ellen_griswold

Hey colorado experts ~

Can anyone suggest a fun place to stop or stay overnight on I70 while going west thru colorado? We've spent lots of time in Denver and also overnight in Glenwood Springs. And i think we had lunch in the little towns of Idaho Springs and Georgetown.

Looking for a unique, fun place for dinner and to spend the night, possibly with something else fun to do.

Any ideas greatly appreciated!

Stephie

There is a cute little town called Minturn west of Vail - you have to look for the exit off of I-70 that has a popular Mexican restaurant called The Saloon, great margs and history, a destination restaurant. There is also a nice b & b there, The Minturn Inn (minturninn.com) haven't stayed there, but my parents did years ago and loved it, right by a rushing river.

We also considered staying at a hot springs resort in Idaho Springs (I know you said you've had lunch there), but I always thought the hot springs place would be fun (I think it has a name like Idaho Springs Hot Springs Lodge or Resort or something obvious like that.)

We have also enjoyed staying at a Best Western in Dillon (The B W Ptarmigan Lodge, not to be confused with the B W Lake Dillon, - the B W Ptarmigan is the one that actually sits atop the lake- not because the hotel is awesome (it's adequate enough), but because from it you can walk down to the trail that surrounds Lake Dillon, the scenery (lake with mountain backdrop) is awesome. There are some good restaurants in Dillon too - several that come to mind are a little place right adjacent to the Best Western parking lot (Arapahoe Cafe, I think - sorry my memory is foggy)and a MicroBrew type restuarant (Dillon Dam Brewery, I think) with to-die-for freshly baked beer bread and their own brews. I was pleasantly surprised to get up to run the Fri. morning we awoke there and find a farmers market within walking distance from the hotel (this was in late Aug.)

There are great places off of I-70, you just have to look for them - good question you've posted. We drove out to Aspen every Labor Day (from Kansas City) for a volleyball tournament my husband has played in for 8 years straight, and we were always looking for interesting places along I-70.

RedRock

You may want o allow a little time and stop in Glenwood Canyon..

http://www.mesalek.com/colo/glenwood/index.html

ellen_griswold

Thanks so much for the replies!

Stephie, Dillon sounds great! I'm a runner too so will look for the market, too

Please tell me more about Idaho Springs, as i don't recall seeing the hot springs!? Is it similar to Glenwood Springs? We stayed in their lodge and found the springs and people there somewhat fascinating.

RedRock, thanks for the link. We probably won't have time for the full 16 mi hike, so is there enough to see within the first few miles?

Anyone else with any ideas?

tekwriter

What about the Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction? Although I've never been, it's on my list the next time I'm visting the Western Slope. It's only a few miles off the highway and apparently has magnficent scenic views.

http://www.nps.gov/colm/

martym

The Idaho Springs Hot Springs pool/resort is nothing like the Glenwood Springs pool. It is an indoor pool and kinda funky and, at least, when I was there several years ago, pretty run-down.

skipop

Eat at Beau Jos in Idaho Springs for a great casual meal. The pizza is excellent and the restaurant is fun.

mikesmom

I agree - have pizza at Beau Jo's in Idaho Springs - yummy!

bob_brown

Take the detour via US route 6 and drive over Loveland Pass. It is spectacular.

You also pass by a train ride on the east side of the tunnel.

utahtea

I like both Colorado National Monument & Loveland Pass ideas!

So ellen..where else are you going this year?

Utahtea