May 2009 Attractions & Activities Edition

arts & culture: 7 summer art festivals
Arts in Colorado are as ubiquitous as the Rocky Mountains themselves. Throughout the summer months, many Colorado cities and towns display local artistic talent with gallery shows, festivals, art walks and other events. We’ve compiled a list of a few of the state’s many artistically oriented events that are sure to inspire the indulgences of both well-established and burgeoning art aficionados. And if you crave more from Colorado’s artistic enclaves, visit Colorado.com for an extensive arts and culture calendar.

34th Annual Art in the Park: July 4-5, 2009

La Veta
“Hand-crafted only,” that’s the credo of La Veta’s annual Art in the Park festival that takes place over the Fourth of July weekend. The creativity and passion of local artists will shine through their one-of-a-kind items - each available to art lovers who seek true originality. Walk the open-air booths, talk to artists and find a new treasure. Art in the form of crafts, jewelry, apparel, paintings, ceramics, glass, woodwork and more will all be on display. When not uncovering your next artistic find, sample tasty barbecue, cheer on the parade procession, groove to live music and watch the dust fly at the event’s excitement-filled rodeo. For more information, visit http://www.spanishpeaksarts.org or call 719-742-3074.

Salida Art Walk: June 26-28, 2009

Salida
Three days of strolling galleries, meeting artists and rubbing elbows with Colorado locals in an inspired atmosphere. This June, the town of Salida, known for its access to river rafting on the famed Arkansas River, will bring to light the works of local artists and artisans. More than a dozen art galleries, showcasing hundreds of exhibitors, will open their doors wide to discerning patrons who crave originality and inspiration in art. Learn the secrets of the area’s best by speaking with the artists, follow brush strokes across the canvas and bask in the high-valley atmosphere of a town known for beauty and excitement. For more information on this free event, visit www.coloradoheadwaters.com or call 719-221-3113.

International Music Fest: May 30, 2009

Brush
Art needn’t be relegated to a canvas or pedestal, the flow of melody and the soul of lyrics stoke our passion for the arts with equal fervor. The town of Brush, in Northeast Colorado, is embracing music from around the world in an effort to both entertain and celebrate culture diversity. Listen, dance and enjoy the energy of Polynesian, German, Japanese and Hispanic music from a bevy of expert bands. Expand your musical repertoire, revel in another culture and discover a whole new world of music. And while enjoying exciting new sounds, sample the event’s food that showcases as much cultural diversity as the on-stage acts. For additional information, visit www.internationalmusicfest.org or call 970-842-5001.

Golden Fine Arts Festival: Aug. 15-16, 2009

Golden
More than just a festival, the Golden Fine Arts Festival is a celebration of our nation’s history of creativity. More than 35,000 people frequent this annual affair, as both local and national artists converge on this quaint, foothills town. In addition to arts and crafts of all mediums, music, carriage rides, artists’ demonstrations, food and a Kids Art Zone are all available, free of charge. Home to a number of well-stocked galleries, just blocks from the festival, Golden’s art community will also be holding concurrent events and activities throughout the festival. For more information on this highly anticipated event, visit www.goldenfineartsfestival.org or call 303-279-3113.

Colorado Shakespeare Festival: July 1–Aug. 15, 2009

Boulder
Dust off your complete works and get ready to enjoy some of The Bard’s greatest plays at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. A highlight of Colorado’s summer calendar for more than 30 years, this event is widely regarded as one of the top Shakespeare festivals in the nation. The plays are staged on the University of Colorado campus at two venues, the outdoor Mary Rippon Theatre - which is perfect for a relaxing evening under the stars - and the indoor University Theatre Main Stage, where Shakespearian actors inspire audiences. There’s a show almost every night, so it’s easy to find a performance that fits your schedule. For an up-to-date schedule, visit www.coloradoshakes.org or call 303-492-0554.

29th Annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo and Art in the Park: July 11–12, 2009

Steamboat Springs
Steamboat’s signature summer event is a kaleidoscope of color. Unique creations, from inspired canvases to shimmering jewelry, artistic creations of every spectrum are found at Steamboat's largest arts and crafts festival. In addition to art, dozens of hot air balloons take to the skies over Yampa Valley in a serene display. Throughout the day, the Hot Air Balloon Rodeo treats attendees to airborne events. For additional information, visit www.steamboat-chamber.com or call 877-754-2269.

37th Annual Crested Butte Festival of the Arts, August 1–2, 2009

Crested Butte
With its majestic mountains and lush valleys, inspiration isn’t hard to find in a place like Crested Butte. This annual festival is among the top-ranked art and craft shows in the state, and is sure to please even the most discerning visitors. Most of the action is centered on Elk Avenue, the town’s main thoroughfare - and a National Historic District - with its bevy of open-air booths, sprawling food courts and lively stages where local bands provide the perfect festival vibe. While the event is all about having a good time, it’s also a great place to discover local artists or find that one-of-a-kind souvenir.  For more information, visit www.crestedbutteartfestival.com or call 800-451-5699.

 

casinos/gaming: colorado gaming towns
See what Colorado has to offer in its storied gaming towns when searching for Lady Luck. These towns have legends of the Old West — including those of colorful Baby Doe and pioneering gold miner, Bob Womack. Then, there's the historical and prestigious Central City Opera, and finally, there's the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad. The train ride is a must-do attraction - it’s brightly painted cars and engine take travelers through quintessential Colorado scenery, where lush forests and panoramic views add to the experience. And this is the year to visit, as Central City, Black Hawk, Cripple Creek, and other mining towns are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Colorado Gold Rush. A number of events will be held throughout the year to honor this achievement. Visit www.gilpin150.com for details.

Colorado’s three gaming towns are easy to get to and provide exceptional experiences. Central City and Black Hawk are located within a mile of each other, just 34 miles west of Denver. And the third gaming city, Cripple Creek, is a scenic 48 miles west of Colorado Springs. Several casinos offer economical round-trip transportation to and from Denver and Colorado Springs; many transportation deals include free drinks and casino tokens.

Central City and Black Hawk

Situated in the middle of what once was referred to as "the richest square mile on Earth," Central City and Black Hawk can offer the winning sounds of bells and laughter as you search for Lady Luck in the several bustling casinos. The two mining towns are home to a multitude of legendary tales, and visitors of all ages experience a lifestyle dating back more than 100 years – for more on the area’s history, consider a visit to the Gilpin History Museum on High St. in Central City. Enjoy the fast pace of the craps tables, the intensity and concentration of blackjack and the chance to win big with slots. For information on Central City and Black Hawk, contact the Black Hawk/Central City Visitors and Convention Bureau by visiting www.visitbhcc.com or by calling 877-282-8804.

For a bit of high culture, pay a visit to the Central City Opera House. Built in 1878 by Welsh and Cornish miners, the opera house is home to the fifth-oldest opera company in the United States — the company was founded in 1932 and has hosted numerous stars of the opera and stage through the years, including Lillian Gish, Helen Hayes, Beverly Sills and Jerome Hines.  For information, call 800-851-8175 or visit www.centralcityopera.org.

Cripple Creek

Founded in 1892, Cripple Creek is still alive with excitement. From its origin until the early 1900s, the town flourished with the discovery of gold and was soon dubbed "The World's Greatest Gold Camp." Today, the streets of Cripple Creek are lined with 1800s-era gambling saloons and other historical buildings. A number of casinos sport slot machines, video and live poker, blackjack tables, bars and restaurants. Cripple Creek is also the home to the historic Butte Opera House. This year-round facility is home to live theater, musical entertainment and the rip-roaring fun of classic melodrama.

For a history lesson in the midst of touring the storied gaming towns, catch a ride on the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad for a 45-minute trip back in time, and into the heart of the gold-mining district. For more information, contact the city of Cripple Creek at 877-858-4653 or visit www.cripple-creek.co.us.


 

 

nature & sightseeing: wildflower viewing across colorado
The pop of radiant colors, the scent of fresh blooms and the warm glow of sunshine await during Colorado’s wildflower season. Hillsides stream with vibrancy as columbine, bluebells, lilies, violets and a bouquet of other flowers display their petals in a lavish scene of color. For those who revel in nature, we’ve outlined some of Colorado’s best wildflower trips. You’ll know what to look for, when to go and how to get there. But plan your trip now, our summer wildflowers won’t last all year.

Alpine Loop Scenic Byway

If you want to view wildflowers in Colorado’s true wild, then you need to take the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway. Accessible only by a four-wheel-drive vehicle with high clearance, this rugged country serves as the perfect growing grounds for a multitude of wildflowers. It is important to stay on designated roads at all times — getting stuck is a common occurrence for those who decide to go off-road.

The route follows 63 miles of unimproved road and reaches heights of 12,800 feet. There are many hiking spots along the way, so you can get out and take a closer look. The trails you take into the mountains — in addition to the drive itself — were originally created by miners and prospectors forging their way though the countryside in search of their fortunes, or transporting their finds to the nearby cities of Silverton, Lake City and Ouray.

Wildflowers You’ll See:
Tufted hairgrass, alpine timothy, bog sedge, rushes, bistort, Colorado blue columbine, avens, larkspur, gentian, geranium, Jacob’s ladder, monkshood, catchfly, phlox and bluebells
Prime Bloom Time:
Late June through early August
Shrubs You’ll See:
Cinquefoil, rose and elderberry
Trees You’ll See:
Red alder, aspen, willow, narrow leaf cottonwood, Englemann spruce and subalpine fir
Getting There:
Starting points for this loop can be found out of Lake City, Silverton and near Ouray. Visit www.coloradobyways.org for more information on this byway.

Rabbit Valley Recreation Area

Near the city of Grand Junction and the iconic Colorado River, you’ll find the Rabbit Valley Recreation Area. In an expanse of 24 square miles, high-mountain desert terrain prevails in the semi-arid climate. Found growing among wind-sculpted sandstone, flowers add a welcome burst of color. And with the elements to contend with, these flowering plants are as hearty as they are colorful.

The Bureau of Land Management operates this area, where you can enjoy wildflowers in a multitude of ways. Take a horseback ride through the area and get a view of the sweeping panoramas while atop your mount. Or hoof it yourself on the area's many miles of hiking trails. Then relax after a long day at one of three designated campsites.

Wildflowers You’ll See:
Mariposa lily, double bladderpod, globemallow, Jones’ blue star, glandular phacelia and grand buckwheat
Prime Bloom Time:
Late April to June
Shrubs You’ll See:
Greasewood, Utah juniper, shadscale saltbush, four-wing saltbush and holly grape
Getting There:
From Grand Junction, follow I-70 west to the Rabbit Valley exit. Turn left over I-70. Follow the road a short way until you reach Rabbit Valley.

Cathy Fromme Prairie

Just outside of Fort Collins, development and industry have been kept at bay in this naturalist’s paradise. Many of the vistas in the area display what the first European settlers of the land saw: perfect, unadulterated Colorado prairie. In addition to vibrant wildflowers, you may also spot a bald eagle or hawk — common visitors to the area on their hunt for prey.

The paved Fossil Creek Trail is an easily walked 2.4-mile trip through the prairie. Meandering along this path will bring you to a number of interpretive signs providing information on the terrain.

Flowers You’ll See:
Nuttall’s violet, upright prairie coneflower, milkweeds, narrowleaf stoneseed and beardtongues
Prime Bloom Time:
June through August
Getting There:
Located in Fort Collins, one mile south of Harmony Road on the west side of County Road 17.

Willow Creek Trail - Roxborough State Park

Red rocks and wildflowers dominate the landscape of this 3,245-acre state park, where the ecology is diverse and unique. This area is known as a Transition Zone — a location that encapsulates the natural transition of the plains’ rise into the dramatic heights of the Rocky Mountains. Because of this varied environment, certain types of wildflowers usually found miles apart can be seen growing close to each other.

This park is popular because of its proximity to Denver. As a day-use park, it’s ideal for getting away from city-life distractions and reconnecting with the serene beauty of Colorado wildflowers. 

Flowers You’ll See:
Canada violet, larkspur, golden banner and chiming bells, poppy mallow, orchid penstemon, sego lily, American vetch, cinquefoil, Drummond milkvetch, purple milkvetch, sulphurflower, tall scarlet paintbrush, orange paintbrush, scarlet gaura, white gilia, scarlet gilia, prairie coneflower, copper mallow, spring beauties, silvery lupine, birdfoot violet, purple prairie flower, white prairie flower, green gentian
Prime Bloom Time:
Early May through June
Shrubs You’ll See:
Boulder raspberry, wax currant and chokecherry
Trees You’ll See:
Rocky Mountain maple, blue spruce, gambel oak and aspen
Getting There:
Travel south on Wadsworth to Waterton Road and take a left. Travel south (right) along Rampart Range Road. Turn left onto Roxborough Park Road at the intersection of North Rampart Range Road and Roxborough Park Road. The next right is the entrance to the park.

To find out more about Colorado’s great outdoors, visit Colorado.com