Colorado Travel Bucket List

6 sensational experiences in June

Colorado is quite simply the place to be. Our four-season lifestyle is nothing short of extraordinary, with high-altitude landscapes, venues and events so numerous that even long-time residents are challenged to experience it all.

June is especially attractive. Colorado is overflowing with things to see and do—family attractions and events, national parks, outdoor adventures, cosmopolitan cities, welcoming towns. Here’s a scrapbook-saving sampling of what’s happening in the coming days:

1. 66th Annual FIBark: If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing Colorado’s celebrated Spring snow runoff firsthand, this is the place. The FIBArk (“First Boating on the Arkansas) is America’s oldest whitewater festival and Salida’s signature event. The five-day fest includes thrilling kayaking, rafting, SUP and paddleboarding events, plus live music, parade, 5 and 10K foot races, bicycle races, disc golf tournament, beer and wine tasting, rubber duck race and farmers’ market. June 11-15, 2014. Free. fibark.com

2. 21st Annual Colorado BBQ Challenge: Father’s Day weekend is huge in Frisco, where the historic mining town celebrates with an insanely scrumptious barbecue festival. This year some 70 teams will compete for the coveted title of Grand Champion by serving up killer BBQ that annually attracts more than 30,000 visitors. Event includes children’s activities, live music and shopping. June 12-14, 2014. friscobbq.com

3. Glenn Miller Swing Fest: Fort Morgan was the boyhood home of legendary big band musician Glenn Miller. Celebrate his legacy and music (“In the Mood,” “A String of Pearls”) with swing dancing, live music (including the Glenn Miller Orchestra), high school student band clinic, special dinners, community picnic, historic tours, a fly-in at the local airport, themed parties, comedy show and more. June 19-22, 2014. glennmillerswingfest.com

4. JAS Aspen Snowmass June Experience: Get your tickets now for this extraordinary high country event that offers four nights of headline concerts. This year’s playbill includes Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Steve Winwood, John Boutte and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. There’s also a free nightly lawn party with food vendors and two live music stages. Complimentary local shuttle. June 19-24, 2014. aspenchamber.org

5. 117th Annual Strawberry Days: Head to Glenwood Springs later this month for one of the state’s most iconic traditions. Event includes a Saturday morning parade, live entertainment, carnival, arts, crafts, kids’ stuff and delicious food and beverage (including the festival’s most popular event—free strawberries and ice cream on Saturday). June 20-22, 2014. Free. strawberrydaysfestival.ning.com

6. 6th Annual Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival: Don’t fret if you missed the FIBArk in Salida—there’s another big-water festival planned later this month in Cañon City. Also held on the wild-and-wooly Arkansas River, the RGWF will include thrilling freshwater boat competitions, live music, micro beer, delectable food and more, plus all money raised goes towards charity, river restoration and the expansion of the town’s fabulous whitewater park. June 20-21, 2014. royalgorgewhitewaterfestival.com

For more things to do throughout the state, go online to www.colorado.com.

RELATED LINKS

Stay and Play in Colorado Springs

Living Well: The Durango Lifestyle

Grand Junction and Montrose for Food and Wine

Durango resident Chris Duthie is a contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer, the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.