Things To Do
Boating!
A half day through Browns Canyon National Monument on the Arkansas River is the trip of choice. This is where I (Oliver) cut my teeth as a guide and where I first (flirtaciously) threw Erin overboard. Check here for water levels: https://shorturl.at/PuMNT; if you're at ~700 on the Nathrop gauge, you're in the money. If you want a tad more adventure, head upstream for a Numbers lap. For outfitter recommendations, Wilderness Aware is home to the clean cut but aloof guides; if you prefer em' a lil hairier, a lot sexier, and chockfull of crude jokes, American Adventure Expeditions has what you're looking for (see above: my childhood best friend and former AAE guide, Sean, serenading a group of bachelors accordingly).
Biking!
For those who prefer the comfort of dry land and the thrill of two wheels, there is plenty of biking in the BV area. For singletrack, cross the river and poke around on the Midland Trail System or head up to Vitamin B where you'll find me on wedding day riding my favorite trail in the whole state. There are tons of gravel and road rides in the area as well, with Cottonwood Pass being the most challenging/rewarding. Black Burro Bikes has a decent rental inventory and great local knowledge, but you'll definitely need to call ahead to reserve your steed. Absolute Bikes in Salida has a bigger inventory and there is a ton of good trails down that way as well. Don't forget to take a dunk in the Ark post-ride!
Beers!
Rounding out the holy trinity of Colorado B's, we've got beer—and plenty of it. BV is home to EddyLine Brewery (my favorite being the Grapefruit Yanker, Urn loves the River Runners). Downtown has plenty more fun locales, including BV's distillery and guide watering hole - the Deerhammer - as well as shops that will help you conform to the local wardrobe (Chacos & a Melly) in but a few swipes.
...Hiking?
To be honest, I hate hiking, but around these parts it is pretty top notch. Urn's favorites are Harvard Lakes, Kroenke Lake, and the Colorado Trail (which is accessible from DVR!). If you're feeling ambitious, the Saguache Range has innumerable summits that are actually quite beginner-friendly. Mt. Elbert is both the tallest and easiest 14er in Colorado (note: anyone who bags a 14er the day of the wedding gets free drinks on the couple, all night). For those who like their oxygen, the Midland Trails are a fun, easy stroll from downtown BV—and keep ya close to the valley floor.