In the past few years, marijuana tourism in Colorado has become much stronger, largely due to the passing of Amendment 64. Although Colorado has things for everyone to do, the various Cannabis Clubs and Organics shops seem to constantly be popping up everywhere. And while marijuana has become a big part of the Colorado experience, there is plenty more that the Colorful state has to offer!
No trip to Colorado would be complete without a trip to Fort Collins. A little known fact about Northern Colorado is the plethora of beer crafted here. The Rocky Mountains are home to some of the cleanest water in the world, meaning there are more Breweries per capita in Fort Collins than any other city in the world! The New Belgium Brewery and Odell’s Brewery tours are a must-see on your visit. They’re free, you learn some really cool things about beer, and you get a free draft brew at the end of it! These breweries are located in Old Town, Fort Collins, so afterwards you could take a walk down College Avenue and tour some of the local bars as well. The Mayor of Old Town is a tap room with 100 different drafts available at all times! Local places like these are sure to make your trip to Colorado worth talking about when you get home!
The food in Fort Collins is top notch as well. The Silver Grill Cafe is a historic yet delicious breakfast restaurant in Old Town, and maybe head to Canino’s Italian Restaurant for dinner that night! Be sure to stop by Ace Gillett’s (located under The Armstrong Hotel) if you love jazz and cocktails!
If the weather is nice you may consider a hike on scenic Horsetooth Mountain, or maybe a day swimming at Horsetooth Reservoir. The Amphitheater at Mishawaka is an intimate venue and a must for any concert goer. Even if you don’t see a show, the restaurant serves good food and drinks, and a drive up the Poudre Canyon is quite beautiful. White water rafting the in Canyon is also a fun way for a group to spend an afternoon, but only for those that don’t mind getting a little wet!
Colorado vacations also have so much to offer for those planning a winter trip as well. The Rocky Mountains provide for some of the best skiing and riding that the world has to offer – boasting resort towns such as Aspen or Steamboat. However those looking for a more local flavor might find themselves skiing at Loveland or Winter Park. These mountains typically cost less as well, and depending on where you go they may even have better snow! Some of the mountain towns are worth going to, for example the downtown area of Breckenridge CO. is a sight to see when it is lit up in the winter – however staying in nearby Frisco instead is much more cost effective. Fort Collins and Denver can get snow roughly 6 months out of the year, however the mountains regularly get snow 8 months!
The Arapaho Basin routinely stays open until the 4th of July; locals gather in the parking lot to tailgate at the warmer base, while others ride the chair lift and hit the slopes. For those who do not know how to ski, there are many places where you ride a rubber Inner Tube down a snowy hill like it’s a sled. This is a very cheap and fun way to play in the snow with a group of people!
Readers and writers should be sure to check out The Tattered Cover bookstore. They are one of the nations largest independent bookstores, and it isn’t uncommon for them to host book signings of renown authors. It is also common for people to take horse drawn sleigh rides in the snow. The sleigh bells jingle to the rhythm of horses walking, and cast a surreal feeling over the ride. Sleigh rides are a lesser known attraction among tourists, however they are often some of the most memorable moments from peoples vacations. They’re one of the hidden gems that will make your trip to Colorado unique.
Colorado offers visitors a unique experience regardless of what you enjoy doing, be it inside or out! From the enormous selection of micro-breweries and marijuana, to the Rocky Mountain skiing and magical sleigh rides, The High Life has something that everybody can enjoy! Come see us soon!
Mile High Mike – USAWeeD.org contributor.
Thanks Mike for the shout out to Ace Gillett’s! I’m one of the musicians that plays regularly in the Subterranean Jazz Quartet (an homage to both Jack Kerouac, and the basement venue) at Ace. There are no more jazz clubs in the country that exist like Ace Gillett’s, it’s a special scene of music with a sound coming at you from the 1960s. You will be blown away by the decorum, the atmosphere, the bartenders (RAY FUCKING HARVEY), the food, and if I’m doing my job right, the music too!! Come down and check it out, it is a relaxed place to hang, have some drinks, listen to some mellow jazz, and chill out in Fort Collins.
Mile High Mike says “high” and thanks for reading!! He will be a regular contributor here now!!!
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