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Things to do in Winter Park, CO: Grand County Museums

Winter Park museumsGrand County Colorado Museums

Looking for something to do in Grand County and Winter Park?  Well, a day at one of our three museums is a day well spent.  Informative, interesting and fun and all on the cheap, take the kids and explore and see what brought us all here to the Fraser Valley.

The Grand County Historical Association has three museums in Grand County: The  Pioneer Village Museum Complex in Hot Sulphur Springs, Cozens Ranch and Stage Stop Museum in Fraser, and Heritage Park in Kremmling.

Pioneer Village and Heritage Park  Winter Hours are: Wednesday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm and Summer Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm

Cozens Ranch is closed in Winter and Summer Hours are: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm

ADMISSION
Grand County Historical Association Members free
Adults – $4.00 | Seniors (60 and older) – $3.00
Students – $2.00 | Children below Six – Free
Call 725-3939 for more information

To become a member of the Grand County Historical Society they can be contacted at:

Grand County Historical Association
110 E. Byers Avenue, PO Box 165
Hot Sulphur Springs, CO 80452
970-725-3939 – FAX: 970-725-0129

Website: http://www.grandcountymuseum.com/

Powder Addiction Winter Park, CO

Winter Park Colorado Back-Country Skiing

The word is getting out about our new back-country ski operation headquartered here in the Winter Park Village.  Powder Addiction open this year and runs a snow-cat ski operation on Jones Pass.  I have had the pleasure of taking one trip with them and another is set for this coming Monday (yes that is my poor form in the picture above).  I would have three trip under my belt by this time if not for pink eye and 16″ of fresh powder that closed Berthoud Pass a week ago.  Not to worry I will be getting at least four trips in this year.

Anywho, the word is getting out as The Denver Post did an article about Powder Addiction and skiing at Jones Pass in today’s sport section.  A very good article about a great operation at Powder Addiction.  If you get a chance to take a trip with them do not pass it up.  The snow on Jones Pass, as the article says, is awesome and the terrain is fantastic.

Powder Addiction cat-skiing is not for everyone and here is what they say of those that should consider going:

As a reference, skiers should be comfortable on expert runs at developed resorts and should prefer powder snow to groomed terrain. Since Forest Service regulations keep the ‘cat at least 100 feet from the ridge line, skiers also should expect a couple of short hikes at elevations around 12,000 feet. The high altitude combined with good northern exposure keeps the snow cold and light.

Powder Addiction will provide some wide Solomon Czar powder skis and packs with avalanche beacons and a tasty lunch.   It is a day well spent and addictive…….Powder Addiction.

Come on up and try some back-country cat-skiing.

Top Five Winter Park Kids Activities

Winter Park, CO Kids Activities

After hitting the slopes and the Grand Park Rec Center with our twins I thought it would be a good idea to make a list of the top five activities with kids here in Winter Park, Colo.  These are the can’t miss things to do when coming up to Grand County with your little ones in the winter.  For summer there will be a whole other list.

Learn to Ski at Winter Park Resort - This is a no-brainer as most everyone coming to Winter Park this is the main reason that they are heading to our little piece of paradise.

Spend a Day at The Grand Park Rec Center – Our Rec Center sitting just at the end of the town of Winter Park is a kids and parents dream.  With two pools , diving board, lazy river, water slide. steam room, dry sauna, basketball courts, climbing wall, trampoline and lots and lots of exercise equipment for the adults this a great place to take a vacation from the snow outside.  Grand Park Rec Center also offers day care for kids.  This is especially helpful for those parents with the wee little ones.

Go Sledding or Tubing at Winter Park’s Colorado Adventure Park - The Adventure Park  offers Tubing, Airboards, Snow Scoots, and Sleigh Rides.  They are conveniently located just minutes from the Winter Park Ski Resort, in Fraser, and an easy 70 miles from Denver .  From young to young at heart they have something for you!  This is an exhilarating place.  The hill you go down is big and you can get some serious air.

Take a Dog Sled Ride at Winter Park Dog Sled Rides – We bought a ride for our niece and sister-in-law and they loved it.  When the the sled takes off it looks like a rocket.  The ride goes through some secluded forest area and it just amazing how fast the dogs go and how quiet it is in all the trees.  They are located just a short drive from Winter Park Resort on Grand County Road 5.

Sit in the Hot Springs at Hot Sulphur SpringsThere are enough hot springs for the whole family with temperatures  for everyone.  There are  22 pools and private baths, which include a solarium pool, the therapy Elk Pool, and a summer swimming pool.   They are known as one of the nation’s oldest, largest and finest natural hot mineral springs resort and spa.  Relax and enjoy the sacred waters where the Ute Indians once bathed, healed mind, body, and spirit.

Enough activities to keep the adults and the little tykes busy for a week or so.  Stay tuned for the top five summer activities for kids in Winter Park, CO

We are known as one of the nation’s oldest, largest and finest natural hot mineral springs resort and spa.

Java Mic Night at the Mountain Grind in Winter Park

Mountain Grind Coffee & Bistro Brings Winter Park Live Music with Java Mic Night

For some fun on a Friday night with live music, a cozy atmosphere and yummy treats, come on down to the Mountain Grind Coffee & Bistro in Cooper Creek Square for Java Mic Night. Every week they feature a different artist, based locally, regionally or even nationally, for a variety of musical genres including Blues, Folk, Rock-n-Roll and more.

Along with enjoying great music played live, you can shop the Mountain Grind’s fun and trendy selection of gifts, souveniers and clothing. I love their funny greeting cards and retro magnets.  You can also find some really neat coffee mugs, T-shirts, funky laptop bags and other colorful items.

While you’re at it, sip on a coffee, hot chocolate or even a cocktail now that they have a licence to serve alcohol. The Mountain Grind also has excellent fudge, Italian gelato and other treats. Actually, their Italian gelato is better than any ice cream I’ve ever had, but then again it’s not ice cream, it’s gelato!  They also serve sandwiches, soups, chili (great) and salads, too, but you have to come by before 5pm to get those.

Well, you can see that I’m a fan of the Mountain Grind, but let’s move on to the music! See below for the current line-up for the Java Mic Night Series along with some insider info about each performer. Thanks to Ali Grayson for putting on such a fun weekly event and for providing the following information!

 

Java Mic Night Line-up (all shows are from 7-9pm):

Feb. 26th: Brad Pregeant ($5 cover or $2 for students K-12) 
A local favorite! Music critic Jerry Minnich wrote pianist Brad Pregeant’s “range allows him to shift from jaunty blues to Bill Evansish standards to rippling New Orleans R& B . . .”  Brad Pregeant was born in Louisiana and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in piano performance, Classical. His Java Mic Night performance is sure to be saturated with authentic Cajun goodness! Local high school student & musician, Zach Thorpe, will be opening for Brad with some sultry Blues!

March 5th: Bobby Walker ($5 cover or $2 for students K -12)  - Bobby Walker delivers blues, soul, and funky rock n’ roll performances with his trademark gravelly voice… [and] enthusiasm from the realness of the music he feels.  He has a sense with guitar that drives home a lifetime of authentic music experiences to his audience.  He has many recordings dating back to 1982, and has enjoyed performing all over the Western U.S., as well as Europe and Japan.  Everyone who hears Bobby Walker knows from the first note that he is the Real deal. 

March 12th: Jeremy Dion ($5 cover or $2 for students K-12)
Insightful progressive folk, like John Mayer meeting James Taylor. Tight grooves, soaring harmonies and a vocal style that is soulful, expressive and candid. Jeremy grew up outside Seattle, where he was influenced by the music of Crosby, Stills and Nash, James Taylor, and Paul Simon. Jeremy has been singing, playing guitar, writing songs and performing since he was a student at U.C. Berkley, combining the sounds of his musical influences with a bluegrass twist.

March 19th: Diane French ($5 cover or $2 for students K-12) - For the past several years, the Fraser Valley has been silenced by the intoxicating sound of Diane French and Band.  Performing Songwriter Magazine calls Diane French’s music “soulful”, “cinematic” and “mesmerizing.”  Java Mic Night is excited to feature Diane French again this year! 

March 26th: Gregory Alan Isakov ($10 cover or $2 for students K-12)
Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Gregory Alan Isakov’s song-craft lends to the deepest lyrical masterpieces. With hints of his influences, Leonard Cohen, Iron and Wine and Kelly Joe Phelps, Gregory Alan Isakov has been described as “strong, subtle, a lyrical genius” and has shared the stage with touring artists such as Calexico, Ani Difranco, Brandi Carlile, Indigo Girls, Richie Havens, and Fiona Apple. He has performed throughout the United States and Europe and appeared at numerous music festivals such as South By Southwest, Telluride Bluegrass Festival and Rocky Mountain Folks Fest.  Java Mic Night is honored to have GAI as our Season 6 finale show!

 

The Mountain Grind Cafe & Bistro is across from the fountain on the ground level of Cooper Creek Square, which is the three-story brick shopping mall in downtown Winter Park.

For more information, call 970-726-0999. You can also visit www.javamicnight.com,  www.aligraysonmusic.com or www.coopercreeksquare.com

 
 

Winter Park Shopping | Silver Creek

winter park shopping

Ah, shopping!

Silver Creek at the Winter Park Resort Base

I was hanging out at the base area during the Wells Fargo Cup this weekend and popped into the Silver Creek shop, located in the Zephyr Mountain Lodge.   Not sure why I never had gone in there before (maybe it has something to do with always having ski gear on not in the mood to try on clothes).  Well, what a nice surprise it was.  I thought I had to go to Denver to shop for cute stuff!

I quickly found a True Grit vest that is now my favorite piece in the closet.  And my friend and I both bought Xob baseball-style hats made out of recycled sweaters.  We think we’re adorable.  Marc, the owner, said no one ever tries the hats on and doesn’t buy one.

Silver Creek is open every day, 9 – 7 Friday and Saturday, and 9 – 6 Sunday thru Thursday.  The True Grit clothing line is really fun mountain-chic and the Home line of jewelry is all around for picking and choosing some great accessories for your cowboy style.

Phone number: 970.726.5424.

Moonlight Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski at Pole Creek

Winter Park Colo cross country skliingWinter Park, CO  Snow Shoe & Country Cross Ski

The second moonlight cross country ski and snow shoe is to be held next Saturday night February 27th at Pole Creek Golf Club.  We were able to attend the first edition and it was a fantastic time.  The moon is so bright that the trails are well lit and halfway through there is a bonfire with hot chocolate and schnapps being served.  Stay for dinner after the hike or ski at Bistro 28 they are serving up some great grub at reasonable prices.

Here is the full description from the Winter Park/Fraser Chamber of Commerce:

FULL MOON SNOWSHOE CROSS COUNTRY SKI AT POLE CREEK GOLF CLUB

TRAIL WILL BE WELL LIT WITH TIKI TORCHES
HOT CHOCOLATE AND SCHNAPPS AT THE BONFIRE!

DINNER AFTER AT “BISTRO 28”
FEATURING HOMEMADE PASTAS PLUS FANTASTIC MENU SELECTIONS
STARTING AT $8.
RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED FOR DINNER
PLEASE CALL 970-887-9797
Dinner every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at Bistro 28
Burger and a beer/wine – Prime rib and Pasta specials

Don’t miss a fun way to get some exercise and enjoy the Grand County outdoors under the moonlight.

Learn to Ski the Bumps – Mary Jane Style

Ski Mary Jane at Winter Park Resort.The Mary Jane Bump Jamboree and Bob’s Mogul Camp

Wanting to learn to ski the bumps or improve your mogul techniques?  Well the Mary Jane Bump Jamboree and Bobs Mogul Camps are here to help with your bump skiing abilities.  There is no better place to learn the bumps than the Mary Jane side of Winter Park Resort.  Where would the coolest place to learn to golf… Pebble Beach, right?  How about best place learn to drive a NASCAR car….. Daytona , correct?  Well, Mary Jane is to bump skiing what Pebble Beach and Daytona are to golf and NASCAR racing.

So get yourself  signed up for the Mary Jane Bump Jamboree or Bob’s Mogul Camp.  Dates and Info:

  • Mary Jane Bump Jamboree Feb 20th, 2010 $95.00 – Saturday February 20th, 2010. Check in at Mary Jane Center. Clinic from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Skiers Only. Skiers must be comfortable on blue trails.  Get more of the Jane with less pain in this program that has become a tradition for many generations of skiers. You will enjoy the legendary apres party after 6 full hours of coaching.  From blue bumps to zipper line skiers we have a group for you!  If you have questions about your registration or specific program details, please call 303.316.1564.
  • Bob’s Mogul Camp Feb 24th $499.00 Three day camp at Mary Jane Resort on February 24th, 25th and 26th. 9:00am to 3:00pm each day of the camp. Apres party included. Skiers Only. Skiers must be comfortable on blue trails.  Explore North America’s best bump runs as you develop new skills with the Ski & Ride School Director Bob Barnes and his top coaches. Groups are formed by ability level and motivations.Camp fees include a daily apres party and equipment demos.  If you have questions about your registration or specific program details, please call 303.316.1564.
  • Bob’s Mogul Camp Mar 12th $499.00   Three day camp at Mary Jane on March 12th, 13th and 14th. 9:00am to 3:00pm each day of the camp. Apres party included.  Skiers Only.  Skiers must be comfortable on blue trails.  Explore North America’s best bump runs as you develop new skills with the Ski & Ride School Director Bob Barnes and his top coaches. Groups are formed by ability level and motivations.  Camp fees include a daily apres party and equipment demos.

Visit Winter Park/Mary Jane bump site to register.

The best time of year to ski Winter Park and Marty Jane is upon us.  Register today for the Bump Jamboree and/or Bob’s Mogul Camp.

Let the Winter Park Lodging Company help you out on your lodging for these events and WPLCO will give you 15% off your lodging for either of these Mary Jane bump skiing events.

MJ Bump Jamboree Feb 20th $95.00
Description Saturday, February 20th, 2010. Check in at Mary Jane Center. Clinic from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Skiers Only. Skiers must be comfortable on blue trails.

Mardi Gras Blues Show in Winter Park!

We may be 9,000 feet above sea level and 1,400 miles from New Orleans, but that’s not going o stop us from celebrating Mardi Gras. The Grand County Blues Society, always good to us here in Winter Park, is presenting us with a trio of wildly talented blues musicians this Tuesdsay at Smokin’ Moes Saloon.

First up, Trampled Underfoot! This remarkable band is comprised of Nick, Kris, and Danielle Schnebelen, each of whom are very accomplished on their respective instruments: Nick jamming on the guitar, Kris hammering on the drums, and Danielle rockin’ the bass. All three siblings sing the blues like they were born to do it, probably a lot of the reason they took home the gold at the 2008 International Blues Challenge.

Next up, Samantha Fish. Her self proclaimed influences include BB King and Bonnie Raitt, which, once you get a little taste of her belting vocals, will not surprise you. Hailing from Kansas City, Missouri, Samantha is booked solid in her home state and beyond for the next year. One of my personal favorites, Rollin’ and Tumblin’, is just a preview for the upbeat show this girl puts on.

And for the third and final act, the grand finale…you’ll have to come out to Smokin’ Moes this Tuesday night to find out! Show starts at nine with a $20 cover- paying your way to dance all night long to a rare blues show in our home away from New Orleans! One other note- be nice to the door man, Art, and he might reward you with a dance.  We’d love to have you there to continue this fabulous blues party tradition with us in Winter Park.

Winter Park Moonlight Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski

Winter Park moonlight snow shoe and ski at Pole Creek TabernashPole Creek Moonlight Snowshoe

What a great way to spend a Saturday Night: on the links of Pole Creek Golf Club with skis on your feet and the moon lighting the ground below.

Pole Creek Golf Club had their first, of hopefully many, moonlight snow shoe and ski events this past Saturday night and the event was fantastic.  Show up clip on the skis and make a run through the marked course.  On the course is a bonfire with some hearty souls serving up schnapps with hot chocolate.  Finish up the trek and head inside for some wine and dinner.

We hope that they continue this moonlight tradition all year long.  It was a great time and there were a lot of people out enjoying the moonlight and the crisp Colorado air.  Lots of kids, dogs and people of all ages having a great time in the clear moonlight.

Dinner was good, wine was even better.  Service was a bit slow as I don’t think Bistro 28 expected quite as many people to join them for the first running of this event. Better get to ironing out the kinks before the next moonlight snowshoe event.

All in all it was a great night,  ended  with a glass of wine at home and the excitement of a another full moon in thirty days.

Music in Winter Park this Weekend

Hopefully you‘re looking for something to do this Saturday night in Winter Park! There are four great shows going on- either pick one and stick to it for the night, or bar hop so you can catch them all!

First, Angie Stevens is playing at Cheeky Monk Belgian  Beer Cafe, located in the new village at Winter Park Resort. Angie’s strong vocals match well with her smooth acoustic guitar sound, almost as well as the imported Belgian brews match with the house parmesan truffle frites.

Next up, Randi’s Irish Saloon is hosting local favorite Hunker Down. If you’re into bluegrass rock, don’t miss out on these guys. You have my word- I’ve seen them play enough times to say with 100% confidence that no matter what your taste in music is, you won’t be disappointed with Hunker Down.

After Randi’s, head on down a couple blocks to the Winter Park Pub to continue with great music. The Pub is hosting Denver’s very own Hillbilly Hellcats. True to their name, the Hillbilly Hellcats will entertain you to no end with fast paced songs like Hillbilly Love, Crazy Little Baby, and, my personal favorite, Hillbillies on Speed. If you’re able to stay seated and refrain from some good old fashioned foot pounding dancing while the Hellcats are jamming, there’s something wrong with you!

Finally, last but certainly not least, the Grand County Blues Society is bringing us a special treat to Crooked Creek Saloon. Chris Watson, hailing from Denton, Texas, is talented well beyond his 23 years. His latest hit, Just for Show, is a perfect example of the treat you’re in for if you’re able to stop by Crooked Creek this Saturday night. Leave it to the Grand Blues Society to bring us a gem like Chris Watson!

So, true to my word, you have plenty of choices for Saturday night. Good luck choosing!

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