COME TO LIFE The Lyons Farmette For Foodies From food trucks to fine dining, Colorado’s culinary scene spotlights local ingredients in striking settings. Denver’s Le Colonial delivers French-Vietnamese cuisine in a polished space inspired by 1920s Saigon, with hand-painted murals, gold-leaf ceilings, velvet banquettes and tropical touches that blend Parisian and Moroccan design. The dishes are built around fresh herbs, quality seafood and house-made rice noodles. In Grand Junction, James Beard Award finalist Bin 707 Foodbar champions local agriculture with seasonal fare emphasizing Western Slope ingredients like Palisade peaches and Olathe sweet corn. Boulder’s Dushanbe Tea House serves globally inspired plates in a hand-carved building with colorful columns, ornate ceilings and ceramic tilework. Take a seat for afternoon tea, which pairs their expansive tea menu with finger sandwiches and pastries. Just a few blocks away, Corrida serves steaks and tapas alongside unobstructed mountain views, with jamón ibérico sliced to order and an all-Spanish wine list. And Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Ash’Kara in Denver serves modern Israeli cuisine rooted in tradition and driven by bold flavors, with dishes like fresh-baked pita, house-made hummus and lamb kofta. Set on a working flower and vegetable farm, The Lyons Farmette hosts seasonal dinners by innovative chefs from around the state with beautiful long-table seating, string lights and a welcoming, communal atmosphere. In Colorado Springs, The Studio by celebrity Chef Brother Luck is an intimate, reservation-only venue where guests can participate in hands-on cooking classes or enjoy multi-course tasting dinners. 96 1-800-COLORADO For Romantics Colorado is a standout for couples looking to unwind, explore or celebrate. Book a private tour with Lake Dillon Boat Rides to spend a peaceful afternoon cruising across the water with a backdrop of alpine summits. In Colorado Springs, take a sunrise hot-air balloon ride with Rainbow Ryders to float above the landscape and gaze at Pikes Peak, then finish with a toast. In Denver, reserve a booth at Nocturne , a jazz club where the seasonal tasting menu pairs perfectly with live sets from local and touring musicians. Spend the afternoon wandering through the Denver Botanic Gardens , where themed floral designs, shaded walkways and water features create a peaceful retreat in the middle of the city — then stay for an evening concert at the UMB Bank Amphitheater . Over in Boulder, the stunning Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre sets the stage for the Colorado Shakespeare Festival , where actors perform the classic plays on warm summer evenings. Then, cap off your Colorado visit with dinner at Flagstaff House , known for its Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine list, panoramic views, and seasonal menus that showcase Colorado-raised beef and lamb. JULIA TIMMER PHOTOGRAPHY
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2026: Page 96
