Many want their claim in Colorado history, and who wouldn’t? From its majestic mountains and outdoor activities to its rich past to some of the nation’s greatest festivities, the Centennial State is a Rocky Mountain Paradise.

Many residents across the Peak to Peak region, live a surreal life, considering themselves unbelievably fortunate to live in such a breathtaking place. And who can blame them?! The Peak to Peak attracts an overwhelming number of visitors every year, and this alone is worthy of taking steps to improve the region.

On Wednesday, April 24, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the nonprofit Downtown Colorado, Inc. (DCI) hosted a Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byways Creative Corridor Planning Summit in Central City.

The organization was formed as a membership association, dedicated to building better communities by assisting in preserving some of the state’s downtowns, including commercial districts, main streets, rural communities, and town centers.

Members of CDOT Byways Program, Colorado Creative Industries, and Downtown Colorado, Inc. gathered to enhance collaboration amongst creative initiatives along the Peak to Peak Byway.

DCI facilitated “discussions and activities around the objectives and resources needed for expanding collaboration around the creative industry effort in these communities and along the corridor.”

Case studies within the DCI include Colorado Creative Corridor (CCC), assisting rural western Colorado towns to improve their economy. The CCC is working on new ways for travelers to explore rural destinations with unique itineraries, highlighting arts and culture.

The NoCo Creative Road Trip (CRT) is part of the Downtown Fort Collins Creative District. The NoCo CRT is a road trip, created to encourage people to travel across five different communities in Northern Colorado to experience their art and cultural scenes.

The Avenue Creative Circuit (ACC) is the case study from Colorado Springs, connecting Downtown Colorado Springs, Manitou Creative Districts, and the Old Colorado City Historic District. The ACC is a six-mile stretch booming with local cultural opportunities.

The Peak to Peak region offers so much that it’s no surprise it has become part of the DCI initiatives. With abundant attractions across its many towns, the Peak to Peak is an ideal region for creatives to help improve its economy and culture.

The next step for the DCI is to identify a board chair and vice chair. It will also work on dates and benchmarks to move its Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byways program forward.

The DCI summits are created to gain additional partnerships, collaborations, and programming, including along the Peak to Peak Byway. The next summit will be held on May 21 in Allenspark.

Downtown Colorado Inc. is located at 1420 Ogden Street, Denver. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DowntownColoradoInc or call them at 303-282-0625.