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Grand Lodge on Peak 7
Affordable ski-in/ski-out living in Breckenridge! Pre-construction inventory and pricing will be made available until December 8, 2007.
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Santa Sightings and Holiday Lights Cast a Warm Glow Over Colorado's Holiday Events and Festivals |
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As the holiday season approaches, a magical aura envelops Colorado. From glittering tree lighting ceremonies to holiday home tours, the state is a treasure trove of holiday merriment.
Taking a well-deserved break, Santa takes center stage across the state. Whether he's singing, soaking in a hot spring or riding a historic railway, visitors to Colorado are sure to have a Santa sighting during their travels. The Rio Grande Scenic Railroad's North Pole Express will make its first trip to Monte Vista on Friday, Nov. 23 and will run on select dates to Monte Vista and the scenic La Veta Pass through Sunday, Dec. 16. A special train is being planned on Saturday, Dec. 1 to experience the Monte Vista Holiday Festival Parade. For more information, visit www.riograndescenicrailroad.com.
In Durango, the beloved holiday film The Polar Express comes to life when the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad departs for a journey to the North Pole, where Santa and his reindeer await. Reserve online at www.durangotrain.com. Likewise, Holyoke takes inspiration from the film to present "A Hometown Christmas with the Polar Express" on Dec. 4, a day-long celebration featuring a free screening of the movie for kids, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday lights and more.
In Colorado Springs, Santa's Workshop swings into high gear over the holidays. Visiting kids can sit on Santa's lap, ride a miniature train and visit the ice cream shop. In Pagosa Springs, Santa sinks into the hot springs on Dec. 11 from 4–6pm for a little R&R before the big day, while at The Wildlife Experience — an interactive museum in Parker — he joins kids for breakfast and cookie decorating on Dec. 1, 8 and 15, from 9–11am. For details, log on at www.pagosasprings.com and www.thewildlifeexperience.com.
High-wattage holiday lights and traditional tree-lighting ceremonies are another must-see this holiday season. Dozens of towns and communities host tree lighting events, many featuring hot chocolate and caroling. In Denver, the Botanic Gardens hosts the 19th Annual Blossoms of Light, said to be the number one holiday light display in the country. Spread over 17 acres, more than one million dazzling lights illuminate the gardens' trees and plants.
For those who love holiday home tours, it doesn't get any better than the dazzlingly decorated Governor's Residence at Boettcher Mansion in Denver. Organized by the Colorado Historical Society, these free guided tours are available December 12–15. Every room within the historic and stately mansion will be bedecked in holiday finery.
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Winging It: Getting Around via Colorado's Airports |
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Many travelers to Colorado choose to "wing it" and fly directly into their destination of choice. Colorado is home to a number of airports that offer direct and easy access to its ski slopes, national parks and monuments, hiking and biking trails, rivers and lakes and many other attractions throughout the state.
The Denver International Airport (DIA) in Colorado's capital city welcomes millions of travelers each year and offers connecting flights to many destinations throughout the state. When you arrive into DIA, you're minutes from fantastic shopping, eclectic dining and nightlife, museums and cultural attractions, biking, hiking and professional sports teams including baseball's National League Champion Colorado Rockies.
Fly into Grand Junction Regional Airport and find yourself amid all the beauty — and bounty — of the Lower Colorado River Valley. Top-notch wineries and plentiful fruit harvests make this area a source of epicurean pride. The Durango-LaPlata County Airport in Southwest Colorado affords seamless access to the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Mesa Verde National Park and the ski areas of Durango Mountain Resort, Wolf Creek and Telluride. Just seven minutes from town, the Telluride Regional Airport affords access to the region's myriad outdoor adventures, from world-class skiing to hiking, mountain biking and fishing.
For breathtaking natural beauty, arriving at Colorado Springs Airport puts visitors near Pikes Peak, whose summit inspired Katherine Lee Bates to write "America the Beautiful." Colorado Springs is an ideal destination for sports- and cultural-minded visitors. The city has its own symphony, a number of art galleries and a Fine Arts Center that has recently added a $24 million expansion, making it one of the top arts facilities in the state. Colorado Springs is also home to the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Olympic Training Center.
The ski slopes of the state's Northwest are best accessed by the Eagle County Regional Airport, which lands visitors within a stone's throw of some of Colorado's best ski resorts (including Vail, Beaver Creek and Cooper Mountain) and the Steamboat Springs Airport, which serves Steamboat Springs, where world-class skiing meets cowboy culture.
Two other access points from the northern part of the state are the Yampa Valley Regional Airport and the Fort Collins/Loveland Airport. Yampa Valley Regional is located midway between Steamboat Springs and the high-desert landscape of Craig, Colorado, located in Moffat County. Moffat County boasts world-class big game hunting, an 18-hole public golf course with breathtaking views of the Yampa River and abundant wildlife that can be viewed along roads that meander through Moffat County's scenic landscape. The Fort Collins/Loveland facility is located in the heart of Colorado's Front Range, affording easy access to Colorado State University, pristine Rocky Mountain National Park and more than a few of the state's acclaimed beer makers and artisanal brewmasters.
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| Featured Event: |
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 Holiday Lighting Ceremony in Glenwood Springs
Nov. 23, 2007
In Glenwood Springs, the holidays kick off just after Thanksgiving, when thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the town, transforming it into a magical winter wonderland from November 23 through New Year's. Visitors can immerse themselves in all the holiday magic, starting along Grand Avenue and moving to the traditional holiday lighting ceremony at the magnificent Hotel Colorado — an event not-to-be-missed among holiday revelers.
Some 200,000 lights are placed in and around Glenwood Springs' Grand Dame hotel. Decorated trees and themed animated scenes fill every corner of the main floor, and outdoors, larger-than-life characters illuminate the hotel's courtyard and rooftops for the annual courtyard lighting ceremony, where complimentary hot beverages and cookies are served and roving carolers in Victorian dress sing traditional holiday hymns. A special guest of honor leads a countdown to flip the switch, turning on the glittering light display. The evening's festivities culminate with a spectacular fireworks finale that signals the official start of the holiday season. Even Santa makes an appearance. www.visitglenwood.com |
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| Cool Kids' Stuff |
Click Here! to find fun and free Colorado facts, games, puzzles and pictures at your fingertips.
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| MY TRAVEL PLANNER |
| Need vacation ideas? Click on any of the suggestions below for great Colorado activities. |
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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.
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The Family Adventure
Pack your bags and experience the sights and sounds of Colorado, the ghost towns and the cities in between. 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.
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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.
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The Outdoor Adventure
With 42 state parks, Colorado is open for adventure.
For information on other outdoor adventures, visit the Outdoor Adventure page.
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| A Sampling of Upcoming Events Throughout Colorado in November |
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30th Starz Denver Film Festival
Denver, Nov. 8–18, 2007:
Sponsored by the Denver Film Society, this 10-day event showcases more than 175 independent films, including many of the year's most compelling and relevant films. Cast, crew and directors are often on-hand to discuss their works with the festival's film aficionados. www.denverfilm.org.
Georgetown Bighorn Sheep Festival
Georgetown, Nov. 10, 2007:
Just 45 minutes outside of Denver, kids can come face to face with Colorado's bighorn sheep and other wildlife at this free festival in one of the state's most well-preserved early mining towns.
Catch the Glow Holiday Celebration
Estes Park, Nov. 23, 2007:
Visits with Santa, hay rides, pony rides and an early evening lighted parade are all part of this annual celebration kicking off the Estes Park holiday season. Events begin at noon. www.estesparkcvb.com.
Chocolate Tasting Festival
Creede, Nov. 23–24, 2007:
Chocoholics clamor for tickets to the 18th Annual Chocolate Tasting Festival in historic downtown Creede, where local merchants prepare their favorite chocolates for lucky ticket-holders to taste and judge. Even Santa and Mrs. Claus make an appearance at this beloved festival for chocolate lovers of any age. www.creede.com.
Little Britches Rodeo
Las Animas, Nov. 17–18, 2007:
Junior cowboys gather at the Bent County Fairgrounds to compete in Las Animas' Little Britches Rodeo, a challenging weekend of bronco-riding, calf-roping and steer-wrangling. Admission is free. www.trinidadchamber.com.
Winterfest
Evergreen, Nov. 17, 2007:
Handcrafted Santa Claus figures and Santa's Workshop for children are highlights of this holiday arts and crafts festival hosted by Center for the Arts Evergreen. Now in its 27th year, the festival features more than 100 artisans displaying an array of handcrafted treasures, including handmade jewelry, sculpture, photography and blown glass. The $1 admission fee helps fund "Arts in the Schools" grants. www.evergreenarts.org.
Singing with Santa and Tree Lighting
Durango, Nov. 23, 2007:
Durango's charming holiday celebration kicks off at 5:00 p.m. with a caroling procession in the company of Santa himself, followed by a traditional tree lighting ceremony at 5th and Main. www.durango.org.
19th Annual Blossoms of Light
Denver, Dec. 1, 2007–Jan 20, 2008:
More than one million shimmering lights transform the Denver Botanic Gardens into a luminous holiday landscape. Highlights include the Garden's 3-D HoloSpex glasses (put them on to see the lights magically transform into snowflakes) and evening entertainment in the Garden Pavilion. www.botanicgardens.org.
Craft Show
Westcliffe, Nov. 30–Dec. 2, 2007:
A holiday favorite, this popular three-day Craft Show benefits the West Custer County Library. Dozens of local artisans showcase and sell an eclectic mix of hand-crafted pieces, including woodwork, paintings, one-of-a-kind knits and handmade greeting cards. Admission is free. www.custercounty.com.
Lighting of Breckenridge
Breckenridge, Dec. 1, 2007:
Hot cocoa and caroling kick off the city's annual Lighting of Breckenridge celebration. A festive procession strolls down Main Street for the lighting of the town tree. Afterward, the procession continues to Main Street Station, where visits with Santa await little ones. www.gobreck.com.
Vail Snow Daze
Vail, Dec. 3–9, 2007:
A week-long early season celebration featuring a full schedule of day and evening events, Vail Snow Daze features free ski trips, snowball eating contests, a fashion show and Dine Around Vail, among other not-to-be-missed activities. www.vailsnowdaze.com.
New Year's Eve Family Celebration
Glenwood Springs, Dec. 31, 2007:
The "hottest" way to ring in the New Year is in Glenwood Springs, home of the world's largest hot springs pool. On New Year's Eve, families gather for a splashing good time. www.hotspringspool.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 1-800-COLORADO. You can also order a free copy of the Official State Visitors Guide by calling 1-800-COLORADO or visiting www.COLORADO.com. |
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| COMING IN NEXT MONTH'S ISSUE |
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Pampered Colorado: Spas and Wellness |
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Mother Nature's Spa: Colorado's Hot Springs |
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Holiday Celebration at Bent's Old Fort |
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Photo Credits:
"Fresh Snow Lake City Colorado" – Photo by Amanda Caldon/Lake City Marketing Board
"Denver's City and County Building lit up for the holidays" – Photo by Brian Gadbery/CTO
"Colorado From Above" – Photo courtesy of Denver International Airport
"Denver International Wine Festival" – Photo courtesy of The Denver Wine Fest |
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