Fort http://www.nps.gov/beol/index.htm (http://www.nps.gov/beol/index.htm)
And if you're up for a drive up to Wyoming ...
Fort Laramie http://www.nps.gov/fola/index.htm (http://fort%20laramie%20http://www.nps.gov/fola/index.htm)
The Pirate thing at the museum of nature and science will be running into August.
Quote from: Blushing on January 29, 2011, 09:42:52 PM
Coors Brewery - Golden http://www.coors.com/ (http://www.coors.com/)
They give free beer and Coors product samples at the end of the tour ;D
A tad west but there is hot springs in Hot Sulpher Springs
Something Blushing missed that i love is there is a wolf sanctuary just outside divide that is east of colorado springs. http://www.wolfeducation.org/
If you love Wolfs this is a must see.
Great Information. Thanks.
When we have out-of-town visitors during the summer, we highly recommend the following (other than festival, of course):
1. Cog train to the top of Pikes Peak.
2. Garden of the Gods
3. Royal Gorge Train
Cheers.
I would highly suggest a drive into Rocky Mountain National Park. It's gorgeous in July, and usually a tad bit cooler than it is down in Denver.
New Belgium gives free beer just for coming in. The tour you get 5 samples. Plan the tour ahead of time. And as stated New Belgium is rated one of the top 5 brewery's in the US meaning they Kick Budwiser, Coors and many other butts. Every year their beer wins awards. The Brew Master is from you guessed it Belgium and this is as close to a True European beer as you may find in the US. They will be featured or where featured on one of the National Morning shows.
They also sell beer and some of you you'll not find in your local liquar store or eatery.
And IF you go there you can also go scope out O'Dells not O'Douls, another fine brewey and Coppersmiths which is an eatery to boot. So in the spane of less than 1 miles you have three good brewery's just make New Belgium one especially if you decide to go to Estes and swing back through Loveland, I and Toki would be happy to go with you if we are free.
And, if you're looking for even MORE brewery goodness, there's on in Greeley (20 mins east of Loveland) called Crabtree. I have no idea if it's sold in other states but it's a damn good brew, and as far as I'm aware they do free tours, but I can look into it if anyone is interested. Really it's about the only thing worth looking into in Greeley (unless you speak Spanish/own a gun/want to come to my house) but it's not too far from the Loveland/Ft Collins area so you could make a day of Brew Pub Crawls if you wanted to.
Quote from: Zoë on February 03, 2011, 11:39:45 AM
And, if you're looking for even MORE brewery goodness, there's on in Greeley (20 mins east of Loveland) called Crabtree. I have no idea if it's sold in other states but it's a damn good brew, and as far as I'm aware they do free tours, but I can look into it if anyone is interested. Really it's about the only thing worth looking into in Greeley (unless you speak Spanish/own a gun/want to come to my house) but it's not too far from the Loveland/Ft Collins area so you could make a day of Brew Pub Crawls if you wanted to.
Yet somehow, I have the feeling that if I said, "I have a gun, I'm gonna drink some beer and come to your house," I wouldn't -- or at least shouldn't -- be welcome. ;)
Lee an I went home by way of Wyoming/South Dakota last year....I have to mention that the Oregon Trail is not far from Fort Laramie! Both sites were fun to be at ;D
I love Fort Laramie. It's a fantastic historical site with a MOST Awesome book store including Many books with Victorian patterns
Quote from: iain robb on February 03, 2011, 12:30:22 PM
Quote from: Zoë on February 03, 2011, 11:39:45 AM
And, if you're looking for even MORE brewery goodness, there's on in Greeley (20 mins east of Loveland) called Crabtree. I have no idea if it's sold in other states but it's a damn good brew, and as far as I'm aware they do free tours, but I can look into it if anyone is interested. Really it's about the only thing worth looking into in Greeley (unless you speak Spanish/own a gun/want to come to my house) but it's not too far from the Loveland/Ft Collins area so you could make a day of Brew Pub Crawls if you wanted to.
Yet somehow, I have the feeling that if I said, "I have a gun, I'm gonna drink some beer and come to your house," I wouldn't -- or at least shouldn't -- be welcome. ;)
Haha - you could always pull up a chair in the backyard if you wanted, as long as you bring me some beer too. ;)
Local hint.....drink lots of water and as your tour around colorado keep water with you.
If you head up to the top of Pikes Peak just remember its 30 to 40 degrees lower up there so bring a coat.
Great information! :) I DO plan on making this and since Colorado is such a beautiful state, I am going to get in as much sight seeing as possible while there.
If you're traveling with munchkins, the Denver/Boulder Kids' Pages has great listings for child-friendly local discounts and events. We often find a new adventure here:
http://kidspages.org/
Might I suggest for 4th of July fireworks viewing any of the following:
Lookout Mountain - check out the bars and such.
Any sporting event going on.
16th street mall - although this is NOT for the faint of heart -it's the downtown walking mall and you will be right under the fireworks
The Chili's at Arapahoe and Parker in Centennial. You can see the whole metro area from the front windows.
I second Pike's Peak, and both zoos. They are both amazing for different reasons. The Denver one may have the Asian Topics mostly done by then, it is a large exhibit that will be completely fueled by elephant poo. The Cheyenne Mountain one has a chair lift to an overlook from which you can see Kansas on a clear day.
For the outdoorsy type, there is a plethora of State Parks. One of the more fun ones is Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs. Set inbetween the Cheyenne Mountain (you know, where the Stargate is) and Fort Carson, it has an amazing trail system and allows camping (40 minutes from faire). There are also open spaces that are free for day use. One such is Lair O' the Bear. http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/openspace/openspace_T56_R11.htm At the Lair O' the Bear there is a castle. You park in the parking lot and hike about 1.5 miles along Bear Creek Trail (pretty flat and wide)and just as you think you are about to see Little Red Riding Hood around the corner, you will see across the creek, a stone castle. Downside is that you can't go look at it up close, only from across the creek. If you ignore the truck parked out back, it is very fairy tale-esque.
For those interested in really really old things, there is Dinosaur Ridge just West of Denver, a walk back in time with some fascinating fossils http://www.dinoridge.org/ You can walk the trail (uphill both ways) for free, or catch a tour bus for a fee. You may not drive yourself up it.
Free tours include Hammond's Candy http://www.hammondscandies.com/ They make the best candy canes around and by hand! Watching the liquid candy take form just feet away and browsing through the reject room for that great deal on a broken cane will make you feel like a kid...well, you know.
http://www.denver.org/what-to-do This site has helped me plan a date night or two. Always with the best information about where to eat and what to drink. They also have the top 10 free things to do in Denver. http://www.denver.org/what-to-do/itinerary/detail?cid=13
If you get into town a little early, check out a First Friday Art Walk. Fun, free, and usually including wine and food tastings. The most well known area is Santa Fe, but there are other areas to check out - in nearly every city or town. Even Fort Collins has one.
Remember, at altitude it is easier to get drunk and get burned. Sunscreen and water.
Thanks for this !
We'll probably do the Museum on Thursday.... then the Zoo on Friday
From my info the Pirate Exhibition at the Denver Museumn of Nature and Scirence runs into Aug. SO ye swash buckling scallywags can go check out this awesome display when you come to this land locked faire.
We were in Colorado a few years ago & enjoyed visiting the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.
Hey Merlin just an FYI, the Denver museum of nature and science is right next door to the zoo. You can park at one and walk to the other its that close. I know the museum dosn't mind if you come in garb, just no weapons.
Here is another fun thing to do
http://www.boulderhomemadeicecream.com/findus/tours.html
We are going to take the train to Pikes Peak on Friday !
Quote from: Adriana Rose on January 30, 2011, 05:31:26 PM
Quote from: Blushing on January 29, 2011, 09:42:52 PM
Coors Brewery - Golden http://www.coors.com/ (http://www.coors.com/)
They give free beer and Coors product samples at the end of the tour ;D
if I ran coors, I'd give that crap away too.
Quote from: Hey- Arent You? on March 23, 2011, 01:42:21 PM
Quote from: Adriana Rose on January 30, 2011, 05:31:26 PM
Quote from: Blushing on January 29, 2011, 09:42:52 PM
Coors Brewery - Golden http://www.coors.com/ (http://www.coors.com/)
They give free beer and Coors product samples at the end of the tour ;D
if I ran coors, I'd give that crap away too.
Have I ever told you how much I adore you? I have, I'm sure. But I'll say it again. I adore you.
Wait.....they don't pay you to drink rocky mountain piss water...oh wait thats coors
:D
...and I thought I was in the minority with my opinion of Coors beer... Sorry, Colorado, but you have better things to be proud of! :D
Not a big fan of Budweiser at all...in fact I would rather drink... nevermind... but I did tour their brewery...as I have Miller.
Usually worth the trip for the museum aspect of brewing but allow me to get in that long line of people who think Coors is one of the worst beers in the world.
Well just for you merlin we even have a buttwhiper plant you can tour......huh....what you mean its Budweiser.....bah
Hey not sure if you guys have looked into the tickets for the pirate exhibit but they are timed so you go in at certain times. Just an fyi incase you want to get the tickets early
Thanks for the info! I want to take the kiddo to that some time this summer
YARP best to get tickets for the Pirate exhibit at the DMNS. Toki and I are going tomorrow.
It's my plan to go next week while the kiddo is on spring break!
NO Camera's ARE allowed as an FYI. Also as stated get tickets ahead of time
The Baroness and attended the premier and, I'm sorry to report, were somewhat disappointed. It seemed to us that:
1. The connection of the Wydah to the slave trade was grossly overemphasized. (It's interest is generated by its history as a pirate ship, not a slaver.)
2. The mock-up was poorly done, lending the impression that ships of the time, especially pirate vessels, were clean and spacious.
Having said that, however, the exhibit is still well worth the time and expense. And, if you're not tuckered by the time you finish with the Wydah, you can visit some of the best dinosaur dioramas in the country.
When this was announced it was coming to the DMNS there was an add that was out for Pirate reenactors. Sadly there was only 1 person there in period dress and she was in an 18th Century colonial dress speaking mainly to little girls.
While disapointed, I was glad we went. Seeing a bell over 300 years old sent shivers down the spin, not to mention the only remains and shoes and other stuff.
i'd say go if you can
Quote from: Lady de Laney on March 28, 2011, 08:55:17 AM
While disappointed, I was glad we went. Seeing a bell over 300 years old sent shivers down the spin, not to mention the only remains and shoes and other stuff.
Although completely off topic...... While in the UK, visiting Portsmouth, I actually got to LAY HANDS on the actual canons that were raised from the Mary Rose! AMAZing! http://www.maryrose.org/ (http://www.maryrose.org/) One of the coolest things I have ever done. HMS Victory was pretty cool too! ;D