Leadville Twin Lakes

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Leadville, Colorado — The Colorado Department of Transportation has just announced that it will open Independence Pass at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 11. This scenic drive connects Twin Lakes and Aspen during the summer months, and creates a sightseeing loop that also includes Leadville, Glenwood Canyon, Minturn and Glenwood Springs.

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Here are just a few of the places you can stop along the way:

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Camp Hale — The training site for the 10th Mountain Division in WWII, Camp Hale is located at an elevation of 9,300 feet, 17 miles north of Leadville on Highway 24. Learn about the life of these heroic soldiers through signage, where foundations and walls from some of nearly 1,000 buildings are still visible.

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Downtown Leadville — Leadville, the highest incorporated city in North America, is located in the geographic center of Colorado, just 103 miles west of Denver and 129 miles northwest of Colorado Springs, on US Highway 24, part of the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway. Once one of America’s richest, longest-lived and bawdiest mining boomtowns, 70 square blocks of the downtown area has been designated as a National Historic Landmark of Victorian architecture. Activities include skiing, fishing, camping, golfing, hiking, whitewater rafting, four-wheeling, biking, museums, historical tours and train rides.

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Leadville National Fish Hatchery — Leadville National Fish Hatchery provides many exciting visitor opportunities. Open to the public, the hatchery welcomes visitors for a closeup view of the fish production process. With more than 36,000 visitors annually, the volunteer hosts at the Visitor Center bring the hatchery experience alive. Tours available by appointment to organized groups. There are many hiking opportunities with the Rock Creek, Highline, and Kearney Park Trails all originating on hatchery grounds. These three trails intersect with the Colorado Trail in the Mt. Massive Wilderness Area, offering different routes to hike a loop starting and ending at the hatchery.

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Hayden Meadows Recreation Area — Hayden Meadows Recreation Area is a wayside site in the Upper Arkansas Valley on the Top of the Rockies Scenic and Historic Byway. Located between Leadville and Buena Vista on reclaimed riverside land that had been polluted by runoff from upstream mining operations, the site offers a fully-accessible nature trail about a mile in length, a manmade fishing pond (also fully-accessible) of about seven acres and opportunities for world-class trout fishing in the Arkansas River.

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Village of Twin Lakes — Twin Lakes, a transportation hub between Aspen and Leadville during the gold rush days, is now a year-round destination with nearly endless outdoor recreation activities. On the banks of the state’s largest glacial lake and ringed by Fourteeners, this historic village is popular with photographers, sightseers, campers and hikers.

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Historic Interlaken Hotel: Constructed in 1879, the Interlaken was a popular destination on Twin Lakes. Between 1883 and 1890, Leadville miner James V. Dexter commissioned the construction of a sixteen-horse stable, servants’ quarters, a dance pavilion, and numerous landscape improvements, transforming Interlaken from a small hotel to one of Colorado’s premier mountain resorts of the early twentieth century. Now maintained by the U.S. Forest Service as a National Historic Site, many of the original buildings have been preserved and allow a glimpse of the past. Accessible by trail or boat.

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Independence Pass Summit — Spectacular viewpoint overlooking the Roaring Fork Valley, Lake Creek Valley, Collegiate Range, Sawatch Range and West Elk Range. The old stage road was installed on Independence Pass in 1880-1881 by B. Clark Wheeler, officially opening on January 1, 1882, as a toll road, collecting 25 cents per horse and rider, and 50 cents per wagon for passage. The old toll road carried travelers over the Pass between 1882 and the coming of the railroads into Aspen in 1887. Although the existing road was built over the old road in many places, the remains of the original road, including logs laid down over boggy spots, and the ruins of corrals and way stations, can still be found. The shadow of the old road bed, cut by erosion gullies and partially revegetated by native plants, is clearly visible just west of the summit.

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Leadville and Twin Lakes offer affordable places to eat, stay and play, making them the perfect hub for this scenic drive. Make a weekend of it; there are dozens of trails for hiking and biking, beautiful picnic spots, museums, a mine tour, two National Historic Districts, antique stores… Start planning your trip today!

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Leadville, Colorado — At an elevation of 10,152 feet, Leadville is the highest incorporated city in North America. It’s also one of the most historic and most beautiful spots around. Combine sightseeing, hiking, biking and fishing with museum tours, Victorian architecture, a mine tour and horseback riding, and you have the perfect weeklong Colorado vacation.

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Lake County’s overnight accommodations range from an elegant Victorian hotel, charming inns and B&Bs to lodges, cabins, and vacation rentals. You’ll find some located in the heart of the National Historic Districts, while other are tucked away in the woods.

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When meal time hits, whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, an elegant dinner for two, or a casual family meal, Leadville and Twin Lakes offer a surprisingly wide selection of eateries — many of which boast of local, Colorado and national recognition. Choices include coffee, pizza and sandwich shops, Mexican cantinas, a steak house, and restaurants specializing in Italian, Chinese, American and bistro-style cuisines.

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Day 1

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Morning — Hike or bike the Mineral Belt Trail: This 12.5-miled paved trail circles Leadville with spectacular views, wildflower meadows, aspen groves, conifer forests and historic sites along the way. Bike rentals available for $25 per day, helmet included. Cycles of Life, 309 Harrison Avenue, 719-486-5533

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Afternoon — Museum Tours: Leadville is home to seven museums, all included in the Museum Passport. The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum and the Healy House and Dexter Cabin should be your first stops; they showcase Leadville’s mining heritage and boomtown legacy. National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, 120 W. 9th St., Leadville, 719-486-1229

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Evening — Sunset Hike at Turquoise Lake: Turqouise Lake is beautiful and serene, a perfect spot to walk off those calories from dinner.

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Day 2

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Morning — Play Golf at Mt. Massive Golf Course: At 9,680 feet, Mt. Massive is the highest golf course in North America. This nine-hole public course is ringed by the tallest mountains in the state and surrounded by ranchland and forest, it is in a truly spectacular setting. Mt. Massive Golf Course, 259 County Rd. 5, Leadville, 719-486-2176, http://www.mtmassivegolf.com

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1 p.m. — Scenic Ride on the Leadville Colorado & Southern Railroad: Enjoy a two-and-a-half hour train ride through the untamed wilderness of the San Isabel National Forest on this historic train. Open and enclosed cars available. ADA-accessible. Well-behaved pets welcome. Call for reservations. Leadville Colorado and Southern Railroad, 326 E. 7th St., Leadville, 866-386-3936, http://www.leadville-train.com

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5 p.m. — Hike to Tennessee Pass Cookhouse for Dinner: Take a refreshing one-mile hike to the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse and savor an elegant evening of four-course dining in an idyllic backcountry setting. Entrees include elk tenderloin, rack of lamb, sockeye salmon and thai peanut tofu. Reservations required.  Tennessee Pass Cookhouse, Located at the base of Ski Cooper, 719-486-8114

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Day 3

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Morning — Hopemore Mine Tour: Take a guided, underground walking tour of this authentic hardrock mine. Descend 600 feet down a vertical shaft and experience what it was like for Colorado miners in the 1800s. Call ahead for reservations: Hopemore Mine Tour, 2921 County Road 1, Leadville, 719-486-0301

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Noon — Enjoy a picnic lunch at Twin Lakes: Ringed by Colorado’s tallest Fourteeners, Twin Lakes is the largest glacial lake in the state and one of the most popular spots for photographers. Located 15 minutes south of Leadville at the base of Independence Pass.

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Afternoon — Hike to the Historic Interlaken Resort at Twin Lakes: The world-famous Interlaken Hotel, popular in the 1880s, can be accessed by 12-mile round-trip hiking trail that’s suitable for beginners or boat and is a fascinating trip back in time.

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Evening — Historic Walking Tour: Most of the buildings in Leadville were built from 1880 – 1905. The seventy-square-block National Historic Landmark District includes the largest opera house west of the Mississippi, the saloon visited by Oscar Wilde, and two historic 1879 churches. Maps at: Leadville Lake County Chamber of Commerce, 809 Harrison Ave., Leadville.

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Day 4

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Morning — Route of the Silver Kings: The Route of the Silver Kings leads you on a driving tour through the 20-square-mile historic mining district surrounding Leadville, Colorado. There are 12 stops on the tour, including mines, power plants, ghost towns and mining camps.

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Afternoon — Leadville National Fish Hatchery Tour: Established in 1889, this is the second oldest Federally operated fish hatchery in existence today. There are also many hiking opportunities with the Rock Creek, Highline, and Kearney Park Trails all originating on hatchery grounds. These three trails intersect with the Colorado Trail in the Mt. Massive Wilderness Area, offering different routes to hike a loop starting and ending on the hatchery. Be sure to bring your binoculars for the spectacular wildlife viewing.

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Evening — Relax and enjoy the views!

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Day 5

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Morning — Guided Fishing Trip: Leadville, Twin Lakes and the surrounding area are packed with Colorado fishing opportunities. With the headwaters of the Arkansas River, the small ponds of Hayden Reservoir and Crystal Lakes, the bigger reservoirs of Turquoise and Twin Lakes, as well as many creeks and high lakes to choose from, anglers can enjoy just about any kind of fishing they like right here in Lake County. Take a half-day guided fishing trip to find some of the best fishing spots and get tips from a pro. Colorado Fly Fishing Guides, 711 Harrison Ave., #1E, Leadville, 866-908-7547

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Afternoon — Hit the Shops! You’ll find shops filled with antiques, bookstores, bike and ski shops, along with specialty stores packed with Western fashions and accessories, gifts, souvenirs, sporting goods, accents for the home, and more. Several galleries feature the works of local and regional artists.

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Evening — Tabor Opera House: The largest and grandest opera house west of the Mississippi was built by strike-it-rich legend Horace Tabor in 1879. Check their online calendar so you know which evening to reserve, and get your tickets ahead of time. Shows range from musical and educational to theatrical and comedic.

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Day 6

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Morning — Hike to Timberline Lake: This five-mile round-trip hike is suitable for beginners, and offers beautiful views of lakes, streams and wildflowers. Click here for more Leadville trail options.

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Afternoon — Museums: Finish your tour of Leadville’s seven museums.

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Evening — Wagon or Horseback Ride and Weenie Roast: Get a taste of the Old West with a one-hour trip to a beautiful mountain camp for an old-fashioned campfire and weenie roast. Enjoy a casual meal of fire roasted beef hotdog’s, chips, and soft drinks. Top it all off with your personally made s’mores. Call ahead for reservations. Mega Mountain Magic 719 (486-4570)

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Day 7

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Morning — Drive to the top of Independence Pass: Voted one of America’s prettiest fall drives by Forbes.com, Independence Pass is breathtaking all summer long as well. Start out in Twin Lakes and take a walking tour of the historic village. Make sure you have fuel in the tank, snacks or a picnic lunch, and then hit the road to the top. There are several trailheads and scenic spots along the way. There are restrooms at the top.

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Afternoon — A Final Stroll through Town: Wrap up your week with another look at Leadville’s historic downtown. Pick up some souvenirs, and then make plans to come back again soon!

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Leadville, Colorado — Wondering just how much fun you can have in the mountains on a sunny spring day? Here’s how it might look in Leadville…

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Come on up and play! Learn more at VisitLeadvilleColorado.com.

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Leadville, Colorado — On April 15, 1912, the Titanic, the largest luxury liner on the open seas, sank on her maiden voyage.  Thought to be unsinkable, the Titanic was a wonder of modern technology, cost $10 million to build and weighed 46,000 tons. One of the most famous survivors, Margaret “Molly” Brown, is also one of the most prominent figures in Leadville’s history.

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To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic and Leadville’s own “Unsinkable” Molly Brown, The Leadville Assembly, Inc., is producing a weekend full of historic and educational events. Appropriately titled, “A Night to Remember,” highlights include:

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A tour of the Guggenheim home — Titanic passenger Benjamin Guggenheim made his staff dress in formal attire so they could “go down with the ship as gentlemen.”  While alive, he lived in a gorgeous home in Leadville. Thanks to a special arrangement with the current owners, a tour of this home is part of the weekend event. It is not normally open to the public.

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Keynote speaker Michelle Spadavecchia — Michelle Spadavecchia, delivers a spell-binding presentation of Titanic history and the roles that Leadvillites played in that disaster. Michelle has been a volunteer tour guide at the Molly Brown House Museum in Denver for several years, and a Titanic exhibit guide at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.  She has her own Titanic library of books, CDs and movies, and is a powerhouse of Titanic facts and figures.

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Included in this event is a showing of the classic 1958 black and white movie, “A Night To Remember,” in the Media Center at the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum. This classic William MacQuitty docu-drama, adapted from the book by the same name written by Walter Lord, runs 128 minutes and won the Samuel Goldwyn International Award in 1959.

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A luncheon “Tea with Molly” — Enjoy a delightful luncheon tea at Quincy’s Restaurant while Margaret Tobin “the Unsinkable” Molly Brown entertains you with tales of her life in Leadville, being rescued on the Titanic, and life after the Titanic disaster. Molly comes to life through the imagination of Cynthia Webb, a milliner from Johnstown, Colorado.

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A three-course Titanic dinner — Based on a menu from the Titanic, dinner will include Punch Romaine, cream of barley soup, choice of filet de beouf lili or chicken lyonnaise, and Waldorf pudding, served formally in the historic banquet room inside The Golden Burro, Leadville’s oldest restaurant. The dinner will be prepared by Executive Chef Matthew Roberts.

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Several passport packages and lodging specials are available. Please click here for more information about this unique, historic weekend in Leadville, Colorado.

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Leadville, Colorado — Every year, students in the Ski Area Operations (SAO) program at Colorado Mountain College – Leadville put their events management training to use by producing a Rail Jam competition for skiers and snowboarders. This year, the 8^th Annual CMC Rail Jam will be held March 24 on the CMC campus in Leadville.

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• — Full Circle, a non-profit program for youth in Leadville, will DJ the event.
• — There is a $10.00 entry fee.
• — Ages 13 and up.
• — Costumes are encouraged.
• — Helmets required.
• — Prizes such as a snowboard, shirts, headphones, stickers, goggles, and other snowboard-related swag.
• — Current sponsors include Unity snowboards, Silver City Printing, Dr. Ride, High Mountain Pies, Bolle, Christy’s Sports, Kitchen Chicken Wax, ON3P Skis, Melanzana, Pueblo Bank and Trust, and Volcum.

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Schedule:*

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9:30-10:30 Registration/Practice

10:30-11:00 Groom

11:00-12:05 Snowboard

12:05-12:20 Groom

12:25-1:25 Skier

1:30-2:00 Groom/Lunchbreak

2:05-3:05 Skier/Boarder Finals

3:20 Awards

3:35-4 Open Jam (tentative)

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The SAO events management class designs and builds the course, is responsible for gaining the support of various sponsors, takes care of liability concerns, prepares waivers for the participants and prepares a budget financed through the school, including things like advertising options and building materials. The class is designed to teach students the ins and outs of what it takes to prepare and put on an event that ski resorts often host. Events management is an integral operational aspect of any ski area; a special skill set, among many, that makes graduates of CMC’s SAO program highly sought after by ski resorts across the country.

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Check out highlights from the 2011 CMC Rail Jam. The Ski Area Operations Program at Colorado Mountain College is the most comprehensive training program of its kind in the nation, and the only one in the heart of Rocky Mountain ski country.

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Make plans to spend the weekend in Leadville or Twin Lakes, and enjoy all of the area’s outdoor winter fun.

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* All times subject to change

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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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