Is there something the rest of the world knows about Colorado that we don’t?

Nearly sixty million people visit our state each year to enjoy the weather, mountains, and other great attractions we have to offer. This is, after all, the land that inspired “America the Beautiful,” micro-brewing as an up and coming cottage industry, and hiking in our wonderful “Fourteeners” (A fourteener is a mountain whose peak sits above 14,000 feet).

Why shouldn’t we “natives” enjoy some of this fun? Perhaps this is the summer you choose to stay close to home for your vacation time. Or maybe you’re looking for a quick weekend get away that won’t put you out-of-pocket and late for work on Monday.

Here are ten attractions unique to Colorado you can enjoy right here in the Denver area. So make the most of life just off your deck and enjoy touring near home:

Parks and Outdoor Walks

1) Red Rocks State Park

Just 15 miles west of Denver, Red Rocks pulls people from all around to listen to great music at the acoustically pristine amphitheater.  But did you know there are also miles of hiking trails that you can enjoy from sunup to sundown throughout the year? The loop trail that starts and ends at the Trading Post in the park will give you a taste of many of the terrains common around here. And watch out. Wild deer and other animals are regular companions as you walk.

2) Dinosaur Ridge

Also in Morrison, is a 2-mile trail worth the walk for any budding archeologist. While you’re there try GeoCaching, a form of treasure hunt for those who want to add a modern twist to exploring fossils.

3) Chatfield and Cherry Creek State Parks

These two State parks, located twenty miles or less outside of Denver, provide enough entertainment to last as long as summer itself.  There is fishing, swimming, boating, horseback riding, and even off-leash areas to take the family dog. You can buy day passes or annual car passes and really enjoy vacationing close to home.

Sports

4) Golf at Arrowhead or Fossil Trace

Colorado boasts some of the most challenging and beautiful golf courses in the country, and the good news is that several of the 306 courses around are open to the public. Two of our favorites are Arrowhead, in south Littleton and Fossil Trace in the west Denver area. Spectacular vistas and well-kept greens will keep you coming back over and over.

5) Rock Climbing

Want a great new perspective on your world? You may want to consider rock climbing. Denver Adventures, a locally owned and operated outdoor activities business is open all year. While we haven’t gone on any of its tours yet, they have received consistently high ratings in social media reviews.

Tours for the Whole Family

6) Hammond Candy Factory Tour

If your tastes run more to the quieter side of the art of outdoor living, perhaps you’d like a respite in the shade. And what could be sweeter than a candy factory tour? Hammond Candies have been in this mouth-watering business since 1920, and the tours they offer every half hour of each business day help you see how the people at Hammond’s live up to Carl T. Hammond Sr.’s motto: “nothing is more important than quality.” (could Mr. Hammond have been talking decks too?)

7) Segway Tours

Admit it. You’ve seen those wild-looking two-wheel gliders before and have been a bit curious. Why not satisfy your inclination to give the Segway a try and get a little more information about Denver or Boulder while you do?  These two-hour tours include Segway training and great fun for moving around town.

8) The History and Ghost Tour Bus

Remember the old “Partridge Family” bus?  It was psychedelic and wild, driving across our television screens in the 1970’s. Well, Denver has beat that bus with Banjo Billy’s bus tours. Sit in a rustically converted school bus with an array of benches, sofas and even a saddle to drive around and learn the history of our great cities, and maybe catch sight of a ghost or two. This super casual tour has to be experienced to be believed. But don’t take our word for it. Check out their Yelp! Reviews.

Museums and Indoor Attractions

9) Molly Brown House

She was unsinkable and unstoppable. Margaret (Molly) Brown, traveler on the Titanic, negotiator during one of our most violent labor uprisings, and inspiration for women everywhere has a home in downtown Denver dedicated to Ms. Brown’s principles of “courage, conviction, and proactive change.” The Molly Brown home is one of only a handful of museums nationwide dedicated to a woman’s story. Be sure to call ahead as reservations for guided tours are necessary.

10) Tea at the Brown Palace

No tour of Denver would be complete without a visit to the famous Brown Palace. This stunningly beautiful Italian style Renaissance building has operated as a luxury hotel non-stop since August 12, 1892. Now you can share the sumptuous ambiance with an English Tea from 12:00 to 4:00 each day (reservations are suggested). Tours of the hotel are also available to patrons over 10 years old.

With all the wonderful things our metro area has to offer, perhaps this is your year to “Staycation.”

(Photo by David Herrera)