Summer Shines Bright in Colorado

Many new travel adventures await groups in the Mile High State, from outdoor wonders to arts and culture happenings and exciting new restaurant and craft beverage concepts. Whatever your groups are craving, chances are there's something fresh waiting to be discovered.

When it comes to history, groups will find a place to reflect and remember at the Amache National Historic Site, which was named America's Newest National Park by President Biden in spring 2022. This designation, the first in the National Park System during this Administration, will permanently protect the site for future generations and will help tell the history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II. One of ten incarceration sites established by the War Relocation Authority during World War II to unjustly incarcerate Japanese Americans, Amache National Historic Site serves as a place for groups to learn and recommit to further pursuing freedom and justice.

Those with their head in the clouds will be thrilled to know Colorado Stargazing: Experience the Night, Colorado's self-guided stargazing tour, has added three new locations to its roster in preparation for the 2022 summer travel season. In addition to the original seven locations, Colorado Stargazing now includes Gunnison, Ridgway and Nucla, Naturita and Norwood. All of these locations are home to an International Dark-Sky Designated Place or are designated themselves.

Groups could enjoy some sips while learning the history of winemaking in the Grand Valley and how the unique climate supports the cultivation of grapes in this area with three new winery tours from Grand Valley Grapes and Grains Adventures. The Standard Winery Tour includes reserved wine tastings at three Palisade-area wineries, an education about the grapes of the region and more. Additionally, the new Magnum Winery Tour includes a behind-the-scenes tour of a working winery and the Imperial Winery Tour includes a made-to-order gourmet lunch served at a winery. Sign us up!

Lovers of art won't want to miss The Art of Banksy, the largest touring exhibition of authentic Banksy artwork in the world, running from April 14 through June 22. Also worth noting is Carla Fernández Casa de Moda: A Mexican Fashion Manifesto at the Denver Art Museum. The exhibition is the first to fully explore the career of Mexican artist and fashion designer Carla Fernández. Don't forget to visit the newly-opened Culture Museum, a new immersive, multi-room art installation dedicated to celebrating iconic moments in Black pop culture. It's here groups could explore an array of Black culture expressions with themed rooms ranging from '90s sitcoms and iconic films to hip-hop music to the barbershop and family reunions.

Of course, we can't forget about the food. Groups will enjoy the authentic approach to Mexican cuisine found at the second Bellota location, recently opened in Boulder by 2022 James Beard Award "Emerging Chef" semifinalist Manny Barella. Also bringing the mouthwatering vibes to the forefront is Benzina, which specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza. Enjoy a slice or two among the eatery's retro-cool aesthetics, housed in a former muffler shop. Additional stops to keep on your radar include: Cruise Control Kitchen & Cellar— Colorado's first fast casual winery concept in Grand Junction; The Easy Vegan—a pandemic startup serving vegetable-forward vegan food not centered around health or diet culture; and La Française Bistrot—a family-owned restaurant in downtown Breckenridge that transports guests from the mountains of Colorado to Southern France.

Of course, be sure to prepare for your trip by refreshing your memory on these tips for acclimating to a higher altitude.

Learn more and see what else is new at Colorado Tourism.

Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for Groups Today.

Photo courtesy of Colorado Tourism.