When the snow gives way to a rainbow of wildflowers, and the skis and snowboards are stored away
in favor of hiking boots and bikes, different goals compel us into the mountains.
The resorts and towns go all out to get our attention, with music and food and bike festivals, and few restaurants and lodgings close down for the season anymore.
So we’ve compiled a list of reasons to head for the hills this summer: the top restaurants, the comfiest places to stay, the best festivals and shows. Some will be old favorites, some will be new spots, but we guarantee all are hot.
Aspen
1. FESTIVAL The Aspen Food & Wine Classic June 16-18 brings chefs such as Mario Batali, Jacques Pepin, Emeril Lagasse and Bobby Flay into town for cooking demonstrations and wine seminars run by Daniel Johnnes and Josh Wesson. 877-900-WINE, foodandwine.com/classic
2. FESTIVAL The Aspen Dance Festival is performed by the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet July 21-Aug. 19 in Aspen and Santa Fe and tours nationally, featuring 11 professional, classically trained dancers in a contemporary repertoire by some of the world’s foremost choreographers. 970-925-7175, visit aspensantafeballet.com
3. DINING D-19 From the same owners who brought us the wildly popular Wild Fig, this cramped but groovy spot cooks up intense Italian fare paired with excellent Italian wines. 307 S. Mill St., 970-925-6019
4. LODGING Hyatt Grand Aspen is the newest gem in a strand of Hyatt Vacation Properties, and this one is gorgeous and set against Ajax Mountain. Now is the time for the public to check it out, before all of the units are sold. Through September, the studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units are 30 percent off. Rates $350 to $840 per night. 415 E. Dean St., 800-GO-HYATT
5. DINING Olives Aspen The St. Regis Resort runs one of the tightest ships in town, with impeccable service and the best Olives eateries in the country. Chef Phil Evans nudges the menu in an Asian direction to good effect, and the whole experience is just delightful – so worth the big bucks. 315 E. Dean St., 970-920-7356
6. DINING iNg Cuisine The chef from Nobu Matsuhisa, Henry Ng, has struck out on his own to open this fab Pan-Asian spot in the Aspen Business Center that focuses on takeout and sushi. 316 Aspen Business Center, 970-920-7266
7. ACTIVITY The Saturday Market runs along Hopkins Avenue next to City Hall and a block along Hunter Street, with Colorado-grown produce, arts and crafts, meats and cheeses, fresh-baked breads and pastries and plenty of local character. Great place to pick up an impromptu picnic.
8. LODGING Sky Hotel Fancy but still fine for families, with a great waterfall-fed pool and hot tubs in the back with a view of Aspen Mountain and swanky rooms. Rates start at $349 per night. 709 E. Durant Ave., 800-882-2582, theskyhotel.com
9. DINING The Wine Spot A hottie within a hottie, this new wine bar sits within the Hyatt Grand Aspen and features nearly 40 wines by the glass, ranging from under-$10 to vintage Champagne and small plates to snack along with them. The patio deck has a firepit for when it cools off late at night, and the staff knows its stuff. 415 E. Dean St., 970-920-9463
Beaver Creek
10. FESTIVAL Beaver Creek Summer Culinary Festival dazzles June 24-25 in the Beaver Creek Plaza each day from noon to 6 p.m. Sample the food, be wowed by the wines and check out a culinary demo and live music. Kids activities too. 970-845-9090,
beavercreek.snow.com/info/summer/evt.culinary.asp
11. ACTIVITY Bon Appétit Culinary Demo Series Learn how to cook in Beaver Creek! Free to the public, presented by Bon Appétit and hosted by Beaver Creek’s and the Vail Valley’s finest chefs, the demos are held on Saturday afternoons from July 1 to Aug. 26 at 5 p.m. in the Beaver Creek Plaza. 970-845-9090, beavercreek.snow
.com/info/summer/evt.culinarydemo.asp
12. LODGING/DINING The Pines Lodge This spiffy slopeside spot has a pool and a fitness center and is home to the Grouse Mountain Grill, one of Beaver Creek’s best upscale eateries. Superior golf courses are but a few steps away. Summer specials include packages such as the Nordic walking deal for $276 per night, which includes a massage and guided tour. 866-605-ROCK, rockresorts.com
13. ACTIVITY Summer Concert Series means free music every Saturday night on the Beaver Creek lawn next to the base of Centennial chairlift Saturday nights from July 22 to Aug. 19. Styles run the gamut from the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and Boogie Machine to Marcia Ball and the John Hammond Trio. 970-845-9090,beavercreek.snow.com/info/summer/evt.summerconcert.asp
14. DINING traMonti in the Charter at the Beaver Creek Hotel is one of the more reasonably priced places in town, and the food is top-notch Italian, Northern-style, with an emphasis on meat dishes. Check out the mountain view from the elegant dining room. 120 Offerson Road, 970-849-5552
Breckenridge
15. FESTIVAL Genuine Jazz Free daytime performances on Maggie’s Pond at the 22nd annual Genuine Jazz event June 23-25, with a floating stage, and weekend and nighttime performances with such hot tickets as Dotsero, Marion Meadows, Nils and Tim Bowman. Prices $39 to $69 (weekend pass). 866-464-2626, genuinejazz.com
16. DINING Rasta Pasta A Swiss chef cooking Italian dishes with a Jamaican twist has no business working, but it does – and it’s reasonably priced by any standards, let alone a ski resort’s. 411 S. Main St., 970-453-7567
17. LODGING Swan Mountain Inn is a romantic little gem of a bed and breakfast with a wonderful restaurant that’s open to the public, offering a prix-fixe menu. It sits about halfway between Keystone and Breckenridge, and if you stay there, you get a deal on dinner and breakfast, too. 16172 Colorado 9, 970-453-7903
Copper Mountain
18. ACTIVITY Burning Stones Outdoor Theater offers free movies every Saturday night under the stars with the mountains looming behind the screen. The choices are usually family-friendly; bring a blanket and a picnic.
coppercolorado.com
19. ACTIVITY CopperMan Marathon Runners from all over the country are expected to convene on Copper Mountain July 9 for Summit County’s only marathon and one of only about 10 in Colorado. Copper also wil host a half-marathon (13.1 miles), a 10k run and a 2-mile kids’ run. Entry for the 26.2-miler is $60. 888-219-2441,
coppercolorado.com
20. LODGING Copper Mountain Resort If you’re going to stay at Copper, well then, stay at Copper. That way, you can get around easily and not have to travel too far at the end of the day. The rates are a bit gentler than during the winter, starting at $121 per night. Check out the new Cirque, with laundry facilities in rooms and three swimming pools. 209 Ten Mile Circle, 800-458-8386, coppercolorado.com.
21. FESTIVAL Cyclefest
Motorcycle fans will flock to this fest Aug. 23-24 for the fourth year to lead rides, check out the latest rides, demo newbies and party hard. Free concerts, food, kids’ activities and celebs galore. cyclefestco.com
22. DINING Endo’s Adrenaline Café The name pretty much says it all: crazy-chaotic busy most of the time, but the portions are huge and delish at this upscale sandwich shop and bar at the base of the American Eagle lift; music on the weekends packs even more in. The Village at Copper, 970-968-3070
Crested Butte
23. DINING Crêpe-a-GoGo The cart is open only in the summers, so that’s the time to grab these delectable sweet and savory crêpes, filled with ham and cheese or smeared with chocolate and dusted with powdered sugar, all for about $6 and more filling than anything you’ll get at a fast-food place. Along Elk Avenue
24. FESTIVAL Crested Butte Music Festival puts on everything from modern dance to chamber and big band during the entire month of July – including an inspired rendition of the opera “Don Giovanni” – at the Center for the Arts. Tickets run $10-$45 per person. 970-349-0619, crestedbuttemusicfestival.com
25. FESTIVAL Crested Butte Wildflower Festival The town, which seems to be the home of wildflowers, holds its 2006 festival July 10-16. Activities include daily alpine flower-identification hikes, backcountry flower walks and wetland tours; photography workshops; horseback rides; culinary events; and the annual wildflower art exhibit and sale. 970-349-2571, CrestedButteWild
flowerFestival.com
26. FESTIVAL Crested Butte Wild Mushroom Festival teaches you how not to wind up sick from a bad ‘shroom. Programs Aug. 17-20 encourage experiential learning via forays, or you can take a cooking class or attend a lecture or workshop. 800-545-4505, crested-butte-wild-mushroom-festival.com
27. LODGING Cristiana Guesthaus It’s not the fanciest place, but what it lacks in snooty trappings it makes up for in charm. Small, family-owned and well-priced, this cozy spot is a block off the main drag and has a European feel, with a sun deck and free breakfast to add to its appeal. Rates start at $65 a night. 621 Maroon Ave., 800-824-7899
28. FESTIVAL Fat Tire Bike Week If you believe it all started here, well, where else would you want to celebrate the invention of the mountain bike? June 19-25 is when it happens, and the 26th anniversary includes the New Belgium Chainless, in which chains are dropped to race down Kebler Pass; a bike rodeo; special dinners; the Crested Butte Downhill; and Bridges of the Butte, the 24-hour townie race. 800-545-4505, ftbw.com
29. ACTIVITY Pearl Pass Trail Supposedly the ride that started it all, it’s a must-do for ticket-puncher mountain bikers. In 1976, the “Klunker Tour” took this 40-mile route from the Butte to Aspen on cobbled-together bikes with fat tires. Remember that there is less oxygen at 12,705 feet. To get to the trailhead, go 2 miles south on Colorado 135, then turn left onto Brush Creek Road. Pearl Pass follows Middle Brush Creek Road.
Estes Park
30. LODGING Allenspark Lodge sits right on Main Street, a comfy, classy and rustic B&B, with stunning public spaces and mountain-lodgestyle rooms. The homemade breakfasts are worth getting up for, and the clientele is limited to 14 and over. 184 Main St., 303-747-2552
31. LODGING/ACTIVITY Estes Park Center/ YMCA of the Rockies means lodging, recreation, wildlife – this place has it all. If you aren’t staying at the 860-acre ranch in the lodges or one of the cabins, you can still head over for a swim in the indoor pool, miniature golf or roller skating. Rates start at $90 per night. 2515 Tunnel Road, 303-448-1616
32. DINING Nicky’s Steakhouse has been one of those places where everyone just knows to go since 1967. They go for a good steak, a slice of prime rib that’s been roasted in rock salt, oysters on the half shell, a dry martini served in a bar that has that old-fashioned feel. The setting is rustic but not too, and the servers know how to get the job done. 1350 Fall River Road, 800-323-0031
33. ACTIVITY Roof Top Rodeo The 80th annual Roof Top Rodeo kicks it July 11-16 with a traditional Western parade, marching bands, classic cars and rodeo royalty. Professional cowboys and hand-
picked livestock compete nightly during bronc riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, bareback riding, barrel racing and bull riding events. estesparkcvb.com
34. FESTIVAL Scandinavian Midsummer Festival celebrates the summer solstice June 24 and 25 with music and food in downtown Bond Park, starting with the raising of a Maypole, a parade of costumes and folk dancing. Admission is free. 970-586-6073, visitestesmidsummer.com
35. DINING Sweet Basilico Café The fact that the locals are willing to fight for a table with the tourists on their way to Rocky Mountain National Park is testament to this everything-homemade Italian restaurant that does killer veal marsala and minestrone soup. 401 E. Elkhorn Ave., 970-586- 3899
36. LODGING Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Campsites or cabins offer options in the shade on the way to Estes or Rocky Mountain National Park. The owners have a sense of humor, which means this is one campground that always has something fun going on, such as themed weekends and kid-oriented activities, and the campground itself is set up with plenty of family stuff to do all the time. 5495 U.S. 36, 800-722- 2928, JellystoneofEstes.com
Dillon
37. DINING Dillon Dam Brewery likes to just call itself the “Dam Brewery,” and it serves up some darn fine beers (the Dam Straight Lager is a fave) and eats (they do a nice beer-soaked bratwurst and really good BBQ pork sammy). They have a kids menu too. 100 Little Dam St., 970-262-7777, dambrewery.com
38. ACTIVITY Lake Dillon is one of the few big bodies of water we have, and, by golly, we should use it. Rent a sailboat from the marina or just bike or hike around some part of the 26 miles of shoreline, or fish for some trout. Or just stand there and look at it, with the snowcapped peaks behind, and be thankful we have some moisture somewhere. Dillon Marina, 970-468-5100, dillonmarina.com
Frisco
39. DINING Butterhorn Bakery Café Breakfast and lunch at one of those local hangouts that just keeps getting better. Great coffee, inexpensive and delicious pastries and sandwiches, efficient service. 408 Main St., 970-668-3997
40. FESTIVAL Colorado Barbecue ChallengeFrisco’s Main Street smells good enough to eat when Colorado’s official barbecue cook-off takes over June 23 and 24. More than 50 teams from across the country compete for bragging rights. Sample Buck-a-
Bone barbecue and listen to free music. townoffrisco.com
41. LODGING Hotel Frisco Classic Colorado-style accommodations, complete with a moose-head greeting over the river-rock fireplace. Summer rates start at $79 a night. 308 Main St., 800-262-1002, hotelfrisco.com
42. DINING Log Cabin Café The place for a stick-to-the-ribs breakfast, whether you’re staying in the area or driving through, served in an early-1900s cabin. 121 Main St., 970-668-3947
43. ACTIVITY Tour de Fat is a cool name for a cool bike ride, sponsored by Colorado’s New Belgium Brewery and running July 8. The event parades through town and offers up park-side bike demonstrations at the Frisco Peninsula Recreation Area. There’s beer involved, too, but not while you’re riding, please. townoffrisco.com
Glenwood Springs
44. ACTIVITY Glenwood Canyon Bike its 16 miles, walk along it as far as you can or ride the Colorado River through it (try Rock Gardens for an easy family trip or a hardcore rapids-fest, 1308 County Road 129, 800-958-6737, rock
gardens.com). Whichever way you choose, there’s no denying its granite, quartzite and limestone beauty. Interstate 70 east of Glenwood Springs
45. ACTIVITY Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park has been a tourist stop since 1887. The Glenwood Caverns and Fairy Caves are a theme park of caves and mazes down 127 steps after a ride on the Iron Mountain Tramway, with glorious views of the mountains. The new Alpine Coaster and Giant Swing make kids of all ages squeal. Cost: $18 per person. 5100 Two Rivers Plaza Road, 800-530-1635, glenwoodcaverns.com
46. LODGING/ACTIVITY Hot Springs Pool & Lodge The words Glenwood Springs and Hot Springs Pool are almost synonymous, and kids like it even better in the summer when the slides are open (extra charges of $8 for four rides apply). Stay at the lodge and get the pools and continental breakfast for free. Cost: $14.75 per person; lodge rates start at $162 per night. 401 N. River St., 800-537-7946, hotspringspool.com
47. DINING Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse & Delicatessen Owner Joel Karr prides himself on a well-
run business, and that means greeting every customer like a local and offering fresh, tasty fare. He succeeds on both counts. Sandwich fans should build their own from the staggering choices; great coffees and fruit smoothies too. 725 Grand Ave., 970-928-8804,
sacredgrounds.biz
48. FESTIVAL Strawberry Days Sayre Park becomes Strawberry Fields Forever, or at least June 16-18, after a parade down Grand Avenue sets the tone. Free strawberries and ice cream, and then music, an arts and crafts fair, and kids activities. 970-945-6589,
strawberrydaysfestival.com
Grand Lake
49. FESTIVAL Western Weekend & Buffalo BBQ is a whole bunch of activities July 15-16, including a pancake breakfast, a fun run and a parade, all starting in Town Park. An annual event for 59 years in Grand Lake, it offers buffalo meat put over hot coals and slathered in sauce. 970-627-
3372, grandlakechamber.com
50. LODGING Grand Lake Lodge From the front porch you can see the lake and the mountains, as well as the lodge’s pool, which is a welcome bit of relief on a hot summer’s day. This place is open only June through September, so it’s a special treat to stay in one of the rustic cabins, which sleep two to six. Rates start at $90 per night. 15500 U.S. 34, 970-627-3967,
grandlakelodge.com.
51. FESTIVAL Grand Lake Regatta Sailboats actually come from around the world to compete in this one, Aug. 1-5, sponsored by the Grand Lake Yacht Club since it started in 1912. 970-627-3377,
grandlakechamber.com
52. LODGING/DINING The Historic Rapids Lodge & Restaurant Rustic and romantic, the rooms and restaurant at the Rapids appeal for their seclusion at the end of town, their location next to the Tonahutu River and their colorful history. The restaurant serves excellent New American fare, and you can stay in the lodge, a suite, a cabin or a condo next door. Rates start at $95 per night. 209 Rapids Lane, 970-627-3707, rapidslodge.com
53. ACTIVITY Kauffman House Museum An 1892 log building that was used as a hotel until after World War II, this sweet site sits on the beach at the edge of the lake and is a great place to stop for a view of the town through old photos and other collections. A $3 donation is suggested. Pitkin Street at Lake Avenue, 970-627-
9644, kauffmanhouse.org
54. ACTIVITY Never Summer Ranch Part of Rocky Mountain National Park’s holdings now, the Holzwarth homestead 8 miles north of Grand Lake is a great history lesson for kids to see what $2 a day bought in 1920 in terms of room and board on an old-fashioned Western ranch. Entrance fee of $20 per automobile or National Parks pass required. rmnp.com
55. ACTIVITY Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre brings professional productions to the area; this season (weekends June 16-Aug. 19) promises “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Almost Heaven: John Denver’s America.” Tickets are $20 ($15 under 12) 970-627-3421,
rockymountainrep.com
56. DINING Sagebrush BBQ & Grill lets you throw your peanut shells on the floor, but that’s about all you’ll want to toss from the table at this otherwise savvy stop. The house sauce is sweet and sticky on the smoky ribs, and the Kobe burger is a good choice for those who like ’em. 1101 Grand Ave., 970-627-1404
Keystone
57. DINING Bighorn Steakhouse in the Keystone Lodge is still one of our favorites for families, despite the fact that it looks fancy-schmancy and feels like a big-time steakhouse. But they will treat you and your little ones right, and the comfy chairs will feel good after a day of outdoor activities. Get the prime rib from the kids menu for $7 and start with the house-smoked trout for yourself and steak later, and everyone will be happy. U.S. 6, 970-496-4500
58. FESTIVAL Keystone Wine, Jazz & Art Festival Aug. 26 and 27 in River Run Village showcases more than 300 wines from the around the globe, along with foods to match, and plenty of experts yakking about how good it all is. Added bonus: nationally known jazz acts such as Nelson Rangell and fine art. Admission is $25 per day. 970-496-4386, keystoneresort.com
59. FESTIVAL Mountain Art Gathering in the Park Lane Pavilion brings artists from across the country together with artists from around Summit County to strut their stuff to benefit the Summit Foundation from July 28-30. 970-453-5970,
keystone.snow.com
60. DINING Paisano’s does good Italian food fast, so it’s a good choice for families or anyone trying to get back out there. Not in the mood for their yummy pizza? Check out the hearty minestrone or some of the zippy pastas. 140 Ida Belle Drive, 970-468-0808
61. LODGING Ski Tip Bed & Breakfast Tired of the same old condo? Get a B&B feel and a lower rate – plus breakfast cooked for you to boot – at the Ski Tip, which sits a mile from the Village and feels light years away from the other mod spots. This lodging in a circa- 1800s stagecoach stop building runs about $99 a night through the summer. 758 Montezuma Road, 800-372-0235
Snowmass
62. FESTIVAL Chili Pepper and Brew Fest is hot for the third year, bringing the International Chili Society to Snowmass Village June 9-11 for two regional chili competitions while microbrewers face off in a summer ale competition with two public microbrew samplings for the public. Live music on Fanny Hill, with performances by Medeski Martin and Wood, and Jonny Lang, among others. snowmasspress.com/calsummer.html.
63. DINING The Cirque Bar and Grill Only slightly quieter during the summer than après ski in winter, the Cirque is popular with the under-30 crowd, especially during happy hour, when music and making plans for the rest of the evening (it closes at 6 p.m. in the off-season), along with the huge deck, are the main draws. 105 Snowmass Village Mall, 970-923-8686
64. DINING Il Poggio Ristorante Down-to-earth and reasonably priced, this Italian joint does Northern specialties (lots of cream sauces) and flatbreads right in a casual, relaxed setting. 73 Elbert Lane, 970-923-4292
65. LODGING Snowmass Inn The view from here is just dandy right up against the mountain, and in the summer it’s fun to be able to pop right over to the activity in the Village. Continental breakfast is included next door in the Pokolodi Lodge, and there’s an outdoor pool. Rates run $75-$90 a night. 67 Daly Lane, 800-635- 3758, snowmassinn.com
66. FESTIVAL Snowmass Summer of Free Music Series hits on rock, R&B, soul and Latin music Thursdays June 29 through Aug. 24 at 6 p.m. on Fanny Hill. You BYOB and your own blanket (dogs OK too). Artists include Tab Benoit, The Iguanas, Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials, Jon Cleary and Sam Bush. 800-SNOWMASS, snowmassvillage.com
67. LODGING/DINING Snowmass Club & Sage Restaurant lets the public stay in its private residence properties for a week at a time ($3,000) in the summer, which also affords you access to the killer golf course ($95) and the spa, as well as free rein in the pools, hot tubs, fitness club and tennis courts. Even if you aren’t staying there, it’s worth it to stop by for lunch or dinner at the Sage for the New American fare and most reasonable wine list in the area. 0239 Snowmass Club Circle, 800-543-0839
Steamboat Springs
68. DINING Johnny B. Good’s Diner Forget typical overpriced mountain fare that means a meal for a family of four will cost $200 and take four hours to eat – Johnny does reasonably priced rib-
eyes, burgers and sandwiches, and kids’ meals are less than $4, in big portions and served quick. 738 Lincoln Ave., 970-870-8400
69. LODGING Moving Mountains Chalet Moving Mountains’ 9,000-square-
foot property operates as a B&B through the summer, but for a special price you can bring up to 16 of your closest friends and rent the whole shebang – and have a personal chef cook your meals too. The chalet is stunningly nestled against the National Forest, and rates run around $1,650 per night. 877-624-2538, movingmountains.com
70. FESTIVAL Rainbow Weekend It’s a two-for-one weekend July 8 and 9 with the 26th annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo and the 32nd annual Art in the Park. The rodeo features balloons of various sizes and shapes competing in airborne events. Art in the Park in West Lincoln Park downtown offers up paintings, sculptures and handmade jewelry from more than 100 artisans and live musical performances. steamboatchamber.com
71. DINING Steamboat Springs Yacht Club is one of those surprise finds, open to the public and thoroughly enjoyable for its classic food and elegant setting. Situated on the Yampa River downtown, the eatery does chauteaubriand right. 811 Yampa Ave., 970-879-4774
72. FESTIVAL Steamboat Wine Festival brings wine, cheese and other foods together, all sampled as you wander along the streets of downtown Aug. 3-6. 877-328-2783, steamboatwinefestival.com
73. FESTIVAL Strings in the Mountains The hills are alive with the sound of music from June 4 to Aug. 20, when classical chamber, pops and youth programs run in the Festival Music Tent just outside of town. Look for Lady-smith Black Mambazo and Beausoleil, among others. Tickets run $18-$35 per person. 970-879-5056,
stringsinthemountains.com.
Telluride
74. DINING Allred’s Chef Erich Owen makes New American foods with plenty of world-inspired ingredients, sending it out to a contemporary dining room that sports a view of the surrounding peaks. The nightly chef’s menu with wines is the deal. 565 Mountain Village Blvd., 970-728-7474, allredsrestaurant.com
75. DINING Fat Alley BBQ Hard to believe there’s still something as down-to-
earth as Fat Alley left here, but this joint has communal tables and napkins set in piles, and you order your sloppy, overstuffed plates of sticky-sweet barbecue, and the owner hauls it out when it’s ready. Get the greasy pork ribs. 128 S. Oak St., 970-728-3985
76. LODGING Hotel Columbia Telluride With views of the mountain, the San Miguel River and the gondola, you can’t go wrong. Play oversized checkers on the table in your quaint room, stash your mountain bike in the storage room they provide, and stop by for a free breakfast of baked goods and hard-boiled eggs before checking out. Rates start at $175 per night. 300 San Juan Ave., 800-201-9505
77. ACTIVITY Lizard Head Theatre Company Each summer Dennis Fecteau brings together a group of talented actors and directors and performs classic and contemporary plays and musicals. 970-728-3133,
tellurideticket.com
78. DINING Maggie’s Bakery & Café Breakfast and lunch in an intimate little bakery that does good pancakes and biscuits and gravy and pro- quality coffee drinks, including an excellent latte. 217 E. Colorado Ave., 970-728-3334
79. LODGING San Sophia B&B is in a Victorian-
style building that’s pretty and stands out against the mountain views behind it, and the upscale breakfasts they serve and the charm the place exudes are standouts too. Rates start at $129 per night. 330 W. Pacific Ave., 800-537-4781,
sansophia.com
80. FESTIVAL Telluride Bluegrass Festival hits town June 15-18 for the 33rd summer, this time bringing the likes of Sam Bush, Tim O’Brien, Del McCoury and Béla Fleck (his 25th year at Telluride), as well as Bonnie Raitt and John Prine, and the Barenaked Ladies in a special unplugged “bluegrass” set. Daily pass is $55; four days for $175. 800-624-2422, bluegrass.com/telluride
81. FESTIVAL Telluride Culinary Art Festival brings Denver favorite Bryan Moscatello from the now-defunct Adega back into Colorado, along with a host of other chefs both local and national Aug. 18-20 for food seminars, a grand tasting and a progressive dinner. 877-359-5606, tellurideculinaryart.com
82. FESTIVAL Telluride Jazz Celebration proves Telluride knows more than just bluegrass, putting the Herbie Hancock Quintet, John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and dozens more out there in clubs, concert halls and at the Conference Center Aug. 3-6. An all-access pass is $165. 970-728-7009, telluridejazz.com
83. FESTIVAL Telluride Wine Festival Prepare your palates for the 25th annual Telluride Wine Festival June 22-25. The four-day event features more than six dozen wineries from around the world pouring their finest at venues throughout town, as well as in Mountain Village, just a gondola ride away. 970-728-3178, telluridewinefestival.com
Vail
84. ACTIVITY Betty Ford Alpine Gardens An amazing place to spend some time, the rock gardens, park and waterfalls here are lovingly cared for, and as the summer goes on, the flowers just become more gorgeous and prolific. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. 183 Gore Creek Drive, 970-476-0103, bettyfordalpinegardens.org
85. DINING Blu’s Restaurant is a Vail rarity: reasonably priced fare, no reservations, kind of a family feel rather than fou-fou. We like it, because we can sit down to a gypsy schnitzel (that’s pork loin with peppers and gravy) with a side of mashed potatoes – and just chill. 193 E. Gore Creek Drive, 970-476-3113,
blusrestaurant.com
86. FESTIVAL Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival is in its 19th year of bringing orchestral and chamber music to the Valley, this time from June 28 through Aug. 3. Groups from across the country will perform; ticket prices starts at $21 for lawn seating to $82 and up for reserved.877-812-5700,
vailmusicfestival.org
87. LODGING/DINING Hotel Gasthof Gramshammer When former Olympic skier Pepi Gramshammer retired, he decided to run the cute little Austrian-style lodging that is his Gasthof, with its little spa room and Pepi’s Restaurant, which serves goulash and sauerbraten. Rates start at $105 per night. 231 E. Gore Creek Drive, 800-610-7374, pepis.com
88. ACTIVITY Kloser’s Klimb A “klassic” hike that starts from Eagle’s Nest and climbs 1,000 vertical feet over 2.4 miles to Patrol Headquarters, this is one of those seemingly simple hikes that nonetheless pushes a bit. Take the Eagle Bahn gondola up ($17 adults).
89. DINING La Tour makes French food so sensually attractive that it’s hard to stop eating even when you’re full. Classic dishes such as escargots get the full-on treatment, while trendier fare comes out with fun twists. 122 E. Meadow Drive, 970-476-6930, latour-vail.com
90. LODGING/ACTIVITY Savory Inn and Cooking School of Vail is two tasty mints in one: a beautiful rustic log getaway on Gore Creek with rooms named after herbs and spices, and a cooking school with afternoon and evening classes teaching everything from the basics to full meal preparations. 2405 Elliott Ranch Road, 866-728-6794, savoryinn.com
91. DINING Sweet Basil is just a classic, one of Colorado’s best restaurants and a true treat to eat in. A contemporary dining room provides the backdrop for a menu of ingredient combinations that make the palate stop and take note; weekend brunch is a new and welcome addition. 193 E. Gore Creek Drive, 970-476-0125, sweetbasil-vail.com
92. FESTIVAL Taste of Vail sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Well, this is Round 2, for those of you who haven’t been making it up to the one that’s been happening in April for more than a decade now. This Taste of Vail will be Aug. 17-20 and features a similar abundance of food and wine tastings. 970-926-5665, tasteofvail.com
93. FESTIVAL Vail Arts Festival takes over Lionshead Village Aug. 11-13 when 120 artists – using 11 mediums – from across the country set up their wares. Look for custom jewelry and gallery-class arts. Live music too. 970-376-3756
94. FESTIVAL Vail International Dance Festival kicks off with legendary opera star Jessye Norman collaborating with choreographer Trey McIntyre for “The Diva, The Duke and The Dance,” which features the music of Duke Ellington in song and dance, along with the world premiere of McIntyre’s “Go Out.” Check the website for performances and ticket information for the July 30-Aug. 13 schedule, vvf.org
Winter Park
95. ACTIVITY Alpine Slide At 3,030 feet long, it’s officially the longest one in Colorado, and it’s the most fun you can have on the slopes without something attached to your feet. Two tracks, 26 linked turns, and conveniently located under the Arrow chairlift, which affords amazing (and rapidly zooming by) views of the wildflowers. Cost: $12 adults, $10 kids ages 6-13 (under 5 free. 800-729-5813, winterparkresort.com
96. FESTIVAL Folk Festival is free, and Shawn Colvin headlines the third annual event, to be held downtown July 8 and 9. Other acts include The Mammals, Chatham County Line, Tres Chicas, Stacey Earle and the Jami Lunde Band. 800-903-7275,
playwinterpark.com
97. ACTIVITY Hi Country Stampede Rodeo Series Every Saturday night from July 1 through Aug. 26 is rodeo night for the 24th season at the John Work Arena, 1 mile west of Fraser. More than 1,000 folks turn out to sit in the covered seating area to watch bareback bronc riding, saddle calf roping, lady’s barrel racing, roping, kids’ mutton busting and bullriding. About $20 per person nets entrance and a barbecue meal. 800-903-7275,
playwinterpark.com
98. FESTIVAL Rocky Mountain Wine, Beer and Food Festival It’s the 20th annual, and it just keeps gettin’ better. Held at Winter Park Resort, its proceeds benefit the National Sports Center for the Disabled, and the $40-per-person ticket nets an unlimited smorgasbord of good eats from local chefs. 970-726-4118, nscd.org/
events/winebeerfood.htm
99. LODGING/ACTIVITY Snow Mountain Ranch/YMCA of the Rockies is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets, a supreme place to stay and play, with hiking, fishing, tennis, canoeing, horseback riding and more, all situated on over 5,000 acres just 12 miles past Winter Park. Stay in a cabin or at one of the lodges for about $75 (lodge) to $150 and up (two-bedroom cabin) per night. 303-443-4743, ymcarockies.org
100. ACTIVITY Summer Ski Train From July 15 to Aug. 26, the Ski Train runs its summer round trips to one of the country’s mountain-biking capitals, and what better way to get your ride up there than to hoist it onto the rails and have the train do the 4,000-foot climb up through the Moffatt Tunnel for you? Reservations are being taken now; cost is $44 per person.
skitrain.com
Staff writers Andrea Labak and Dane Strom contributed to this report.
