Category Archives: Travel

Colorado Weekend–July 8–10, 2011

Colorado Weekend Twenty To Do

July 8 – 10, 2011

*Aspen Antiuqes & Fine Arts Fair – Aspen, July 1 – 10. International and national exhibitors showcase fine antiques, paintings, jewelry and objets d’art at Aspen Ice Garden.

*Breck Bike Week – Breckenridge, July 6-10. All Breck Bike Week events are free. Join a wildflower ride, women’s skills clinic, yoga for bikers session,prime and paint your helmet. Numerous kids activities.

*Little Britches Rodeo & Parade – Cedaredge, July 8-10. Rodeo contestants range in age from 8-18, with mutton ‘bustin for ages 4-8. Saturday morning parade and evening street dance.

*Central City Opera – Central City, July 9 – August 6. Three more operas added to the season’s scheduled. Many special events including family-friendly focus.

*Teddy Bear Days – Colorado Springs, July 9-10. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo highlights grizzly and teddy bears. Discount rates for kids 12 and under accompanied by a teddy bear. Bear grotto and grizzly bear demonstrations and a teddy bear clinic for those need a bit of repair plus lots of TLC.

*Greenhorn Valley Arts & Music Festival – Colorado City, July 9-10. Dozens of groups play Root Music – Celtic harp to Western folk. Three dozen specialty artists – cut paper art to woodturning. Parents, check out “Circus in 60 Minutes” by The Salida Circus.

*Woodcarvers Rendezvous – Creede, July 9-15. 20th Annual gathering or carvers presents a multitude of classes for ability levels from beginners to advanced. A dozen non-carver glasses – pine needle baskets to art glass.

*Four Corners Gem & Mineral Show – Durango, July 8-10. Three days of lapidary demonstrations, jewelry, jewelry making equipment, gold panning, gems, minerals, fossils and beads.

*Music in the Mountains – Durango, July 9-31. The 25th Anniversary Celebration kicks off this weekend. More than 30 classic and world music concerts in the majestic San Juan Mountains.

*Grand Lake Antique Boat Show – Grand Lake, July 9. Enjoy the craftsmanship of historical boat building and see the classics.

*Cattlemen’s Days – Gunnison, June 8-17. Colorado’s oldest and longest running rodeo and horseshows. More than a week of dances, horse racing, parade, concert, carnival and BBQ in addition to rodeos and livestock shows.

*2011 Wine & Jazz Festival – Keystone, July 9-10. Wine tastings, seminars including Up and Coming Varietals and Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles From Around the World, and lots of jazz – soulful bebop to smooth jazz by Dotsero.

*Colorado Irish Festival – Littleton, July 8-10. All things Irish at Clement Park – food, music, merchandise, dance, culture village and Gaelic sports.

*Summer Fest in the Rockies – Loveland, July 8-10. Loveland celebrates summer with events, events, events – Spirits at Sunset, class car show, fly fishing demos, kids sidewalk chalk contest, Loveland Loves Barbecue, Master’s of Magic, Saturday night fireworks, Sunday morning Songs of Joy.

*San Luis Valley Folk Arts and Fiber Festival – Monte Vista, July 8-10. Demonstrations, vendors, workshops and contest in celebration of handmade and traditional arts.

*Bluegrass in Paradise – Mt. Crested Butte, July 9-10. The base area at Mt Crested Butte rings with hours of bluegrass music. Headliners include Gypsy Social Club, Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys and the Nashville Bluegrass Band.

*Colorado Brewer’s Rendezvous – Salida, July 9. Specialty Colorado craft brewers at the 15th annual event in downtown Salida’s Riverside Park. Over 50 Colorado brews plus music and vendors, root beer for the kids and designated drivers.

*Hot Air Balloon Rodeo and Art in the Park – Steamboat Springs, July 9-10. Over 40 balloons launch each morning during the 31th annual balloon rodeo at Bald Eagle Lake. The 37th Art in the Park fills Lincoln Park, Steamboats largest art and craft festival.

*High Mountain Hay Fever Festival – Westcliffe, July 7-10. Festival hosts Sons and Brothers welcome more than a dozen bluegrass groups. Two full days of workshops including High Mountain Hay Seeds just for kids 12 and under.

*Insectival! – Westminister, July 9. The Butterfly Pavillion explores wonders and mysteries of the insect world. Bug hunt, magic shows, carnival games, bubble machine and butterfly encounter.

On Going Colorado Summer Events

*Aspen Music Festival – Aspen

*Theatre Aspen – Aspen

*Colorado Music Festival – Boulder

*Crested Butte Music Festival – Crested Butte

*Colorado Renaissance Festival – Larkspur

*Strings Music Festival – Steamboat Springs

*Bravo! – Vail

Top photo courtesy of Eric Yackel.

Big Boots–Cheyenne, Wyoming

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Stories from Big Boots

Eight-foot-tall cowboy boots dot the Cheyenne landscape. Created as a fundraiser for the Cheyenne Depot Museum Foundation in 2004, 19 boots were painted and decorated by local artists. Sponsorships and auction made nearly $100,000 for the museum. The boots are displayed throughout the community – parks, businesses, and public spaces to the local community college.

The project’s theme was “If this book could talk, what story would it tell?” Governors of Wyoming and Where the Deer and the Antelope Play appear fairly obvious. A free audio tour relates the story of each book in the artists’ own words. Simple to use, the tour is accessed by calling 307-316-0067 followed by an assigned boot number and the pound key. While the tour is free individual cell plan charges may apply.

Of the boots we visited my favorite was Licensed to Boot installed outside of the Wyoming State Museum. The top part of the boot is painted with scenes from past Wyoming state license plates. The toe of the boot is cover with a mosaic of pieces cut from actual license plates donated to the project. Upon investigation I discovered Licensed to Boot was an after school project of the Carey Junior High Art Club. A shout out to the students for their creative and accomplished Big Boot!

A free “These Boots are made for Talking!” brochure is available at the Cheyenne Visitor Information Center in the Depot.

Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum & Store

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Highlighting ”The Daddy of ‘em All

The world’s largest outdoor rodeo and Western celebration captures Cheyenne’s essence each July. For 10 days there’s nothing quite like “The Daddy of ‘em All”. Year round, Cheyenne’s visitors can capture that Western tradition and spirit with a stop at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum & Store.

Permanent and changing exhibits demonstrate the multiple facets of the world famous event, saddle bronc riding to championship belt buckles, grand parades to rodeo queens. A current exhibit, “Bullfighters: The Risky Road to Glory!”, features not only the daring and determined bull riders but also the important role of rodeo clowns and legendary careers of Mr. T and Crooked Nose – bulls rarely successfully ridden.

The museum houses a historic collection of horse-drawn carriages and wagons, many that make appearances in the Frontier Days parades. Visitors can climb aboard one designated carriage for a photo op complete with a “becoming” hat. “Hole in the Wall” is an interactive gallery giving kids an opportunity to practice roping and Western themed activities.

Shoppers find a plethora of Cheyenne Frontier Days branded merchandise in the Old West Museum store. Need a souvenir belt buckle, t-shirt or etched martini glass? You’ll find it here.

When You Go: The museum located at Frontier Park is open year round except major holidays, 9am-5pm weekdays, 10am-5pm weekends. Admission is $7/adult with children 12 and under free.

Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley

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Trolley Ride Through Cheyenne History

On our first afternoon in Cheyenne we hop aboard the bright red and green Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley, an easy and relaxing intro to the city’s history and attractions. As our driver/guide Ron spins stories of a colorful past I make a list of locations I want to revisit, either to explore or take photographs.

As we pass the century-old Plains Hotel Ron explains the reasoning behind the smaller-than-average elevator. In the early 1900s when cowboys came to town to let off a little steam they would frequently ride their horses into bars and hotels. The Plains Hotel owner wanted an elevator that would hold only four men at a time – too small for a horse, effectively keeping horses out of the guest rooms. Later when we stopped by the Plains Hotel we watched four adults squeeze into the elevator that still keeps horses at bay.

The 90-minute trolley tours run daily from early May through September. For those wanting a car-free day passengers can stop at several attractions and join the next tour in 90 minutes. Weekday stops include The Nelson Museum of the West, the Wyoming State Capitol and Museum, the Frontier Days Old West Museum and Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, and the Historic Governor’s Mansion. Check the website for tour times and weekend tour details.

Tours cost $10/adult and $5/children 2-12. The Trolley Plus pass valid for two days includes admission to the Old West Museum, Nelson Museum and the Depot Museum, plus the trolley tour all for $15/adult.

Halloween Ghost Tours and Christmas Light Tours offered yearly.

4th of July 2011

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Colorado Celebrates July 4th

2011

Wherever one finds themselves in Colorado on the 4th of July there’s a nearby celebration eager to welcome residents and travelers. Below is a list of 35 communities with planned events, by no means is this a complete list, there are many more. Be aware that fireworks may be cancelled in areas where the fire danger is extreme.

Aspen – Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration.

Boulder – Ralphie’s Independence Day Blast – Community performances, sing-a-long, Ralphie (CU bison mascot) Run, color guard, fireworks at CU’s Folsom Stadium

Breckenridge – 4th of July Celebration, 10k trail run, hometown parade on Main Street, concerts at Riverwalk Center.

Colorado Springs – Flyovers, games, food, music by the Air Force Academy Band and the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, fireworks at the Air Force Academy football stadium.

Crested Butte – Pancake breakfast, fun and funky parade followed by a big water fight complete with fire truck, old-fashioned games, free patriotic concert, evening concert before the fireworks at the Crested Butte Mountain base area.

Cripple Creek – Live entertainment, beer garden and fireworks.

Dillon – 4th of July celebration at Town Park.

Durango – Breakfast and 5k at Rotary Park, 6pm parade, street dance on Main Avenue and fireworks.

Estes Park – Car show, cowboy sing-along, pancake breakfast, band concert and fireworks over Lake Estes.

Fort Collins – Daytime downtown live music, beer garden, pie eating contest, fireworks in City Park.

Georgetown – Parade, 5k race, BBQ, bucket brigade race. Watch the fireworks from the Fireworks Train high up on the Devil’s Gate bridge.

Glenwood Springs – 4th of July Fanfare.

Grand Junction – Parade, 4th of July on the Monument (Colorado National Monument), fireworks.

Grand Lake – Lakefront fireworks at dusk.

Highlands Ranch – Parade, run and celebration at Town Center, hot dog eating contest, fireman challenge, pet adoption fair, evening concert, fireworks.

Idaho Springs – Fireworks display over Bridal Veil Falls and Tayler Water Wheel.

Julesburg – Volunteer Fire Department fireworks display.

Keystone – Fishing derby, BBQ, live music, bike parade through the village, Kidtopia KidsFest, fireworks.

Lafayette – Late afternoon and evening events a Wanaka Lake Park, food concessions, beer garden, kids’ activities, concert, pie-eating contest, fireworks.

Lake City – Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration, family entertainment, parade, Air Force fly over, races in the town park, street dance music, fireworks.

La Junta – Old Time Fourth of July Celebration at Bent’s Fort, fireworks at La Junta Rodeo Grounds.

Louisville – Fireworks at the Coal Creek Golf Course, early evening kid activities, music by the Boulder Concert Band.

Loveland – Day long in North Lake Park, food, games, music, flag raising, fife & drum corps, largest fireworks in Northern Colorado.

Mancos – Potluck BBQ at the Bauer House, Fireworks at Boyle Park.

Montrose – All day event Cerise Park, fireworks.

Northglenn – Food booths, concert and fireworks at E.B. Rains, Jr. Memorial Park.

Ouray – Morning to night events starting with pancake breakfast, 10k run, parade, BBQ, water fight, kids games, music, fireworks.

Pagosa Springs – Carnival, arts & crafts festival, parade, community picnic, live music, Red Ryder Roundup Rodeo and fireworks.

Pueblo – Rollin’ on the Riverfront July 4 with the Pueblo Symphony.

Redstone – Bike decorating party, pie sale, food concessions, Air National Guard fly over salute, parade, water games.

Silver Plume – Ice cream social and baked goods in Dinger Park after the Georgetown BBQ.

Steamboat Springs – Pancake breakfast, parade, Art on the Mountain, block party with hot dogs and Routt (Routt County) beer floats, pro rodeo, fireworks over Howelsen Hill – also, cross country/Nordic combined roller ski race and Independence Day ski jumping extravaganza.

Telluride – Firemen’s Fourth of July Parade, community picnic, games, fireworks.

Vail – America Days Parade, picnic, patriotic concert, fireworks

Westcliffe – Parade, flea market, car and motorcycle show – fireworks have been canceled due to fire danger.

Happy and Safe July 4th to all.

Cheyenne Visitor Information Center

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Visit Cheyenne Info Center

We made the info center in the restored Cheyenne Depot a first stop on our discovery trip to Wyoming’s capital city. Well stocked with printed info for all tourism interests, the selection covers all of the state not just Cheyenne. Staff gladly answers questions, offers suggestions and gives directions.

Purchase tickets for the Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley tours. Or, pick up the free booklet for the Historic Downtown Cheyenne Walking Tour which covers 55 buildings along a 23-block stroll through the core of the city.

The information desk is open 8am-5pm Monday – Friday, open weekends with varying seasonal hours.

*Weekend Ten To Do – Colorado – June 17-19, 2011

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Colorado Weekend Ten To Do

June 17 – 19, 2011

Focus on Dads this weekend with stereotypical manly interests – car shows, barbeque or the buzz of a chain saw. Add plenty of food, wine and music for a successful event.

Aspen – Food & Wine Classic

June 17 – 19 – Around Town

Indulge at the yearly premier Food and Wine Classic. Over 80 seminars, tastings, demonstration, panel discussions led by top chefs – Jose Andres, Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons, Jacques and Claudine Pepin; and, wine experts including Thomas Keller and David Lynch plus many more.

Breckenridge – Kingdom Days

June 18 & 19 – Breckenridge and Area

The Kingdom of Breckenridge celebrates its 152-year heritage with Wild West gun fights on Main Street, gold panning, historic hikes and walking tours, storytelling and mine tours. Gather a team, build an outhouse, then push or pull it to the finish in the 5th annual outhouse races. Dozens of FREE events, activities for all ages.

Craig – Whittle the Wood Rendezvous

June 15 – 18 – City Park

A dozen carvers from around the country compete for cash prizes while turning tree stumps into 3-dimensional works of art. The craftsmen rev up their engines starting Wednesday; work continues until Saturday afternoon judging. Saturday brings arts, crafts, food vendors, car and motorcycle show, and live music, ending with awards and a FREE public concert by the Outlaws.

Denver – Greek Festival

June 17 – 19 – Alameda Ave. & Leetsdale Dr.

One of Denver’s largest and longest running ethnic festivals features traditional Greek music, folk dancing and tons of good food (love the Greek fries). Events include a Greek boutique and tours of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Don’t miss the homemade desserts including baklava. OPA!

Frisco – Colorado BBQ Challenge

June 16 & 18 – Main Street

Frisco’s Main Street fills with more than 60 teams competing in the 18th annual event sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. Tastings, entertainment, games, cooking demons and pig races ensure a smokin’ good time.

Glenwood Springs – 114th Strawberry Days

June 17 – 19 – Throughout Town

Colorado’s oldest community festival, 114-years-old, includes carnival, entertainment, parade, arts festival and pie eating contest. FamilyFest focuses on interactive, entertaining and creative experiences including mural painting, pony rides and petting zoo. The century long tradition of FREE strawberries and ice cream continues on Saturday.

Hotchkiss – 52nd Black Canyon Art Exhibit

June 17 – 19 – Memorial Hall Gallery

The Hotchkiss Fine Arts Association hosts the annual show that includes painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, printmaking, graphics pastel and fine craft. Show judge Virginia Unseld holds a Travel Journal workshop on Friday afternoon.S

Salida – New Belgian FIBArk Whitewater Festival

June 14 – 19 – Riverside Park

America’s oldest, boldest and largest whitewater festival in its 63nd year with events from international competitors to pancake breakfast, carnival to mountain bike races. With lots of fast moving snow melt 2011 should be an exciting year for “First In Boating on the Arkansas”.

Steamboat Springs – Rocky Mt. Mustang Roundup

June 16 – 19 – Meadows Parking Lot & Downtown

Mustangs of the motorized variety not wild horses. Scenic Mountain Tour on Thursday, Autocross events on Friday, Show ‘n Shine along Lincoln Avenue in downtown Steamboat from 10:30am-3pm on Saturday – FREE to the public. Awards breakfast Sunday morning.

Telluride – Bluegrass Festival

June 16 – 19 – Telluride Town Park

Hugh festival weekend in Telluride’s summer of festivals. Ten thousand fill venues all over the mountain valley. Music, music, music from returning favorites and rising stars – dozen of groups playing the main stage or jammin’ around campfires.

Above all remember and celebrate Dad!

Click on each event name to open website.

Check back each week during the summer for a potpourri of Colorado events and festivals for the upcoming weekend.

Colorado Weekend Events – June 10-12, 2011

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Eight Great Weekend Ideas

Crawford – Pioneer Days

June 9-12 – Town Hall & Town Park

“Crawford – 100 Years of Pioneers” is the theme for the 33rd annual Pioneer Days celebration. Events start on Thursday evening with an old fashioned melodrama and end Sunday in a BBQ in the park. In between the days are filled with a parade, outhouse races, games, entertainment, pancake breakfast, cowboy cook-off, and street dance. The volunteer fire department puts on a Saturday night fireworks display over Crawford State Park.

Durango – Animas River Days

June 10–12 – Animas River, Whitewater Park &

Santa Rita Park

Get wet and wild as Durango celebrates the recreational opportunities provided by the Animas River coursing through the city. River rodeo and river slalom races, costumed river parade, workshops, beer garden and music. New this year are Boatercross competition and Up-Down Paddleboard Race.

Friday afternoon river cleanup followed by an appreciation BBQ. Friday evening Reel Paddling Film Festival with award winning whitewater short films.

Estes Park – Wool Festival

June 11 & 12 – Fairgrounds at Stanley Park

In its 21st year one of the largest all-natural fiber markets in North America focuses on everything from on the hoof to off the loom. Demonstrations, vendors, sheep dog herding, sheep shearing and children’s tent with hands-on activities – something for everyone. Competitions for sheep, llama, alpaca, Cashmere & Angora goats.

Two days of workshops on June 9 & 10 precedes the Wool Festival.

Greeley – Greeley Blues Jam

June 10 & 11 – Downtown, Island Grove Park

Free music downtown on Friday – family appropriate until 8pm. The evening becomes more adult oriented with Colorado blues bands playing until midnight in downtown restaurants and bars.

Family friendly all day Saturday at Island Grove Park, age 12 and under free. At the “Blues 101 Stage” learn about the style of music considered our national heritage. In case of rain the event will move indoors to the Events Center. Camping available at Island Grove Park.

Larkspur – Colorado Renaissance Festival

June 11 & 12 + Weekends through July

Harken back to the 16th century with a day at this 35th annual popular festival. Music, games, entertainment, crafts and food – including turkey legs. Open Saturdays and Sundays until July 31, each weekend is themed; such as, Wine Revelry, Love and Romance, and Mardi Gras Style Carnivale. Opening weekend features a "Buy One get One Free" coupon offer from Wendy’s Restaurants.

Lyons – Oskar Blues Lyons Outdoor Games

June 10-12 – Throughout the Town

Oskar Blues Brewery sponsors an active weekend of outdoor sports, live music, BBQ and beer. Competitions, exhibitions and opportunities to learn from elite pro athletes in kayaking, fly fishing, mountain biking dirt jump, pump track and short track skating. Dog competitions, chainsaw carving and a 5K Dash and Bash.

Palisade – Bluegrass and Roots Music Festival

June 10-12 – Riverbend Park

A weekend of music along with workshops, jam sessions and activities for the kids on the banks of the Colorado River. Enjoy local wines, beers and spirits while listening. Onsite camping is available. Sunday afternoon culminates with Grascals, the 2010 SPBGMA’s Bluegrass Band of the Year.

Trinidad – Santa Fe Trail Days Festival

June 10-12 – Historic Downtown

A weekend celebrating Trinidad’s past includes Hispanic Art, car show, pancake breakfast, reliving the “Old West”, live music and evening street dances. Sport events range from a 5K race and golf to a competitive horseshoe tournament and the first ever Coal Car Race.

Click on each event name to open website.

Check back each week during the summer for a potpourri of Colorado events and festivals for the upcoming weekend.

Eight More. . .

*Aspen – Outside in Aspen

June 10-12 – Adventure Base Camp

*Boulder – Boulder Jewish Fest

June 12 – Courtyard Lawn & Pearl Street Mall

*Breckenridge – Breckenridge Film Festival

June 9-12 – Various sites around town

*Brush – Morgan County Antique Tractor & Power Show

June 11 – AMA Complex

*Centennial –Centennial Airport Open House

June 11 – Centennial Airport

*Estes Park – Rocky Mountain Brewfest

June 11- Estes Park Brewery

*Golden – Wild West Auto Roundup

June 11 – Washington Avenue

*Parker – Parker Days Festival

June 10-12 – Streets of Parker

National Get Outdoors Day – June 11, 2011

Nationwide events encourage active outdoor recreation at more than 100 sites sponsored by a coalition of federal agencies, non-profit organizations and related businesses. Colorado events scheduled in Denver’s City Park, Spring Canyon Park in Fort Collins and Morrison’s Dinosaur Ridge.

Event CB Restaurant Week–Crested Butte, Colorado

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Crested Butte Restaurant Week

June 3-11, 2011

Soupcon

It’s a great week for foodies in Crested Butte. The magic number is 8885, saluting the town’s altitude. Parties of four can savor multi-course meals for $88.85; smaller parties will pay $22.21 per person. Each restaurant presents special week-long deals – sometimes including wine or alcoholic beverages. Taxes and gratuities are not included. Establishments that do not serve dinner plan to feature multi-course lunches at $8.85 per person.

We see many of our CB favorites on the participant list – Donitas for killer margaritas and Mexican, pasta and desserts at Marchitelli’s Gourmet Noodle and good old reliable The Last Steep. Participating restaurants in Mt. Crested Butte include local favorite, Avalanche Bar & Grille, 9380 Prime and Woodstone Grille.

Lodging specials at B&Bs, lodges and hotels start at $88.85. The snowpack is receding, there are even some wildflowers popping up. It’s time to break out the hiking boots and mountain bikes to work up a healthy appetite for delicious dining during Crested Butte Restaurant Week.

Photos provided by Eric Yackel.

Event El Rancho De Las Golondrinas–Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Spring Festival & Children’s Fair

June 4 & 5, 2011

El Rancho de las Golondrinas (The Ranch of the Swallows) will hum with a multitude of activities during Spring Festival & Children’s Fair, June 4 & 5, 2011. The living history museum/ranch located south of Santa Fe interprets rural life in the Southwest during the 18th and 19th centuries.

A large volunteer staff dresses in clothing appropriate to the period. They share culture and heritage through stories, role playing, demonstrations and hands-on activities. Visitors can make tortillas, grind corn, make a corn husk doll or other arts and crafts, and sample bread baked in the traditional hornos.

Festival presentations include traditional music and dance, sheep shearing, blacksmithing and puppet shows. Sunday morning begins with a special mass and San Ysidro procession. Events run until 4pm both days.

Late spring is a perfect time to walk the 200-acre rural setting and festival weekends offer additional rich experiences.

Where To Go – Travel USA

On the road to discovering America

Category Archives: Travel

Colorado Weekend–July 8–10, 2011

Big Boots–Cheyenne, Wyoming

Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum & Store

Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley

4th of July 2011

Cheyenne Visitor Information Center

*Weekend Ten To Do – Colorado – June 17-19, 2011

Colorado Weekend Events – June 10-12, 2011

Durango – Animas River Days

Event CB Restaurant Week–Crested Butte, Colorado

Event El Rancho De Las Golondrinas–Santa Fe, New Mexico