We've heard bluesmen dish their love for "Sweet Home Chicago," Rat Pack crooners who want to be a part of New York, New York, and rappers who "Put On" for their city -- when it comes to local pride, cities seem to be well-represented. Once you expand past towns into more drawn borders, though, the concept of "regional pride" and "state pride" gets a little more murky. As a resident of Missouri, my state pride remains murkier than the Mississippi.

Then I met Coloradans. Ask them about their state -- if you've got 20 minutes, they've got plenty to share. Getting them to stop is a challenge in itself, so good luck there.

We polled our Twitter and Facebook communities to get a true sense of state and regional pride -- where it seems to overflow and why -- and the results were pretty interesting. Without further ado, let's take a look at one of the best-represented states and regions -- Colorado -- and trace the roots of their residents' and visitors' high self-esteem.

Colorado
Population, Nov. 2008: 4,861,515
2,191,821 Where I've Been travelers have been to Colorado.

What's the big idea? You'll notice a prevailing trend as this post goes on: Solidarity through struggle. States in the Wild West like Colorado were no stranger to struggle from the outset, forced to forge communities in an unknown land while regularly, y'know, climbing mountains to obtain necessities.


The frontier has evolved. Now that they've conquered the rugged Rockies, Coloradans devote any and all free time to a) outdoor activities and b) constantly touting their ability to engage in such outdoor activities. Such fanaticism can be infectious -- there's little denying that the Rockies afford visitors jaw-dropping views and opportunities. The good news: Natives are swift to welcome outsiders, which has rendered the state one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States. This time of the month, top opportunities take the form of one of the best all-around ski destinations on the planet.

The Colorado Board of Tourism has taken it upon themselves to tempt curious non-natives to experience their state's greatness. You can either enter to win a fabulous ski getaway or make the dream reality this instant by booking a ski trip starting at just $93 per person / per night. Not bad, eh?


Where I've Been travelers' takes: "Beautiful. Endless amounts of stuff to do." - Michael M.

"Talk about a good place to ski! MANY family trips here, great memories! - Grayson W.

"One of the few states that I would consider moving to! Colorado captured my heart as a kid visiting my Uncle's ranch in Mancos (just south of Durango) but we've been back several times to Breckenridge, Denver, Vail and Colorado has never disappointed us!!" - Aimey B.

"Home for most of my life. Can't match the physical beauty or the weather anywhere in the country if you like 4seasons." - Jonathan Paul H.