Bryan and Julie,

Kathy and I are looking at some places in downtown Denver that can be used for Air B&B or VRBO, but we’ve not purchased a building yet. We will likely not close on one before March 15th, but I have left messages to all our Sotheby’s offices in case some agents have investment VRBOs in that price range.

Colorado Springs:

Colorado Springs has a ton to offer from March 15th-22nd, 2025.

Outdoors & Adventure:

  • Garden of the Gods: This is a MUST. Hike or bike amidst the stunning red rock formations. It’s free, beautiful, and great for photos! Consider a guided jeep tour for a fun way to learn about the park’s geology and history.
  • Pikes Peak: “America’s Mountain” is iconic. You can drive to the top (reservations required!), take the scenic Cog Railway, or hike it (if you’re up for a challenge!). The views are incredible.
  • Manitou Incline: If you’re fit and adventurous, tackle this challenging uphill climb. It’s a great workout with rewarding views.
  • Seven Falls: A beautiful series of waterfalls in a canyon. There’s a cool elevator to the top and some short hikes.
  • Cave of the Winds: Explore underground caverns with guided tours. They have different adventure levels, from easy walks to more challenging climbs.

Arts & Culture:

  • U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum: An inspiring and interactive museum celebrating the achievements of Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
  • Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College: Check out their exhibits and maybe even catch a performance.
  • Downtown Colorado Springs: Explore the downtown area’s shops, art galleries, and street art.
  • First Friday ArtWalks in Old Colorado City: If your trip coincides with the first Friday of the month, this is a fun way to experience local art and culture. This is a pretty cool place to see.

Food & Drink:

  • Local cafes and restaurants: Explore the diverse culinary scene. There are great options for everything from casual cafes to upscale dining.
  • Manitou Springs: This charming town has unique shops, art galleries, and the famous Manitou Mineral Springs. You can sample the different mineral waters and explore the historic district. The rock outcropping and general views in this city are great!

Other Fun Stuff:

  • Shopping: Downtown Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs have unique boutiques and shops.
  • Escape rooms or other entertainment: There are plenty of options for indoor entertainment if the weather isn’t cooperating.

Tips for your trip:

  • Weather: March in Colorado Springs can be unpredictable. Be prepared for anything from sunshine to snow. Layers are key!
  • Altitude: Colorado Springs is at a high altitude. Take it easy on your first day and drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.

Use Online Event Calendars for Music & Concerts:

  • Songkick: This website lets you track your favorite artists and get alerts when they’re playing in Colorado Springs. It also has a general calendar of concerts in the area.
  • Bandsintown: Similar to Songkick, Bandsintown allows you to find concerts and events based on your musical preferences.
  • VisitCOS.com: The official website for Colorado Springs tourism often has a calendar of events that includes live music performances.
  • Uncover Colorado: This website also has a calendar of events for the state, including Colorado Springs.

I have called our Colorado Springs Sotheby’s office to see if any agents have investment VRBOs or if their clients have any. There is nothing back yet, so check out this website if we strike out.

Estes Park: 

Rocky Mountain National Park:

  • Scenic Drives: Even if some higher trails are closed, driving through RMNP is breathtaking. Trail Ridge Road might be partially open (check weather conditions!), or you can enjoy lower-elevation drives like Bear Lake Road or Moraine Park Road. There are many good stops and several viewpoints for photos.
  • Wildlife Viewing: March can be a good time to spot elk, deer, and maybe even bighorn sheep. Keep an eye out along the roads and in open areas. The elk can be aggressive.
  • Hiking (lower elevations): Some trails at lower elevations might be accessible, but always check conditions and be prepared for snow and ice. Wear sturdy hiking boots and layers.

In Estes Park:

  • Downtown: Stroll along Elkhorn Avenue, the main street, browsing the unique shops, art galleries, etc.
  • Breweries & Distilleries: Estes Park has a growing craft beverage scene. Check out local breweries like Estes Park Brewery or Rock Cut Brewing, or visit a distillery like Estes Park Distilling.
  • Coffee Shops & Cafes: Warm up with a hot drink at a cozy cafe. Many offer delicious pastries and light meals.
  • Museums & History: Visit the Estes Park Museum to learn about the town’s history, or check out the Stanley Hotel, a historic landmark with fascinating stories (and maybe a ghost tour!).
  • Sledding/Tubing: Find a good hill for some sledding or tubing fun if there’s enough snow. Check local outfitters for rentals.

Day Trips:

  • Boulder is a nice place for a day trip—Pearl Street Mall for shopping and the Flatirons for hiking (if conditions allow).
  • Lyons: A charming town with a laid-back vibe, known for its bluegrass music scene (check for events).

Considerations:

  • Weather: March in Estes Park is unpredictable—pack layers for both warm, sunny days and cold, snowy conditions. Waterproof boots are a must!
  • Altitude: Estes Park is at a high altitude. Take it easy on your first day, drink plenty of water, and be aware of altitude sickness symptoms.
  • RMNP Entrance Reservations: As of 2024, reservations are required to enter RMNP between late May and early October. Check the National Park Service website for the most up-to-date information, as this policy could change. And Trump might shut it all down before March.
  • Check for Events: Look for any festivals or events happening during your visit on the Visit Estes Park website.

I have called some friends at the Boulder Sotheby’s office to check on VRBO in the Estes Park area, so I will let you know if anyone has a nice place for a discounted rate. I checked out the VRBO website, and some are listed in that price range. I’m happy to preview a few.

Golden and Evergreen:

Golden:

  • Coors Brewery Tour: A classic Golden experience! Learn about the brewing process and enjoy some samples.
  • Downtown Golden: Cool downtown, historic streets, shops, and many nice restaurants.
  • Golden History Museum & Park: The history of Golden and the surrounding area.
  • Dinosaur Ridge: Walk along a trail where you can see dinosaur footprints and fossils.
  • Clear Creek Trail: Walk/hike or bike ride along the scenic Clear Creek.
  • Lookout Mountain: Drive or hike to the top for panoramic views of Golden and the surrounding area.

Evergreen:

  • Downtown Evergreen: Nice shops and restaurants.
  • Evergreen Lake: Walk or ice skate (if conditions allow) around this beautiful lake. You can also rent paddleboards or kayaks if the weather is nice.
  • Maxwell Falls: Hike to a beautiful waterfall.
  • Elk Meadow Park: Enjoy hiking trails and wildlife viewing in this park.
  • Alderfer Three Sisters Park: Another great option for hiking.
  • Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway: Drive to the summit of Mount Blue Sky (if it’s open) for stunning views.

Consider:

  • Weather: March in these mountain towns can be unpredictable. Pack layers and be prepared for anything from sunshine to snow.

Combining Golden and Evergreen:

  • Scenic Drive: Scenic drive along the Lariat Loop, which connects Golden and Evergreen.
  • Day Trip: Spend a day exploring Golden and then head to Evergreen for dinner and a walk around the lake.
  • Red Rocks Amphitheatre: There are no concerts at Red Rocks during those dates, but it’s a great place to spend a few hours.