Last Minute Summer Trips
Warm weather will be over before you know it. End summer vacation with a bang by getting in a last-minute summer trip before the kids head back to school! Will you head for an exotic foreign locale or stick close to home?
The Centennial State has a lot to offer when it comes to historic places, gorgeous scenery, and exciting things to do. Not only that but exploring Colorado's many offerings won't break the bank, either! Even if you live here, there are probably plenty of enjoyable activities and breathtaking sites that are new to you.
Wherever you go, Jetsetter suggests going late in the summer. If you plan your vacation for the last half of August, you'll generally find improved availability, thinner crowds, and lower rates. See, there are perks for planning a late summer vacation! Below, you'll find a few of our favorites.
Exploring the World
Are you itching to go exploring outside the USA? Maybe you have a foreign destination or two on your bucket list and you'd like to cross one off this summer. Here are some popular destinations you may want to consider. We'll start up north, head south, and then it's off to the east.
Nelson, British Columbia
Lift-access to hiking trails, glass-bottomed gondola rides, and world-class mountain bike terrain. What else could you want from a relatively small mountain town tucked into the stunning Selkirk Mountains?
Mexico City, Mexico
Surprisingly, Mexico City stays at moderate temperatures (the mid-70s) all summer. That makes it an ideal late summer destination for those looking for a taste of Mexican culture, history, and cuisine.
Portillo, Chile
Who says you can't ski in summer? Not the many World Cup ski teams who practice on Ski Portillo's world-class runs! This rustic resort lies nestled between the awe-inspiring Andes Mountains and Inca Lake.
Curaçao
Beautiful white sand beaches and stunningly clear tropical waters are part of the allure of Curaçao, one of the Caribbean's ABC islands (Aruba and Bonaire are the other two). You'll want to take lots of photos of its charmingly colorful Dutch Colonial architecture!
Kraków, Poland
What do you get when you combine the world's largest remaining medieval marketplace, impressively beautiful Old World architecture, and some of WWII's most poignant and heart-wrenching history? You get Kraków, Poland, and the nearby Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial.
Meanwhile, Back in Colorado...
Check out these top Colorado vacation destinations! You may recognize most of them as winter hotspots, but trust us, there's more to them than just skiing. The natural beauty hidden beneath that snow for much of the year is simply breathtaking when you experience it in all its summer glory.
Aspen
Spectacular scenery and world-class food (maybe you've heard of the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen?) draw visitors from around the world to this mountain village.
Breckenridge
A rich history of silver and gold mining, vintage Victorian charm, breathtaking biking and hiking trails, and friendly people. Have we forgotten anything? Only the awe-inspiring night sky studded with brilliant stars!
Garden of the Gods
Visit spectacular Garden of the Gods Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs and hike its renowned trails. Just don't forget to take plenty of photos so you can answer those who ask, "You hiked where?"
Rocky Mountain National Park
This stunner is one of the most popular national parks in the country. Enjoy the spectacular scenery from your car as you travel the Trail Ridge Road or take a family hike for a more up-close view of its beauty. It's also a great place to enjoy a last-minute camping trip to celebrate the end of summer.
Steamboat Springs
Gondola rides, fishing and camping, mountain biking and hiking, restaurants, art galleries, and mineral pools. What more could you want from a small mountain town set amidst working ranches?
Telluride
This Colorado mountain town is small in size but huge in its friendly atmosphere, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. Maybe that's why U.S. News & World Report listed Telluride as its #1 pick for "Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA"!
Vail
Explore Vail's iconic mountains in the summer to experience top-notch hiking and mountain biking trails, whitewater rafting, and epic trail rides. There's just nothing else like experiencing these mountains from the back of a horse!
Wrapping Up Your Summer with a Last-Minute Trip
Whether you live in Colorado or are just visiting, you're sure to enjoy its abundant natural beauty and expansive list of outdoor activities. No matter where you're going on your end of summer hurrah, or who you're going with, enjoy your vacation! And stop in at OPH so we can fuel you for the journey. Our Yelp Waitlist makes any meal quick and easy!
Visit the Stanley Marketplace
Have you finished a scrumptious breakfast and now you're looking for something fun to do in the Denver area? Try heading east to Aurora, Colorado. This Denver suburb is home to the Stanley Marketplace — one of the best places to visit in Denver!
Visiting the Stanley Marketplace
Part food court, part urban bazaar, the Stanley Marketplace is an entity all its own. This unique community gathering place is located at a former aviation manufacturing facility (the Stanley Aviation Corporation) that was once adjacent to Denver's original international airport. Stapleton Field may be long gone but the Stanley is here to stay!
The Stanley Marketplace is a go-to destination on the border between Aurora and Denver. It attracts shoppers, diners, partiers, and those just looking for a cool place to hang out with friends. There are more than a dozen independently owned shops, a beer hall, and nearly a dozen bars and restaurants to frequent at the Marketplace. All told, there are more than fifty local, independently-owned businesses at this 140,000-square-foot much-loved community center!
Add in the fact that there's an event center (appropriately called 'The Hanger'), yoga studio, and co-working space, and you might be getting a feel for the vibe here. There's also an early learning center and gymnastics studio in case you're wondering how family-friendly it is.
The History Behind It
It all started with beer. Former social worker Mark Shaker was lamenting the lack of a place to hang out in the neighborhood. That desire for a beer hall eventually turned into an opportunity to save a historic factory and unite two disparate communities. Oh, and a great place to hang out, drinking beer with your friends!
Stanley Marketplace Events Abound
That's right, there's always something fun or exciting happening at the Stanley! After all, that's part of the 'Stanifesto' that makes the Stanley Marketplace so great. As these guidelines for the Stanley point out, "Every day is an opportunity to put goodness into the world." Events that bring the community together to experience joy do just that!
Spring and Summer at the Stanley
Celebrate Mother's and Father's Day with your family. Enjoy food tastings or pick up fresh produce at the Farmer's Market. Attend art events and concerts. Join in one of the fitness gatherings so you can make the most of your summer.
Fall Festivities
Do some fancy pumpkin carving. Don your best costume to try to win a prize at the costume contest and then attend the spooky Halloween festivities. Celebrate your Thanksgiving blessings with family and friends.
A Winter Wonderland
Get into the holiday spirit with homemade holiday cards and caroling. Enjoy gingerbread houses, festival wreaths, and joyous people celebrating holiday happiness at the Stanley Marketplace!
Stop in for Breakfast on Your Way to the Stanley
Our Yelp Waitlist lets you call ahead and save your space in line. We'll have you all fueled up and ready to hit the Stanley in no time. Once there, you'll be extra thankful for taking the time to eat a good breakfast before you went. After all, there's a lot to see and do at Aurora's unique Stanley Marketplace!