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Colorado: The Best Place in the Nation to Ride a Bike
Cyclists from across the United States and abroad widely recognize Colorado as a premier cycling destination, because of its natural beauty, variety of terrain, notable bike rides and races and soaring elevation. From world-class bike races like the Colorado Classic and the Breck Epic to a cruiser ride along the Fruit & Wine Byway in Palisade or mountain biking the downhill trails at Winter Park (“Mountain Bike Capital, USA”), Colorado offers a variety of cycling offerings for all types of riders. For more information on cycling in Colorado, please visit http://www.colorado.com/articles/6-ways-colorado-biking-best.
What’s NEW for Cycling in Colorado:
At Your Pace Cycling Tours in Loveland. Tap into Colorado’s epic cycling opportunities and taste the flavor of local craft brews on the new Loveland Bike & Brews Guided Day Tour with At Your Pace Cycling. This 3.5 hour long tour will give participants a taste of some of Loveland’s finest craft breweries and cycling offerings.
Boulder Bike Tours’ New Organic Farm Tours. Riders will learn about organic farming and take in sweeping views of the Front Range on the new, weekly Thursday and Sunday Organic Farm Tours. Thursday’s ‘Sunset Tour’ includes a wood-fired pizza dinner featuring veggies picked that day. The Sunday ‘Brunch Tour’ features a four-course farm brunch. These scenic bike rides wind along easy trails, paths and country roads while riders learn about organic farming and lifestyle from local growers.
The Colorado Classic (August 10 – 13). Pro-bicycle racing returns to Colorado with the 2017 Colorado Classic, a four-stage race sanctioned by UCI that will have some of the best men and women’s teams and racers in the world competing. The race begins in Colorado Springs, and heads through Breckenridge before finishing the final two stages in Denver. Denver will host a new companion music, food and crafts festival dubbed “Velorama” to include headliner music, cycling events, craft beer, local food, and a unique marketplace.
Colorado Trail Explorer. As part of his Colorado the Beautiful initiative to get Coloradans outdoors, Colorado’s Governor John Hickenlooper hatched the idea for a comprehensive online statewide trail map of hiking, biking and motorized trails. The Colorado Trail Explorer launched June 3 and includes more than 39,000 miles of trails managed by more than 225 jurisdictions across the state.
Gunnison County’s TrailQuest Bike Challenge. Gunnison County has designed a new app to track mountain bikers’ unique explored trails and enter users into the ultimate trail biking competition. The CBG Trails App by GoMaps, available for free in iTunes and Google Play, will now track and record rides in the competition: TrailQuest. Each new mile of trail ridden will add up in a race to 75. Prizes will be awarded to those who place on the leader board, though the best prize is trying new trails–exploration.
Outerbike Comes to Crested Butte Mountain Resort (August 18 – 20). “The BEST bike demo in the universe” comes to Crested Butte this August. Featuring some of the most popular brands in mountain biking, including Specialized, Scott and Yeti among many more. Outerbike will offer participants the opportunity to demo as many bikes as the time, and their legs, will allow. This is the first time Outerbike will take advantage of Crested Butte’s world-class mountain biking and gorgeous summer weather.
14erfest in Buena Vista (September 29 – October 1). 14erfest is a new, free, three-day mountain festival happening in Buena Vista this September. The event encompasses a range of trail activities including, but not limited to mountain biking. There will be demos, clinics, bike polo and group rides. In the evening, participants will enjoy live music and libations from Colorado craft breweries and distilleries.
Colorado’s Variety of Bike Experiences:
Bike-friendly Fort Collins. Cycling opportunities prevail in and around Fort Collins, and getting to know the area atop two wheels offers a bounty of benefits. Road cyclists will appreciate the 285+ miles of relatively flat, wide bike lanes, trails and paths, including three main bike trails offering 19 miles of paved surface: the Poudre trail that follows the Cache La Poudre River; Spring Creek trail following the creek; and Fossil Creek trail covering miles of open prairie.
Blue River Trail in Silverthorne. The Blue River Trail is Silverthorne’s link to the county-wide paved trail system. The 3.5-mile, hard surface paved trail begins at the top of the Dillon Dam and ends at North Pond Park. The Blue River Trail offers a meandering, family-friendly paved trail with spectacular views.
High-Desert Biking in Eagle. Eagle is a high-desert town, which means an extended biking season and trails that are open into mid-December. Over 100 miles of single-track mountain biking trails and paved recreational trails are accessible. Riders can start on beginner trails like Haymaker and Eagle Ranch Loop and then advance to the technical Mike’s Night Out. Eagle Ranch Loop is great for families and various skill levels.
Maroon Creek Road in Aspen. Few bike rides in the world can match the drama of this eight-mile road ride. Riders will round a bend and suddenly view the iconic Maroon Bells, two 14,000-foot peaks striped with snow year-round. The trek takes riders 22 miles round-trip through a moderately difficult ride with unparalleled views.
Mineral Belt Trail in Leadville. Biking is a favorite sport on Leadville’s famous Mineral Belt Trail, where riders can see the tops of the towering Sawatch Range and remnants of 1880s silver mines, all on a paved, 11.6-mile loop around town. Portions of the trail follow old railroad grades, making for a pleasant ride around North America’s highest incorporated city, set at 10,152 feet. The trail winds through Leadville’s historic East Side Mining District.
Monarch Crest Trail in Salida. Thanks to the diverse ecosystem in Salida, there’s always great singletrack to be ridden in the middle of winter or during the heat of summer. The Monarch Crest Trail should be included on the Colorado mountain bike bucket list. From the Monarch Crest trailhead at Monarch Pass, riders will encounter singletrack, doubletrack, fire road, smooth and packed trails, rocky and loose trails and great views of nature and wildlife.
Trailheads in Niwot. The town of Niwot in Boulder County is known throughout the cycling community as one of the best spots to begin or end a ride. Home to mammals, birds and amphibians, these trails are perfect for nature-lovers. The 6.4-mile Niwot trail system is composed of easy trails and provides breathtaking mountain views and shady cottonwood-lined paths along irrigation canals.
Winter Park, Aka “Mountain Bike Capital, USA”. With over 600 miles of cross-country trails and two downhill bike parks, Mountain Bike Capital USA™ has it all: mellow rides, heart-thumping singletrack adventures and gravity-fed adrenaline. Winter Park plays host to numerous bike races and events all summer long. For the novice, seasoned cross-country biker, downhill racer or the want-to-learn-more-skills casual biker, there are a variety of events and trails to choose from.
Fruit & Wine Byway in Palisade. Choose from three different loops from five to 25-miles-long through mapped points of interest for those who want to stop and experience the agriculture and industry of the area. Explore historic downtown Palisade, tour along the scenic Colorado River and enjoy some of the best vistas of the Grand Valley, all while savoring fresh fruit from the beautiful orchards, or enjoying the lavender gardens, world class vineyards, premium wineries and fresh farm market fruit stands along the way.
7-Eleven Olympic Velodrome in Colorado Springs. Built in 1983 in preparation for the 1984 Olympic Games, the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center Velodrome is the official training venue for U.S. Olympic and Paralympic track cycling and USA Roller Sports. The Velodrome features a 333.3-meter banked cement cycling track, which wraps around a 200-meter track for roller sports. The 1,000-seat facility is open to the public for community racing, and hosts local, national and international events throughout the year.
Upcoming Bike Races and Organized Rides:
The Breck Epic (August 13 – 18). Now in its ninth year, the six-day Breck Epic is North America’s premier mountain bike stage race, and is widely considered to be one of the best races in the world. It is distinctly Colorado and traverses the width and breadth of Summit County. This rapidly growing event attracts pro and amateurs alike to race approximately 40 miles each day for three or six consecutive days.
Moots Biking Opportunity in Steamboat (September 3 – 9). The Home Ranch has partnered with Moots Cycles in Steamboat to offer a unique experience at the Home Ranch. Home Ranch guests will have the opportunity to meet Moots team members, test ride their bikes and tour the Steamboat factory where the handcrafted bikes are manufactured. The visit also includes biking North Routt County on Moots recommended tours and on Moots demo bikes, one complimentary massage and scheduled rides throughout the week with a guide.
Salida Bike Fest (September 14 – 17). The town of Salida will be celebrating all things bikes at the 6th annual Salida Bike Fest. This four day festival will feature everything from free group rides, bike films, a chainless race, a bike parade, the Banana Belt Mountain Bike Race and more.
Pedal the Plains (September 15 – 17). Pedal the Plains is an annual cycling event that celebrates the agricultural roots and frontier heritage of the Eastern Plains of Colorado. The ride creates an opportunity for cyclists to learn about farming and ranching, while experiencing first-hand the culture, history and landscape of Colorado’s high plains. This year, Pedal the Plains brings riders on a tour through Weld and Morgan County, highlighting the towns of Kersey, Keenesbury and Brush– communities that still embody a raw pioneer spirit and a dedication to the land.
Bikes & Brews (September 23). The 5th annual Bikes & Brews festival in Cañon City offers three separate scenic bike races: The Royal Gorge Century (Total ascent 7,900 feet), Metric Mash (Total Ascent 5,300 feet) and the Red Canyon 50k (total ascent 2,400 feet). All races promise beautiful canyon views, and the Royal Gorge Bridge is open and will be a part of the Century and Metric Century Routes—a unique experience as the south entrance is usually closed to general traffic. The Metric Mash will also allow riders to cross the world famous, suspension Royal Gorge Bridge.
Tour of the Moon Grand Cycling Classic (September 30). This ride was made famous by the 1980s Coors Classic, and later in the cycling movie American Flyers. Today, it continues to be considered one of the premier recreational road rides in the western United States. Starting and ending in Grand Junction, this 61.5-mile road ride circles the Colorado National Monument and the town of Fruita, with riders climbing just over 2,873 feet and experiencing a maximum elevation of 6,725 feet.
The above article is courtesy of the Colorado Tourism Office
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Country Jam 2017 – A Quintessential Colorado Experience
BY MARIAN TUIN
In its two and a half decades, Country Jam has built much more than a festival. This four day country music-camping-pool party-extravaganza is considered one of the biggest parties in Colorado. Celebrating their 26th year in 2017, they hosted nearly 92,000 attendees who welcomed to the stage some of the most iconic country artists like Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean and Thomas Rhett.
We had boots on the ground to give you an exclusive glimpse into this quintessential Colorado experience. One that has captured the essence of community that comes together to celebrate country music. Every year their community grows to include new attendees, but its core group thrives and continues to returns time and again, some of them for upwards of ten years. We met a few. They camped near us.
Country Jam is more easily described as an energy. It’s people who release the mundane restrictions of life and exchange them for a few days to dance, camp and party. For those who indulge, it awards freedom – of spirit, mind and body. It’s where the base instinct of humanity finds a moment to exhale and freely live life without schedules or limitations. For a few days, life is simpler and reminds those that experience it, it is a good way to live.
Country Jam is a place where megastars like Jason Aldean come to play and stay on stage well into the early morning hours saying, “I’m not going to do much talking. I figure you all came to listen to music and get drunk, so I’m going to play you some music.”
Its stage is a place where artists like Randy Houser expresses gratitude proudly to his talented band and loyal fans, acknowledging he wouldn’t be standing there without both. It’s a place where Frankie Ballard asks to borrow a hat from a fan in attendance to keep the setting sun out of his eyes as he performed, and is generously given one.
Country Jam is lighters to the sky, inspired by songs that promise a better day. It’s a place where a perfect stranger sings in unison with you because your bond is universal, it’s music. It’s hot, it’s dusty. If you camp, it is basic. Sometimes in between sets, you fall asleep. It’s okay. Many do. It’s essential when you are experiencing the unmatched energy Country Jam emits.
We learned that Country Jam is a festival that no review could encapsulate entirely. It is best experienced. And it’s certainly not too early to dust off your boots and brush up on your two step. Country Jam will be back for their 27th season in 2018 and has already announced Florida Georgia Line as the headliner of what promises to be another irresistibly danceable, star studded party.
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Denver Musician Zach Heckendorf Releases New Album
Zach Heckendorf knew he was meant to make music from an early age. This Denver born singer/songwriter picked up a guitar when he was just 10 years old and hasn’t put it down much since. When you are meant for something, success isn’t far behind destiny a
nd effort. It didn’t take long for Zach to catch the ear of the music industry. In high school, he was signed to Aware Records which boasts alumni like John Mayer, Train and Matt Kearney. That led to the release of his first full length album and touring during much of his college years. He shared the stage with elite artists and bands like O.A.R., OneRepublic and ZZ Ward among others.
Ultimately Heckendorf parted ways with Aware Records and began to pursue music independently. It was a challenge he met with the same tenacity he used to learn and refine his skills on guitar. Today Zach and fans celebrate the release of his second independent album released on his label, Organically Elevated. Entitled Artifacts, the twelve track release features 11 original songs written over the course of three years.
We sat down with Zach to discuss the album and his journey in the music industry. He was as engaging as his songs imply, telling us, “One of the reasons I called it Artifacts is because it is kind of like a reflection on the past three years.” Continuing he explained, “It was recorded whenever I had the money. It was recorded all across the states; a little bit in Chicago, a little bit in Vermont and a little bit in Denver.” Concluding, “Because it was over the period of three years, and I went through a lot of big transitions in those three years, each song kind of comes from a different point of transition and an important point of learning for me.”
As a result of all the touring Zach did during his college days he disclosed his songwriting has changed, “I used to just write songs, and whatever came out, came out. I guess now, when I write, I have it in the back of my head that these songs are going to be played live in front of people and they have to be able to hold their own in front of an audience.”
Our entire interview with Zach will be published in the Summer Edition of the magazine. He is a Colorado artist on the verge of accomplishing big things with his music. Pick up a copy of Artifacts on all digital music platforms or by visiting his website: http://www.zachheckendorf.com/.
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Home of the Beer: Denver’s Craft Breweries
By Melanie Locke
If you’ve ever set foot in Denver you may have noticed the many bars and breweries that appear everywhere you look. Denverites are fond of all things beer — which explains the staggering number of breweries based out of Denver. With more than fifty craft breweries in the city, there’s never a shortage of beer on tap.
With Denver’s ever-expanding population and popularity, there’s no scarcity of thirsty customers ready to brew-hop throughout the city. The growing population, and Denver’s reputation as a mecca for young adults, caters perfectly to craft brewery culture. With environmentally-friendly modes of travel like biking, walking, and public transportation growing in popularity throughout Colorado (we’re looking at you bike-crazy Boulder and Fort Collins), getting home safely from the local bar is easier than ever before. And with craft breweries popping up everywhere you look, Denverites have more than one locale to choose from.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the coolest craft breweries in Denver. Whether it’s a quirky and cool environment or a long-standing craft beer powerhouse, these seven breweries deserve a taste.
Renegade Brewing Company
925 W 9th Ave
Est. 2011
The Renegade Brewing Company story begins with a home brewing kit. From there it grew to be a Denver beer-enthusiast favorite. With exposed brick walls and glass garage doors that open for warmer weather, this warehouse-style establishment is known for thinking outside the box with their “Offensively Delicious” taproom choices.
Beer to try: Hiatus — This oatmeal ale is infused with cold coffee for a dark and bold flavor.
Great Divide Brewing Company
2201 Arapahoe St
Est. 1994
This Denver craft-brewing landmark is known throughout the country for their flavors, and their environmentally and socially responsible business philosophy is an added bonus. With an awards list as long as your arm, Great Divide has been brewing award-winning beers since the beginning. Located in Denver’s Ballpark neighborhood, stop by before or after a Rockies game for great brews and an open, friendly environment.
Beer to try: Orabelle — A Belgian-style ale brewed with barley, wheat, oats, and rye.
Wynkoop Brewing Company
1634 18th St
Est. 1988
Hailed as Denver’s first brewpub, Wynkoop is the brain-child of Colorado governor John Hickenlooper, Jerry Williams, Mark Schiffler and Russel Schehrer. They’re not afraid to experiment, with brews in the past that have included gummy bears and green chiles. Located in the bustling neighborhood of LoDo, this brewpub is a Denver institution. They have about thirty beers on an often-rotating tap and an extensive menu for American eats to compliment your beer.
Beer to try: Patty’s Chile Beer — A golden ale aged with Anaheim, Serrano and ancho peppers.
TRVE Brewing Company
227 Broadway #101
Est. 2011
This Denver brewery is for all the heavy metal lovers. Founded on the Summer Solstice of 2011, this brewery channels the Norse god of mischief and chaos with their creative brews. Embrace your inner metal head in this black-walled brewery.
Beer to try: Wanderlust — A Belgo-American Pale Ale.
Black Project
1290 S Broadway
Est. 2014
This craft brewery specializes in creating exciting ales through spontaneous fermentation. Their owner and brew master James Howat allows their microbe cultures to evolve between batches which creates varying flavors within the same beer flavor. With exposed brick and lighting, this Denver hotspot is a cool and classy exploration of craft brewing flavors.
Beer to try: Oxcart — A blend of 1-, 2-, and 3-year-old beers.
http://www.blackprojectbeer.com/
Our Mutual Friend Brewing Company
2810 Larimer St
With their giant techno-color mural adorning the front of the building and their open, airy environment, its no wonder Our Mutual Friend has become a gathering place for craft beer connoisseur. Located in the River North neighborhood, this brewery celebrates connection and craft with award winning brews.
Beer to try: Lux Unlimited — An Imperial Belgium wit on raspberries and blackberries.
http://www.blackprojectbeer.com/
Cerebral Brewing
1477 Monroe St
Est. 2013
A Doctor of Physical Therapy, microbiologist and international benefits consultant walk into a bar…And the punch line is Cerebral Brewing. By approaching craft brewing with scientific methodology they create memorable and refreshing brews in an open airy warehouse environment. And you can’t miss the giant brain mural adorning the front of their building.
Beer to try: Letters & Numbers: XJA2/436 — This experimental IPA is brewed with oats, wheat and spelt. It has an experimental hop from South Africa.
A Day Out In Denver
Denver, Colorado is a bustling city with plenty to do! Check out these attractions and activities as a way to explore what Denver has to offer!
DownTown Aquarium
Delve into an underwater adventure at the DownTown Denver Aquarium. Equipped with many educational exhibits, this aquarium also has an underwater dining experience. You are seated “around the 50,000 gallon centerpiece aquarium, which allows exceptional floor-to-ceiling viewing from all tables.” If this isn’t enough of an appeal, one can look forward to the Mystic Mermaids show. That’s right, mermaids. The Denver Downtown Aquarium puts on a mermaid show that teaches about the importance of taking care of our environment. Be sure to check it out!
700 Water St. Denver, Co 80211
303-561-4450
http://aquariumrestaurants.com
Denver Zoo
If underwater sea creatures are not your thing, how about a day at the zoo? There is a plethora of majestic animals for you to observe and learn from. And new this summer, a collection of live animatronic dinosaurs put on a show. Guests can take a look back in time at what life was like for the dinosaurs. There are also a lot of opportunities to take classes and guided tours at the Denver Zoo!
2300 Steele St, Denver, CO 80205
Denver Art Museum
For creative types, there is the Denver Art Museum that is just waiting to be explored. There are many exciting current exhibitions to look forward to at the museum. This includes: Mi Tierra “site-specific installations by 13 Latino artists that express experiences of contemporary life in the American West,” Shock Wave “work by Japanese designers who started a fashion revolution in Paris,” and Printed And Painted “reinstallation of the Joan & George Anderman Gallery of what Oceanic Art offers a glimpse at the variety of creative design and ingenious construction possible through the unique medium of bark cloth (or tapa) used across the Pacific.” And this is just to name a few!
100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204
720-865-5000
Forney Museum of Transportation
For all those history buffs out there, check out the Forney Museum of Transportation! Take a glimpse at the modes of transportation through out the ages. From a trains, tractors and classic cars, the Forney Museum of Transportation does not disappoint. Be sure to check out their group tours, to get the most out of this unique museum experience.
4303 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216
303-927-1113
Let’s Talk Film In Colorado- An Interview with Filmmaker Jimmy Lee Combs
BY OLIVIA CRIST
On a sunny Monday morning in downtown Denver, I sat down with the talented filmmaker Jimmy Lee Combs (Heart and Fire Productions) to talk all things film in Colorado and his upcoming feature film Terror Tales. Jimmy Lee’s film is loaded with name talent from iconic horror film stars to notable actors on network television, film and beyond. Viewers can get excited about actor Ari Lehman from Friday the 13th, Felissa Rose from Sleepaway Camp, Laurene Landon from Maniac Cop, Yan Birch from People Under the Stairs and Lynn Lowry from Shivers to name a few. If cult classic horror films are not your thing, look out for Christopher Showerman from CBS’s Supergirl and George of the Jungle Two, or Ashley Park who is Miss Asia USA (2015-2016). As one can deduce, there is an abundance of talent to look forward to in Terror Tales.
Jimmy Lee spoke with much enthusiasm about his film as well as filmmaking in general throughout Colorado. He was realistic about the challenges creative people face.
O.C.: What obstacles do you face as a filmmaker in Colorado?
J.L.C.: I think one of the obstacles you face is funding and trying to get state backing, but that happens in every state. It is really hard with the film commissioner and things like that to try and get film taken more seriously here in Colorado. However, there is a really strong film community here and a lot of the time we try and ban together to get more incentives brought here so that bigger productions will be attracted.
O.C.: What drew you to the horror genre?
J.L.C: I would have to probably give props to my older brothers growing up because they would always be watching horror films and let me watch along with them. The classics like Nightmare on Elm Street or Friday the 13th.
**Friday the 13th star Ari Lehman can be seen in Jimmy Lee’s upcoming film Terror Tales.**
I was fascinated with that. I would go to the movie store and look at the covers, the horror film movie covers were always so engaging.
O.C.: How did your upcoming feature film Terror Tales come to fruition?
J.L.C.: Going back to 2012, I was working on a vampire film that was supposed to be part of the greater horror anthology genre. I met my partner in crime Kevon Ward on that film. Kevon played a role in the film and also worked in special effects.
**Kevon and Jimmy Lee ended up making their first feature film together and had great success in distributing the film on platforms such as Amazon, Hulu, iTunes and Googleplay. Kevon Ward can also be seen on the Syfy channels show Face Off.**
Once our feature was done and got distribution, I was back to ok, what is our next project going to be? I started to come back around to the horror anthology idea and instead of use the vampire film as one of the segments, I decided to start fresh. This was how Terror Tales evolved.
O.C.: What was the casting process like for Terror Tales?
J.L.C.: I was reached out to by actress Lynn Lowry about a different feature that was in the works at the time. This feature was kind of set aside because of the pace Terror Tales was picking up at; but, I kept thinking how much I really wanted to work with Lynn. I got a little bit more familiar with her more recent work and she sent me this 10 minute video of her performing a monologue and I was really able to see the emotional range that she was able to play. So I gave her the role of Susan McKay in the segment “By Proxy.” So, that was cast and I casted everybody else locally for that segment and this was October of 2015. I had always thought it would be cool to have iconic horror stars in each part; but, it wasn’t until “By Proxy” was wrapped that I realized this could really be something for each segment. So that’s when I really started to look for more actors, some of these actors were recommended to me through twitter and some actors I would reach out to directly. A couple of actors I would go through their agents and that’s kind of how the casting went. Either I was personally a fan of their work and would reach out to them or they were recommended to me and I would remember them from their movies.
**Terror Tales is currently in post-production. Keep an eye out for a trailer and release date! Be sure to check out Jimmy Lee’s website at www.heartandfireproductions.com. **
A Colorado Spa Day
BY OLIVIA CRIST
Everyone needs a good spa day now and again, and it just so happens that Colorado has a plethora of fantastic spas for you to enjoy. So sit back, relax and take a gander at some of the most popular spas in Colorado.
Woodhouse Day Spa
Located in Denver, Woodhouse Day Spa might be just what you need to escape from the grind of the day to day. Woodhouse Day Spa offers up some signature services such as body and foot treatments as well as a specialty lavender massage that helps guests fall into a deep sleep and get some much-needed rest. Try out their “spend a day with us” package to customize your spa experience.
Location and Contact:
941 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
303-813-8488
http://denver.woodhousespas.com
Spa of the Rockies- Glenwood Hot Springs
There is nothing better after a long day than soaking in a hot spring. But what if this same hot spring came with the health benefits of soaking in essential minerals? At Glenwood Hot Springs guests can decompress through essential mineral therapy. Essential minerals have the capability to “purify and revitalize your good health.” Make your way over to Glenwood Hot Springs and experience all that these essential minerals have to offer.
Location and Contact:
401 North River Street Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
877-947-3331
Spa at the St. Julien
Located in Boulder and convenient to the downtown Pearl Street Mall, the Spa at the St. Julien is a full-service spa and salon with incredible views of the mountains. Equipped with a 50-foot indoor lap pool and sauna, the St. Julian Spa also offers up some “high altitude patio relaxation.” Be sure to check out the St. Julien Hotel as well!
Location and Contact:
900 Walnut St. Boulder, CO 80302
1-877-303-0900
720-406-9696
Peaks Resort and Spa- Telluride
After a long day on the slopes or a tiresome day of hiking in the beautiful San Juan mountains, what could be better than treating yourself to some spa amenities at Peaks Resort and Spa in Telluride? Peaks Resort and Spa has some innovative spa services that will be sure to sooth your sore muscles. Check out their “Spa Escape” package and experience their alluring “42,000-square-foot spa” sanctuary.
Location and Contact:
136 Country Club Drive Telluride, CO 81345
970-728-2590
The Spa at Gateway Canyons Colorado
The Spa at Gateway Canyons Colorado is just the tranquil getaway you need. Guests can look forward to relaxing by the pool or getting a fabulous massage or facial while admiring the high-desert landscape and ancient Colorado canyons. In addition to a calming spa experience, make sure to ask about by arranging a wine tour.
43200 Colorado 141, Gateway, CO 81522
866-671-4733
Marijuana in the Mile High City
BY MELANIE LOCKE
Denver has been a tourist destination for decades. With beautiful views, a thriving culture, and a plethora of activities and events constantly occurring within the bustling metropolis, it’s no surprise that people flock to the Mile High City. But with the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2014, the typical tourist may have a new reason to travel to higher altitudes.
Colorado voters passed Amendment 64, which legalized recreational marijuana, on November 6th, 2012. The amendment went into effect in January of 2014. Since then, dispensaries have appeared in droves across Colorado and anyone over the age of twenty-one can stop in to purchase the drug. In 2014 alone, retailers sold three-hundred-and-thirteen million dollars of recreational marijuana according to Colorado tax data from the Department of Revenue.
We spoke with the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) and the recreational marijuana dispensary, Euflora, to see how the marijuana industry has affected the equally thriving tourist trade.
In 2015, many tourists who participated in marijuana-related activities indicated that it was a motivation in their decision to travel to Colorado. By 2016, reports of marijuana participation had risen, although the number of people citing marijuana as a primary influencer in their decision to come to Colorado had decreased. With record-setting tourist growth in Colorado both before and after marijuana legalization, according to the CTO, the drug is not a primary influencer in tourists’ travels. The cannabis industry is one of many attractions in Colorado, and tourists are drawn to the state for more than the legal drug.
While tourists are visiting Denver for more than its bustling cannabis industry, once visitors arrive many seem to be partaking in the marijuana culture. Euflora, located on 16th street mall, welcomes many tourists into their store — about 75% of their clientele. And while they have customers who stop in simply to look, most of their customers, including visitors to the state, make a purchase.
The Colorado Tourism Office reports that travellers between the ages of 25 and 34 were most likely to report that marijuana had positively influenced their decision to visit Colorado, but Euflora sees customers ages 21 to 91. The cannabis industry appeals to visitors of any (legal) age and is one of many attractions Denver can offer.
With visitors travelling to Colorado from places where marijuana oftentimes isn’t legal, it’s important for tourists to educate themselves about marijuana usage and safety before partaking of the drug. Euflora owner Jamie Perino has noticed that out-of-state visitors oftentimes need more education from Euflora employees about marijuana — the difference between strains, proper usage and dosing, and cost.
The cannabis industry has become an integral part of Colorado’s economy, and its reach extends into the bustling tourist trade. While marijuana is not the primary motivation behind tourist’s travel plans, many visitors to the city are enjoying a high other than the altitude in Denver.
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Doors Open Denver
BY CHRISTINA SEBALLO
The 13th annual Doors Open Denver, presented by the Denver Architectural Foundation, is the premier event showcasing the richness and history of Denver’s built environment and promoting quality design on Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30. Doors Open Denver encourages event participants to observe and engage with the built environment through an artistic and cultural lens.
Headquartered at the iconic Denver Union Station, the event highlights approximately 70 of Denver’s unique spaces, including high-profile, historic and artistic feats of architecture and design.
During the event, visitors are invited to explore our city in the following ways:
• Sign up for an Insider Tour. Doors Open Denver offers 120 tours led by architects, landscape architects, historians and urban enthusiasts with special knowledge of Denver’s neighborhoods and buildings.
• Visit one or several of the 70 open sites.
Open sites are buildings that have opened their doors to the public.
• With the support of the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Doors Open Denver offers six arts and cultural activities, including architecturally inspired hair art, behind- the-scenes videos of area theatres, a performance by five analog synthesizer music artists and more.
Six sites were added to this year’s line- up, including Page Architects (The John Deere Building), St. Paul Lutheran and Roman Catholic Community of Faith, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Smiley Branch Library, Athmar Park Library and Pauline Robinson Library.
For more information on open sites, Insider Tours and arts and culture activities, visit www.doorsopendenver.com. Engage with DOD on Facebook, Twitter (@denverarchfound) and Instagram (denverarchitecture) using #DOD2017.
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