Once home to a nomadic Indian tribe and an important hospital and rehabilitation center after World War II, Glenwood Springs became known as a healing destination. At only 41 miles from Aspen, Glenwood Springs is an easy to get to family friendly destination that truly has something for everyone. From hot springs and amusement parks to farm to table dining and organic wines and liquors, Glenwood Springs has many experiences that are unique from the traditional family vacation and something you are sure to talk about once you’ve returned home.
DAY 1
10 AM GLENWOOD HOT SPRINGS
415 E. 6TH ST. GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO 81601
Start the morning off at Glenwood Hot Springs. While the adults relax in the warm water’s fifteen minerals that are said to increase circulation and soothe exhausted muscles, the kids can run free, flying down the two twisty slides on the far end of the pool. If you need extra relaxation, schedule a private massage and sauna treatment.
12 PM 8TH STREET DELI
205 8TH ST. GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO 81601
Grab a quick lunch at 8th Street Deli. Choose between a Greek gyro with spicy feta cheese and red peppers or a more tame traditional French dip hot sandwich. With pizzas, salads, and sandwiches, even your pickiest eater will find something they like at the deli.
3 PM GLENWOOD CAVERNS ADVENTURE PARK AND HISTORIC FAIRY CAVES
51000 TWO RIVERS PLAZA RD. GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO 81601
Adventure and Cave Tours. Take the kids to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park and Historic Fairy Caves. The fairy caves actually date back to the late 1800s as a local tourist attraction. Today, the living caves have created some beautiful natural formations that are easy to view for all age groups. Besides the cave tours, the kids will get a thrill riding the alpine coaster and the Giant Canyon Swing, a swing that straps 4 people into and soars you into the sky, 1,300 feet above the Colorado River. The swing will literally take your breath away and isn’t recommended for the faint at heart.
6 PM THE PULLMAN
330 7TH ST. GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO 81601
Dinner at The Pullman. With different menus for brunch, lunch and dinner, you could easily stop at The Pullman multiple times during your stay. With a commitment to sourcing ingredients from local farmers, the menu is unique and always changing. Dishes not to miss are the mac & cheese with gruyere and white cheddar cheeses, lamb meatballs with feta gnudi and sun dried tomatoes, crisp pork belly with apple butter and the short rib tacos with a sesame chile rosa salsa. Top it off with a local beer or blackberry soda for the kids.
9 PM GLENWOOD CANYON BREWING COMPANY
402 7TH ST. GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO 81601
After dinner, head to the Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company in the historic Hotel Denver. Try a pint of their specialty Grizzly Creek Raspberry wheat, a light bodied refreshing beer, or try a taster plate of 8 different local beers on tap.
DAY 2
8 AM DAILY BREAD
729 GRAND AVE. GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO 81601
Eat at Daily Bread for breakfast or lunch. Fast service and reasonable prices don’t compromise the flavor of the food. If you want to make it extra quick, stop it for coffee and toast, and make sure taste their homemade peach jam that is made from scratch from local farmers peaches daily.
10 AM GET OUTDOORS
GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO 81601
If you arrive in winter, make sure to take advantage of the easy proximity to world class skiing and snowboarding within one hour from Glenwood Springs. If you are visiting in spring or summer, try kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or white water rafting in the Colorado and Roaring Forks Rivers.
1 PM GRIND
208 7TH ST. GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO 81601
After you expel all that energy on adventure sports, take a few hours to chill over a burger and fries, you’ve deserve it right? With a slogan of "not your average burger," the Grind impresses locals and tourists alike for a unique burger that leaves you fully satisfied.
4 PM ADVENTURE PARAGLIDING
P.O. BOX 1992 GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO 81601
Continue the adventure with a one on one adventure paragliding expedition. After being harnessed in and connected to a guide, you run off the side of a mountain and fly into the air, gliding through the mountain range. It’s a heart-pounding ride from the first step off the mountain until you land back on solid ground.
6 PM PHAT THAI
343 MAIN ST. CARBONDALE, CO 81623
Head to dinner in the neighboring town of Carbondale. Try the Thai infused menu at Phat Thai for the quirky blend of south east Asian foods with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Owned by the same group as The Pullman, you’ll be served with the same quality service and commitment.
WHERE TO STAY: FOUR MILE CREEK BED AND BREAKFAST
6471 COUNTRY RD. 117 GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO 81601
Four Mile Creek Bed and Breakfast is located just south of Glenwood Springs, but offers a once in a lifetime type of experience. This bed and breakfast is listed on the National Register for historic places and is traditional log cabin style accommodations perfect for older couples celebrating a romantic anniversary.