Journey West with Boscov’s Travel

With so many options for travel around the globe, we often forget some of the most amazing sites are right next door, so to speak. The Western US offers many unique attractions, from national monuments and parks to best kept secrets known mostly to seasoned travelers and locals.

We’ve packaged the very best of these experiences into eleven unique, exclusive and unforgettable adventures. See the West the way it was meant to be seen, without having to drive or stress. We pride ourselves on taking the road less traveled and telling the stories that have formed the great history of the West.

These tours continue to be some of our most popular vacations and with this year’s new and updated itineraries, there is sure to be a Western tour that will help shorten your bucket list.

You can check out all of the great options and their inclusions here: Boscov’s Travel Western Tours

Tours:

• 10-Day Alaska by Land- June 1-10, 2013
  • Enjoy escorted tours around the beautiful state of Alaska including a train ride, a private sightseeing cruise and tours of Denali National Park.
• 10-Day Northern California & Yosemite - June 16-25, 2013
  • There will be no whining on this tour, but plenty of wine! Visit several California wineries as well as tour the picturesque San Francisco Bay and surrounding areas. Also, enjoy the beauty of nature in Yosemite National Park.
• 9-Day Wonderful Wild West - July 13-21, 2013
  • Tour Denver, CO; journey along the Oregon Trail; visit Mt.Rushmore; explore Yellowstone National Park and much more in the Wonderful Wild West!
• 10-Day Oregon/Washington Cities, Seashores and Mountains - July 28- August 6, 2013
  • Did you know you can visit a rain forest in the US? You can in Washington! You can also visit the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park and Mt. Saint Helen’s National Volcanic Monument and much more on this exciting adventure!
• 9-Day Northern Rockies National Parks - August 10-18, 2013
  • Explore Yellowstone National Park and take unique tours of the Northern Rockies such as an open air train tour and a tour on an antique fire engine!
• 9-Day Western National Parks - August 31 – September 8, 2013
  • Take exciting tours of Salt Lake City, UT, Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole, WY, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. Have your cameras at the ready!
• 9-Day Southern National Parks, including Lake Mead and Las Vegas - September 15-23, 2013
  • Besides living it up on the Las Vegas Strip, enjoy the beauty of the Colorado River, Arches National Park, Capital Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Grand Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. This could be your lucky trip!
• 9-Day Colorado and New Mexico Balloon Fiesta - September 29 – October 7, 2013
  • Tour the Garden of the Gods and Rocky Mountain National Park, take memorable train rides through beautiful landscapes and top it all off with a visit to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta!
• 7-Day Ozark Autumn with Branson - October 13-19, 2013
  • This trip is packed with entertainment! Enjoy dinner and a show at Dixie Stampede, an acrobatic display during the Acrobats of China Show, and the musical stylings of the Oakridge Boys and the 12 Irish Tenors. And don’t forget touring the lovely landscapes and museums of the area.
• 7-Day Colorado Christmas - December 3-9, 2013
  • Enjoy the holiday season in gorgeous Colorado! Take part in a Christmas parade, enjoy the Christmas lights and even do some holiday shopping at the Georgetown Christmas Market.
• 7-Day Southern California with Rose Parade – December 30, 2013 – January 4, 2014
  • Get a behind the scenes look at the Rose Parade before enjoying the finished product. Also, tour all that Southern California has to offer including Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Reagan Presidential Library and Warner Brothers Studios!

All of the Boscov’s Journey West packages include the following:

• Airport transfers in your destination cities (except for pre- and post-tour arrivals)
• Deluxe motorcoach transportation throughout the tour
• First class accommodations
• Several meals
• Services of a professional Journey West Tour Director
• Admissions and guided tours of all included activities
• Porterage of on piece of luggage throughout the tour
• Souvenir memory group photo
• Special photo album
• All taxes and gratuities for the Tour Director and Driver

For more information or to book your Journey West adventure, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist by calling 800-755-8020 or emailing travelrequest@boscovs.com.

Great Eats: San Francisco, California

They say if you want to know what passion drives a city, listen to people’s conversation. In San Francisco, talk is all about the restaurants. The city’s location on the edge of the Pacific Rim draws influence from the many immigrants who have settled here, particularly those from China and Japan who opened many of the city’s first restaurants. In fact, it’s here where Asian-fusion cuisine was born.

While sampling Asian food is a must when in San Francisco, you may want to consider passing on Chinatown and instead head to the multi-ethnic Mission District to indulge your appetite. As the city’s first neighborhood, the Mission District is edgy and artsy, and you’ll find delicious meals in venues ranging from funky new pop-ups to elegant eateries.

Quince – 470 Pacific Avenue

This divine Jackson Square restaurant, housed in a historically landmarked brick and timber building, offers a truly special-occasion-style dining experience. Its menu, created by Chef Michael Tusk (2011 recipient of the James Beard award “Best Chef-Pacific”), features an Italian-inspired menu with some French influences. Quince’s menu selections change to celebrate the seasonal bounty of Northern California and the restaurant even lavishes a four-course dinner menu and a Chef’s Tasting Menu that change nightly. An extensive wine list features a particular focus on Italian reds from Piedmont.

Foreign Cinema – 2534 Mission Street

“Dinner at a movie,” you ask. How good could the food possibly be? Well, if the grilled cocoa-ajwaan kobe bavette steak with truffled potato-celery root puree and Zinfandel butter at Foreign Cinema is any indication—very good indeed. And did I mention the oyster selection is amazing? This is no gimmicky spot at all, but rather white-tablecloth elegant. The films, independent and foreign (with subtitles), are projected on the restaurants courtyard wall for an incredibly romantic atmosphere. Not to be missed is Foreign Cinema’s adjacent bar, Lazlo, which exudes a very cool industrial-chic ambience with unique small plate offerings.

Commonwealth – 24 Mission Street

The Mission District is also home to one of the city’s most buzz-worthy restaurants whose hallmark is producing “serious food in casual surroundings.” Commonwealth’s progressive American cuisine incorporates an array of international ingredients and standout dishes include sea urchin with sweet potato tempura. The restaurant offers a 6-course tasting menu for $65, from which $10 is donated to a local charity.

Mission Chinese Food – 2234 Mission Street

This hip restaurant serves up creative Asian food in a space shared with the old-school Chinese restaurant, Lung Shan. Best described as a “dive” (I mean that in a good way), it’s getting rave reviews from the likes of the New York Times’ Mark Bitman, scores of food bloggers, and even came in #2 on Bon Appetit’s Best New US Restaurants for 2011. Bon Appetit’s restaurant editor, Andrew Knowlton, says, “…it’s worth the wait to get some of the most out-of-this-world creative (and seriously delicious) Sichuan-inspired dishes in America right now. The cumin lamb belly? Fiery and addictive. Warm egg custard with duck confit and sea urchin? Brilliant. Hot-and-sour pork dumplings made to order? Further proof that the runaway success of MCF is no accident…”

Heirloom Café – 2500 Folsom Street

This charming rustic café—think wooden floors, high ceilings and common tables—offers simple, seasonal and very well-prepared food at reasonable prices. It features an open kitchen and its cellar, boasting mature, impeccably sourced wines from California and Europe is its pride and joy. Insiders tell us that the best dish is not on the menu. Ask for the Heirloom Burger, which has Époisses cheese worked into the ground sirloin.

For more information on San Francisco and other great vacation ideas, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020. 

Back to Nature – Making a Family Vacation in the Great Outdoors

Achieving family togetherness is never an easy task—and it can be especially difficult when taking the whole gang on vacation. While it can seem nearly impossible to find a destination that everyone will love, a getaway to one of the many national parks in the U.S. or Canada just may be the answer for achieving family harmony.

Along with their overwhelming beauty and endless list of diversions, national parks can challenge every member of the family, both physically and mentally, allowing everyone to return home with real accomplishments to think back on. Parents can relax knowing the parks and surrounding towns are easy-going places that are very accustomed to the needs of families. You don’t have to worry about fitting in and you’ll likely meet plenty of other families with children.

Most national parks throughout the U.S. and Canada offer a range of accommodations and dining and camping options for different budgets. Of course, depending on your family’s survival skills, you can “rough it” as much or as little as you want. Most parks also offer educational programs and camps that allow children and parents to spend time apart, learning on their own. With 58 national parks in the U.S. and 36 national park reserves in Canada, there’s an incredible assortment of parks located in nearly every kind of environment, from mountain and coastal areas to desert locales and snowy climes.

To help you narrow down the field of parks, we’ve chosen a few of our favorites from each country. Should you prefer to leave the exploring to the experts, consider taking a guided tour that will take you up close to many parks and interesting sites. Your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist can help you find which national parks and tours best fit your family’s interests and needs.

National Parks in the United States

The U.S. is loaded with mesmerizing national parks, and these oases of pristine beauty are overwhelming in every way imaginable—in number, size and their capacity to inspire wonder. The most difficult question to answer is: Which one will you see next? Here are a few of our faves…

• Acadia National Park
  The eastern U.S. provides splendid options for outdoor vacations and Acadia National Park is one of its most celebrated. The park has a rich human history that includes Native Americans, European settlers, artists, conservationists and more. Each group has made its mark on what is today Acadia National Park. The park is located on the coast of Maine and has unsurpassed northern Oceanside views and cliff climbing that you won’t find in other parks. Sheer cliff faces collide with the pounding surf, and small fishing and sail boats ply Frenchman Bay where the air is perfumed by fir trees and the Atlantic Ocean. Protecting over 47,000 acres, Acadia’s scenic trails are a hiker’s dream. There is also fishing, island exploring and beautiful gardens to gaze upon here.
• Yellowstone National Park
  A place where a picture truly says a thousand words, images of Yellowstone speak for themselves. The oldest national park in America, Yellowstone is spread out over three states (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho), and within its 3,468 square miles offers some of the most compelling geothermal and geological wonders—the famous geyser Old Faithful, Yellowstone Caldera (the largest super volcano on the continent) and the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, to name just a few. The park is also home to lots of fun, furry creatures. There is a variety of summer and winter activities suitable for everyone, from extreme back-country hiker to the young family who requires somewhat gentler trails. Note that permits and reservations are required for some of the things you might want to do, such as fishing, camping, renting snow machines, llama packing and horseback riding.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
  A top pick for those living in the American Midwest is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is hands down one of the best all-around parks for the family. It falls within the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. You can choose to rough it on the Appalachian Trail, camp out in a developed campground or wilderness, or stay anywhere from luxurious suites to nice inexpensive hotels in nearby Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. And, speaking of Pigeon Forge, you have Dollywood theme park and all the innumerable attractions the town offers nearby. On the North Carolina side you have more campgrounds, the city of Cherokee that has several Native America museums, whitewater rafting and fly fishing (the last two are actually offered in both states). The mountains are absolutely beautiful and make for great photo ops.

No Fly Vacations

Afraid of flying? Never fear, there are still great trip options, no planes needed. You get to enjoy a great vacation without having to leave the ground and we do all of the driving for you!

Mackinac Island & Henry Ford Complex, Mackinac Island, MI - September 17-22, 2012 

Mackinac Island beckons you to a bygone era of old world hospitality and charm. We’ll return to a time of horse drawn carriages with nothing intruding on the serenity and natural beauty of the island. This place was named one of the top ten most beautiful islands in the world by National Geographic. We arrive by passenger ferry; no motorized vehicles are allowed on the Island.

Highlights of this tour:

• Frankenmuth, MI – Bronner’s Christmas Shop
• Mackinac Island, MI – Ferry Ride to the Island, Carriage Ride Tour
• Henry Ford Complex – Museum, Village, and Factory Tour

Branson With a Twist, Branson, MO - October 20-27, 2012

Travel west and even back in time. Enjoy square-dancing, explore a canyon, travel by authentic paddle wheel boat, and more! Have fun, bust a move, laugh lots, and maybe even learn a little with the help of your local guide.

Highlights of this tour:

• Richmond, IN – Square Dancing Evening
• Branson, MO – Wildlife Tram Tour at Dogwood Canyon, Titanic Museum
• Columbus, OH – Phoenix Bat Company, Anthony-Thomas Candy Company

Southern State Hopping, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana - November 3-10, 2012

When the weather starts to get chilly, do like the birds do and head south! Alongside local guides, explore the great states of Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana. These states are rich with history and culture and, of course, southern charm and hospitality.

Highlights of this tour:

• Georgia – Atlanta Cyclorama, Callanwolde, World of Coca-Cola
• Alabama – Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Louisiana – Mardi Gras Tour, French Quarter, Motivatit Seafood, Terrebonne Waterlife

 

For more information and pricing, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020.

…And Baby Makes Three or Four or More! The Pleasures & Pitfalls of Family Travel

Family travel brings to mind happy memories and nightmares. It is a wonderful bonding opportunity and a minefield for conflicts. In spite of the many pleasures, travel is stressful and travel with children of any age often adds to the stress. Use these tips from a former flight attendant and family traveler to reduce the stress and add some fun to family travel…

Is the beach ball half empty or half full?

1. Seek out attractions and activities that appeal to everyone. While most travel activities are group-oriented, respect the individual interests of each family member. Join forces to create a destination wish list that gives everyone a taste of their favorites from dining to diversions. Create a contest with rewards for finding the most unique travel destination experiences. Also, establish a family travel budget. Give each child a travel allowance to reduce constant pleas for souvenirs and snacks.
2. Buy each child their own age-appropriate luggage. Choose kid luggage that is pulled easily or worn as a hands-free backpack. Be sure you can juggle their bag and your own in the event of a mid-travel meltdown. Teach school-age children to be smart travelers. Allow them to create their own packing list and pack their own luggage (with supervision). For infants and toddlers, use individual large zip-locked bags to separate each family member’s clothing. Pack at least two changes of clothing in a carry-on bag. Accidents and travel go hand-to-hand, especially with infants and toddlers. Check out some of the cute, kid-friendly, Disney themed luggage and backpacks at Boscovs.com.
3. Discuss and practice clearing airport security ahead of time to take the uncertainty out of the process and avoid misbehavior. Check and re-check carry-on bags to ensure there are no tools or toys that could be mistaken for weapons. Be prepared for “owies” with a small first aid kit. Take medications and medical records for chronic illnesses and a current photograph of all young travelers, including teens, in carry-on luggage.
4. At your destination, stay alert. Child-proof hotel rooms for toddlers—no matter how much you trust your child. Check out companions they meet and the activities they participate in at hotel and cruise ship camps. Know when, where and what teens are up to. Check rooms and baggage. Yes…snoop! Don’t take any chances with current travel security and stringent drug laws. Be safe… not sorry.
5. When traveling with infants and toddlers, invest in a combination (FAA-approved) car seat/stroller. You would never hold an unrestrained child in an automobile, and holding a baby in an airplane (especially for take-off and landing) is dangerous. If a sudden stop occurs or the flight encounters unexpected turbulence, it is almost impossible to keep a firm grip on a baby in arms.
6. Chill out! Stay flexible and calm. Children take their lead from you. If you are visibly upset and stressing out, they will meltdown and add more to your stress. When Murphy’s Law rears its ugly head, be prepared with Plan B and even Plan C.

In the words of Hodding Carter, “There are two lasting bequests we hope to give our children, one is roots; the other is wings.” With practice, a healthy dose of patience and a positive outlook, family travel creates memories that last a lifetime and wonderful wings.

Family Travel Sale
We’re having a Family Travel Sale! Book May 7-12, 2012 for great special offers on Disney vacations, cruises, tours and resort getaway. Click here to view our email announcement for more information.

For more information on family travel and other great travel tips, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist, email travelrequest@boscovs.com or call 800-755-8020.

Santa Fe, New Mexico: “The City Different”

Proudly hailed as “the city different,” Santa Fe is simply unparalleled with its rich heritage, history, culture and art. Nestled in the picturesque Sangre de Cristo Mountains—foothills to the Rocky Mountains—the city immerses visitors in unspoiled natural beauty and an average of 325 days of sunshine and clear blue skies.

Spanish for holy faith, Santa Fe offers plenty of fun for everyone—spectacular dining and shopping, relaxing spas, museums, skiing and outdoor adventures for all skill levels.  Whether it’s exploring the city’s vibrant central Plaza, taking in the world-famous Santa Fe Opera during the summer months or exploring the region’s Native American, Latino and Western Cultures, visitors to the city might be slightly overwhelmed at having so much to choose from and experience.

Explore History

 

If it’s your first time visiting Santa Fe, consider starting your adventure downtown.  With a number of historically significant sites like the Plaza, Saint Francis Cathedral, Lorretto Chapel, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the Palace of the Governors, downtown Santa Fe offers many interesting sites all within comfortable walking distance to each other.

Not to be overlooked is the Plaza—the heart of downtown Santa Fe and a central part of the city for nearly 400 years. The Plaza remains the city’s cultural hub, hosting Indian and Spanish markets and other annual events as well as community gatherings, concerts and more.  After you’ve explored the Plaza, venture north on Palace Avenue to visit the Palace of the Governors.  Originally built in 1610 to serve as Santa Fe’s capital building, this one-story adobe holds strong as the oldest, continuously used U.S. public building in the nation.  The Palace holds a collection of over 15,000 authentic southwestern objects and artifacts.

Continuing down the Old Santa Fe Trail, visitors will discover Loretto Chapel and the infamous spiral staircase.  With two complete 360-degree spiral turns, and no visible means of support, this “miraculous” staircase continues to baffle present day engineers.  Plan a visit to the Loretto Chapel and witness what some believe to be the craftsmanship of St. Joseph himself.

Snow, Blue Skies & Shopping

Excitement takes many forms in and around Santa Fe.  Adrenaline seekers will find spectacular skiing conditions just 30 minutes from the city in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.  Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Ski Santa Fe offers world-class skiing and snowboarding with dozens of amazing trailheads that also allow access to many continental divide hiking trails, cross country skiing trails, and scenic vistas.  Couple the light and dry snow with steep terrain and an incredible panorama, and it’s hard to beat skiing in Santa Fe.

What continues to set this city apart from other great destinations is its phenomenal weather and crystal-clear blue skies.  To make the most of the superb climate, consider taking a hot air balloon ride with one of the region’s many hot air balloon outfitters.  These romantic and breathtaking journeys gently ascend into the sky and provide an awe-inspiring view of the southwest’s alluring terrain.  With prior arrangements, balloon companies offer special services for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays and more.

For unique shopping, Santa Fe hosts the country’s largest and most celebrated Native American market. Everything from handmade jewelry and intricate textiles, to contemporary paintings and photography can be found throughout the 600 individual booths.  The Santa Fe Indian Market features the work of more than 1,100 artists hailing from over 100 native tribes. Nearly 10,000 people, including collectors, gallery owners, and art enthusiasts flock to Santa Fe each August for the Native American Indian Market.  The 2012 market is scheduled to take place from August 18-19.

Fine Art & Dining

Art is everywhere in Santa Fe—and in addition to splendid Native American art, the city is also home to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. As the most visited art museum in New Mexico, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to an internationally known American woman American woman artist. One of the most significant artists of the 20^th century, Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) was devoted to creating imagery that expressed what she called “the wideness and wonder of the world as I live in it.” O’Keeffe’s images include abstractions, large-scale depictions of flowers, leaves, rocks, shells, bones, New York cityscapes, and paintings of architectural and landscape forms of northern New Mexico.

After a day of relaxing art viewing, a truly authentic Southwestern meal at one of Santa Fe’s best restaurants will certainly be welcomed. Be sure to visit Santa Luna Restaurant for “can’t miss” dishes like Chile en Norado (roasted poblano pepper stuffed with ground beef, dry pineapple, pecans, piñon, almonds, and raisins, topped with pecan sauce and pomegranate blend) and Cochinita Pibil (pork cooked in banana leaves and marinated in sour orange juice and achiote). Other local dining spots to place at the top of your list include Pink Adobe, Coyote Café and the El Farol Restaurant and Cantina.

A few tips to make your Santa Fe getaway more comfortable…

• Allow plenty of time for your body to adjust to Santa Fe’s high altitude and thin air.
• Sunscreen is highly recommended year-round.
• Check out the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival during the summer season for five weeks of live music.

For more information on Santa Fe or to book a trip, contact your local Boscov’s Travel Specialist or call 800-755-8020.

The Wonderful Wild West

This is post two of our “Wild West Series”. For those of you just tuning in, I am going to Washington and Oregon in a few weeks, and plan on visiting some other cities/states while I am out there. Basically, I am going to try to see and do as much as possible, since I don’t know when the winds of fate will blow me out that way again. I started the blog post series with “10 Cool Things to do in Colorado” , and now want to share with you some exceptional things I found to do out West, in states that I won’t actually be visiting this time around. I’m saving these for my next visit out west, whenever that may be!

Call me a nerd, but having grown up on the game “Oregon Trail” it has always been a goal of mine to go see the actual Oregon Trail, and get a better sense of what it is really like out there.  Knowing that I will be spending some time in Oregon, I thought it would be cool to see if I could tour a portion of the trail. Turns out the best portion of the Oregon Trail is in Wyoming! The trail itself reaches over 2,000 miles from Independence, Missouri, to the Williamette Valley of Oregon, so traversing the whole thing would be quite a feat, and a vacation on its own.

The trail isn’t a single path, but a series of connecting roads and branches that have slightly different trajectories. The major stop on the trail is Fort Laramie in Wyoming.  Once a fur trading post, then a military outpost, now a tourist attraction, it has been around since 1835. Fort Laramie was the first glimpse of civilization that journeyers would see in six long weeks. Can you even imagine six weeks without seeing a building or people? I can’t, and the sight of real live people was enough for a lot of emigrants to turn back and head for the “known” versus the “unknown”.

It’s a bummer we’re not visiting South Dakota because there are so many neat things to do there.  There will be a future trip planned to go there for a four-wheel drive jeep tour of Custer State Park & Wild Animal Preserve.  As a true “nature lover” and self proclaimed “tree hugger” I go gaga over all things animal. Here you can see buffalo, mountain goats, antelope, and prairie dogs from the comfort of your open-air jeep!

Also in the Black Hills of South Dakota is the Crazy Horse Monument, the only on-going mountain carving in the world! Part of the Crazy Horse Memorial, the Thunderhead mountain carving, Indian Museum of North America, and Native American Cultural Center comprise the Memorial, and create a tribute to Native American culture and history. With Mt. Rushmore being a scant 17 miles away, and the drive-thru-zoo Bear Country it makes this area a great place to go to see some sites that are truly unique to South Dakota.

Me being the optimist, I was also hoping that we could make a stop on the way home at America’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park. It spans across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, and is home to loads of wildlife including grizzlies, foxes, wolves, bison, and elk.  If you are an avid blog reader you know that I am a Hot Springs fanatic, and the Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone are like nothing I have ever seen. At some point I will make it there to check out all of the geysers, and get an up close and personal look at “Old Faithful”, the most popular geyser in the world.

Boscov’s Travel offers a series of Journey West tours that include stops at all of the places I have discussed above. There are a number of tours, some of which incorporate different elements of my list, but the tour that does it all is called “The  Wonderful Wild West”, and you can click here for a full package description.

10 Cool Things to do in Colorado

In a few short weeks I will be going to Seattle for the first time, and I am as excited as  Louis the Chihuahua on April Fool’s Day.  It’s been a few years since I have been to the West Coast, and it has always struck me as a place of adventure, open spaces, laid back people (minus Hollywood and Los Angeles), and incredible scenery. With that in mind I have decided to dedicate a series of posts to “The Wild West”, and all of the cool things that you can do and see there. For starters, we’ll take a look at Colorado and 10 of the best experiences that can be had there.

1.       Gold Mining and Panning

Gold Mining and Panning drove people out West over a hundred years ago, and is still a great activity to partake in when you visit Colorado today. The Phoenix Gold Mine in Idaho Springs offers tours and a panning instructor to get you ready to go. It is a popular tour spot, and has been featured on Ghost Hunters, Globe Trekkers, and in National Geographic, to name just a few. There are also two beautiful hiking trails on the property with plenty of wildlife and a resident fox, so bring your camera!

2.       Colorado National Monument

With 32 square miles of utopic landscape, the Colorado National Monument is a great place to hike, bike, sight see, or take a tour. Part of the Upper Sonoran Desert, this scenic area affords you beautiful views, whether they be from the top of a cliff or the bottom of a canyon. As their website states, “Towering monoliths exist within a vast plateau-and-canyon panorama. You can experience sheer-walled, red rock canyons along the twists and turns of Rim Rock Drive, where you may spy bighorn sheep and soaring eagles.”

3.       Glenwood Hot Springs Pool

I have to just put in my two cents here, and tell you that if you have never had the pleasure of visiting a natural hot spring, or submerging yourself in hot springs water, you should add it to your bucket list right now. I am serious. Find a pen and do it. The waters that rise from the springs soothe tired muscles and achy joints, and have over 15 different minerals that will rejuvenate your body from top to bottom. Your skin will be newborn smooth, your muscles will be relaxed, and your cares will float away in the 104 degree therapeutic pool. After vegetating in the therapy pool, dive into the world’s largest hot springs swimming pool. A 2010 Locals Choice award winner for Best Local Attraction, the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is not to be missed.

4.       Maroon Bells

Envelope yourself in nature’s majesty by visiting Maroon Bells, “the most photographed peaks in North America”. These two peaks, (Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak) are part of the Elk Mountains, and provide a breathe taking scenic overlook of the Rockies.  Maroon Lake is located below the peaks, and creates a stunning reflection of the bells. This is a great romantic place to take your significant other.

5.       Scenic Narrow Gauge Georgetown Loop Railroad

I am a huge fan of scenic railroad tours, and drag my boyfriend on them everywhere we go that has one. They maintain an old school charm, and create an ambiance that is reminiscent of five and dimes, soda shops, and penny candy. Great for kids, the Georgetown Loop Railroad was one of the very first tourist attractions in Colorado, and considered an “engineering marvel for its time”. The railroad connects two towns with horseshoe curves, steep grades (for trains), four bridges, and the infamous Devil’s Gate High Bridge.  Enjoy your ride as you pass beautiful scenery, scurrying wildlife, and buildings from the 1800’s.

6.       Train ride in Royal Gorge with dinner

And because I love train rides so much, and think they are a great way to see a lot of a place in a short amount of time, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad makes my list too. Hop aboard “Colorado’s first and finest” to travel through the scenic Royal Gorge. To make this train ride especially unique I recommend the Dinner Train, where you can enjoy your prime rib, salmon, or roasted chicken in the dining car or the observation dome car. This specific train ride won the “Top of the Rockies” award, and with good reason!

7.       Tour Coors Brewery

Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, the Coors brewery has been thriving since 1873.  This is “the world’s largest single-site brewery”, and a must see for beer fans, regardless of whether or not you like Coors beer. At the end you are rewarded with entrance to a refrigerated room with “Ice-cube benches” where you can relax and sip a super fresh cold beer. There is also a sampling room on site, with all Coors products for guests over 21 who would like to partake.

8.       Visit Denver, Golden, and Rocky Mountain National Park

To get the full and comprehensive “great outdoors” experience, it is important to visit the quintessential national parks in Colorado.  Most of Colorado is an artist’s palette of reds, oranges, greens, and blues, and if you really want to see the best sites, hit up these parks. Hike, bike, or horseback ride through grassy valleys, fields of wildflowers, and snow capped peaks.

9.       Ghost Tour of the Stanley, (The Shining hotel)

As a horror genre fanatic, there was NO WAY that this could be left out of Colorado top 10. Not only is the hotel itself a stunning bit of architecture with classic décor, but they offer ghost tours which turns classy into classically terrifying. Featured as one of “America’s most haunted hotels” and known as being the inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining”, The Stanley is a fun place to visit, and let the little kid in you get the willies.

10.   Go to Ouray

Nicknamed the “Switzerland of America”, Ouray is a small mountain town nestled in the craggy and soaring peaks of the Rockies. Sitting at 7,792 feet with snow capped peaks on three sides, this community is full of friendly folks and rustic charm.  The town places a huge value on keeping their Victorian architecture preserved (or restored), and their old fashioned neighborly attitude will make you never want to leave. With many quaint restaurants, boutiques, shops, and galleries there is enough to keep you busy on days when the weather is less than perfect, and being outside is not the best option.

Like all 10 things you see on the list? Want to take an escorted tour of Colorado with stops (or optional stops) at the above places? Click here to view our “Classic Colorado” tour package in our Boscov’s Travel Journey West series.

Journey West!

Looking to learn about a Western escape in the upcoming year? Join Cheryl Palm for an entertaining and informative presentation of Boscov’s Travel Journey West Program at one of many locations. Cheryl not only plans the tours, but escorts them as well. So if you are thinking of a trip to any of the U. S. National Parks and monuments and historic sights or visiting the Wild West, you don’t want to miss this special presentation. Discounts will be available for those attending as well as refreshments and door prizes. This event is free.

Check out this page for a full list of presentation dates, times, and RSVP info.