Denver

Gold rush fever hit many areas of the mineral-rich Rocky Mountains in the 19th century. Denver, previously a small town, grew quickly as a supply point for the miners - everything from food, shovels, clothes to gambling and alchohol was on sale.

Nowadays Denver is the capital of Colorado, and is a smart modern city whose economy is based on distribution - its position makes the city an ideal base for many businesses.

Favorite places to visit in the city include the Art Museum - this houses a large collection of Native American art, and the Botanic gardens - at their best in spring when many beautiful flowers are blooming. Also visit Red Rocks, an outdoor park with some brilliant hiking trails. The Rocks double up as an awesome outdoor concert venue.

When you've had too much of the concrete city, make the short journey to one of the surrounding outdoor-mad towns like Idaho Springs or Boulder for a taste of rafting, hiking, mountain biking, fishing or horse riding.