What to do there

We all know that once the ice melts here, hockey fever is still hot as ever. Visit the new Glacier Ice Arena (www.theglacier.net, 970-242-RINK) at 2515 River Road for pick-up hockey or open public skating. You can see the arena from Lowe's, but getting there is a bit tricky because Grand Junction is building an overpass and River Road is blocked. Coming from Gunnison, US 50 turns into 1st Street for a short stretch when you're downtown. When you are on 1st Street, there is a traffic light at C340 (Broadway). Turn left, cross the railroad tracks and then turn right on River Road. Glacier Ice Arena is on the left, immediately before the road is blocked. There may be road signs indicating directions due to the road construction.

·Go Bananas! Bananas Fun Park has mini-golf, laser tag, batting cages, an arcade, bump'n'jump inflatables, go-carts, pizza and more. (The bumper boats are closed in the winter.) Visit www.bananasfunpark.com or call 970-241-PLAY for more information. Bananas is located on the other side of the overpass construction road block on River Road. From US 50 go to 24 ¾ Road (Borders and Old Navy are across street). Turn left. Cross the railroad tracks. Turn right. Bananas is on your left. (You'll run right into it.)

Westlake Skatepark has been featured in Thrasher Magazine and is used by thousands of skateboarders, bikers and in-line skaters. It has 18,000 square feet of fenced concrete bowls and a street skate area. It is located off of 1st Street and Orchard Avenue (behind City Market). For more information and directions call GJ Parks and Recreation at 970-BIG-FUNN.

Another area with a nice park, a great view, an indoor pool, and another skatepark is Eagle Rim Park. From US 50, turn right (east) at the stoplight at Unaweep Avenue. You will pass Orchard Mesa Middle School approximately 1.25 miles. Turn left on the road that goes past the school 27 ¼ Road and it dead ends into the Eagle Rim park parking lot. Orchard Mesa Pool is located on the same campus as the Middle School and is open to the public.

I have never been to the Math and Science Center, but I've driven by it on my way to Eagle Rim Park. The outside of the building doesn't look like much, but apparently they have "hands on exhibits that make physics, biology, electronics and geology FUN - no kidding." 2660 Unaweep Avenue. Wed.-Sat. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Sherwood Park is a personal favorite. If you can find 1st Street, you can find this park. It's the first street to the right on the north side of North Ave (US 6). The Sherwood Road goes up a small hill and is at a 45-degree angle to 1st Street. There is a large pavilion there for a cookout, plenty of grass space and a great playground.

Colorado Riverfront Trails are paved trails along the Colorado River. Several access points are located off of Broadway Ave. (Hwy 340). Great for a baby-jogger hike.

Dinosaur Journey is a place where many locals like to take their visitors. It is located in Fruita. Take I-70 west to Exit 19, south 1.4 mile on Hwy. 340. It's about 15 minutes from Grand Junction.

Kidzplex has the "largest indoor playground in Western Colorado." It's a giant plastic-tube indoor play area and is great for toddlers and little ones. A room next door is for ages 6 and up and it features over 4,000 square feet of climbing surface, including high ropes and harness. Take Patterson Road to 25 Road or take 25 Road from Hwy. 6 and 50 (go north) and cross Patterson Road. About ½ block on your left, you will see Kidzplex. For more information call 970-245-3610.

Colorado National Monument has 23,000 acres of awe-inspiring scenery. Hike through the sandstone formations, arches and canyons that date back over 1.5 billion years. Rim Rock Road is 23 miles long with views setting the backdrop for your visit to Grand Junction. Take I-70 to Exit 19 (Fruita) and go south on Hwy. 340 to the West Entrance, approximately four miles from Fruita. There are also signs from I-70 and Horizon Drive that you can follow through Grand Junction to the East Entrance. The fee is $7.00 for a passenger vehicle. Pets have limited access. Call 970-858-3627 or visit their website at www.nps.gov/colm for more information.

·Check out Cookies-by-Design and other great shops and restaurants in downtown Grand Junction. The Nutcracker Ballet performed by the Eugene Ballet is December 7 and 8. A children's concert performed by the Grand Junction Symphony is February 10.

There are the usual movies, bowling, shopping and eating out. My kids love Chuck E.Cheese's which is located in Mesa Mall. There is only one entrance which is accessed from the parking lot outside. It's inexpensive and maybe Dad will stay there with the kids while you shop!

Visit www.visitgrandjunction.com for more information on lodging, activities and more. The Visitor Center located at I-70 and Horizon Drive has pamphlets and information about the area and I found their staff to be very helpful.

Pools

Montrose Recreation District has an Aquatic Center that is open to the public. There is an indoor and an outdoor pool, indoor and outdoor water slides, inner tube rentals and more. Kids two and under are free. Ages 3-54 are $4.00, Seniors $2.50. There is a charge for a shower-$2.50. The MRD Aquatic Center is located near Montrose High School. From Gunnison, take Hwy. 50 west to Montrose (approximately 1hour, 15 minutes). Turn left on Hwy. 550 (Townsend Ave). Turn right on South 5th Street and pass the high school. Follow the road until you come to the Aquatic Center on your right. Visit www.montroserec.com or call (970) 249-7831 for more information.

Collected underground and piped five miles from the source, this sparkling clear and odorless water was once enjoyed by the Ute Indians. It flows continually into the various Salida Hot Springs pools, refreshing and warming them naturally. Two pools with temperatures from 84 to 86 degrees and another with temperatures from 95 to 100 degrees are great for swimming, diving and recreational play. This is Colorado's largest indoor hot springs pool facility. Cost: $2.00 for kids five and under, $4.00 for youth 6-17, adults 18 and older $6.00. How to get there: Take Hwy. 50 east from Gunnison. Drive approximately 65 miles past Poncha Springs and into Salida. You will see the Hot Springs Center on your left. On Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, The Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center has a special time for families to come and play at the pool. They provide water toys and floats. Cost: $2.00 ages six and over (includes adults) and $1.00 ages five and under. Visit their website at www.salidapool.com or call (719)539-6738 for more information.

The "world famous" Mt. Princeton Hot Springs pools are open year 'round. There is a 300-foot water slide that is only open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Take a drive over there on a sunny day in April. From Gunnison, take Hwy. 50 East to Poncha Springs approximately 60 miles. Head north on Hwy. 285 to Nathrop, approximately 16 miles. Turn left on County Road 162. You will see a sign that says Mt. Princeton and St. Elmo. The hot springs pools are located 4.5 miles down County Rd. 162 on the left. The trip is approximately 80 miles and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Gunnison. A pass for the pools is $10.00 for adults 13 and older, and $7.00 for children and seniors 62 and older. Visit the Country Store for information about hiking as the snow may be gone by April.

Tour our archived summer issue for information about the Ouray Hot Springs Pool and Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. Click on One Tank Trips and scroll down to pool information.

Helpful Information from Advantage Travel

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Certain areas of travel require a visa. If you're not sure, ask us. Some countries have tourist cards that must be filled out before entering the country as ports or airports. These must be filled out before entering the immigration line where a passport, photo ID, such as a valid drivers license must be presented. Most tourist cards cost $10.00 US and only cash is accepted: They do not except credit cards. There are some countries that require an export tax to leave the country. The export tax prices vary.