(From left to right: The sun sets on downtown Telluride after a perfect summer day and music lovers from across the globe enjoying the 37th Annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival. For more photos, please visit our Summer Mountain Travel Facebook Page.)

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to head south from Aspen to Telluride for the 37th Annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival. The weekend was a perfect combination of incredible music, sunny weather, blue skies and good people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to celebrate great music and summertime in the mountains.

The small town setting coupled with big name acts creates an intimate exchange between the musicians and their audience seldom experienced at larger festivals such as Lollapalooza, Coachella or Bonnaroo. Saturday night I was part of what was perhaps one of the best musical performances I had ever seen, by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. Later in the evening, I found myself talking with their lead singer on the streets of downtown Telluride as he was winding down after his set and taking it all in. Hailing from Los Angeles, he said he's been visiting Telluride since he was a kid and that nothing matches playing in the mountains.

Be sure to take part in at least one of the great mountain music festivals happening this summer. A couple of examples can be found below, or for a complete list, check out our events page.

Jazz Aspen Snowmass 20th Anniversary Season - June 25-July 3: This 10-day festival features four nights of headlining world-class musicians, including Harry Connick, Jr., Natalie Cole, Christian McBride, Patti Austin, Dianne Reaves and more.

The 17th Annual Telluride Blues & Brews Festival - September 17-19: ZZ Top and B.B. King headline this year's Telluride Blues & Brews Festival taking place in the Telluride Town Park.

The 6th Annual Targhee Fest - July 16-19: Performers include moe., Michael Franti & Spearhead, Los Lobos, Shawn Colvin, Steve Kimock's Crazy Engine, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals and more.

Whether you'd like to visit the mountains for the music or you're motivated by another one of the countless things offered in the town of your choice, visit www.summermountaintravel.com or give us a call at 800-548-3226. Our Mountain Vacation Specialists will customize a vacation based on your interests and can include things like lodging, flights, ground transportation, activities and tickets to your favorite events. In the meantime, take a look at the sample packages below and be sure to check out the special deals page of our website. And remember, if you're looking for an all-inclusive summer mountain holiday, consider our Epic Summer packages which are now 20% off if booked by June 30th.

- B.W.