Colorado in July HELP
Apr 21st, 2005, 08:55 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Colorado in July HELP
Message: HELP !
My husband is going on a business trip to Colorado Springs for five days.. and we could stay on a bit longer if we want .. I am thinking of going along but want to be convinced there is something for me to do out there .. We are not hikers or campers .. not real outdoor kinds of people! We live in Boston and love it here .. We love the ocean .. dining out .. he loves golfing and I love shopping ..... He mentioned maybe we could go to Aspen .. or Denver .. I would appreciate any help or suggestions of things to do and places to visit ... Thank you .. !
My husband is going on a business trip to Colorado Springs for five days.. and we could stay on a bit longer if we want .. I am thinking of going along but want to be convinced there is something for me to do out there .. We are not hikers or campers .. not real outdoor kinds of people! We live in Boston and love it here .. We love the ocean .. dining out .. he loves golfing and I love shopping ..... He mentioned maybe we could go to Aspen .. or Denver .. I would appreciate any help or suggestions of things to do and places to visit ... Thank you .. !
Apr 21st, 2005, 09:32 AM
#2
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Colorado is made for the outdoors! Especially in the summer - it is so beautiful.
Definetly go up into the mountains. July 15-17 and 22-24th there are two art shows in towns near Vail (Avon and Edwards) that have very good, high quality artists. Breckenridge is a lovely town with beautiful scenery and good shopping. I like Denver - used to live there - but it's a big city and you already live in one of those. In my opinion the great outdoors is the reason to explore Colorado.
Definetly go up into the mountains. July 15-17 and 22-24th there are two art shows in towns near Vail (Avon and Edwards) that have very good, high quality artists. Breckenridge is a lovely town with beautiful scenery and good shopping. I like Denver - used to live there - but it's a big city and you already live in one of those. In my opinion the great outdoors is the reason to explore Colorado.
Apr 21st, 2005, 09:44 AM
#3
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 818
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My husband and I went to Vail last July and loved it. We are not outdoor people either. We like nice hotels, good eats and shopping. We LOVED Vail - good for all of the above. We also spent an afternoon in Breckenridge - again very nice town with lots of good eats and shops. The weather in July was fantastic and the scenery is awesome. I would highly recommend you take this trip to Colorado!
Apr 21st, 2005, 10:48 AM
#5
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,737
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You don't have to be an outdoor person to appreciate the beauty of the Rockies. Who says you can't take a drive rather than a hike! As has been pointed out, the resort towns all have great shopping, dining, etc. Breckinridge is great. Or you might want to consider Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. New England is wonderful. But so is Colorado in the summer! Don't miss this opportunity to experience something different!
Apr 21st, 2005, 11:53 AM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
My advice--go (!) but be open to what the west has to offer--it's way way way different than New England. It looks like there is some common ground with your interests, though. If you can, head to the mountains west of Denver for a few days. Golf is fabulous in the Rockies--you'll be amazed at how your ball soars! We've golfed at both Breckenridge and Copper Mountain--it's so pretty--hard to keep your mind on the little white ball.
Dining? Not a problem. Try some western corn-fed beef (if you're a meat lover). If you're brave, have a plate of Rocky Mountain Oysters (tastes like chicken...not really...)--let me know if you're not sure what that is
Denver would also be fun for a stopover after his meetings. Stay in downtown Denver to experience great dining/lodging.
As for shopping, there's a nice outlet mall in Castle Rock (near the Springs) or you could go to Park Meadows Mall in southern Denver (just head up I-25 for 1/2 hour or so and you'll run right into it). If you're in downtown Denver, I'd go to the Cherry Creek shopping area and mall.
Have a great trip--I'm not too familiar with C. Springs but I'm sure you'll get some good ideas from others who are.
Dining? Not a problem. Try some western corn-fed beef (if you're a meat lover). If you're brave, have a plate of Rocky Mountain Oysters (tastes like chicken...not really...)--let me know if you're not sure what that is
Denver would also be fun for a stopover after his meetings. Stay in downtown Denver to experience great dining/lodging.
As for shopping, there's a nice outlet mall in Castle Rock (near the Springs) or you could go to Park Meadows Mall in southern Denver (just head up I-25 for 1/2 hour or so and you'll run right into it). If you're in downtown Denver, I'd go to the Cherry Creek shopping area and mall.
Have a great trip--I'm not too familiar with C. Springs but I'm sure you'll get some good ideas from others who are.
Apr 21st, 2005, 12:50 PM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ooooh yes, GO! I love any excuse to get away, explore something new, order room service! You will love it. We're city people too, only moderate hikers (although we're all serious runners) and never, ever camp. But Colorado is God's country, truly glorious.
You've gotten some great advice so far, but i'll add my .02 Tour the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, especially The Chapel. Very interesting and inspirational. Do at least a drive through of Garden of the God's (also col springs), easy to see without hiking. And if nothing else, find lodging with a private balcony and enjoy your am coffee and evening wine while soaking in the spectacular views.
You will love it. We're city people too, only moderate hikers (although we're all serious runners) and never, ever camp. But Colorado is God's country, truly glorious.You've gotten some great advice so far, but i'll add my .02
Tour the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, especially The Chapel. Very interesting and inspirational. Do at least a drive through of Garden of the God's (also col springs), easy to see without hiking. And if nothing else, find lodging with a private balcony and enjoy your am coffee and evening wine while soaking in the spectacular views.
Apr 21st, 2005, 01:23 PM
#8
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 545
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You've gotten great advice so far. I wanted to add there's also outlet stores in Silverthorne in Summit County. If you end up in Breckenridge and get tired of all the shopping there, head over to Silverthorne. Breckenridge is great. And in my opinion, just my opinion, Aspen is over-rated. I'd rather go to Telluride.
Apr 21st, 2005, 01:45 PM
#11
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Also, you can tour the Coors Brewery in Golden! The US Mint (Denver) used to offer tours but i don't think they do anymore...? Both were great tours.
Its also possible to drive into Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park, to the first summit (can't recall the name) walk around at the top, there's a nice gift shop, then look *down* at the elk and snow. Although it may still snow while getting there, it did when we were there.
Estes Park, at the foot of the park, is a charming little town with fun shopping and lots of restaurants. Have fun!
Its also possible to drive into Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park, to the first summit (can't recall the name) walk around at the top, there's a nice gift shop, then look *down* at the elk and snow. Although it may still snow while getting there, it did when we were there.
Estes Park, at the foot of the park, is a charming little town with fun shopping and lots of restaurants. Have fun!
Apr 21st, 2005, 02:47 PM
#12
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I second that motion that you might like Vail Colorado. Several golf courses in the area and very nice shopping in the village. A good place to make your base - and you can do several day trips from there to different places - like Breckenridge. Several of the hotels in Vail have Spas so you can relax while your husband golfs. (You might try the Cordillera Resort in Edwards (just outside of Vail). It's gorgeous. If you're flying in and out of Denver, you might want to end your trip in Boulder, CO for a day or two. Wonderful new hotel/spa Downtown, close to great shopping, restaurants, and again, golf. Check out www.stjulien.com for more info. Have fun! Colorado is awesome!!
Apr 21st, 2005, 02:51 PM
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
SaltysMom,
Are you by chance talking about Essentiels Spa in the downtown Boulder Marriott? If so, that place is spa heaven to me!! Next to Mandalay Bay's spa in Vegas, Essentiels is my favorite spa anywhere. As a matter of fact, several of my friends and I are leaving tomorrow for our annual Mom's-tired-and-really-needs-a-weekend-away spa weekend and we're going to Essentiels for the third year in a row. We stay at the Omni though...
Are you by chance talking about Essentiels Spa in the downtown Boulder Marriott? If so, that place is spa heaven to me!! Next to Mandalay Bay's spa in Vegas, Essentiels is my favorite spa anywhere. As a matter of fact, several of my friends and I are leaving tomorrow for our annual Mom's-tired-and-really-needs-a-weekend-away spa weekend and we're going to Essentiels for the third year in a row. We stay at the Omni though...
Apr 21st, 2005, 04:07 PM
#16
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,737
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Personally, I think any extra time you spend after your husband's business portion of the trip would be better spent in one of the resort areas. Denver's a city, you live in a city. Why not get further into the mountains and enjoy the scenery, the resort atmosphere, etc. I'm sure you'll hear from people more familiar with Denver than I am. But I've never been that impressed with it as a destination in and of itself. My son is a huge, huge baseball fan so we've been to Rockies games twice and really enjoyed them. We also enjoyed the tour we took of the mint in '99 and a great bookstore (the name of which eludes me at the moment) in Cherry Creek mall/shopping center. Other than that, I really can't think of anything to recommend. But, as has been mentioned several times, there are great resort towns that have lots to offer in terms of shopping, dining and just enjoying absolutely beautiful scenery. There's also the fact that you're spending the first five days in Colorado Springs, which is a city. Going to Breckinridge, Estes Park, etc. would give you a little more diversity.
Apr 21st, 2005, 04:27 PM
#17
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Aspen- the town people love to hate... After 20 years of going there I think Aspen rocks. Just can't find another Rocky Mountain town compares for great food, upscale shopping, beautiful scenery, AND you'll get good hotel prices in the summer.
Check out the Hotel Jerome (Will Smith & Jada Pinkett stayed there), The Little Nell (Ivana and Ivanka, and Lance Armstrong have stayed there), or the St. Regis for the kind of place where you will be greeted by name and so will your dog... I remember hearing that Goldie H. and Melanie G. both enjoy the spa at the St. Regis but I have never been to the spa myself.
I know some people don't care about seeing celebs but I enjoy bumping into famous people in Aspen (Jack, Cher, Cybill, Will, Martina, Kate & Goldie, Antonio, Ivana,and any number of "first name only" celebs) because no one bothers them so you see them acting "almost" normal. There is a HUUUGE music festival most of the summer (Cheryl Crowe performed last summer and Lance came with) and a "think tank" that brings in former heads of state and assorted world wide brainiacs.
Let's see, just a few things the twon has to offer in July....
July 9 Taste of Aspen- All of Aspen's best restaurants featuring cuisine samples in booths lining both sides of the street. Live music and entertainment.
July 23 JaSummer Nights Swing
Aspen Highlands is transformed into a 1940s jazz club. Live and silent auctions, open bars and dinner at Willow Creek Bistro at the Ritz Carlton.
July 29-30 Aspen Arts Festival
3rd annual event- open art gallery for 200 exhibitors offering jewelry, pottery, sculpture glass, ceramics, paintings and prints.
July 31-August 2
Amy Grant & Vince Gill Snowmass Charity Golf Classic Pro celebrity Golf Tournament benefiting Challenge Aspen
Find more info at www.aspensnowmass.com
www.stayaspensnowmass.com
www.jazzaspen.org
www.aspenchamber.org
Check out the Hotel Jerome (Will Smith & Jada Pinkett stayed there), The Little Nell (Ivana and Ivanka, and Lance Armstrong have stayed there), or the St. Regis for the kind of place where you will be greeted by name and so will your dog... I remember hearing that Goldie H. and Melanie G. both enjoy the spa at the St. Regis but I have never been to the spa myself.
I know some people don't care about seeing celebs but I enjoy bumping into famous people in Aspen (Jack, Cher, Cybill, Will, Martina, Kate & Goldie, Antonio, Ivana,and any number of "first name only" celebs) because no one bothers them so you see them acting "almost" normal. There is a HUUUGE music festival most of the summer (Cheryl Crowe performed last summer and Lance came with) and a "think tank" that brings in former heads of state and assorted world wide brainiacs.
Let's see, just a few things the twon has to offer in July....
July 9 Taste of Aspen- All of Aspen's best restaurants featuring cuisine samples in booths lining both sides of the street. Live music and entertainment.
July 23 JaSummer Nights Swing
Aspen Highlands is transformed into a 1940s jazz club. Live and silent auctions, open bars and dinner at Willow Creek Bistro at the Ritz Carlton.
July 29-30 Aspen Arts Festival
3rd annual event- open art gallery for 200 exhibitors offering jewelry, pottery, sculpture glass, ceramics, paintings and prints.
July 31-August 2
Amy Grant & Vince Gill Snowmass Charity Golf Classic Pro celebrity Golf Tournament benefiting Challenge Aspen
Find more info at www.aspensnowmass.com
www.stayaspensnowmass.com
www.jazzaspen.org
www.aspenchamber.org
Apr 21st, 2005, 04:50 PM
#18
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,228
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BTW- I see you posted the same question a few minutes earlier and didn't get a response. If you don't get a response to a question, don't repost the question again. Just go to your original post & click at the bottom to respond to the post and type "ttt" or "topping" in the reply box so that it will go to the top of the list again.
Apr 21st, 2005, 05:17 PM
#19
Guest
Posts: n/a
Aspen, definitely! There's no place like it. Lots of wannabes, only one Aspen. Surrounding country is gorgeous, the town still has its historic look despite the glitz you hear about. All the times we've spent there, we've not seen one celebrity, which is how we like it, so don't be intimidated. In addition to the upscale hotels amwosu mentioned, there are excellent condo complexes like The Gant and Aspen Square. Definitely stay right in town if you can.
