On a few occasions in the past few years, I've had the opportunity to interact with Al White, Director of the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO). He portrays a sense of accomplishment, as he always comes
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On a few occasions in the past few years, I've had the opportunity to interact with Al White, Director of the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO). He portrays a sense of accomplishment, as he always comes prepared with statistics about how the tourism industry is one of the largest employers in the state, tourists spend over $10-billion in Colorado, contributing $763 million (in 2007) to taxes, which equates to over $400 in taxes per household. As he rattles-off all those big numbers, it's hard to see how the Colorado Tourism Office would ever have a direct effect on Nederland.
In 2020, Nederland's economy encourages and welcomes new, non-traditional economic models, the responsible management of tourism and the stewardship of the environment. The community consistently recognizes and responsibly encourages the thoughtful and meaningful relationship between recreation, culture and the economy.
[Related Story: Senator Bennet Understands What Leaf Peepers Are, and Why We Need Them.]
Then, I got a call from the publisher of ALIVE Magazine, saying that Nederland would get a small feature and they wanted a photo. This travel magazine is sent out everywhere in the U.S. (except Colorado) in order to inspire people to plan their visit here. This issue printed 50,000 copies, and the Colorado Tourism Office sends out over 800,000 copies of the Official State Vacation Guide each year.
[Related Story: Ribbon Cut, Boulder Canyon Open, Full RTD Schedule Resumes]
You can confidently claim that Nederland, just a half hour outside of Boulder, will be unlike any other town in your vacation repertoire. Case in point: Each March the town celebrates the frozen remains of Bredo Morstoel, a man who died of a heart attack in 1989. His family keeps his body preserved in dry ice in the hills of Nederland in the hopes that future science can revive him. Bizarre? Yes. Cause for a fantastic festival? Yes! Summertime renders an equally fun festival called NedFest (Aug. 22-24, 2014). Celebrate Nederland's nutty culture with craft brews, art and live music that put the perfect soundtrack to the sunny season.
Stroll downtown and experience the ambiance by browsing around local shops and restaurants. Don't miss the Carousel of Happiness, a restored 1910 carousel accompanied by an original Wurlitzer organ. Next door is the Wild Bear Mountain Ecology Center. Get the scoop on local trails and learn about the ecology and wildlife that make this area a hub for anyone with a pair of hiking boots.
Consider driving to Nederland or take public transportation from downtown Boulder. It's also conveniently located on the Peak to Peak Highway, which skirts the Rockies through the towns of Estes Park, Central City and Black Hawk.
I'm not sure if this will draw anyone to Nederland and recoup the economic loss from last year's leaf peeping season, but we appreciate the gesture.
As a follow-up, 5280 Magazine covered this story: Summer Road Trip: Nederland
Featuring Nederland as a tourist road trip destination.
[Here is a Video Valediction] Thinking of cheesy cowboy marketing, cultural icon from the Detroit area, Madonna, hired award-winning Jean-Baptiste Mondino, who brilliantly directed this cowboy music video Don't Tell Me (2000) Notice the subtle camera bumps and edits precisely to the beat of the electronic drum machine. Flawless. Genius. [What is a Video Valediction?]
