The annual family vacation. Instead of peace, tranquility,
and rest, it often turns out to be a contest among family members for whose
favorite activity will win out. Mom wants to shop and wander through museums.
Dad's looking for the ideal fishing spots or exciting scenic drives. Teenage
daughters want to raft or swim - and come back home with a tan - and young
boys are fixated on cowboys and Indians. And all of it needs to take place
in a beautiful location and on a budget.
Impossible? Thanks to Colorado's Mesa Verde Country®, the answer is a
resounding "NO." Families seeking fun, learning adventures, and quality time
together will find the southwestern corner of Colorado a unique window to
the west.
- Live Culture - The Cortez Cultural Center hosts free performances
by Native American dancers, storytellers, musicians, and artists, Monday through
Saturday evenings throughout the summer. In May and June, dances and cultural
programs alternate with performances of "Black Shawl," a multi-cultural, woman's
eye view of Navajo life. Families always enjoy participating in the Navajo
Round Dance during the dance performances or having their pictures taken with
dancers in their Native costumes.
- Ride 'em Cowboy - Local ranches and outfitters provide that "home
on the range" experience with trail rides, authentic stagecoach rides, and
real cattle drives. Cowboy chow cooked out on a roaring fire really brings
the family together.
- Move! - Experiencing Mesa Verde Country® by foot, bike, horseback,
skis, all-terrain vehicles, or snowmobiles is a year-round opportunity. Combine
this with outstanding hunting, boating, rafting, fishing, photography, and
golf for the makings of a truly memorable family outdoor vacation.
- Find the True Ancient West - The Canyons of the Ancients National
Monument is one of America's newest. The Bureau of Land Management's Anasazi Heritage Center in Dolores serves as the headquarters for the monument, and
includes interpretive programs and exhibits on archaeology, local history,
and Native American cultures. Hands-on activities are available for all family
members, including computer simulations and games.
- Hit the Road - Mesa Verde Country® is home to two National Scenic
Byways.
San Juan Skyway: This famous drive winds through the historic towns of Telluride,
Ouray, Silverton, and Durango, with access to some of the West's most famous
attractions: Mesa Verde National Park, the Durango & Silverton Narrow
Gauge Railroad and Museum, Victorian mining towns, Ouray Hot Springs, and
four wilderness areas.
Trail of the Ancients: Traversing the desert Four Corners region, the drive
includes Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, the Anasazi Heritage Center, Ute Mountain Tribal Park, and the Four Corners Monument,
the only place in the country where four states come together and the family
can be in all of them at the same time.
- Party - The towns in Mesa Verde Country® throw open their doors
with festivals and events all summer long. Balloon floats, Renaissance Faires,
car shows, arts and crafts festivals, river fests, and rodeos offer something
for everyone.
- Shop - Browse through Mesa Verde Country's® excellent trading
posts, featuring authentic Native American art, or visit our fine art galleries
and meet some of our exceptional local artists.
For information on these and other family-friendly Mesa Verde Country®
activities and events call 1-800-530-2998 or visit www.mesaverdecountry.com.
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