We have mountains and plains, and four seasons. And speaking of the Four Seasons, check out this view of the construction project downtown.
We have more than enough state mascots, mottos and songs.
I’m particularly proud that the State Capitol building is located in Senate District 31. This beautiful and historic building is a symbol of our state’s grandeur, and includes a brass plaque that marks the exact elevation of one mile above sea level (this marker has twice been moved as better measurements were made, most recently in 2003).
I like that we focus on the high points. We all know the highest point in Colorado is Mt. Elbert (elev. 14,433 ft.), but few know the lowest point is where the Arikaree River meets the Kansas border just east of Wray (elev. 3,315 ft.).
Hot Springs! I’ve been to quite a few and definitely have my favorites, but there are still some on the list of places I want to see (and soak in!).
I like all the towns with the word “Springs” in their name (well, some more than others). I like to see how many of the 9 people can name. (Colorado, Glenwood, Hot Sulphur, Idaho, Manitou, Olney, Pagosa, Poncha, and Steamboat)
The highest paved road in North America is located in our state. Highway 5 takes you past Echo Lake and ultimately reaches almost to the top of Mount Evans with an elevation of 14,240 feet.
Skiing isn’t just a pastime, it’s an obsession. We’ve got ski resorts that put most other states to shame. I love it when people from the East Coast explain the difference between skiing in New Hampshire and then coming to Colorado.
Small Donor Committees! I have mixed feelings about our efforts at campaign finance reform and think some of the “solutions” have made problems worse, but I’m a big fan of small donor committees. These specialized PACs only take money from natural persons in amounts capped at $50 per person, per year. Yet small donor committees take these modest contributions from ordinary people and are empowered to turn around a give to candidates in amounts that far outpace any corporately-funded PAC. Power to the people!
Beer is another favorite thing about Colorado – we have more microbreweries per capita than any other state in the nation. Great American Beer Festival, anyone?
And speaking of beer: Coors Field is one of my favorite places to enjoy a cold one on a hot day. Go Rockies!
Colfax Avenue is the longest continuous street in America. That’s a lot of bars, restaurants and used car lots!
Denver has the largest city park system in the nation with 205 parks in city limits and 20,000 acres of parks in the nearby mountains.
Denver also has some fine museums worthy of a leisurely visit. My personal favorite is probably the Kirkland Museum, but Denver Art Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science are all standouts. I’m very excited about the Clyfford Still Museum being built in Denver!
I love climbing the wooden ladders and wondering about the ancient mysteries that surround Mesa Verde National Park. Why would anyone abandon an elaborate Cliff Palace?
Trains played a big part in history of our state, and there are still lots of fun trains that you can ride today, from the Metro Area’s new light rail system to historic and scenic adventures like the Durango Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad or the Cumbres & Toltec railway that we share with New Mexico. Pikes Peak and the Royal Gorge also offer train enthusiasts some unique thrills!
And finally… I’m certain that many other things that will become favorites about Colorado have yet to be discovered. I love to get out and about in our beautiful state. Road trips rock!
