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Winter Park and The Fraser Valley Chamber Invite Visitors to Welcome Fall with Fitness-Filled Festivals

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

–Get a move on by running, biking, walking or Frisbee-ing your way through spectacular September –

Winter Park, Colo. – Whether you want to challenge yourself in some of the most stunning scenery in the state, or just want to cheer on those who compete while enjoying Colorado’s colorful fall display, Winter Park-Fraser Valley have something special in store this September. 

Sept. 11 – Colorado Crooked Roubaix (www.coloradocrookedroubaix.com)
This race is modeled after the famed, difficult and demanding Paris-Roubaix, an arduous 160-mile bike ride from Paris, France north to Roubaix.  The Crooked Roubaix puts a Colorado spin on the original.  Beginning and ending in Winter Park, the 90-mile, mostly dirt route is a challenging road bike tour through some of the most majestic scenery in the state.  Presented by Wheat Ridge Cyclery, the event is also sponsored by the Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce, Specialized Bicycles, MapMyFitness and Pearl Izumi. Space is limited so sign up soon at http://www.active.com/cycling/winter-park-co/colorado-crooked-roubaix-2010.  

Sept. 11-12 – 7th Annual Snow Mountain Challenge Disc Golf Tournament (www.milehighdiscgolf.org)
The Grand County Disc Golf Club and the Mile High Disc Golf Club proudly present this PDGA-sanctioned C-Tier disc golf tournament.  The event features one round of 18 holes at the Snow Mountain YMCA course and two rounds of 20 holes at the Winter Park Resort course.  Cash in on the 20-percent lodging discount offered through Winter Park Resort with rooms starting at $55 plus tax.  Call 970-726-1659 (use code 3gk3ms) or book online at www.skiwinterpark.com.

Sept. 12, Sept. 19 and Oct. 3 – Run the Ranches, various ranch locations (http://runtheranches.com/2010/05/20/run-the-ranches-website-running/)
Grand County and the Fraser Valley have some of the most beautiful and hospitable dude and guest ranches in the country.  This fall visit one of three prestigious ranches hosting the Run the Ranches series, featuring a casual two- to three-mile trail run and a more adventuresome seven- to 10-mile trek.  Events will be held at Drowsy Water Ranch on Sept. 12, Devil’s Thumb Ranch on Sept. 19, and Snow Mountain Ranch on Oct. 3.  It costs $20 for adults and $10 for kids six and up.  Children under six register for free.  Proceeds benefit Headwaters Trail Alliance. 

Sept. 26 – Fraser Valley Fall Duathlon, Grand Park Community Recreation Center (www.fraservalleyrec.org)
Run, bike, run – it is so much fun you just have to do it…twice!  This event is participant-friendly with a two-mile run, a 15-mile mountain bike ride, and another two-mile run through autumn-hued mountain meadows and alpine forest.   Check-in is at 7:30 a.m. and the race begins at 9 a.m. Registration starts at $40. 

Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce (www.PlayWinterPark.com)
The Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit Colorado corporation created to help further and maintain responsible growth in the Winter Park-Fraser Valley area, located in the Rocky Mountains just 65 miles west of Denver.

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Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

 NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, gaylene@orecommunications.com, 970-887-2536

Colorado Dude Ranches Offer End-of-Summer Rates, Workshops

– Late-season specials in Grand County include discounts, adults-only weeks, women’s riding/yoga retreat  –

Granby, Colo. – Still trying to squeeze in a summer vacation? There’s a cowboy or cowgirl in just about everyone, and come end of the season, it’s never been easier – or cheaper – to heed the call of the West.

The Dude and Guest Ranches of Grand County, Colo. (www.dude-ranch.com) are all-inclusive ranches in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, located 100 miles west of Denver. Several of the ranches are offering discounts for singles, couple, families and groups in late summer and early fall – when the crowds are gone, the skies are clear and the leaves are just starting to change.

Latigo Ranch (www.latigotrails.com)
Visit between Aug. 22 and Sept. 18, and the weekly rate drops from $2,600/week to $2,250/week. Partial-week stays also are available. For grown-ups preferring a quiet vacation without kids, Sept. 12-18 is adults-only week.

Accommodations at the intimate Latigo Ranch are limited to 35 guests, who receive homemade caramel corn upon arrival. For horsemanship activities, the ranch works carefully to closely match guests with horses, and for experienced riders, offers an authentic cattle drive with a local rancher each September. The ranch has been named “Best Dude Ranch in Colorado” in “Colorado’s Best: The Essential Guide to Favorite Places.”

Drowsy Water Ranch (www.drowsywater.com)
Weeks after August 29 are designated for adults only, including special-event groups. These weeks carry a 15 percent discount. The prices per individual, with discount applied, are $1,585.25 (single occupancy), $1,581.00 (double occupancy), or $1,517.25 (triple occupancy).

During the week of Sept. 5, Drowsy Water will hold an art workshop, with a professional art instructor onsite. The week of Sept. 12 will focus on cowgirls – though all cowboys are welcome, too.

Nestled in its own private mountain valley, the 600-acre ranch has specialized in providing authentic western vacations for more than 70 years. Focusing on horseback riding and meals, Drowsy Water also offers swimming, horseshoes, steak fries, trout fishing, square dancing, jeep trips, hayrides, movies, pack trips, gymkhana rodeos, raft trips and golf. TripAdvisor® named the ranch the “#1 All-Inclusive Resort in the World” in its 2010 Travelers’ Choice® awards.

Bar Lazy J Ranch (www.barlazyj.com)
The week of Aug. 22, and all of September, are adults-only time at the ranch. During these periods, Bar Lazy J also offers an additional 10 percent discount, making the per-person rate $1,552.50.

Relaxation and personal attention are the passwords at Bar Lazy J, the oldest continually operated guest ranch in Colorado. The owner even keeps a supply of hats and boots for visitors who arrive without them. The ranch is popular with fishing enthusiasts – on site are Gold Medal trout-fishing waters of the Colorado River.

CLazyU Ranch (www.clazyu.com)
The upscale CLazyU will hold the LyricQuest event Oct. 8-10. Songwriter Monty Powell, writer for many of popular music’s biggest stars, will highlight the weekend. A 25-year music business veteran, Powell collaborates with artists such as Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Chris Cagle, James Otto, Dee Meesina, Chuck Wicks and more. Cost is $750, which includes horseback riding, swimming, fishing hiking, biking, a songwriting workshop, campfire jam session and special performance by Anna Wilson, the critically acclaimed jazz artist and songwriter whose recent album, Yule Swing!, reached #12 on the Billboard jazz chart.

All of the ranches are all-inclusive, meaning that food, beverages and all activities are included in the base price. Every guest can try many activities – no extra charge – and stay with them for as little or as long as they’d like. Typical activities include swimming, river rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, cattle work, fly fishing, western dancing, archery, riflery and cowboy skills. The ranches are located near golf courses and shopping.

Dude and Guest Ranches of Grand County, Colo. (www.dude-ranch.com)
Five all-inclusive dude ranches are nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, located 100 miles west of Denver. The ranches offer family and group pricing, and early- and late-season specials.

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Montrose, Colo., Hosts Heritage Events in August & September

Monday, August 16th, 2010

NEWS RELEASE

–Old West history & culture take center stage this fall–

Montrose, Colo. (Aug. 16, 2010) – Montrose, Colo., puts its western heritage on full display in August and September when the city plays host to a handful of events that celebrate the spirit of the American West.  This is one of the most spectacular times to visit Montrose, which is such s treasure chest of outdoor activities that it was recently named to Outdoor Life magazine’s annual list of the 200 best towns in America for outdoorsmen.

Visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park for nature walks, hikes or fishing gold medal waters.  Curecanti National Recreation Area offers panoramic views, as well as three reservoirs, perfect for boating, fishing, hiking, camping or bird watching.  Gunnison National Conservation Area is located just northeast of Montrose and encompasses more than 62,000 acres of BLM-managed lands. Here, sightings of elk, bighorn sheep, deer, bald eagles and waterfowl are possible.    

Annual Chipeta Day – Aug. 28
Chipeta Day honors the life of Chipeta, the wife of the leader of the Ute people, Chief Ouray.  A legend in her own right, Chipeta’s legacy is forever tied to the Uncompahgre Valley, where she and her husband fought to keep the Ute people.  The celebration includes cultural presentations, a sunrise blessing, a three-mile walk, and other ceremonies signifying peace and unity.  The Ute Indian Museum, which lies on the original 8.65-acre homestead owned by Chief Ouray and Chipeta, will also be open for visitors to enjoy perusing one of the most complete collections of the Ute people.

1st Annual Honor the Traditions – Sept. 4

This free event will be held at the Ute Indian Museum, a unique treasure and an historical Colorado landmark.  The purpose of the event is to bridge a better understanding of cultural heritage and awareness and to promote cultural diversity.  Activities include a plein-air art festival, Jemez Pueblo Indian dancers, an Indian market, a wine reception, free admission to the Ute Indian Museum, a silent auction, an evening buffalo feast and an outdoor Native American movie at dusk.

17th Annual Antique, Gun and Western Show – Sept. 17-18
Take home a piece of the Old West at this show that focuses on everything western.  Show highlights include antique and modern collectible arms and accessories, authentic cowboy and Native American artifacts, Civil War memorabilia, western art and jewelry. 

1st Annual All Nations Indian Nations Powwow – Sept. 24-26
This colorful celebration is likely to rival the fall foliage blooming in the region!  Gourd dancing, the Powwow Grand Entry, drum and dance contests and authentic Native American food are all in store.  Traditionally, powwow was a time for Native American leaders to negotiate with the U.S. government.  It was also a celebration of traditional song and dance and renewing of old friendships.  

About Montrose (www.visitmontrose.com)

Montrose is a uniquely-authentic town that has carved out a place for itself in the landscape and culture of Colorado.  Montrose was recently named to Outdoor Life magazine’s annual list of the 200 best towns in America for outdoorsmen.  Seventy-three percent of the land surrounding the city is public land, making Montrose a Mecca for all kinds of outdoor activities, including: hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, road biking, and mountain biking.  A multi-faceted community, Montrose serves up layer upon layer of discoveries, each more unique than the last.  Whether visitors are looking for adventure, agritourism, history, culture, shopping, fine dining or anything in between, Montrose has a little something for everyone. 

Contacts:

Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970.887.2536, gaylene@orecommunications.com

Jenni Sopsic, Montrose Association of Commerce and Tourism, 970.708.1182, jenni@montroseact.com

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Mountain Lodge at Telluride Announces “Picture Perfect” Specials for 1st Annual Telluride Photo Festival

Monday, August 9th, 2010

News Release

Contacts: Neil Hastings, Mountain Lodge at Telluride, 970-369-5000, nhastings@mountainlodgetelluride.com

Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970-887-2536, gaylene@orecommunications.com

Mountain Lodge at Telluride Announces “Picture Perfect” Specials for 1st Annual Telluride Photo Festival

– Special rates and discounted festival tickets available for inaugural event, held Sept. 20-26 —

Telluride, Colo. – Mountain Lodge at Telluride is a picture perfect setting in picturesque Telluride, Colo., home to the inaugural Telluride Photo Festival, being held Sept. 20-26, 2010.  Mountain Lodge, a sponsor and workshop host of the event, is offering special festival room rates, as well as 25 percent off Photo Festival tickets. 

The first annual Telluride Photo Festival is expected to draw some of the world’s most renowned outdoor and adventure photographers to share their photographic passion.  The weeklong event wraps up Telluride’s famed summer festival season, which has earned it the nickname “Summer Festival Capital of the Southwest.”  The Photo Festival is geared toward professional and experienced amateur photographers and includes workshops, seminars, symposiums, portfolio reviews and exhibits.  There are also special programs aimed at fostering skills in young people, as well as amateur and intermediate photographers.

“We are so excited to bring this new event to Telluride, one of the great festival venues in the nation,” said event organizer and photographer Eric Moore. “We have some of the best known landscape, nature, adventure, and sports photographers coming to Telluride to teach their art and share their photography for an entire week,” Moore said.

To learn more about the Telluride Photo Festival, log on to www.telluridephotofestival.com or http://www.prweb.com/releases/photography/festival/prweb3386744.htm

Mountain Lodge at Telluride is the perfect hub for the festival, offering lodge rooms, condominium units and cabins with private balconies or patios, jetted tubs and luxurious robes.  Condo units and cabins boast gourmet kitchens or kitchenettes with granite countertops. Guests will enjoy amenities including concierge services, a steam room,  grocery shopping service, outdoor deck with heated pool and Jacuzzi, and complimentary wireless Internet service.

For more information or to book a reservation for the Telluride Photo Festival, contact Mountain Lodge at Telluride at 970-369-5000 or www.mountainlodgetelluride.com.

Mountain Lodge at Telluride (www.mountainlodgetelluride.com)
Mountain Lodge at Telluride is an exclusive, slopeside, upscale resort featuring an eclectic blend of rustic elegance and western charm. At 9,500 feet in the San Juan Mountains, the locale offers private luxury cabins, condominiums, and lodge rooms as well as executive conference rooms offer space for small meetings and retreats, reception space and full catering service. The View restaurant provides authentic Italian dining in a spectacular, intimate setting.

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Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

NEWS RELEASE

Enjoy Beautiful Fall Foliage Vistas in Montrose, Colo.

-Hike, bike or drive to some of the most scenic spots in the state from Montrose-

 

Montrose, Colo. (July 20, 2010) – Montrose, Colo., recently named one of Outdoor Life magazine’s best towns for outdoorsmen, is also a great base camp for fall hue viewing.  Interestingly, 73 percent of the land surrounding the city of Montrose is public land, making it fertile ground for all of autumn’s glory to be seen the way nature intended.  Combine the scenic wonders neighboring the city (think Grand Mesa, Black Canyon, San Juan Mountains, and Uncompahgre Plateau) with the historic and scenic byways that cross through and around town and you have a recipe for a picture-perfect and colorful Colorado vacation.  (Just don’t forget your camera!)

One easy – and very beautiful – way to soak in the splendor of the season is to explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which marked its 10-year anniversary as a national park in 2009.  The drive up to Black Canyon on Highway 50 is transformed in the autumn as the scrub oak, serviceberry and aspen are reborn into fiery shades of orange, red and yellow.  While at the park, enjoy hiking, nature walks or fishing in gold medal waters. 

Curecanti National Recreation Area is located between Montrose and Gunnison and offers panoramic fall views, as well as three reservoirs.  Blue Mesa is Colorado’s largest body of water and the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the U.S.  Marrow Point marks the beginning of the Black Canyon.  The East Portal is the site of the Gunnison Diversion Tunnel, a National historic Civil Engineering Landmark, which is 100-years old. Crystal Reservoir is the third in the trio.  

Gunnison National Conservation Area is located just northeast of Montrose and encompasses more than 62,000 acres of BLM-managed lands, which are fertile ground for fall foliage.  Sightings of elk, bighorn sheep, deer, bald eagles and waterfowl are also possible here.  Gold Medal trout fishing is another popular pastime, as are whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking and camping.

Take in the transformation from the comfort of your own vehicle by driving along one of the scenic and historic routes around Montrose.  Most of these drives take a minimum of a half-day to complete.  Stop by the Montrose Visitors Center for a map. 
Alpine Loop Back Country Byway stretches 65 miles and provides access to spectacular peaks and narrow glacial valleys.  Remains of stamp mills, tramways and ghost towns are also available along the route, which requires an off-road vehicle for portions of the drive.  Along the way visitors may hike, mountain bike or camp.
Grand Mesa Byway leads to a virtual playground in the sky atop the world’s largest flat-topped mountain., the Grand Mesa.  Enjoy sparkling lakes and forests of shimmering aspen set against always-green pine. 

Nicknamed the “road to the sky,” San Juan Skyway is a 223 mile stretch of road that can be scaled back based on availability and interest.  For a real treat, travel the section between Ouray and Silverton, located less than an hour south of Montrose, to see the stretch that has been dubbed the “Million Dollar Highway.”  In the fall this always stunning road is made even more beautiful by the fall colors splashed against the red rock and blue sky backdrop. 

About Montrose (www.visitmontrose.com)

Montrose is a uniquely-authentic town that has carved out a place for itself in the landscape and culture of Colorado.  Montrose was recently named to Outdoor Life magazine’s annual list of the 200 best towns in America for outdoorsmen.  Seventy-three percent of the land surrounding the city is public land, making Montrose a Mecca for all kinds of outdoor activities, including: hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, road biking and mountain biking.  A multi-faceted community, Montrose serves up layer upon layer of discoveries, each more unique than the last.  Whether visitors are looking for adventure, agritourism, history, culture, shopping, fine dining or anything in between, Montrose has a little something for everyone. 

Contacts:

Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970.887.2536, gaylene@orecommunications.com

Jenni Sopsic, Montrose Association of Commerce and Tourism, 970.708.1182, jenni@montroseact.com

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Here Come the Peaches…

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

– Western Colorado farmer offers outlook on famed Palisade summer crop, tips on selecting fruit – 

Grand Junction, Colo. – It’s finally summer, which brings one very important development in western Colorado: peaches. The 2010 crop of the famed Palisade peaches will debut across Colorado in late July.

The harvest will begin with early varieties such as Red Haven and July Elberta. By mid-August, canning and freezing varieties including Suncrest, Crest Haven, and Flavor Crest will be available.  The season will wrap up in late August with Elberta, Redskin, and Hales peaches, also ideal for canning and freezing.

Grand Junction-Palisade peaches will be available at most major supermarkets and health-food chains throughout Colorado. To go to the source, visitors can find fresh-picked peaches, peach products, and other local produce at roadside stands and orchards throughout the Grand Junction and Palisade area, and at the weekly Grand Junction Farmer’s Markets (Thursdays, June 10-Sept. 16). Visitors also can immerse themselves in peach products at the annual Palisade Peach Festival (www.palisadepeachfest.com), Aug. 19-22. The festival is a true old-fashioned event, complete with ice cream social, street dance, parade, car show, pancake breakfast, peach recipe contest and live entertainment.

Bob Helmer, who owns and runs Alida’s Fruits (www.alidasfruits.com) in Palisade with his wife, Alida, offers a few tips on selecting and using this year’s peaches. He predicts that peaches will come in later than usual this year, but that the crop will be a large and healthy one. When picking up peaches at a fruit stand, says “Farmer Bob,” as he is known throughout western Colorado, he advises shoppers to look for peaches that are already soft and juicy.

Ripe peaches can be stored for up to three weeks in the refrigerator, and can be canned or dried as well. Alida’s, one of the largest preservers of Palisade peaches, ships 10,000 jars of canned fruit each year.

About Grand Junction (www.visitgrandjunction.com)
Nestled near 11,000-foot Grand Mesa and the 7,500-foot Book Cliffs, Grand Junction is the largest city in western Colorado. At an altitude of 4,586 feet, warm summers and moderate spring, fall and winter seasons allow for year-round golf, hiking and biking. Boasting more than 275 days of sunshine annually, Grand Junction recently was named one of the eight sunniest cities in the United States by TourismReview.com.

Among Grand Junction’s spectacular red cliffs and winding canyons are the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-topped mountain, the Colorado National Monument, Bookcliff Wild Horse Area, two national scenic byways and five golf courses. Grand Junction lies in the heart of the Colorado-Utah Dinosaur Diamond. The area also is home to Colorado’s wine country, with nearly 30 vineyards and wineries.

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Winter Park-Fraser Valley Announce 2010 Mountain Bike Races, Events

Thursday, June 10th, 2010
NEWS RELEASE

 

Contacts: Diane Ehlert, Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber, 970-726-4221, ext. 203, dehlert@playwinterpark.com

Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970-887-2536, gaylene@orecommunications.com             

Winter Park-Fraser Valley Announce 2010 Mountain Bike Races, Events

– ‘All Bikes, All Summer Long’ mark summer on wheels –

 

Winter Park, Colo. – Winter Park and the Fraser Valley, known as “Mountain Bike Capital USA™,” will host nearly 20 races and festivals this summer for mountain bike enthusiasts.

Events take place throughout the area, and include the Epic Singletrack Series, considered the premier mountain bike race series in the country.

1. Epic Singletrack Series No. 1 (hill climb), June 12 (www.epicsingletrack.com)

2. Epic Singletrack Series No. 2 (cross-country super loop), June 26 (www.epicsingletrack.com)

 3. Epic Singletrack Series No. 3 (valley point-to-point), July 10 (www.epicsingletrack.com)

 4. Epic Singletrack Series No. 4 (super downhill), July 11 (www.epicsingletrack.com)

 5. USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships, July 15-18 (www.solvistanationals.com)

 6. 19th Annual Fat Tire Classic, July 16-18 (www.fattireclassic.org) – In addition to the mountain rides, a Family Fun Ride will follow the paved, fully accessible Fraser River Trail from Winter Park Resort to the town of Winter Park.

7. Cruiser Bike Party, July 17 (www.playwinterpark.com)  – The afternoon event at Hideaway Park in downtown Winter Park will feature live music, beach volleyball, a kids’ slip-and-slide, an all-ages bike parade and a best-decorated bike contest.

8. Trestle Bike Park Race Series No. 1 (downhill), July 24 (www.winterparkresort.com)

 9. Trestle Bike Park Race Series No. 2 (super downhill), July 25 (www.winterparkresort.com)

 10.  Crankworx Colorado Freeride Mountain Bike Festival and North American Championships, July 29-Aug. 1 (www.crankworx.com) – Some of the world’s best mountain bike athletes compete for more than $35,000 in prizes.

 11.  Mountain Bike Capital USA™ Weekend, July 31-Aug. 1 (www.playwinterpark.com) – To celebrate its more than 600 miles of marked and mapped trails, the Winter Park-Fraser Valley has designated a weekend to focus on mountain biking. Hideaway Park will host the Party in The Park with the Big Air Mountain Board Show on Saturday evening along with live music, food, and interactive games.  On Sunday there will be guided mountain bike tours for all abilities throughout the valley and an expo at Hideaway Park.   

 12.  Epic Singletrack Series No. 5 (Crankworx Colorado cross-country), July 31 (www.epicsingletrack.com)

 13.  Epic Singletrack Series No. 6 (Mary Jane circuit), Aug. 14 (www.epicsingletrack.com)

 14.  Trestle Bike Park Race Series No. 3 (downhill finale), Aug. 15 (www.winterparkresort.com)

 15.  Epic Singletrack Series Finale (King of the Rockies), Aug. 28 (www.epicsingletrack.com)

 16.  Mountain States Cup Rocky Mountain Regional Championship Series, Winter Park Pursuit, Sept. 4-6 (www.racemsc.com)

 Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce (www.PlayWinterPark.com)

The Winter Park-Fraser Valley Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit Colorado corporation created to help further and maintain responsible growth in the Winter Park-Fraser Valley area, located in the Rocky Mountains just 65 miles west of Denver.

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Delta County Tourism Board Announces Unique Festival Lineup

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

NEWS RELEASE

Delta County Tourism Board Announces Unique Festival Lineup

–Celebrations honoring the area’s heritage and agriculture all on tap -

Delta County, Colo. (June 8, 2010) – Delta County is a unique slice of Colorado on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains that is characterized by Old West charm, agricultural riches and unspoiled beauty.  The region also boasts a festival lineup that matches the uniqueness of the county itself.  Here is a sample of what’s in store in Delta County, on “Our Side of the Divide.”   

June 10-12 – 32nd Annual Pioneer Days, Crawford: The area’s western heritage is celebrated with a parade, outhouse races, cowboy cook-off, street dance, live entertainment, fireworks, old-fashioned melodrama, and more.  (http://www.crawfordcountry.org/page.cfm?pageid=10583)

June 12-20 – 51st Annual Black Canyon Arts Exhibit, Hotchkiss: The Hotchkiss Fine Arts Association is the host of this event that is held at Memorial Hall Gallery.  Guest artist and judge, Katherine Colwell, will judge the pieces and also offer a textile art workshop on June 12 and 13. The exhibit opens on Friday June 18 at 11 a.m. with a reception that evening from 6-8:30 p.m. On Saturday, June 19 take in the show at the exhibit hall from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  The show will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., on June 20 so be sure to stop in a purchase your favorite piece.

June 18-20 – Riders on the Farm, Paonia: Billed as a weekend of cycling and local food for roadies, Riders on the Farm includes knowledgeable guides and food prepared by the renowned Fresh and Wyld Farmhouse Inn.  Accommodations are not included, but are available.   

July 2-4 – Paonia Cherry Days, Paonia: Held annually on the Fourth of July, Cherry Days is one the oldest continuously-running, annual outdoor festivals in Colorado. In addition to a parade and fireworks, the celebration includes food, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and a family carnival.  (www.paoniachamber.com)

July 9-11 – Little Britches Rodeo, Cedaredge: For three days every year during July more than 100 contestants ages 8-18 from surrounding states compete in rodeo events.  There is also a mutton busting contest for kiddos under eight years old.

July 17-18 – Deltarado Days, Delta:  This authentic Western fiesta dates back to 1936 and includes food, live music, mule and donkey races, a rodeo, tractor pull, and coal shoveling just to name a few.

Aug. 8-14 – Delta County Fair, Hotchkiss:  This week offers everything a county fair should be, and then some!  The Delta County Fair offers rodeos, roping, tractor pulls, exhibits, rides, a Dutch oven cook-off, and a BBQ. 

Sept. 8-12 – Cowgirl Retreat at Smith Fork Ranch, Crawford:  Experience the unquestionable magic between women and horses…come find your inner cowgirl at Smith Fork Ranch! Ride into remote areas of the beautiful West Elk Wilderness, learn to barrel race and rope cattle. Unwind with cowgirl yoga stretches and luxurious accommodations.  This all-inclusive, four-night package event begins at $1,395 per person.

Sept. 23-26 – Mountain Harvest Festival, Paonia:  Area agriculture takes center stage at this event that begins with education classes.  The wonderfully-acclaimed Harvest of Voices is the highlight of this extravaganza that will be broadcast live on KVNF.

Sept. 26 — Grand Mesa National Scenic Byway Color Sunday, Cedaredge and the Grand Mesa: Come enjoy the gold rush on the largest flat-top mountain in the world. Take the vistas of five mountain ranges, three rivers, three canyons and two valleys.  Couple this with the splendor of fall color for some of the best fall scenic drives in Colorado. Numerous activities and special offers along the Byway (Hwy65) add to the enticement of Color Sunday.

Oct. 2-3 – Cedaredge Apple Festival, Cedaredge: The apples have it at this celebration that pays homage to some of the most delicious apples in the world.  Thousands come to Cedaredge to celebrate the annual harvest with more than 150 booths, a classic car and antique tractor show, a chili cook-off, and Cedaredge’s formal event of the year, the Golden Gala. 

Oct. 8-10 – Council Tree American Indian Market & Jamboree, Delta: Held at the Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta, this free event features works from Native American artists.  Visitors will enjoy weaving, jewelry and flute demonstrations, as well as authentic Native American art and food.  The jamboree includes a variety of music genres.

Early-March to mid-April – Eckert Crane Days, Eckert:  Eckert goes to the birds with this festival that celebrates one of nature’s most impressive heralds of spring, the migration of the Greater Sandhill Cranes.  Watch as they land and take off, and enjoy special events, such as a winemaker’s dinner, educational workshops, poetry, and musical entertainment. 

About Delta County (www.westerncolorado.org)
Delta County, Colo., is located on Colorado’s western slope at the base of Grand Mesa, one of the largest flattop mountains in the world. With more than 281,000 acres dedicated to agriculture, Delta County is home to the towns of Cedaredge, Crawford, Delta, Eckert,
Hotchkiss, Orchard City and Paonia.

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Contacts: Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970-887-2536, gaylene@orecommunications.com
Kelli Hepler, Delta County Tourism Board, 970-874-9532, graphox2000@aol.com

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Savor the Flavor at These Delta County, Colo., Summer Wine Festivals

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

NEWS RELEASE

Savor the Flavor at These Delta County, Colo., Summer Wine Festivals

Delta County, Colo.  (June 8, 2010) – Delta County, Colo., is one of the newest and hottest regions on the wine scene.  Producers have discovered that that area’s dry climate, good water flow, and high elevation make it ideal for growing grapes.  Delta County’s varietals of wine festivals offer the perfect pairing for wine and fun.  So dust off your palate and head to Delta County when these events are uncorked this summer.

June 15-18 – Steltzner Vineyards Culinary Event at Smith Fork Ranch, Crawford: Napa Valley Vinter Allison Stelzner of the acclaimed Steltzner Vineyard and Sam Sharp of Fountinhead Cellars will be on hand for a gourmet pairing experience.  The all-inclusive, three-night package includes four days of wining, dining and pampering for $1,800 a couple.

June 26 – 6th Annual Mountain Vineyard Festival, Cedaredge: Held at the home of Bruce and Nancy Hovde in Cedaredge, the Sixth Annual Mountain Vineyard Festival offers crafts, musical entertainment, and, of course, wine and food pairings from local wineries, distilleries and chefs.  Tickets are $50 per person, and all proceeds benefit Oncology Services at Delta County Memorial Hospital and provide healthcare scholarships to area students.

July 4 – Zero to Sixty: How Colorado’s Wines Became World-Class in Less Than a Decade, Paonia:  As part of the annual Cherry Days Event, workshop participants will learn the history of wine making in Colorado, how climate affects the state’s wines, the basics of label reading, and how to classically pair regional wine and food. The class fee is $50 and includes a technical tasting of six local wines, handouts and tuition.  

August 6 – West Elks Wine Trail, various wineries near Paonia and Hotchkiss:  An opening reception with music by Pickin’ Productions kicks off this celebration of the wineries of Delta County’s West Elks Viticulture Area.  Enjoy tours of the wineries, vineyards, orchards, and gardens surrounding the North Fork of the Gunnison River near Paonia and Hotchkiss. Wine tastings, food pairings, optional dinners, classes and commemorative wine glasses and recipes are also part of the fun.

August 14-15 – Food, Farm, Film and Wine Festival, Paonia: Paradise Theatre in charming downtown Paonia serves as the starting point for this event on Saturday.  From here, visitors will tour Garvin Mesa, Desert Weyr and Revolution Brewing. The evening caps off with dinner at Fresh and Wyld Farmhouse Inn. On Sunday it’s back to Paradise Theatre for continental breakfast and movies before a tasty brunch and delightful music at Orchard Valley Farms.

August 21 – Stone Cottage Cellars Dinner in the Vineyard, Paonia: Enjoy five courses paired with five wines.  A vineyard tour complete with barrel tastings and Celtic music round out the evening’s festivities.  

  
   
   
   
   
       

About Delta County (www.westerncolorado.org)
Delta County, Colo., is located on Colorado’s western slope at the base of Grand Mesa, one of the largest flattop mountains in the world. With more than 281,000 acres dedicated to agriculture, Delta County is home to the towns of Cedaredge, Crawford, Delta, Eckert,
Hotchkiss, Orchard City and Paonia.

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Contacts: Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970-887-2536, gaylene@orecommunications.com
Kelli Hepler, Delta County Tourism Board, 970-874-9532, graphox2000@aol.com

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Ouray Chamber Resort Association Invites Visitors to Enjoy a Car-Free Summer Vacation

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

–Ride, hike and hoof your way through Ouray –

Ouray, Colo. — One of the best things about a vacation to Ouray, Colo., is that once travelers arrive in Ouray, they can park their car for the rest of their stay.  Hiking, biking, jeeping, horseback riding and general touring and strolling on foot are all available within the city limits.  So park the vehicle and get a move on – a car-free Ouray adventure awaits!

Hiking
The Ouray Trails Group works with the U.S. Forest Service to develop and maintain 76 area hiking trails, 12 of which begin within the Ouray city limits.  The Box Cañon Falls Trail starts at the west end of Third Avenue.  Hikers can walk up to see the falls, then decide if they are up to climbing a series of stairs along another quarter-mile trail to a bridge above the canyon.  The reward is great—the views from the top are simply spectacular!  Along the way keep your eyes peeled for the Black Swift, which nests in the canyon walls.

The Lower Cascade Falls Trail provides access to Ouray’s most notable waterfall, which is visible from nearly every point in town.  This quarter-mile hike will take about 45 minutes and is a great place to picnic.  Reach the falls by hiking two blocks uphill from Main Street on Eighth Avenue. 

One of Ouray’s newest trails, the Ouray Perimeter Trail, also begins at the Lower Cascade Falls and connects many of the trails around Ouray.  To access this hike, follow the Cascade Trail for a short distance before forking off to the right and going south around the amphitheater.  Continue on the trail as it connects with the Baby Bathtubs Trail, and then head south on the Portland Trail across Portland Creek and up to the Three Pines Area near the Portland Mine Road.  After crossing the road, the trail continues to the Potato Patch, an open area with amazing views of Twin Peaks and Whitehouse.  From here descend to Highway 550, cross the road and  intersect with Ice Park Trail.  Then, proceed to the Camp Bird Mine Road.  Head west on the road across the bridge and connect with the Box Cañon High Bridge Trail, which leads back into town. 

For other hikes, visit http://www.ouraycolorado.com/Hiking to download the Ouray Hiking Guide…or pick one up at the Ouray Visitors Center.

Jeeping
Jeeping is such a popular pastime in Ouray that the city has been nicknamed “Jeep Capital of the World.” In fact, the world-famous Jeep® Jamboree holds its annual rally in town every fall.  The immediate vicinity offers limitless opportunities for four-wheelers, from easy scenic drives to rugged challenges, along trails the miners built to passes that climb to spectacular heights. All of these have one commonality: they traverse some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, abundant with wildflowers, ghost towns, abandoned mines, animal life, and all boasting breathtaking vistas.

There are several experienced, knowledgeable jeep outfitters in Ouray’s eight-block city limits (visit www.ouraycolorado.com/Jeeping for a full list) who can take visitors on jeep roads that are rated from easy to difficult.  Routes range from extreme high mountain passes (like Imogene Pass), to areas of spectacular wildflowers (such as Yankee Boy Basin), and mountains blanketed in fall foliage (consider Last Dollar Road). 

Biking
Ouray is an amazing experience on two wheels and there is something for cyclists of all levels.  Rent a ride at Peak to Peak Bicycles (www.peaktopeakbicycles.com), located in neighboring Ridgway, or bring your own.  In Ridgway itself cyclists can take the single track that runs right along the edge of town north across Highway 550 to County Road 10.  Dallas Trail, at an elevation of about 9,000 feet, is a popular, yet more difficult, riding trail.  Another challenging route is the eight-mile-long Portland Trail, which is a shorter, yet intense, single track.   Imogene Pass/Last Dollar Loop is extremely difficult, long and steep, and can take up to 10 hours to complete.  For a more laid-back, family trip plan a leisurely ride along the river just north of Ouray.  The River Road goes all the way into Ridgway and back (approximately 25 miles) and is a scenic route over rolling ranchland.  

Horseback Riding, Mine Tours & Carriage Rides
Mounting a horse is one of the most relaxing and peaceful ways to experience Ouray’s beautiful scenery.  Both the San Juan Mountains and adjacent Cimarron Mountains have back-country trails that offer fantastic opportunities for a ride in the saddle. Bach’lers Stable is owned and operated by a genuine cowboy named Fence Post.  Custom rides and group rides are all available on well-trained horses familiar with mountain terrain.  Call 970-318-0444 to set up a personalized ride near the beautiful setting surrounding the Bachelor Syracuse Mine.

Strike up your adventure at the Bachelor-Syracuse Mine Tour located just two miles north of downtown Ouray. Ride the electric tram 1,800 feet into Gold Hill. The tour will bring 130 years of mining history to life as the old equipment is demonstrated and an oral history of the mine is given.  After the tour travelers can try to strike it rich with gold panning in a mountain stream. Enjoy a great miner’s breakfast or noon BBQ served outdoors or under the on-site cook tent. The mine is open daily in the summer.

Mules are the mode of transportation at Ouray Mule and Carriage Company, which offers scenic and historic tours through Ouray everyday from 1-6 p.m.  Visitors climb aboard the mule-drawn plaza surrey for the 45-minute historical tour.  Ouray Mule and Carriage Company is a family-owned operation that dates back to the early 1900s when the current owners’ grandfather and great-uncles operated a mule packing business called Fellin Bros., which carried supplies to the mines surrounding Ouray.  With their story as inspiration, the mules have become the spotlight of the Ouray Mule and Carriage Company, which are relied upon to provide sure-footed, personable and dependable service as visitors take a ride through time.

About Ouray
Located at 7,700 feet above sea level in southwest Colorado, the National Historic District of Ouray is surrounded on three sides by 13,000-foot peaks, earning it the nickname “The Switzerland of America.”  Ouray is home to several hot springs pools and tubs, including the largest, the million-gallon Ouray Hot Springs Pool, which is open year-round.  Ouray is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering rock climbing, hiking, four-wheeling and mountain biking in the summer and ice climbing, backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.  To learn more about the area log on to www.ouraycolorado.com. 
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Contacts:  Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, 970-887-2536, gaylene@orecommunications.com
Karen Avery, Ouray Chamber Resort Association, 970-316-1443, boxcanyonlodge@gmail.com

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