Far View Lodge – Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

If you are planning a visit to Mesa Verde National Park, one of Colorado’s most amazing and

frequented destinations, then consider staying at the Far View Lodge for your bed and

breakfast.

Located 15 miles inside the famous park, the Lodge has been designed as an atmospheric get-

away that celebrates the unique nature and history of its surroundings. The huge windows and

private balconies provide spectacular views of the park for literally hundreds of miles around,

as the Lodge is situated on upper ground with unobstructed vistas.

The American Western décor, with a smack of Navajo Indian style, harmonizes with the

ambiance of the Park. The furniture is custom handmade wood, with luxurious bedding and

old-world character. Each room comes with its own private balcony. The dining room is

perfected with a magnificent panorama of the surrounding landscape. A defining feature of

Far View Lodge is the silence; this place was designed as a peaceful sanctuary where the

visitor can enjoy unspoilt nature, relax and reconnect. No TV, only Wi-Fi is available. The

idea here is simplicity, peace and natural beauty. It’s the perfect get-away for all who love

nature and want to enjoy the Mesa Verde in its true essence.

Mesa Verde National Park is one of the best preserved archaeological sites in the world. You

can visit the cliff dwellings, homes fashioned from natural alcoves in the rock and stone of

mountainous cliff sides, where the Ancient Pueblo peoples lived more than 700 years ago.

The Park protects more than 5,000 archaeological sites in all, including 600 cliff houses. Add

to this the fact that the park is one of unparalleled natural beauty, with souring canyons,

breath-taking views, abounding wildlife and fantastic geology.

Far View Lodge compliments the nature and history to make a perfect atmosphere, with

comfort and coziness, for your stay.

Far View Lodge

www.visitmesaverde.com

1 Navajo Hl, Park, CO 81330

(970) 533-1944

Pizzeria Rustica – Colorado Springs, Colorado

Old Colorado City offers something special to all pizza-enthusiasts and lovers of Italy:

gourmet woodfired pizza, made exactly as the finest connoisseurs of Naples have done since

time immemorial. Welcome to Pizzeria Rustica!

The ingredients speak for themselves: tomatoes imported from the farms around Mt.

Vesuvius, where the rich Italian soil and Mediterranean sun give them their unparalleled

succulence; hand-made cheeses straight from the kitchen; flour created from imported Italian

and locally grown organic mix; dough crafted with the traditional hand-stretching that gives

the pizza crust that perfect texture.

The huge pecan-fired wood stove isn’t just for character; that’s how Pizzeria Rustica gets

their pizzas to rise above the average: the fast, hot-heat cooking methods seal in the flavor

and perfect the texture.

You can sit at one of the handsomely decorated tables, or you can relax outdoors on the cozy,

welcoming patio in the sunshine. Either way, I can guarantee you that you will enjoy the

amazing taste of speciality pizzas and the friendly, warm atmosphere of building and staff.

An excellent selection of connoisseur-approved wines evokes impressions of Italian

vineyards soaking in the noonday sun, and is the perfect complement to your meal. The

Pizzeria Rustica is one of those places that quickly becomes a “must” whenever you visit

Colorado.

Pizzeria Rustica is located in an atmospheric part of Old Colorado City, in an 1880’s

building, with a rustic, historic ambience about it. Inside, the Italian mood has been perfected

with Mediterranean style art and décor. Welcome to Italy in Colorado!

Pizzeria Rustica

pizzeriarustica.com

2527 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

(719) 632-8121

Old Town Museum – Burlington, Colorado

Experience life as it was in the cowboy days in this unique, remarkable town-sized museum,

an exact replica of a pioneer settlement from East Colorado’s historic past. The museum

consists of 21 actual historic buildings, restored to exact renditions of their 1890’s pioneer

days, complete with real artefacts.

At Old Town Museum, you don’t just look, you experience. Be a customer at the Long Horn

Saloon, where pioneer era can-can dancers entertain just like in the cowboy movies. On hot

summer weekends, catch the horse-drawn wagon across town to the restored carousel. Head

down to the drugstore for an old-fashioned hand-dipped ice-cream cone or a soda pop from

another era. Not only that, but the museum stages cowboys, outlaws and sheriffs for show

shoot-outs and other Wild West excitement.

Old Town Museum is basically Colorado’s pioneer past showcased with an exciting,

informative and hands-on approach. I advise putting aside several hours for the trip, because

you will want to be there that long, believe me!

Buildings include the saloon, where real cowboys hung out only 120 years ago; the school

house, just like the ones our grandparents’ grandparents learned in; the atmospheric General

Store (now a great place to buy unique collectables, souvenirs and gifts); the Soda Fountain,

evocative of a simpler, less complicated age; the authentic Saddle Shop, Blacksmith’s, and

Carpenter Shop; the town jail, where no doubt several genuine cowboy-era “bad guys” had to

spend the night waiting for justice; and the reminiscent Manor House.

This is a way to learn Colorado history first-hand, by actually experiencing what life really

was like. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a cowboy fan or a lover of Americana,

enjoyment and fun is certain.

Old Town Museum

burlingtoncolo.com

420 S 14th St, Burlington, CO 80807

(719) 346-8404

Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado

For the ultimate Colorado experience, it doesn’t get more “Colorado” than Rocky Mountain

National Park. 265,761 acres (1,075.50 km2) of Alpine vistas, wild tundra, majestic

mountains – there is so much to see, do and experience in one of Colorado’s most famous

national parks.

Go hiking along beautiful unspoilt lakes or up rugged mountains for spectacular views. Visit

waterfalls cascading down the mountains or stroll along babbling mountain brooks or roaring

rivers. Picnic in meadows full of wildflowers and see if you can catch a glimpse of the

moose. There are hiking opportunities for all levels of fitness: summit treks for the climbers,

adventurous challenges for the stout-hearted, gentle trails for the whole family, and even 14

wheelchair accessible trails with nearby picnicking spots!

Gushing mountain rivers, fresh from their melted snow all year long, make for the perfect

exhilarating rafting or kayaking trip. For something a little more relaxing, you can bring your

sail boat or pontoon to Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Reservoir or Lake Granby, and simply

kick back and enjoy the fantastic view. Several types of boats can be rented at the marina. Or

you can jazz up the lake experience with wild jet-skis or water-skis, but be warned: this is

fresh, clean mountain water, icy cold all year around! The lakes are guaranteed to be peaceful

and relaxing; no motors are permitted within the national park.

Several services in the park offer horseback riding for a few hours or the whole day,

including tours of the surrounding landscape exclusively on horseback.

After your busy day outdoors, the Park offers a wide variety of places to unwind and sleep for

the night. You can rent your own private cozy log cabin, tucked away from the hustle and

bustle of civilization. Or you can use one of the full hook up sites for your RV, complete with

picnic sites, remodelled bathrooms, laundry facilities, cable, Wi-Fi and nearby supply shop.

Close by are several hotels, motels, and Bed and Breakfasts, secluded in atmospheric pine

forest, where you can treat yourself to spas, soaking tubs and hot tubs, luxury bedding and

romantic ambience. Simply put, there’s something for everyone, no matter what your budget

or traveling style.

I can’t imagine visiting Colorado without a stay at the Rocky Mountains National Park. It’s

simply an amazing, rewarding experience that makes an unforgettable vacation.

Rocky Mountains National Park

rockymountainsnationalpark.com

1000 Hwy 36, Estes Park, CO 80517

Phone: (970) 586-1206

The Springs Resort - Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Hot geo thermal springs warmed by the heart of the earth make this the perfect location to go

for relaxation, summer or winter. And The Springs Resort is one of the best places to do it in:

20+ different pools, from cool, to warm, to steaming hot, surrounded by artistic gardens and

breath-taking vistas.

The pools are literally steps away from an eatery, a cozy coffee shop and spacious, state-of-

the-art locker rooms. Shower stalls are sparkling clean, and high quality shampoos and

deluxe soaps are provided. You are greeted by friendly, helpful staff as you begin your day of

tranquil relaxation.

For an extra cost, you can enjoy the addition of spa treatment and a deliciously soothing

massage, perfect for sore muscles after a typical Colorado day’s worth of outdoor excursion.

It has been said that we often require “a vacation to recuperate from a vacation”! Well, this is

the answer to recovering from an exerting camping or hiking trip or a wild day out in the

rivers, lakes, and countryside! Just unwind and let go.

The Springs Resort Hotel stands just a short distance’s stroll from the pools. The hotel has

rooms and suites for couples, families and large groups up to 8 people. You’ll enjoy a full

bath, coffee-maker, kitchenette, comfy bedding and Wi-Fi. Best of all, with the hotel package

comes unlimited 24-hour access to the pools, where you can relax your day away in comfort

and ease.

For a luxurious treat that you’ll thank yourself for, I can’t recommend The Springs Resort

enough! Every opportunity I get, I go there to let all my worries melt away in the warm,

gentle water of the thermal pools.

The Springs Resort

www.pagosahotsprings.com

165 Hot Springs Blvd, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147

(970) 264-4168

Crested Butte Mountain Resort, Colorado

Does enjoying a wild, crazy-outdoorsy holiday up in the Rocky Mountains sound like your

idea of fun? Well, if you’re the sort who wants bike trails galore with thrilling natural

scenery, fabulous fishing in crystal clear mountain streams, or backcountry hiking that brings

you out into the “middle of nowhere”, consider Crested Butte Mountain Resort as your next

adventurous get-away!

Not for the stay-indoors type, but completely for anyone who loves nature and wants to enjoy

mountainous beauty to its fullest, Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers amazing biking and

hiking trails, from gentle and easy to daring and challenging. 83 of the 121 trails are designed

for beginner to intermediate level, with 38 trails for the advanced and expert climbers. Views

are stunning wherever you go, so even if you don’t think you’re in shape enough for a serious

trek, just ride in one of the lifts and admire the view, or take a stroll around in the peace and

quiet in one of Colorado’s most idyllic landscapes.

The resort includes a family-friendly park where adults and kids alike can relax with mini-

golf, rock climbing walls, bungee trampolines, and other fun activities.

In the winter, Crested Butte Mountain is a ski-lover’s magnet, with 626 hectares of skiing

area on one of the most seriously wintery, seriously wild mountain slopes available. For

everyone to whom “winter” and “snow” mean “fun”, it’s a thrill waiting to be had. Although

some parts of the mountain are best suited for highly experienced skiers, more than half the

terrain is excellent for beginners and aspiring enthusiasts, making it a perfect place to learn

and practice.

Bikers, Hikers, Skiers, Nature-Lovers, Mountain-Lovers, look into Crested Butte Mountain

Resort for a great Colorado mountain experience!

Crested Butte Mountain Resort

www.skicb.com

500 Gothic Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224

Phone: (970) 349-6341

Vern’s Toffee House – Fort Collins, Colorado

Are you looking for a change from that generic, cheap candy that covers the

superstore shelves all over America? Do you want a uniquely Colorado sweetmeat

different from all the others? Are you perhaps doubting that such candy really exists

in America at all: luscious, local, and lovingly crafted? Then put Vern’s Toffee House

on your Colorado to-do list! You won’t be disappointed!

Vern’s Toffee has been winning awards since the 1970’s, and there is a reason. Each

batch is carefully processed according to the original, proven recipe used since the

company first opened. Unlike most other candy companies across America, Vern’s

has never sacrificed quality for quantity. They’ve always used only the finest

ingredients harvested from local sources: genuine, fresh butter, bona fide sugar, real,

creamy milk. There’s no artificial sweeteners or chemicals in their products.

Not only that, but Vern’s is committed to continuing the traditional methods of toffee

making. Small batches are stirred in authentic copper kettles over old-fashioned candy

stoves, just as they were long ago. No wonder their toffee is delectable! It’s buttery,

delicious, melt-in-your-mouth ecstasy with every bite.

You can order Vern’s Toffee online, or you can visit the charming Toffee House in

Fort Collins, Colorado. Stop over at the delightful little kitchen where all the magic

happens, to watch how the candy is traditionally made and to make a purchase

straight from the site! You won’t be the only one who has put time aside to see where

their favorite sweetmeats are coming from; the Toffee House is quite popular for

locals and visitors alike!

Vern's Toffee House

www.vernstoffee.com

444 S Link Ln, Fort Collins, CO 80524

(970) 493-7770

Avalanche Ranch Cabins – Redstone, Colorado

Avalanche Ranch Cabins are situated in the Rocky Mountains on a 36 acre ranch out in the

middle of “beautiful”. Mount Sopris (12,953 ft.) soars above for breath-taking mountain

views, and the Crystal River winds below through pristine forest and idyllic meadow

countryside. The ranch provides a choice of charming pioneer-style log cabins, cozy camper

van sized “covered wagon” cabins, and large ranch houses with 3+ bedrooms, all of which

can be rented for the night or for weeks at a time.

Each cabin has a warm country ambience, with wood furniture, colorful country quilts,

whimsical yet tasteful country décor, and an inviting woodstove. Welcoming, homey, and

snug, the cabins still have plenty of open space for the number of people designated. And

despite the relaxed atmosphere, there’s hidden luxuries: deep, luscious clawfoot tubs, updated

shower, full kitchens with all the works, and a top quality barbeque grill that comes with the

rent!

For camping with an extra spin, you can rent one of the “wagon” cabins (although they are

called covered wagons, they are fully built in, with full wood ceilings). Snug, compact, and

cozy, these creative little cabins are like camper vans made with beautiful wood and

decorated in a playful, resourceful country style. Each accommodates a full sized bed,

propane heater, coffee maker, fan, grill, and private picnic area. Showers and restrooms are

available at the nearby hot springs.

One of the best things I like about Avalanche Ranch is that it offers three geo-thermal hot

pools, each screened from the other by natural ground configurations. You can relax behind a

warm flowing waterfall and enjoy the view of two near-by mountains and the lush Avalanche

Valley. I believe that you could not find a more “natural” place to savor a hot pool than here.

It’s just you and Nature.

The ranch is located nearby all your favorite outdoorsy things to do: hiking and biking trails,

fishing opportunities, and boating. Every Wednesday and Saturday evenings, there’s a good

old-fashioned bonfire with old cowboy campfire songs, group singing, fun, and, of course,

s’mores. Check out the Avalanche Ranch website for other activities!

Avalanche Ranch

avalancheranch.com

12863 Highway 133, Redstone, CO 81623

(970) 963-2846

The Fort Restaurant – Denver, Colorado

Are you looking for the ultimate Wild West experience in an all-American eatery?

The Fort’s savory menu is based on Colorado cooking in the 1830’s. The family who started

the restaurant literally researched the diaries of pioneers, mountain men, and local native

Americans to cook up the ultimate Wild West recipe collection. Staples are tender, succulent

buffalo, quail, and elk meats. The restaurant’s speciality is food of the Early West, and you

will find out that choice dishes are just as mouth-watering in the twenty-first century as they

were more than 150 years ago!

The Fort’s architecture is a replica of Bent Fort, an adobe fur trading post built in 1833 and

famous throughout Colorado. The post was large enough to be a castle, and was a landmark

in the pioneer days as the vital center of all commerce, trade and economy in the young state.

The Fort started when the Arnold family, history enthusiasts who dared to dream, decided to

build their new home as a replica of the abode construction. The whole idea was based on a

drawing of Bent’s Fort in a history book. They little thought it would one day become an

award winning restaurant, plus listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its

authenticity.

It was when they ran into difficulties paying the mortgage that the bank suggested they turn

their new home into an eatery. True to their passion, they created a menu that would stay

loyal to the Bent Fort theme, an exact replica of an 1830’s typical cookbook. The Fort

Restaurant opened to the public in the 1960’s.

The Fort serves more buffalo than other kitchen in the country. Authentic dishes reflect the

Mexican and Spanish influences on the Santa Fe trail, mixed with the emerging USA cuisine

of the century. Its signature drink is The Hailstorm, the first ever cocktail to be served in the

original Bent’s Fort.

The Fort Restaurant

thefort.com

19192 Highway 8, Morrison, CO 80465

(303) 697-4771

The Lazy B Chuckwagon Supper and Western Music Show - Estes Park, Colorado

If you go to The Elk Meadow RV Resort in Estes Park, Rocky Mountains, on a summer

evening, you may be in for some fun with a Wild West historic twist. The Lazy B

Chuckwagon Supper and Music Show spells entertainment for everyone, with a genuine

cowboy dinner accompanied by live pioneer skits, music, and humor.

You can really get into the Colorado spirit when you’re eating authentic cowboy chow in a

barn-style building of logs and bare wood. The atmosphere is enthusiastic and friendly, and

you’ll find yourself feeling a camaraderie with the crowds of other cowboy fans who’ve

come to enjoy the fun and laughter just like you.

The entertainers are all dressed in imaginative cowboy or cowgirl clothes and will present

you with an hilarious and engaging show while you enjoy your meal. The Lazy B Ranch’s

talented musicians have composed riotous and charming pieces that bring out the Wild West

as only fiddle, banjo, and guitar can. The players include Katie Glassman, winner of the

nation’s swing fiddle championship, Jerry Shaffer and his buddies Al Roller and Jason

Swedlund, who used to form the award-winning Darn Thirsty Cowboys band, and special

features show artists who specialize in American western music.

Uproarious skits will bring the Wild West onto the stage for you in a memorial way that no

other show could. Come prepared for good clean laughter that will leave your sides sore!

It’s the perfect way to end the perfect day in the Rocky Mountains!

The Lazy B and Wranglers

lazybranchandwranglers.com

1665 State Highway 66, Estes Park, CO 80517

Phone: (970) 507-0317

Attributions for Photos:

These photos are from Flickr Creative Commons.

The Montezuma Overlook is attributable to Jeffrey Keeton, copyright August 14th 2006,

made available under creative commons

licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode. This photo was resized to be

fit into this document.

The Brick Oven is attributable to Basheer Tome, copyright September 15th 2011, made

available under creative commons

licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode. This photo was resized to be

fit into this document.

The Cowboys of Southern Colorado is attributable to Boston Public Library, copyright

February 11th, 2011, made available under creative commons

licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode. This photo was resized to be

fit into this document.

The Rocky Mountains National Park is attributable to Andrew E. Russell, copyright

September 1st, 2014, made available under creative commons

licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode. This photo was resized to be

fit into this document.

The Springs is attributable to trickofthelight, copyright August 29th, 2014, made available

under creative commons

licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode. This photo was resized to be

fit into this document

The Crested Butte Mountain Resort is attributable to TRAILSOURCE.COM, copyright

December 3rd, 2011, made available under creative commons

licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode. This photo was resized to be

fit into this document.

The photo of toffee is named “Dammit Janet, Let's Go To the Ellen Show” and is attributable

to Janet Hudson, copyright October 21st, 2009, made available under creative commons

licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode. This photo was resized to be

fit into this document.

The photo of Mount Sopris is attributable to Rick McCharles, copyright July 18th 2015, made

available under creative commons

licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode. This photo was resized to be

fit into this document.

The photo Carne Asada Tacos is attributable to rpavich, copyright August 16th 2013, made

available under creative commons

licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode. This photo was resized to be

fit into this document.

The photo of the horse and saddle, entitled “Trotting by” is attributable to Damian Gadal,

copyright August 5th 2011, made available under creative commons

licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/legalcode. This photo was resized to be

fit into this document.