Colorado Travel Bucket List (Part 2)

On Tap: Dogs, Bluegrass, Street Rods and Fireworks

This week we’re expanding our coverage of Colorado’s extraordinary warm-weather respites, those must-sees and dos that cross over from the Front Range to the Western Slope.

Singles, couples and families are all prime beneficiaries of staying and playing in Colorado, especially when squeezing in a 9- or 18-hole round of golf. Here’s a half-dozen sampling that will keep those vacation smiles, photos and memories flowing:

1. National Cattledog Association Finals: In Steamboat Springs at the Flying Diamond Ranch, this second-year event is the world’s largest cattledog trial. It features 140 extraordinary canines from 16 states and Canada that compete in the herding of 800-pound cattle through a series of obstacles. Extras include clinics, barbecue tastings, shopping, concessions and beverage service. June 18-25. www.nationalcattledog.com

2. 41st Annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival: Since its very beginning, the festival has embraced a wide swath of roots music to create the unique genre of “Telluride Bluegrass.” Recent lineups have welcomed Sam Bush, Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris, David Byrne, Ani DiFranco, Lyle Lovett, Ryan Adams, Counting Crows, Bonnie Raitt and Mumford & Sons. It’s a tough ticket but one well worth it. June 19-22, 2014. www.visittelluride.com

3. Pikes Peak Celtic Festival: This three-day event in Colorado Springs features pipe bands, Celtic rock groups, Highland dance exhibitions, kids activities, food, beverage, arts and crafts and more. This year’s headline band is Colorado’s own Albannach, whose popular Scottish-infused music is driven by bagpipe, bass drums and bodhráns. June 20-22, 2014. www.pikespeakcelticfestival.com

4. 30th Annual NSRA Rocky Mountain Street Rod Nationals Plus: Featuring more than 2,000 custom cars, this three-decades-long event in Pueblo has evolved into a can’t-miss, family fun tradition that is regarded as the Rockies’ premier street rod experience. Amenities include concessions, beverage service and swap meet, plus a full bill of exhibitions, competitions and races. June 27-29, 2014. www.nsra-usa.com

5. The Marriage of Figaro: Mozart’s sparkling comedic opera delivers trickery, mischief and romance at the Opera House in historic Central City. Set in 1920s Spain, it continues the story of Figaro, the famous barber of Seville. And Central City also boasts casino gaming, museums, art galleries and gold mine tours. June 28-July 26, 2014. www.centralcityopera.org

6. Brush 4th of July Rodeo and Parade: Dating back to 1953, this iconic western holiday celebration includes a 90-minutes-long parade, art show, fireworks display, an open house at the Brush Museum and a 400-contestant-strong rodeo that is regarded the largest of its class in the state. July 2-4, 2014. www.brushchamber.org'

For more things to do throughout the state, go online to www.colorado.com.

RELATED LINKS

Colorado Travel Bucket List (Part One)

Cortez’s South Forty Golf Course

Stay and Play in Colorado Springs

Grand Junction and Montrose For Food and Wine

Durango resident Chris Duthie is a contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer, the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.