Home to the largest commercial airport in the world, Denver is the ultimate starting point for an array of adventures throughout the state. Just 30 miles northwest of Denver, Boulder beckons with its supreme location at the Flatirons, while to the east, the subtle beauty and pioneering history of the Northeast Plains makes for an easy-going warm-weather journey.

SUN-KISSED DENVER—THE MILE HIGH CITY: From Cinco de Mayo celebrations in springtime to the Colorado Renaissance Festival on summer weekends to the Denver International Film Festival in the fall, this growing metropolis 15 miles from the Rocky Mountains is always stirring with activity. Dive right into the action in downtown Denver where hip LoDo’s (short for Lower Downtown District) old machine shops and warehouses have morphed into bustling brewpubs, coffeehouses and art galleries, or check out the upscale shopping in chic Cherry Creek. You’ll also discover more than 2,000 restaurants, dozens of public golf courses, and an array of nearby recreational outlets including the Cherry Creek Reservoir where swimmers can take a refreshing plunge.

THE BEST OF BOULDER: Well, there really is no "worst" of Boulder. You’ll find physically fit, open-minded Boulderites enjoying generous amounts of open-space land, panoramic views of the Flatirons, and personality-packed Pearl Street Mall—so why not join them! Chautauqua Park, on the base of the Flatirons, offers sloping meadows and plenty of piney backcountry for exploring right on the edge of town. You’ll also discover a world-class cycling trail system, nearby lakes and streams, and great golfing, including Boulder’s 18-hole Flatirons Golf Course. And at this high altitude, your golf ball travels farther, so be prepared to see it soar.

AT HOME ON THE RANGE: In the vast, area of Colorado’s Northeast Plains, pioneering spirits follow the routes of traders, trappers and homesteaders and even bunk up with real cowboys out on the range. At Elk Echo Ranch Country Bed and Breakfast in Stoneham, 2,000 acres of rolling grasslands are dotted with elk and buffalo, and children can sleep in a teepee, while at GinJer Snap Ranch near Akron, guests enjoy chuck wagon suppers and evenings by the campfire. From the old-fashioned small towns to pristine wide-open spaces, it all adds up to a good time.