5 Alternatives To Fireworks This (Very Dry) Fourth of July

by Laurel Miller on

It’s hard to imagine the Fourth of July without fireworks, but for drought- and fire-stricken regions like Colorado, that’s the way it’s going to be this year. If you happen to be living or traveling in a no-fireworks zone, don’t despair. There are still ways to celebrate our nation’s birth without setting it ablaze.

Since I’m in Colorado right now, I brainstormed with a group of rangers at Boulder’s Chautauqua Park (which is adjacent to the now 90%-contained Flagstaff Mountain blaze). Our ideas, below:

1. Organize a block party

2. Go to a laser show (or hold your own; those PowerPoint things are for more than just entertaining cats)

3. Have a picnic or barbecue and stargaze

4. Go to a concert in a park or other outdoor venue

5. Go camping, minus the open fire

[Photo credit: Flickr user H Dragon]

Alabama celebrates its haunted past with an entire month of events

by Jessica Festa on

Throughout October, the state of Alabama in the United States will celebrate its haunted past with a variety of events, including ghost walks, story-telling festivals, and a moonlit tour of Old Cahawba, a historic ghost town.

Here are some of the scheduled events:

7th Annual “Historic Haunts Walk”
Athens, Alabama (Oct 4, 12, 14, 19)

This spooky walk will begin at the Houston Library and includes stories about paranormal activity at twelve local structures. For instance, hear about the girl who fell to her death at Athens University and is still said to wander the halls. Each walk lasts about 90 minutes, with tickets costing $5. For more information, contact Limestone County Tourism at 1-256-232-5411 or Jeanette@visitathensal.com.

Storytellin’ Campfire Talk: Spooks in the Valley
Fort Payne, Alabama (Oct 22)

This free event takes place at the large pavilion in DeSoto State Park. Sit around a campfire and listen to ghostly tales and scary stories. For more information, call 1-256-782-5697.

Ghost Walk & Fall Festival
Thomasville, Alabama (Oct 23)

The Thomasville Arts Council will be acting out some of renowned storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham‘s famous scary stories. There will also be haunted tours, street dancing, a motorcycle poker ride, a car show, and a haunted house. For more information, call the Thomasville Chamber of Commerce at 1-334-636-1542.

To view the complete list of scary events for the month of October, click here.

Treat yourself to an “epic summer” in Colorado

by Tom Johansmeyer on

A full week in the Rocky Mountains is exactly what you need to unwind. “Epic Summer,” the latest package from RockResorts, includes a range of options for individuals and families looking to enjoy crisp western air and natural surroundings without sacrificing comfort.

The package, which includes taxes and resort fees, costs $1,195 per adult and $895 per kid – a savings of almost 40 percent! What you get is nothing short of astounding. Spend six nights at either the Keystone or Breckenridge resort areas, and take advantage of an array of outdoor activities. Whitewater rafting, horseback riding on Beaver Creek Mountain and panning for gold can be added to your itinerary, and guides are available. You can even have a campfire dinner and wagon ride scheduled.

The “Epic Summer” deal includes ground transportation and all meals, along with resort access and related activities. At a savings of around $2,600, you’ll also get the added thrill of feeling like you’re stealing from the resort. Don’t underestimate the thrill of the illicit!

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