Ana Popovic

My Blue Sky is “the” Allman Brothers Award Winning Tribute Band. They just won their second 1st place award at an annual tribute band challenge with 2,000 people in attendance. You will get why they have become a Colorado must for festivals.

The Keeping The Blues Alive band, sponsored by Joe Bonamassa, has some firepower well known to Colorado. Austin Young packs a big punch, recently presented a Gold Top Les Paul by Joe himself , working with local organization Blue Star Connection and John Catt. Austin Young has a reputation for putting on a show you won’t forget. Along with Austin is the famous Michaela Rae Knox, Michaela has been a staple at Blues From The Top and other Colorado Festivals/Events for over 10 years. A guitar wizard for a long long time, she and Austin have been touring this year with the support of Joe Bonamassa’s Foundation known as Keeping The Blues Alive.

Also on the bill is a strong singer/songwriter/guitar genius, Cary Morin, two-time Colorado IBC winner in the solo category of that International Challenge in Memphis. Cary is a veteran of touring and lives in Fort Collins. Amazing unique finger picking with a voice that you will hear in your sleep. Don’t miss his set.

Rounding out the line up is John Weeks Band with torch singer Stacy Turpenoff. Strong guitar and strong vocals will rock Spirit Lake. Kicking off the event is Fort Collins power trio The Symbols. Jasco Duende is a well known guitar virtuoso with fascinating styles you will not have seen or heard elsewhere. Mer Sal on bass and vocals will keep you glued to the stage.

We have a few rising stars on a second stage that will keep you excited while we change bands. All you hear all day is real people playing music, no cd’s blasting you out of your chairs.

The event starts right at 11:00 a.m. with gates opening at 10:00 a.m. with the following line up:

11:00 a.m. — The Symbols
12:00 p.m. — Cary Morin
1:00 p.m. — John Weeks with Stacy Turpenoff
2:00 p.m. — Austin Young, Michaela Rae Knox and Keeping The Blues Alive Band
3:30 p.m. — My Blue Sky
4:15 p.m. — Kara Grainger with My Blue Sky
5:30 p.m. — Ana Popovic

Kara Grainger

Follow us on Facebook at Spirit Lake Blues. Blog written by John Catt of Blue Star Connection.

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Join us this weekend, July 17-19, for our Annual Buffalo BBQ Weekend. Check out the schedule — there’s something for everyone!! Square dancing, Rotary Bingo in the Park, live theater at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, Rotary Pancake Breakfast, Live Music, Buffalo BBQ, Parade, 5K, Cowboy Church and more!

2015 Annual Buffalo BBQ Weekend Schedule

On Saturday, July 25th, Grand Lake’s Annual Antique Boat Show will be held at the public boat docks in front of Western Riviera!

Annual Antique Boat Show on Grand Lake

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Sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, pedal boats and fishing on Colorado’s largest natural lake is GRAND. Catch some fish, watch Osprey dive for dinner, see moose take a swim and keep cool in our fresh mountain air. It’s all here for your pleasure and enjoyment! Come on up and play, and when you’re ready to bed down after an exhilarating day, Western Riviera offers the perfect lodging for you.

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Grand Lake, Colorado’s largest natural lake.

As Colorado’s oldest resort community, Grand Lake has tried to preserve its unique heritage. The area is known for fishing, hiking, horseback riding and for its many dude ranches. Biking, boating, water-skiing, camping, rafting and bird-watching are also favorite activities. The Grand Lake Golf Course ranks as one of the top ten in Colorado.

Grand Lake Golf Course

In the winter, alpine and cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling and ice fishing attract many to the area. There are three major downhill ski areas all within an hour’s drive, and Nordic Ski trails can be found at the Grand Lake Nordic Center and in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park Ranger-led Snowshoe Progarm

The first “tourists” to the area were probably Indians who arrived around AD 900 to 1300. They probably came and stayed during the summer and late fall in a setting of beauty with a climate that is unsurpassed even today. Game, fish and other foods were no doubt plentiful as they still are today. Elk and deer still choose this area as a favorite home and may be seen at any time. Beaver still swim in the rivulets and along lake shores. Fish abound in the many lakes in the area, and giant native trout are still taken along with stocked game fish.

Grand Lake is the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and is situated at the headwaters of the Colorado River. Trail Ridge Road (the highest continuous paved road on the continent) opened up some of the most interesting scenery to modern-day visitors. Winding your way from Grand Lake to Estes Park, drive past the snowcapped ranges you have seen on travel folders. On a mid-July day you can stop on the top of the pass in the cool, fresh air, have a snowball fight, view the snowfields and gaze at the panoramic views of the mountains.

Elk & Fall Colors in Rocky Mountain National Park

With Grand Lake in our front yard and Rocky Mountain National Park in our backyard, the lakes, rivers and trails here provide the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts of every age in every season. So breathe deep and make your plans to hike it, boat it, fish it, photograph it, snowmobile it, cross-country ski it, snowshoe it, be it, and live it! And, when you’re ready to bed down after an exhilarating day, Western Rivera is here for you and your family.

Rejuvenate your soul in the peace and solitude of nature wrapped in snow covered trails and the warmth of crisp Colorado blue skies. Hear the trill of migrating birds, see the footprints of wildlife and experience the adventures of Grand Lake, the Soul of the Rockies.

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A toast with the bride & groom on the deck at Western Riviera Lakeside Venue

Bride & Groom at Point Park

Imagine mountain vistas reflecting off Colorado’s largest natural lake at the west entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park surrounded by the beauty of nature as the setting for your wedding. Think about a venue that provides lodging within walking distance to your party so no one has to drive. How about an onsite caterer, and a florist and photographer right down the street? You can plan your dream wedding right here in Grand Lake in every season!

Point Park provides the perfect setting for your vows followed by a boat ride to Western Riviera’s Lakeside Venue where your guests can greet you as you walk up from the shores of Grand Lake.

Wedding Ceremony at Point Park

Western Riviera Lakeside Venue’s finely finished 2,000 sq. ft. interior space accommodates up to 122 guests, and includes a great room, bar and restrooms. The great room and 1,000 sq. ft. outdoor deck space are perfect for casual or formal events, boasting lake views throughout both the great room and deck! Your guests will be mesmerized by the awe-inspiring mountain vistas reflecting on Grand Lake while watching boats and people along the waterfront. Our staff is available to answer questions for you and will work hard to make your wedding the perfect occasion!

Western Riviera Lakeside Venue

July 4th, Constitution Week Celebrations and New Year’s Eve boast fireworks over the lake during your reception!

Fireworks over Grand Lake

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Western Riviera Lakeside Cabins overlooking Grand Lake, Colorado

The large lakeside cabins consist of 3 duplexes with two one-bedroom cabins in each on the upper level of the property and provide a shared deck area including grills, picnic tables and chairs. When you enter the front door, you will be in the living/dining/kitchenette area of the cabin furnished with a futon or foldout couch and eating area in front of a picture window looking out over Grand Lake. The full bath and bedroom are accessed from the living area.

Large Lakeside Cabin

View from Large Lakeside Cabins

The lower cabins are a fourplex of 4 small connected cabins that are open in the summer (mid-May through September), include a shared deck area with chairs and are just steps from the lake. Each cabin sleeps a maximum of 2 with a queen bed, ¾ bath, small refrigerator, microwave and coffee pot.

Small Lakeside Cabin

All properties have cable TV, access to free Wi-Fi and boast awesome views of Grand Lake surrounded by mountain vistas.

Enjoy easy access to the lake, trails, restaurants, shops and activities associated with the wooden boardwalks along Grand Avenue.

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Memorial Day Parade

The Rotary Club of Grand Lake kicks off its Bingo season every Memorial Day Weekend with Bingo in the Park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy Rotary Bingo every Friday and Saturday night through Labor Day Weekend (Sunday night of Labor Day Weekend is the last night).

Rotary Club of Grand Lake Bingo

On Saturday, the Kauffman House Museum opens for the season (Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend)! Come explore and browse the history of the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park including artifacts that will take you back up to 100 years!

Kauffman House Museum and Alexander Phimister Proctor Statue

Rocky Mountain National Park West Side Ranger-led programs are held on Saturday at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center with an afternoon talk on “Skins & Things” at 3:00 p.m. and Saturday Night in the Park at 7:00 p.m.

The Grand Lake Memorial Day Parade begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. on Memorial Day with plenty of patriotism followed by a touching observance ceremony in the Town Park with live music.

Memorial Day Parade

Veterans are provided with complimentary coffee and a continental breakfast at Pancho & Lefty’s, and are treated to a potluck and beverages following the ceremony.

Enjoy kicking off your summer with Grand Lake as we honor our heroes! Be sure to ask Western Riviera about their lodging discounts for veterans.

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Check out these photos showing the original and the new!

Original Spitzmiller Cabins in Grand Lake, Colorado

Western Riviera Courtyard Cabins

Our remodeled cabins mix historic features of Grand Lake and the Spitzmiller’s Cabins with the modern conveniences you desire. Most of the exterior materials were recycled so we could carry on the theme and traditions of our mountain town. Quality original antique furnishings have been incorporated into the decorating of the interior of the cabins which our guests enjoy – especially guests who have been staying here since they were kids and love reminiscing — and are happy they no longer share a bathroom, and can stay year round!

All cabins have kitchens, bathrooms, cable TV, free wi-fi, chairs with a small table outside their cabin and access to the shared courtyard. Now, let’s take a stroll through each of the 3 different size cabins.

The small cabins (Black Bear, Columbine, Moose Lodge & Osprey) are one-room cabins that sleep up to 2 with a queen bed, eating area, lounging chair and full bath.

Small Courtyard Cabin

The medium cabins (Fox Den, Hummingbird Haven, Kinnickkinnick and Lupine) are one-room cabins that sleep up to 4 with a king bed, foldout sofa bed, eating area, and bathroom with a walk-in couples shower with his & her shower heads. Each of these cabins include grab bars, a movable shower bench seat and are designed for wheelchair users who require a roll-in shower.

Medium Courtyard Cabin

The large cabins (Aspen Leaf, Elk Run, Pinecone and Rainbow Trout) are a one-bedroom cabin that sleep up to 6 with 2 double beds in the bedroom and a foldout sofa bed in the kitchen/dining/living area. Elk Run has a larger bathroom with support grab bars by the toilet and in the bath tub for guests needing assistance.

Large Courtyard Cabin

These cabins are located in the heart of Grand Lake Village and can be rented by the night (2-3 night minimum required, depending on holidays and special events), by the week in the summer (June-September) with check-in/out days Monday-Thursdays only, and by the week or month in the winter (October-May). Learn more at http://www.westernriv.com/lodging/courtyard-cabins/.

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Rocky Mountain National Park wants you to Honor its Past, Celebrate its Present and Inspire its Future by joining them as they celebrate the Wilderness, Wildlife and Wonder of Rocky.

By connecting to and getting involved in the various fun and interactive programs they are offering during the Centennial, it is easy for YOU to be a part of the experience.

YOU can be a part of daily discussions, view and share Park photos, learn about Rocky’s 100 Days Outside Challenge and watch the Minute of Wonder Weekly Series each Monday if you LIKE Rocky Mountain National Park on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RockyNPS?fref=ts&ref=br_tf.

YOU can share your Rocky Mountain National Park experience, stories and photos on the Centennial Family Photo Album at http://rmnp100.com/.

YOU can subscribe to Rocky’s YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClREdwfhXatiFKhImzBq60A and be a part of the Centennial RMNP Project by uploading and sharing your Park adventures.

YOU can check out Rocky Mountain National Park’s Instagram Art Gallery of photos capturing 100 years of Rocky at https://instagram.com/rockynps/.

YOU can attend various Centennial Events being held throughout the year in Grand Lake including Ranger Programs, Rocky Mountain Conservancy Seminars & Field Classes, 100th Anniversary Children’s Coloring Map, Grand Lake “Then and Now” Walking Tour, Across the Divide Geo-Tour, 100th Anniversary Virtual Race, Kauffman House Museum Centennial Exhibit, Wonder-ful Memorial Day Tribute, Rocky Mountain High Golf Events, 100th Anniversary of Rocky Mountain National Park Craft Fair Series, Art & Architecture Home Tour, Saturday Night in the Park Programs at the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, Ice Cream Social at the Grand Lake Yacht Club, Centennial Night Sky Festival, Grand Lake’s Historic Buffalo Barbecue Days, Music of the Mountains: Centennial After The Show Cabaret at Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, Rocky Mountain Plein Air Artists Paint Out, Vintage Time Travelers Celebration at the Smith Eslick Cottage Camp, Rededication Celebration, and Tombstone Tales. A listing of all Rocky Mountain National Park Centennial Events can be found at http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.

If you are planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, Western Riviera Lakeside Lodging & Events is located 2 miles from the west entrance to Rocky in the heart of the Village of Grand Lake. We hope you will be a part of Rocky’s 100th Birthday and will consider staying in Grand Lake during your visit.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK!

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The lakes, rivers and trails in Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park provide the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts of every age in every season.

Grand Lake is Colorado’s largest and deepest natural lake.

Spring is in the air offering the first glimpse of offspring — moose, elk, black bear, deer — and the return of nesting birds such as the Osprey and Hummingbirds.

Come on up and rejuvenate your soul on trails, rivers and lakes in the Rockies!

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