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Grand County Summer side trips

Contributed by: Renee Fajardo-Anstine on 7/16/2008

Some little side trips for your Grand County Summer
By Renee Fajardo

Nestled in a valley known for its stunning vistas and spectacular sunsets Grand County is only 67 miles from Denver. A summer get away known for its friendly locals and boundless outdoor activities. Whether you go for a few days or a week, to boat Grand Lake, hike in Arapahoe National Forest, mountain bike in Winter Park, fish in Kremmling, soak in the pools at Hot Sulphur Springs, or groove to the Winter Park Ski Resort's annual Hawgfest, August is a perfect time to explore this little gem of a county.

While most Front Range folks are more than familiar with the amenities offered by the county there are still some surprises in store for those that want to explore "off the beaten track."
I recently took a two-day trip up to the high country with my family and to our delight; Winter Park Ski Resort had a wonderful mountainside package called Adventure Pass. For $44 half day or $49 full day adults and children can enjoy unlimited activities such as the mini golf, human maze, Alpine Slide, Leaps and Bounds Bungee Jump, Zephr Chair lift ride, and GyroXtreme. Open daily from 9:30 am until 5:30 pm.( for info call 800.729.7907) After you have worn your selves out, head into town because throughout the month of August, there is free bluegrass concerts in the park on Thursday evenings from 6-8 pm.

If you are on your way to Grand Lake or Hot Sulphur Springs be sure and stop off at Granby. While most weekend warriors think this is just a blink in the road while driving to other destinations, this little town packs some real surprises. The Lonesome Stone Natural Fiber Mill is working Alpaca ranch. The mill offers free tours of the mill and best of the entire alpaca herd daily. These are some friendly and kid loving critters and people. Fridays from 3-7pm the Granby Farmers Market organized in part by local celebrities Morales Farms offers some out of this world fresh natural and organic produce from local farmers. The first Friday of every month First Friday Frenzies kick off with a beer garden and live entertainment from 4-8pm. Two eateries in town not to miss: Longbranch authentic German diner with the best wienerschnitzel and spaetzle this side of Munich and Ian's Mountain Bakery with sumptuous pastries and to die for pizza.
If you find your self in Grand Lake, enjoy a picnic shore side at the lakes sandy beach and browse the quaint shops but make sure you ask about Adams Falls. Located only a mile out of town on the east side of the lake, the .6-mile trek round trip to the falls is easy and the falls are absolutely breath taking. Another treat is the Kauffman House Museum, which has been painstakingly renovated by the Grand Lake Area Historical Society. The 1892 log cabin sits on the edge of Grand Lake. Once a thriving turn of the century rooming house ran by town matriarch Mrs. Kaufman and her three daughters, visitors can tour the completely restored bedrooms, kitchen, family room and bathrooms. Historical archives and mementos round out this delightful glimpse into the lives of Grand lakes first Anglo residents.

The first inhabitants of the county were the Ute Indians. And they loved the springs at Hot Sulphur Springs. They believed in the healing qualities of the waters and referred to them as "big medicine" and "magic waters". The Indians often set their winter hunting camps beneath the natural shelter offered by the bluffs enclosing Byers Canyon, which adjoins the property. Today there are seven natural springs flowing into the 16 spa areas and 80 acres of pristine wilderness to explore. The pools are open 8am until 10pm daily.
Where to stay is made simple by Alpine Resort Properties located at the Bell Tower in Winter Park. This company has been booking condominiums, houses, and studios in the area for 20 years and specializes in family friendly properties. Their Snowblaze Condominiums property is offering two bedroom units for only $186 per night through out August and if you book two nights, your third night is free. Call 800.797.2750, fax 970.726.4208 or e-mail Reservations@AlpineResortProperties.com PO Box 66, Winter Park, Colorado 80482. Or visit www.alpineresortproperties.com
Take some extra time explore the hidden treasures of Grand County this summer. You and yours will not be disappointed!
For more information call Grand County Colorado Tourism Board P.O. Box 131 Granby, CO 80446 800-729-5821 - Att. General Info Email: visit info@grand-county.com or visit www.grand-county.com



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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Renee Fajardo-Anstine has posted 189 stories and 0 comments since joining on 4/1/2006. Renee Fajardo-Anstine 's average story rating is 4.93.
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