Start your excursion of America’s Alps in the town of Durango, nestled in Colorado’s southwestern corner. In the winter, the tourist has their choice of five different ski resorts  within an hour’s drive. In the summer, there is an almost inexhaustible number of activities in and around the community, including hiking, backpacking and mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking and golf. Rail fans will love riding the Durango & Silverton Railway, one of the last two remaining lines of the old Denver & Rio Grande narrow gauge railroad. Powered by steam locomotives and featuring both open cars and antique rail coaches from a century ago,  this is an actual operating railroad that during the winter is the only manner to get in and out of Silverton to the north.

Traveling over the San Juan mountains, on the “Million Dollar Highway”, along the Rio de las Animas Perdidas, literally meaning “River of Lost Souls”, you will run into most historic mining towns that consist of Silverton, Telluride, Ouray and Ridgway.  At Montrose, you will want to cut over to the east on U.S. 50, skirting the southern edge of Gunnison National Forest in order to go to Gunnison and Salida, which is home to one of the oldest whitewater kayaking events in the country, the FIBArk Race, which is the “weekend that Salida comes out to play,” held in June during the spring runoff.

It is tough to choose one place in Colorado’s mountain country that stands out over the rest but the Rocky Mountain National Park and nearby Estes Park in the north central part of the state are definitely front runners. Take advantage of neighboring cabin rentals, or stay at the historic Stanley Hotel, where writer Steven King got the inspiration for The Shining. Founded by a settler from Missouri in 1859, Estes park is located along the Big Thompson River, and is the gateway to the national park located just a few miles west.

You can travel the length of U.S. 34, the Trail Ridge Road, which has the distinction of being the highest uninterrupted highway in the country. This vivid drive will take you to an elevation of over 12,000 feet above sea level and some of the most colorful mountain scenery in North America, if not the world.

Of course, Colorado is the West, and that means cattle drives and horses. Well, the great cattle drives are long over and were primarily in the plane eastern section of the state, but you and your family can experience a little of it at one of the area’s many “dude ranches”. Even with the great quantity of highways and  jeep trails, there’s no better method to see this part of Colorado than from horseback.

The city was founded in 1880 by a group of real estate investors who obtained 8,700 acres on the beach and commenced selling lots. A 16 room hotel and a pier were constructed by the designers and soon played host to the rich and famous from all throughout the United States, including the sister of then-President Grover Cleveland. These days, several historical buildings are charming bed and breakfasts.

The fishing in Naples is some of the most excellent on the Gulf Coast. The mild waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide opportunities for sport fishermen year-round. Offshore fishing in the open waters or a slow day on the marshy backwaters are equally worthwhile. Guides and charter vessels are available and abundant in Naples, but visitors can feel free to explore the coastline on their own. Tackle shops, boat rental companies, and marinas are accessible for vessel and equipment rental, or just advice on the best local fishing spots.

Boat charters are available in full or half day varieties, and many vessels including the Lady Brett and the Captain Paul go on half-day excursions and provide rod, reel, bait, and a fishing license for guests who are more budget-conscious.

Those who favor fishing without a boat can find a quiet corner along the rivers or canals that run through the city, and pier fishing is not to be missed. The pier has tables for cleaning, and bait is available from any of the area marinas or sport fishing shops. 

No matter what your preferred fishing technique, fly, spin, plug or bait, Naples, Florida provides an extraordinary opportunity to fish in unspoiled natural environs.

If not everyone in your group is as excited about fishing as you, it may be noted that the seashores at Naples are a few of the finest on the Gulf Coast. Part of this has to do with geography. Throughout most of Florida, the best sand is found on the outside of the barrier islands, but at Naples, there are no barrier islands between the town and the open sea. This means that amazing white sand is only a stroll away from your beach rental and the lively shopping, outstanding restaurants, or any of the additional things that Naples has to offer.