ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION

CAMPGROUND

GOLD: MUELLER STATE PARK

21045 Colorado 67, Divide, 719-687-2366, cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/ parks/Mueller

The community once again voted Mueller State Park as the top area campground. Mueller State Park provides 5,000 acres of eye candy and “every season is a photographer’s delight,” per the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.

SILVER: ELEVEN MILE CANYON RECREATION AREA

BRONZE: DIAMOND CAMPGROUND

CASINO

GOLD: BRONCO BILLY’S

233 E. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek, 719-689-2142, broncobillyscasino. com

Bronco Billy’s remains the gold standard for casinos. Their website says it offers “fun, food and fortune every day for the serious gamer.” Bronco Billy’s provides slot machines, table games such as blackjack and poker, and the casino dabbles in the sports betting arena. Those interested in sustenance have Home Cafe for hamburgers and sandwich and more; or head to Baja Billy’s Cantina for Mexican dishes.

SILVER: WILDWOOD CASINO

BRONZE: DOUBLE EAGLE HOTEL & CASINO

Festival Or Special Event

GOLD: SYMPHONY ABOVE THE CLOUDS

P.O. Box 4097, Woodland Park, 719-822-1157, symphonyabovetheclouds. org

Every July 5, Symphony Above the Clouds provides Woodland Park residents with entertainment such as fireworks and an evening of music. To those who haven’t enjoyed Symphony Above the Clouds, the event is free!

SILVER: DONKEY DERBY DAYS

BRONZE: WOODLAND PARK FARMER’S MARKET

HIKE FOR THE FAMILY

GOLD: MUELLER STATE PARK

21045 Colorado 67, Divide, 719-687-2366, cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/ parks/Mueller

Mueller offers hikes on the more than 50 miles of trails, biking, boating, camping and more there’s no shortage of entertainment for the outdoor enthusiast. One reviewer said, “Stop at the visitor’s center and you’ll wish every state park was like this. Really friendly, knowledgeable people and their display is really cool.”

SILVER: FLORISSANT FOSSIL BEDS NATIONAL MONUMENT

BRONZE: THE CRAGS TRAIL

MUSEUM

GOLD: ROCKY MOUNTAIN DINOSAUR RESOURCE CENTER

201 S. Fairview St., Woodland Park, 719-686-1820, rmdrc.com

With exquisite displays and varying beautiful exhibits, it’s no wonder the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center is a favorite of Teller County visitors and residents alike. Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center has a treasure trove of information on its website and has a 3D tour available.

SILVER: CRIPPLE CREEK DISTRICT MUSEUM

BRONZE: CRIPPLE CREEK HERITAGE CENTER

OUTDOOR FESTIVAL/EVENT

GOLD: WOODLAND PARK’S OLD FASHIONED 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

412 N. Park St., Woodland Park, 719-687-9246, tellerlinks.com

Celebrate Independence Day with a festival of entertainment for all eventgoers. Woodland Park’s celebration includes a fishing derby, pancake breakfast, music, games and more. The event has no entry fee!

SILVER: WOODLAND PARK FARMERS MARKET

BRONZE: DONKEY DERBY DAYS

PHOTOGRAPHER

GOLD: CINDY VALADE/CV IMAGES

Woodland Park, 719-482-6931, cvimages.net

Cindy Valade reclaimed her spot as top photographer in the Pikes Peak Region with her gold honor. Valade provides daytime photos, twilight pictures, 360-degree images and tours for properties she has shot. Valade also won Best of Teller in 2021 and took second in 2022.

SILVER: SHEDDING SHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY

BRONZE: LARS LEBER PHOTOGRAPHY

PLACES TO COOL OFF IN THE SUMMER

GOLD: MEMORIAL PARK

412 N. Park St., Woodland Park, 719-687-9246, city-woodlandpark. org/204/Parks-Facilities-Trails

Memorial Park offers a magnificent view of the mountains while also providing shade from the summer heat. McKenzie Shield said in a review, “This park is beautiful and maintained very well. I appreciate that they have a post with bags incase I ever forget mine. Love walking my dog here!”

SILVER: MUELLER STATE PARK

BRONZE: WOODLAND AQUATIC CENTER

PLACE TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC

GOLD: CRYSTOLA ROADHOUSE

20918 E, 20918 U.S. 24, Woodland Park, 719-687-8302, m.facebook. com/p/100063486433194/

Crystola Roadhouse climbed the charts to obtain gold this year. Besides music, it also features an extensive menu, delicious eats and courteous ownership. “Line dancing, karaokes, live music, local bands and great food!” said one Facebook review. Another said: “Great music, fun atmosphere and a huge dance floor!”

SILVER: 110 RESERVE

BRONZE: COUNTRY LODGE

TALENT AGENCY

GOLD: RANGE TALENT GROUP

Woodland Park, 719-225-2808, Facebook.com/rangetalentgroup

No surprise that Range Talent Group is a repeat winner. It serves adult and child actors, models, dancers, motivational speakers and others in their endeavors to reach a broader audience.

SILVER: ANIMAS PRODUCTIONS

THEATER

GOLD: GOLD HILL THEATERS

615 Midland Ave., Woodland Park, 719-687-3555, goldhilltheatres.com

Nobody beats the moviegoers experience of Gold Hill Theaters. Built in 1975, Gold Hill Theaters provides numerous services such as anniversary celebrations, special birthday celebrations, space for corporate training programs and more. Delicious treats including candy, pretzels, nachos, soda, beer and freshly popped popcorn.

SILVER: THE BUTTE THEATER

THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS

GOLD: SUMMER READING PROGRAM AT RAMPART LIBRARY

218 E. Midland Ave., Woodland Park, 719-687-9281 rampart.colibraries. org/summer-reading-2/

In 2022, the Rampart Library offered an “Ocean of possibilities” for those entered in its program. Readers from age adolescents, teens and even adults had a slew of options to remain occupied throughout summer while also gaining knowledge in the process. The competition takes place from June through July.

SILVER: CAMP AND HIKE

BRONZE: DINOSAUR RESOURCE CENTER