Jason Isbell

Each week this month, we’ll be featuring some of our favorite neighboring towns you need to check-off your bucketlist. Southwest Colorado has so much to offer… and some of the most amazing activities, towns, day trips and people in the country! This week we’re featuring Ouray, Colorado - “Switzerland of America”. Make Telluride your home base and take an easy day trip (60-70 minute drive) over to this beautiful box-canyon town. Here are some of the best things to check out: 

• Thursday, January 5^th – Sunday, January 8^th – Ouray Ice Festival – The biggest Ice Festival in North America is back! We love our neighboring town of Ouray and this weekend they will host an eclectic gathering of ice climbers, gear manufacturers and ice climbing enthusiasts from all around the world. Festival events are held in and around the Ouray Ice Park, located in the Uncompahgre Gorge. Over 100 events in the 4 days, the Ice Festival will showcase the best of ice and mixed climbing talent in the world, clinics, films, free events, auctions, social gatherings, exhibitions and more. 

• 2012 Ouray Ice Festival Guide Part 1: http://ourayicepark.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Ice-Festival-2012-Program_Part-1.pdf
• 2012 Ouray Ice Festival Guide Part 2: http://ourayicepark.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Ice-Festival-2012-Program_Part-2.pdf
• 2012 Ouray Ice Festival Map: http://ourayicepark.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Ice-Festival-2012-Map-Final.pdf
• 2012 Ouray Ice Festival Clinic Schedule: http://www.scribd.com/doc/76406886/2012-Clinic-Template-V6-8
• For more information, visit the Ouray Ice Park online at: http://ourayicepark.com/ice-festival/ 

• Ouray Hot Springs – What better way to relax than to soak in the clear warm waters of the Ouray Hot Springs. Several soaking sections at a variety of temperatures ranging from 96 to 106 degrees, a lap pool, diving area, large slide, shallow section for children and a water volleyball game area. This is great for the kids and the perfect way to rest your ski legs! For more information, hours of operation and more, visit: http://www.ouraycolorado.com/discover-ouray/hot-springs-pool.php 

• Wiesbaden Hot Springs – Another awesome natural hot spring known for its peaceful atmosphere, “casual elegance” and European flair. The best part… the Vaporcave! A deep soaking pool with 109 degree water surround by rock walls. For more information, visit: http://wiesbadenhotsprings.com/ 

• Ouray Brewery – The Ouray Brewery is open daily with fine food, outstanding craft brews and a rooftop patio. Try a Box Canyon Brown Ale or a San Juan IPA… our favs. The perfect end to your day trip of relaxation and exploring in our neighboring box-canyon town. For more information, visit: http://ouraybrewery.com 

And now back to the other Top 4 to do in Telluride this weekend… 

Thursday, January 5^th – First Thursday Art Walk – Celebrate the arts in downtown Telluride as dozen of venues open their doors from 5pm-8pm to introduce new artists, exhibits and galleries. The Ah Haa School for the Arts, Kamruz Gallery, Lustre, The Steaming Bean, Stronghouse Studios, Telluride Gallery, The Wilkinson Public Library and more venues will participate in this fun event. For more information, call Telluride Arts at 970-728-8959… or visit www.TellurideArts.org

Saturday, January 7^th – Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit – Jason is back! After his awesome performance at the 2011 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival this past September… he returns to the more intimate Sheridan Opera House for another rockin’ good time. Whether he’s playing with the Drive By Truckers, Justin Townes Earl or his current band, The 400 Unit… Isbell brings soul, rock, country and blues to every note he plays and every lyric he writes. This show is going to be siiiiiick. Buy your tickets today. For more info, visit www.SheridanOperaHouse.com and give a shout-out to Isbell on Twitter: @JasonIsbell 

Sunday, January 8^th – The Wailers Revolution Tour – Raaaasta at the Llama! The Wailers Revolution Tour is taking over The Llama this Sunday night. Get ready to dance to Jamaican reggae, ska and rocksteady jams! Tickets are $27 in advance and $30 at the door. Buy your tickets today at The Wizard on Main Street because it will fill up FAST! Doors open at 9:00pm. 

Monday, January 9^th – Ski into History with Johnnie Stevens – Ski with the legend Johnnie Stevens as he explains the history or the ski resort, cool facts and interesting stories. And the best part… it’s FREE! RSVP in advance with the Telluride Museum @ 970-728-3344 x 2 or visit www.telluridemuseum.org