Midsummer fun in Minturn - Minturn, Colorado

Vail's next-door neighbor has its own down-home appeal

Its 1,100 or so residents refer to it affectionately as a "diamond in the rough." And it's true, Minturn isn't like its tony neighbors, Vail and Beaver Creek. But when the Fourth of July rolls around, the historic Victorian railroad-and-mining town on the top of the Rockies Scenic Byway is a great place to be.

This year, the fifth generation of the Gallegos family is sponsoring the Minturn and Gallegos Family Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday, July 3. The day-long, old-fashioned block party will feature pie- and hot dog-eating contests, a dog show, carnival, beer garden, and food stands. At dusk, fireworks will be shot from Lionshead Mountain.

While you're in town, mosey the length of Main Street (only five or six blocks); it's lined with shops and galleries housed in colorful turn-of-the-century buildings. Don't miss Two Elk Gallery, for Western antiques; Antique Accents, for antique firearms, furniture, and porcelain; Eagle River Trading Company, for whimsical artifacts and artwork; and the Scarab, for imported rugs and collectibles.

Come mealtime, head to the Saloon for heaping plates of quail and enchiladas and a dose of eclectic sports memorabilia. You'll find great breakfasts and award-winning green chili at the Turntable,u named for the Rio Grande railroad turntable that was built at this site in 1887.

At day's end, rest up at the Minturn Inn (from $69), along the Eagle River.

Two Elk Gallery; (970) 827-5307. Antique Accents; 827-9070. Eagle River Trading Company; 827-9262. Scarab; 827-9208. Saloon; 827-5954. Turntable; 8274164. Minturn Inn; (800) 646-8876. Fourth of July event administrators; (800) 341-1494. - Linda Hayes

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