Splurge: Royal Gorge Cabins
Cañon City
At Royal Gorge Cabins, live the lavish life near the grand Royal Gorge in a tucked-away retreat boasting homey gathering spaces and lofty windows. Or, glamp it up in an opulent tent featuring queen beds, sleek hardwood floors and rugged antler chandeliers.
Must-Dos:
Feel the adrenaline surge with an Echo Canyon River Expeditions’ Arkansas River raft trip. Take a rollicking train ride with Royal Gorge Route Railroad where you’ll chug past sheer cliff faces and under the famous Royal Gorge Bridge. Pair award-winning chardonnay with Wet Mountain vistas at The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey.
Must-Chews:
Treat yourself to deliciously battered cheese curds at World's End Brewing Company. Enlighten your taste buds with ginger-infused chicken tandoori at Nirvana Culinary Paradise. Tuck into creamy fettucine alfredo at DiRito’s Italian Cuisine.
Splurge: Collective Retreats At 4 Eagle Ranch
Wolcott
Glamp in understated elegance surrounded by 1,000 acres of pristine nature when you stay with Collective Retreats at 4 Eagle Ranch. Tent stays include gourmet meals from Three Peaks Lodge, 1,000-thread-count sheets, wood-burning stoves and artisanal s’mores by the fire.
Must-Dos:
Revel in Colorado’s outdoors with 4 Eagle Ranch’s guided horseback rides and fly-fishing excursions. Hike the lesser-known and wildflower-strewn Stag Gulch Trail near Edwards. Stroll Vail and Beaver Creek’s beguiling ski villages for a bevy of high-end shopping options.
Must-Chews:
Tear into Mountain Standard’s sea-salt buttermilk biscuits, pepper jelly and country ham. Or, pile crusty baguettes with baked brie, strawberry compote and tart green apples at Vintage. (Both in Vail Village.)
Splurge: Claremont Inn & Winery
Stratton
This one-of-a-kind winery hotel is a gem set on Colorado’s golden plains. You’ll love Claremont Inn & Winery's soaring, sun-soaked windows, impeccably cared-for grounds and stately rooms, not to mention an on-site chef and house-made vino.
Must-Dos:
Book a hotel package that includes a wine tasting and decadent chef’s-menu dinner. Motor over to Burlington Old Town Museum for turn-of-the-century artifacts. Play nine holes on Stratton Golf Club’s manicured greens.
Must-Chews:
In Stratton, indulge with burgers and peanut-butter malts at Handi’s. Or, head to Burlington for Guajillo Barbacoa Colorado Lamb with chimichurri-infused potatoes from The Dish Room and Mexican-inspired specials (like green-chili Huevos Burgers) at The Farm Grill & Restaurant.
Splurge: The Crawford Hotel
Denver
Located above LoDo’s bustling Union Station, this landmark railway hotel delivers it all: extravagant Victorian furnishings with modern luxuries, plus complimentary transportation via a swanky Tesla. At The Crawford Hotel, train enthusiasts can even book a room crafted to feel like a 19th-century Pullman sleeper car.
Must-Dos:
Explore Union Station’s historical artifacts display (including ticket stubs and found wallet photos), then peruse the depot’s boutiques and bars. Mosey over to Rockmount Ranch Wear for their signature snap-button Western shirt — it’s so famous there’s one in the Smithsonian. Soak up mountain air and stunning views of the snow-capped Rockies at Golden Gate Canyon State Park (just 45 minutes from Denver).
Must-Chews:
Don’t miss Mercantile Dining & Provision’s ricotta cheesecake — it’s so good, licking your plate clean is considered perfectly acceptable. Dive into handmade pasta coupled with wild mushrooms and artichoke-goat-cheese mousse at Rioja. Relish scratch-made Southern fare like honey-dusted fried chicken and crispy Brussels sprouts courtesy of Tupelo Honey.