Colorado is a must-visit destination year in, year out. With so much to offer in every inch of the state, below are 10 more reasons to book a trip to the Centennial State this year. From new hotel openings, exciting must-visit restaurants and an avid activities calendar, no matter the season – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Accommodation
- Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Glenwood Springs (mid 2023)
Opening in mid 2023, the popular Iron Mountain Hot Springs is working on Upriver, a new section that will be 21+ and feature eight new riverside pools, along with a cold plunge pool and large experience pool. Not only this, they will also be offering a new café for travellers to enjoy once they’ve completed a dip. The renovation adds to the already impressive 16 geothermal soaking pools which are situated alongside the beautiful Colorado River in Glenwood Springs and surrounded by Rocky Mountain views that soothe and inspire.
- The Carlin, Breckenridge (autumn / winter)
The Carlin is transforming one of Breckenridge’s integral downtown properties into an extraordinary three-story experience, with each floor having a different story to tell. The main level will host an all-new open kitchen concept – a unique experience for a luxury dining affair, whilst the lower level introduces a modern relaxed tale on American tavern culture. The top level of The Carlin will embody sophistication, boasting four luxury hotel suites, exceptionally designed with relaxation in mind.
- Cambria Hotel Denver Downtown RiNo, Denver (December)
Expected to open in December 2023, Cambria Hotel Denver Downtown RiNo will be the second Cambria Hotels property to open in Denver and will feature 153 rooms, a rooftop workspace with mountain views, state-of-the-art fitness centre and a variety of dining options. Ideally situated in the heart of Denver’s River North (RiNo) Arts District, a colourful neighbourhood popular with locals and visitors alike due to its abundance of arts and culture and gastronomy, this venue will offer an accessible experience for all those who visit.
Activities
- Loveland Ski Area launches new backcountry experience, Loveland
With the 22/23 ski season well underway, Loveland Ski Area has launched Snowcat Tours in Dry Gulch. Taking intermediate and expert skiers to explore 580 acres of open bowls and tree skiing tucked away in the mountains, the day trips guarantee 8-11 runs across 600-800 vertical feet of fun and a delicious lunch.
- Near East to Far West: Fictions of French and American Colonialism, Denver Art Museum, Denver (5 March – 28 May)
Taking place at Denver Art Museum from 5 March – 28 May, Near East to Far West: Fictions of French and American Colonialism is one of the most anticipated exhibitions of the year. The collection includes more than 80 artworks exploring the many ways that the style and substance of French Orientalism inspired and influenced American artists, as well as their representations of the American West in art during the same period.
- Durango Wine Experience (28 – 29 April)
The Durango Wine Experience takes place at multiple destinations across Durango and is a firm favourite each spring. The weekend-long event includes educational seminars, lavish wine dinners and unique tasting experiences, featuring hundreds of wineries from all over the world, as well as Colorado artisan spirits and Durango craft beers. All proceeds from the event will go to the Community Foundation to support vital work that makes Southwest Colorado a great place to work, play and live.
- Telluride Bluegrass Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary (15 – 18 June)
Nestled in the rugged San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival welcomes visitors from far and wide. This year is going to be even more spectacular with the festival’s 50th anniversary celebrations which includes free workshops, a 2023 NightGrass schedule and a better than before music lineup. Not only an iconic representation of the music scene, the experience is a place of awe inspiring beauty – a destination where travellers can dance under the solstice sun and embrace their truest self.
Eateries
- Casa Bonita, Denver (May)
Closed since the pandemic began, the much anticipated Casa Bonita will return to Lakewood following a $12 million dollar renovation. Expected to reopen in May, the new owners are also the creators of famed cartoon, South Park, which featured the restaurant in an episode. Casa Bonita is a Mexican-themed entertainment restaurant which has dubbed itself as ‘the world’s most exciting restaurant’ due to its fun pink exterior and tropical interior.
- Hey Kiddo, Denver (tbc)
Fans of Kelly Whitaker – the Denver-based chef behind critically acclaimed restaurants including The Wolf’s Tailor, Basta and Bruto – are spoilt for choice with Hey Kiddo, due to open this year on the third floor of the Asher Boutique Hotel in Berkeley. A play on Japan’s Hokkaido region, the new eatery will take a casual approach to dining compared to his previous high end ventures. Serving a creative American fusion flare, the venue will have an array of indoor and outdoor seating options, including a rooftop complete with fire pits. Guests are also encouraged to lounge at Ok Yeah, a separate 16 seat cocktail lounge. The kitchen will work with local farmers, ferment foods on location and mill its own grains for flour.
- Molotov Kitschen and Cocktails, Denver (tbc)
Owner of Middleman and Misfit Snack Bar, Chef Bo Porytko is welcoming a new concept called Molotov Kitschen and Cocktails. An ode to the chef’s Ukrainian grandparents, Molotov Kitschen and Cocktails has a menu inspired by traditional cuisine from Ukraine, Scandinavia, Germany, Poland and Georgia. Subject to change on opening, dishes include stewed duck, rabbit in a clay pot and elk sauerbraten.
For more information, visit www.colorado.com.
