A few years ago, when the economic situation was looking really dire, some clever person coined the term “staycation,” referring to an economical, stay-put solution to the desperate desire to get away.
Vacationing without leaving home caught on, and it’s still going strong.
Here are nine budget-minded ideas (and more than 30 destinations) for looking anew at Colorado, and discovering what makes it such a great place to live and play, all in or near the Denver area.
Walk on the wild side
Between the low-cost or free admission and Colorado’s enviable spring weather, a nature center might be the staycationer’s first stop. These locales offer self-guided or ranger-guided tours, by foot or vehicle, and allow you to see animals in their natural habitat. At any moment, an owl could fly overhead or a deer could dart across your path.
Some to seek out include (7030 Garrison St., Arvada; 720 898-7405), which has hands-on environmental displays, wildlife exhibits and a kids area; (16002 E. Smith Road; 303-739-2428), where the attractions include a field guide library and songbird feeding station; or (6550 Gateway Road, Commerce City; 303-289-0930). This wartime weapons manufacturing center caught the eye of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the 1980s after it was discovered that more than 330 species of wildlife inhabit the area, including bison, coyotes, raptors, mule and white-tailed deer, and many songbirds. Cameras, binoculars and video cameras are welcome, and an inviting new visitor center details the site’s history from homestead to Superfund cleanup to sanctioned animal refuge.
Go back in time
Become immersed in the past at a living-history museum, or explore buildings from different historic periods. At such locales, it’s common to find “enactor” guides in period costume giving demonstrations or tending animals and crops.
Time-travel on the cheap — several historic sites have free admission — at the (6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton; 303-795-3950), where on chilly days visitors may find a fire burning in the hearth of an 1860s cabin; at above Boulder, an 1880s homestead and former cattle property that’s now county open space; at the pioneer-themed (715 S. Forest St.; 720-865-0800) on the banks of the Cherry Creek River; or at the (21901 E. Hampden Ave., Aurora; 303-693-3621), which hosts nature walks, birding events and kids classes.
Explore a new museum
With much respect to Denver’s major cultural institutions, Colorado also boasts a number of small niche museums. Several are free, inexpensive or have regular free days.
(1000 Englewood Parkway, Englewood; 303-806-0444) aims to synthesize fine art, architecture and landscape design; the (located at the intersection of Weld County Roads 74 and 31, about 3 miles west of Eaton; 970-454-1856) is one man’s collection of more than a 1,000 restored and vintage washing machines; the (Henderson Building, 15th Street and Broadway, Boulder; 303-492-6892), which is currently hosting the eco-minded exhibit, “The invisible connectedness of things”; or (1880 Gaylord St., 303-322-1053), where beloved childhood toys are elevated to art, and workshops are inexpensive.
Head to the park
The neighborhood park is great but for a change of scenery, check out where other people go to slide, toss the football around, and sun themselves.
(5001 S. Inca, Englewood) has a petting zoo and a miniature train; (5701 S. Quebec St.; Greenwood Village) boasts three different age-appropriate playgrounds; and (5821 S. Lemay Ave., Fort Collins) lets you play among the dinosaurs.
Cowboy up
We live in the West, after all, so connect with the heritage.
The (400 South 21st St., Colorado Springs; 719-634-0690) is modeled after a frontier town and hosts gun-slinging re-enactments and gold panning. Visitors will know the hard life of a high-country Gold Rush-era mining town after a visit to the (located at Fifth and Bennett streets, Cripple Creek; 719-689-2634 ). And you can practically hear the echo of boot spurs as you mosey along the authentic boardwalk in .
Go behind the scenes
Explore the inner workings of a busy factory. Most factory tours are free but may require reservations.
The (5735 N. Washington St.; 303-333-5588), (200 S. Kalamath St.; 303-296-7440) and (4600 Sleepytime Drive , Boulder; 800-351-8175) tours promise delectable samples.
Or, get a private look at a popular public attraction by touring (2001 Blake St.; 303-292-0200); the (400 E. Eighth Ave.; 303-866-5344 or 303-866-4686) or the(303-866-2604).
Check out hotel deals
Hotels have embraced the staycation concept for the extra guests it brings in. To make the idea even more economical, many also have packages for couples and families that include hotel extras, event tickets or toys and books for the kiddos.
This month, for instance, the (150 Clayton Lane; 800-228-9290) is offering a “romance and relaxation” package that includes deluxe accommodations, champagne and strawberries, a room service credit and free valet parking. (4150 E. Mississippi Ave.; 800-345-9172 or 782-9300) has a “long weekends” promotion good for 20 percent off your stay when you book for three or more nights. And the (650 15th St. and 1750 Welton St.; 800-233-1234) are running promotions that include lodging and VIP tickets to the upcoming exhibit, “Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective,” which opens on Sunday.
Get hot and steamy
Never mind the sulfur smell; enjoy the healing properties of .
(302 Soda Creek Road, Idaho Springs; 303-989-6666 ) is a quick drive from downtown Denver. But go about an hour more into the mountains to picturesque (located just outside of Granby at 5609 County Road 20; 800-510-6235) when you really need to unplug.
Get the royal treatment
Colorado has a surprising number of castles that are the stuff of fairy tales. Some are private residences, offices or event spaces.
Enjoy a tour and a spot of tea at the (9 Capitol Hill Ave., Manitou Springs; 719-685-1011). Or better yet, live like royalty if only for a night at (1572 Race St.; 303-331-0621), a bed and breakfast housed in an 1889 mansion.
