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Blue columbine – Photo by Eric Wunrow/CTO
   MARCH 2007                                                  
 In this Issue: 
UPCOMING EVENTS
MY TRAVEL PLANNER
COMING NEXT MONTH
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Free Vacation Guide or
Monthly eNewsletter

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 Let's Talk Colorado in the Springtime
 
Skiing Winter Park – Courtesy of Byron Hetzler/CTOIn the spring, Colorado transforms from a winter wonderland to a vivid palette of color, showcasing everything from fields of wildflowers to majestic mountain peaks that inspired "America the Beautiful."
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 Pedal Through the Petals
 
Mountain biker in the Gunnison National Forest – Courtesy of Tom Stillo/CTOColorado offers some of the best mountain biking anywhere in the country, and across the state visitors will find trails winding through colorful flowers and scenic road treks, as well as more advanced terrain. Many ski areas offer mountain biking in the off-season, utilizing gondolas and ski lifts for those that want to spare the energy spent on a climb and prepare for the exhilarating downhill ride. Annual mountain biking competitions include the Iron Horse Bike Classic in Durango and Crested Butte's Fat Tire Week, complete with a bicycle rodeo. Don't miss the upcoming Fruita Fat Tire Festival in Fruita, Colorado from April 26–29. The event includes mountain and desert rides, parties and an expo in downtown Fruita, and road rides over Colorado National Monument, Douglas Pass and through wine country. See www.fruitamountainbike.com for additional information.
 
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 A Better Way To Get There
CME offers door to door airport ground transportation service from Denver International and Eagle Airports to most Colorado mountain locations.
 
 Adventure on the Water and in the Sky
 
Rafting on the Taylor River – Photo by Tom Stillo/CTOThis spring, the runoff from Colorado's record snowfall will fuel whitewater rafting throughout the state's many rivers. Visitors can leisurely drift along calm waterways or traverse heart-pounding class IV, V or VI rapids. Many outfitters throughout the state offer rafting excursions ranging from one-day to multi-day trips. For a list of rafting outfitters visit the Colorado River Outfitters Association at www.croa.org.
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 Get Hooked on Colorado's Recreational Sports
 
Golfing in Crested Butte – Courtesy of Tom Stillo/CTOColorado offers golf year-round, and has a total of nearly 100 golf courses. The summer season offers sunny days, spectacular views, low humidity and cooler temperatures — especially in the mountains. Plus, with 300 days of annual sunshine, golfers can enjoy clear days and a high altitude environment where drives go farther and don't curve or break as much. For additional information, visit the Colorado Golf Resorts Association at www.coloradogolfresorts.com.
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 Cool Kids' Stuff

Click Here! to find fun and free Colorado facts, games, puzzles and pictures at your fingertips.

 
 MY TRAVEL PLANNER
Need vacation ideas? Click on any of the suggestions below for great Colorado activities.
The Discovery Adventure
Learn about the past through experiences with historic landmarks and wildlife refuges. Explore buildings, mansions and the great outdoors, while blazing your own path through the state. Discover Colorado and its unforgettable history.

For information on other discovery adventures, visit the Discovery Adventure page.

The Family Adventure
Pack your bags and experience the sights and sounds of Colorado, the ghost towns and the cities inbetween. For family entertainment, Colorado offers an endless stock of attractions and excitement for children and young-at-heart adults.

For information on other family adventures, visit the Family Adventure page.

The Romantic Adventure
Hearts become one in Colorado. Take in a sunset with your favorite someone and experience Colorado together. Quaint mountain towns, wide-open meadows and breathtaking views nestled in the Rocky Mountains await you!

For information on other romantic adventures, visit the Romantic Adventure page.

The Outdoor Adventure
With 42 state parks, Colorado is open for adventure.

For information on other outdoor adventures, visit the Outdoor Adventure page.
 
 Upcoming Events Throughout Colorado in March, April and May
 
ECKERT CRANE DAYS & CONCERT (Eckert)
March 10 and 17, 2007:
Along their annual migration, hundreds of sandhill cranes take a respite from their travels in and around the town of Eckert. Bird watching, informational seminars on birding and live music compliment this yearly ritual. (www.eckertcranedays.com)

PRAIRIE CHICKEN VIEWING (Wray)
March 15–April 15:
Lucky birdwatchers are led on early morning tours by trained guides to view prairie chicken mating sites. Once there, birders enjoy the rarely seen prairie chicken mating ritual under the cover of a blind and with the comfort of hot coffee in hand. Tours are offered in two locations throughout the state: the town of Wray and select locations within the Comanche National Grassland. Throughout these areas, the Division of Wildlife and landowners provide access to secret mating locations that allow for guided tours into remote areas. (719-523-6591, 970-332-5063).

THE PLUNGE MUSIC FESTIVAL (Telluride)
March 21–26, 2007:
The Plunge combines the best in underground hip-hop and rock music, taking its name from one of Telluride's most famous ski runs. The Plunge Music Festival will take visitors from the mountain summit to the valley below, riding by day, après ski concerts that extend from the afternoon to all night long. The event will feature DJs, MCs, bands and artists from around the world showcased in Telluride and Mountain Village's historic theaters and clubs. The Plunge Music Festival, parrtnership with the Telluride Society for Jazz, is also presenting a series of daytime clinics and workshops featuring some of the festival's best DJs and artists. (www.plungemusicfest.com; 970-728-7009)

BOULDER PHILHARMONIC (Boulder)
March 24 and April 28, 2007:
Featuring Terrence Wilson, piano, Michael Butterman, conductor. (303-449-1343; www.boulderphil.org)

BIG BUGS EXHIBIT AT THE DENVER BOTANICAL GARDENS (Denver)
March 24– June 24, 2007:
Get a bug's-eye view of the world when you encounter a 1,200-pound praying mantis, a 7-foot assassin bug and eight other enormous natural sculptures. (720-865-3500; www.botanicgardens.org)

FRUITA FAT TIRE FESTIVAL (Fruita)
April 26–29, 2007:
This mountain biking event includes mountain and desert rides, events in downtown Fruita and road rides over Colorado National Monument, Douglas Pass and through wine country. (970-858-7220; www.fruitamountainbike.com)

SPRING BARREL TASTING (Grand Junction)
April 28–29 and May 5–6, 2007:
This event features barrel sampling of wines paired with specialty foods, as well as winemaker details about grape growing and wine production in the Grand Valley. (970-244-1480; www.grandvalleywine.com)

All events are weather permitting and subject to change. For a listing of additional Colorado events and travel information, log on to www.colorado.com or call 800–COLORADO.
 
 
 COMING IN NEXT MONTH'S ISSUE
 
Stay tuned for the April issue!
 
Photo Credits:
"Pedal Through the Petals – Photo by Tom Stillo/CTO
"Adventure on the Water and in the Sky" – Photo by Tom Stillo/CTO
"Get Hooked on Colorado's Recreational Sports" – Photo by Tom Stillo/CTO
 
     
 
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