Sandwiched between Vail and Beaver Creek ski resorts on the confluence of the Eagle River and Gore Creek, no-nonsense Minturn is a welcomed alternative to the resort vacation. Outdoor adventures abound here. There are numerous hiking and mountain biking trails into the Holy Cross Wilderness Area and White River National Forest. Colorado 24, running through town is also a designated Colorado Scenic Byway, offering stunning views along the way.

A winery, a few galleries, and restaurants make up the historic downtown. The outdoor summer produce market is a pleasant place to pick up locally grown veggies and fruit. The tiny Minturn Country Club (not really a country club), located in the old Minturn Post Office, is an ideal restaurant for the picky eater: Prepare your own steak, fish, or chicken kebob, and toss it on the grill. The Minturn Inn, a refurbished 1915 log home now filled with rustic Western pieces, is a pretty place to rest your head, but Minturn is also a great spot for bargain lodging.

Valley-wide Fourth of July celebrations include a concert and kayak races in Minturn.