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MORNING Begin your journey in Wray with some one-of-a-kind birding. In the spring, colorful and peculiar greater prairie chickens (3) strut and dance across local grasslands in search of mates. The ritual is such a spectacle that viewing tours are offered in March and April. Housing one of the only permanent Smithsonian exhibits outside of Washington, DC, the Wray Museum features an extensive Paleo-Indian exhibit, displaying one of the largest and oldest Stone Age bison kill sites. For something tasty, pop into Lala’s Bakery & Espresso Bar, an adorable Main Street stop for sandwiches, salads, soups and a good (coffee) brew. AFTERNOON Mosey down to Burlington and treat yourself to an Old West experience. The Old Town Museum (1) contains 21 refurbished buildings filled with authentic artifacts from the early 1900s. Visit Memorial to Labor days, when things are in full swing: Watch a high-noon gunfight, visit the old-fashioned soda fountain for a hand-dipped ice cream cone, pick up a Pioneers Passport walking game and enjoy Wild West dinner theaters. EVENING Grab a quarter and head over to the Kit Carson County Fairgrounds to ride a National Historic Landmark. Out of the nearly 4,000 wooden carousels carved in America between 1885 and the 1930s, the fully restored 1905 Kit Carson County Carousel (2) is one of a handful still spinning. For an extra bit of fun on select summer weekends, ride to the carousel on the Old Town Express, a horse-drawn wagon ride between the fairgrounds and Old Town. And those visiting the last week in July can take in the 103rd Kit Carson County Fair and Rodeo. SIDETRIPS Visit ourjourney.info to learn about 13 museums and attractions, upcoming events, off-the-beaten-path sites to explore and geocaches to discover around the region. Colorado is home to more than 450 different avian species, many of which are found in the diverse ecosystems just east of the Rockies. Lone falcons share the sky with droves of tiny white-throated swifts, owls snooze inside hollowed trees and prairie chickens strut through vast stretches of golden shortgrass. Check out COLORADO. com/TopBirdingTrails to learn more. Nudging the state’s eastern border, Burlington and Wray pack a helping of rural living and eastern plains heritage. See the farms that bring food to your table. COLO ROAD TRIPS ESTABLISHED IN 2017 Be sure to visit COLORADO.com/ColoRoadTrips for even more itineraries! STAY & PLAY OPTIONS Burlington (page 193), Wray QUICK TIP At the South Republican State Wildlife Area, take a nature walk to view a plethora of waterfowl, deer, rabbits, turkeys and more, or go fishing at Hale Ponds.
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