Things to do

• The southeast part of Colorado is an area known for its scenic beauty, expansive ranches and rural lifestyle. Far from a major tourist destination, it is probably one of Colorado's best kept secrets. Choose a rental home from one of the eight regional towns and you'll be delighted with what is on offer. Beulah, Cokedale, Cuchara, Fort Garland, La Veta, Pueblo West, Rye, and Walsenburg all have unique vacation rentals for you to enjoy with your family.

• Southeast Colorado is a place of wide open vistas. On arrival, you may feel like you have stepped back in time. Expansive ranch houses, fields of wild flowers and stunning mountain views will make you want to stay forever. People that enjoy the ranch lifestyle and the outdoors will love the region and most likely will return to vacation in the area year after year. It's a place where you can take the bikes and explore the quiet country roads with the whole family, teach your children to appreciate nature's wonders, and rejuvenate your soul with the fresh country air. The lifestyle here is a little quieter but the people are warm and welcoming. It's the perfect destination to relax and get away from the bustle of busy city life.

• Things to See and Do in Southeast Colorado Many visitors come to area to relax and get away from it all. For those that want to do a little exploring, you will want to take your camera along. Take a drive up the magnificent mountain passes. Go for a walk through the San Isabel National Forest where you can enjoy some wildlife viewing. If you are lucky, you can spot some deer or elk. The area is also home to the black bear, mountain lion, coyote and bobcats. There are several historic mining towns near southeast Colorado where you can visit museums and antique stores. The art galleries in the area showcase magnificent landscape photographs as well as some contemporary works. There are several beautiful lakes in the area where you can enjoy boating and fishing or a picnic on the lakeside. There are four nine-hole golf courses near Southeast Colorado lodging where you can enjoy an inexpensive round of golf. If visiting during the summertime, you may be able to join in with one of the local tournaments.

• Best Time of Year to Visit For some people, they love to visit the area in the summertime when they can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. For others, what makes southeast Colorado special is seeing the snow-covered mountains and fields in the winter. Summer or winter in southeast Colorado is a spectacularly beautiful time where you can truly learn to appreciate nature's wonders.

Water Park http://spanishpeakscountry.com/activities-attractions/walsenburg-water-park/

Blue Lake http://www.everytrail.com/guide/blue-lake

Yellow Pine Ranch  Horse back ridding 719-742-3528

Sand Dunes http://www.nps.gov/grsa/index.htm

Alligator farm http://www.coloradogators.

Ludlow Monument and Mining museum

Apishapa  http://cpw.state.co.us/swa/Apishapa%20SWA

Live music http://www.cucharacountrymusicfest.com/

Art in the park http://www.spanishpeaksarts.org/2014_shows_events/art_in_the_park14/art_in_park_2014.htm

Celtic Music festival http://www.celticmusicfest.com/

Wolf sanctuary http://www.missionwolf.org/

Bishops castle http://www.bishopcastle.org/

http://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Lathrop