by Barrett Gray

On a crisp winter’s day we headed west, toward the mountains. Our destination was Morrison, and as we approached, the bright blue sky and the dramatic landscape began to weave their spell. My husband swore he saw Jerry Garcia ride by on a Harley, with a gorgeous blonde wearing a nun’s habit and bright red stiletto heels. Hallucination or no, it seemed like anything might be possible in a small town that’s mainly famous for dinosaurs and rock stars.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre gets most of the attention. Sandstone slabs jut upward from the earth, creating amazing acoustics. On the day we visited, the trees surrounding Ship Rock seemed to glow silver, in stark contrast to the cobalt blue and red rock palette of sky and earth.

We lingered at the park for pictures, imagining that we could feel the vibrations and soak up the aura of the many musical greats who have graced the stage.

Once our starstruck phase was over, we made a beeline for the Morrison Natural History Museum (www.mnhm.org). The small building, located on Highway 8, houses an impressive collection of dinosaur bones and tracks. If you’re a Stegosaurus fan, you’re in for a treat. The museum houses bones from the first Stegosaurus ever discovered, along with the first tracks. You can also view the best sample of Stegosaurus tracks found to date, and the smallest track.

Afterward we drove along Dinosaur Ridge, stopping to admire the evidence of the vast creatures that once roamed the area. Having had our fill of history, we headed back into Morrison for an early dinner. We ended up at Red Rocks Grill (www.redrocksgrill.com), where we were charmed by the rustic atmosphere and amused by the many stuffed animals gracing the walls. (On a side note: Should a restaurant that features taxidermy offer a garden burger on the menu? And if so, should you dare to order it?)

It was a perfect day for an afternoon drive, and Morrison didn’t disappoint. If you go, be sure to check out the restaurants and shops along Bear Creek Avenue, and definitely bring a camera to indulge your inner Ansel Adams. For an overnight or weekend stay, try the Arrowhead Manor (www.arrowheadmanor.com), which features gracious hosts and a gorgeous view, or the Cliff House Lodge (www.cliffhouselodge.net), which was once the private residence of the town’s founder, George Morrison.

Morrison Museum

Bonnie Raitt at Red Rocks

Carlos Santana's Memorabilia

Memorabilia from assorted Artists