The holidays are right around the corner and we here at Only in Colorado want to help you make hosting out-of-town visitors a breeze. No, we can’t help you clean, cook, or buy gifts (sorry), but we can give you some ideas of where to take your guests, beginning with these 11 undeniably fun places:
1. Santa's Workshop North Pole (Cascade)
How many people can say they live in the same place as Santa? We here in Colorado can, which makes for some pretty awesome bragging rights (and― of course― a fun day out.)
2. Casa Bonita (Lakewood)
Sure, the food is atrocious, the lines are long and Black Bart's Cave smells like urine, but Casa Bonita is still one of those beautifully bizarre places that everyone should see.
3. Wild Animal Sanctuary (Keenesburg)
With 720 acres, more than 350 bears, wolves and lions, and a raised walkway that allows you to view the premise from overhead, there is plenty to love about this unique wildlife sanctuary.
4. Skiing
Don't worry; all of the ski resorts will be open soon enough (and hopefully in time for the Thanksgiving)!
5. Pikes Peak Cog Railway (Manitou Springs)
Only in Colorado can you hop aboard the highest train in America, which climbs to an elevation of a whopping 14,115 feet. (Need we mention that the views are incredible?)
6. New Belgium Brewery (Fort Collins)
Do you or any of your out-of-town visitors like beer? Do you or any of your out-of-town visitors like FREE beer? Of course you do, so schedule your 90-minute tour through the brewery, which comes complete with a complimentary tasting.
7. Maroon Bells (Aspen)
This picture alone should tell you why you must visit the colorful Maroon Bells...
8. Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)
No matter the season, it is always a great time to get out and hike one of the varying trails along this scenic marvel. (Did we mention that visiting this famous landmark is FREE?)
9. Colorado Gators Reptile Park (Mosca)
"What did you do during your Thanksgiving vacation?"
"Oh, just the usual... I visited family in Colorado and wrestled a live alligator... no biggie."
10. Telluride/Mountain Village Gondola (Telluride)
Running from mid-November through early April (from 7 a.m. to midnight) is the unforgettable Telluride Gondola, which offers FREE rides up and down the scenic San Juan Mountains.
11. Cano's Castle (Antonito)
Want to give your visitors a vivid memory that they will never forget (no matter how hard they try)? Then you best head south to Antonito; the home of the elaborate Cano's Castle, which was built with empty beer cans, aluminum scrap and a whole lot of marijuana.
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