Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Colorado Comes to Life This Summer

This summer, Colorado will be buzzing with new activities, recreational pursuits, events, attractions and more. Throughout the state, visitors and locals alike are invited to experience what’s new. From major anniversaries including the famed Broadmoor Resort’s centennial and new attractions such as Snowmass’ new Lost Forest, to major events including the return of Slow Food Nations, new chef-driven restaurants and hands-on culinary experiences, and the opening of numerous unique lodging offerings such as the highly anticipated Source and Ramble hotels in Denver, Colorado is laying the stage for a blockbuster summer travel season. See more after the jump ...

Exciting New Events, Festivals & Anniversaries:

The Dead Sea Scrolls on Exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, March 16 - September 3, 2018: The regional premiere of the exhibition that has captivated millions around the world is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see authentic Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient manuscripts that include the oldest known Biblical documents dating back over 2,000 years. In addition, the largest collection of artifacts from the Holy Land ever assembled for display will allow guests to explore the traditions, beliefs and iconic objects of ancient Israel that continue to impact world cultures today.

Broadway in the Rockies Celebrates its 50th Anniversary, Summer 2018: Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre of Grand Lake features professional actors and musicians in a state-of-the-art venue. Rotating musicals almost every day of the week throughout the summer and fall, there is something for everyone.  At the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, this is the perfect evening attraction for families, casual travelers and avid theatre goers alike. June 8th is opening night for the 2018 season with summer-long programing for the anniversary.

70th Annual FIBArk Festival, June 14-18, 2018: 2018 marks the 70th anniversary of FIBArk “First in Boating on the Arkansas”, the nation's oldest whitewater festival and Salida's signature event. Every year in June during the Arkansas River runoff in Salida, the festival focuses on whitewater boat races and paddlers from across the nation and world come to compete. The festival also includes land events such as live music performances, mountain bike races, parades and more.

The Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs Turns 100 and Hosts the U.S. Senior Open June 25-July 1, 2018On June 29, 2018, The Broadmoor will officially turn 100 years old. The historic hotel (the longest-running Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond property on the planet) will celebrate with fireworks and a special gala event. From June 25-July 1, the U.S. Senior Open will be played on The Broadmoor's iconic East Course and is hosted by Colorado legend John Elway. The 39th U.S. Senior Open will be the eighth USGA Championship contested at the Broadmoor in its rich history. 

AdventureOUT Comes to Snowmass, July 4-8, 2018: AdventureOUT Snowmass, a new summer experience and fundraiser from AspenOUT, the producers of Aspen Gay Ski Week, debuts in Snowmass, this summer. Geared toward the LGBT community and their families, AdventureOUT Snowmass features a different spin on the Aspen Gay Ski Week Experience, with an emphasis on building community and getting out into nature.

Splash-In Sea Planes Event, July 14, 2018: Bring the family to experience this new and highly unique event as seaplanes land on Kenney Reservoir in Rangely, Colorado. The Seaplane Pilots Association is taking advantage of one the two private lakes where the aircrafts can land in Colorado. Kenney Reservoir is owned by the Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District.

Slow Food Nations Returns to Denver July 13-15, 2018: Following a successful inaugural year in 2017, Slow Food Nations will return to Denver, gathering leaders, eaters, farmers, chefs, educators and families for a weekend of tastings, tours and talks. Modeled after the renowned Terra Madre – the original Slow Food event in Turin, Italy – Slow Food Nations in Denver has become the center of the North American food world.

Velorama and Colorado Classic Return to Denver, August 16-19, 2018: Professional bicycle racing returned to Colorado in 2017 with the Colorado Classic, a series of men’s and women’s races in three Colorado cities. World-class pro teams compete in circuit races throughout the state – 2018 cities are TBA – ending in Denver on the final stages. Following the race, there will be a three-day music, crafts, beer and food festival in the River North (RiNo) Art District for spectators and athletes.

Kokopelli 140 Mountain Bike and Trail Running Race Debuts, September 7-8, 2018: For decades the Kokopelli Trail has served as the benchmark of mountain bike and ultra-trail running excellence. Stretching 144 miles from Fruita, Colorado to Moab, Utah, this iconic and historic trail where dinosaurs once roamed offers some of the most beautiful, technical and challenging terrain in the country. This year, bikers and runners will be able to experience all 144 miles of the Kokopelli fully supported during the mother of all mountain bike races.
Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering Celebrates its 30th Anniversary, October 4-7, 2018: The Durango Cowboy Gathering works to preserve and perpetuate the traditions of working ranch people in the American West. The event celebrates the lifeways of rural people by creating the "campfire" around which anyone with an interest can come to share in the appreciation of the culture and traditions unique to the West.

Enticing New Attractions, Activities & Adventures:

City on the Side Offers Motorcycle Sidecar Tour Experiences: City on the Side provides an exceptional, personal and private sightseeing journey through Colorado allowing passengers to experience the world from a completely unique perspective on a classic Russian Ural cT sidecar motorcycle. City on the Side is offering four planned Sidecar Motorcycle Tours in 2018 including: Essential Denver City Tour, South Mountain Exploration, North Mountain Exploration and Peak to Peak/Estes Park.

New Colorado Creative Corridor: Colorado’s rural communities are elevating their arts and cultural offerings and strengthening their communities, supported through the Colorado Creative Industries’ statewide program to grow creative rural economies, Colorado Creative Districts. For 2018, The Colorado Creative Corridor will offer visitors to the State an invitation to pair destinations with unique arts and cultural experiences. The “Corridor” is a route that will take visitors some 331 miles to five Creative District destinations. The arts communities of Carbondale, Salida, Crested Butte, Delta County/ North Fork and Ridgway all offer unique event programming and experiences, alongside mountain town eclecticism, outdoor recreation, authentic Colorado heritage, arts, agritourism and culinary offerings. The Colorado Creative Corridor visitor program officially launches May 2018.

Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop Launches New Passport Promotion: The Passport to the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop is a collaborative effort between the western Colorado hot springs destinations, including Chaffee County, Pagosa Springs, Ouray County, Glenwood Springs and Steamboat Springs. Participants simply obtain the official stamp from each visitor center and mail it in to redeem a waterproof pouch. The passport promotion launches in January 2018, encouraging visitors to complete the 720-mile loop, which showcases some of the most popular hot springs attractions in the country.

New Tech Toolkits from Colorado Parks & Wildlife: Colorado Parks & Wildlife has launched a fishing App for smart phones that enables anglers to check out mapping information for over 2,000 locations in the state, along with the most up-to-date regulations, details on fish species, seasonal flies, weather and more. A new State Park Pass Online Purchasing System allows travelers to purchase state park passes, make state park camping reservations and buy wildlife licenses online and with their mobile devices.

Colorado Riverfront Trail Expands: Serving the entire Grand Valley, the nearly 30-mile long Colorado Riverfront Trail (CRT) is a regional trail system extending from Palisade through Grand Junction, to Fruita in the west. Debuting this spring 2018, the new Kokopelli segment of the CRT will extend the trail from Fruita to the Kokopelli Trails area in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. The Kokopelli Trails area is a destination for mountain bikers, hikers, equestrian users, and trail runners, and it connects to Moab, Utah via the Kokopelli Trail.

New Colorado Spirits Trail: The Colorado Distillers Guild is launching a Spirits Trail in 2018 inviting visitors to discover the spirits of the West. The trail highlights more than 50 participating distilleries from every corner of the state, and offers a map and interactive website to folks interested in tasting the amazing and creative spirits being produced across Colorado.  Individuals can pick up a map at participating distilleries, Denver International Airport and tourist information offices throughout the state.  The first 24 individuals to visit all participating distilleries represented on the 2018 paper map, and collect a stamp from each one, will be presented with a signed bottle from each participating distillery.

Eagle River Launches Whitewater Park: The Eagle River Park will open summer 2018, unveiling a world-class white water park featuring an in-stream design optimizing the river’s natural morphology, and will offer riverside recreation areas, where there will be riparian plantings and restoration. The Eagle River Park, with its layers of recreation opportunities and proximity to I-70, is destined to attract visitors, athletes and events from around the region.

Earth Treks to Build Nation’s Largest Climbing Gym in Englewood: Earth Treks Climbing and Fitness, a long-time leader in providing superior indoor climbing experiences, will debut its newest gym in Englewood this summer, which will span more than 52,000-square-feet making it the largest climbing gym in the US. In addition to world class roped climbing and bouldering terrain, guests will find their favorite amenities including a yoga studio, functional fitness and cardio zones, training areas, climbing classes, and more.

Glenwood Springs Adds New Single Track Trail: Glenwood Springs newest mountain biking trail, The Grandstaff Trail, has riders amped with its valley-wide, professionally bermed turns and the opportunity to catch air. Trail highlights include views of the Roaring Fork River Valley from Glenwood Springs and Mt. Sopris to the Elk Range, riding beneath the lift tower remnants of the Red Mountain Ski Area that operated from 1938 to 1966, and the undulating terrain that rivals a roller coaster ride. The Grandstaff Trail connects with other trails including the Olsen trail and the Wulfsohn trail system.

San Juan Hut System Launches New Gravel Grinder Route: New for spring 2018, the San Juan Huts will offer a hut-to-hut gravel ride from Grand Junction, Colorado to Moab, Utah through some of the most scenic and remote stretches of pavement in the west. Riders will pass through many historic sites as they roll through the Unaweep Canyon, Gateway, and Paradox winding their way along the Dolores River and will stay in the fully stocked huts that are part of the San Juan Huts system on this three day/two night tour.

The Sebastian Vail Expands its Artists, Authors & Athletes Program: This summer, The Sebastian is expanding its popular Artists, Authors & Athletes speakers series that launched in winter 2018 and connects guests, owners and the local community with experts in their chosen field. Artists, Authors & Athletes will take place the first Thursday of every month June through September 2018 and includes a complimentary “Sparkle & Pop” reception with prosecco and truffle popcorn. Past speakers have included a New York Times best-selling author, a popular TEDx speaker, mountaineer, yogi and artist. Speakers for summer 2018 to be announced soon.

Snowmass Expands Summer Operations with Development of the Lost Forest: New for summer 2018, Aspen Snowmass announces an immense list of activities at the new Lost Forest located on Snowmass Mountain. These enhancements include an alpine coaster, canopy tour, challenge course, climbing wall, expanded hiking and biking trails and more. These additions will provide guests an opportunity to be completely immersed in nature while enjoying an array of activities. The Lost Forest is designed to be intertwined with nature, not detached from it. The Lost Forest has something to offer no matter what age or activity level desired.

Snow Mountain Ranch Offers New Family Attractions:  Summer is the perfect time for families and groups to explore Snow Mountain Ranch, located just outside of Winter Park, Colorado. Brand new to the property for summer 2018 and located right next to the summer tubing hill is the Spruce Saddle Adventure Zone playground with fun mountain features including a pendulum swing, small zip line, twisted log ladder, climbing moose and stump hoppers.

Timber to Table Guide Service Offers New Program for Hunters: The new Western Slope based guiding service, Timber to Table, isn’t your typical hunting outfitter. As their name implies, the company is focused on helping hunters put wild, healthy and delicious meat on their tables. Hunts are geared toward first-time hunters, and a five-day cow or bull elk experience includes a private guide who leads the hunt and will also teach participants how to process the animal, identify various cuts and custom wrap their meat. Timber to Table also offers hunting programs geared specifically toward women.

New TPC Colorado Golf Course Opens in Berthoud: Summer 2018 welcomes major golf news including the opening of the new TPC Colorado, the state’s first ground-up golf course development in nearly 10 years. Slated to open to the public in July 2018 in Berthoud, Colorado, the new course is situated along the banks of Lonetree, McNeil and Welch Reservoirs and features majestic views of the Rocky Mountains. The 800-acre golf community will encompass an 18-hole championship golf course and clubhouse, as well as a master-planned residential neighborhood.

YMCA of the Rockies Opens the Boone Family Mountain Center: New For 2018, the Boone Family Mountain Center at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado will provide a base camp for nature, environmental and high-adventure activities. In addition to housing a hands-on education nature center and two-story climbing wall, the Mountain Center will also serve as the staging and information area for fishing, mountain biking, archery and the zipline.

New and Unique Summer Lodging Packages & Experiences:

Golf with a Legend at The Broadmoor: In celebration of the legendary Broadmoor Resort’s 100th anniversary in 2018, the property is offering a special “Golf with A Legend” package allowing guests to tee it up on the fabled East Course with Hale Irwin. The package is a three-night golf extravaganza for groups of 12-24 players and includes a practice round on the East Course, a round on the West Course plus a clinic from The Broadmoor teaching staff, a fly fishing lesson, dinner at the hotel’s Fish House, a round of golf with Hale Irwin on the East Course and dinner at 1858 located at the base of The Broadmoor’s Seven Falls.  

Branding Camp at Chico Basin Ranch, May 13 – 18, 2018: Chico Basin Ranch is home to Ranchlands’ largest herd of cattle. Guests are invited to join the working team this spring to be part of the branding crew that will hold the herd, assist with vaccinations and ear notching. They will work closely with the Ranchlands’ team to ensure one of the biggest events on the ranch calendar goes smoothly and will experience what ranching looked like 100 years ago. Intermediate to experienced riding level required. At the end of the day guests relax in camp with dinner on the prairie, practice roping or head down to the lake for a swim.

New Mountain Cures at the Four Seasons Resort Vail: New for 2018, the Four Seasons Resort Vail’s Forbes Five Star Spa has created Colorado and mountain-inspired treatments, certain to aid in sleep, altitude adjustment and boosting energy while in Vail, including a Sweet Dreams Sleep Cure, the Altitude Adjustment Cure or an Energy Cure. Each cure includes massage therapy along with other wellness offerings including breath work, aromatherapy and more.

Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa Adds New Summer 2018 Palisade Ranch Packages: Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa, a luxurious world-class destination in the heart of the American West, will offer four new experiential packages in summer 2018 – Palisade Ranch Adventure, Red Rock Romance, For Foodies, and Curiosity – for its on-site Palisade Ranch that will allow guests to choose customized experiences based on their ideal vacation.  These packages will include three nights of luxurious accommodations, gourmet meals, one daily activity per person, local craft beer, wine, and spirits, and more.  The packages are available to book now for travelers visiting from May 1 to October 31, 2018.

The Maven Offers Decadent Denver Culinary Experience: Colorado is taking the culinary center stage in 2018 as the state plays host to season 15 of Bravo’s award-winning reality competition, Top Chef.  To celebrate, the Maven Hotel in Denver is offering an over-the-top foodie weekend including the chance for guests to craft their own lavish dinner party.  This package includes a gourmet cooking class led by a professional Denver chef followed by a decadent 5-course dinner paired with fine wine, 10 personalized chef jackets, luxury transportation to/from the dinner party, accommodations for five couples in five urban suites for two nights, and valet parking at The Maven.

Hotel Telluride Offers Ropes & Rungs Package: The Hotel Telluride is offering a new Ropes & Rungs summer alpine adventure package. This 3-night package invites guests to experience the beauty of Telluride's vertical realm with a guided Via Ferrata climb on an exposed ladder and cable system (the only Via Ferrata in Colorado) and explore the vertical territory of Ophir Valley with a full day of guided rock-climbing, both led by San Juan Outdoor Adventures. This package is designed for all abilities and includes accommodations, daily breakfast for two, a full-day guided Via Ferrata climb and a full-day rock climbing adventure. Both days are complete with a packed picnic lunch. 

Hotel Telluride Offers ‘Best in Show’ Dog Package: Few places are as dog-friendly as Telluride with nearly as many canine residents as human ones. The Hotel Telluride’s exclusive new ‘Best in Show’ package offers the ultimate experience for its furry guests including: A two-night stay at The Hotel Telluride; a personalized pet welcome at the front desk's doggie chalkboard; a welcome amenity of homemade dog treats; a plush dog bed with in-room Hotel Telluride custom placemat and food and water bowls; canine amenities including: one tennis or bouncy ball (dog’s choice), one Kong Wild Knots chew toy, one Night Ize flashlight collar clip, eco-friendly pet disposal bags and a list of nearby dog friendly activities.

New Lodging Properties and Renovations:

Eleven Experience Introduces the Lofts at Public House in Crested Butte: Opened in early 2018, the Eleven Experience’s Lofts at Public House, offer guests a new way to enjoy America’s last great ski town. Located on Elk Avenue, the three spacious suites are ideally situated in the heart of the action, overlooking the peak of Mount Crested Butte and the charming Victorian storefronts and lively cafes lining the street below. The Lofts feature the same design and five-star amenities consistent with the Eleven Experience portfolio and guests also have access to the same authentic adventures offered by Eleven Experience guides with a selection of year-round, a la carte pursuits.

Elizabeth Hotel Opens in Fort Collins: The new 164-room Elizabeth Hotel in Fort Collins opened to the public this past December and pays tribute to FoCo’s deep-rooted music scene. With record players in the guest rooms, inspired artwork and a piano in the Sky Bar, a musical theme permeates this modern luxury hotel. The Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market, located inside the hotel, offers everything from gourmet sandwiches and grilled pizzas to charcuterie platters and signature dishes.

Embassy Suites and Hilton Garden Inn Opens in Boulder: Opened in late 2017, these new dual-branded properties feature a combined 375 rooms, 9,500 square feet, including a 6,600-square-foot ballroom at the Embassy Suites, free underground self-parking and complimentary access to a rooftop pool at Embassy Suites. The properties offer two price points at a single site, as well as the largest hotel-ballroom in Boulder.

The Jacquard Opens in Denver’s Cherry Creek North Neighborhood: Slated to open in early 2018, The Jacquard hotel is Stonebridge Companies in partnership with Autograph Collection Hotels newest, luxury hotel. The hotel will be one of only two Autograph Collection Hotels in the state of Colorado and will provide guests with a true, independent, Cherry Creek luxury experience including stunning art collections, tasteful design and sophisticated dining.

Mount Princeton Hot Springs Expands: Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort will debut 25 new Creekside units in June 2018. Taking advantage of the serene beauty offered by Chalk Creek, the 25 units are situated East of the Main Lodge and Spa. These new guest rooms will feature modern finishes and balconies directly on Chalk Creek.

The Ramble Hotel Opens in Denver: The Ramble Hotel, an independently owned, three-story hotel will open in spring 2018 in Denver’s RiNo (River North) district with 50 guest rooms; an intimate theatre and bar; an independently owned restaurant; and a marquee lobby bar, Death & Co Denver. The bar marks the first outpost outside of its original location in New York’s East Village.

New Lodging and Tours at The Redstone Castle: The historic Redstone Castle, located outside of Carbondale, Colorado in the Crystal Valley, will open doors spring 2018 after an extensive renovation program, to offer boutique lodging and tours of the famed castle. This turn of the century jewel was completed in 1902 for industrialist and coal magnate, John Cleveland Osgood who once ranked the sixth wealthiest people in the United States. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, the castle provides a unique glimpse into the personal styles and social culture of America’s elite at the turn of the 20th Century.

Royal Gorge Cabins Adds Additional Glamping Tents: Royal Gorge Cabins is adding four new glamping tents to its existing four tents and nine luxury cabins in time for the summer 2018 travel season. The resort offers a variety of whitewater rafting adventures on the Arkansas River, full-service restaurant and bar, event space and campsites in addition to the cabins and tents. The resort is located within minutes of the Arkansas River and the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park and other attractions such as the Royal Gorge Route Railroad and historic Canon City as well as adventures such as fly fishing and backcountry Jeep tours.

The Source Hotel Opens in Denver’s River North: This 100-room hotel will be located next to the popular Source culinary marketplace and will be the first hotel in Denver’s hip RiNo (River North) district. Celebrating the utilitarian and industrial history of the RiNo district, The Source Hotel vendors are 100 percent independent, featuring the most unconventional and creative craft production in Denver. With the goal of connecting people, products, design and place, The Source Hotel is proud to showcase exceptional independent artisans, including a florist, tattoo shop, and small-scale craft retail counters operated by local designers and artists. The property will also feature a new New Belgium brewing concept to highlighting sour beers. The Source Hotel is expected to open in spring 2018.

Hotel Talisa Opens in Vail: Opened in late-2017 and nestled at the base of Vail Mountain along the Gore Creek, Hotel Talisa is Vail’s preeminent offering in luxury accommodations and experience. The 285-room hotel features exclusive amenities including one-of-a-kind spa treatments, three dining venues, curated alpine experiences and a 58,000-square-foot athletic club.
 
Warwick Denver Unveils Full Renovation: The Warwick Denver has finalized a comprehensive renovation of all 216 guestrooms and suites within the acclaimed hotel that offers an urban retreat in the Mile High City. The oversized rooms and suites, averaging more than 425 sq.ft., have been refurbished in an elegant and modern style, decidedly welcoming and residential in feel while reflecting the rustic characteristics of the Rocky Mountains and the beautiful state of Colorado.

Food and Beverage Offerings Debut:

Angry James Brewery Opens in Silverthorne: Opening in Q1 2018, Angry James Brewery is a small, community-oriented brewery and tap room featuring a seven barrel system and showcasing a variety of American and international-style beers. The neighborhood brewery will feature four main brews along with four to five seasonal brews that challenge the status quo and cannot be widely found in other Summit County breweries.  Angry James will offer limited snacks with plans to expand food offerings in the future.

Crafted Beverages of Southwest Colorado Adds Tasting Passport: Now in its second year, Crafted Beverages of Southwest Colorado (CBSW), aims to raise awareness of the region’s agritourism and “drink local” movement. It spotlights the growing number of small batch, independent producers of crafted beverages, including beer, wine, spirits, cider, non-alcoholic gourmet sodas, and — new for 2018 — coffee and tea roasters.  Also new for 2018, is the addition of a “Tasting Passport”. Participants are encouraged to visit local producers and get their passports stamped at each location, with incentives including a grand prize trip to explore the region. Coffee roasters and specialty teas will also be on the menu in 2018, tapping trends including Nitro cold press coffee and serving Kombucha on tap.

Dairy Block Micro-District Opens in Denver: Slated to open in summer 2018, and anchored by The Maven Hotel, The Dairy Block in Denver’s newest micro-district.  A historically significant area originally the location of the Windsor Daily, the Dairy Block will be home to some of the area’s most creative makers and businesses, including the much anticipated Milk Market food hall from acclaimed chef, Frank Bonanno. With exciting restaurants, innovative retailers, cocktail bars, and more, the Dairy Block celebrates the city’s history while crafting its future.

Denver’s Famed Cherry Cricket Opens Second Location: One of Denver’s most popular burger joints, the Cherry Cricket, will open its second outpost in the city’s Ballpark neighborhood in summer 2018.  The new restaurant will offer many of its most popular items with some new twists.

Fall Line Kitchen & Cocktails Opens in Vail: New for 2018, Fall Line restaurant celebrates the active and adventurous lifestyle of Vail with casual comfort food and inventive cocktails in a bright, modern space flanked with large 60’s era ski photos lining the walls. Executive Chef Jake Burkhardt has developed a creative menu that features sandwiches, salads, flatbreads and sharable plates.

Goat Patch Brewing Opens in Colorado Springs: Goat Patch Brewing offers a variety of handcrafted beers along with a fundamental goal of supporting the local Colorado Springs community. Flavors range from a mocha latte stout to a fruit goat patch punch. 

New Hands-On Culinary Experiences at Larkspur Vail: This summer, guests are invited to join the Larkspur culinary team for a hands-on culinary experience. Groups will be broken up in teams and paired with one of the restaurant’s professional chefs with each team preparing one composition of their pre-selected dinner menu. Each chef will give a presentation of the evaluation and nuances of the planned menu, and teams will work together to prepare and create their meals. The experience includes preparation in the kitchen, cocktail reception with passed hors d’oeuvres and a three-course meal.
New Butchery Program at Leonora at The Sebastian in Vail: Under the leadership of new Food and Beverage Director Chris Okamura and Executive Chef Tyson Peterson, The Sebastian-Vail is completely refreshing its food and beverage program for summer 2018 with a new menu and concept at Leonora featuring a whole animal butchery as well as game and prime beef selections.

The Nice Guy Opens in Aspen: LA Hotspot, The Nice Guy, has plans to expand their second restaurant in Aspen. Operated by John Terzian and Brain Toll, and slated to open in 2018, The Nice Guy will feature Italian staples such as chicken marsala and pasta primavera along with an Aspen fan-favorite, truffle fries.

Oskar Blues Opens in Downtown Colorado Springs: The newest addition to the area’s culinary family is in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs. The new eatery takes up two levels in one of the area’s historic buildings. Enjoy underground bocce courts and outdoor patio. Grab a pint from one of the 48 taps and munch on locally sourced meats that round out the menu.

Pikes Peak Market Opens in Colorado Springs: Opened in late 2017, Pikes Peak Market is an indoor market and non-profit focused on building the local food ecosystem, supporting local vendors, and building community.  It features nine vendors with fare ranging from tamales and natural meats to crepes and coffee. In the future, the site looks to have a craft beer setup and featured Colorado spirits.

Jennifer Jasinski’s Ultreia Opens in Denver’s Union Station: James Beard Best Chef Southwest Jennifer Jasinski, along with partners Beth Gruitch and Jorel Pierce opened Jasinski’s second restaurant in Denver’s Historic Union Station, Ultreia this past winter. The restaurant opened in the building’s Great Hall and offers shared plate pinxtos and tapas from the countries of Spain and Portugal.

Zeppelin Station Opens in Denver: Opening in Q1 2018, the 100,000-square-foot Zeppelin Station will boast a ground level market hall featuring retail tenants focused in design goods, various street food vendors from around the country, multiple bars and a full-service anchor restaurant. Currently on the roster for the food hall are Denver's Vinh Xuong Bakery, Boulder's Fior Gelato, and Chicago's Aloha Poke Co, with several announcements coming soon. Additionally, the RiNo Arts District will house their headquarters at Zeppelin Station alongside a dynamic retail space showcasing local artisans.

New Rural Colorado Cuisine Offerings: Top-tier chefs are moving into rural areas—especially west of Denver—and raising the bar on the dining scene with small focused dinner events and intimate dining rooms offering fast-evolving menus that reflect seasonality and locality of ingredients. Guest and dude ranches are moving from the cliché of serving pork and beans for dinner, to offer 20-course fine tasting menus and molecular dining. Cloverdale Farm and Restaurant opened doors mid/late 2017 in Steamboat Springs offering an intimate, fine dining experience using locally grown and sourced ingredients alongside a curated old world wine list. Traditional hunting lodge, High Lonesome Ranch in Debeque launches its second season of high-end dinners, serving a 20-course tasting menu overseen by Matt Chasseur and Patrick Ayers. Latigo Ranch in Kremmling will also offer a second season of fine dining, with a molecular dinner club.

Major News on the Horizon for Winter 2018/2019:

Dior: From Paris to the World Debuts at The Denver Art Museum, November 18, 2018 – March 3, 2019: The Denver Art Museum will host the U.S. debut of the renowned exhibition, Dior: From Paris to the World, this fall. Surveying more than 70 years of the House of Dior’s legacy and influence, the exhibit features a selection of 150 haute couture dresses, accessories, photos, original sketches, and archival material. Curated by Denver Art Museum’s Florence Müller, it will trace the history of the iconic haute couture fashion house, its founder, Christian Dior, and the subsequent artistic directors who carried Dior's vision into the 21st century.

Limelight Hotel Snowmass to Open: Slated to open in November 2018 the Limelight Hotel Snowmass will offer fun, unfussy luxury with an energetic vibe and will feature an indoor/outdoor lounge area, a five-story climbing wall open to the public, a fitness center and spa pools.

W Aspen and The Sky Residences at W Aspen to Open: Slated to open for the 2018/2019 winter ski season, the new hotel and residences are being designed by Nemaworkshop in partnership with local firm Rowland + Broughton Architecture and W’s in-house design team, offering 88 guestrooms and 11 W-branded fractional residences. Conveniently located at the base of Aspen Mountain, the development will also feature a 12,000-square-foot rooftop bar and pool with expansive views of Aspen Mountain.