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Best Yurts

Colorado State Parks

More than a tent, less than a cabin: That's the yurt, the newest camping option offered in selected state parks. The semi-permanent shelters consist of a wooden-lattice wall and rafters surrounded by weatherproof canvas and topped with a clear domed skylight. Construction costs are less than a quarter of those for a traditional cabin of the same size. The yurts in Ridgway, Pearl Lake and Mancos parks are equipped with electricity, gas fireplaces, ceiling fans, full insulation and screened windows, making them perfect for visits year-round. (Golden Gate Canyon state park is adding two yurts as part of its ongoing upgrade, to be completed this summer.) Each yurt sleeps six; bring your own bedding, but otherwise expect a camping experience, with cooking outdoors and no running water. Rental fees range from $40 to $60, based on occupancy; maximum stay is fourteen days. Reservations, which must be made at least three days in advance, are accepted, but yurts are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Best View of the Ballpark Neighborhood

Thorndyke's

Taking up residence in the historic Burlington Hotel last year, Thorndyke's bills itself as the "Ballpark Neighborhood's Living Room" -- and this is truly a room with a view. At any given time during any given day (except Sundays), you can catch up with the locals here over a beer, sandwich or cup of coffee. But even more enjoyable than the local gossip is watching the image of downtown's skyline change as the sunset fades into night (love that blue Qwest glow!) through the giant picture windows of the old Burlington.

Best View of the Ballpark Neighborhood

Thorndyke's

Taking up residence in the historic Burlington Hotel last year, Thorndyke's bills itself as the "Ballpark Neighborhood's Living Room" -- and this is truly a room with a view. At any given time during any given day (except Sundays), you can catch up with the locals here over a beer, sandwich or cup of coffee. But even more enjoyable than the local gossip is watching the image of downtown's skyline change as the sunset fades into night (love that blue Qwest glow!) through the giant picture windows of the old Burlington.

Best Jazzercise Instructor

Brooke Sirhal

Need to lose a few pounds or gain some energy? Peppy and upbeat, Brooke Sirhal has several years of experience as a Jazzercise instructor, and she keeps things moving. The friendly ladies who work at the door welcome new students and make sure they don't get lost during the sometimes-complicated exercise routines. The first session is complimentary, so there's no excuse not to go jump around!

Best Jazzercise Instructor

Brooke Sirhal

Need to lose a few pounds or gain some energy? Peppy and upbeat, Brooke Sirhal has several years of experience as a Jazzercise instructor, and she keeps things moving. The friendly ladies who work at the door welcome new students and make sure they don't get lost during the sometimes-complicated exercise routines. The first session is complimentary, so there's no excuse not to go jump around!

Best Mascot

Ralphie the Buffalo

In the best of all worlds, a team mascot should represent the players and inspire them at their game. When you think Division I college football players, what comes to mind? Exactly -- huge, muscular, hairy, dangerous, and perhaps just a little bit rank. If you're going to grind out a come-from-behind victory in the closing minutes, it's unlikely to be inspired by looking to a bat-wielding dinosaur or a stuffed...whatever, with a bolt of lightning exiting his buttocks. No -- if you want motivation, you turn to a thundering bunched-muscle quadruped named Ralphie. A minor note: Ralphie's mojo doesn't seem to work that well indoors for the Buffs' men's hoopsters. But on the grass, he kicks.

Best Mascot

Ralphie the Buffalo

In the best of all worlds, a team mascot should represent the players and inspire them at their game. When you think Division I college football players, what comes to mind? Exactly -- huge, muscular, hairy, dangerous, and perhaps just a little bit rank. If you're going to grind out a come-from-behind victory in the closing minutes, it's unlikely to be inspired by looking to a bat-wielding dinosaur or a stuffed...whatever, with a bolt of lightning exiting his buttocks. No -- if you want motivation, you turn to a thundering bunched-muscle quadruped named Ralphie. A minor note: Ralphie's mojo doesn't seem to work that well indoors for the Buffs' men's hoopsters. But on the grass, he kicks.

Best Sports Dynasty

Gentlemen of Aspen Rugby Club

The Avs might win their second Stanley Cup in five years, and the Broncos did achieve a back-to-back, but the real sports dynasty resides a couple of hundred miles west of Denver, in Glitter Gulch. The Gentlemen of Aspen first started winning USA Rugby Club championships in 1997, and they haven't stopped since. This year they'll be trying for five national titles in a row, which would tie with the all-time best. Did we mention that they practice in a horse barn, tackling one another on ground that may have horsebleep left on it? That's dedication.

Best Sports Dynasty

Gentlemen of Aspen Rugby Club

The Avs might win their second Stanley Cup in five years, and the Broncos did achieve a back-to-back, but the real sports dynasty resides a couple of hundred miles west of Denver, in Glitter Gulch. The Gentlemen of Aspen first started winning USA Rugby Club championships in 1997, and they haven't stopped since. This year they'll be trying for five national titles in a row, which would tie with the all-time best. Did we mention that they practice in a horse barn, tackling one another on ground that may have horsebleep left on it? That's dedication.

Best Mile High Salute to Broncos Fans

Mile High Stadium tours

Even without Elway, there were plenty of glorious memories coming out of Mile High Stadium. And for those who wanted to bask in a sure thing -- the glow of past glories -- Denver provided one last chance. After all, many Broncos boosters were never able to afford tickets to games at Mile High, and few of those who could ever got the chance to visit any part of the stadium other than their seats, the concession stands and the long bathroom lines. So let us now praise the city's decision to open the Denver-owned facility to free farewell tours through the first two months of 2001, thereby giving locals of every economic level the chance to check out the locker rooms, luxury boxes and even the field itself before they're reduced to dust.

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