When visiting Colorado there are three types of cities to visit: the big cities, the posh ski villages, and the quaint mountain towns. Each of these destinations appeals to a different sort of tourist.
DENVER
The capital of Colorado is a bustling city with a great deal to see and do. There are museums, official buildings, fabulous shopping, restaurants, theaters and universities to tour, and a theme park to keep the children busy.
Within walking distance of the capital building you will find several sites unique to Denver. There are the Colorado History Museum, the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Library, and the Denver Mint. The mint is available for tours on most days and is an interesting insight into the way our money is made.
For a unique shopping experience visit the 16th Street Mall. This is a collection of shops and restaurants to suit all tastes arranged on an attractive street. There is street-side window shopping as well as multiple small indoor shopping centers.
Across the highway from the Center for the Performing Arts you will find Denver Campus and the Tivoli Student Union. This is the home of several local colleges functioning on one campus in harmony. The Tivoli Center is a former brewery and an interesting architectural landmark.
COLORADO SPRINGS
The Springs, as locals call it, is a busy city to some and an eclectic site to visit for others. You will find all of the comforts of a typical American city here. You will also find a lovely national park, original civic centers and museums, and the United States Air Force Academy.
The Garden of the Gods state park is an open, rambling range of red stone formations in the foothills near The Springs. No matter the season, this is a fabulous location for hiking, biking, picnicking or just admiring the views.
You will also find the National Cowboy and Rodeo Museum in this modern jungle. This surprisingly large building is dedicated to the heroes and athletes of the not-so-Old West. In addition Colorado Springs is the home of the Focus of the Family visitor and information center. This conservative Christian organization has been making a difference in the world for several decades.
VAIL & ASPEN
These two ritzy mountain towns can be summed up together. Though they sit on different mountains, what they offer is remarkably similar.
Here you will find some of the worlds best skiing and shopping. Those are the two specialties of such places. Celebrities of all genres make these places into winter retreats, and you truly never know who you will see on the slopes. Though it is possible to get cheaper lift-tickets and more affordable touristy souvenirs at other ski towns, these two are the cream of the crop.
In addition, Vail hosts the 10th Mountain Division Ski Museum. This is a very small pit stop on your tour, but will give you vivid details on the fascinating history of Colorado’s involvement in World War 2.
ESTES PARK
If you ask around, people will tell you that the town of Estes Park is a “Tourist Trap.” This is not entirely true. You will find that main street is dotted with fudge shops, “Old Time” photo studios, and t-shirt shops, but there are very unique gems among the rabble.
In the same strip of stores you will find the Michael Ricker Pewter Casting Studio & Museum. Mr. Ricker is a world renowned artist and his pewter statues are truly affordable works of art.
Behind Main Street, positioned on a rise that makes it perfect for picture postcards, is the Stanley Motel. Famously the setting of Steven King’s “The Shining,” this historic beauty is still a functioning high class hotel and also offers tours of the stunning complex.
The primary draw the Estes Park is the not actually in town, however. It is the national park. One of the regions largest and most accessible, Estes Park Nation Park is the ideal place to stop and smell the columbine. Hiking trails of all levels, camping, backpacking, biking, climbing, canoeing, and any other activities that you can image are available to you here. There are historical and geological displays and rangers who are happy to discuss the flora and fauna.
