When the dust settles on the holidays, it’s time to get away. Sometimes forty-eight hours of fun is all it takes to relax and revive. Here are five quick trips to get the job done.

Salt Lake City, UT

Foodies and artisanal boozers will find much to love in Salt Lake City, where friendly people, great dining and outdoor adventure reign supreme. Make your way through the city’s copious craft breweries and distilleries by night. Then dry out during the day by skiing Snowbird, Alta or Brighton  mountains. Non-snowbirds can hop the Trax light rial to the Red Butte Garden, a quick natural getaway from the bustle of downtown. And Temple Square is the city’s architectural showcase, where the Salt Lake Temple is a magnificent sight to behold at night.

Scottsdale, AZ

Escape winter in nearby Scottsdale, where the weather is warm and the recreation boundless. Baseball fans can spend the day at one of the 10 spring-training sites (the season starts in February). A don’t miss for golfers is Mountain Shadows, an 18-hole par-three course with a rich pedigree. Book a food tour of downtown Scottsdale, hike Camelback Mountain or take a hot air balloon ride over the Sonoran Desert. Finally, a trip to Scottsdale wouldn’t be complete without a spa visit. Try the Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary at Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa for its desert botanicals and aromatics.

Estes Park,CO

Those in the know will tell you that Estes Park, a major summer tourist haven, is one of Colorado’s best winter destinations, too. This small mountain town at the foot of Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the morea ffordable mountain towns to visit during the winter months. Solo-goers can get a pass to park and go snowshoeing or hiking along Bear Lake. Oenophiles can plan a wine-tasting at the Snowy Peaks Winery. Estes Park has also become a serious whiskey town. The famous Stanley Hotel – the inspiration behind Stephen King’s “The Shining” – also boasts the largest selection of whiskey in the state.

Steamboat Springs, CO

This quiet mountain town is beloved by nature lovers and hot springs enthusiasts alike. In winter, you’ll find the fluffiest of its famed “Champagne Powder” snow, with six towering peaks and 165 trails that offer something for everyone – from beginner runs to steep and deep slopes. Snow biking is also a rapidly growing sport here, where larger and fatter tires are used to enjoy the trails. Kick up your feet by taking a gondola ride up Mt. Werner for an unforgettable panoramic view of the mountains or soothe your tired muscles by taking a riversidecanyon drive to soak in the Strawberry Hot Springs.

Minturn, CO

A local’s hideaway only two hours outside Denver, Minturn is a steal, even in high season. Nestled between its more famous neighbors, Vail and Beaver Creek, its’ a great home base to both. Ski experts love the Minturn Mile, a hard-core back country trial that starts on Vail Mountain. After a day tearing up the slopes, grab a casual pint or dinner at Kirby’s Cosmo BBQ. The best apres-ski reward can be found at Minturn Saloon, an authentic Colorado watering hole festooned with ski posters and old-time photos.

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Once you’ve grabbed them from the airport and had a chance to catch up, what’s next? Plenty, with this handy list of amusements in and around Golden.

Take the Quintessential Colorado Mountain Drive

It doesn’t get much better than a scenic spin up Lariat Loop Trail to the top of Lookout Mountain. The views are spectacular, and the thrill of hairpin turns and white-knuckle drop-offs is enough to delight even the most fearless of house guests. Plus, who doesn’t love gaining 1,300 feet in a mere mile.

Do a Brew

Golden has no shortage of great craft breweries to frequent, especially after a harrowing ride up to Lookout Mountain. Stop and smell the hops on your own, or let the folks at Coors Brewery do it for you with a guided tour, which culminates in a free tasting.

Go West

Show ’em a taste of the Old West with a visit to the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave. You’ll learn all about the life and times of “Buffalo Bill” Cody and this Western hero’s ongoing influence on American culture. You’ll even catch a glimpse of Annie Oakley’s rifles and the feathered headdress of Sitting Bull. The museum is located on top of Lookout Mountain, with stunning views of Golden.

Give Wannabe Geologists a Thrill

The Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum is home to a world-class collection of minerals, gemstones, and meteorites, including one of the state’s two Goodwill moon rocks collected during the Apollo 17 Mission. Admission is free.

Take an Early Spring Hike

There are so many to choose from. Golden Gate Canyon can be a winter wonderland with snow frosted trees or a dry hiking paradise on a mild day. Clear Creek Trail is everyone’s favorite all weather trail, starting from the center of downtown Denver up into the foothills. Or take a five-mile hike of North Table Mountain. The view from the top of this lunar landscape of ancient volcanic rock provides great vistas of downtown Denver on one side and the foothills on the other.

Pay Homage to the Woodman

Got a Woody Allen fan in the house? You’ll want to take a drive to the Sculptured House, aka the “Sleeper House”, featured in Allen’s 1973 sci-fi comedy, “Sleeper”.With its distinctive elliptical modern curves, it’s a signature site built on Genesee Mountain built by architect Charles Deaton. The owner of this Colorado historical landmark recently underwent renovations in 2018.

Say Cheese

Take an old-time photo of yourselves at the Oh Susanna Vintage Photo studio. Choose between Wild West, Steampunk or Victorian costumes and backgrounds. You can even include the dog! Photos are ready by the time you leave.

See Red

The international renowned Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater draws music lovers, nature fans and fitness fanatics alike from around the world to enjoy its 300-foot sandstone monoliths. Hike the Trading Post Trail that weaves through the most majestic red rock formations. Or learn about Colorado’s amazing music history at the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. If it’s summer, enjoy your favorite music outdoors in person. Check out the 2019 Red Rocks Concert Schedule.

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