Archive | July, 2010

How to Eat, Pray, and Love in Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs is famous for its healing Hot Springs

In the travel memoir Eat, Pray, Love (the movie hits theaters August 13), the protagonist takes off on a year-long journey to three countries to find balance and peace within herself.

Maybe you cannot go on a round-the-world journey, but you can find rest, relaxation and rejuvenation a little closer to home and Glenwood Springs is just the place.

The Ute Indians first called Glenwood Springs Yampah, which means “big medicine,” and considered the area sacred because of the magical, healing powers of the mineral springs in the area. 

Massage in Glenwood Springs

Today, it is the home of the largest natural hot springs pool, which is surrounded by the beautiful, breathtaking scenery of the Rocky Mountains.

Here’s how to spend a soothing, soulful weekend in Glenwood Springs:

Recharge and Recalibrate

There is something about the true outdoors that helps you reconnect with yourself.

  • Glenwood Springs has miles of trails and roads for hiking and biking for all skill levels. Sunlight Ski & Bike or Glenwood Canyon Resort can set you up with a rental bike. 

Relax and Rejuvenate with a Rubdown

  • Spa of the Rockies: This new spa has a refreshing approach to hydrotherapy, natural wellness, and life balance. It is already a favorite with the locals. 
  • The Hot Springs Pool: The pool represents the perfect blend of past and present. Clean and modern shower facilities and a state-of-the-art ozone pool purification system maximize the enjoyment of guests as they relax in revitalizing hot spring waters that continuously rise up from deep within the earth.
  • Stay at the historic Hotel Denver that is within walking distance to great restaurants, pools, and paths that will make your weekend soothing and soulful.

Could you use a little magic?

GoGlenwood.com

You gotta get here.

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Reasons ABC Should Film the Bachelorette in Glenwood Springs Next Season

Because married life is an adventure and adventure is in Glenwood Springs!

So my Buddy G, is the ultimate go-to-guy on relationships.

 “You know that pack of potential husbands on the Bachelorette?” said G, “She should bring ‘em here and vote them out by adventure.  Then sell it to ABC like this: “It’s Survivor meets the Dating Game!”

Glenwood Springs Adventure Park

Apparently G has this female friend who used the adventuring method to find her perfect mate. Of course, she also adhered by Glenwood Springs’ number one dating rule:

Always date a guy through four seasons and take him through every adventure at GoGlenwood.com before marrying him.

“That would eliminate all the fuss right there,” said G. “It really would.”

According to G, the only drama anybody needs is what nature provides in the form of big cliffs, whitewater and black diamond skiing. If he feels a need for more than biking, caving, golfing, fishing, hiking, swimming, and rafting then there just might be something seriously wrong with him from the get-go. Also, adventuring together is a fun way to test out the really important elements in a relationship like commitment and resilience.

So how does The Bachelorette in Glenwood Springs work?

“First,” said G, “She takes him on a really long bike ride through Glenwood Canyon, I mean, if he’s slower than a smell and he complains the entire time that’s a major red flag.”

I pointed out that Michael from Manchester might not be used to the altitude.

“Hey, I’m just sayin’ it’s a major red flag. You want somebody who can stop and appreciate the beauty of a journey. And most women these days want a guy who can keep up.”

Here are some good test spots in Glenwood Springs:

  • Romance: The Hot Springs Pool, the Historic Hotel Denver and the Spa of the Rockies
  • Confidence: Caving at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
  • Respect: If he treats everyone and everything (including animals, the environment, and history) with respect, you may have a winner.
  • Humor: Spend a day riding all the rides at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
  • Trust: For this one, turn him over to the guys at Roaring Fork Anglers or the Pros at Lakota Canyon Ranch. A day on the river or a little time on the links will expose his cheating ways immediately.

“Of course we wouldn’t hand out roses,” said G. “We’d give Vinnie from the Bronx what he really wants…”

I surmised that would include tickets to the Zipline.

“That way,” said G, “Nobody goes home cryin!”

And that’s a major green flag.

GoGlenwood.com

You gotta get here.

G is the adventuresome underground blogger for GoGlenwood.com. G and his family have been in Glenwood Springs since the 1880s. Although G is the ultimate bachelor he still hopes to meet his G girl. She should be the outdoors type. Ask him about his under waders and you’ll have him at hello.

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Historic Hotel Denver

Come stay at this historic Hotel Denver right in the heart of Glenwood Springs

Hotel denverHow about a trip on the train traveling through the beautiful Rocky Mountains where your end destination is a town located on the banks of the Colorado River? The best part about traveling to Glenwood Springs by train and staying at the Hotel Denver is that when you arrive you just walk out the doors of the train station and you are directly across the street from the hotel lobby! Not only is the train station conveniently located by this historic hotel, but you are in the heart of Glenwood where you can walk a block to some of the best restaurants in town, walk across the bridge to the Hot Springs Pool, walk along the river trails, or grab a beer at the Glenwood Brewpub located directly in the hotel. This place is for you if you want to experience the best hospitality in town.

Not only is the hotel conveniently located but the new concierge service makes it easy to book all of the attractions around Glenwood, plus you receive savings. Attractions such as rafting, zip lining, Glenwood Cavern Adventure Park, Hot Springs Pool tickets and much more! 

You gotta get here!

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  • Lodging
    Book your room at the Hotel Denver here!

Boomers Just Wanna Have Fun in Glenwood Springs

How boomers get the vaction they want in Glenwood Springs

Many are finding Glenwood Springs to be the perfect fit for baby boomers looking for a vacation destination that provides flexibility, adventure, value, and instant gratification.

Horseback Riding in Glenwood Springs

Located between Aspen and Vail, Glenwood Springs is a gem in the middle with just about every activity imaginable just minutes away from the downtown core.

GoGlenwood.com allows you to choose your activities:

Adventure – any way you want it

Physically challenging outdoor activity or soft adventure? You choose.

  • Cruise down an alpine slope on a roller coaster: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
  • Raft Colorado’s five rivers: Rock Gardens Rafting
  • Zip across the Colorado River: Glenwood Springs Zipline Adventures
  • Fish five great rivers in Glenwood Springs: Roaring Fork Anglers

Historical Significance

Glenwood Springs has an intriguing history and culture that gives our town a unique vibe. The way that we pay homage to our history through awesome natural attractions is unique and inspiring.

  • Visit pristine, underground caves: Glenwood Caverns Cave Tours
  • Soak in the historic Hot Springs: Hot Springs Pool
  • Relax and rejuvenate: Spa of the Rockies
  • Bike through Glenwood Canyon: Sunlight Ski & Bike
  • Hike or ride dozens of trail throughout the valley

Cultural Experience

  • Locals love the Wednesday night jazz series throughout the summer at the park.
  • In August enjoy Theater in the Park under a beatiful Colorado summer sky.
  • There are also several classic car shows happening in Glenwood Springs this summer.

Great Views, Great Place.

  • Stay at the historic Hotel Denver for a unique experience. Every room is different and decorated with antiques.

For a great price and great value, GoGlenwood.com

You gotta get here.

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Bowling for Boobies

A benefit to help a local fighting her second dose of cancer

Burning mountain bowlAre you traveling to Glenwood Springs this weekend of July 23rd-25th and looking for something to do? How about a Friday night of family bowling at the New Castle Burning Mountain Bowl? A benefit is being put on to help a local, Dawn Horner, with fighting her second dose of cancer. You must hear her story! Dawn first beat cervical cancer, then her house burnt down to the ground right after, she then got diagnosed with breast cancer and her husband lost his job thereafter. What a life story? This event is from 5pm-9pm and there will be door prizes as well as a silent auction. Half of the bowling proceeds will be donated to this family to help with their financial needs in this time of difficulty.

While this could be a fun Friday evening activity to take part in, don’t forget to check out all the other fun Glenwood Springs has to offer. The list is long including: Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, bike riding in the Glenwood Canyon, rafting, zip lining, the Hot Springs Pool and much more! Don’t miss out on the fun! You gotta get here!

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  • Lodging
    Find a place to stay & recieve free tickets to attractions around Glenwood!

Get the Kids back into School Mode with a Glenwood Springs Weekend

Use a Getaway to Glenwood Springs to ease the kids back into school mode…

It’s not always easy to set the back-to-school clock with the kids, but here are some tips for making the most of the last few weekends of summer before school starts: Biking in the Canyon

Reading

Get the kids reading or listening in the car on your way to Glenwood Springs.

How to start getting them up early

  • Getting up early isn’t so bad if it’s with the promise of a day at the adventure park, a horseback ride, an awesome hike, or a bike ride through Glenwood Canyon!

Break in the new backpack with a hike

  • The wildflowers are in bloom! Hike to the top (or just part of the way to Thomas Lakes) to the volcanically produced Mount Sopris.
  • Take the camera – photography can be educational and can also provide some great memories throughout the year.
  • And those “top of the mountain” family photos are priceless!

History

  • Take in the geologic history of Glenwood Springs: bike, skate, raft, kayak, or walk through Glenwood Canyon!
  • Hike up to Linwood Cemetery, (a half-mile walk) to legendary gunslinger Doc Holliday’s grave.
  • Take a tram ride up Iron Mountain to the Historic Fairy Caves and the Caverns Adventure Park.
  • The Hot Springs Pool is the world’s largest outdoor mineral pool.

Create Memories

  • Buy several special keepsakes in Glenwood Springs and then give them to the kids as special surprises throughout the year in their books, lunches, etc
  • Take some special photos of them adventuring in Glenwood Springs and when they enter a challenging time during the school year remind them of their “You-can-do-anything-moment” in Glenwood Springs.

Writing

  • Inevitably this is the first assignment of every new school year: "Tell us about your summer vacation…"  Make sure the kids will have plenty to talk about: riding, hiking, biking, caving, and zipping in Glenwood Springs!

You gotta get here.

GoGlenwood.com before you have to get back to school!

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GoGlenwood Featured Activity July 17th &18th

Day Pass Special to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park!Cavern CoasterImagine yourself taking a ride up a beautiful mountain on a tram ride and reaching the top to not only to find the best view in Glenwood Springs but a bundle of exciting rides to take part in! How does racing down the mountain through trees and around corners on the famous Alpine Slide where you control your speed sound? Or maybe riding the giant swing to get a closer look down the Glenwood Canyon? These are just a few of the highlighted adventure park rides Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park has to offer. Buy your discounted day pass through GoGlenwood.com or in person at The Hotel Denver Atrium for just $37/adult and $33/child! Don’t miss out on this family fun activity that all ages will enjoy!   

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  • Lodging
    Stay right at the base of the tram and recieve a deal through goglenwood!

Glenwood Springs Offers Eco-Friendly Travel Tips

Glenwood Springs’ Go Green Program Encourages Travel with Purpose

Looking for a way you can make a difference with your travel plans?

Glenwood Springs is an eco-friendly choice.

The Hill Golf Course

A walk through most anywhere in Glenwood Springs and it demonstrates how much we honor and value our environment – and you can be a part of that effort.

The Hotel Denver places a high priority in doing our part to minimize negative impacts on the environment.

Here are 5 actions we have taken to be more socially responsible:

  1. Guests at the Hotel Denver have the option to participate in our “Going Green in Glenwood Springs” program. When a guest checks in we give them the option to decline daily housekeeping service.  If they do choose to decline this service, they are given a gift certificate for the award-winning Glenwood Springs Brewpub, located in our hotel, in the amount of $5.00 for each day they don’t take housekeeping.  During their stay, if they need additional supplies or amenities, we of course will provide them, but the guests won’t receive full daily housekeeping services.
  2. This lowers water use;
  3. Limits the chemicals being used and disposed of;
  4. Diminishes the wear and tear of the linens so they have a longer life;
  5. Lessens energy consumption

Plan a trip to Glenwood Springs and enjoy and experience our appreciation for nature in all of the attractions Glenwood Springs has to offer:

  • Biking
  • Golf
  • Hiking
  • Hot Springs Pool
  • Kayaking
  • Nature’s best adventure theme park
  • Raft
  • Skiing
  • Swimming
  • Trail rides (horse and bike)
  • Zip lining

Go Green.

Go Glenwood Springs.

GoGlenwood.com

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New Hotel Denver GM brings Aspen and Hawaii hotel experience to Glenwood Springs

A great vacation is about location, location, location. And that great location is Glenwood Springs!

As they say in real estate: it’s about location, location, location.

In vacation terms, it means the same thing: location can increase or decrease the value of your vacation.

Luckily, new Hotel Denver General Manager Scott Olpin, who has managed hotels in some of the most beautiful locations in the world, including Aspen and Hawaii, now brings his experience to the 72-room historic Denver in downtown Glenwood Springs.

Hotel Denver

Olpin will continue the Hotel Denver’s mission to preserve an integral part of Glenwood Springs’ history.

We wanted Scott to tell you about the unique experience the Hotel Denver offers, but Scott would rather you read some of our guest reviews:

“I love this hotel and I wouldn’t bother with any of the others for my travel. I like being downtown and walking distance to all of the good food. The rooms are unique and I had a great view of the river and train station from the 3rd floor.”

“Location is perfect. Quiet and clean. Parking across the street and a nice historic feel. Close to the pool and free towels at the desk which is a big perk!”

“If you’re destined for the Hot Springs, the hotel can save you money with a day-pass.  They’ll also throw in large bath towels each time you head to the pool!  The front desk had dog treats and plastic bags ready for dog walks too.”

“One of my favorite things about this room was the two bathrooms…both have showers, sinks and toilets. The room was large and open with a flat screen TV that can be rotated to face the bed or the couch on the other side of the room. The bed was extremely comfortable and layered with tons of blankets… Did I mention the VIEW!!! We could see the towers on the train station, the river, the hot springs, the Colorado Hotel and the Mountains in the background.”

“The staff was great, the location of the hotel was perfect and I feel like we had the best view in all of Glenwood Springs. When I come back to this hotel, I will be asking for room 216 again…”

The Hotel Denver is half way between Aspen and the Vail Valley. The hotel has preserved its grand appearance while becoming an elegant, modern hotel that offers unique rooms decorated with turn-of-the-century antiques. The hotel is walking distance to the Hot Springs Pool, great restaurants and shopping in downtown Glenwood Springs and is also home to the award-winning Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company, a non-smoking restaurant and brewery, open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Be sure to stop by and meet Scott Olpin. He is a wonderful source of information and he’s known to give great tips on getting the most out of a Kauai vacation.

Scott’s #1 Kauai Travel Tip: “You’re not in Kauai, you’re on Kauai…”

Scott’s #1 Glenwood Springs Travel Tip?

“You gotta get here. GoGlenwood.com"

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Summer of Jazz July 14th

Presenting Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Trombone ShortyAnother week of jazz is upon us and this weeks band is going to knock your socks off! Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue will be taking the stage at Two Rivers Park at 7pm. According to the bands website it states, " Trombone Shorty is an artist who can draw both the unqualified respect of jazz legends and deliver a high-energy rock show capable of mesmerizing international rock stars and audiences alike. With such an unprecedented mix of rock, funk, jazz, hip-hop and soul, he had to create his own name to describe his signature sound: Supafunkrock!" I have personally seen this band perform in years past at this event and their performance at Summer of Jazz is phenomenal! They create an energy in the park that makes you want to get up and dance. If you are looking to spice up your Wednesday night with some fun, don’t miss this performance tonight! See you there!

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  • Lodging
    Find a place to stay nearby!