Colorado Vacation Rentals

Colorado vacation rentals often feature cabin- or ranch-style architecture, set amid stunning surroundings. Indoor-outdoor spaces are also quite popular thanks to the arid climate.

Trendy Dining with a Farm-To-Table Twist

Colorado is a leader in the American foodie revolution and continues to set the bar nationwide. Seasonal and perfectly fresh foods are the focus, and health-conscious vacationers will find that the cuisine options are limitless. Many restaurants will let diners know which small farms and local producers were used in sourcing their meal. Colorado’s cities are consistently voted among America's best for foodies, particularly for their attention to quality.

The farm-to-table movement isn't just about food anymore. Colorado is home to many microbreweries and small wineries. Known as the Napa Valley of beer, northern Colorado has an abundance of craft beer manufacturers. Just like the region’s fine dining establishments, these small operations use the freshest locally sourced ingredients to provide one-of-a-kind results. Best of all, most offer tours and tastings daily.

Good Time to Visit

Nature enthusiasts should definitely plan a trip during fall to witness nature's changing colors. Fall also brings in the harvest, music, and food festivals. Winter, meanwhile, sees a deluge of out-of-state skiers, snowmobilers, and snowboarders who hit the slopes as soon as they arrive.

Outdoorsy types will definitely enjoy spring and summer for the blue skies and sunshine. The state is vast and offers plenty to choose from so don't fret too much about the crowds in summer. Book your Colorado vacation rental in advance to make the most of the great outdoors.

Things to Do and See

A drive through the winding passes of the Rocky Mountains is essential to the Colorado experience. The winter resorts of Steamboat Springs, Aspen, and Vail are recommended for skiing and snowboarding. The city of Boulder serves as a great base for mountain bikers and skiers on their way to the Rockies.

Photographers, meanwhile, are drawn to the strange rock formations at the Garden of the Gods. The rocks have taken on strange shapes, some slanted, toppled, stood-up, and even pushed around. The trails here are conducive to horseback riding, hiking, and technical rock climbing.

Colorado's Art and Culture Scene

Denver, the state capital, is the destination of choice for art lovers who delight in the artworks of Georgia O'Keeffe, Frederic Remington, Man Ray, Andy Warhol, David Hockney, and Charles M. Russell - whose works are on exhibit at the Denver Art Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. For another take on museums, head to Colorado Springs, which is home to the Museum of the American Cowboy and the ProRodeo Hall of Fame.

Music fans should catch a concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheater, an outdoor concert venue with terrific views of a stunning landscape.

Excursion Destinations

Colorado brims with historic monuments and nature trails that families with kids will love. Visit Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site to learn about the old traders, trappers, and Native Americans who once traded at this post. For pristine wilderness and solitude, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is a good choice. There's also San Isabel National Forest, which is home to Mount Elbert, Colorado's highest peak.

For whitewater rafting and kayaking along the Arkansas River, the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is a splendid option.

American Cowboy Culture Lives On

American cowboy culture still has a strong presence in Colorado. Once a year, the National Western Stock Show – one of the nation's biggest rodeos – takes over. Artists, musicians, and cowboy competitors perform daily for two full weeks. Some of the most entertaining events feature local children riding and roping just like their parents. The event is kicked off with a cattle drive through Colorado's city streets.

Rodeos are great entertainment for the entire family, but also serve a greater purpose: the livestock auction raises money for aspiring farmers and ranch hands to attend college. There are also plenty of non-sporting events, such as bake-offs, country music and dance demonstrations and lessons, rides, petting zoos, and barbecues. The stock show is an outstanding shopping venue. Handmade cowboy hats, tooled leather, cowboy boots, and more can be purchased at fair prices.

Exploring Colorado's Wild Side

Colorado is best known for its astounding backdrop of mountains, plains, deserts, and forests. During the colder months, the state is a prime destination for winter sports. Skiing and snowboarding are extremely popular thanks to the world-class conditions. In the summertime, opportunities to hike, raft, rock climb, and camp are endless. No matter what time of year you plan to visit, you will find a reason to get outdoors.

More laid-back outdoor pursuits include photography, star gazing, and nature watching, as well as yoga and meditation. Horseback riding is also extremely popular and is a great way to take in the vivid landscapes of the American West. Within its cities, Colorado is very green. All major metropolitan areas have well-kept public parks and outdoor spaces.

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