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56th Annual Palisade Peach Festival

This Year we are excited to bring back a more than century old celebration, Peach Days! Palisade Peach Days is a 10 day celebration of the best peaches in the world!

Thursday, August 8th

Downtown Palisade

Guns & Hoses Tug of War – 6 pm

Street Dance – 6:30 pm

All Thursday Events Hosted by The Town of Palisade

Saturday, August 10th

Just Peachy 5K Run – 8:30 am

Peach Days Parade – 9 am

Orchard Tours 10 am – 5 pm

Sunday, August 11th

Town of Palisade Farmers Market

Thursday, August 15th – Saturday, August 17th

Feast in the Field Dinners – starting at 6 pm

Saturday, August 17th

Lions Club Pancake Breakfast at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 8am – 11am

Friday, August 16th
& Saturday August 17th

Palisade Peach Festival
Riverbend Park

Open post

56th Annual Palisade Peach Festival

This Year we are excited to bring back a more than century-old celebration, Peach Days! Palisade Peach Days is a 10-day celebration of the best peaches in the world!

Thursday, August 8th

Downtown Palisade

Guns & Hoses Tug of War – 6 pm

Street Dance – 6:30 pm

All Thursday Events Hosted by The Town of Palisade

Saturday, August 10th

Just Peachy 5K Run – 8:30 am

Peach Days Parade – 9 am

Orchard Tours 10 am – 5 pm

Sunday, August 11th

Town of Palisade Farmers Market

Thursday, August 15th – Saturday, August 17th

Feast in the Field Dinners – starting at 6 pm

Saturday, August 17th

Lions Club Pancake Breakfast at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 8am – 11am

 

Friday, August 16th
& Saturday August 17th

Palisade Peach Festival
Riverbend Park

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Colorado Mountain Winefest presented by Fisher’s Liquor Barn

Don’t miss the state’s largest wine festival! Enjoy unlimited sips from dozens of Colorado wineries, live music, artisan vendors, chef demonstrations, educational seminars, a grape stomp, and more. Join thousands of wine lovers from across the globe and soak up everything that Colorado’s Wine Country has to offer! Colorado Mountain Winefest presented by Fisher’s Liquor Barn takes place in Palisade, Colorado on September 21st, 2024 from 10:30 am – 5:00 pm. To purchase tickets, please visit www.ColoradoWinefest.com. Hurry, tickets sell out!

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Colorado Summer

Colorado Summer Vacation Planning

Colorado Summer Vacation Planning, the best season

If you're planning a Colorado summer vacation, you have come to the right place. A Colorado summer vacation is the best time of year to visit this glorious state. The Mountain West is the most geographically diverse region in the United States, and with that comes natural wonders to be explored. A Colorado summer road trip starts with finding destinations that meet your expectations, planning scenic routes through the mountains, and locating all those fun family activities along the way. Use our FREE itinerary tool to start planning and organizing your summer vacation.

Colorado National and State Parks

Colorado has 42 state parks, 4 National Parks, 11 national forests, and 42 wilderness areas, each showcasing different parts of our great state, from the eastern plains to the highest peaks. That adds up to 43.3% of Colorado classified as public land, and what amazing land it is! These parks and forests are popular attractions during the Colorado summer, and fortunately, they are spread out across the state. You can easily visit one or more during your scenic road trip. State Parks offer various amenities for camping and feature attractions such as a gorgeous mountain lake, hiking trails, and much more. Learn more about National and State Parks.

Colorado summer vacation Alpine Events

Colorado Summer Culture, Festivals, Local Events

As you travel through the state, you will encounter many cultural events and festivals (events calendar).

  • Check the concert calendar and find an outdoor concert or nearby live music. Red Rocks Amphitheater is always a fantastic place to watch a show.
  • Consider a brewery tour such as the Coors Factory Brewery Tour in Golden or the Breckenridge Brewery Tour. Winery tours are also popular.
  • Catch a game at the Coors Field, home of the Rockies, in Denver.
  • Many mountain communities have regular art walks or exhibits going on.
  • The Colorado Pro Rodeo Tour is a popular cultural event with scheduled rodeos throughout the state.
  • Stop at a nearby Farmers Market. Beyond all those mountains lie very fertile valleys. Colorado produces many fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, and artisan crafts. Palisade peaches are a favorite.
  • If you enjoy participating in local athletic events, search your favorite mountain community for whatever type of race or event you would like to participate in. You will surely find something (mountain biking, running, golf tournaments…, etc.).

colorado summer vacation things to do with kids

Family Fun Colorado Vacation Planning - things to do with kids

If family fun is what you’re after, Colorado is the place to be. You might say that family entertainment is the state’s specialty. Mountain resort towns (ski resorts) are your-round these days, featuring gondola and chairlift access mountain biking and hiking trails. You will also find mountainside adventure parks in these same locations, adding to the fun with various kids activities such as bungee trampolines, put-put golf, adventure park-type challenge courses, mountain slides, and more. Nearby mountain communities have even more fun things to do with kids such as guided tours, state parks, and dedicated adventure parks.

Whitewater Rafting, Lakes, Water Parks, Adventure Parks and more

Getting wet during the Colorado summer season is widespread and easily attainable. With abundant mountain lakes, whitewater rivers, and water parks across the state, you can easily add this to your vacation planing. The popularity of adventure parks has created variations that include adventure packages, which combine water fun with other types of adventure.

  • Whitewater rafting is a super fun family adventure. You can easily find rafting companies that provide trips to match the group size and ability level.
  • Try ziplining across Colorado’s stunning landscape. Many zipline companies now offer adventure packages.
  • Water parks are another great summer way to cool down. Check out Elitch Gardens and Water World, both in Denver, which are super fun.
  • Stop at the Frisco Adventure Park, located in Frisco next to Lake Dillon. It is a family-friendly center with lots of family activities.
  • Visit one of Colorado’s many lakes. The larger lakes have marinas with boat rentals, allowing activities like water skiing and jet skiing, sailing, SUPs, fishing, and more.
  • Take a guided horseback ride. Horseback riding is found near mountain resorts or popular destinations like Estes Park.
  • Schedule a group off-road tour, a great way to build memories and see the fantastic sights.
  • Visit a state park. Parks are found throughout the state. These unique parks feature family entertainment such as beaches, picnic sites, boat rentals, fishing, hiking & biking trails, and more.

Colorado Summer Vacation Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience

Dinosaurs and Historical Vacation Planning Stops

Colorado Summer Dinosaur Sites

Colorado is rich in history and has many interesting historical sites worth visiting along your family's summer road trip. If you’re planning to visit the Royal Gorge Region, add a stop at one of these exciting dinosaur fossil preserves or museums:

  • The Royal Gorge Regional History Museum, see fossils, dinosaur bones, and a complete Stegosaurus replica skeleton.
  • Garden Park Fossil Area - a 3,600-acre area rich with fossils.
  • Indian Springs Trace Fossil Site - see tracks left by prehistoric creatures.
  • Include Skyline Drive as part of your summer road trip - view fossils and more tracks.

Dinosaur National Monument in NW Colorado is a unique geographical place with dinosaur remains from 100 million years ago. This area is rich in fossils and early pioneer history.

Historical Colorado Road Trip

Many of Colorado’s mountain towns developed during the Gold Rush era, coinciding with the cattle companies' open-range days. These two significant Western development events are seen in the Colorado we know today. Check out the local mountain town museums to learn more about how early settlers lived and made a living.

Denver Museums

Dever has 51 unique museums, ranging from children-focused to more traditional centers, such as the Museum of Nature & Science, Black American West Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver.

Colorado Summer Vacation georgetown loop train

Sightseeing a Perfect Family and Friends Activity

When you arrive in Colorado, sightseeing begins, as the mountain landscapes will instantly captivate you. However, getting deep into roads less traveled or passing through dramatic landscapes can be done in various ways. Sightseeing tours are a wonderful way to share memories with family and friends. If getting an eye full is what you’re after, here are some recommended sightseeing options:

  • Take a scenic train ride. Not only will you pass through dramatic mountain landscapes, but you will also learn about Colorado’s mining era. These trains are perfect activities for kids as they often feature hands-on mine exploration, storytelling, and special holiday trains.
  • Sign up for an off-road tour. Guided jeep tours will travel on original mining roads (maintained) through rugged terrain and pass by dramatic vistas—a fun family and friends activity.
  • While in one of Colorado’s resort towns, you can buy a ticket for a gondola ride or a chairlift ride and get a bird's-eye view of the forest and surrounding landscapes. You can also hike or bike at the top and stop in for lunch.
  • Include a scenic byway in your Colorado summer road trip. Stop at historical sites, check out ghost towns, and camp along the way.

Summer Vacation Rest and Relaxation

A Colorado summer vacation can be a chance to rest and rejuvenate your soul. Health and wellness retreats and experiences are growing in popularity. Visiting one or several of Colorado’s natural hot springs is a favorite place to recharge. The soothing, hot mineral waters will revitalize your being. Many of these natural springs have been developed into full-service spas that combine experiences such as massage, meditation, and spa services and provide on-site lodging.

Colorado Summer Vacation Hot Springs

Some of Colorado’s favorite places to explore and enjoy your summer vacation are places that have big attractions such as:

  • Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is a favorite national park with various camping options, extensive hiking trails, and educational experiences.
  • Estes Park is a beautiful mountain town beside RMNP, the gateway to Trail Ridge Road, Grand Lake, and Lake Granby.
  • The Royal Gorge Region has attractions like the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Royal Gorge whitewater rafting, and the Royal Gorge Scenic Train.
  • Mesa Verda National Park in southwest Colorado offers a spectacular look into the Ancestral Pueblo people. Visitors can call, walk, drive, or take a tour through the park.

A Colorado Summer Vacation Planning and more

There are many more amazing places and things to do on your Colorado Summer Vacation, and hopefully, you will make discoveries along your journey. Planning your summer vacation starts with finding destinations and activities that interest you and crafting your summer road trip route to facilitate these visits. If finding kids activities is a primary focus please check out this article specifically about kids activities in Colorado. Please use the free itinerary tool as you will find it indispensable for organizing your trip.

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Desert Highlights Trail Camp

Join us for a long weekend in the colorful desert landscape of Western Colorado! This year, we have partnered with Gemini Adventures and all runners will get to run the Fruita Trail Half as a part of their registration!

L2S is teaming up with Becoming Ultra coaches for this special co-ed trail running camp for all levels!

Throughout the weekend, we will be exploring trails through vast canyons, beneath towering monoliths, hidden arches and a sweeping landscape that goes on for miles.

Over 4 days and 3 nights join local trail and ultra running coaches as we guide you through special clinics and challenging runs.

The best part? Our base camp is located at the best resort in the heart of Colorado wine country!

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Desert Highlights Trail Running Camp

Desert Highlights Trail Running Camp

Join local coaches for guided runs and special clinics over a long weekend in the colorful desert landscape of Western Colorado! 
We will be exploring trails through vast canyons, beneath towering monoliths, hidden arches and a sweeping landscape that goes on for miles.
Over 4 days and 3 nights join local trail and ultra running coaches as we guide you through special clinics and challenging runs.
The best part? Our base camp is located at the best resort in the heart of Colorado wine country!

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Tour de Vineyards

Tour de Vineyards

Head to Palisade this fall and enjoy the vineyards, orchards and mesas of Colorado’s Western Slope at the 26th annual Tour de Vineyards. Take the leisurely 23-mile route along the Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway, or opt for the 58-mile loop up and over Reeder Mesa.

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La Quinta Inn

La Quinta Inn & Suites – Grand Junction

Enjoy the convenience of our western Rockies hotel. You’ll arrive to a friendly welcome from our courteous staff. After waking up on a comfortable bed in a room or suite, start your day with a selection of tasty and healthy free Bright Side Breakfast® goodies. Located off I-70 at Horizon Drive (exit 31), we’re just four miles from downtown and only one mile from the airport (free airport shuttle from 6am-11pm daily). It’s easy to get around to see the many mountain attractions that include majestic views, family fun, health centers, and plenty of restaurants and recreation.

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Palisade, Colorado

Palisade

Palisade, Colorado

A town in Mesa County, Colorado. Palisade, part of the Grand Junction Metropolitian statistical area, and named for the cliffs near town. Palisade is most famous for delicious peaches and wine vineyards. Although that’s what Palisade is known for, this small town on Colorado’s western slope embodies all of what Colorado is about. Palisade’s nearly central location but lower elevation of 4,728 feet makes it an area with warmer year-round temperatures, a longer growing season, yet close to skiinig and other mountain attractions.

This historical farming community has kept pace with the rest of Colorado. Attractions like rafting, skiing, mountain biking and a variety of farm tours are all right around the corner in Palisade. Colorado National Monument, Tillman Bishop State Wildlife Area, Grand Mesa National Forest, and a variety of parks are all accesible from Palisade.

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Colorado Mountain Winefest presented by Fisher's Liquor Barn

Colorado Mountain Winefest presented by Fisher’s Liquor Barn

Colorado Mountain Winefest presented by Fisher’s Liquor Barn is the state’s largest wine festival and voted Best Winefest in the Nation by USA Today. The Festival in the Park takes place on Saturday, September 16th in Palisade’s Riverbend Park and features unlimited sips from over 50 Colorado wineries, artisan vendors, live music, chef demonstrations, educational seminars, and more! Come join thousands of wine lovers from across the world and take in all that Colorado Wine Country has to offer!To view the schedule of events or to purchase tickets, please visit www.ColoradoWinefest.com.

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