Capital Building
Denver, Colorado

Denver, Colorado's state capital and largest city, spreads along the eastern front of the Rocky Mountains. The largest of all Rocky Mountain urban areas, Denver's elevation led to it's nickname the mile-high city. City Park is Denver's largest downtown park with the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in its boundaries. City Park Golf Course is located just north of City Park. The city of Denver also owns the hill where Winter Park Resorts runs its skiing operations. Red Rocks Park with the well-known Red Rocks Amphitheater is also a city of Denver owned property. Denver is proud of its green space which is well used and admired by residents and visitors.

Denver is a great sports city. The Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer team call Denver home and play at Dick's Sporting Goods Park – The world's largest soccer stadium and complex northeast of downtown in Commerce City. With games through October, and great fall weather, this is the time to take the family to a soccer match.

Football fans love their Denver Broncos, and now is the season to catch them in action. Regular season play begins September 12th, with the first home game on the 19th. Home turf is Invesco Field at Mile High near downtown Denver. Regular season play goes through January 2, 2011 with San Diego at home. Plan now for your favorite rivalry and enjoy the season. Make it a getaway and check-in the Best Western Denver Hotel for the night, and enjoy the complimentary full breakfast before you depart in the morning.

Gardeners get ready for the fall plant and bulb sale sponsored by the Denver Botanic Gardens. More than 10,000 plants, bulbs, flowers and trees will be available for purchase. There will be specialists on-site for advice and to answer questions. A great place to find plants suited to the local growing climate and conditions. While you are there, don't miss the Monumental Sculptures exhibit in the gardens. The show features 20 monumental Henry Moore sculptures placed throughout the Denver Botanic Gardens, a perfect place for the late British sculptor's works to be seen.

Denver hosts the 2010 Great American Beer Festival mid-September at the Colorado Convention Center downtown. This is the premier beer festival in the US serving over 2,200 beers from over 450 breweries across the country. This is the largest sampling of US beer gathered in one location. The festival is also a competition where various categories and styles of beer will be judged and the top beers receive Gold, Silver and Bronze medals.

Denver Arts Week 2010 is November 5th through the 13th. A spectacular showcase of Denver's creative and artistic community. Over 200 events are scheduled for the week including theater and performance art, visual arts, museums and dance. Visit galleries throughout the city, see special theater performances and enjoy the cutting edge of the Denver cultural community.

Northern Colorado, from the Eastern grasslands that epitomize the refrain “amber waves of grain”, to the dramatic alpine slopes of the Rocky Mountains in the west, is full of pleasant surprises for travelers. With plenty of wide-open spaces in the east, Sterling, is the largest Northeastern Colorado city with a population less than 15,000. The town of Burlington is home to the Kit Carson County Carousel which is a National Historic Landmark. North-central Colorado, or the Front Range as it is called, brings the images of pristine mountains, lakes and forests to life. A bit further west into the mountains travelers find world famous Colorado resort towns like Aspen, Vail and Steamboat Springs.

Craig in Northwestern Colorado, called by many the elk hunting capital of the world, hosts the 12th Annual Sheep Wagon Days September 16-18, 2010. Fun and informative, this is a hands-on event where visitors can see working dog demonstrations, watch sheep shearing and tour real sheep wagons. With live entertainment, a lamb cook-off dinner and an all you can eat Flap Jack Feed, there is food and fun for all. The Best Western Deer Park Inn and Suites is ideal for travelers to Craig. Located in Craig, with clean comfortable accommodations, you can enjoy Sheep Wagon Days and all the area sites. Wake up to a complimentary breakfast each day, and dinner on Wednesday nights.

The 2010 Boulder Marathon is September 19th. Open to walkers and runners, events also include a half marathon and 10K, which is new for 2010. The race start and finish is at the City of Boulder Reservoir and the course is primarily on hard packed roads. Of course, the post-race party 'almost' makes it worth the run, with plenty of food, awards and live music. This is one of Colorado's most popular marathons, enjoy a run or come cheer on your favorite athlete at the Boulder Marathon.

The Best Western Boulder Inn and the Best Western Golden Buff Lodge are ideal for travelers to the races. Choose the Golden Buff Lodge if you want a location in the heart of Boulder, close to shopping, restaurants and movies. The Best Western Boulder Inn is located across from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Colorado State University in Fort Collins celebrates 2010 Homecoming and Family Weekend October 15th through the 17th. Enjoy a reunion weekend filled with events and activities, culminating with the football game. The Rams play UNLV at Sonny Lubick Field at Hughs Stadium. Party pre-game at Ram Town, and you can listen to the Alumni band take to the field for early practice. Homecoming week is a great tradition for Fort Collins, make sure to bring the family to the Friday evening parade and enjoy the special events around town.

The award winning Best Western University Inn is located across from Colorado State University for a convenient location during homecoming. In the heart of Old Town Fort Collins you can enjoy the town and university events. The Best Western Kiva Inn just east of downtown Ft Collins is also convenient for travelers. Choose Best Western Hotels for clean, comfortable and affordable accommodations.

Mesa Verde National Park

Southern Colorado is a summer vacation paradise. From the four corners, Mesa Verde and Durango through Pueblo and Colorado Springs to the plains of the southeast, where Zebulon Pile first entered Colorado. Travelers can glimpse into the ancient history of the southwest at Mesa Verde National Park and Hovenweep National Monument in Southwestern Colorado. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the marvel of South-central Colorado’s Pikes Peak and Sangre de Cristos mountains soaring over pristine lakes and the Arkansas River. Hiking, fishing, rafting and kayaking opportunities abound for the sports inclined, and everyone enjoys the immense beauty and grandeur of Colorado’s amazing landscapes.

Durango celebrates the 75th Annual Durango Fiesta Days in 2010. The fun is scheduled for July 24th through August 1st. Fiesta Days is Durango’s summer highlight, with the Rodeo being the main event of the celebration. The Saturday morning parade is a community tradition reflecting local customs and color. Travelers enjoy their choice of three Best Western Hotels in Durango - The Best Western Mountain Shadows, the Best Western Durango Inn & Suites and the Best Western Rio Grande Inn. Start your day at any of the three with a complimentary continental breakfast before enjoying a full day of fun activities.

Runners take note: The Pikes Peak Ascent is regarded as one of the World Mountain Running Association’s premier racing events, taking runners up 7,815 feet of vertical gain over 13.32 miles. The 2010 event is scheduled the weekend of August 21st and 22nd. The Ascent is held in conjunction with the Pikes Peak Marathon, which is known as America’s ultimate challenge. These two races test the best runners in the world.

Pueblo hosts the 2010 Colorado State Fair August 27th through September 6th – an ideal summer destination for families. In addition to the best livestock, agriculture and 4-H exhibitions in the state, top- notch entertainment and fun abound. Kids will love the midway and carnival rides as well as the small animal shows. Headliners performing include Charley Pride, Smokey Robinson, and America. There is non-stop action with a wild-west Rodeo, Mexican celebrations of the Charros, Roller Derby and Demolition Derby. The Colorado State Fair rounds out any great summer vacation.

The Best Western Eagleridge Inn & Suites In Pueblo or the Best Western Executive Inn & Suites in Colorado Springs are ideal locations for visitors to South-Central Colorado. Both are centrally located for travelers visiting family, attending events, or enjoying Colorado’s sites. Consider spending an extra night or two to visit Pikes Peak or relax and enjoy a round of golf.