Littleton CO

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about climbing aboard a vintage steam train, and at Georgetown Loop Railroad, that magic is alive and well. Tucked into the rugged foothills of Colorado’s Rockies, this historic narrow-gauge railroad isn’t just a ride — it’s a full-on time-travel experience, complete with the clatter of iron wheels, puffs of steam, and jaw-dropping views around every bend.

Tucked between the pine-scented hills of the Front Range and the rolling farmland near Berthoud, there’s a sparkling blue surprise that feels worlds away from the bustle of I-25. Welcome to Carter Lake Reservoir—where the views are epic, the water’s always inviting, and your weekend just found its happy place.

Tucked deep in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, there’s a ride that doesn’t just take you somewhere — it takes you back in time. With steam curling into crisp alpine air and the rhythmic chug of iron wheels echoing through canyons, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad isn’t just a train ride. It’s a full-sensory throwback to Colorado’s mining boom days — and trust us, you don’t need to be a train buff to fall head over heels for it.

Imagine settling into your hotel room for the night—not just to rest, but to watch a full-fledged drive-in movie without ever leaving your bed. That’s exactly what awaits at Best Western Movie Manor in Monte Vista, Colorado, a one-of-a-kind lodging experience where classic Americana meets quirky comfort. Here, the magic of a drive-in theater and the ease of a roadside motel combine for a stay that’s equal parts nostalgic, playful, and downright fun.

Tucked into the pines just outside of Steamboat Springs, there’s a pocket of magic where mineral water bubbles up from the earth, steam rises through snow-dusted branches, and the outside world melts away. Welcome to Strawberry Park Hot Springs—a rustic, otherworldly retreat that feels like nature’s own spa resort, if Mother Nature also happened to moonlight as an architect with a flair for the mystical.

If Willy Wonka opened a dessert shop in real life, it would probably look a lot like The Inventing Room. Tucked into a quiet corner of Denver’s Sloan’s Lake neighborhood, this sugar-fueled wonderland doesn’t just serve treats—it puts on a show. With clouds of liquid nitrogen, color-changing sauces, and fizzy, crackling bites that feel straight out of a science fair, this place turns dessert into a full-on spectacle.

If you've ever wanted to feel like you're flying through a postcard, buckle up—because the Gold Run Coaster in Breckenridge, Colorado delivers the thrill. Imagine coasting down a winding track, surrounded by towering evergreens and snow-capped peaks, all while you control the speed. Yes, it’s a rollercoaster—but built right into the side of a mountain.

If your idea of the perfect movie night involves fuzzy friends and fresh air, Denver’s Goatflix and Chill has your name written all over it—probably in hoofprints. This adorable, laugh-out-loud-quirky event takes over Four Mile Historic Park a few times each season, inviting you to kick back with a blanket, a snack, and a goat or two as classic flicks roll on the big screen.

There’s something about a sky full of colorful hot air balloons that makes you feel like a kid again. Add in cotton candy, live music, a whiff of kettle corn, and the low hum of community joy, and you’ve got a perfect summer morning in Erie, Colorado. Welcome to the Erie Balloon Launch and Town Fair—a local favorite where small-town charm floats sky-high.

Every Labor Day weekend, the skies above Colorado Springs transform into a floating dreamscape of drifting giants. It’s not a mirage—those really are hundreds of hot air balloons rising against the dramatic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. If you’re looking to kick off September with something equal parts whimsical and wondrous, the Colorado Springs Labor Day Lift Off is the answer.