Whether we’re hanging out at Make Music Pasadena or hosting parties at SXSW, we’re all-around music junkies here at DRY Soda. Since we’re also nature junkies, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre feeds both of our sensory addictions more than suitably.

While most people know it only as a concert venue, Red Rocks Park is also an astoundingly diverse environment where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. During the day, visitors can treat themselves to guided tours, hiking, shopping and dining, then stick around for a concert against an incredible backdrop of nature on full display. Think of it as an area where you can see both dinosaur fossils and U2 in proximity to one another.

The venue’s most unique aspect is that it is the world’s only naturally-occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheatre in the world, making it a big draw for all sorts of musical acts. Just looking ahead to the next month, the likes of Wilco, Dr. Dog, Alan Jackson, Foster the People and the Beach Boys will all grace the Red Rocks stage.

All of this begs the questions: why haven’t you bought tickets yet, and what could possibly be better on our 10 Things We Love About Colorado?

If the photo above doesn’t give enough of an idea as to why Bolder Boulder makes our list, we’ll expand a little bit.

Started in 1979, Bolder Boulder has become a world-renowned 10-kilometer race that most recently hosted 54,000 racers from all over the globe, and for good reason. The 6.2-mile road race starts in waves (as its popularity has grown significantly over the years), winds through Boulder’s unbeatable scenery and ends with a movie-like stadium finish and Memorial Day celebration. The experience is so impressive that Bolder Boulder was named Runner’s World’s Best 10k Road Race in America.

In a greater sense, Bolder Boulder represents the healthy, active, adventurous spirit of the Colorado lifestyle. In a day and age in which our nation concerns itself with national health, obesity, food politics and sugar regulation, tens of thousands of Coloradans race at altitude on a national holiday. This is the spirit we try to embody at DRY HQ in Seattle, and one we hope we’ll see take hold nationwide.

The scenery, the fanfare, the history and the Colorado spirit collectively make Bolder Boulder one of the 10 Things We Love About Colorado.

DRY Soda got its start in a kitchen and has grown into a full-fledged all natural, better for you soda company with the help of amazing fans and partner accounts. That being said, we’re very inspired when other local businesses do things the right way; with New Belgium Brewing, this is absolutely the case. Based in Fort Collins, CO, New Belgium has worked its way to earning status as the third-largest craft brewery and seventh-largest overall brewery in the US. The brewery’s Fat Tire Amber Ale is a well-known and beloved brew celebrated by beer lovers all over the US.

The importance, however, comes in the details.

New Belgium Brewing is employee-owned and therefore places a heavy emphasis on worker wellness; it’s no wonder that it was named Outside Magazine’s Best Place to Work in America 2008. Whether it’s a cruiser bike on your one year anniversary or a free trip to Belgium, this brewery knows how it’s done. Additionally, New Belgium uses many different eco-friendly, energy-saving practices to run its facilities, including sourcing the cleanest energy possible from Fort Collins Utilities or powering part of their production off of the methane byproduct of their water treatment plant.

In all, New Belgium truly embraces the Colorado spirit of doing things well and doing things right. Our bottles are raised to you, New Belgium, and you’re absolutely one of the 10 Things We Love About Colorado.

As is evidenced by the first bit of Colorado nature on our 10 Things list, the state’s endless supply of stunning views and outdoor activities never ceases to amaze us. So, naturally (ha), Garden of the Gods had to make our list.

Garden of the Gods is a public park in Colorado Springs CO. Noted as  ”the most striking contract between plains and mountains in North America,” it certainly delivers on this promise with its geology, biology and scenery. Garden of the Gods can be enjoyed by hike, run, or even horseback ride. However you enjoy your visit, be sure to keep an eye on the details; you may just find yourself face to face with a dinosaur fossil or Kissing Camels.

The most impressive part of all may just be Balanced Rock, a geological formation whose naturally impressive balancing act provides perfect photo opportunities akin to the Leaning Tower of Pisa (just don’t get caught being “that tourist” doing the pose).

Collectively, the natural wonder and intricate details of Garden of the Gods makes it very much worth a visit and very much worth a spot on the 10 Things We Love About Colorado.

Most foodies swoon over their obsession at home watching the Food Network and learning tips and secrets from their favorite chefs. Others say, “Why not go meet them?” Enter Aspen.

This weekend, we were lucky enough to attend the premier food and wine event of the year, the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. Featuring dozens of the world’s best chefs and sommeliers, this event is truly every foodie’s dream. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Aspen’s rolling green hills, the three day event features speaking/instructional engagements from the likes of Mario Batali (featured above with DRY’s CEO Sharelle Klaus), Emeril Lagasse, Ming Tsai, Michael Chiarello and many more. In addition, the food, wine and DRY Soda were as bountiful as the conversation and camaraderie.

In fact, chef Cormac Mahoney, one of Food & Wine’s Top Chefs 2012, joined in letting foodgoers know all about DRY Soda.

With all of the amazing people, delicious food and unbeatable scenery, it’s no wonder the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen is one of the many things we love about Colorado.

(Photo credit: Glenn Oakley)

Colorado is famous for its skiing and snowboarding, but the action isn’t reserved solely for the snowy slopes.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve offers winter’s downhill thrill with sandy summer warmth as thrillseekers can shred down one of the countless mountains of sand. Boasting the tallest dunes in North America, it was only a matter of time before somebody dreamt up this idea. As if that weren’t enough, nearby Medano Creek offers the perfect spot for a post-shred cooldown. Set all of this against a backdrop of rangy mountaintops and you’ve got a picture perfect way to spend a few hours or an entire day. Now, if we could only put some of this action near Seattle…

Learn more about Colorado’s sandy paradise here.

Photo credit: Pillsbury

Memorial Day holds different kinds of significance to different people; to some it’s a day of reflection and memories, to others a day to enjoy time with family and relax.

For many, however, Memorial Day is a monumental change in the foodie calendar - the official start of grilling season.

So, foodie friends, it’s time to take the cover off, turn the heat up, and get ready to kiss the cook with these tips to make the best of your reintroduction into grilldom.

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What do you get when you combine independent design, local philanthropy, an inspirational internet sensation and bubbly DRY goodness? Why, Unique LA of course.

DRY Soda had the pleasure of hanging with 15,000 of our shopping friends at Unique LA - the largest independent design show in Los Angeles - over Mothers Day weekend. Shoppers were treated to a wide array of amazing wares by local designers, sips of DRY Soda and other US-made beverages, all while supporting philanthropic efforts as 10% of ticket sales were directly donated a local nonprofit.

One of the most exciting part of the event, however, was visiting Caine’s Arcade. Not familiar with Caine’s Arcade? Check it out for yourself: it’s one of the internet’s most inspiring stories from one of the coolest kids imaginable.

Unique LA’s “goals are to help designers and small businesses grow and become sustainable, to support the local economy, and to teach shoppers the value of conscious consumerism,” and this is exactly why DRY is so perpetually excited to support this and other Unique events.

Watch the video below to get a quick recap of DRY’s Unique LA experience.

Our favorite parts of any holiday are food and friends, and here’s our guide to help your Cinco de Mayo 2012 have no shortage of the former. You’ll have to take care of the latter yourself this May 5th, though with this spread it shouldn’t be too hard to persuade people over.

Sip on:  DRY-rita

A new take on the classic margarita, using our new all natural Wild Lime DRY Soda instead of the green, overly-sugared margarita mix. This bit of mixology means a better tasting and better for you marg choice.

Serve up: Betty Crocker’s Cinco de Mayo Skinny Shrimp Tacos - recipe featured on Foodista

These easy to make shrimp tacos, flavored with citrus marinade and topped with yogurt crema and cucumber salsa, are delicious enough to keep you coming back for more, yet light enough on calories to make those extra helpings a little more permissible.

Finish with: Homemade Mexican Crullers (Churros) - recipe featured on the Food Network

Saving calories in your drink and main course means you can treat yourself and your guests to a something a little sugary sweet. While traditionally served for breakfast with hot chocolate or cafe con leche, end your night with these crunchy chords of cinnamon sugary deliciousness.

Photo credit: EJP Photo

With spring officially underway – though unfortunately less evident here in Seattle – it’s time to shed some layers, cycle some color into our wardrobes, turn on some AC and start rediscovering what’s out in the world since we stopped going outside in December. We’ve pulled together some wonderful spring activities and resources to custom tailor your season for maximum excellence.

So, after you’ve put away that black North Face jacket of yours, what should we seek out for spring?

Find a New Happy Hour Spot

With more light in each coming day, those precious hours of food frugality after work are becoming better and better. Spring is a great time to mix it up and find a new “spot” that you can bring your friends, coworkers and hot dates.

Tool: Unthirsty lets you search, map and filter happy hour spot near you. (Protip: use the Patio filter to embrace the newfound sun)

Find a Trail to Hike

Sometimes you’ve just got to connect with nature, and fewer activities accomplish this better than a lovely, sun-soaked hike. Just be sure you bring plenty of water, trail snacks, and good company; nothing worse than a dehydrated, hungry and awkward hike.

Tool:   Local Hikes searches for the best hiking trails in or around your city.

Find a Park to Lounge and Play In

Ah, the park. This timeless institution has enabled millions of people with space to enjoy leisure, sports, reading, gatherings, you name it, and the sun brings city parks alive. It can be nice to mix things up from your closest neighborhood park as different places offer different scenery, crowds and amenities.

Tool: Park Grades lets you locate and rate parks near you. (Protip: bring a dog, as everything in life is better when there’s a dog around)

Find a Co-Rec Sports League to Participate In

We don’t all have time to get in a 40-minute workout every day, but there can be more compelling ways to get your blood pumping in preparation for true swimsuit season. From ultimate frisbee to dodgeball and everything in between, trying a co-rec sport can get you active in a stress-free way.

Tool: this guide from Fitness Magazine has tips to find co-rec/noncompetitive sports leagues in your neighborhood.

Find and Experience the World of Food Trucks

We’re all about food truck culture, and some of the city’s best food can be found being served out the side of these mobile food havens. Since food trucks are in new locations all the time it can be hard to keep track of your favorites or find new four-wheeled flavors, but the delicious reward of seeking out a new food truck can be bigger than a taco truck burrito.

Tool: Roaming Hunger lets you search by location or vendor with an interactive map to find food trucks near you.

Cheers to a happy spring. What will you be finding first?