Summer is right around the corner -- and for the team at Turner PR, that means weekends spent in pursuit of adventure in the great outdoors. Here's what we're looking forward to in the upcoming months.
Salida/Canon City
My favorite summer hangout starts and ends in my two hometowns - Salida and Canon City, CO. You'll find me at the annual FIBArk festival, America’s oldest whitewater rafting festival, attending the outdoor concerts and testing gravity on classic carnival rides before rafting down the Arkansas River's world-class rapids under the Royal Gorge Bridge. – Amber Connor
Maroon Bells
This certified glamper is throwing caution to the wind this summer and embarking on my first multi-day backpacking trip through White River National Forest. Located about 10 miles southwest of Aspen, the Maroon Bells are considered to be one of the most photographed peaks in Colorado. Stay tuned for photos… because there will be many. – Emily Walsh
Palisades Interstate Park
Despite it’s close proximity, New Jersey remains a mystery to most New Yorkers, which makes spying down at the city from the cliffs of New Jersey’s Palisade Interstate Park a great weekend adventure for those of us on the “wrong side” of the river. The 12-mile park, which sits along the Hudson River directly across from Upper Manhattan and The Bronx, offers great hiking and cycling trails and an incredibly close outdoor getaway spot for my wife and I to enjoy nature and escape the concrete jungle. – Jeff Maldonado
Warren Dunes State Park, Michigan
My favorite summer campground and hiking spot. Climb up the 260 ft dune for a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan or hike along the miles of lakeshore trails, or just spend the day at the beach. Warren Dunes State Park is a great weekend escape and short drive from Chicago. – Melanie Dennig
Denver Farmer’s Markets & Outdoor Movies
I’m looking forward to the great farmer’s markets around the city – even in the early part of the season when the produce isn’t ready yet, the homemade goodies are delicious. And those August peaches… I’m also excited to catch an outdoor movie at Film on the Rocks or Monday Movie Madness (Infinity Park). – Ashley Taufen
Outer Banks in North Carolina
Nearly every summer since I was a kid I’ve gone to the Outer Banks in North Carolina! Known for its beautiful beaches and cozy towns, the Outer Banks is my perfect little getaway. One of my favorite things to do while I’m there is climb the sand dunes in Jockey’s Ridge State Park. After sliding down the dunes like they’re snow covered hills, there’s nothing like enjoying the gorgeous sunset that sets over the dunes every evening. – Laura Kepus
Urban Assault Ride
Sometimes it’s fun to act like a kid again, especially during the summer when it means you get to play in the sunshine all day. The Urban Assault Ride, a bicycle scavenger hunt and race throughout Denver, is the perfect event to wake up your inner child. Part of the fun is the surprise of it all - you won’t know until event day what obstacles you have to tackle; you could be competing in anything from bike jousting to big wheeling to slip n’ sliding. And, of course, in true Colorado fashion, there’s a cold beer waiting for you at the end. Cheers! – Deborah Park
Breckenridge
I spend most of my winter skiing up there, but summers offer just as many activities. (Check out the view from my secret spot on Boreas Pass!) From fly fishing and camping to hiking and mountain biking, Breck has something for everyone – and is dog friendly! Plus, there are plenty of places in town to grab a cold beer after a long day playing in the sun. – Madeleine Towne
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Now that I call the Midwest home, access to one of the country’s (well, the continent’s, as it extends into Canada) most unique wilderness expanses is now even more realistic. The Northern Minnesota wilderness is accessed only by canoe and provides what seems like endless miles of waterways and hiking trails, forested campsites and complete outdoors escape. I don’t yet have this trip planned, but I’m hoping to wrangle a few friends and cross the BWCAW off my bucket list this summer. – Alex Aberman
Gentlemen of the Road
Gentlemen of the Road is a touring music festival; it’s coming to Salida, CO this summer and I’m looking forward to three days of camping, rafting, climbing, and music (with a few thousand of my closest friends). Of note, showers cost $10. So…there may not be a lot of photographic documentation of this trip. – Angela Berardino
Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area (a.k.a. Dog Beach)
The Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area is easily accessible via public transportation from New York and it is the perfect, quiet beach spot for splashing with the pup— no beach badge required. Known locally as "Dog Beach”, the park is adjacent the Manasquan Inlet and offers beach time hangs, kayaking, fishing, hiking, bird watching and more. We wrap the beach day with a stop at Surf Taco or with a BBQ with family and friends. – Kimberly Rodgers
Fly Fishing in The Rockies
Having seen A River Runs Through It too many times to count, I’m determined to learn to fly fish this summer. I admit, I have no idea what I’m doing or even where to go; but gentle mountain rivers are calling, and to spend a day in their midsts is always worth it. – Whitt Kelly
Aspen to Crested Butte Hike
Apparently it’s a rite of passage for Coloradans to hike from Aspen to Crested Butte or vice versa. So my longtime girlfriends recently decided we should conquer both directions this July. With these two epic mountain towns sitting on the north and south side of the Elk Mountains, we will trek over West Maroon Pass from Aspen to Crested Butte and then the next day we will hike back over East Maroon Pass from Crested Butte to Aspen. Nothing better than spectacular scenery and a new adventure with girlfriends I’ve had for 30 years. – Christine Turner
Elk Meadow Park
Our golden retriever, Charlie, always looks at us with impossibly sad eyes when we head off on some summer excursion where he’s not welcome. But he is very welcome at Elk Meadow Park in Evergreen, Colorado (just a quick drive from Denver), which boasts an awesome, off-leash area that winds its way through a shady Rocky Mountain forest. Charlie has fun and we have fun — no sad eyes here! – Tyler Wilcox
