Colorado Review

I was remiss in my earlier list of state-wide Oktoberfest celebrations. I neglected to mention one that’s in my backyard:

Glenwood Springs
Saturday, September 29, 2007
11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Centennial Park, 9th and Grand Avenue.
Beginning at noon, Soul Feel, with its “funky roots rock and a twist of Delta blues” takes center stage. Entertainment turns to more traditional Oktoberfest music with Alpine Echo at 3 p.m. Alpine Echo will entertain the crowd with traditional German polka tunes with John Pataky of Rosi’s Bavarian Restaurant as the accordion player. During Alpine Echo’s breaks, D’Miesbacher Oimtaler, a Bavarian club dedicated to the preservation of the Bavarian culture will perform traditional Schuhplattler dances and folk dances. Audience participation is encouraged. Erdinger Oktoberfest-Weizen, and Veltins Pilsener will be available on tap along with Woody Creek wine.

A few days ago I posted a photo of the Hot Springs Pool in Glenwood Springs. My family and I went swimming here on Saturday and had a ball. It wasn’t nearly as crowded as summer Saturdays (though it was busy). My favorite time to visit the pool is in the fall — when there’s a nip in the air, the warm water feels so good! And the smaller “therapy pool” (about 104 degrees F) feels amazing on sore muscles.

And I got word that construction is set to begin in October on a brand-new spa in the historic 1888 bathhouse building. This is a boon to visitors and locals who love pampering massages (um, me!). There has long been an athletic club in the bathhouse (you pay extra for the fitness center’s membership) and I’ve received massages there before, but it’s got such a sporty vibe. I’m into peacefulness and relaxation when I get pampered. I’m hoping this new spa will deliver that.

The spa will have eight treatment rooms and one specialized wet treatment room (for something like a Vichy shower perhaps?). Manis and pedis will be available, too. Plans call for the spa to open in summer/fall 2008.

We’ll see how much competition this new spa will give the Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves, just down the street. I’m a fan of this spa, even with its rustic atmosphere. It’s just so unusual, with its underground hot mineral steam baths known as the “Vapor Caves.” This is an all-natural steam treatment in caves that the Ute Indians used for healing centuries ago.

Unfortunately, the 50-minute massages at the Yampah Spa have increased in price — they’re now $75, which is a far cry from the $49 I paid 10 years ago. So, I haven’t been there recently for treatments, but would recommend the caves to anyone visiting the area. Spend as much time as you’d like below ground for $12; add the caves onto a treatment for $9. More unusual treatments include the Chocolate Bliss Wrap and the Rose Petal & Cream Body Masque, as well as herbal mineral baths in private Jacuzzis (nice to share with your significant other!).

Colorado, spas, Glenwood Springs, Hot Springs Pool

School’s back in session in Aspen & Snowmass (and downvalley in my neck of the woods: Basalt, Carbondale & Glenwood Springs). Thoughts are turning here - already! - to the winter ski season. I’m marking the dates of local ski swaps on my calendar, and I’m searching in vain for an inexpensive pair of snowpants for my 5-year-old. (They grow so fast!)

But there’s plenty more fun to be had in the Aspen area in the winter besides skiing the world-class slopes. Here’s my article on the recently re-launched website Grandparents.com titled “Winter Fun in Aspen/Snowmass.”

One favorite spot of mine is the Hot Springs Pool in Glenwood Springs (a bit farther afield than some of the other winter activities I suggest). My family and I have a season’s pass and we visit the soothing waters all year round.

Aspen, Snowmass, Glenwood Springs, Colorado