25 Miles from The Canyons
In 1971, the first Tattered Cover Book Store opened its doors. Today, it’s Denver’s premier indie bookstore, selling both used and new books in four locations. The philosophy at Tattered Cover is to bring people and books together in an in-person, warm-and-cozy, hands-on-literary way. These shops are gathering places. And with their stock of books, expansive newsstands, reader programs, and thoughtful author, illustrator, and public speaking events, you’ll want to linger. Better news? The Historic LoDo and Union Station stores are within walking distance of each other. So, make your book list and put on walking shoes because this is a bookish outing times two! Best news? Historic LoDo’s Tattered Cover Café makes a restful landing pad to sit and sort through any purchases.
While You’re There: Tattered Cover owner Joyce Meskis is a fierce advocate for literacy, evidenced in the extensive community outreach and unique programming provided at the shops. Consider joining a book club – there are seven – or entering a contest or making the Love Letters to Authors series a weekly reading indulgence. Check out the programming for young readers too. Exciting author events, contests, and story times build life-long readers. If you’re a writer or illustrator, check on the opportunities for support. Tattered Cover Book Store is your local creative powerhouse. Use it. Enjoy it. Grow with it.
Tattered Cover Book Store
Historic LoDo:
1628 16th Street
Denver, CO 80202
Union Station:
1701 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202
50 Miles from The Canyons
Colorado Springs Philharmonic began when 27 local musicians formed the Colorado Springs Symphony Ensemble. Since that time, the group set their sights on providing outstanding musical events while making artistic and civic impacts to the community. Their vision has come to pass and today’s schedule is full of creatively imagined concerts and recitals that both honor and modernize the classical classics. They perform in two acoustically beautiful theatres, Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts and Ent Center for the Arts, and to make art accessible to all, kids 7 to 17 attend free with a paid adult. Buy a ticket today and support this local musical effort whose commitment to area culture hits all the right notes.
While You’re There: When attending a concert at Pikes Peak Center, you’ll be in the heart of Downtown Colorado Springs, where indie boutiques and global eateries make for great pre-curtain entertainment or post show fun. If your event is at UCCS’s Ent Center for the Arts, be sure to allow time to explore their Visual Arts Gallery.
Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts
190 S Cascade Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Ent Center for the Arts
5225 N Nevada Avenue
Colorado Springs, Co 80918
Phone: 719.575.9632
340 Miles from The Canyons
Telluride, a National Historic Landmark District, embodies mountain character while being just twelve blocks long. Set in a box canyon, Telluride is the unassuming place to unwind and enjoy otherworldly natural beauty. In this way, you won’t want to miss the Telluride Salt Cave. Inside PURE Beauty & Wellness Spa, this European-style treatment soothes body and mind and affects health on a cellular level. All with the natural healing power of salt. Himalayan salt is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial qualities and trace-minerals. Try a session in Telluride Salt Cave to positively impact respiratory issues and health distress like joint pain. You’ll also walk away with stress relief and deep calm from the tranquil glow of the cave’s salt walls and waterfall.
While You’re There: Whether you go to Telluride for skiing or other outdoor play, it’s hard to deny the serenity reset that happens in a place stitched into nature’s fabric so seamlessly. Surrounded by towering peaks, the town feels protected and far away. For more amazing scenery, consider a ride on The Gondola, which links Telluride to its sister town, Mountain Village. Ranking as one of the most interesting free city transportation systems in the country – that’s right, it’s free – the 13-minute ride puts Mother Nature on full display.
Telluride Salt Cave at PURE Beauty & Wellness Spa
333 W Colorado Avenue
Telluride, CO 81435
Phone: 970.239.6144
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Saturday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
52 Miles from The Canyons
Looking for an autumn day packed with fall fun? Anderson Farms Fall Festival will exceed your expectations. Running from late September through early November, the farm transforms with unmatched harvest hoopla. Visit the pumpkin patch, take a wagon ride, pet the farm animals, attempt the famous Corn Maze. Reserve a pavilion and stay for a picnic or sign up for a campfire site and roast marshmallows while telling tales around the fire. As Halloween approaches, the farm ups the spookiness factor. If you like the scary side of the holiday and haunted houses, check out Zombie Paintball Hunt and Terror in the Corn. For a non-scary event, there’s the Little Ghouls program. The farm has unique ranch-y playgrounds for the kiddos too. No matter how you decide to enjoy Anderson Farms, mark the calendar. The festivities wrap up just as November begins.
Anderson Farms
6728 County Road 3-1/4
Erie, CO 80516
Phone: 303.828.5210
68 Miles from The Canyons
Tucked into the Rocky Mountains, the Georgetown Loop Railroad & Mining Park delivers an authentic look at rail travel, the miner’s life, and because it dates to the late 1800s, a hint of both the lawlessness and romance that stretched as far as the tracks. Just an hour from Castle Pines, open April through December, travelers have much to enjoy in the park. Hour-plus rides in boxcars provide views of awesome landscape. Take the parlor car tour for first class service, including snacks and beverages. Stops at the mines add adventure and more incredible sights. If you’re taking the kiddos, check out the website for great tips and best places for kid fun. With special themed events, the rides and depots offer unique seasonal and holiday outings too. Consider taking a fall ride to see the Aspens in all their glory. Or get on-board for Wild West Days or Santa’s Lighted Forest, where characters, music, and festive treats transport you to worlds only railroads can reach.
Georgetown Loop Railroad & Mining Park
Devil’s Gate Depot
646 Loop Drive
Georgetown, CO 80444
Silver Plume Depot
825 Railroad Avenue
Silver Plume, CO 80476
Phone: 888.456.6777
28 Miles to The Canyons
On the hunt for gourmet goodies and food hall revelry? Check out The Denver Central Market, where a small but mighty group of vendors dish out one-of-a-kind eats and edible gifts. It’s true there’s something for everyone, but some favs include cold brew coffee and kombucha at Crema Bodega, the meatball sandwich at The Local Butcher, and the make-the-mouth-happy Banana Stand chocolate bite at Temper Chocolates. Banana ganache and roasted peanut filling? Yes, please! To eat and imbibe at the marketplace is foodie joy, but the shopping here is great too. With olive oils and bakery and dry goods, assemble a food gift worth its weight or select a pre-made gift basket, curated for best of the best giving. Open from 8:00am to 10:00pm, arrive early and grab Izzio’s poached egg dish, Shaksuka, for breakfast and then shop. Or come later for a tasty dinner of Vero Italian’s Frizzi pizza and Curio’s tiki-inspired Jamaican Sour cocktail as a nightcap. Carry-out means yummy dishes can go with you, market to market and then home again, jiggety-jig.
The Denver Central Market
2669 Larimer Street
Denver, Colorado 80205
Hours of Operation:
Sunday – Thursday | 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday & Saturday | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
23 Miles from The Canyons
Now in its 43rd year, the Denver Film Festival has set the bar high, aiming to promote film as both an art form and a civic forum while also developing programming for diverse audiences. The festivals activities take place at The Sie FilmCenter at the Tivoli and at The Ellie Caulkins Opera House, which serves as home to Red Carpet events during the festival. This 2,400-seat theatre provides a state-of-the-art movie going experience while Sie FilmCenter features twelve screens. With a dedicated staff and an eye on entertaining extras like Q&As with filmmakers, workshops, short films, and gear demos, the festival is twelve days of movie bliss.
Sie FilmCenter
2510 East Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80206
Phone: 720.381.0813
48 Miles from The Canyons
Open and free to the public since 1909, Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center and Park is a registered National Natural Landmark with magical rock formations, brilliant mountain scenery, and a world-class museum. The park is a short one-hour drive from Castle Pines, and because it features indoor and outdoor dining – dining that overlooks the land and Pikes Peak – this spot makes a perfect day trip of sightseeing with a good meal. The museum has new interactive exhibits and a theatre, which shows the movie Geo-Trekker to explain the site’s red rocks. Also onsite are bike and walking tours, hiking and rock climbing, and amazing locations for photographers to shoot some great film. There also happens to be an historic ranch on the property (open June through Labor Day) and the park has horseback riding and jeep tour partners, which you can learn more about on the center’s user-friendly, information-packed website. Also, be sure to check the website for the most current, seasonal hours.
Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center
1805 N 30th Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Phone: 719.634.6666
Hours of Operation:
Daily | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
28 Miles from The Canyons
Globally inspired but distinctly Denver, Great Divide Brewing Company crafts and packages balanced, flavorful beer amidst the energy of downtown. Owned and operated by community philanthropist and local, Brian Dunn, the Ballpark District Brewery & Tap Room and RiNo Barrel Bar & Packaging Hall are within a mile of each other, and both are worthy hangouts. Pub crawl, anyone? Ballpark Tap Room features 16 seasonal and year-round brews while RiNo’s Barrel Bar offers the full line-up of Great Divide beers plus limited release beers. Linger on Tap Room’s sunshiny patio and grab a bite from daily food trucks. Check out Barrel Bar for their show-off city and mountain views. With a vibrant, arty walk through River North’s Art District to get to and from, this crawl has it all.
While You’re There: If you’re heading to Great Divide’s bars, don’t miss their behind-the-scenes tours! The Ballpark location holds daily brewery tours and the RiNo hall offers a peek inside Denver’s largest packaging brewery, dubbed Packaging Wonderland. Be sure to check Great Divide’s website – greatdivide.com – for tour times, important guidelines, and dress code.
Great Divide Brewing Company
Ballpark District: Brewery & Tap Room
2201 Arapahoe Street
Denver, CO 80205
RiNo: Barrel Bar & Packaging Hall
1812 35th Street
Denver, CO 80216
Phone: 303.296.9460
Hours of Operation:
Daily | 12:00 – 10:00 PM
2.5 Miles from The Canyons
Reading enthusiasts, book lovers, and literacy champions unite! Douglas County Libraries have volunteer opportunities to help you spread the learning and leisure value of book-in-hand. Visit their website, at dcl.org, or ask librarians or staff at one of the eight county libraries how you can support giving the gift of reading. Maybe you’d like to help expand adult literacy or deliver books to homebound readers. Maybe becoming a Child Care Center Reader is what you have interest in and talent to do. The libraries also hold special events where they need greeters and set-up or cleanup crews. And of course, there’s always the important work that takes place inside each library, stocking shelves, repairing books, and providing clerical assistance. The giving options are as varied as the books offered on loan, so come book time to share your unique bookish skills with the community.
While You’re There: The Douglas County library system is an interesting place to volunteer, but you’ll also find engaging programs and extensive author events for both kids and adults. For instance, Book Lovers is a lively, adult-only evening book club and the Lifelong Learning series is for those 18 and older to deep dive into distinctive topics. For kids, Bark for Books and Book Buddies provide readerly fun. Bark for Books turns kids into storytellers. The audience? Trained therapy dogs! Book Buddies pairs older readers with younger ones to build literacy skills and love of reading.
Douglas County Libraries – Castle Pines
360 Village Square Lane
Castle Pines, CO 80108
Phone: 303.791.7323
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday & Saturday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday | 12:00 – 5:00 PM
326 Miles from The Canyons
Starting at Colorado’s eastern border and stretching across thirteen Kansas counties, the U.S. 36 Treasure Hunt is September’s ultimate tag sale. A combination of garage sales, antique markets, and estate clearances, the stock of treasures is long and wide. Appraisers are also set up along the route and area restaurants and hotels are ready to host you for quick-stop meals and layovers or leisurely dining and rest after a day of hunting. The Treasure Hunt lasts three days, so be prepared for an old school road trip through charming small towns with friendly folks. Shoppers who’ve attended sing about making new friends, finding one-of-a-kind valuables, and putting the reduce-reuse-upcycle motto to work. Bragging rights go to those who find a bargain buy on a worn-out something and turn it into a new, good-looking favorite.
While You’re There: U.S. Highway 36 was once the main thoroughfare for those traveling to and from Denver. Now, truly, it’s the road less traveled. It’s also the way into and out of the U.S. 36 Treasure Hunt and using it gives an honest look at yesteryear. Last Chance, an unincorporated township between Denver and the Kansas border, is a ghost town lover’s dream. Bring a camera and take shots of old outbuildings, the abandoned town motel, and closed businesses with midcentury signage, showing the art and style of the time. Just before crossing into Kansas, you’ll pass through Idalia, where a restaurant called The Grainery gets high praise from travelers who review it as a hidden gem with friendly service and fresh ingredients.
United States 36 Highway Association
PO Box 36
Phillipsburg, KS 67661
32 Miles from The Canyons
Because Red Rocks Park serves as a crossroad, where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, Red Rocks Amphitheatre becomes the only naturally occurring open air venue with ideal acoustics in the world. Attracting the best voices and musical groups, the amphitheatre sound moves both the audience and the artist. Songs and set lists transform into powerful performances. The park also inspires. With tours, trails, dining, and the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, you’ll experience many Denver-specific moments in one place. Geological wonders and abundant wildlife and views rub shoulders with great food and entertainment. Again, a crossroad—one where, whatever direction you choose, you’ll discover a good time.
While You’re There: Built in 1931, the Trading Post greets Reds Rocks visitors as they arrive. Stop and take a look around. The building precedes the amphitheatre by a decade and is built in Pueblo Revival style to honor Native American historical architecture, which aimed to compliment the landscape. In 2015, the Trading Post became home to the Colorado Music Hall of Fame exhibit, and in 2016, was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
18300 Alameda Parkway
Morrison, CO 80465
Phone: 720.865.2494
9 Miles from The Canyons
The historic Cherokee Ranch & Castle is something to behold. Bought by Tweet Kimball in 1954, the cattle ranch and castle became part of her vision for land and wildlife preservation and pursuit of both educational and arts advancement in the area. Exploring the land and the castle, built from locally-sourced rhyolite and petrified wood, one finds culture, science, style, and civic duty imbedded in every nook and cranny. It’s extraordinary. And a good way to start your adventure is to attend Castle Tea. The fare is light and seasonal and features all the delights of traditional tea service. After tea, you’re invited on a guided hour tour of the castle. Oh, the things you’ll discover! Marvelous antiques and art. Rare books. And the story of Tweet and her bold and interesting life. Come for afternoon tea and leave inspired.
Cherokee Ranch & Castle
6113 N Daniels Park Road
Sedalia, CO 80135
Phone: 303.688.5555
23 Miles from The Canyons
In 1970, a group of Denver citizens saved social activist and Titanic survivor Molly Brown’s house from demolition. Born of this effort, Historic Denver has worked to preserve and promote many urban landmarks. After five decades of work, Denver history thrives and Historic Denver Walking Tours has the inside scoop. There are five main tours and three specialty walks, each putting you ringside to the people and places of the past. From warehouses to mansions, from main streets to clock towers, all you need are comfortable shoes, sunglasses – or sometimes an umbrella – and the desire to learn the stories behind many of the city’s most iconic and memorable buildings, homes, and streets.
While You’re There: After saving Molly Brown’s home, Historic Denver converted it to the Molly Brown House Museum and opened it for guided tours. Located at 1340 Pennsylvania Street, the carefully restored house demonstrates how J.J. and Margaret “Molly” Tobin Brown lived in the early 1900s. The home is also known as the House of Lions and Molly, of course, as The Unsinkable Molly Brown. Besides daily tours of the museum, there are themed tours and events that capture the spirit of the times and Molly’s philanthropy and adventures.
Historic Denver Walking Tours
1420 Ogden Street, Suite 202
Denver, CO 80218
Phone: 303.534.5288 ext. 7
Hours of Operation:
Mondays | Closed
Tuesday through Sunday | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
4 Miles from The Canyons
If you’re looking for a top-rated Denver golf course, your search ends at The Ridge at Castle Pines North. With spacious fairways, sculpted bunkers, and well proportioned, rolling greens, challenges coexist with the potential for a day of great shots and satisfying play. Set among Gamble Oaks and Ponderosa Pines, the mountain views stay with you through the 18th green. It’s not a surprise that this course, with its Tom Weiskopf layout, gets high marks from the best golf publications, including Colorado Avid Golfer. With the onsite restaurant, Park Place at the Ridge, plan for breakfast before or happy hour after and linger on the patio, which overlooks the Castle Rock valley.
While You’re There: Ever wonder how much a golf lesson would improve your game? Want to get out to more social golfing events? The Ridge offers both. To up your game, choose between a Learn to Play class, Get Into Golf clinics, private or group lessons, or coaching. There’s also Junior Golf Camp and coaching for young players. For friendly rounds, check out group golf socials like Ladies Night and holiday themed tournament play.
The Ridge at Castle Pines North
1414 Castle Pines Parkway
Castle Pines, CO 80108
Phone: 303.688.4301
32 Miles from The Canyons
Film on the Rocks at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an early-in-the-week entertainment dream. The movie showings take place from May through August and each film opens with live music and a comedian. That’s triple the recreational fun! And all for just $16! Another pleasure of the evening is the clever match-ups of vintage movie with local bands and favorite comedians, all creating a theme that feels festive and lively. Doors open at 6:30pm and the band goes on at 7:00pm, followed by the film at dusk. It’s a warm summer night outing to relish. A bit of music plus hearty laughs plus a throw-back movie adds up to a (red) rocking good time.
Film on the Rocks
18300 Alameda Parkway
Morrison, CO 80465
Phone: 720.865.2494
5 Miles from The Canyons
Calling all lovers of kickball! Gather family, friends, neighbors, because putting together a game has never been easier. Part of Castle Pines North Metro District, Coyote Ridge Park has your go-to neighborhood ball field, and whether it’s kickball, baseball, or softball, your teams are set up for success. Located just northeast of Monarch Boulevard and Hidden Pointe Boulevard, it’s a short trip from home to a day of play. And the park amenities don’t end with the upper park diamond that’s perfect for kickball. There’s also another multi-purpose sports field for, say, soccer, a skateboard park, two basketball courts, trails, and a playground. With shade pavilions, picnic tables, and barbeques grills, plan to hang out post-kickball with snacks or have a full picnic. The park opens at 6:00am and closes at 8:00pm.
While You’re There: Newish to the property, the open-air basketball courts are just south of the skateboard park with lots of hangout room around them. The courts are a great place for pick-up games and basketball practice, and because the park is open until 8:00pm, evening games make for fun end-of-day exercise.
Coyote Ridge Park
7485 Serena Drive
Castle Pines, CO 80108
Phone: 303.688.8550
Hours of Operation:
Daily | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
7 Miles to The Canyons
Intimate, innovative, and international, that’s Lone Tree Arts Center. Set in a LEED-certified venue, their concerts and shows also lead. With fresh perspective lectures and storytelling, musical performances with a twist or two, and a National Geographic Live series, these events and performers are knock-your-socks-off engaging. Truly, nothing here is ordinary or been-there. We’re talking always-wanted-to-know-that topics, what-an-incredible-take music. With programming this nuanced and thoughtful, and in a location so close to The Canyons, you’ll want to explore the discounts offered for ticket subscription packages. To continue this local, modern adventure, consider using RTD Light Rail to get to this leading edge theatre.
While You’re There: Just down from the arts center on Commons Street is Via Baci, Modern Italian Kitchen + Bar. Known as Lone Tree’s best Italian restaurant, they use fresh, simple ingredients to make delightful sandwiches, pastas, and Neapolitan pizza. Enjoy the easy-going dishes and friendly staff before or after a show. And if it’s Tuesday or Thursday, enjoy select bottles of wine at all-day happy hour prices.
Lone Tree Arts Center
10075 Commons Street
Lone Tree, CO 80124
Phone: 720.509.1000
14 Miles from The Canyons
Do you have a love for and experience with horses? Are you a competent ranch-hand or skilled with duties unique to fundraising? Have you wanted to do more for those who are differently abled? If so, there are fantastic and impactful volunteer opportunities at Promise Ranch in Franktown. Promise Ranch delivers therapeutic equine experiences for those in need of nature-based healing modalities. Services include Adaptive Riding, occupational and speech therapy sessions, and programs for active-duty and veteran military professionals. Volunteers can help manage and care for horses, the ranch grounds, or provide clerical or administrative support, all things that boost the experience for horse and rider at the ranch.
While You’re There: If you want to give something other than time, consider sponsoring a Promise Ranch horse. Therapy horses work six days a week and provide hours of healing, joy, and transformative learning and confidence to the riders. Sponsoring a Healing Horse helps Promise Ranch cover food, boarding, and veterinarian care. Whether it’s Mambo, Lily, Comet or any other horse in the herd, monetary sponsorship covers the basics so they’re comfortable and focused for therapy sessions.
Promise Ranch Therapeutic Riding
6230 E Hwy 86
Franktown, CO 80116
Phone: 303.817.6531
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Saturday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday | Closed
2 Miles from The Canyons
Sky View Farm is your neighbor’s horse farm. Meaning, it’s owned and run by Castle Pines local Wendy Ingraham. Her vision for the farm is to provide open space, away from the life’s busy-ness, to enjoy the horses and countryside. Besides the beautiful offerings of kids’ camps and therapy sessions, Sky View has horse riding lessons, and whether you’re an experienced equestrian or riding for the first time, there’s a challenge waiting for you. Mainly because these lessons are personalized. From jumpers to trail riding, the trainers help you better connect with horses and advance your skills in both indoor and outdoor arenas. Private and group lessons are available, making this great as a team building activity, family outing, girls-day-out, or an alone-time respite to catch your breath and re-energize in horse riding style.
Sky View Farm
1705 Outter Marker Road
Castle Rock, CO 80108
Phone: 310.844.2627
Hours of Operation:
Daily | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM