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Top Last Minute Labor-Day Vacation Spots Near Denver

Mountain Thunder LodgeMountain Thunder Lodge (credit: breckresorts.com)

The three days of Labor Day weekend provide an opportunity to enjoy the last of the Denver area's glorious summer with a variety of close getaways for every taste and pocketbook. Whether the traveler is looking to camp and hike up spectacular mountains, partake in delicious foods and music or live the life of luxury, it is not too late to plan a three-day adventure. This time of year offers some of the most perfect weather with which to leave the real world behind and explore Colorado's festivals and mountain town beauty.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park
92 Crawford Gulch Road
Golden, CO  80403
(303) 582-3707
www.reserveamerica.com

Camping close to Denver often means giving up that forest of trees and shade. This is not the case with Golden Gate Canyon State Park. It offers the best of both worlds of camping under plenty of shady trees, beautiful wildflowers and panoramic views and it's just a short 45-minute drive from Denver. Hiking enthusiasts need look no further as there are a myriad of trails for all levels. Just a short drive up the road, hikers will find the trailhead to the Grays and Torreys Peaks for the challenge of a fourteener. The staff at the visitor center is very helpful in helping campers find fishing lakes, hiking trails and pointing guests to the amenities of running water, automatic toilets, hand dryers and even showers.

The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
321 17th St.
Denver, CO 80202
(800) 321-2599
www.broadmoor.com

Labor Day weekend offers the annual A Taste of Colorado festival held in Downtown Denver's Civic Center Park. This fun event includes over 50 booths with a variety of foods, five music stages, arts and crafts vendors, kids' activities and carnival rides. The perfect way to unwind after the day's busy activities is to treat oneself to the luxury and pampering of the famous Brown Palace Hotel and Spa. After walking just a few blocks from A Taste of Colorado, guests will be greeted by men in bowler hats and old fashioned suits to make the guest feels welcome. Enjoy a fun and delicious dinner in the Ship Tavern restaurant where a piano player will be singing with the crowd. If possible, plan ahead with reservations for its famous high tea for Sunday or Monday before heading home.

Related: Top Bars for Foodies in Denver

TimberHouse Ski Lodge
196 Timber House Cabin Road
Winter Park, CO 80446
(970) 726-4577
www.timberhouseskilodge.com

A three-day weekend is just the ticket for a Whiskey & Wings Festival. Less than a two-hour drive to the beautiful summer mountains, Winter Park plays host to a day of wings, whiskey and live music. After a full day filled with not only the festival but mountain biking, alpine sliding and scenic chairlift rides, the TimberHouse Ski Lodge is there to provide a unique mountain inn experience away from the outside world. Family run for 35 years, this inn reminds guests of a European ski lodge complete with delicious and hearty meals served friendly and family style. Cell phones and laptops are not allowed in the living room and dining rooms which will help guests leave the real world behind.

Mountain Thunder Lodge
535 S. Park Ave.
Breckenridge, CO 80424
(970) 547-5725
www.breckresorts.com/mountain-thunder-lodge

Barely a two-hour drive from Denver, Breckenridge has the extraordinary beauty and charm of a mountain town without the price and snobby feeling of similar resorts. At 9,600 feet up, visitors will leave the end of summer heat behind to soak in clear rivers, wildflowers and hanging baskets on most every corner, along with plenty of activities to keep busy. Be sure to bring the camera and plenty of enthusiasm for the annual Rubber Duck Race and wine festival. At the end of the day when nothing more can be packed in, relax in luxury at the well-known Mountain Thunder Lodge. Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in style with choices of condos and townhomes furnished and well stocked with everything a weekend traveler needs. The friendly and helpful staff will help visitors find restaurants and activities to ensure a romantic and memorable weekend.

The Broadmoor
1 Lake Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(719) 634-7711
www.broadmoor.com

Green and beautiful Colorado Springs boasts one of the most romantic and memorable hotels with at to experience the Labor Day weekend. The Broadmoor is a five-star hotel with the charm and elegance of an old romantic movie. Guests will forget what century they are living in as they lose themselves in the timeless old charm complete with amazing spa treatments, an incredible restaurant and the staff to see to every need. Ideal for couples, The Broadmoor offers a Labor Day two-night package including a $100 dining credit, bicycle rentals, horseback ride or a Garden of the Gods Jeep Tour, plus many other deals and discounts. It is the chance to escape the everyday of Denver and explore all that this area has to offer.

RelatedThe Best Day of Your Life In Denver Is Here!

Colleen Bement is a freelance writer covering all things Denver. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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