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| Halloween High-Jinks |
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Across the state, the merriment of Halloween wraps Colorado in a blanket of revelry, bringing out the littlest ghouls and goblins for haunted hay rides, corn mazes, pumpkin picking and loads of trick-or-treat fun.
At the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, dozens of spooky treat stations along lighted pumpkin paths keep trick-or-treating kids entertained at the Zoo's Boo At The Zoo annual celebration, scheduled Oct. 19–21 and Oct. 26–28. A bat cave, magic show and carnival games round out the fun. On Oct. 27, the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden invites railroading enthusiasts to climb aboard the Trick-or-Treat Train for a host of Halloween-themed activities. Mystery-minded visitors may prefer the Royal Gorge Route Railroad's Murder Mystery Train tour on Oct. 6. It features dinner, a classic "who dunnit" and one of the most breathtaking train rides in Colorado.
Haunted hay rides are the highlight at Miller Farms in Platteville, where the fields turn ghostly from Oct. 10–31. The spine-tingling hay ride traces a path past scary sights and sounds en route to a creepy corn maze. In Estes Park, hay rides come complete with ghosts, goblins and a headless horseman hiding in the woods. Rides depart every 15 minutes on selected Fridays and Saturdays in October. For the less daring, Denver's annual Pumpkin Festival, hosted by the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Nature Preserve, features pumpkin picking, food, crafts, hay rides and other family-friendly activities.
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From Ghost Towns to Cemetery Tours, Haunted Colorado Beckons |
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Flickering lights, doors that mysteriously open and close and empty elevators that travel between floors, these are but a few of the otherworldly occurrences at the landmark Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs, where ghost-hunting visitors can join a ghost tour. Nearby, the Frontier Historical Museum offers tours of the historic Linwood Cemetery in late October. Led by lantern light, the tours feature actors portraying some of the town's most colorful characters, including Doc Holliday.
Built in 1909, the allegedly haunted Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is credited with inspiring the setting for the Stephen King blockbuster The Shining. Today, following a multimillion dollar renovation, guests are more likely to be inspired by the hotel's new spa and luxury condo units. Denver's legendary Brown Palace is also said to have a handful of resident spirits, and ghost-themed tours can be arranged on request with the hotel's historian.
Compared to its historic cemeteries and hotels, Colorado's dozens of ghost towns are relatively, well, ghost-free. These treasures of the Old West, many of which are designated National Historic Sites, boast well-preserved original buildings that evoke their high-spirited heyday. St. Elmo, for example, features 24 original buildings, some dating back to 1879, while the 1880s silver mining town of Ashcroft has nine original buildings. |
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| Featured Event: |
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 3rd Annual ARToberfest
Oct. 6–28, 2007
Trinidad's 3rd Annual Artoberfest, held on weekends through October, is sure to bring a variety of people to this historical community, as it offers something for everyone. The month-long celebration kicks off with the opening of Good Earth VI, a showcase featuring artistic works about or made from the earth. Everything from clay to precious stones are used as mediums for the various art pieces. Week two includes Trinidad's Trash to Treasure flea market, with an atmosphere similar to that of the Antique Roadshow. Trinidad's Second Annual Masquerade Ball will be held on week three, inviting people of all ages to enjoy an evening filled with dancing, costume parades and a pumpkin carving contest. The month-long art celebration will conclude with Offenda, a traditional Hispanic alters offering to honor the departed. Community groups as well as The Trinidad Area Arts Council will be creating offerings which will remain on display until Dia de Los Muertos at the First Street Gallery.
Proceeds from the contest will be donated to a scholarship foundation benefiting local children. www.trinidadarts.org |
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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 September |
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Potato Day & Parade
Carbondale, Sept. 29, 2007:
Carbondale's oldest and most beloved festival, Potato Day dates back to 1909 when the town was one of the country's largest potato-producing regions. Today, home gardeners grow the only local potatoes but the celebratory harvest tradition continues unabated, with an old-fashioned parade, barbecue in Sopris Park, live music and a rodeo. www.carbondalegov.org
Cedaredge Applefest & Gala
Cedaredge, Oct. 5–7, 2007:
The annual fall harvest at the foot of the Grand Mesa celebrates the apple and all good things to eat. Music and more than 200 specialty booths make this annual event, now in its 30th year, an area favorite. www.cedaredgecolorado.com
8th Annual Historic Ghost Walk
Glenwood Springs, Oct. 19–21 and Oct. 26–28, 2007:
Actors portraying some of Glenwood's most colorful pioneers, including Doc Holliday, are a highlight of these nighttime guided tours through Linwood Cemetery, sponsored by the Frontier Historical Museum. www.glenwoodhistory.com/events
Ghost Tours Friday and Saturday evenings
Estes Park, Oct. 5–28, 2007:
Against the backdrop of Rocky Mountain National Park, these ghost tours, sponsored by the Estes Valley Resorts & the Historic Park Theatre, explore the ghosts of Estes Park. www.estesparkcvb.com
16th Annual Fall Classic
Trinidad, Oct. 6–7, 2007:
This popular local golf tournament takes place on Colorado's fourth oldest golf course, the nine-hole Trinidad Las Animas County Municipal Golf Course. www.trinidadgc.com
Westcliffe American Legion Oktoberfest Brats & Beer
Westcliff, Oct. 6, 2007:
German beer and brats are the focus on this third annual full-day festival in picturesque downtown Westcliff. www.custercountyco.com
Great Pumpkin Harvest Festival
Denver, Oct. 6–7, 2007:
Old-fashioned fun defines this fall festival in Denver's Four Mile Historic Park, where a county fair, pumpkin patch, scarecrows, music and games provide two full days of family-friendly amusement. www.fourmilepark.org
Oktoberfest
Ouray, Oct. 6, 2007:
The town’s annual Oktoberfest is highlighted by the annual Jeep Raffle Drawing, an Ouray tradition for 43 years. This year, along with the 2007 Jeep Wrangler giveaway, dancing, door prizes, German beer and bratwurst can be found at the Ouray Community Center. www.ouraycolorado.com
Roaring Fork Valley Studio Tour
Carbondale, Oct. 12–13, 2007:
In the heart of Colorado's central Rocky Mountains, the Roaring Fork Valley Studio Tour opens the doors to dozens of working artists' studios around the valley; the two-day tour culminates with a silent auction. www.roaringforkvalleystudiotour.net
Pumpkin Festival at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
Littleton, Oct. 13–14, 2007:
Now in its 19th year, this quintessential fall festival delights children of all ages with an array of activities, handmade crafts and, of course, the search for the perfect pumpkin from a patch overflowing with this autumn favorite. www.botanicgardens.org
Holly Daze Craft Show
Holyoke, Oct. 27, 2007:
A small town celebration with loads of style, the Holly Daze Craft Show marks its 45th annual event with great food and more than 100 booths displaying crafts made by some of the state's finest artisans. www.holyokechamber.org
CCMCC Downtown Trick or Treat Halloween Carnival
Westcliffe, Oct. 31, 2007:
The Custer County Merchants and Chamber of Commerce sponsors this fun-for-all-ages Halloween celebration at the Custer County School. The revelry begins at 4pm. www.custercountyco.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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Ski Season |
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Winter Sports |
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Denver International Wine Festival |
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Photo Credits:
"The changing leaves of Southwest Colorado" – Photo by Matt Inden
"Halloween High-Jinks" – Photo by Brian Gadbery/CTO
"From Ghost Towns to Cemetery Tours, Haunted Colorado Beckons" – Photo by Brian Gadbery/CTO
"ARToberfest" – Photo by Joe Reorda |
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