FOOD & DRINK
Deli expands, continues offering flavorful food fast - Page 4
CULTURE
Scottish-Irish Highland Festival one of world’s largest - Page 8
ARTS
Self-guided tour gives glimpse into Gilpin art studios - Page 12
MUSIC
Magic Beans flourish amid spontaneous improvisation - Page 17
SEPTEMBER
The Color Of Autumn
Golden aspen leaves are always plentiful along Peak to Peak
By Jeffrey V. Smith PEAK TO PEAK n the fall, Colorado’s Front Range is transformed into an arena of shimmering gold aspen leaves. In the Peak to Peak region, byways, passes, trails, railways and parks offer numerous ways to immerse yourself in the fall foliage that peaks between mid-September and mid-October. The glorious colors don’t last long, however, so don’t delay once the trees begin their transformation from green to glorious gold. One of the most popular ways to view the spectacular colors is driving the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, as can be seen by the crowds and traffic snarls that form at popular viewing Continued on page 7
I
Allenspark, Lyons histories showcase Colorado’s early tourism By Jeffrey V. Smith PEAK TO PEAK The Peak to Peak Highway, for which this region is named, is a designated Scenic and Historic Byway. The 55-mile-long route provides matchless views of the Continental Divide and its timbered approaches and winds past a string of popular attractions including Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Eldora Mountain Resort and Rocky Mountain National Park. The route combines abundant recrePart Nine ation, scenery and mining history allowing those who drive it a chance to experience the full-range of Colorado’s offerings. This is
a year-long series exploring the history found along the drive. PART NINE: From Colo. 72 and Riverside Drive to Allenspark (and Lyons detour)
The Peak to Peak Byway takes drivers from Colo. 72 to Colo. 7, which leads to Lyons downhill to the east, and continues through Allenspark as the Peak to Peak uphill to the west. The drive begins on Colo. 72 just past Riverside Dr., the turnoff to Raymond, and continues until its junction with Colo. 7. If you choose to visit Raymond, Riverside Dr. meets Colo. 7 a few miles to the east of where Colo. 72 does and provides the same options for going down or up the South St. Vrain Canyon. Taking the detour to Lyons affords the driver a The “Little Narrows’ section of South St. Vrain Canyon on the LyonsContinued on page 7 Allenspark-Estes Park Road from an early 20th century hand-colored postcard.