| Welcoming Summer Guests |
By: Laurie Fisher
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Posted: Wednesday, July 9, 2008 1:29 pm
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Colorado’s Front Range is a haven for summer visitors. Warm sunny days followed by cool nights allow us to be able to provide an enriching and entertaining visit with vacationing friends and family.
Whether you are hosting your immediate family or planning a big event like a wedding, here are a few suggestions to delight your guests. Two great Web sites to scope out your options are the Denver Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.Denver.org) and www.ExperienceJeffersonCounty.org. You can research most area events, shopping, sports and recreation, spas, arts and culture and day trips.
Accommodations: Find the best fit for your guests’ ages and interests. Families might be happiest with a hotel that has a swimming pool and playground. Most major chains are happy to attract the younger set and some even provide supervised “day camps” to keep kids occupied. Couples seeking romance can find more private getaways at bed and breakfasts located in the city and mountains. Spa seekers will enjoy a plethora of day spas or multi-day retreats readily available in the resorts from the luxurious Broadmoor in Colorado Springs to the romantic and rustic Gold Lake Mountain Resort and Spa outside of Boulder.
Dining: You can pack a picnic to eat alfresco in a local park with fresh ingredients from local farmer’s markets, natural food stores or delis located throughout the city. The Front Range is known for its slew of breweries that serve up a variety of microbrews. For a more upscale dining experience, choose from one of the hundreds of gourmet restaurants located downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Summer is prime dining season, so be sure to call for reservations.
Special guests: Are pets part of the picture? It’s no surprise that Colorado is pet friendly. Many hotels accommodate guests with pets, sometimes with an extra fee. Pets will love the miles of walking paths in city parks and throughout the foothill trails. Need to entertain children? Try the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, The Butterfly Pavillion, Elitch Gardens and Waterworld. Don’t forget about The Children’s Museum of Denver or The North Pole. All attractions have handicap accessible areas.
Museums: Air-conditioned venues are great to beat the heat. Visit the crown jewel of art museums in the west, the Denver Art Museum. You can also take in the Black American West Museum, Buffalo Bill’s Museum and Grave in Golden, Leanin’ Tree Museum of Western Art in Boulder, Molly Brown House Museum, Museos de Las Americas and Wings over the Rockies Air and Space Museum.
Culture and Arts Festivals: Submerge yourself in the rich heritage of the locals. Be sure to check out the many arts festivals and premier juried art shows in the area.
Concerts and outdoor films: There’s no shortage of activities under Rocky Mountain skies. From classical to rock, bluegrass to jazz, music fills the air. Check out the scheduled concerts and outdoor film series at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison and Coors Amphitheater in Greenwood Village, in addition to neighborhood parks and open-air pavilions. Many cities in the Front Range offer free or low-cost concert series.
Commune with nature: Kayak at Golden’s whitewater park, raft near Idaho Springs or take out a fishing boat in local lakes. There are miles of hiking and biking along the recreation paths in the city and foothills. For a shorter scenic excursion, stroll through the Denver Botanic Gardens or any of 20 public gardens.
People watch: Olde Town Arvada and the 16th Street Mall are good places for outdoor cafés, carriage rides and people-watching. In Boulder, Pearl Street Mall is bustling with outdoor entertainers and rock and flower gardens. For a historic perspective, check out Washington Avenue in downtown Golden.
Remember to check individual Web sites or www.EasyLivingFrontRange.com for new events, changes in times and venues. You and your guests will appreciate your efforts to create great memories for the summer of 2008. — LF
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