Colorado

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.

Tucked just off the shoulder of US-285 in Centerville, Colorado, lies a place where rocks rock—and not just the musical kind. If you’re the sort of traveler who brakes for quirky roadside stops, The Rock Doc might just become your new favorite detour. What looks from the outside like a humble roadside rock shop is, in reality, a glittering haven of minerals, fossils, and geologic wonder that captures the spirit of the West with a whole lot of heart.

If you’ve ever wanted to sip wine while gliding through a canyon so deep it makes your stomach flutter—in a good way—hop aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad in Cañon City, Colorado. This bucket-list-worthy train ride serves up jaw-dropping views, gourmet dining, and old-school railcar charm as it hugs the cliffs of one of Colorado’s most iconic natural wonders.