Tag: https://visitdenver.com/

America, Countries

One hundred and fifty years of Colorado

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And they’re having a high old time today as they celebrate One hundred and fifty years of Colorado.

Although it’s known by all as the Centennial State on account of it being this day in 1776 that Ulysses Grant granted them statehood.

Now like all Coloradophiles we have been following progress of the Sesquicentenary all year.

And particularly since we gathered in my Glasgow birthplace to toast our Mid-West pals.

Now because every day is a school day here are some killer Colorado factoids which make the 38th State special.

Colorado Rocks

Rocks of ages: Watching OneRepublic

Now there have been many Coloradan singers of note and tributes to the state’s beauty.

From Henry John Deutschendorf Jr’s (or John Denver to you and me) Rocky Mountain High.

To Ryan Tedder and OneRepublic’s Stop And Stare at the iconic Red Rocks.

But even more ubiquitous than either is America the Beautiful, inspired by Katharine Lee Bates’ visit to Pikes Peak in 1893.

The same year as Colorado became the first state to grant women the right to vote through a popular referendum.

Here for the beer

Here for the beer: With beerologist Travis

Coloradans, of course, will be celebrating with a beer from any one of the 420 craft breweries.

And we’re lucky enough to have an insider in University of Boulder beer archaeologist Travis (no, we’re not making that up).

Now you probably know Colorado as a high old state… and not just for its liberal drugs laws.

But it also has the highest mean altitude of all the states with Denver known as The Mile High City.

And Coloradans are fond, of course, of saying that you only have to drink half as much to get twice as drunk.

Springs in the air

The Great Outdoors: Out and about in Colorado

The Centennial State is also famous for its hot springs.

With the world’s largest natural hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs.

With the two-block long pool across from the historic Hotel Colorado, a favorite stop of former president Teddy Roosevelt.

The inimitable Teddy is, of course, not alone in embracing the charms of the Coloured Red (on account of the topography) state.

Here’s Bill & Johnny

Fits the Bill: Buffalo Bill’s tombstone

And every visitor to Colorado naturally pays homage to Buffalo Bill at his tombstone.

Where you will be expected to throw a coin on to his stone in tribute.

But Colorado too is home to The Stanley Hotel, in Estes Park.

Where a host of celebrities and heads of state that have stayed at the luxurious 1909 hostelry.

And here’s Johnny, from Stephen King’s novel The Shining, the hotel inspiring the author.

Fair is fowl

Heads you lose: Mike in Fruita

Now if you’re of a strong constitution then maybe you’re looking for something a bit more head turning.

So head to Fruita, where the town folk celebrate Mike the Headless Chicken Day.

To commemorate farmer L.A. Olsen who cut off Mike’s head on September 10, 1945 for his dinner.

Only for Mike to live for another four years without a head.

So have a high old time today as you have all year.

And here’s to the next 150 years.

 

America, Central America, Countries, Sport

A healthy attitude to altitude

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And ahead of a certain football game in Mexicoo City here’s how to build a healthy attitude to altitude.

Courtesy of our friends from Denver, the Mile High City.

Where the first piece of advice we were given was around booze.

And that visitors need drink only half as much to get twice as drunk.

And twice as much water as you would at home.

Not easy when you’re at an international travel fair and are being wined and dined around town.

Even when you’re breakfasting at the institution that is The Milk Market.

Food for thought

Breakfast of champions: And that’s OJ, honestly

It turns out too that I should have been side swerving all those lovely sugary treats the Americans do so well.

And rather seeking out the broccoli, bananas, avocado, cantaloupe, celery, greens, bran, chocolate, granola, dates, dried fruit, potatoes and tomatoes.

Which all help you replenish electrolytes by balancing salt intake.

Dressed to chill

Got it covered: Keep cool and your head protected

Now we expect that the England football fans are all dressed in their best retro tops and ready to go.

But maybe those lion and crusader costumes might chafe a bit in the heat and thin air.

Better too having extra protection against the sun which is naturally closer higher up.

A different hat: But maybe not in the heat

Because there’s 25% less protection from the sun up in the air.

So sunscreen is a must.

With Denver receiving more than 300 days of sunshine each year (more than Miami).

So bring sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.

Take it easy

Going native: England’s Mexican Wave

The welfare of the people who take the pitch, of course, will dictate the mood.

Of the fans who have followed them out and up to Mexico City.

Our altitude advisers tell us that the effects of exercise are more intense at altitude.

Bandanaman: And the Bandanettes at Coors Field

So if you normally run ten miles a day at home.

Then you’re best to try six miles at altitude until you build up the red blood cells.

The Mile and a Half City

On the up: Mexico City

Which, of course, England manager has been reminding us he hasn’t had the luxury to do with his players.

Getting his excuses in early.

He might want to try this one too should his attackers balloon the ball over or if the Mexicans hit their target.

And bear in mind too all of you at the footie or plans to take in magical Mexico City.

The Mile and a Half City.

Which we found a sample deal with £1,032 round trip from Edinburgh with KLM, through Amsterdam and back through Paris with Air France.