Colorado Explorer
 Valentine's Day Getaways 
By Linda DuVal
After the holidays, it's tempting to relax. But if you don't plan now for Valentine's Day, you might just be left out in the cold.
Literally.
A bed-and-breakfast stay makes a perfect Valentine's gift—you don't have to shop! These inns are small, intimate and geared toward special occasions. Some to consider:
• The Hunt Placer Inn in Breckenridge was named one of America 's most romantic inns on the Travel Channel. The plush furnishings, private balconies and fireplaces invite you to tuck in and relax. It's ski-in, if you want to hit the slopes. For Valentine's Day you can get champagne and flowers placed in your room. The three-course breakfast includes dessert! 800-472-1430.
• Inn at the Spanish Peaks in La Veta was designed specifically for adults looking for a romantic getaway. Two resident cats will curl up with you, if you like. The three suites are non-smoking and children are not allowed. For Valentine's Day guests, they'll deliver a tray with a rose, chocolates and sparkling cider to your room. 719-742-5213.
• Holden House 1902 Bed & Breakfast Inn in Colorado Springs was twice voted best inn for a honeymoon or anniversary by Arrington's Inn Traveler magazine. Victorian-themed guest suites each have a fireplace and a bubble bath built for two. The inn can arrange a romantic carriage ride, and offers honeymoon and anniversary packages year round. They'll serve breakfast in your room, or in bed. 719-471-3980 or 888-565-3980.
• Rockledge Country Inn in Manitou Springs has been voted most romantic bed-and-breakfast by readers of the Denver Post. It's a favorite for weddings. On request, your stay can include flowers, chocolates, chilled champagne, a massage or candlelight dinner for two. For Valentine's weekend, there will be a wine tasting and buffet dinner for guests. 719-685-4515 or 888-685-4515.
• The Romantic Riversong Inn in Estes Park lives up to its name. You can arrange a fireside dinner for two, a couple's massage, fresh flowers and keepsake champagne flutes. To guarantee no distractions, there are no televisions or phones in the rooms. Most rooms have tubs for two. If your romance has taken a serious turn, they even have an elopement package! 970-586-4666.
• Privacy is ultimate at the Apple Orchard Inn north of Durango . Each couple gets their own cute two-room cottage, with a luxurious bath, feather beds, sitting area and fireplace, facing a landscaped pond. Not only will you get a gourmet breakfast, but you also can arrange an intimate four-course candlelight dinner in a private dining room. 970-247-0751 or 800-426-0751.
Eat•Shop•Stay
Mountain Mex and more than a hint of mint
Well-known and worth it
The Broadmoor hotel in Colorado Springs has opened its new convention center and, with it, a fine brasserie-style restaurant, The Summit. At the helm is chef Rolland Wesen (son-in-law of the famous Jacques Pepin). He'll combine French classical training with regional ingredients. 719-634-7711.
Celestial Seasonings in Boulder not only offers a comforting hot cuppa, but also free factory tours. They're so popular, they entertained their one-billionth (yes, really) customer in December. Take the tour, clear your sinuses in the Mint Room, and then shop in the store, where you can buy teas you never saw on any grocery store shelf. Try the English Toffee—a guiltless dessert! 303-581-1202.
Lesser known gems
Where's the best Mexican food in Denver? Some say Hacienda Colorado, voted by Denverites and local publications as the city's top chihuahua. Its three locations offer what it calls “mountain Mex” food, including your choice of seven different sauces to help create your own signature dish. 303-858-8588.
Looking for a place to wind down after the holidays? Try the Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodge in Ouray, a hotel where the hot pool is just steps from your room (also heated by the springs). No smoking, no pets and no additives in the water make it a natural choice. 970-325-4347.
Something different
Need new cowboy boots? A CD player? Whatever! On the next balmy weekend, check out the Mile High Flea Market in Henderson (Interstate 76 and East 88th Avenue ). It's open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays all winter, regardless of weather, and you just never know what you'll find in its 80 acres of goods. 303-289-4656.
Headed to Fort Collins, but don't want to stay in a chain motel? Check out a charming option—the Armstrong Hotel. Built in 1923 and on the National Register of Historic Places, the renovated hotel reopened last year. Each of its 38 rooms and suites is unique, with vintage decor that recalls a more elegant era. 866-384-3883.
See & Do
Wedding vows and other “wows”
Well-known and worth it
Every year, hundreds of couples renew their wedding vows in Loveland. This year there will be two ceremonies, afternoon and evening, held at Ellis Ranch on Feb. 12. The vow renewal package includes the ceremony, a champagne toast, bouquet and garter for the bride, live country music, and dinner and dancing for evening attendees. 970-593-9570. 
Ski magazine has named Steamboat Springs, with its popular Kids Fly Free and Kids Ski Free programs, as the number-one family ski area in the nation. The Kids' Vacation Center for preschoolers, and the ski and snowboard school under the direction of Olympic medalist Billy Kidd, also drew high praise. 877-237-2628 or 970-879-0740.
Lesser known gems
If uncrowded snowcat skiing sounds like fun to you, forget the I-70 corridor of ski areas and head south, says Freeskier magazine. Monarch was named one of the best places in the nation for snowcat skiing. Monarch Powder Cats service 900 acres of terrain just outside the developed ski area. 888-996-7669.
You don't even have to chop a hole in the ice to catch fish in January if you visit the North Fork Ranch near Shawnee (50 miles from Denver). “They're hungry. They love winter!” says co-owner Karen May, of the fish. She adds that “winter fishing is incredibly spectacular” on the north fork of the South Platte River, which must be kept open because it feeds the Denver water supply. 800-843-7895.
Something different
Colorado history buffs should not miss the Pike's World exhibit at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, opening Jan. 21. It honors the bicentennial of Zebulon Pike's 1806 sighting of the Western landmark that now bears his name. 719-385-5990.
This is not your parents' ski area. Echo Mountain Park, which just opened about 11 miles from Evergreen, caters to the under-30 crowd who want to ski and snowboard close to the Front Range without spending their bucks on ritzy lodging and meals. For photos and raves, visit www.echomtnpark.com. 720-226-0636.
Linda DuVal is a freelance writer and former travel editor for The Gazette in Colorado Springs.
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