Crested Butte received the designation as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado” by Colorado State legislature in 1990, and ever since has seen an annual pilgrimage in mid-summer of guests hoping to immerse themselves in the seas of colors. Well known publications such as the Denver Post, Matador and Trips to Discover continue to write extensively about the local flora surrounding town.
In the center of it all is the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, which capitalizes on the peak blooms of the summer to attract guests from all over to come and experience the breathtaking floral beauty. Here are five things that you had no idea about.
- The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival began in 1986 meaning that this year’s festival marks the 33rd year of celebrating our valley’s flowers!
- It is not only about looking at the flowers during the festival. Knowledgeable guides and instructors lead workshops on medicinal, culinary and artistic use of wildflowers.
- All ages are invited to enjoy the workshops offered through the festival. While teens and adults enjoy the guided hikes, the wisest among us can dabble in art journaling or canvas painting (with complimentary cocktail). Children can get their hands dirty during one of the many watercolor painting workshops and tea party.
- Local businesses such as Third Bowl Homemade Ice Cream and Montanya Distillers have been known to utilize the local plants into some of their most popular flavors. The Wildflower Festival offers a workshop that includes a tour and tasting at hotspot, Montanya.
- Wildflowers will actually make you happier; it’s science. Dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin are three chemicals that are stimulated in your brain from the presence of wildflowers. You can learn more behind the science by picking up one of the festival’s Program Guides.
Don’t miss this incredible festival!
crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.com