New Jersey

One of the Mid-Atlantic States, the tiny state of New Jersey is often overshadowed by neighboring New York City. Traveling south on the New Jersey Turnpike toll road from New York, visitors will be stuck with the picture of popular imagination that has been the brunt of jokes with many an on-stage comedian. The ugly highway, traversing an industrial landscape of grey, smoking chimneys and factories, and passing bleak cities like Newark and the state capital of Trenton, does little to encourage visitors, while even the songs of Bruce Springsteen describe his birthplace in disparaging terms.

But surprisingly there is more to New Jersey than grey factories and industrial estates. One of the state's most treasured prizes is its 127 miles (204km) of sandy beaches along the Atlantic coast, lined with many holiday resorts, bustling boardwalks and quaint seaside towns that draw thousands of tourists to enjoy the sun, surf and excitement of the famous Jersey Shore. The world's first boardwalk has its home in Atlantic City, famous for its 24-hour gambling entertainment and casino hotels redolent of Las Vegas, while the old-world charm of Cape May takes one back to the Victorian age with beautifully restored 19th-century buildings home to some of the finest Bed and Breakfast Inns anywhere. In between are miles of fun and entertainment, from water parks and zoos to Ferris wheels, roller coasters, shopping and nightlife, along with surf and sand.
Nature lovers can enjoy wilderness hiking trails in the scenic hills of the Skylands that also offers perfect conditions for skiing in winter. Historically this region is known as the Military Capital of the Revolution and visitors can trace the movements of General George Washington and his troops during the winter of 1779 at the Morristown National Historic Park. The state's rich history also includes some of America's greatest inventors and physicists such as Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein, and the Liberty State Park overlooking the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island that was one of the country's main immigration stations from 1892 to 1954.

The climate in New Jersey tends to be moderate, particularly along the coast in the south and southeast, with relatively mild winters and pleasant summers. August tends to be the hottest month, with temperatures reaching 80°F (27°C), and January is the coldest month with temperatures reaching, on average, about 30°F (-1°C). In winter, snowfall occurs statewide, with heavier falls at the higher altitudes of the Piedmont Plateau and the northwestern mountains. The Piedmont Plateau area also receives a higher annual precipitation than the rest of the state.

• New Jersey Shore

New Jersey's Atlantic Coast is a 130-mile (209km) stretch of quaint fishing villages, white sandy beaches and historic lighthouses from the Sandy Hook Peninsula in the north to Cape May at the southern tip, interspersed with a string of holiday resorts and characteristic boardwalks, ranging from wild and tacky amusement towns to tranquil Victorian refuges.
The northern shore has dozens of beaches as well as most of the state's 23 lighthouses, including the Sandy Hook Lighthouse overlooking New York Harbour, which is the oldest operating lighthouse in America. Miles of sand dunes and undeveloped nature form the barrier island of Island Beach State Park where swimmers, anglers and surfers can enjoy the ecologically protected environment that is almost the same as it was thousands of years ago.
The central region is home to the best-known resort on the state's Atlantic Coast, the gambling Mecca of Atlantic City with its famous boardwalk and casino-hotels, while exciting roller coaster rides and the drive-through Wild Safari Animal Park at the Six Flags Great Adventure Theme Park in Jackson provide hours of family entertainment. Doo-Wop architecture, plastic palm trees and neon lights are the features of Wildwoods, an avid party town with boardwalk entertainment galore as well as some of the widest beaches on the Jersey coast.
In contrast the Cape May Peninsula at the southernmost tip of New Jersey between the Atlantic and Delaware Bay is primarily a nature-lovers paradise ideal for camping, fishing and hiking. Covered with thousands of acres of wetlands and natural areas, the region is considered one of the top-ten birding destinations in North America. At the very tip is the classic Victorian seaside town of Cape May, itself a National Historic Landmark featuring rows of colorful, restored Victorian homes and trolley tours.

• Atlantic City

City/Region: New Jersey Shore
At its height during the 1920s, Atlantic City was the vacation destination and playground for the rich and famous with thousands of city dwellers flocking to enjoy the seaside. The resort is one of America's oldest and boasts the world's first Boardwalk, running along an eight-mile (13km) stretch of beach, which was built in 1870 by local hotel owners. It also boasts the nation's first Big Wheel, the first color postcards and the first Miss America Beauty Pageant that has been held here annually ever since 1921. Before long the Boardwalk became lined with amusement parks and nightclubs, but its grandeur faded into economic decline with the rise of jet travel to Florida, the Caribbean and Europe after World War II, resulting in a disastrous drop in tourism. In a desperate attempt to revitalise the once-proud resort, the state of New Jersey instituted legal casino gambling in the 1970s. The Boardwalk became a collection of grand gambling halls and the earlier 19th century stone hotels were replaced by extravagant casino-hotels reminiscent of Las Vegas, from designs like the Showboat to the onion domes and gigantic elephants of the Trump Taj Mahal. Today the city is famous as a gambler's Mecca with a vibrant nightlife. It also offers amusement rides, souvenir shops and children's entertainment in a bid to market itself as a family destination and 'America's Favorite Playground'.

• Cape May

City/Region: New Jersey Shore
Situated at the southern-most tip of the New Jersey Cape, Cape May is the jewel of the Atlantic Shore and the nation's oldest seaside resort that is well known for its calm beaches, historic sites and many nearby natural attractions. With a fairytale collection of authentically restored and beautifully preserved Victorian homes, the entire town was designated a National Historic Landmark and is internationally recognized as one of the best Bed and Breakfast Inn resorts in the country. The ambience of gingerbread-trimmed inns, old gas lamps and colorful stained glass windows offers visitors a peaceful change of pace from most other resorts along the shore, while bird watchers are drawn to the Cape May Point State Park that attracts huge flocks of birds during the spring and autumn migrations. Cape May offers modern as well as historic accommodations, fine dining and shopping, and lots of nature walks, and its easy-going atmosphere is apparent even at the height of the summer season.

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Delaware

Delaware is the second smallest state in the country, but its narrow borders hold significant diversity. During the American Civil War, the citizens of Delaware were split in their loyalties, and even today, the state seems to have two distinct identities, one taking its cue from the industrious North, the other following the relaxed pace of the South.

In northern Delaware, the rolling, wooded hills of the Brandywine Valley provide a captivating backdrop to the state's colonial history, refined elegance and industrial prominence. It was here that the du Pont family built its empire, harnessing the river for gunpowder mills in 1802. But the du Pont legacy includes a commitment to the community as well. It lives on today in the mansions, gardens, museums, libraries and parks established by the family over the years and now open for visitors to enjoy. Wilmington is Delaware's largest city, which grew along with the du Ponts' fortunes. It and nearby upmarket towns like Hockessin and Greenville offer the smart shops and boutiques, trendy nightspots, historic pubs and excellent restaurants-Mediterranean cuisine is a specialty, due to the city's large Italian community-visitors would expect from bigger cities on the northern East Coast. Most residents of Wilmington and its surrounding areas identify with their northern neighbors. It is not unusual to hear them describe themselves as living not in Delaware but 'just south of Philadelphia'.

Central and southern Delaware have a decidedly different flavor. Small towns are surrounded by farmland. Charming bed and breakfasts take the place of grand hotels. In Dover, the quiet state capital, visitors might see Amish buggies traveling alongside regular traffic. A strong connection with the environment is apparent, as outdoorsmen revel in waterfowl hunting and fishermen take advantage of the many inlets and tidal marshes that crisscross the region. The sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean are popular destinations and cater to all tastes, from sleepy Bethany Beach with its large family homes to livelier Rehoboth with its boardwalk and outlet shopping malls-even more enticing, as Delaware is sales-tax free.

Delaware has a humid and temperate climate with hot and humid summers and cold winters. Summer months are also the wettest with August receiving the most rainfall. Winters are dry, but cold with snow. The southern part of the state is generally milder than the north.

• Wilmington

Wilmington has undergone a revitalization in recent years, and though business is perhaps still the main attraction, there are pockets in and around the downtown area that are well worth a visit, beginning with the Riverfront on the Christina River. Visitors can stroll along a waterfront path leading to the Shipyard Shops, the rowing center and various restaurants and museums.

The city comprises many distinct neighborhoods, and for those seeking a less touristy experience, Trolley Square is an excellent option. It's full of shady sidewalk cafés, cosy bistros and lively pubs, including Kelly's Logan House, a local institution since 1864 and the only place to be on St Patrick's Day. Stately old homes and restored townhouses surround the area. Not far away is Little Italy, home to Mrs Robino's, one of the city's oldest and most popular spots for authentic Italian food. During the summer, the best way to cool off is with a treat from one of the historic community's countless Italian water ice stands.

For many visitors, the most appealing attractions lie just outside city limits, in the beautiful Brandywine Valley. The area is a horticultural delight, with endless gardens and arboretums, as well as the 'American castles' of the du Pont family, including Winterthur and Nemours, magnificently preserved and packed with artwork and antiques.
Climate: Wilmington has hot and humid summers, but winters are usually mild, averaging 32°F (0°C) in January, the coldest month. Snowfall is light and often mixed with rain and sleet meaning that it melts quite quickly. Summer months experience about 75 percent humidity and are the wettest time of year, usually with thunderstorms.

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Colorado

Best known of the Rocky Mountain states, Colorado is essentially an outdoor paradise and owes its recognition to the majestic mountains that create spectacular scenery, panoramic vistas and an abundance of recreational possibilities. For many, nature forms the essence of Colorado.
The Rocky Mountains is a year-round destination that boasts national parks and forests, canyons, lakes, rivers and peaks that provide opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing and horse riding. Numerous winter resorts nestled in the mountains offer unrivalled skiing and snowboarding amid beautiful alpine scenery. The resort of Vail is considered to be one of the top ski destinations in the Americas and is the most popular, while Aspen is best known for its celebrities and glamorous après-ski scene.
The state capital, Denver, is the obvious starting point for a vacation and is the gateway to the mountains, ski resorts and spectacular Rocky Mountain National Park to the north. Home to many museums, parks, gardens and a lively downtown area, the city offers the comfort and culture of bigger cities like Los Angeles or New York, but at a more relaxed pace. Pikes Peak looms over the popular city of Colorado Springs, famous for its breathtaking views that was the inspiration for the lyrics of 'America the Beautiful' by Katherine Lee Bates. Just outside the city are the fantastic red sandstone formations of the Garden of the Gods.
The western part of the state comprises beautiful remote desert canyons and the archaeological remnants of the cliff cities left by an ancient civilization at Mesa Verde National Park, a stark contrast to the alpine wonders that attract most visitors to Colorado.

Most of Colorado has a mountain climate with hot summer days and cold winters with snow, but the weather can be extremely changeable, particularly during spring. Thunderstorms occur in spring and summer with most rainfall during July and August, rain falling persistently in the mountains. Humidity is low throughout the year. The state receives a large amount of hail during the year, mostly during spring. Spring is also the windiest time of year.

• Denver

Although it is literally a 'Mile High City', being sited one mile (1.6km) above sea level, Denver is flat and sprawling, overwhelmed by the backdrop of the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains.
It was founded as a gold mining camp in 1859, and at the center of the Old West it was filled with cowboys, gamblers, saloons, gunslingers, Native Americans, and crooked characters such as the infamous Jefferson 'Soapy' Smith. Although very little gold was discovered, a city was laid out and the name Denver attributed it.
Having since shed its cow-town image and evidence of its western past, it has developed into a modern city with wonderful museums, historic architecture, cultural attractions, shopping venues and a world-class airport. It has more than 200 parks and tree-lined boulevards and a completely refurbished lower downtown area (LoDo to the locals), where blocks of old Victorian buildings and warehouses have been carefully restored to house restaurants, galleries, antique shops and jazz clubs. Historic Larimer Square is the heart of the dining and nightlife scene. Denver brews more beer than any other city in America and most of it can be sampled in LoDo where the city's brewpubs proliferate.
Most residents are active nature lovers who take advantage of the city's setting, the pleasant climate and unlimited outdoor adventures just minutes from the center, including skiing, hiking, mountain biking and fishing. Tourism focuses on its natural setting and the outdoors, and as such it is a major destination for tourists heading into the mountains. Visitors to Denver will be pleasantly surprised by its welcoming and friendly nature.
Getting Around: The public transport system in Denver is excellent with an outstanding, comprehensive bus network that is supplemented by a light rail line operating throughout the metropolitan area and outlying towns. Along the 16th Street Mall, bus shuttles provide free service, and from June to September, a hop-on, hop-off trolley links the main city center attractions. Taxis can be hailed on the streets, but it is better to find them at taxi ranks or to order them by phone; they can be difficult to find on the street around 2am when the bars close. Cars are not necessary for downtown, and parking is expensive.
Climate: Denver experiences a semi-arid climate with typical dry, cold winters, warm summers, showery springs and pleasant autumns. The weather in Denver is influenced by the nearby Rocky Mountains, which block the winter storms somewhat. In summer the humidity from the Gulf of Mexico causes afternoon thunderstorms. Denver's weather can also be unpredictable, with unseasonal snowstorms occurring. The average annual rainfall is low, and sunny skies are the norm, and in winter around 60 inches of snow usually falls.

• Rocky Mountains

Colorado's beautiful landscape, and its lifestyle, is dominated by mountains, and much of northwest Colorado is covered by the world-renowned Rocky Mountains that are famous for their scenery, as well as for their skiing, snowboarding and hiking opportunities. The Rocky Mountains feature many popular ski resorts like Vail, Aspen and Breckenridge where winter and summer activities abound. The magnificent scenery of Pikes Peak Country and Garden of the Gods can be explored from Colorado Springs, while the alpine meadows and rugged cliffs around the peaks known as Maroon Bells near Aspen is one of the most photographed spots in Colorado. One of the state's most popular attractions is the spectacular Rocky Mountain National Park with its alpine lakes, snow encrusted peaks, meadows and waterfalls that are the some of the most recognizable images of Colorado's natural beauty.

• Colorado History Museum

City/Region: Denver
Documenting the colorful history of Colorado and the stories of those who lived here, the Colorado History Museum brings to life the history of cowboys and gunfighters, Native Americans, miners and gold panners, explorers, buffalo hunters, wagon trains and railroads. Colorado and its diversity is portrayed from the earliest inhabitants to its pioneer families through innovative exhibits, historic photographs, artifacts and news clippings. There are exhibits on life in 19th century Denver, Buffalo Soldiers and the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings, and life and culture in the American West. Special exhibits are held throughout the year and there is an excellent bookstore and gift shop.
Address: 1300 Broadway Phone Number: (303) 866 3682
Website: www.coloradohistory.org
Transport: Bus 8
Hours: Daily Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm
Admission: $7 (adults). $5 (children 6-12). Children under six years are free. Student, children and senior concessions available

• Denver Art Museum

City/Region: Denver
Housing one of the largest Native American art collections in the country, the Denver Art Museum is a huge, seven-story structure that also features the works of American Western artists, and art from Africa, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. The growing American Indian collection displays work from 150 tribes throughout the country, arranged geographically and spanning almost 2,000 years. Discovery Libraries contain shelves of art objects and prints, a costume closet that allows visitors to try on olden-day clothing, as well as reading corners.
Address: 100 W 14th Avenue Parkway
Phone Number: (720) 865 5000 Email Address: web-mail@denverartmuseum.org
Website: www.denverartmuseum.org
Hours: Closed on Mondays. Tuesday and Thursday 10am to 5pm, Wednesday and Friday 10am to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm Admission: $13 (adults), $5 (children 6-18); under 5's are free. Student, senior and resident concessions available. It is recommended that tickets are ordered in advance

• Rocky Mountain National Park

City/Region: Rocky Mountains
The most popular attraction in Colorado is the spectacular Rocky Mountain National Park, with its snow-covered peaks, flower-flecked meadows, alpine lakes, thundering waterfalls and wildlife. These images of beauty have graced countless calendars and coffee-table books and are instantly recognizable as Colorado. Because of the high elevation of the park, of which a third is over 11,500ft (3,505m), there are large areas above the tree line of alpine tundra, constant snow and flora seldom found outside the Arctic. Although usually considered the realm of hikers, climbers, fishermen and horse riders, it is possible to enjoy the park without breaking a sweat thanks to one of America's most scenic drives, the Trail Ridge Road. Crossing the Continental Divide at over two miles (3km) above sea level, the 48-mile (77km) highway linking Estes Park to Grand Lake is one of the highest continuous highways in the country, affording dizzying views in all directions. The sweeping vistas of snowy peaks and glaciers, forests, streams and meadows where elk, mule deer and bighorn sheep can be seen, are exceptional. The road also provides access to several walking trails. In winter the road is closed, but activities such as cross-country skiing, ice fishing and snow-shoeing are popular. Most visitors come during the summer months, but the park can get quite crowded and the roads congested; the best time to enjoy the park is early autumn, after the crowds and before the winter snows. The resort village of Estes Park is the eastern gateway to the park and very popular with visitors, while the western resort of Grand Lake is quieter with an idyllic setting on the shores of a large lake.
Phone Number: (970) 586 1206, or 586 1333 (recorded information)
Website: www.nps.gov/romo
Transport: Estes Park Shuttle runs from Denver International Airport to Estes Park. Private transport is best, but it is possible to pick up a tour from Estes Park or Denver. Getting around the park requires private transportation, but during the peak summer months (June to Labor Day) there is a shuttle bus service in the Moraine Park and Bear Lake areas Hours: The park is open 24 hours a day year round; see website for different Visitor Center opening hours
Admission: $20 per vehicle, or $10 per individual hiker, cyclist or motorcyclist, valid for seven days

• Colorado Springs

City/Region: Rocky Mountains
Colorado Springs is a growing city that was originally developed as a vacation destination in 1871 as part of the 'health center' boom of Colorado, being blessed with the nearby mineral waters of Manitou Springs, its high mountain ranges and fresh mountain air. Today it is a popular tourist destination (its main source of income), attracting visitors to the magnificent scenery of Pikes Peak Country and the pleasant climate. It is a good base from which to explore the beauty of the surrounding area and most tourists come to marvel at the landscape of Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, as well as to see the US Air Force Academy. Most of Colorado Springs' residents are retired or active military personnel and this lends a conservative mood to the city. Colorado Springs sits at the foot of its most famous landmark, the 14,110ft (4,301m) Pikes Peak and a breathtaking journey on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway takes passengers to the summit from where incredible views over the Rocky Mountain Range, Denver and the endless Great Plains can be enjoyed. The marvelous red sandstone formations of the nearby Garden of the Gods have been sculpted into pinnacles and weirdly-eroded shapes by the wind and rain over millions of years, and the park has numerous walking trails that allow visitors to explore the landscape away from the tourist-traveled roads.
Website: www.experiencecoloradosprings.com

• Copper Mountain

City/Region: Rocky Mountains
Copper Mountain is the largest resort, in terms of area, in the whole of Summit County Colorado. The resort, owned by Intrawest, which also owns Winter Park (Colorado), Mammoth (California) and Whistler-Blackcomb (B.C, Canada) is incredibly popular and noted especially for its varying terrain and diverse runs. The resort has three villages filled with shops, restaurants, bars and a variety of accommodation. The Village at Copper is the center of the resort and most of the action takes place around here. The East Village and Union Creek (on the west side) have fewer restaurants and shops. A few years back, Intrawest put a lot of money into the upgrading of the villages, with massive amounts of construction aiding to bring up the standard and reputation to where it stands today. Copper Mountain is now one of the most popular resorts in the whole of Colorado and continues to attract visitors from within the United States and worldwide.

• Steamboat

City/Region: Rocky Mountains
Steamboat is a hugely popular resort boasting a wide variety of options for families of all skiing levels, and topped off with rustic cowboy charm. The resort is located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado on Mount Werner in the Park range. With almost 3,000 acres of varied terrain, reaching a height of 3,668 feet (1,118m), 165 trails including mogul fields and tree runs there is bound to be enough for everyone. The resort is incredibly popular due to its rich Olympic heritage and friendly atmosphere, and is perfect for families accommodating beginner skiers and snowboarders quite comfortably with experienced trainers at the ski school.

• Winter Park

City/Region: Rocky Mountains
Winter Park has been increasing in popularity over the last few years and the resort management, Intrawest Corp. are putting some funding ahead for new improvements. The resort sits at over 9,000 feet (2,743m) above sea level, and is roughly one and a half hours away from Denver, in the snow and ski heavyweight state of Colorado. Spread over more than 3,000 acres of ski terrain are 134 trails, most of which will suit the more advanced skiers and boarders. Linked with Winter Park are Mary Jane, Vasquez and Parsenn Bowl, suited only to intermediates and expert skiers and riders. The resort is popular with locals and those in the know, and one of the favorites in the hearts of snowboarders from all over Colorado for its wonderful parks and the great community spirit.

• Keystone

City/Region: Rocky Mountains
Keystone attracts all types from all over the world. From first-time families to rogue snowboarders, all manage to delight themselves with the many options available at this all-encompassing resort. Keystone is situated only one and a half hours from Denver, and just over two hours from Denver International Airport. It is part of the Vail Resorts group, and lift tickets can be purchased to include the other resorts in that group: Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, Arapahoe Basin, Vail and Heavenly (California). An efficient bus system in Summit Country connects all of these resorts (excluding Heavenly) to allow for an incredible variety of skiing in the area. Keystone itself has three separate villages with bars, restaurants, shops, rental equipment facilities and a wide range of accommodation. But what really separates Keystone apart from all the other resorts is the night skiing.

• Beaver Creek

City/Region: Rocky Mountains
A major resort in Colorado, this upmarket ski haven is great for families, couples, even a few celebrities, as it offers good skiing, fine dining, world-class shopping and fantastic accommodation. Beaver Creek has a very European feel to it, styled similarly to Switzerland's St. Moritz, Italy's Cortina and Spain's Val d'Aran, and exudes the sense of luxury that complements the resort's maxim: Not Exactly Roughing It. The resort hosts three villages with mountain access from all. The Beaver Creek Village is the heart of the resort and has plenty of shops and restaurants in its surrounds, whereas Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead are more secluded but with great access to the slopes. Beaver Creek is part of Vail Resorts and ski packages can include access to Keystone, Vail, Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin and Heavenly (California), all of which (excluding Heavenly) can be accessed via an efficient transport system in the Summit County Area.

• Vail

City/Region: Rocky Mountains
Time and again Vail is ranked among the top ski destinations on the continent, the most visited ski resort in America and known to be one of the world's premier winter destinations. With the largest single mountain ski area in North America it offers miles of ski terrain and the opportunity to choose a different descent every time. The Austrian-styled village is a neat concentration of trendy shops, restaurants and nightlife all within easy reach of the hotels, inns and lodges, and never more than a five-minute walk to the slopes. There is also a lift system that provides access to a backcountry experience with trees and peaceful ungroomed terrain. The ski season lasts from November to early May, but the resort remains open for summer activities such as hiking, mountain biking and fishing.

• Aspen

City/Region: Rocky Mountains
Aspen's reputation precedes it; the name is synonymous with glitz, glamour, unparalleled skiing and spectacular mountain scenery. Most reviews would have one believe that it is a resort exclusively for the rich and famous. Although this elite resort does see super stars such as Jack Nicholson and Cher, anyone with a lot of cash can experience the powder snow, superb skiing, sophisticated accommodation as well as good dining and high-society shopping, with an unrivalled range of winter and summer activities. Summer is more affordable; prices are lower at this time, and there are numerous trails for hiking, biking and horse riding, as well as renowned cultural festivals of dance and music. The resort attracts thousands of Americans as well as European visitors every year. Aspen began as a silver mining town with the discovery of the world's largest silver nugget in the 1870s; after the crash of the silver market its economy dwindled until it was recognized as a prime ski location. The ostentatious après-ski is a celebrity's watch of 'who's who'.

• Breckenridge

City/Region: Rocky Mountains
The beautiful Colorado high mountain valley of Breckenridge first attracted settlers back in 1859, when the glitter of gold drew hundreds of hopeful prospectors to the banks of the Blue River. The gold wore out in the 1940s, but Breckenridge soon boomed again, this time as a world-class ski resort where visitors come seeking thrills and spills on the white powdery slopes. When it comes to snow-sports, Breckenridge is acknowledged as one of the finest places in the USA to experience them all, and it has a reputation for being the best place to learn to ski, with more than 600 professional instructors and gentle beginner slopes available. Breckenridge is also a haven for snowboarders, having been one of the first resorts in the country to cater for this booming sport. The quaint mining town with its charming preserved Victorian buildings forms the nucleus of the Breckenridge resort, and has become a year-round popular holiday destination with a host of activities on offer during the summer months as well as its exceptional skiing in winter. The resort's popularity is enhanced by its easy accessibility from Denver via the Eisenhower Tunnel, the drive taking about an hour and a half.

• Telluride

City/Region: Rocky Mountains
At the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains, tucked into a canyon ringed by the soaring peaks of the San Juan Mountains, lies the tiny historic mining town of Telluride, which, twinned with its modern purpose-built 'alter-ego', Mountain Village, perched 9,500 feet (2,895m) up the mountain-side, forms one of America's most spectacular alpine resorts. Telluride sports a dozen or so blocks of quaint Victorian homes and clapboard storefronts, around a pedestrianized core. A unique feature of the twinned towns is the three-stage gondola system, which provides the only access to high altitude Mountain Village. Visitors take the swift, scenic free ride to the elegant, contemporary resort town, marvelling at the panoramic views of some of Colorado's most magnificent mountain peaks. While Telluride provides the picturesque historic atmosphere, Mountain Village, founded in 1987, provides modern recreational and accommodation options for discerning guests with luxury hotels and condominiums, sophisticated boutiques, eclectic restaurants, a championship golf course, conference center and a world-class spa. The attractive, upmarket modern facilities and stunning setting have ensured that Telluride/Mountain Village is not just a winter sports destination with eminently attractive ski slopes, but popular all year round as a mountain holiday destination. It is easy to see why the Ute Indians in days of yore cherished this valley and its guardian peaks as sacred territory.

• Crested Butte

City/Region: Rocky Mountains
Crested Butte is located in Gunnison County, considered the wildflower capital of Colorado. Regardless, when the resort is covered in white each winter, the flowers are forgotten and skiers from all over the world descend on this resort town, often touted as one of the best extreme skiing locations in the world. Both the US Extreme Skiing Championships and X-Games have been hosted here but the extensive terrain has something to offer everyone. The resort town is famous and well loved within the skiing community as a laidback, unpretentious, fun-loving place to visit, Worth Getting To, as their saying goes.

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