Grand Junction Bucket List: 20 Things Every Western Coloradoan Should Do At Least Once

Even before the big renovation, the Avalon Theatre was a great place for a concert - and now it's even better. Some big names have been on the Avalon stage including Three Dog Night, Johnny Rivers, Charlie Daniels, America, and Don McLean just to name a few.

The downtown farmers market each summer is a happening place regardless of whether or not you are after fresh produce. Lots of entertainment, vendor booths, and interesting people.

Colorado has lots of great places to see fall colors, but none are better than what we have on the western slope. It's a short drive to see some fabulous views. Take your camera and a picnic lunch and enjoy the ride.

Lots of great organizations operate in Grand Junction and there are plenty of walks and runs to choose from. Pick a charitable cause or event and get involved. Throw your support behind one or more of the important causes in the Grand Valley.

I talked to plenty of Grand Valley residents at last year's Winefest who were making their very first appearance at the annual wine event in Palisade. Most of them didn't know why they had waited so long, but said they expected they would return in the future for more wine tasting.

It's one of our great community events that gets everybody into the holiday spirit. Bundle up, bring a chair and blanket and enjoy the Christmas lights. A good idea would be to have a batch of hot chili in the crock pot waiting for you to help you warm up after the parade.

Take a step back in time and experience early pioneer life in the good old days - before, cell phones, the internet, and microwaves. The bunkhouse, summerhouse, and blacksmith shop are brought to life by volunteers as you enjoy a blast from the past.

Floating down the Colorado River is a popular summertime activity in western Colorado. Rent a raft, grab some life jackets, and find out when is the best and safest time to float, and where the best places are to get into the water. Enjoy the ride but be safe!

Check out the great works of art from nationally and internationally renowned artists as well as local artisans. The GJ Art Center is open 6 days a week and admission is only $3 - and free on Tuesdays.

It's called the" Biggest Party in Colorado" which is why this annual four-day event draws music fans of all varieties. Go for one day, or go all out and attend all four days of music, food, and fun. Even if you aren't a huge country music fan, you have to experience the jam at least once.

There is always something going on at Mesa Theater in downtown Grand Junction.The musical acts tends to skew to the rock side, though recent tributes to the Eagles, Johnny Cash, Michael Jackson, and Prince brought out a more "mature" audience.

September through May there is always a collegiate sporting event going on whether it's football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, wrestling, lacrosse, or soccer. The Colorado Mesa University Mavericks always seems to be competitive and they are always fun to watch.

Downtown Grand Junction is a beautiful setting, but lots of folks never take the time to stop and check out the unique art sculptures that are scattered up and down Main Street. One stroll down Main and you will have an entirely new perspective and appreciation for downtown Grand Junction.

Every year teams of men wearing high heels compete in a highly-publicized event to raise money and awareness for Grand Junction's Latimer House, a shelter for victims of domestic abuse and violence. It's fun to watch men trying to run in heels - and it's pretty cool to witness the community spirit.

St. Mary's Regional Blood Center is open to accept blood donations six days a week, and it seems like there is always a need for more blood. Becoming a regular blood donor helps you feel like you are making a contribution to the community. It's free, easy, and satisfying.

The GJ Rockies play minor league baseball at Suplizio Field from June until September. It's great family entertainment - and about 2,000 fans or so come out each night to cheer on the Rockies.

The western slope is renowned for great hiking with miles and miles of trails. But, there is just something satisfying about climbing a mountain - and climbing Mt. Garfield is a worthy challenge that will give you a spectacular view of the valley that few ever see.

Speaking of hikes, the Riverfront Trail provides miles of great hiking and biking along the river. There are plenty of entry points so you are never far away from some scenic exercise.

If you are a golfer, you have to play at Redlands Mesa at least once. This is the premier golf course in western Colorado. It's beautiful, but extremely challenging so be sure and bring plenty of balls.

This is wine country, so for wine connoisseurs, a wine tour is a must. Visitors come from all over the country to tour the Grand Valley's vineyards, orchards, and wineries, yet, so many people who live here have never been on a tour. Maybe this is the year you mark it off your bucket list.