Top Reasons to Go

The local breweries: The Front Range is home to many small breweries, and a vacation could be filled by touring and sampling myriad ales, stouts, and lagers. In late June the state's small brewers congregrate in Fort Collins for the Colorado Brewers' Festival to show off their pride and joy.

Hiking near Boulder and in the Indian Peaks Wilderness: On weekends year-round you'll find the trails packed. Whether an easy jaunt or a strenuous climb, none disappoint. The views are singularly spectacular, especially in midsummer when the wildflowers bloom.

Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse: This traditional Central Asian teahouse was given to Boulder by the city of Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Master artisans in Tajikistan carved and painted everything right down to the tables and chairs.

Chautauqua Park: Open since July 4, 1898, you can still attend a lecture, a silent film, or a classical concert here much like visitors did 100 years ago. Enjoy a picnic on the green or dine in the hall before the event.

The Arts: Theater buffs have enjoyed the Colorado Shakespeare Festival for 50 summers with a picnic on the lawn before a performance in the outdoor theater. The Grammy- and Grammophone-Award winning Takács Quartet is beloved for its stunning performances of music by Beethoven, Bartók, and Brahms.