Posts Tagged ‘Colorado’

I’m not too far afield today — just 30 minutes from my house, up the road in Aspen to check out the kick-off events for the second annual Aspen Fashion Week. Today through Friday, the week is chock full of après-ski fashion shows, parties at downtown shops, film screenings at the historic Wheeler Opera House, concerts, late-night gatherings and more.

Many of the events are open to the public — like the afternoon fashion shows I attended today and and the daily in-store events (tacos and cervezas at Marmot, cocktails at Pucci…). But if you want VIP access — and trust me, for the best fashion show seating behind the ropes, the VIP badge is key — buy a day ticket for $100 at The Sky Hotel any time between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. this week.

Even with my Media credentials (capital “M” my emphasis) I had a hard time getting into the inner sanctum of the Kjus and Obermeyer fashion shows at the base of Aspen Mountain today. The security guy and the AFW staffers in cute matching white puffy coats (below) were good; they turned away a lot of folks who just wanted to waltz right in without having paid or having earned their VIP status (by sponsoring or otherwise participating in the week-long event). All’s well that ends well — I eventually got let in with the other big boys wielding big lenses at the end of the Snowstage catwalk.

And what fun it was watching the young men and women (okay, hot young men and women) strut down the runway wearing ski fashions we’ll see on the slopes next winter. The school-age kids, however, stole the show, with their shy smiles (the girls) and their cool bravado (the boys).

Kjus skiwear, founded by Norwegian World Cup skier (and Olympic medalist Lasse Kjus), is a high-end designer, no doubt. We’re talking ski jackets upwards of $1,500 and women’s ski pants for $600. But this is quality ski wear — materials are high tech, the look is crisp and clean. If you’re in Aspen and want to see the current collection, visit Hamilton Sports kitty corner from The Little Nell on Durant Street.

Here’s a peek at the colorful and cool collection coming from Kjus for 2010/2011:

Obermeyer holds a special place in my heart because it’s a local company. Founded by German Klaus Obermeyer, who can be found regularly on Aspen’s ski slopes at age 90, Obermeyer skiwear is beloved by locals namely because the company holds an annual “friends and family” warehouse sale every July. I’ve outfitted my children in Obermeyer fleece, hats, mittens, ski pants and coats since they were about two years old! Every year we go to the massive summer sale, where locals get fabulous gear at a fraction of the price. My current ski coat is Obermeyer and I’ve skied with Obermeyer gloves for years.

My family and I are just home from a fabulous long weekend at Keystone resort and ski area. This Vail Resorts property — about a 90-minute drive into the Colorado mountains from Denver — is chock full of all sorts of great activities for families, on and off the slopes. Keystone is a resort that welcomes outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, but this winter, children have a festival to call their very own: Keystone Kidtopia.

It's the "World's Largest Snow Fort" at Keystone Kidtopia.

In between our jam-packed (but oh-so-fun) itinerary at the resort — which included tubing, ice skating, skiing, a sleigh ride and fondue dinner — we did get a chance to check out some of the special Kidtopia events and activities.

We were thrilled that the giant snow fort on top of the ski area’s Dercum Mountain (11,640 feet!) was completed before its anticipated February 18 opening. My kids (ages 7 and 9) climbed up steps, scooted through tunnels, perched on a tower and flew down an icy slide on this really cool snow structure with 12-foot walls. Lit up at night, it’s a magical sight!

The Kidtopia headquarters tent in the Buffalo Courtyard in River Run Village (steps from the River Run gondola and our Expedition Station condominium accommodations) was another huge hit with my children. Staffed with friendly helpers, the tent was filled with craft activities; the kids made nifty necklaces (aka tubes filled with different colored sand), designed their own cardboard puzzles and strung bracelets out of beads that brighten in the sunlight.

Naturally, the kids had to pick up as much free stuff as they could at Kidtopia headquarters: festival-themed coloring books, stickers, pins, Mardi Gras beads and bandanas. For a tired mom who needed to occupy her children while her husband finished up a snowboard lesson, this Kidtopia tent was a godsend the other day.

Trying to perch on the Kidtopia ice throne on Dercum Mountain without sliding off.

We missed hot cocoa by the fire, glow-bug skate night, glow-stick kids’ ski parade, balloon animals, “meet the avalanche dog,” ice carving demo and pictures with Ripperoo, Keystone’s canine mascot. But you don’t have to: Keystone Kidtopia returns this weekend, February 18 to 21, for its signature event, which also includes live entertainment from Radio Disney, a parade through River Run Village and much, much more.

The fun continues during spring break, with Kidtopia programming March 15 to 21 and April 1 to 6. On any of these dates, and throughout the entire ski season, children 12 and younger ski for free with the purchase of an adult three-day lift ticket and four nights’ lodging, starting from $229/night. Check out the deals here.

Thanks Vail Resorts for hosting my family for an incredibly fun-filled weekend.

I live in the Colorado mountains, about 30 minutes from the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE) and an hour from the Vail-Eagle County Airport (EGE), but I’ll book a flight from Eagle over Aspen any day. Here’s why I believe EGE is the best airport in Western Colorado.

Vail-Eagle County Airport embraces Colorado's cowboy culture with oversized artwork in the big baggage-claim area.

Free Parking: Name one jet-served airport in the country that lets you park for FREE, no matter if you’re leaving your car for up to 7, 15 or 30 days.  The EGE 7-day lot is a stone’s throw from the terminal; it is incredibly convenient, and I’ve never found it full (thought it might be packed over the winter holidays). Aspen charges $5/day for parking, and it’s a trek from ASE’s C Lot to the terminal.

Free Wi-Fi: It’s a strong and reliable signal, and oh-so appreciated by this ColoradoGal who always travels with her laptop.

Spacious Gate Area: Once you go through Aspen’s security screening, you’re packed in a tiny gate area. It’s fine if you’ve got an early morning flight or it’s off season; but if it’s noon on a Sunday during the winter, it might be tough to find a seat. Contrast that to the wide-open, bright waiting areas at EGE. There’s always plenty of seating in Gate 1, where my United flights to Denver usually depart from.

Big Baggage Claim Area: In Denver (DEN), my other “local” airport, the baggage carousels are packed so close to one another and up against the oversized-luggage (ski & golf bag) corrals, that they are nearly always crowded with passengers eager to retrieve their luggage. At Vail-Eagle County Airport, there’s loads of room to breathe.

Friendly Staff: Maybe it’s just that they live in the laid-back Colorado mountains, but I’ve always found the ticketing staff at United super friendly at EGE.

Comfy spots to sit and wait in leather chairs at the Vail-Eagle County Airport.

Cool Chill Area: If you arrive early for your flight,or if you’re waiting to pick someone up, you an relax in oversized leather chairs in the seating area near the baggage claim.

It was smooth sailing for me as  passed through EGE twice last week during my travels to and from Lake Tahoe. As I book family air travel this summer, chances are I’ll end up with flights in and out of EGE again, as fares are typically cheaper than Aspen (though not as cheap as driving the 3.5 hours to fly directly of DEN) and I am apt to find seats available for booking frequent-flyer miles (if I get my act together and book soon).

Here’s to a great airport, EGE! Thanks for never letting me down.

I met the upbeat and energetic Esther Lee of Trekaroo.com back in the spring of 2008 just before the family-travel website launched on the scene. I knew the colorful, friendly site would be a great success, and indeed, it seems like every day more content is added, with firsthand tips and reviews of attractions from moms and dads around the country.

Trekaroo recently loaded all sorts of information about my home state of Colorado, as well as a round-up of blog posts about kid-friendly things to do in the Mile-High City, the state’s capital. This is Trekaroo’s blog carnival of sorts — the “Trekaroo KidsMobile.” I contributed this list of the Top 5 Museums for Kids. And here are quick links to the other recommendations from Trekaroo Families and local Colorado mom bloggers who jumped onboard the Trekaroo KidsMobile:

• Top Activities for Kids in Denver, CO – voted by Trekaroo parents
• Five Favorite Indoor Water Parks In the Denver Area. by Bantering Blonde and Mom Active
• Top 5 Places to Eat with your Kids in Denver by Crunchy Green Mom
• How to Spend a Day or Weekend with Kids in Denver by WeeblesWobblog
• Our Family’s Staycation Experiences in Colorado by Is dis normal or dysfunctional

Read all about Trekaroo’s KidsMobile Stop in Denver, CO

Other helpful and informative resources on Trekaroo:

• All 104 Activities for Kids in and around Denver, CO
• Kid-friendly hotels in and around Denver, CO
• Ski Resorts in Colorado with Kid Programs by TravelPangs
• Sledding and Tubing Hills in Colorado – TravelPangs
• Wintertime Day Trips from Colorado Springs – Gretchen

Next stop for the KidsMobile – Charlotte, North Carolina. Learn more about the Trekaroo KidsMobile, if you’d like to jump on board: there are lots of cities on the schedule in coming months!

I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time in Denver this fall. I’m not complaining — I’m happy to descend from my little mountain town to the “big city” as often as possible. After all, Denver’s got loads of things to do whether you’re visiting for a family vacation, a girlfriend getaway (spas and shopping!) or romantic escape.

Here’s a peek at my accommodations during my most recent Denver trips, all of which I’d recommend.

Hotel Teatro This upscale and sophisticated downtown property is a block from the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, making it the ideal place to stay if you’re in town for one of the DCPA’s world-class musicals or plays. Costumes, sets and posters from past performances line the walls at the Hotel Teatro, which is also home to two great restaurants: Kevin Taylor and Prima Ristorante (have a bite to eat before or after the show). Rooms are more than comfortable and the bathrooms especially sublime: Frette towels, rainforest showerhead, Aveda bath products.
Best for: Girlfriend getaways, romantic escapes.

Warwick Denver one-bedroom suite.

Warwick Denver Technically “uptown,” this property is still 5 blocks from the 16th Street Mall, a popular shopping and dining destination in downtown Denver. It’s the site of the former Denver Playboy Club (ooh, la la!) and was formerly comprised of luxury condominiums; the rooms have been renovated for hotel use, but retain much of that “condo space,” that guests can appreciate. The rooftop pool is a great place to relax in the summertime, and Randolph’s Restaurant and Bar has a super-popular happy hour and Sunday brunch.
Best for: Business travel, girlfriend getaways.

JW Marriott at Cherry Creek This hotel in the Cherry Creek shopping district is especially welcoming to families, with child-sized robes, teddy bears and a full library of kid-friendly DVDs, games and books that children can use and enjoy during their stay. Then there’s a scavenger hunt that introduces families to the Cherry Creek North neighborhood. Book a special Family Package, and you also get milk and cookies at turndown and tickets to the Denver Zoo. Of course, it’s not only about kids, here. Grown-ups appreciate the fitness center, on-site spa and hip Second Home Kitchen + Bar with a fun outdoor fire pit and comfy lounge seating.
Best for: Families, girlfriend getaways.

Breakfast buffet at Homewood Suites.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Denver International Airport. Designed for extended stays, the studio, one- and two-bedroom suites here all have full kitchens (a boon for families who want to store and make meals to save money). There’s also a generous complimentary daily breakfast buffet served in a homey, kitchen-like setting; kids love making their own waffles, I appreciated the fluffy scrambled eggs. Monday through Thursday, there is a “Welcome Home Reception,” with complimentary munchies, which aren’t too shabby: meat lasagna, chicken fried steak, prok chops and grilled chicken are just a few of the evening offerings. Still more amenities: an indoor pool, small fitness center and small basketball court. I stayed here before an early morning flight out of Denver International Airport: pay just $10 (on top of the room rate) to park your car for up to 30 days and take a complimentary shuttle to the airport, 15 minutes away.
Best for: Business travelers, families.

Disclaimer: I received complimentary or disocunted stays at the four hotels mentioned above. The Vacation Gals write for SuiteTrip.com, a family-travel website adminstered by Homewood Suites, a Hilton Worldwide property.

How cool is this? Our blogging buddy Amber Johnson, known around the Internet as the editor of Mile High Mamas and the Crazy Bloggin’ Canuck, is one of five semi-finalists in Microsoft Office’s contest to go to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, and blog about her experiences!

I truly can’t think of a more qualified blogger for this incredible assignment. She’s a humongous fan of winter and snow sports (in fact, she’s been known to Tweet a bit mournfully when temperatures reach 70 degrees or more at her Denver-area home). She just missed her chance to cover the 2002 Winter Olympics when she was a Salt Lake City-based reporter and at the last minute got assigned the Olympics traffic beat instead. (Read all about it on her Whrrl slide show.)

Her blog posts about her family life and frequent travels are hilarious — she’s got a marvelous, wry sense of humor. I’ve met Amber in person when she took me on a favorite hike near Evergreen, Colorado this fall; she’s upbeat and outgoing and I’m fairly certain she’d forego sleep to blog about all of her adventures during her week in Vancouver — all for the benefit of her readers.

Vote for Amber after a quick registration by clicking here. I’m happy there’s another Colorado resident in the running, too. In the “student” category, check out Dylan, who makes his home in the mountains in my neck of the woods. You can vote daily for one contestant in each of the two categories through November 29.

Good luck, Amber!

I’ll admit the name threw me off a little. I see the words “supper club,” and I think swanky joint with dancing — you know, a spot for adults only that might require my sporting something other than jeans. But the Wazee Supper Club, on the corner of Wazee and 15th streets in Lower Downtown Denver (“LoDo”) is so appealing to families — from it’s casual atmosphere to the kid-pleasing menu. Here are the highlights:

Historic Location & Laid-Back Vibe: I love that the restaurant is housed in a 1910 building — formerly a plumbing supply house. Opened in 1974, the Wazee Supper Club has a great history — one that is detailed on the back of the menu. In particular, the eclectic and vintage decor comes from a variety of random sources — such as benches from the Denver Elks Club who didn’t need them in their new home and three stained-glass windows purchased from a guy in a pick-up truck. Chrome chairs with red-leather seatcovers, a black-and-white tiled floor and plenty of flat-screen TVs give it a diner-and-sports-bar feel. Plenty of ambient noise allows for little kids’ chatter (read: loud voices) to fit right in.

The Meal: Pizzas are made from scratch, so we had to try at least one pie. I went for the individual, Bianca-style (olive oil, garlic, mozzarella, herbs) with roasted red peppers, feta cheese and pesto (starting at $7.95). Perhaps the pesto was garlic overkill, but the not-too-thin, just-soft-enough crust was perfect. I have to say, however, that I liked my husband’s Philly Cheese Steak ($7.95) even better — and I’m not a big red-meat eater! The sliced sirloin steak grilled with mushrooms, onions and green peppers, all smothered in melted white American cheese and served on a French roll was a great blend of tastes for a cool autumn evening.

The kids gave thumbs’ up to their chicken fingers and cheeseburger, each served with crispy seasoned fries. The servings are plentiful and come with a beverage for $5.95 (there is a healthier item on the kids’ menu: Grilled Chicken Breast with Tropical Fruit Cup). We also sampled the recommended bruschetta plate, which is served with hummus olive tapenade and tomato relish (the tomatoes were my favorite), and a winter salad made with spinach, pecans, cranberries, apple, blue cheese and red onions (which arrived a bit too overdressed with balsamic vinaigrette for my liking — I should have asked for dressing on the side).

The Desserts: In one word — yum! I tried to get the kids to order the giant, warm chocolate chip cookie ($3) or the Peanut Butter Pie ($5.50), but both of them wanted traditional NY Cheesecake ($5.50), whose generous slices turned out to be nearly as big as their heads! My husband and I weren’t going to order a sweet, until two different servers convinced us our meal wouldn’t be complete about the dessert special that week — a slice of pumpkin cream pie ($5.50). If you visit in the fall and this treat is on offer, don’t miss it — creamy, custardy goodness.

Every time my kids and I drive into Denver via I-25 and they see the roller coasters, Ferris Wheel and Tower of Doom, I hear, “When can we go to Elitch’s? How come we’ve never been to Elitch’s?” Last weekend I finally obliged my poor, deprived children with a day at Elitch Gardens theme park during the annual FrightFest celebration — weekends in October through Halloween. (Thanks for the complimentary admission, Elitch Gardens!)

We had a ball at FrightFest on Saturday afternoon, when events are tame for young children. My kids picked up candy and plastic novelties (you know, stuff they need) along Trick or Treat Trail in the “Scaretoon Studios” (usually Startoon Studios) area, where there are rides for pint-sized guests. We watched a couple of special events in the Scaretoon theater, like  “Ghoul Grossout,” where kids from the audience raced to drink a blended milkshake made of salsa, ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard (really vanilla pudding and sweet stuff).

Dozens of kids (not mine) participated in an afternoon costume contest. And one of the haunted houses that is spooky and creepy by night is open for children with the lights on during the day — the “Monster-less Matinee.” Unfortunately, that attraction is only open from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and we missed the window (must have walked right past the big sign near the entrance when we arrived).

The park is intricately decorated with creepy costumed characters — like clowns gone bad, zombie brides and bloody scarecrows (really, more harmless looking than they sound when it’s sunny out). Cobwebs drape many displays and buildings, and you need to pass through or past a “graveyard” to get to the main area of the park. Instead of French fries, food stands sell “Fried Zombie Brains.” Hokey, but entertaining, stuff.

Of course, all the theme-park rides are open, too. And you can spin, soar and shake to your heart’s content for the daily admission fee (except for the Sling Shot and XLR8R free-fall swing, which cost $19.95 each for two-minute rides). The Island Kingdom Water Park and water rides like Shipwreck Falls and Disaster Canyon are closed for the season.

My nine-year-old daughter was too tall for the kiddie rides, her stomach couldn’t handle too many spinning rides, and she felt like one coaster (wooden Twister II) was plenty for her. She managed to find some fun with the Dragon Wing flying ride, Turn of the Century old-fashioned swing ride, and indoor Ghost Blasters! laser ride. (My younger son and husband — with their stomachs of steel — rode a ridiculous amount of upside down and spinning rides.)

We found that we were able to walk on a lot of attractions, or wait for a short amount of time to get on. The lack of crowds in the fall during FrightFest was truly a blessing — there’s nothing worse than waiting an hour for a three-minute thrill. Add in crisp autumn temperatures and a blue-sky day, and I think FrightFest in the fall is a great time to take kids to Elitch’s.

Regarding the “scary” stuff that happens at dusk after 5 p.m.: I wasn’t sure how much my kids could handle. (My daughter got nightmares after my husband showed her Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video.) But we did stick around for the nasty live-cockroach-eating contest, as well as the zombies dancing during “The Awakening” show. Scary costumed characters — like the bride, groom and cheerleader zombies — are super creepy; the moss monster is freaky, too. Neither child wanted to go into the dark haunted houses — The Suffering and Bloodlust — and I didn’t want to pay the $8 combo ticket to go in them, either, so we headed to our Denver hotel by 7 p.m. — after nearly 7 hours in the park!

I suppose my only caveat would be that Elitch Gardens — like most amusement parks — does charge heftily for food and drink. I’m thinking about my $7 draft beer and a $3.50 cup of lemonade. (The $7.25 potato skins didn’t bother me as much — they were good and filling and totally hit the spot during happy hour.)

FrightFest has been extended this year to include Wednesday, October 28 and Thursday, October 29 from 5 p.m. to 10 pm. Otherwise, FrightFest happens for the next two Friday nights, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m, Saturdays noon to 10 p.m., and Sundays noon to 9 p.m. This weekend (24th and 25th), trick-or-treating for kids is extended to take place throughout the park, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Admission to the park during FrightFest is $39.99 for adults, $19.99 for children under 48 inches tall.

It’s still a construction site, but the much-anticipated Viceroy Snowmass Resort & Residences is set to open the day before the ski lifts do at Snowmass: November 25. The ski-in/ski-out property is the signature hotel of Snowmass’ Base Village and it’s got an enviable location — literally a stone’s throw from the Assay Hill lift (the chairs nearly cross above the hotel’s outdoor pool area). It’s a 10-minute drive to downtown Aspen, with its array of restaurants, shopping and nightlife — sleepy Snowmass still lacks some in this department!

Artist's rendering of the front entrance to the Viceroy Snowmass.

General Manager Jeff Daniel, formerly of the Viceroy Anguilla, led me on a tour of the property Tuesday. Though the hotel is a work in progress, it’s very clear few expenses have been spared when it comes to the details in the interior design and finish work. To wit: the giant column covered in real redwood bark, as well as the dozens of real aspen- and birch-tree dividing walls in the lobby (bringing the natural outdoors in). Then there’s the massive “antler” chandelier in the spa’s relaxation room that’s made of lead and silver. And buffalo bone (!) insets in the wooden cabinet doors in the spa treatment rooms.

Truly, every detail has been thought through — from the dramatic lighting in the spa and spacious cabanas by the pool to safety-conscious induction cooktops in the rooms and custom-produced ambient music throughout the hotel.

Here are just a few more highlights of the fashion-forward, Asian-meets-alpine-inspired property:

• Hip staff uniforms are being custom designed. Front desk staff will sport turtlenecks and double-breasted leather jackets and waitstaff will wear Chuck Taylors.
• Full kitchens in the multi-bedroom residences feature Viking and Wolf appliances. (Each room configuration can be individually owned and put into the rental pool.)
• Some one-bedrooms have a pull-out sleeper sofa and a little den/playroom for kids that an be outfitted with a teepee, stuffed animals and games on request.
• Outdoor swimming pool and two small hot tubs are open year round.
• Upscale grab-and-go cafe is just off the ski slope and open to the public. (Think Dean and Deluca in the mountains.)
• Kids’ menu in the super-suave Eight K main restaurant is via 3-D viewfinder. (How cute is that?)
• The hotel is Silver LEED certified and eco-friendly: deluxe toiletries in each room are in reusable containers. (No little dinky bottles that end up in the trash.)

Be one of the first to experience the glamorous property at introductory prices, by booking a room sometime before December 17. You’ll pay the standard rate for the first night, and then it’s 50 percent off each successive night. Midweek in early December, standard rates start at $150 for a studio, $375 for a one-bedroom and $475 for a one-bedroom plus den. Not cheap by any means, but from what I can tell (and from what I’ve been told) guests will enjoy unparalleled service, ambiance and amenities at the Viceroy Snowmass.

Two things prompted today’s post: Ken Burns’ six-part National Parks documentary that I DVR’d and finally started watching the other day (amazing!), and digital photos from 2007 that I’m looking at in prepration to finally start catching up on my family photo albums (thanks Creative Memories for the nudge). It’s a chilly autumn day here in Colorado, and I enjoyed reminiscing about our vacations in toasty summer heat!

Two years ago my family and I road-tripped to Santa Fe, New Mexico, with a stop on the way home at the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve near Alamosa in south-central Colorado. Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America — at 700 feet — this is definitely one of the country’s most unusual national parks. At the visitor’s center, you can learn all about the geological phenomena that caused the giant piles of sand to get deposited at the foot of the jagged Sangre de Cristo mountains. Here, our kids picked up activity booklets (for 50 cents each) to earn Junior Ranger badges by answering questions about interactive exhibits indoors and by observing nature outside.

Indeed, the best part about this park is that the scene is not just for viewing but experiencing. The dunes are open for exploration 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We had a ball hiking across and up the Sahara-like mountains of sand and rolling down them (okay, I took photos — the kids and the kid-like husband actually got all sandy):

Since we visited in June, Medano Creek, which flows along the base of the dunes, was still rushing pretty high due to snowmelt — so we all donned bathing suits to wash off the sand in the chilly water!

Playing in sand, water and mud? What more could kids ask for? If you think your kids would dig this, too, you’ll want to visit in late May through July; the creek usually dries up in August. You can always check creek conditions online.

I highly recommend Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve for any families road-tripping through the state. We camped at nearby San Luise Lakes State Park (which was nothing to write home about, but nothing wrong with it either). Otherwise, Pinyon Flats Campground is operated by the National Park Service and individual sites are on a first-come, first-served basis. If you need a real bed, check out the motel-style Great Sand Dunes Lodge.