From nature photography classes to fly fishing lessons to hiking programs, the Vail Nature Center truly has something for everyone in your family. A log cabin located in Vail, this seven-acre facility is tucked away from resorts, shopping centers and busy roads. It’s just you and nature, and a few knowledgeable staff that will give interesting facts about the area and its wildlife. The Nature Center especially caters to teaching children about nature in a fun and interactive way. There’s the free Raptor Rendezvous in which kids will get to see real raptors and listen to stories shared by the handlers. During the hour-long Wildflower Walk, kids learn about the flowers that dot the Colorado landscape as they walk through the woods and meadows led by staff and during the Evening Beaver Pond Tour, parents and kids go see an active beaver lodge.

Other kid-friendly activities include stargazing, family campfires complete with s’mores, morning bird-watching walks and so much more. The list is endless! And starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, the Vail Nature Center will be open seven days a week so you and your kids can pop by anytime to participate in one of the programs or simply to enjoy the beautiful alpine scenery.

If you want to partake in an activity on your own, the Center offers art and photography classes for adults (and kids) of all levels of experience and there are also adult only all-day or half-day guided hikes through the backcountry. The Vail Nature Center keeps everyone in mind when planning their programs so you won’t be disappointed.

We are just a couple hours away from an amazing festival-packed weekend in the Colorado Rockies. If you’re still unsure about your Memorial Day weekend plans, be sure to check out Blues, Brews & BBQ in Beaver Creek or Festival of the Brewpubs at A Basin. Both festivals look very promising. If not, you could always BBQ and drink in your back porch with a few friends and family. Whatever you choose to do, I hope you enjoy the three-day weekend and have time to recharge before the next work week!

The 37^th annual Telluride Bluegrass is less than a month away. Falling on the same day as the Summer Solstice, the festival will mark the beginning of summer and the start of a season packed with music festivals and outdoor recreation.

With all the festivals in the area, the Telluride Bluegrass fills its own niche. It has a loyal following, many who have been coming to the festival for decades and will continue to do so until they become too old to make the trip. The festival has created a new genre of music, Telluride Bluegrass, and performers and audiences come back every year to be part of this beloved festival in the heart of the mountains.

The four-day Telluride Bluegrass is all about music, good company and priceless memories. The soul of bluegrass music blends with the soothing mountain wind to create an almost spiritual experience. Scheduled performers include Lyle Lovett, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Court Yard Hounds, Yonder Mountain String Band, Leftover Salmon, Del McCoury Band, Hot Rize, Josh Ritter, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Imelda May and many more. Live performances will be going on all day for the duration of the festival. There will also be intimate workshops, songwriting contests, late-night concerts throughout the town venues and personal, intimate jam sessions all around the campground.  This event is for lovers of bluegrass to congregate, share amazing memories and appreciate the music and festival that brings them together each year.

The four-day pass costs $185, and single-day passes are also available for $60. If you need help finding lodging in the area for the duration of the festival, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals 1-888-866-2305

You’ve spent a hot summer day hiking, biking or rafting. After physically exerting your body all day, you go back to your rental house for a well-deserved nap. Before you know it, the sun is down, you’re refreshed and ready to hit the town. But where to go? No worries, I’m here to help. For your reading pleasure and enlightenment, I’ve compiled a list of my coworkers’ favorite places to grab a couple drinks, meet interesting people and dance the night away. Enjoy!

1. The George
Decorated in the style of a British pub, prepare to walk into a dark, unique place where British memorabilia is at every corner. Come here for a Guinness or for the soft, comfy couches and amazing lounge chairs. The George is separated into three rooms: the bar, the restaurant and the game/lounge room. If you’ve got a few quarters on you, play some foosball or pool while you sip your refreshing, cold beer or fruity cocktail. There’s usually pretty good drink specials on the menu that cater to all kinds of drinkers. The laid back atmosphere of The George is perfect for a chilled night with good friends. Come as you are and enjoy a local favorite.

2. Samana Lounge
This is the best club in town with the best live music, bringing in great DJs and bands weekly. There’s no food here, but the friendly bartenders and fun atmosphere will keep you coming back. It’s a great place to go dancing and to listen to popular music. As one of the more posh places in Vail, you’re going to want to dress to impress. If you have a large party, you may want to “buy” a table and get bottle service.

3. The Tap Room
This is a great place to go to watch a sports game and drink a few beers. The Tap Room definitely has the sports bar vibe, and with plenty of big screen TVs at every corner, you won’t miss the next big game. A lot of locals come here after work to unwind and grab a few drinks with friends. There are always good food specials and Monday night is the amazing endless wings night. During the off-season, it’s just $5!!

Some places also participate in the Friday Afternoon Club (FAC). It’s basically a big party on the deck of the particular restaurant or bar with amazing drink specials and an unbeatable atmosphere oftentimes coupled with live music. The Wolcott Yacht Club, Avondale Restaurant and Eagle’s Nest at the top of the Lionshead gondola are the most popular.

Water, water everywhere but no ocean waves to surf. Have no fear. Thanks to Stand Up Paddling (SUP), the surf culture can be enjoyed on any body of water, including on the rivers of the Rocky Mountains. The sport, which originated in Hawaii, is similar to surfing because you can ride waves, but with SUP you can surf on flat water or river rapids. Like the name suggests, SUP involves standing up on a board and using a long paddle for moving and steering. The sport uses its own specially-designed style of board, and most are between 9 feet and 12 feet.

SUP has been around since at least the 1960s, but it has just started becoming mainstream in the last decade. The popularity of the sport has reached the Teva Mountain Games and, for the first time, it’s in the 2010 competition lineup. The two different events, the Sprint and the Cross, will take place on Vail’s Gore Creek. Saturday’s First Ascent SUP Surf Sprint involves paddling a 3-mile stretch as fast as you can. The fastest SUPer wins. For Sunday’s First Ascent SUP Surf Cross, protective gear is a must! This race is about survival of the fittest. Paddlers will have to cross 200 yards worth of class II and III rapids. There will be plenty of close calls and falls into the icy water. The first to make it across wins.

Teva will also have a free SUP clinic led by a C4 Waterman team member and SUP professional Charlie MacArthur for those interested in trying out the sport for the first time. Demo boards and wet suits will be available for participants. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to see what all the craze is about!

If you’re still looking for a place to stay during the Games, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals 1-866-348-5129

Jazz Aspen Snowmass’ (JAS) mission is to “present and preserve jazz, American and popular music through world-class festivals, performances and education programs.” And that’s exactly what they’ve been doing since 1991. The organization’s modest beginnings were marked by their first festival in June 1991, which was inspired by one of the world’s finest jazz festivals in the medieval town of Marciac, France. Since then, JAS’s festivals have gained national recognition for their world-class music set in a unique, natural location in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, attracting crowds from all over Colorado and America.

JAS’ 20th season kicks off with the 10-day June Festival on June 25. There will be four days of concerts by world-renowned performers, including Harry Connick Jr., Natalie Cole and Pink Martini. During the rest of the days, band from the JAS Academy will be performing, and some of the events will be free. September 3 to 5 belongs to the Labor Day Festival. So far the only artists to be announced have been Wilco and The Black Crowes. But keep checking the Web site for new updates. In celebration of JAS’ 20th anniversary, three day tickets are on special for $145. But hurry because this deal ends May 31. The most beloved JAS event is Snowmass Villages’ Summer of Free Music series. Every Thursday night, crowds gather at Fanny Hill to watch artists perform all kinds of music, from Latin to blues to reggae. And it’s all free!

Besides its exceptional festivals, JAS also dedicates itself to educating the public about jazz, spreading jazz throughout the community and helping out young talent. They have a multitude of local programs set up that accomplish their mission of preserving the music. The JAS in Schools program places professional jazz musicians and educators in local schools to introduce middle and high school bands and ensembles to jazz. JAS also has set up a private lesson fund called Pays to Play that provides three free private lessons to Roaring Fork Valley youth in any instrumental discipline. Through Stuff for Students, JAS donates instruments to schools that wouldn’t be able to afford them otherwise. Their most prestigious program is the JAS Academy, the nation’s only all-scholarship jazz residency program. Now in its 15th year, JAS collaborated with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, Washington D.C. to make the Academy a dream come true. JAS has another half-a-dozen programs that spread education and love of jazz to young generations.

JAS’ pioneering efforts to the preservation of music in the community have been beyond influential. To come see first-hand what one organization can do to a community, contact Rocky Mountain Group Travel to find lodging in the area that meets your budget and convenience 1-866-348-5129

Loaded Joe’s is a local favorite. A coffeehouse by day and a cocktail lounge by night, Joe’s has been the premier chill out spot for locals since its opening in January 2004 in Avon. This place truly has something for everyone. During the day, you can relax on a comfy couch, read a book, stare out the window at the gorgeous mountains, talk with friends over coffee or simply enjoy some good food. The place is decorated like a living room, so you can unwind and feel at home. When the sun goes down, the action at Joe’s gets kicked up a notch. Live entertainment, karaoke, open mic, dancing, movie screenings and trivia contests are some of the events that happen throughout the week. A schedule of what’s happening is available.

This place is more than a coffeehouse and a bar; it’s a way of being. Go to Loaded Joe’s for some good coffee, strong cocktails, rocking music and great people. If you need any other ideas about places to go while in the Vail Valley, contact Rocky MountainVacation Rentals’ concierge service.

Visitors of Vail, you don’t have to choose between an expensive cab ride and getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. Thanks to Andy Zenor and Shane Ward, the geniuses behind the better option: the Turtle Bus Bar. This retired school bus painted green and turned party bus has been transporting locals to and from the hottest bars, apres ski locations, and rivers of Colorado in a safe and unique way. To put it into perspective, the bus is outfitted with neon lights, a disco ball, a stripper pole and a bar in the back. It’s definitely a party on wheels.

During the season, the Turtle Bus runs Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights until around 2 a.m. depending on the location. Departure and arrival locations include the Vail Transportation Center, Loaded Joe’s in Avon, Woody’s in Edwards, Covered Bridge in Beaver Creek Village and Sandbar in West Vail. A full schedule of times and locations is available. It costs $5 to ride one way, making it about five times cheaper than a cab. The bus is also available for private parties of large groups, costing $15 per person.

With Summer right around the corner, Turtle Tubing invites guests to “experience nature’s water park” through a float with the Turtle down river.  Don’t forget to bring a extra tube for your cooler full of beer and water!  You’ll be glad you did and we’ll be waiting for mid June when Turtle Tubing gets back in full force!

If you’re in search of a great night out, a day in the sun, hop on the bus and have the time of your life in Colorado!

Why come to Colorado over summer? Why NOT come to Colorado over summer? With so much to do and see, it’s no wonder the local joke is people come for the winter but stay for the summer. From adrenaline junkies to families to those in search of tranquility, there is something for everyone. Kayaking, white-water rafting, zip lining, rock climbing, fishing, paragliding, mountain biking, caving and hiking are just the tip of the iceberg of things to do in the summer. With so many options, you’ll be scrambling to try and do everything!

When the snow melts, the water sports aficionados come out to play. Kayaking and white-water rafting businesses

open their doors once again to welcome a new season of people eager to get out on the water. White-water kayaking requires skill and experience, but rafting is available to all ages and skill levels and it’s great to do with a large group of people. Some companies offer the chance to combine rafting with other activities, such as horseback riding or rock climbing. So if you’re pressed for time, this is a great opportunity! With a handful of rivers to choose from, each with a different level of rapids, you have the option to do mild (class I-II) or wild (class IV-V) trips, depending on your skill level. The Arkansas River, the most popular in Colorado, offers some of the best white-water rafting in the nation. The Colorado River offers a more relaxing alternative for those with small children. Whichever river you choose, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful canyon and mountain scenery. Nothing beats a day on the river surrounded by the Rockies!

For those who prefer a less energetic activity, the area offers hot air balloon rides through the glorious Rockies. Imagine being in the air surrounded by snow-capped giants, getting an aerial view of Colorado’s beauty. Colorado Hot Air Balloon Rides, located in the middle of Colorado in the South Park Valley, boasts the highest altitude hot air ballooning in the country. Their hour-long flights depart at sunrise and guests get views of the Continental Divide, Mt. Elbert, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Pikes Peak and South Park Valley while eating a hot breakfast and sipping champagne as classical music softly plays in the background. It’s no wonder NBC Today ranked hot air ballooning number 18 of 50 things to do in your lifetime.

Maybe being on the water or up in the air isn’t for you. Well, how about going underground? You will have the chance to go caving in Glenwood Caverns, the largest show cave open to the public in Colorado. Glenwood Caverns offers three kinds of tours: walking tour, adventure tour and wild tour. Don’t like tight places? That’s OK. Sign up for a walking tour. You’ll still get to see the beauty of an underground cave but without having to squeeze through any tight spaces. Besides the caves, you will also go to a cliffside balcony where panoramic views of Glenwood Canyon and the Colorado River will surround you. For the daring and non-claustrophobic, the wild tour is the way to go. You will venture to rarely visited parts of the caves, but be prepared to crawl, squeeze and get down and dirty. You will be on your belly and squeezing through crevices as small as 18 inches during the 3-hour tour. It’s not for the faint of heart.

Many companies do group discounts. Contact Rocky Mountain Group Travel for help planning, booking and organizing your next Colorado vacation! 1-866-348-5129

Many people come to the mountains to get away from it all, but that doesn’t mean they get away from their exercise routines. Runners, hikers and bikers who adamantly continue their training even while on vacation must slowly transition from exercising at sea level to a higher altitude.

In general, the higher the altitude the longer it takes the body to adapt. At high altitudes there is a decreased availability of oxygen, so the heart must work harder. This increases endurance in athletes, but those not accustomed to the reduction of oxygen can suffer serious consequences, such as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Altitude sickness usually is the culprit of headaches, nausea, fatigue and shortness of breath. Luckily, this can easily be avoided just by being prepared and knowing when to take a break.

Things to Do:
1. Ascend and descend gradually.
2. Stay hydrated.
3. Spend the first day at a lower altitude than during the rest of the trip.
4. Avoid alcohol and caffeine before or after exercising.
5. Take long, deep breaths at intervals.

Always listen to your body. If you feel weak and sick, don’t exert yourself or go higher. A day of rest can easily get you acclimated, but for some it may take longer. Only you know your limits. You can have an amazing, active vacation in the Rockies as long as you take the proper precautions.

Many people know that vacation rentals are a cheaper alternative to hotels. You save on food, activities and for large families, even on the price of the rooms. But people are consistently choosing vacation rentals over hotels not because it’s the cheaper alternative but because of the small details that make a vacation rental feel like home.

It comes down to the amenities that are available to guests, which vary by house and owner. Simple things like having a washer and dryer, a blender, a kid’s media room or a bottle of local wine ready for when they first arrive make all the difference in the world to people. Vacation home owners give their guests a personalized treatment that is rare in the hotel industry. And many homes are stocked with all the essentials for a memorable family vacation, including a wide variety of board games, movies, toys and kitchen appliances. Want to make waffles for breakfast? No problem! Just plug in the waffle iron, look up a recipe in the cookbook sitting on the counter and a homemade waffle breakfast is ready in minutes. You just can’t get that from staying at a hotel room.

A vacation home is all about privacy and exclusivity. Fancy soaking in a bubbling hot tub in your back deck with nothing but the mountains around you? Go ahead. Plenty of hotels may have hot tubs too, but they’re shared by thousands of guests. This hot tub would be all yours for a week, along with everything else the house has to offer. Having your own porch, fireplace, kitchen and living room, your own space to enjoy will make your vacation one to remember for the rest of your life. But be warned. Once you stay in a vacation home, you’ll never want to go back to hotels again.

Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals specializes in vacation rentals. For help booking or finding the perfect fit for you and your family, call 1-866-348-5129

Beer lovers rejoice! There is yet another beer festival coming to town. This time, it’s joined by the savory and oh so satisfying taste of hot and spicy chili. I suggest wearing loose pants or investing in one of these babies. Whatever you do, don’t miss the 7th Annual Snowmass Chili Pepper & Brew Fest on Friday June 4 and 5. It’s going to be a party for your taste buds.

Chili cooks and microbrewers will face off in a series of competitions. The International Chili society will host two chili competitions and there will be a summer ale competition involving over 50 breweries from all over the country. Best of all, festival guests will get to taste all the competitors’ hard efforts. Also, for the first time, guests will have the opportunity to sample European and exotic beer.

The Hot Times regional Chili Cook-Off takes place on Friday. The first place winner, the “Chili Red”, wins $1,000. Saturday is the Sizzling Snowmass Regional Championship, for which there is also money prizes for the winners.

Live entertainment will be rocking Fanny Hill throughout the weekend. Performers include DJ Baja Voce, Kyle Hollingsworth Band featuring Michael Kang, DJ Brian Howe, Brett Dennen, George Clinton Parliament-Funkadelic and The Wailers. The festival weekend is finished off with the 10 p.m. Chili After Dark Party at Viceroy Resort that will last well into the night.

Over 12,000 people are expected to attend so get your tickets early! If you need help finding lodging in the area, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals. They can find the perfect place for any budget. 1-866-348-5129

The three-day visual arts festival in Lionshead is fast approaching and I couldn’t be more excited. This festival attracts 70 artists from all over the country to showcase their work on beautiful Arrabelle Square. A fan of various art mediums, this festival will be like being in a candy store for me. All kinds of arwork will be on display, including watercolor, acrylic, oil, woodworking, glass, sculptures, furniture, mosaics, ceramics, metalworks, photography and jewelry. To make it even more amazing, there will be live entertainment and great food throughout the day. June 26 can’t come soon enough!

If you’re still in the process of planning your stay in Vail and need some help, Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals will take the stress out of your vacation. The high season is fast approaching so book today! Call 1-866-348-5129

Great news Colorado lovers! Four Colorado locations have been named among the Top 25 Destinations in the U.S. by TripAdvisor. Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder and Rocky Mountain National Park are the winners, ranking number 17, 18, 19 and 24, respectively.

#17 Denver

Denver made the list because of its “major-city sophistication” and multitudes of sports, museums and charming neighborhoods. The Mile High City has something for everyone. Visit the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the fourth largest museum in the U.S. or join King Tut at the Denver Art Museum beginning June 29. Go shopping or refuel with a coffee and pastry at the 16^th Street Mall. For those with a more refined taste in shopping, be sure to visit Larimer Square, a block of trendy stores and shops housed in Victorian buildings. Watch a concert at the world’s most renowned venue, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Carved out of, well, red rock, a concert here will definitely be an event to remember for the rest of your life.  Other things to do in Denver include a Coors brewery tour, a Buffalo Bill museum and 23-acre botanical gardens.

#18 Colorado Springs

With 249 miles of bike trails, 105 miles of urban walking trails, 160 miles of hiking trails a 40,000 square-foot skateboard park and the mountains in its backyard, it’s no wonder Colorado Springs was ranked by Backpacker Magazine among the Best Cities to Raise an Outdoor Kid. You can tackle Pikes Peak, “America’s Mountain,” by foot or by bike, go rafting down the Arkansas River, walk a quarter mile across Royal Gorge on the world’s highest suspension bridge, explore the spectacular sights in the Cave of the Winds, or be mesmerized by Colorado’s beauty at Seven Falls. And for all you history buffs, Colorado Springs’ rich history and culture won’t disappoint. Three hundred days of sunshine offer ample opportunity for anyone to enjoy all the outdoor, recreational activities the area has to offer.

#19 Boulder

Boulder’s 30,000 acres of unspoiled land and 200 miles of trails won it the number 19 spot. A city for the outdoorsy, its premier location at the foothills of the Rockies attracts avid skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Its progressive thinking has turned the city into the leading force behind the Western green movement. With the University of Colorado located in the middle of the city, you can be sure the nightlife will not disappoint. Pearl Street and The Hill are the local favorite spots for a good time. This eclectic city is a college town, a getaway for the wealthy and a haven for the outdoorsy. “It is Colorado all in one town,” said Aaron Hoffman, a resident of Boulder for four years.

#24 Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado’s number one attraction is a playground for nature lovers and outdoor sportsmen. Visitors can go camping at one of five campgrounds, fish for some trout in the rivers, hike and horseback ride on 359 acres of trails and encounter bighorn sheep, elk, moose, black bears, cougars, eagles and tons of other animals. If you’d rather soak in the natural beauty of the park in a less strenuous way, the roads that wind through the park offer a multitude of scenic drives. The road will take you along rivers, through forests and up 12,000 feet in elevation and you can see it all through your car window.

With so much to see and do in Colorado, you’ll never find yourself bored. If you need help planning your Colorado vacation, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals. They can help organize the trip of a lifetime! 1-866-348-5129

Memorial Day may be just a week away, but it’s not too late to make it a weekend to remember! With large vacation homes still free, your family (aunts and cousins included) can come to the Vail Valley for a vacation you’ll be talking about for years to come. So grab your bags, pack the kids up and hop on the next flight to Colorado!

The Enclave

238 N. Fairway Drive

Beaver Creek, CO 81620

$695/night

This 5 bedroom 5 bath private house sleeps 12 and consists of 3 king beds and 4 twin, perfect for families with children. Wood floors, granite countertops, a fully-equipped kitchen, satellite cable and WiFi create a comfortable and efficient household.

The house has two large decks that overlook a creek. The decks have an outdoor gas grill and a hot tub, perfect for soothing body aches after a long day of hiking.  In the summer the property opens up the pool and tennis courts. Close proximity to shopping, hiking, golfing and fishing ensure that you won’t go lacking in things to do. Also, located in Beaver Creek, you have prime access to Beaver Creek’s Blues, Brews and BBQ festival going on over the weekend, an event you won’t want to miss!

Lionsridge Loop

1650 Lions Ridge Loop

Vail, CO 81657

$590/night

This tastefully decorated, newly remodeled 5 bedroom 4 bath house sleeps 11 comfortably. High-end finishes throughout the property, great mountain views from the back deck and all the essential amenities ensure that you will love your vacation home. With its convenient Vail location, you can take advantage of the free Town of Vail bus shuttle. The property is directly on the bus route so you won’t have to worry about driving or parking hassles. Guests of the Lionsridge Loop also have free unlimited access to the Aria Club & Spa, Vail’s most extensive workout facility and spa.

St. Moritz

2199 St. Moritz A Drive

Vail, CO 81657

$650/night

The St. Moritz is the definition of sophistication. You and nine other people can spend the weekend on the lap of luxury. With beautiful furnishings, expertly executed building design and stunning views of the mountains, this property will not disappoint. Other features include a kids media room, outdoor hot tub, outdoor fire pit, washer and dryer, DVD movie library, free access to the Aria Club & Spa and the Town of Vail bus shuttle, a balcony, gas grill and two car garage.

For more information or for help booking any of the above properties, contact Rocky Mountain Group Travel. They also have summer packages available. 1-877-510-2640

Come to Beaver Creek and enjoy food, drink and music.  The annual Blues, Brews, and BBQ will be held in Beaver Creek Village.  Remember parking is FREE.  The Centennial Lift is also scheduled to open for the summer season on Memorial Weekend!

The Teva Mountain Games bring more than 2,000 professional and amateur athletes to Vail to compete in kayaking, bouldering, climbing, fly fishing, mountain biking, stand up paddling, road cycling, running and rafting events. But people won’t be the only contenders at the event. Dogs will also have the opportunity to showcase their talents and win notoriety at the Games.

Dogs will have the chance to compete in three events: Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical, Big Air Wave and Doggy Dash. The events measure speed, height and length. The Speed Retrieve, the newest of the competitions, is a game of speed. A toy duck is placed at one end of the pool and the dog must jump in from the dock and fetch it. The judges measure the time it takes the dog to reach the duck. The Extreme Vertical measures the height of a dog’s jump. This is accomplished by positioning the dog on a 10-foot-high platform above the water and making him jump to get his toy. The Big Air Wave is all about distance. The dog runs down the dock and jumps into the water after his toy. The distance is measured up to where the dog hit the water. The final event, the Doggy Dash, involves owner and dog running through an obstacle course as fast as they can.

For the first time in the history of the Teva Mountain Games, the Speed Retrieve, Extreme Vertical and Big Air Wave will be Zone Qualifiers for the 2010 DockDogs World Championships. The winners of each event will automatically be invited to the championship for that particular discipline. This goes to prove the intense competition at the Games, for people and dogs.

The dog events will take place throughout the weekend. A complete schedule of events is available. Online registration is $20 to $25, depending on the event. It is open until 5 p.m. Friday, June 4.

If you need help finding pet-friendly lodging or planning other activities to do with your dog while you’re here, contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals by calling 1-866-348-5129. They will help you plan your entire Vail weekend.

The Vail Valley has become a popular destination for weddings. Couples come from across the country to say their vows with the stunning Rockies as a backdrop. But Vail weddings are about more than the breathtaking scenery; they’re about the first-class service, unmatched hospitality and unique beauty of a town that prides itself on exclusivity and grandeur. For those seeking a wedding of luxury and splendor, the Vail Valley has plenty of venues to choose from. Here are my top picks.

1. The Sonnenalp Resort of Vail

Voted “Best of Weddings 2010″ by readers of The Knot magazine, The Sonnenalp knows how to make a day memorable. Their attention to detail is immaculate and they have their own personal wedding consultant that will turn your dreams for the big day into reality. You have the option of choosing between over half a dozen venues, ranging from the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens to the Vail Interfaith Chapel to a location atop a mountain. Whatever venue you choose, the professional Sonnenalp staff will be on hand to organize and execute the wedding of your dreams.

2. Beaver Creek Lodge

Located in one of the most exclusive areas of the Vail Valley, the Beaver Creek Lodge has won recognition as one of the top ski resorts in the world. Winner of an AAA Four-Diamond Excellence award, you can be sure that the service and hospitality will be among the best you’ve experienced. There are indoor and outdoor locations for your ceremony and the modern, unique interior design of the resort definitely make it stand out. The 1,344 square-foot Blue Spruce Room can accommodate up to 100 guests and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that will leave your guests with unforgettable views of the Rockies. The resort is also a 3-minute walk from the secluded Beaver Creek Chapel if you’re looking for a more intimate experience.

3. The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera

Imagine standing under the elegant, pristine Cordillera Gazebo with your husband-to-be, the Sawatch Range on one side and your loved ones on another. The crisp white of the gazebo and the row of chairs creates a dramatic contrast to the flourishing greenery surrounding you. The fresh mountain air tickles your face as you exchange vows and are pronounced husband and wife. If this sounds like your dream wedding, then The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera, also a winner of the AAA Four-Diamond award, is the perfect place for you. The elegance, sophistication and natural beauty of The Lodge work perfectly to craft the perfect mountain wedding. You can also choose to have your ceremony at the beautifully landscaped Cordillera lawn and outdoor locations are also available for winter weddings. With such a beautiful location and the help of experienced resort event-planners, you will have a wedding to rival the beauty of the Rockies.

4. Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa

Located at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain and on the banks of Eagle River, The Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa provides the perfect backdrop for a wedding in the mountains. Your wedding will be a combination of the majesty of the Rockies and the serenity of the river. Say your vows in the 2,000 square-foot outdoor Wedding Lawn where you’ll be embraced by the natural beauty of the location. Just a few steps away The Riverside Terrace is the perfect place for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before the real party begins. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the 3,800 square –foot Riverside Ballroom will bring the mountains inside  your reception, making it a night to remember.

5. The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

This Avon resort stays true to the luxury and high class Ritz-Carlton is renowned for. You can have a small, intimate wedding or an extravagant reception. The choice is yours and Ritz-Carlton makes it possible with their wide range of venues that can hold up to 35 (Smith Terrace) or 350 (Mountainside Terrace) guests. You can also choose to get married at the nearby Beaver Creek Chapel, with transportation to and from the chapel provided for the entire wedding party. If you’re a ski fanatic, the resort has ski-in/ski-out access available for guests.

Many resorts offer special offers or group discounts. Rocky Mountain Group Travel also has special wedding packages available that include activities and transportation options to take the stress out of planning. They can also customize one for you. Call 1-866-348-5129

There are many different ways that people choose to travel… I myself, typically travel independently or with one other person. This is because I’m selfish and like to do what I want, without having to find a happy medium with others I’m traveling with. However, this is the worst way to travel if you’re trying to do it affordably. The fact of the matter is; traveling as a group saves money – lots of money. Let’s consider the advantages:

Lodging: Groups requiring multiple units can often qualify for group rates from the hotel or vacation rental company. Not to mention you can split the cost of the room with multiple people, saving loads.

Tours & Activities: Depending on what your group wants to do, tour providers will offer significant discounts for groups. You are essentially guaranteeing that they fill space on their tours, so it doesn’t hurt them to offer a discount to your party.

Meals: Most group travelers tend to stay in a vacation rental home, or private condos, which offer fully equipped kitchens. So you can cook a large meal, enjoy it as a group and not have to worry about the leftovers going to waste. Big savings!!!

Transportation: Splitting the cost of a cab, or shared ride is so much cheaper when you have people to share the cost with.

Not only does traveling as group save money, it also provides you with a unique experience. You are sharing memories and building friendships with that many more people that you otherwise would have. You don’t get bored or lonesome, because someone is always up to something. Memories made while traveling are ones you never forget. It’s such a good feeling to have multiple people with whom you can reminisce on these good times with long after the vacation.

Why come to Colorado over summer? Why NOT come to Colorado over summer? With so much to do and see, it’s no wonder the local joke is people come for the winter but stay for the summer. From adrenaline junkies to families to those in search of tranquility, there is something for everyone. Kayaking, white-water rafting, zip lining, rock climbing, fishing, paragliding, mountain biking, caving and hiking are just the tip of the iceberg of things to do in the summer. With so many options, you’ll be scrambling to try and do everything!

When the snow melts, the water sports aficionados come out to play. Kayaking and white-water rafting businesses open their doors once again to welcome a new season of people eager to get out on the water. White-water kayaking requires skill and experience, but rafting is available to all ages and skill levels and it’s great to do with a large group of people. Some companies offer the chance to combine rafting with other activities, such as horseback riding or rock climbing. So if you’re pressed for time, this is a great opportunity! With a handful of rivers to choose from, each with a different level of rapids, you have the option to do mild (class I-II) or wild (class IV-V) trips, depending on your skill level. The Arkansas River, the most popular in Colorado, offers some of the best white-water rafting in the nation. The Colorado River offers a more relaxing alternative for those with small children. Whichever river you choose, you’ll be amazed by the beautiful canyon and mountain scenery. Nothing beats a day on the river surrounded by the Rockies!

For those who prefer a less energetic activity, the area offers hot air balloon rides through the glorious Rockies. Imagine being in the air surrounded by snow-capped giants, getting an aerial view of Colorado’s beauty. Colorado Hot Air Balloon Rides, located in the middle of Colorado in the South Park Valley, boasts the highest altitude hot air ballooning in the country. Their hour-long flights depart at sunrise and guests get views of the Continental Divide, Mt. Elbert, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Pikes Peak and South Park Valley while eating a hot breakfast and sipping champagne as classical music softly plays in the background. It’s no wonder NBC Today ranked hot air ballooning number 18 of 50 things to do in your lifetime.

Maybe being on the water or up in the air isn’t for you. Well, how about going underground? You will have the chance to go caving in Glenwood Caverns, the largest show cave open to the public in Colorado. Glenwood Caverns offers three kinds of tours: walking tour, adventure tour and wild tour. Don’t like tight places? That’s OK. Sign up for a walking tour. You’ll still get to see the beauty of an underground cave but without having to squeeze through any tight spaces. Besides the caves, you will also go to a cliffside balcony where panoramic views of Glenwood Canyon and the Colorado River will surround you. For the daring and non-claustrophobic, the wild tour is the way to go. You will venture to rarely visited parts of the caves, but be prepared to crawl, squeeze and get down and dirty. You will be on your belly and squeezing through crevices as small as 18 inches during the 3-hour tour. It’s not for the faint of heart.

Many companies do group discounts. Contact Rocky Mountain Vacation Rentals for help planning, booking and organizing your next Colorado vacation! 1-866-348-5129