Fairplay, Colorado

A historic gold mining town, Fairplay, aka “The Real South Park,” is the largest community on a vast grassland flanked by Highways 285 and 9. Fairplay and its sister town, Alma, have eclectic main streets with a smattering of authentic mountain shops, restaurants and bars.

Georgetown, Colorado

Located on the east side of the Interstate-70 Eisenhower Tunnel, Georgetown is nestled in a narrow valley alongside two reservoirs featuring the no-frills Loveland Ski Area and the Georgetown Loop Railroad.

Idaho Springs, Colorado

Take a mine tour, go off-roading and enjoy classic Colorado dining in Idaho Springs, located 45 minutes east of Summit County on Interstate 70.

Leadville, Colorado

Once Colorado's economic epicenter, Leadville attracted such Western luminaries as Doc Holliday and “The Unsinkable” Molly Brown. Today, its Victorian main street, loaded with restaurants, antique, outdoor and coffee shops as well as annual events like big-air ski joring, continues to draw visitors. Leadville is also a launching pad for Sawatch Range trips and fly fishing the Arkansas River.

Vail, Colorado

The largest ski resort in the USA sits above two quaint, Bavarian-themed base villages on the west side of Interstate-70's Vail Pass. Fine dining, great skiing and easy access to the imposing Gore Range ensures Vail remains one of the country's great ski towns.