Have you ever had the good fortune of travelling to a destination where you have family or friends living? If so, you understand the power of that insider knowledge to transform an ordinary getaway into an extraordinary experience. Mesa Verde Country in southwest Colorado is offering local tips for planning a trip, courtesy of the friendly staff at the Colorado Welcome Center. Check out their suggestions below.Favourite Place to Take Visiting Friends & Family Mesa Verde National Park. Renee Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center in Dolores. Jeanine Road drive to Groundhog Reservoir near Dolores. JohnFavourite “Can’t-Miss Activity” for First-time Visitors “The San Juan Skyway, especially in the fall!” Kristina Mesa Verde National Park. Rod Hovenweep National Monument. AnnaFavourite Outdoor Activity “I love to go walking at Summit Lake in Mancos.” Renee “Dolores River for fishing or camping.” Kristina “Any trail in Boggy Draw trail system in Dolores.” Deanna “Downhill or cross-country skiing such a feeling of freedom!” Melanee “Watching the car races at Montezuma Speedway in Cortez.” UardaFavourite Hiking Trails “Bear Creek Trail It’s a gorgeous area that has great riverside picnic areas. The trail is not very difficult and there is lots to see.” Kristina “I love Bear Creek because of the beauty of the aspens on the way up, and then the wonderful view from the top.” Anna “I would say Sand Canyon. There are so many surprises!” Ron “And because of the proximity to the cliff dwellings.” Patti “Hawkins Preserve in Cortez because of the close proximity to archaeological ruins.” JohnFavourite View “Viewing the valley on the drive from Dolores to Cortez.” Loretta “Cliff Palace from the overlook and Look Out Point at Mesa Verde National Park. It is so awe inspiring!” Patti “Spruce Tree House overlook at Mesa Verde National Park.” John “Ute Mountain.” ReneeFavourite Cup of Coffee Pippo’s Café (100 W Main St., Cortez) “Talk about a blast-from-the-past kind of coffee shop!” Kristina Silver Bean (410 W Main St., Cortez) ReneeFavourite Restaurant Destination Grill (2121 E Main St., Cortez) Once Upon a Sandwich (7 W Main St., Cortez) Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant (1740 E Main St., Cortez) Thai Cortez (1430 E Main St., Cortez) The Farm Bistro (34 W Main St., Cortez)Mesa Verde Country is in southwest Colorado near the entrance to the magnificent Mesa Verde National Park. Named the “Number One Historic Monument in the World” by Condé Nast Traveler and one of the “50 Places of a Lifetime-The World’s Greatest Destinations” by National Geographic, Mesa Verde National Park is one of America’s first World Heritage sites and the largest archaeological preserve in the country.In addition to the National Park, Mesa Verde Country is loaded with other archaeological attractions: Hovenweep National Monument, Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center & Museum, Ute Mountain Tribal Park, Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, and the Cortez Cultural Center. Mountain biking enthusiasts have recognized Mesa Verde Country as one of the next great mountain biking destinations. The nearby towns of Cortez, Dolores, and Mancos provide accommodations, dining, outdoor fun and visitor services. Two national byways pass through Mesa Verde Country.For more information on planning a trip to Mesa Verde Country visit www.mesaverdecountry.com.Source: Mesa Verde Country[tp_widget][/tp_widget]