Leadville Twin Lakes

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Leadville, Colorado — With the start of each new year, healthy living seems to be on everyone’s mind. That’s certainly true in Leadville, but it’s also why many locals have chosen this as their hometown over the years.

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Spending time in nature has been shown to heal and nurture the mind and the body, with benefits such as relaxation, stress reduction, and an improved sense of well-being. Leadville and Twin Lakes offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the Rocky Mountains, with tens of thousands of acres of wilderness areas, miles and miles of trails, and more lakes than any other county in the state. There’s just one stop light in Leadville, so those stressful traffic jams are pretty rare. Top it off with the clean, clear water and fresh mountain air, and this is the perfect place to surround yourself with nature.

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Recreational opportunities abound, with a calendar of competitive events that includes a winter mountain bike race series, snowshoe and Nordic races, triathlons, a biathlon and downhill ski races. There are also many ways to get outside and enjoy a little exercise that aren’t quite so competitive. The Dutch Henry Sledding Hill is free if you bring your own sled or tube, with tube rentals available on weekends. At 30,000-square-feet, the Leiter Ice Skating Rink is one of the largest manmade rinks in Colorado, and is quite a bargain at just $3.25 for kids and $4.25 for adults including skate rentals.

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Ski Cooper offers $44 lift tickets and a two-hour ski lesson with rentals and an EZ Street Magic Carpet® ticket for just $50, which is good for the body and the budget!

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Family friendly events, such as the free Winter Fun Day at the Leadville Fish Hatchery on Jan. 21, and the many activities sponsored by the Lake County Recreation Department, help everyone stay active and have fun.

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Leadville’s hometown newspaper, the Herald Democrat, is providing locals with both the opportunity and the incentive to get and stay fit this winter with the “Get the Lead Out” competition. So far, 27 teams have already signed up, a testament to the residents’ interest in healthy living.

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Start planning your healthy mountain vacation today with our free vacation guide!

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Sources:

“Green is good for you” by Rebecca Clay, from the American Psychological Association (www.apa.org/monitor/apr01/greengood.aspx)

“Psychological benefits of nature experiences: research and theory,” by John Davis, Ph.D. (http://www.johnvdavis.com/ep/benefits.htm)

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Leadville, Colorado — The USA Pro Cycling Challenge, dubbed the toughest race on American soil, will come back to Lake County again in 2012. This year, approximately 10,000 spectators lined up along the Twin Lakes side of Independence Pass, some camping along the roadside overnight, and some riding their own bikes to the peak, to cheer on the riders. They were rewarded with a spectacular view of professional riders from around the world in what was dubbed a “take no prisoners” day of racing.

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In the only stage being repeated from the epic 2011 competition, the racers will travel from Gunnison to Twin Lakes, then up and over Independence Pass on August 22, 2012. This stage in the 2011 event was the hardest, longest and highest of the race.

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On August 23, after spending the night in Aspen, they will turn around and head over Independence Pass, this time experiencing the ascent from the other side. This stage brings the riders back through Twin Lakes, through Leadville and on to Beaver Creek.

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That makes Leadville and Twin Lakes, Colorado, THE place to be to watch two stages of this world-class competition. Make your reservations now!

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Leadville, Colorado — Here are a few of the reasons to shop in Leadville and Twin Lakes this holiday season:

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The Delaware Mercantile, located at 700 Harrison Avenue in downtown Leadville, is offering several specials to help you save money on your holiday shopping:

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1) Leadville shopping tote, with purchase of $25 or more, limit one per customer

2) Special 2-for-$25 corner. Combine accessories, regularly $14.99 each, to create your own gift combos. Includes select scarves, sunglasses, fashion jewelry and watches

3) Outerwear sale, 40% off

4) Ladies’ and men’s leather jacket sale, 40% off

5) Select Holiday and Victorian clothing, up to 80% off

6) Stocking stuffer cart, $3 and under

7) Specials Purchase carts for products as seen on TV

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The Grill Bar & Café, located at 715 Elm Street in Leadville, is having a Christmas sale through December 10. Save 10 – 20% on Grill wear and art. And, if you buy $100 worth of gift certificates, you get a $20 gift certificate for yourself! The Grill will be closed Dec. 10 – 26, but you can make reservations for Christmas week online at www.grillbarcafe.com or by calling 719-486-9930.

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North America’s highest cookie bakery, Cookies with Altitude, located at 717 ½ Harrison Avenue in Leadville, is now carrying Hammonds candies! Hammonds is a family owned company located in Denver. All the candy is made by hand and in small batches to ensure the highest quality. They have all day-suckers, candy canes and ribbon candy in assorted holiday flavors – perfect stocking stuffers!

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Website Only! Cookies with Altitude is also offering a special just for web viewers. Buy a pound of handmade fudge, get ¼ pound free. Buy three or more pounds, and you get one pound free. But, you have to tell them that you saw this offer online in order to get this deal.

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Read our last post about Small Business Saturday for lots of holiday gift ideas. We’ll update this blog as new deals come in!

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Leadville, Colorado – November 26 has been declared Small Business Saturday across the country. Support your favorite Leadville businesses, and you will help fuel the economy at the same time.

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Leadville and Twin Lakes are home to many wonderful small businesses. You’ll find friendly, personal service at locally owned specialty and antique stores; eateries that run the gamut from coffee shops and bakeries to four-course gourmet dinners; lodging options ranging from an elegant Victorian hotel, inns and B&Bs to lodges, cabins, campsites and vacation rentals; and more services than you can shake a stick at.

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With the holiday shopping season upon us, Small Business Saturday is the perfect time to purchase thoughtful gifts that will be remembered for years. Themed gifts are fun to put together and meaningful for the recipient. Here are some ideas to make this holiday season extra special:

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For a new driver or someone who helps you out with a car pool: A colorful bucket filled with car wash items, a book on car maintenance or day trips, and a gift certificate for gasoline or to an auto parts store.

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For an elderly friend, a basket filled with a selection of greeting cards, stamps, pens and a small calendar with family birthdays and occasions already filled in.

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For someone who has trouble getting around, or just doesn’t like to drive in the winter, a shopping bag filled with a few essentials, a gift card for groceries, a shopping list and a gift certificate good for a run to the store for them in the future.

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For someone really special, a weekend getaway kit in a small duffel bag filled with gift certificates for lodging and dining, and a nice bottle of wine. You can even offer to babysit if you want to go all out!

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For sports enthusiasts, combine gear with a gift certificate to make it more festive, such as ski gloves and lift tickets; a hat, sunscreen, water bottle and a gift certificate for a bike or canoe rental, or a guided fishing trip; or a waistpack filled with trail maps and snacks.

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For someone new to town, or who has been promising to visit for years, gift certificates to two or three of your favorite local restaurants tucked into a book about the area.

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Be creative! Antique stores are a great place to find something that’s meaningful and out of the ordinary. If your creative juices aren’t flowing yet, just stroll down Harrison Avenue and you’re bound to think of something. While you’re there, go ahead and pick up a little something for yourself. You deserve it!

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Leadville, Colorado — The ghosts of Leadville are ready to welcome you to town! Here’s what’s happening Halloween weekend in this historic mining town once home to infamous characters including Doc Holliday, Texas Jack, Buffalo Bill, “Chicken Bill” Lovell, “Broken Nose” Scotty and Soapy Smith:

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Friday, Oct. 28 — Murder Mayhem Alley Tour: Join Judge Neil Reynolds for a guided tour of Leadville’s historic alley ways. The tour begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person. Space is limited, so reserve your tickets today at 888-532-3845.

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Saturday, Oct. 29 — Judge Reynold’s Cemetery Tour: Judge Neil Reynolds hosts a guided, narrated tour of Leadville’s historic Evergreen Cemetery. The tours begin at 6:30 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29. Tickets are $10 per person. This is a popular event each year, call 888-532-3845 today to reserve your tickets. Stapleton Manor Haunted House: This imaginative and popular haunted house — said to rival those in major cities — has been frightening folks for years. Located in an historic 1880s carriage house property in downtown Leadville at 118 W. 7^th St. No reservations required. Children 13 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. The cost will be $5 per person and proceeds will benefit Full Circle of Lake County.

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Monday, Oct. 31 — Spooky Storytelling at The Delaware Hotel: Kids 5 – 10 will enjoy this free, spooky storytelling session at The Delaware Hotel from 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. It’s located at 700 Harrison Avenue in downtown Leadville, Colorado. Call 719-486-1418 for more information. Trick or Treat Street: Enjoy supervised trick-or-treating for kids on the first two blocks of west 7th Street from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. No vehicles permitted. Stapleton Manor Haunted House will be open again from 6 – 9 p.m.

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Happy Halloween! Go to our website for more reasons to visit Leadville and Twin Lakes.

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Leadville, Colorado — These photos were taken Thursday, September 29, 2011. Come on up this weekend and enjoy the fabulous fall colors! The Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway is one of the prettiest fall drives around. Here’s how to get here: directions.

Leadville, Colorado — Ready for some leaf peeping in the Colorado Rockies? Leadville and Twin Lakes are beautiful all year, but really shine in the fall when the aspen trees turn brilliant shades of yellow, gold and orange. Mixed in with pine and spruce trees, and set against a backdrop of the two highest peaks in Colorado, this is one area you won’t want to miss. Here are five ways to enjoy the colors:

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1. Take a ride on the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad. Do not pass Go, just hop on board for a two-and-a-half-hour journey through the untamed wilderness of the San Isabel National Forest. The weekend of September 17-18, the LC&S Railroad is offering fall photo special rides at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Call 866-386-3936 for reservations, these fill up quickly. The price is the same as the regular train rides: $32 for adults, $19.50 for children ages 4 – 12. Weekend rides are available through October 9.

Courtesy of the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad

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2. Hike or bike the Mineral Belt Trail. This paved, ADA-accessible trail loops the city of Leadville, traveling through aspen groves, conifer forests, wildflower meadows and open vista sage parks. You can enjoy views of the Sawatch and Mosquito mountain ranges, as well as some of the area’s most significant historic sites. Along the way, the trail chronicles the rags-to-riches stories of such notable figures as Horace and Baby Doe Tabor, Meyer Guggenheim, Charles Boettcher, David May, Father John Dyer and the Unsinkable Molly Brown.

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3. Spend a day at Twin Lakes, Colorado’s largest glacial lakes. You can take a 12-mile round-trip hike to the historic 1880s Interlaken Resort, take a leisurely stroll through the historic village, paddle across the lakes for a picnic lunch, or choose all of the above. Twin Lakes, once busy as a mountain transportation hub between Aspen and Leadville during the gold rush days, was described in 1885 as “the most charming summer mountain resort in Colorado.” Today’s visitors enjoy the tranquil beauty of the lakes, ringed by snow-capped Fourteeners.

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4. There are two options for scenic drives on the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway that circle through the area: the Minturn
- Leadville – Twin Lakes – Aspen loop and the Copper Mountain – Leadville – Vail
 loop. Both will take you by Camp Hale, home of the 10th Mountain Division, and through historic downtown Leadville, which is lined with antique stores, specialty shops and eateries. Independence Pass, which links Twin Lakes and Aspen during the summer and early fall, was named one of “America’s Prettiest Fall Drives” last year by Forms.com.

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5. Enjoy the Fall Colors Celebration offered by the Healy House Museum and the Leadville Assembly on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meet your guide in the gazebo at the Healy House lawn, located at 912 Harrison Ave., to learn about the life of Leadville’s early school teachers and take a tour of the museum. You can then take a drive to the historic Evergreen Cemetery for tales of early social customs in Leadville, along with a guided cemetery tour. Reservations are not required. Tickets cost $20 for adults, and $10 for children younger than 10. Call 719-486-0487 for more information.

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These are just the highlights. You can also enjoy jeep and 4×4 tours, drive the Route of the Silver Kings, and meander through the 70 blocks of downtown Leadville’s National Historic Landmark District of Victorian Architecture. Just don’t delay; fall comes early at 10,152 feet. The colors should peak around the third week of September.

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Visitor Information: www.VisitLeadvilleColorado.com

Lodging:  www.visitleadvilleco.com/lodging

888-532-3845

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Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad

http://www.leadville-train.com

866-386-3936

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Leadville, Colorado — They say that variety is the spice of life, and that’s certainly the case when you look at the September calendar of events for Leadville. Take a gander, then start planning your trip.

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If you’re a music lover, you won’t want to miss Yale-trained pianist Andrew Johnson on Saturday, Sept. 3. The legendary Judy Collins will perform with special guest Amy Speace at a concert to benefit the Tabor Restoration Fund, St. George Community Meals and the Advocates of Lake County on Sept. 15. Both of these concerts are at the Tabor Opera House, 719-486-8409.

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If history tickles your fancy, you’ll love the Molly Brown Weekend at The Delaware Hotel, when portrayalists from The Molly Brown House-Denver offer a first-person presentation about the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown. Following the presentation, enjoy a guided tour through The Delaware Hotel. Both events are free and begin at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 2 and 3, in the hotel lobby. The hotel will also host “Fade to Black,” a unique presentation on Victorian mourning and funeral customs on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 6:30 p.m. Call 719-486-1418 for details.

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Spend a day in Leadville: Dead or Alive! Learn about both sides of early Leadville with a historic tour of the Evergreen Cemetery and a tour of the Healy House Museum, including stories about Leadville’s teachers, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17. Tickets are just $20 per person. Advance tickets are available at 719-486-0487, but walk-ups are also welcome.

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Fancy antique cars? The Model T Touring Club hits town Sept. 20.

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History buffs will love the Historic Leadville Tour Weekend by Colorado Mountain College – Leadville, Sept. 23 – 25. Find all of the details here:  http://www.cmcneverstoplearning.com/Explore-Historic-Leadville.

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A fan of fall foliage? The Mineral Belt Gold Tour on Sept. 10 is a free family friendly ride on the paved Mineral Belt Trail with lunch afterwards at the base of Dutch Henry Hill. There are special fall photo rides on the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sept. 17 and 18. Reservations are requested: 866-386-3936.

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There are two options for scenic drives on the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway that circle through the area: the Minturn
- Leadville – Twin Lakes – Aspen loop and the Copper Mountain – Leadville – Vail
 loop. Both of these loops take you by Camp Hale, home of the 10th Mountain Division, and through historic downtown Leadville, which is lined with antique stores, specialty shops and eateries.
 Independence Pass, which links Twin Lakes and Aspen during the summer and early fall, was named one of “America’s Prettiest Fall Drives” last year by Forms.com.

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Get the picture? These are just the highlights; follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and visit us online for even more reasons to visit. Be sure to stop by the Leadville Lake County Visitors Center at 809 Harrison Avenue
 for maps, visitors’ guides and information.

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By Guest Blogger Craig Stuller

Leadville, Colorado — With tourney weekend fast approaching, we’re putting out a final call for players to get signed up and come out for some golf, food and fun with friends at Mount Massive Golf Course in Leadville! Members can sign up for the 36-hole two-day Club Championship — only $60 for both days, and the second day you’re playing in two tournaments at once. The Lake County Open is Sunday’s 18-hole event, and is open (like the name says) to all players. If you play Sunday only, it’s just $35 — less than our regular greens fee — and includes a rib-eye steak dinner, $10,000 hole in one contest, and some great prizes, like a Chicago Ridge Snowcat Tour for two powderhounds or a 2012 MMGC membership!

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Both tournaments are individual stroke play, flighted by handicap. Tee times start at 9 a.m. each day. If you’d like to get in on this but…no handicap? No problem! Just enter the “all fun, no handicap” flight. We’ll ask you to predict your score at registration, and the closer your score to your prediction without going over, the higher you finish. Simple, fair and fun!

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Then there’s the Racehorse after the tourney and steak dinner. It’s optional, but if you enter the tourney – you’re entered in the Racehorse. In Racehorse, each player is matched by ability with another as two-person teams. The entire field tees off and plays each hole at the same time, with teams playing alternate shots through each hole. All golf etiquette is out the window — jeering, cheering and harassing are encouraged! At the end of each hole, the team with highest score is knocked out — and on it goes until just one team is left They get the entire cash pot. We don’t know of any other course else that does this. It’s too much fun to miss!

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Okay, that’s it – one more time – members, $60 for the two-day 36-hole Club Championship includes the Lake County Open on Sunday. Anyone else, members or not, handicap or no, $35 for the Open on Sunday with great food, great fun and awesome prizes.

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Let’s do this!  Call 719-486-2176 to sign up now!

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Leadville, Colorado — The first of the two big Leadville Race Series weekends is here, with the Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race on the 13th and Trail 100 Run on the 20th. As these races continue to grow in popularity, we are expecting even larger crowds than usual this year. Here are some tips, deals and announcements from local residents and businesses to help you enjoy your visit during either — or both — of these exciting weekends.

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Sunscreen and a hat: The higher you go, the more protection you need from the sun. We’re at 10,152 feet above sea level, so you need a lot of sunscreen and a good hat.

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Hydration: The elevation and lack of humidity will affect you quicker than you think. Drink water, and plenty of it. Check out additional tips to avoid altitude sickness.

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Weather: The old saying is true: if you don’t like the weather in Colorado, wait 10 minutes. The forecast is calling for lows in the upper 30s and highs in the low 70s. There is always a chance of rain in the mountains in the summer, so a waterproof jacket is a good bet.

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Have a seat: These are long days, a camp chair comes in handy.

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Arrive early: We are anticipating big crowds this year. Make sure you allow extra time to get into town and to find parking. Please check for signs about parking limits and restrictions, and respect private property.

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Cheer on the athletes: Best places to view the riders in the mountain bike race include Lost Canyon Road, at the base of the 11-mile Columbine climb, most easily accessed from the town of Granite just south of Twin Lakes; the power line climb, accessed off of County Road 5A, just past the High Mountain Institute; and downtown Leadville for the start and finish at 6^th Street and Harrison Avenue.  For the running race, viewing and parking opportunities are more varied. Popular spots include Twin Lakes, Hope Pass, Hagerman Pass, County Road 36 coming into the finish (“the Boulevard”) and downtown Leadville.

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Food Specials: Callaway’s Restaurant, located inside The Delaware Hotel at 700 Harrison Avenue, is offering brown bag specials both weekends. For quickest service, please call in your order in advance:  719-486-1418

- Brown Bag Breakfast – $6 (Breakfast on the go – take-away only) — Breakfast Pita  (scrambled eggs & cheddar cheese in a warm pita pocket), slice of sweet bread, 12 oz coffee or orange juice. Available 6:30 – 11 a.m., Saturday 8/13 and Saturday 8/20.

- Brown Bag Lunch without beverage – $7 (Lunch on the go – take-away only) Choice of Dagwood, smoked chicken salad, or tuna salad wrap, chips and a brownie. Available daily, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

- Brown Bag Lunch with beverage – $9 Same as above, plus choice of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Tea or water. Available daily, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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Mt. Massive Golf Course is offering discounts for racers and crew; coupons are included in the swag bags!

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Colorado Workforce Center will be open for business as usual. Parking may be difficult, so please allow plenty of time.

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Forget something? You can probably find it here in town, be sure and check our shopping options. While you’re at it, pick up a souvenir or two! The Leadville Lake County Visitor Center at 809 Harrison Avenue is a good resource, too.

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We will continue to update this list as announcements and special are offered, so please check back often. Enjoy your trip to Leadville, and come back and see us soon!

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