BY Brian F. Johnson

www.meadowgrass.org May 24 – May 26 La Foret Black Forest, Colo. Meadowgrass has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception just five years ago, but 2013 just may be the festival’s coming out party. With the event’s strongest lineup yet, the modestly-sized festival which focuses on indie folk, Americana, bluegrass, alt-country, and roots music, is fast becoming a destination festival. As great as the shows are on the mainstage, though, the historic Ponderosa Lodge, which hosts late night sets, is quickly earning legendary status as one of the most gorgeous and intimate venues in the region. You’re going there to see: Blitzen Trapper, Dawes, and Joe Pug You’re going to come home talking about: Hot Club of Cowtown, Sera Cahoon, and Patrick Dethlefs   TRAVEL TIME: (As calculated by maps.google.com from Denver, Colo. to Black Forest, Colo.) Total Est. Time: 1 hour, 9 minutes Total Est. Distance: 65 miles   You Need to Know: Camping with fire is sketchy at all times in Colorado, but particularly in the Black Forest, so close to Colorado Springs, which was gripped by wildfires in 2012. It’s safe to say this year the tiniest spark will be cause for a very loud alarm. Being that guy at this fest would be most unwise. Camping stoves are permitted, but cautious use is an absolute necessity. Camping: Yes and plentiful