'Fall' In Love With Colorado

DENVER, Sept. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Foodies and foliage watchers will revel in Colorado this fall, as the state brews up some amazing fall festivals and activities. Whether by raft, foot, zip-line or bike, there are dozens of ways to explore fall foliage and tastes in Colorado. Treat yourself to good eats, autumn-only activities and refreshing drinks this fall at one of Colorado's many fall festivals, which are listed below.

Eating and Drinking:

• Applefest (Oct. 1 – 2) Cedaredge celebrates the apple harvest with more than 150 local vendors gathering to showcase their shiny, crisp apple bounty.
• Vail Restaurant Month's Family Week (October 3-9) features a vintage family vacation "remixed" for today with family activities featuring cooking classes, parties and much more.
• Celtic Fest and Oktoberfest (October 7-8) in Carbondale features beer, brats and bagpipes with live German bands and entertainment.
• Cider Days (October 1-2) in Lakewood honors the region's architectural heritage with this homage to fresh-pressed, organic cider.
• The 3rd Annual Fall Harvest Brewfest (October 15) in Fort Collins features more than 20 craft breweries and craft beer-inspired local food pairings to help visitors find their "inner beer enthusiast."

Adventure Activities:

• Elk Fest (Oct 1 – 2) The people of Estes Park share their home with elk and gather at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park during the start of mating season for a chance to spot these wild beauties.
• Get settled in a saddle for Horseback Riding on Kelly Lake Trail in State Forest, one of Colorado's 42 State Parks, with high alpine lakes, endless scenic views and an elevation gain of 2,000 ft.
• Drive along the Rainbow Route, which is a picturesque course that takes trail-goers from Ouray to Silverton, Durango, Rico, Telluride, Ridgway and loops back to Ouray.
• Rafting and Jeep Tours in Durango will let you experience 7,000 ft. of fall colors on Class II-III rapids on the Lower Animas River.
• Zip-Line Tours in Crested Butte allow you the adventure of whizzing above the tops of golden aspen trees.
• Mountain Biking at Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort or Trestle Bike Park at Winter Park Resort allow for all skill levels to enjoy the fall foliage during a thrill ride.

Contact:  Carly Grimes / 720-289-9366, [email protected]

SOURCE Colorado Tourism Office