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Top Small Colorado Mountain Towns To Visit This Fall

If you want to get away but don't have time to plan a full on vacation, you're in luck. With so many popular destinations located mere hours from the metro, there are plenty of places in which to relax for the weekend. Colorado's small mountain towns pack culture and history into their locations, and there are usually some good trails and other activities of which to take advantage. Set your plans, pack your bags and get out of town for a long weekend in one of these small mountain towns.
Idaho Springs
Beau Jo's Pizza
1517 Miner St.
Idaho Springs, CO 80452
(303) 567-4376
www.beaujos.com

Located a mere 25 minutes away from Denver, Idaho Springs is a quaint town where you can spend the day shopping, hiking, biking, rafting or learning a little more about the history of the Gold Rush. The town offers many walking tours that cover historical destinations and their significance to the development of our state. Idaho Springs is also home to the original Beau Jo's Pizza location, which offers an atmosphere that is beyond compare. Home to the famous Mountain Pie, this popular pizza joint offers a fun way to end your day. Idaho Springs is one of the last stops on the way back into town from the mountains. If you've just finished a hike or a rafting trip, celebrate by visiting the birthplace of the Mountain Pie.

Edwards
Simply Massage
2211 Frontage Road W.
Vail, CO 81657
(970) 476-7223
www.simplymassage.squarespace.com

As one of Vail's nearest neighbors, Edwards offers plenty of activities for visitors, including horseback riding, hot air balloon rides and even art classes. Other activities include outdoor concerts, wine tastings and much more. Another element that adds to Edwards' appeal is the abundance of rest and relaxation activities, including Simply Massage. Offering specialty massage services, this office is perfect for sports enthusiasts. The therapists at Simply Massage are trained in everything from deep tissue to Swedish massage, and they believe in massage therapy as a way to improve your health.

Crested Butte
Center for the Arts
606 6th St.
Crested Butte, CO 81224
(970) 349-7487
www.crestedbuttearts.org

Crested Butte is a great destination because it's far enough away to feel like you're really leaving your stress behind, and it's off of the I-70 corridor, so there isn't as much traffic to contend with. With traditional mountain activities like biking, hiking and horseback riding, along with an abundance of great restaurants, there is always something to do. One activity offered by the Crested Butte Center for the Arts is aerial dance lessons. If you are adventurous, you can head to the arts center and take a beginning class where you'll learn to spin and dangle from strips of lycra. The center offers other dance classes as well, so it's fun for those who want some cultural activity.

Related: Top Single Day Ski Destinations Near Denver

Estes Park
Rocky Mountain National Park
1000 Colorado Highway 36
Estes Park, CO 80517
(970) 586-1206
www.nps.gov/romo

Estes Park is a popular destination, it's about an hour and 30 minutes from the metro area and there's lots to do. In September alone there is the Autumn Gold Beer, Bands and Brats festival (September 21), the Rocky Mountain Mud Volleyball Tournament (September 20) and the Performance Park Summer Series Concert (September 20). Estes Park is famous for its attractions like the Stanley Hotel and the historic Downtown. It also serves as the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. With an abundance of wilderness and breathtaking views, this park is one of the most popular in the state. On September 27th, the park offers free admission, so get up there and take advantage, challenging yourself to walk one of the high-altitude trails.

Manitou Springs
Manitou Cliff Dwellings and Museum
10 Cliff Road
Manitou Springs, CO 80829
(719) 685-5242
www.cliffdwellingsmuseum.com

Although Manitou Springs is in close proximity to Colorado Springs, it still retains its mountain town vibe. There is plenty to do including shopping and dining, but one of the more fun activities is the Cliff Dwellings and Museum. If you don't have time to head down to Mesa Verde, the Cliff Dwellings in Manitou offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of ancient people of Colorado. These dwellings are fun to explore, and you and your family will learn a lot about Colorado history. Manitou Springs is also home to the Ghost Town museum, which allows guests to experience Colorado life during the Gold Rush. If you want to partake in the southern Colorado scenery, head over to the Red Rock Canyon Open Space for a breathtaking hike.

Related: Top Hiking Trails Near Denver

Alaina Brandenburger is a freelance writer living in Denver. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
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