Colorado Adventure eNewsletter - May 2006

 Road Trippin' on Colorado's Scenic Byways

When you hit the open road in Colorado, you’ll find historical sites, recreational spots, and natural scenery intersect on 25 scenic byways throughout the state. Recognized for exceptional scenic, historic, cultural, recreational, and natural features, the two newest nationally designated roads include the Colorado River Headwaters, and Trail of the Ancients. Locally, the Colorado Department of Transportation also designated the Collegiate Peaks the state’s newest scenic byway. The Collegiate Peaks is the newest scenic byway of these select routes. Located in Northwestern Colorado, the Colorado River Headwaters byway extends 80 miles along the Colorado River, Rocky Mountain National Park and the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. The two-hour drive passes through several towns known for outdoor adventures, mountain scenery and mining history, including Grand Lake, Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs and Kremmling. The first highway in the nation recognized for its archeological significance, the Trail of the Ancients, covers 116 miles (estimated drive time: three hours) and passes through Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and the Anasazi Heritage Center, among others, where archeologists estimate that between 30,000 to 40,000 ancient Puebloan people once lived and where cliff dwellings, rock art and pottery shards are visible today. One branch of the byway leads to the Four Corners area. Located in south central Colorado a little over two hours from Denver, the Collegiate Peaks Byway passes through the historic towns of Buena Vista and Salida. Driving the 57-mile highway (a one-hour drive), visitors will see 15 towering 14,000-foot mountains to the west. The Arkansas River flanks the roadway to the east, offering sneak peaks at some of the best commercial whitewater rafting trips. The Santa Fe Trail traverses southeastern Colorado through Lamar, Las Animas, La Junta and Trinidad. Estimated drive time: four hours. Visit www.coloradobyways.org for more information.

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 Colorado's Ticket to Film Festivals

Throughout the year Colorado plays host to some of the country's most famous film festivals. Telluride lights up annually with two film festivals showcasing premiers of Hollywood films and paying homage to the mountains and mountain sports. Described by Variety as a “crown jewel among film festivals,” the 33rd annual Telluride Film Festival, a Labor Day tradition, takes place September 1–4. Celebrating the best in film — from screenings of new releases to honoring the classics, and one-of-a-kind discussions with filmmakers. Adding to the excitement, “The Show” lineup is kept secret until the start of the event, and you never know which actors and actresses may pop up in the crowd. Filmmakers, photographers, artists, joined by mountaineers, scientists and activists, gather May 26–May 29, for the Mountainfilm Festival, where films explore adventurous, cultural and social content as well as gallery exhibits, slide presentations and seminars. From September 7–September 10, the 26th annual Breckenridge Film Festival features premieres of Hollywood's newest releases, with past premieres including L.A. Confidential, Motorcycle Diaries and Shark Tale. Founded in 1998, the Crested Butte Reel Fest features a collection of short films produced locally from August 9–13. In the city, The Denver Film Society hosts several festivals throughout the summer including the Aurora Asian Film Festival, Film on the Rocks at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Films on Fillmore.

 Tempt Your Taste Buds at the Taste of Creede

Paint a new trail this summer and visit Creede, providing a small-town feel with towering mountains all around. The town tempts seasonal enthusiasts with the 17th Annual Taste of Creede Fine Arts Festival May 27–28, 2006. The event, an inspiration of the internationally acclaimed artist, Stephen Quiller, promotes the fine arts and culinary artistic traditions of Creede that have earned the town the nickname “one of best small art towns in America.” Area restaurants serve up samples of tasty menu items and delicious house specialties while local artists put on street demonstrations and displays Saturday and Sunday. Stroll among galleries, studios and museums showcasing history and works of art. A friendly artisan competition takes place Sunday afternoon as the artistically talented compete in a “Quick Draw” contest. Artist's have only one hour to create a masterpiece, and when the clock stops, artists will auction the work benefiting next year's festival. Step inside the nationally-acclaimed Creede Repertory Theatre, celebrating its 41st season of sell-out performances. Or lounge in a tent along Main Street to beat the summer heat. The 2nd Annual Silver Chef Cooking Competition spices up the main stage with professional and amateur cooking contests. Your taste buds will be dancing as contestants work against the clock to turn ingredients into savory dishes of edible wonders. Winners receive the "Silver Spatula" award, along with community admiration.

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   Upcoming Events Throughout Colorado  

   COMING IN NEXT MONTH'S ISSUE  

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