Local attractions named finalists in Sunset contest

Three attractions in Glenwood Springs have been named finalists in the first ever Sunset Travel Awards by Sunset magazine.

The Giant Canyon Swing at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a finalist in the Best Family Fun subcategory Best of the West Thrill Ride. Nancy Heard, general manager at the caverns, said she’s thrilled to be a finalist in such an elite group.

“The swing has three and a half g-force, which makes it very exciting,” she said. “It has a lot of acceleration. Then of course we have the 1,300-foot cliff it takes you out over, which can’t really be found anywhere else.”

Heard said she’s excited to see the swing getting recognition, as the Alpine Coaster is usually the park’s most popular ride. She said the swing is a bigger thrill, so it’s a good fit for the category.

The Glenwood Hot Springs is a finalist for Best Hotel Pool, and Spa of the Rockies for Best Wellness Destination.

“We are very excited about this news,” said Vicky Nash, media communications representative. “I consider Sunset Magazine the holy grail when it comes to PR.”

Sunset Magazine is published monthly and focuses on travel, home design and outdoor living in the 13 Western states. Published monthly, it has nearly 5 million readers.

All 80 finalists of the Sunset Travel Awards will be announced on http://www.sunset.com in the coming weeks. Later this winter, the Sunset Travel Awards advisory board will choose the winners, which will be announced in May and featured in the June issue of the magazine. They will also be promoted at Sunset’s annual Celebration Weekend, June 6 and 7.