Local InformationLehDerFest falls on the busiest weekend of summer tourist season (oops). So it will pay to be prepared! On the upside, there will be lots of happenings and things to do. Check out the free Summit Daily News, found in bright blue newspaper stands around the area.
To help all of our guests enjoy their holiday weekend in the Colorado high country, we've compiled a list of our favorite restaurants, recommended activities, high altitude considerations and traffic tips. Have a great time and please email with any questions. Thanks for coming to celebrate with us! |
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Getting Around
Traveling among the tourists requires special thinking. Driving, grocery shopping, other normal activities of life become an incredible test of patience. So make your holiday high country trip easier by thinking like a local.
- Grocery Shopping. Do not attempt this mid day. Early AM or late evening provide the lightest crowds. City Market in Dillon is a Kroger store. There is a Walmart in Frisco but it leaves a lot to be desired, but it's neighboured by Safeway and the new Whole Foods is located just behind on an I-70 frontage road. The Target in Silverthorne also offers a large grocery section. Better yet, stop at the Walmart in Evergreen on your way up from Denver to avoid a little tourist insanity.
- Driving. DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT drive up from Denver on Friday July 3rd OR down to Denver on Sunday July 5th. Unless you happen to like hours of stop and go traffic and exhaust fumes.
- Lake Dillon Water Taxi. This boat travels from the Dillon Marina to the Frisco Marina. Round trip rates are $19 for adults, cash or check only. Visit the website for more information.
Restaurants
Arapahoe Cafe & Pub 626 Lake Dillon Dr. Dillon, CO, 80435 970-468-0873
Not only do I work here, but we eat here too! Araphoe Cafe was also the first client of my floral business, Pots & Petals. And, of course, their catering division will be feeding us at the wedding. Needless to say, this place is our favorite and the staff feels like family!
ACafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner but closes between 2-4 pm daily and does not accept reservations.
Nozawa Sushi & Teppanyaki 282 Dillon Ridge Rd. Dillon, CO 80435 970-262-6600
We go here for the Pomegranate Sake and Half Price Sushi Rolls during the summers. The Teppanyaki grill provides entertainment as well with the chefs preparing your food table side.
5th Avenue Grill 423 Main St, Frisco, CO 80443 970-668-3733
Also a client of Pots & Petals, we eat here on nights we want to class it up a bit! Love the Ahi Tuna dish and the way they serve wine in mini carafes. Good Happy Hour, too.
Silverheels Bar & Grill 601 Main St, Frisco CO 80443 970-668-6345
Go to the bar for Happy Hour and try the St Germaine Cocktail and reasonably priced appetizers.
Dillon Dam Brewery 100 Little Dam St, Dillon CO 80435 970-262-7777
For the beer drinker, its practically a sin not to visit the Dam. Happy Hour is great here as well!
Blue Moon Bakery 253 Summit Place Shopping Center, (near Office Max) 970-513-0669
Great stop for a quick breakfast on the go. We like the Blue Moon Special!
Not only do I work here, but we eat here too! Araphoe Cafe was also the first client of my floral business, Pots & Petals. And, of course, their catering division will be feeding us at the wedding. Needless to say, this place is our favorite and the staff feels like family!
ACafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner but closes between 2-4 pm daily and does not accept reservations.
Nozawa Sushi & Teppanyaki 282 Dillon Ridge Rd. Dillon, CO 80435 970-262-6600
We go here for the Pomegranate Sake and Half Price Sushi Rolls during the summers. The Teppanyaki grill provides entertainment as well with the chefs preparing your food table side.
5th Avenue Grill 423 Main St, Frisco, CO 80443 970-668-3733
Also a client of Pots & Petals, we eat here on nights we want to class it up a bit! Love the Ahi Tuna dish and the way they serve wine in mini carafes. Good Happy Hour, too.
Silverheels Bar & Grill 601 Main St, Frisco CO 80443 970-668-6345
Go to the bar for Happy Hour and try the St Germaine Cocktail and reasonably priced appetizers.
Dillon Dam Brewery 100 Little Dam St, Dillon CO 80435 970-262-7777
For the beer drinker, its practically a sin not to visit the Dam. Happy Hour is great here as well!
Blue Moon Bakery 253 Summit Place Shopping Center, (near Office Max) 970-513-0669
Great stop for a quick breakfast on the go. We like the Blue Moon Special!
Things To Do
Hikes: There's no shortage of trails in the high country, below are just a few recommendations. If seeking something a little more challenging, a quick Google search should reveal tons of options!
Friday Afternoon Club at Keystone
Starting at 1 PM every Friday in the summer, a free gondola ride takes you to the top of Dercum Mountain where you'll find a bar, food, lawn games, usually a band, and amazing views!
Sunday Afternoon Variety Show at Lehderfest
Spend more time with us on Sunday July 5th at 2:30pm at Windy Point Campground. A handful of talented friends perform and entertain during this casual wind down to the weekend. If you'd like to share your skills, please sign up on your RSVP.
Hot Springs:
While Summit County does not have hot springs, many resorts are with a few hours drive. A few to look into: Hot Sulphur Springs near Granby, Strawberry Springs in Steamboat, Glenwood Springs offers a more commercialized pool, and Orvis Hot Springs outside of Ouray if you really feel up for an adventure.
- Oro Grande Trail: Big open views of the Dillon Reservoir and the Gore Range. An out and back trail, make it as long or as short as you want. This trail is also an easy intro into mountain biking. To find the trailhead, turn onto Evergreen Road off of Hwy 6 in Dillon. Take your immediate right onto the frontage road and park in the small lot on the right behind the water treatment plant.
- Lily Pad Lake: A few fun meandering miles through the woods ending at a pair of lakes. Pack a lunch (and a beer) to eat on the shore before heading back. Head up Ryan Gulch Rd, the first left North of I-70 in Silverthorne. Park at the top and pick the trailhead to the South of the parking area. Or choose the Buffalo Cabin Trailhead to get a little higher to some old cabin remains.
- Cataract Lake: Feel like a drive? Lower Cataract Lake is about 45 minutes away from Silverthorne, and features an easy trail around a high mountain lake with a waterfall. Take your fishing pole and a picnic! Head North on Hwy 9 out of Silverthorne, taking a left towards the town of Heeney just before Green Mountain Reservoir. Take a sharp left onto County Rd 1725 and end at the parking area.
Friday Afternoon Club at Keystone
Starting at 1 PM every Friday in the summer, a free gondola ride takes you to the top of Dercum Mountain where you'll find a bar, food, lawn games, usually a band, and amazing views!
Sunday Afternoon Variety Show at Lehderfest
Spend more time with us on Sunday July 5th at 2:30pm at Windy Point Campground. A handful of talented friends perform and entertain during this casual wind down to the weekend. If you'd like to share your skills, please sign up on your RSVP.
Hot Springs:
While Summit County does not have hot springs, many resorts are with a few hours drive. A few to look into: Hot Sulphur Springs near Granby, Strawberry Springs in Steamboat, Glenwood Springs offers a more commercialized pool, and Orvis Hot Springs outside of Ouray if you really feel up for an adventure.
High Altitude Tips
For more detailed information, please visit High Country Healthcare's website. But find the basics below...
- Drink Water!!! Dehydration causes all sorts of issues from headaches to nausea. So slamming the H2O is the easiest way to ensure you feel great while visiting the mountains. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Carry water with you at all times.
- Wear Sunscreen!!! Cannot emphasize this enough. Apply a coat first thing in the morning while getting ready for the day and another layer of sunblock at lunch. The rays are intense at 9000 ft. And we'd like you to show your patriotism with the red in your apparel, not the red on your face.
- Ease into the partying. Although Lehderfest is a time to celebrate, please take it easy on the booze your first couple of days. It may even help acclimate by spending a night in Denver (the mile high city) before doubling your elevation.
