Take a Colorado "Staycation"

A sagging economy, high gas prices and expensive airline tickets are forcing many people to rethink their travel plans this summer, but that doesn't mean vacationers have to stay home.

Consider a Colorado "stay-cation" instead. The state offers plenty of activities that won't empty pocket books or gas tanks. Whether you live in Colorado or you're traveling from out of state, check out these vacation alternatives in the state's own backyard.

Instead of Las Vegas - try Colorado's gaming towns.

Who needs the Strip? Gamblers can get their gaming fix at some of Colorado's limited stakes casinos in Cripple Creek, Central City and Blackhawk. Slot machines and video blackjack games fill historic 19^th century buildings left over from Colorado's mining heyday. Vacationers looking for more than just gambling can visit historic museums and take in world class entertainment at the Central City Opera House and Cripple Creek's Butte Opera House. Take that, David Copperfield.

Instead of the beach - swim on some of Colorado's own shores.

Sure, Colorado's landlocked, but that doesn't mean we don't have beaches. Colorado is full of lakes, rivers and reservoirs perfect for swimming, boating and basking in the sunshine. Near Rocky Mountain National Park, try the Grand Lake area, where vacationers can take their pick among Lake Granby, Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Lake and Willow Creek Reservoir. In southern Colorado, try Pueblo Reservoir for excellent swimming, boating and fishing. And near Crested Butte and Gunnison, check out Blue Mesa Reservoir, the state's largest body of water.

Instead of California's wine country - check out Colorado's own vineyards.

Napa Valley is so last year. Hip oenophiles should flock instead to Colorado's Western Slope, where the state's wine industry is coming into its own. The warm climes of the Grand Junction, Grand Mesa and Montrose areas have made that region a haven for Colorado vintners. But wine lovers can find local growers just about anywhere in the state.

Instead of a theme park - explore the state's outdoor playground.

Colorado's great outdoors offer more thrills than your average rollercoaster or adventure ride. Vacationers can head to the mountains for thrilling four-wheel drive trails, raging whitewater and steep bike trails. Kid-friendly, tamer adventures include tours of abandoned mines, narrow gauge train rides and alpine slides. Still aching for the theme-park experience? Try Elitch Gardens in Denver or the North Pole just outside Colorado Springs.

Instead of a spa getaway - relax in Colorado's hot springs.

Natural, therapeutic hot springs trickle out of many Rocky Mountain locales throughout the state. Spend a day soaking in some of the pools, or make it an overnight getaway. The best part? You won't be forced to eat those weird cucumber spa sandwiches.

Instead of Washington D.C. - experience Colorado's unique history.

Sure, Washington D.C. and other historic east coast sites can teach vacationers about the roots of American government. But Colorado's museums and historic sites - which range from mysterious Native American rock art to living history ranches and forts - can be even more enlightening. Explore Colorado's history - from the first Native Americans, to the Spanish conquistadors, to the mining boom and early settlement - at places like Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site and Mesa Verde National Park.