Sophisticated explorers looking for a destination packed with arts and culture, beautiful scenery, great gastronomy and incredible hotels should look no further than Colorado. From new winery tours to free concerts, take a look below at what to do, where to stay and where to eat in Colorado this summer.
Arts & culture
- See free live music in Snowmass
This summer, the Snowmass Free Concert Series celebrates 30 years of live music. Taking place from 16 June until 27 August, the mountain town will see some of the USA’s best soul, pop, country and folk musicians take to the stage. Guests can bring a picnic to enjoy whilst watching the shows or pick up a takeaway from one of the many Snowmass restaurants in the Base Village.
- Check out the world debut of Theater of the Mind in Denver
Co-created by former lead singer of Talking Heads, David Byrne, and writer Mala Gaonkar, Theater of the Mind is a new immersive production making its much-anticipated debut at York Street Yards in Denver on 31 August. Theater of the Mind will be led by a guide, taking an intimate audience through an immersive journey of self-reflection, discovery and imagination, inspired by neuroscience. Running until 18 December, the show is being presented by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) Off-Center.
Tours & experiences
- Discover Colorado’s iconic opera houses
The Colorado Historic Opera Houses Circuit is a new tour to promote five iconic mountain opera houses. Pinpointed on an easy-to-follow map, the circuit will share the performances, programmes, history and stories of the opera houses, which include Sheridan Opera House in Telluride and Wheeler Opera House in Aspen. The circuit will launch in 2022, exact date TBC.
- Sample the flavours of Palisade wineries
From May, Grand Valley Grapes and Grains Adventures is offering three new winery tours that invite visitors to uncover the flavours of the region. The Standard Winery Tour includes wine tastings at three local wineries, with a knowledgeable guide sharing information about winemaking in the area, whilst the Magnum Winery Tour takes guests on a behind-the-scenes tour of a working winery. Foodies will love the Imperial Winery Tour, which includes a delicious charcuterie board alongside the tastings.
- Create lifelong memories with Dunes Experiences
Founded by a group of travellers who are passionate about exploring, Dunes Experiences is a new concept which combines luxury accommodation and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. With activities across Colorado, travellers can book a horse riding experience in the San Luis Valley, soak in Pagosa’s geothermal hot springs, or travel along the breath-taking Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad.
- Get on your bike in Buena Vista
Buena Vista recently welcomed Junk Yard Bike Park, a new bike park for riders of all abilities. Its namesake comes from the different materials used to make the park; discarded items, including telephone poles and vehicles, have been repurposed to create the popular park. Bike rental is available for just $50 a day.
Where to grab a bite
- Taste gourmet food at Cruise Control Kitchen & Cellar
Opening this summer in Grand Junction, Cruise Control Kitchen & Cellar is a new fast casual wine concept. Focusing on gourmet food using locally sourced ingredients where possible, Cruise Control will serve a range of local wines and craft beer alongside the food menu. There will also be a mini market on-site where visitors can pick up local Colorado produce.
- Enjoy moreish Mexican at Denver’s Casa Bonita
Denver’s much loved Mexican restaurant, Casa Bonita, is set to reopen this summer under new management, South Park creators Trey Park and Matt Stone. The reimagined restaurant will retain its family friendly, affordable charm but feature Mexican fare created by Chef Dana Rodriguez who has launched other successful Denver restaurants including Work & Class and Super Mega Bien.
Where to stay
- Throw it back to ‘70s ski culture at A-Frame Club
The much-anticipated A-Frame Club, a new hotel in Colorado’s Winter Park, is set to open its doors this summer. Comprising 31 cabins, the design is inspired by 1970s American ski culture paired with modern amenities, including an Onsen-style bath, cosy fireplace and outside deck. Beyond A-Frame Club, visitors to Winter Park can enjoy skiing and snowshoeing in winter, and hiking and biking in summer.
- Experience luxury accommodation and movies in the San Luis Valley
Opening this summer is Frontier Drive In, a reimagined 1940s drive-in movie theatre and accommodation offering. Guests can stay in luxury suites, steelmaster sheds or glamping yurts, and enjoy nightly film screenings on an outdoor movie screen, set against the backdrop of the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges. Frontier Drive In will also have a relaxing spa with an open roof, so guests can enjoy views of the San Luis Valley stars once the sun sets.
