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Ouray is great for an extended stay or just a day trip; the area around town offers many options to keep travelers of all kind entertained. Whether you’re a history buff, adventure traveler, shopper, or a family with children, Ouray has activities and attractions for everyone.

Backcountry Skiing
The mountains around town are popular for many events and activities, but backcountry skiing is blossoming as a particularly popular activity. Red Mountain Pass is a favorite destination of many skiers, as the peaks around and meadows around the pass are both beautiful and easy to access. Backcountry skiing can be dangerous, and the San Juan Mountains are prone to avalanches. Use caution when skiing: always take the time gather all proper equipment, go with a companion, and check weather and avalanche information regularly.

Ice Climbing
Ice climbing enthusiasts have been traveling regularly to Ouray since the mid 1970s to practice their sport on the walls of the Uncompagre Gorge, but it wasn’t until the creation of the Ouray Ice Park that the sport really picked up in the small town. The Ouray Ice Park is located just outside town in the gorge, and is based around manipulation of a local water source to create lengthy ice climbing walls. It opened in the mid 90’s as the world’s first park exclusively created for the sport of ice climbing. Climbing in the park is free, although donations are accepted. The Ouray Ice Festival every January is one of the best times to watch climbers clambering over the icy outcrops and competing in various contests. The festival is internationally recognized as one of the best gatherings of its type.

Jeeping
Jeeping or off-roading is another diverse and unique sport that flourishes in Ouray. Using a private vehicle (you can rent Jeeps in town) or taking a a tour with an experience guide are both great options, depending on your experience with the hobby. The scenery around Ouray is spectacular: stunning mountain peaks, meadows, waterfalls, streams, fascinating ghost towns, hundreds of forgotten and sealed gold and silver mines, and even American Indian ruins are all there for exploring. The infamous and strangely intact ghost town Animas Forks is one of the most popular jeep destinations; the old mining district is constructed at over 13,000 feet in elevation and the Animas River runs beside the jeep trail. Imogene Pass is one of the highest driveable passes in North America, and offers stellar views of the surrounding mountains and town of Telluride below. There are over 500 miles of 4-wheel drive trails in the area.

Photography
Ouray and the surrounding wilderness has long been known as a photographer’s dream destination. The San Juan Mountain Range offers many diverse landscapes and ecosystems, from alpine meadows with wildflowers to snow covered peaks to historic ruins. Wildlife is also abundant throughout most of the year. There are two waterfalls within short distance of town, the Box Canyon Falls and Cascade Falls. The Ice Park’s overlooks are also great for unique photos.

Hot Springs
Established in 1927, the Ouray Hot Springs Pool is an enormous public pool of local sulphur-free mineral hot springs. There are several soaking sections of varying temperatures, as well as a cooler lap and dicing section. There’s also water volleyball, water slides, and a small pool for kids and families. The pool is open year-round, and is as relaxing and enjoyable in the summer as it is in the winter. Massages and other therapeutic treatment, as well exercise equipment, is available at the pools facilities. The pool contains over a million gallons of clear spring water.

These activities are just a small sample of the treasures Ouray has to offer. Downhill skiing, fishing, golf, hiking, horseback riding, mine tours, mountaineering, mountain biking, rafting, rock climbing, and sledding are also popular local activities. Check out the town’s official website for more information!

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Ouray has enough diverse and unique hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and cabins to satisfy any taste. You can enjoy beautiful views of the San Juan Mountain range from many hotels and motels, or enjoy being closer to the surrounding forests and streams in a cabin or vacation home. The tiny town offers everything from complete luxury to secluded and spartan.

Bed and Breakfasts
The China Clipper Inn is by the far the most elegant and comfortable B&B in town. The Victorian-style inn is customed designed and has twelve large private rooms, decorated with antiques and other unique furnishings. All of the modern amenities are included with every room, and guests can enjoy a large sitting room, several fireplaces throughout the house, and an outdoor hot tub. The inn is as distinctive as Ouray, and is located in the heart of town.

Cabins and Vacation Homes
Ouray Lodging is one of the most reliable companies in town for vacation rentals, condos, apartments, and homes. The Riversong Suite is spectacular inside with a full kitchen, laundry, and fireplace. The Cabin as Eagle Point is sought-after by regular travelers to the area; the cabin is nestled in the national forest surrounding town and has spectacular views, 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, and a full kitchen. The deck at Eagle Point overlooks a small creek, and is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a secluded location. The Aspen, Blue Spruce, and Cottonwood Ouray Lodging suites are of varying sizes, and are suitable for families and couples.

Ouray Vacation Rentals is another reliable and helpful company. They have seven properties available, ranging from secluded and private to large, multi-room houses for large groups. Ouray Realty Rentals is the largest provider of private rental homes in Ouray. All of their units have full kitchens, televisions, laundry rooms, and a desk or a patio. They have properties that can accommodate from two to 12 people. One of their most unique properties is the Mission Rock Cottage, or Hanson House. The Rock Cottage is just off Main Street and only a block from the Uncompahgre River. The cottage is large enough for a family, and has a beautiful wood burning stove. The views from the front patio are great, and the cottage itself is adorable and rustic.

Hotels and Motels
The Beaumont Hotel is a gloriously historic place to stay. The Beaumont Hotel has been a landmark in Ouray for over 100 years; originally established in 1886, the hotel had been passed to several owners and even closed for a number of years before the current owners restored it a few years ago. The hotel has 12 rooms, all with views of town and the mountains and decorated with period furnishings. The hotel advertises all the rooms ‘have been designed to maintain the historical significance of the hotel while catering to the needs of today’s guest.’ The in-house spa and restaurants are fantastic.

The Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa and Lodgings offer a very unique environment. The hotel offers accommodations paired with a spectacular underground natural ‘vaporcave,’ an outdoor hot springs swimming pool, and a private hot springs soaking pool for guests. They also have complete spa services available. The main lobby is actually constructed over a continually flowing natural hot springs that was used by American Indians long ago. Although it’s not advertised, non-guests can actually use the cave and pool for a small fee–we highly recommend paying the fee for use of the establishment’s true attraction and staying the night somewhere else. The Wiesbaden’s on-site lodgings have gone a bit downhill over the last decade while the prices have continued to rise. Regardless, don’t pass up the cave or pool, even if you just have a weekend in Ouray.

The Historic Western Hotel is one of the oldest surviving wooden structures on the Western Slope, the hotel features authentic Victorian architecture mixed with a distinctly old West atmosphere (don’t miss the Saloon Restaurant downstairs). The only downside is that the majority of the rooms share bathrooms with one other room; however, there are two suites with private baths–if you can, reserve the suite with the bathtub in the middle of the room!

The Ouray Hotel is another historic fixture downtown. Built in 1893, and restored 100 years later to it’s original appearance, the hotel offers several suites with private baths. Of all the Victorian-era hotels in town, we’ve found the Ouray Hotel to be one of the most cost-effective.

Campgrounds and RV Parks
For those of us that prefer the joys of camping outdoors to more modern conveniences, the area around town houses several great campgrounds and RV parks. The US Forest Service operate Amphitheater Campground is located on the side of one of the many peaks surrounding Ouray. The campground is at an elevation of approximately 8,400 feet and has both reservable and first-come, first-serve sites. Most of the loops and camping areas are surrounded my conifers, and many overlook the ‘amphitheater’ that was formed by a volcanic explosion. Small RVs can also utilize the grounds. The 4J+1+1 RV Park is the only real RV park located within Ouray. The park is located on the banks of the river, and has very reasonable rates.

Ouray, Colorado is a relatively unknown destination for astute adventure and international travelers. The small town itself is picturesquely nestled among some of the most impressive and beautiful peaks in Southwest Colorado. Set in a small valley and surrounded on three sides by the towering mountains of the San Juan range, Ouray is locally referred to as the ‘Switzerland of America.’ In addition, the majority of the small town’s unique Victorian businesses and hotels have been lovingly restored to their original glory. An incredibly peaceful and relaxing atmosphere dominates the town. The friendly locals, unique landscape, and spectacular Victorian architecture make this a stellar travel destination.

Dining
Despite it’s quaint size, Ouray offers an amazing variety of small cafes and restaurants. Whether you’re after a relaxed atmosphere or a formal experience, or a Southwest-inspired menu or a French flair, you’ll find a local restaurant to satisfy your desires. The Bon Ton Restaurant is one of the local favorites for an upscale atmosphere. The Bon Ton serves continental cuisine with an Italian flair–the menu has everything from prime rib to ravioli. The dining room is located in the bottom of the elegant St. Elmo hotel and is open year-round with an excellent Sunday brunch.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, the Buen Tiempo Mexican Restaurant and Cantina is a worthy choice. Serving an enormous menu of Mexican and Southwestern fare, the Buen Tiempo is clean and comfortable inside; the patio outside overlooks Main Street and is inviting and filled with flowers throughout much of the year. The Coachlight is another of our favorite dinner destinations. Although the dining room has slightly unpredictable hours (it’s only open intermittently throughout the summer months), the tasty salads and old-West atmosphere make it a great dinner place for families.

Shopping
Shopping in Ouray is even better than the dining selections! The small town is home to an incredible number of outstanding and well-known artists of many different mediums, from wood craftsman to painters. Inspired by the breathtaking scenery, these resident artisans are constantly creating one-of-a-kind creations that fill the local galleries. Many local galleries hold regular workshops and classes by artists that are well worth the time. In addition, the small unique boutiques and gift shops that line Main Street have interesting and exclusive high-quality items not typically found in tourist destinations.

North Moon Gallery, located in the dramatically restored Beaumont Hotel, features some of the most unique art in all of Colorado. The small shop has fine art of all kinds, including a diverse collection of jewelry, locally inspired paintings, and gorgeous landscape photography. Red Moutain Gallery and Studio is another excellent gallery; the small business manages to host tours and maintain gardens outside. Open in the fall months, Red Mountain is by appointment only. Finally, San Juan Pottery is another local gallery worth a peek–located one story about Main Street, San Juan is somewhat difficult to locate. They carry an enormous collection from most of Colorado’s most renowned potters.

The shops in Ouray as equally as classy and memorable as the galleries. Travelers can easily purchase all their Christmas and holiday gifts on one trips, as well as acquire stunning Native American art, unique jewelry, and craft masterpieces for themselves. Duckett’s is a good shop to begin your stay in Ouray. Duckett’s is an old-fashioned, tiny family-owned and operated grocery store. The have excellent meat and vegetables all the time, and the staff is fun to talk to. Buckskin Booksellers carries all types of literature, but specializes in Western books and gift items. The Ouray V&S Variety is open seven days a week and year-round; the small old-fashioned store carries most everything you could ever need: food, drinks, snacks, sunscreen, film, cameras, games, clothing, shoes, etc. Every time we visit, we’re amazed how many different items are crammed into such a small storefront. Ouray Toys is open year round, and is fun for adults and kids; they have thousands of high-quality and unique games, toys, dolls, activities, puzzles, and books. Finally, Schalla Jeweler of Ouray is worth a visit. They create custom silver and gold jewelry with gemstones and diamonds. Many of their creations are inspired by the peaks surrounding the town.

According to those who “know� this year marks the 60th anniversary of the 1947 UFO incident at Roswell, New Mexico. And what could be more fun than visiting Roswell for this august anniversary. So, start making plans for the Roswell UFO Festival, which will be held July 5-8.

Here is what Roswell UFO Festival publicity says about the event:

In early July, 1947, a mysterious object crashed on a ranch 30 miles north of Roswell. The Roswell Army Air Field (RAAF) issued a statement claiming to have recovered a crashed “flying disk.� An article ran on the front page of the Roswell Daily Record and the next day, RAAF changed its statement to say that the object was a weather balloon, not a flying disk as they previously reported. This revised statement sparked immediate controversy and has continued to be a topic of debate 60 years later.

While there, you can enjoy book signings, lectures and even see alien attractions. But if you want to go, you better start making plans. With estimated 50,000 people expected for the 60th anniversary of the Roswell UFO, you need to book your rooms now.

For more on the Roswell UFO Festival, including a list of events, visit www.roswellfestival.com.

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New York City clubs, museums, concert halls and other venues will play host to the 2007 JVC Jazz Festival starting on June 17 (Father’s Day) and running through the 30. And, one of the coolest performances will be on Father’s Day at the Harlem venue of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. This will feature the Sonny Fortune Quartet with Michael Cochrane, Chip Jackson & Steve Johns.

Here is what a JVC release has to say about the festival:

“Every year, it gets more challenging to present a great festival; but every year, I believe we succeed, ” said George Wein, Chairman of Festival Productions, a division of The Festival Network, LLC. “This year, you can count on two weeks of outstanding music featuring some of the best of traditional, straight-ahead, contemporary, Big Band, Second Line, R & B, Latin, world music and more.”

Some of the venues will feature free outdoor concerts, including one at Citicorp Plaza. So, head to New York for the JVC Jazz Festival and get your groove on.

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When you think “Nightlife,� Salt Lake City is not the first place that comes to mind. But I’m of the opinion that you can almost always find what you’re looking for, if you try hard enough. And in Salt Lake City, the place for tropical-feeling nightlife is Club Palms.

Club Palms is located at 145 Pierpont Ave, which is not too far from The Gateway shopping center, right in downtown Salt Lake City. It is a tropical themed nightclub actually feels kind of hedonistic. The sound system is excellent, and the DJs are professional and talented. Most of the regulars are twentysomethings interested in having a party. And if you meet someone, all you have to do is head out to the expansive and well-decorated patio to have a conversation.

If you’re in the clubbing mood, there are more Salt Lake City nightlife spots not too far away, including Kristauf’s Social Club, Area 51, Zanzibar and The Bayou.

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If you are looking for a great adventure travel opportunity, Alaska abounds with them. And one of the great opportunities is grizzly bear viewing. Katmai National Park offers a variety of opportunities for grizzly bear viewing, and this can be an interesting and exhilarating experience.

At the Brooks Lodge, you can stay in a hotel (that used to be a fishing house) that is right along the Brooks River, which is known for its salmon spawning and bear sightings (they come to eat the salmon). There is even a grizzly bear viewing platform where you can watch the bears.

But you don’t have to stick close to Brooks Lodge to enjoy Katmai National Park. You can also visit the Valley of 10,000 Smokes. You might see a grizzly or two in other travels as well. Get away from the crowds that dominate Brooks Lodge and head to Kodiak Island. There are also other Alaska nature safaris that can offer you great opportunities at grizzly bear viewing.

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Planning ahead for Disney World can mean that you stay cheap at the resort’s campground, or at value resorts. However, it is important to note that at Disney World the best deals on staying at Disney World can mainly be found during what Disney calls its “value season.”

As you might guess, right now is not the value season. It is the peak season. However, if you can wait until July 29 for the campground, and August 5 for the resorts, you can stay cheap at Disney World. CNN Travel offers a look at some of the cheap Disney World possibilities:

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground accommodates everything from RVs to tents; rates start at $41 per night. The value resorts (Disney’s Pop Century and Disney’s All-Stars Movie, Music and Sports) have rooms as low as $82 a night, and the moderate resorts (Disney’s Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans French Quarter and Riverside) have rooms starting at $145. (These prices are for what Disney calls its “value season,” as opposed to peak season; the next value season begins August 5 for those resorts and July 29 for the campground.)

You can visit Family Trip Deals for more ideas on saving money, and Worldly Chatter for more news and travel from around the world.

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My husband’s family comes from the opposite side of the country to my family. This means that every so often, Memorial Day weekend means a trip. Now, many people take advantage of the long weekend to go on vacation, and many of them choose a destination based on where the family came from. I find that visiting graves and learning about the history of my family, and the history of my husband’s family, is a very rewarding way to plan a short vacation. And it will help my son gain a knowledge of where he comes from.

Right now, you can find travel deals for Memorial Day weekend to just about anywhere. Side Step is offering some travel deals for the weekend, and you can find plenty of great family travel ideas at About’s Travel with Kids page. And, as always, a jaunt to the Family Trip Deals site can help you plan a vacation that is kid-friendly. No matter where your family comes from, remember it right. And you can get a mini family vacation in as well.

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When one thinks of Colorado, the first thing that comes to mind is often the high, snow-covered peaks of the Rockies. But sometimes one forgets that there is another Colorado. This Colorado features sandstone cliffs and interesting archeological remnants from the time before Christopher Columbus. And one of the most interesting of these can be found in the cliff dwellings at Mesa Vere National Park.

Mesa Verde National Park

It is important to note that you explore the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde you need to stay on designated trails. The national park was created to protect the treasure of these amazing manmade structures. There is no backcountry hiking or camping allowed, so plan to arrive early and get in a full day. Or you can take guided trips that stick to the designated trail (nearby Ute Mountain Tribal Park offers mountain biking trips of up to four days).

Highlights of the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park include Balcony House, Cliff Palace and Chapin Mesa. If you can get off the beaten path a little bit, seeing Long House and Step House are well worth the trip to Wetherill Mesa. You can find out more about pre-Columbian culture and what there is to see in and around Mesa Verde National Park by visiting Crow Canyon Archaeological Center.

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Even though a smoking ban has been effect in Disney World for seven years, it was still allowed in some areas in hotels. Now, starting in June, that will change. There will be a smoking ban on all Disney World hotels, as well as time-share and other resorts throughout Florida. CNN Travel reports on the Disney World smoking ban:

The ban permits smoking at designated outdoor areas. The transition to become smoke-free will allow Disney to better accommodate the increasing number of guests requesting nonsmoking hotel rooms, the theme park’s spokesman Jacob DiPietre said.

The ban follows a 2000 measure that restricted smoking throughout Disney’s theme and water parks, limiting smoking to designated areas, DiPietre said.

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If you are looking for the best Italian food in Boston (and there is plenty of good Italian food in Boston’s North End), you should try Dolce Vita Ristorante.

Dolce Vita Ristorante has great Italian food. In fact, this is where we went for my wedding brunch. It was reasonably priced (rigth around $15 - $22 for an entree; you will pay about $37 for a full meal), and delicious. Although my husband, who is Italian-American, would probably blast me because Dolce Vita Ristorante’s specialty is Sicilian food (that’s not “true” Italian, even if it is delicious, he’d tell me). The food is prepared by a man who is actually from Sicily, and the highlight is the simple, yet elegant, presentation. The atmosphere is charming and intimate, and you will find yourself wanting to relax away the afternoon with good food and good friends.

Dolce Vita Ristorante is located at 221 Hanover Street in Boston. You can see a map of the location, and read reviews, at the Google Maps site for Dolce Vita Ristorante.

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There are plenty of interesting and fun NYC activities. But if you are looking for something that is really off the hook, a hip-hop tour may be just the thing. Harlem Hip-Hop Tours offers a unique way to have a look at the New York hip-hop scene. Not only are there cool tours of historical places in Harlem, but you can also visit the Apollo Theater and take a look inside a real hip-hop music studio.

But the really hot thing about taking a hip-hop tour is the VIP access to hip-hop clubs. Harlem Hip-Hop Tours offers you a limo ride (hummer limo available!) along with VIP acces. No standing in line and trying to get in. Harlem Hip-Hop Tours offers you the ultimate access as part of the price of the tour.

NYC activities aren’t limited to museums and parks and shopping. You can get the true flavor of the New York hop-hop scene. And get it in style.

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Now is the perfect time to start planning your fly fishing vacation. And one of the best places to go is Idaho. Idaho is one of those places that nobody really knows anything about. It rarely comes to mind when thinking about vacations. Unless you want to take a fly fishing vacation. Those in the “know” understand that fly fishing in Idaho is just about as good as it gets.

Rainbow trout is one of the most popular subjects of fly fishing in Idaho (you can even get 20-inchers, if you’re lucky). However, there is also plenty of other trout: brook, cutthroat, bull. And salmon, including stealhead salmon. Some of the best Idaho fly fishing can be found in the Caribou National Forest, but the Salmon, Boise and Snake rivers all offer great fly fishing as well.

Here are the best three fly fishing spots in Idaho: Henry’s Fork of the Snake River (can get rather crowded though, since it is near Jackson Hole), Kelly Creek (blessedly solitary for most of the year) and Big Creek (in the heart of the Frank Church Wilderness, just before Big Creek joins the Salmon).

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First Class is soon to disappear in airline travel. At least, first class as we know it. MSNBC Travel reports on the latest trends in airline travel:

“Business-class has been upgraded to first-class standards at some airlines, and it’s encroaching on first-class,” says Edward Plaisted, chief executive of Skytrax, a U.K.-based airline and airport quality ranking company that assesses quality of first-class long haul flights. “First-class is at the stage where the section is filled by upgrades and frequent fliers.”

As a result, he predicts that some airlines will eliminate their first-class altogether. Skytrax research shows that around 35 airlines currently provide first-class service globally. This number doesn’t include smaller airlines that may offer first-class on domestic routes. Plaisted estimates that in the next five years, only 20 or 25 airlines will maintain the service.

And the airline travel providers that do keep first class? Well they are expected to become more luxurious. Truly first class airline travel. In the new first class airline travel, it will be more like staying in a hotel, the MSNBC story continues:

Aram Gesar, editor of New York-based AirGuide magazine and AirGuideonline.com, publications for frequent travelers, says “there will be more square footage and more cabin attendants but fewer seats.” What’s more, seats will be more like mini-suites with sliding doors so fliers can be left alone to sleep, dine or hold business meetings. Emirates already offers this for first-class fliers.

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