Nature's Playgrounds: Family-friendly, Budget-friendly Stops In The American West

Just a two-hour drive from Denver, Buena Vista has become a popular weekend getaway for people on the Front Range. Once known primarily for the summer commercial rafting season along the Arkansas River, this town of about 3,000 souls is growing in appeal year-round. With a new hot springs, new hotel options and some new bars, there are more reasons than ever to check out Buena Vista. The Shorehouse Hotel has an eclectic style in comfortable rooms.

The Winter Park Express ski train is cutting fares and expanding service this winter in cooperation with state government, officials announced at a news conference Monday. Related Articles Outdoors | When every Colorado ski resort plans to open for the 2024-25 season Outdoors | New lodge at Eldora opening with a café, ski school and adaptive sports center Fares will be 43% lower than last year, according to a news release put out by the governor’s office.

Snow forecasts, fall foliage and bucket-list hiking trails all have considerable influence over where Coloradans venture for vacation within our state’s rectangular boundaries. But for food lovers, a memorable meal — better yet, several well-planned reservations — is what guides itineraries. Related: Mountain towns aren’t known for their dining scenes, but that is changing in Summit County Beyond the Front Range, several of Colorado’s mountain towns have become destination-worthy dining hotspots, buoyed by the culinary world’s top awards from Michelin and the James Beard Foundation.

Dining at a hotel restaurant used to be a glamorous experience. But imagining a hotel restaurant today may conjure up images of an empty dining room with a few patrons sipping cocktails at an eerily quiet bar. That said, the tides seem to be turning again as hospitality brands increasingly partner with award-winning chefs and concepts. A cicchetti board from Tavernetta Vail.

I have to confess that I made many trips to Albuquerque to see family during my childhood, but I never really explored the city or the surrounding area until recently. Not only did I find some unique activities and places to see, but I’m ready to return and continue discovering its history and character. Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, is a 6 1/2-hour drive from Denver or an easy 1 1/2-hour direct flight.

Peering over the edge of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison from one of its numerous overlooks, it’s natural to feel weak in the knees. The dark canyon walls streaked with once-molten magma fall sharply down the river below, as if someone used a knife to slice a 48-mile slit in the earth’s crust.