The best of 11 states - here in NYC

With bonus factoids from our resident quizmaster, Noah Tarnow of the Big Quiz Thing (bigquizthing.com).

Courtesy Pier Glass

California | Illinois | Louisiana | Massachusetts | New Jersey
Texas | Hawaii | Colorado | Minnesota | Nebraska | Oklahoma

Colorado

Glassblowing remain a popular activity in Colorado—just ask expats and artists Mary Ellen Buxton and Kevin Kutch. The couple owns and operates Pier Glass (499 Van Brunt St near Reed St, suite 2A, Red Hook, Brooklyn; 718-237-2073) and offers regular free glassblowing demonstrations (the next one is July 18 from noon to 6pm). Or schedule a one-on-one Glassblowing Experience lesson ($100, by appointment). Says Buxton: “An artist works with you exclusively, guiding you through making a piece of glass of your own. It’s very cool. Or, well, very hot.”

With a massive antler chandelier that rivals a Chihuly, glowing faux birch trees and a seemingly limitless supply of lumber paneling the walls and ceilings, the Aspen Social Club (157 W 47th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves, 212-221-7200) is as authentic a Colorado ski lodge as you’ll find in midtown Manhattan. And it wouldn’t be Aspen without authentic Rocky Mountain oysters ($10) on the menu (those are bull testes, for you cityfolk).

How are the Denver Broncos going to fare now that longtime coach Mike Shanahan is out of the picture? Watch with bated breath at the de facto Broncos bar in NYC, Butterfield 8 (5 E 38th St between 5th and Madison Aves; 212-679-0646, butterfield8nyc.com). Once football season starts, call to reserve a seat: For $25, you can saddle up to the bar for unlimited draft beers and “nuclear” wings.

Follow the footsteps of renowned Coloradan Hunter S. Thompson with a self-guided Gonzo walking tour. Start at his former home at 57 Perry Street (between Bleecker St and W 4th), which he references in The Rum Diary as “a five minute walk from the White Horse. I often drank there, but I was never accepted because I wore a tie.” Stop by said tavern (567 Hudson St at 11th St, 212-243-9260) and down some of Thompson’s favorite, Chivas Regal ($7.50). If you prefer beer, head to his other haunt, McSorley’s Old Ale House (15 E 7th St at Third Ave; 212-474-9148, mcsorleysnewyork.com) for a $2 half-pint of the house brew.

Fun fact: Skiing, hiking, some other sports that seem strange to use New Yorkers: Colorado is the skinniest state, with a mere 17.6 percent obesity rate.

NEXT Minnesota

California | Illinois | Louisiana | Massachusetts | New Jersey
Texas | Hawaii | Colorado | Minnesota | Nebraska | Oklahoma

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