So many of us flock to Denver because of Colorado’s beautiful natural landscape. But once here, we tend to remain city bound as we lead our busy lives.
So consider this your wake-up call! Summer is here; beautiful towns around the state beckon; and there’s no time like the present to hit the road.
When mapping your route, why not consider the myriad of food and wine festivals throughout the state? You can enjoy wonderful tastings in some of the best scenery this country has to offer as you vacation.
Among such festivals, suggested by 5280 magazine:
Heritage Fire, Snowmass, July 29: You don’t have to be a pyromaniac to enjoy this festival that invites more than 20 chefs to cook “heritage-breed meats over an open flame,” says 5280. You do, however, have to be a carnivore.
Olathe Sweet Corn Festival, August 4-5: Olathe is known for its tasty corn, and visitors will get their share of it. Enjoy all-you-can-eat corn and a corn-eating contest, as well as a car show, parade, and more.
Vail Wine Classic, August 10-13: This popular happening is all wine, all the time. Notes 5280: “Over the course of four days, you can meet winemakers, attend seminars, enjoy paired dinners and sample wines from around the world.”
Palisade Peach Festival, August 18-19: Colorado peach lovers—who can’t get enough of Palisade’s delicious fruit—won’t want to miss this event and its array of “fresh-off-the-tree” peaches, cooking demonstrations, an orchard tour, and peach dishes galore.
Breckenridge Wine Classic, August 24-26: In these waning days of summer, the Breckenridge scenery provides a feast for your eyes, and the food and wine takes care of your palate. You’ll find “more than 100 chefs, purveyors, wineries, breweries, and distilleries,” and a new “late-night blind wine tasting.”
Pueblo Chile & Frijoles Festival, September 22-24: This three-day festival focuses on “smoky green chiles.” You can also enjoy a chihuahua parade (yes, you read that right!), a jalapeño eating contest, live cooking demonstrations, a farmer’s market, and more.