This year, a lot has gone on in the state of Colorado. Here are the top seven awesome reasons why 2014 is a going to be a great year in this beautiful state, and why people who don’t live here should live here.

The Rocky Mountains:

Shredding the gnar in the winter and participating in other outdoorsy activities in the mountains give Coloradans fun things to do year round. The skiing and snowboarding are great at world famous resorts including Steamboat, Breck, Vail and more. According to colorado.com, “There’s no substitute for a Colorado winter vacation, where having so many of America’s best ski resorts makes Colorado the nation’s No. 1 ski and snowboard destination — and blue-bird skies and tons of fresh, dry powder reign supreme.” And in the summer, there’s mountain biking, camping, backpacking, rafting and more as the weather warms up.

Steamboat Resort, Colo. Photo Creds: Jamie Thill

The Denver Broncos

This is self-explanatory: not only are the Broncos headed to the Super Bowl, but they are the most loved team in the NFL. They are sportsmanlike and they contribute in the community, one example being Eric Decker’s “Decker Dogs for Freedom Service Dogs.” Plus, there’s always a little bit of that mile high magic in the city that is 5,280 miles above sea level. The team has had players like Tim Tebow and John Ellway; however, the most beloved and talented player this year is Peyton Manning hands down… But that leads us into the next awesome thing in Colorado this year.

Peyton Manning:

Not only does the man have character, but he is undeniably one of the greatest players in the NFL, and outworks all those more gifted than him. No one could argue that fact because it is proven by the amount of records that the quarter back broke this past year. He finished with 55 touchdowns, beating Tom Brady’s record that was set in 2007 at 50. He threw one more yard than Drew Breeze, passing 5,477 yards. Because of his amazing 2013 season, he won his fifth MVP. Sports Illustrated bestowed its Sportsman of the Year honor on the quarter back and most ofthe entire nation would certainly agree that he deserves it.

Peyton Manning in his battle-gear. Photo Creds: Wikimedia Commons

Amendment 64:

This could be negative or positive depending on your perceptions, but one thing’s for sure, one of the biggest changes would have to be the legalization of marijuana for recreational use. The state was the first in the nation to do so, and Amendment 64 passed with a 55 percent majority. Residents 21 years or older are allowed to possess an ounce of the drug at most, and can share it with friends, as long as no money is involved. People visiting the state are allowed to purchase up to half an ounce. The stakes are high (no pun intended) as the nation watches how the new amendment plays out and what impacts it has. Visit NORML.org for more information on the rules and regulations regarding the legalization.

Photo creds: Wikimedia Commons

Red Rocks Amphitheatre:

Located in Morrison, Colo. the dramatic natural venue was named the number one concert venue in Rolling Stone Magazine. “With the exception of Madison Square Garden, no U.S venue of this size has such an amazing pedigree: The Beatles in 1964, Jimi Hendrix in 1968, and Bruce Springsteen in 1978…” This year at Red Rocks, Ellie Goulding, OneRepublic, Old Crow Medicine Show, Fall Out Boy and Jack Johnson are a few major headliners. For information on these concerts, visit redrocksonline.com. Most musicians who have performed here love it, so I think we can conclude that Red Rocks truly rocks.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Photo Creds: Wikimedia Commons