Destination
Colorado
Seasonal staycation inspiration
Gift yourself a change of scenery this season by taking a weekend to explore a new side of Colorado. There are so many wonderful towns, cities, and natural spaces to explore across the state – you just might find your own piece of paradise.
Colorado Springs
Hot air balloons

Colorado Springs

Hot air balloons

Colorado
Springs

Spend a weekend amongst natural beauty and cityscapes in Colorado Springs. The state’s second-largest metropolitan area is home to some of the best stays, eats, and adventures — the perfect recipe for an exciting staycation.

Come visit Colorado Springs any time of the year. Here, there is always something new to try whether you’re looking for challenging outdoor recreation, rest and relaxation, or something unique to add to your résumé of Colorado fun.

Anyone from Colorado will know that The Broadmoor is an iconic place to stay while visiting Colorado Springs. This distinctive, five-star resort combines the best of historic charm and timeless elegance for those looking for the finest accommodations. Combining luxury with breathtaking scenery, this destination is the ultimate escape with unparalleled views of Pikes Peak and the vibrant rock formations of Garden of the Gods. Stay in a guest suite private cottage, or casita for an unforgettable weekend with a focus on wellness.

See the city from a different point of view by taking a hot air balloon ride with Adventures Out West. Those in the mood for outdoor excitement can also book other thrilling activities such as zipline experiences, jeep tours, rock climbing, and more.

If you really want to see what the Colorado Springs culinary scene has to offer, book a Rocky Mountain Food Tour. This is one of the easiest ways to explore the best dinners, dives, and high-end eateries in the area. Take your pick of tours that will focus on local restaurants, the best cocktails in town, or the area’s brewery selection.

Travel Tip

The Springs is dog friendly! Bring your four-legged friend to the various dog parks throughout the area — nine of which are off-leash parks.

Telluride

In Southwest Colorado, awaits the quaint mountain town of Telluride — ranked the best place to visit in Colorado by U.S. News & World Report. Here, you’ll find some of the state’s most challenging ski slopes framing the one-of-a-kind mountain town that boasts a small community feel with some of the most amazing views in the country.

Fall is a fantastic time to make the trip to Telluride as mid-November to early April is the most popular tourism season, thanks to the area’s world-renowned skiing and outdoor activities. When planning your visit there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from.

The Madeline Hotel Telluride is the area’s most well-appointed lodging by way of amenities and location. Guests here will enjoy premier ski-in/ski-out access and the most luxurious features in town. For more traditional accommodations, check out the New Sheridan Hotel, a historic place to stay with authentic charm you can’t find in the big resorts. This establishment also features Chop House, one of the best restaurants in town.

For unbeatable views without breaking a sweat, hop onto the gondola and get off at San Sophia Station for views of the town of Telluride and Mt. Wilson. Telluride is also known for its fun lineup of festivals. Plan your trip to coincide with a unique event like the Telluride Fire Festival taking place from December 2-4. This inspiring, spectacular, and whimsical event will feature Colorado-based artists and their fire-centric creations.

Telluride
Telluride snow
Travel Tip
No need to rent a car! Telluride offers complimentary shuttle and gondola services all year long.
Drinks
Union Station
Denver

True staycations are underrated. Who says you have to drive or fly hours away to have a fun weekend? Be a tourist in your own city and try some new spots for a local twist on the weekend away.

To make your staycation one for the books, reserve a room at some of the more unique hotels around town. The Crawford Hotel at Union Station is a photo-worthy place to stay with stunning historic architectural features including 65-foot ceilings, soaring windows, and stunning chandeliers. This is a place where food, fancy cocktails, and shopping meet for an entertainment-filled experience. The Ramble Hotel in RiNo is a stylish spot set in the midst of one of Denver’s most popular art districts. The hotel bar, Death & Co, is an intimate theater and event bar where you’ll find the trendiest tourists and locals enjoying craft cocktails.

Those who live within Denver’s city limits are probably familiar with the most popular watering holes and outings, but there are a few remaining hidden gems that you may not have tried yet. For dinner, head over to The Buckhorn Exchange. This steakhouse is the city’s oldest restaurant and holds Denver’s first liquor license. Grab a bite and ogle the impressive collection of taxidermy that adorns the establishment’s walls. Afterward, head over to The B&GC, one of the best-hidden speakeasies in the city for a drink prepared by expert mixologists. To get in, you’ll first have to find the secret entrance, which can be accessed through an alley and by ringing a mysteriously placed doorbell.

Travel Tip
Denver has eight city parks within the downtown area. Plan on spending your day in the fresh air reading, sharing a charcuterie board with friends, or exercising in these well-kept green spaces.
Breckenridge
Recently ranked the #2 Best Ski Vacation spot in the Country by U.S. News & World Report, Breckenridge might seem like an obvious choice when considering your next weekend destination. Aside from the world-class skiing, this mountain town offers ample opportunities to be surprised and delighted in a place you might think you know.

Take on the snowy terrain with the help of some furry friends. Good Times Adventures has been leading dog sledding tours in Summit County since 1986. You’ll get to mush through the snow while being pulled by a team of Siberian huskies — now that’s a way to travel.

After a long day on the mountain, make a reservation to dine in one of the heated yurts at Aurum. Each outdoor yurt can accommodate up to eight people and features a special chef’s multi-course menu. Wine pairings, bottle service, and supplemental items are also available at this upscale, outdoor dining experience.

When it comes to hotel and lodging accommodations, Breckenridge has plenty from which to choose. For the ultimate privacy and ski-in/ski-out capabilities, you might want to look into reserving a short-term rental home. There are hundreds of amazing mountain homes to choose from that will suit guests of all kinds. For those looking for a trendier and more walkable place to stay, Gravity Haus is the place to be. This modern version of a chalet-inspired hotel comes fully equipped with everything you might need for a weekend in Breck, including spa-like amenities, premium gear access, mountainside co-working space, and expert-led fitness programs.

Breckenridge Mountains
Steak
Dogs
Breckenridge Mountains
Steak
Dogs
Travel Tip
Forget scraping the ice off your car. Breckenridge offers a free shuttle service that services the downtown area.