CARBONDALE sits on the confluence of the Crystal and Roaring Fork Rivers at the foot of the mighty Mount Sopris where over 200 creatives reside. Rich agricultural history and an authentic artsy flair combine to form a community focused on health and wellness, local food production, multi-faceted art making and four-season recreation!
Tucked in the North Fork Valley under the watchful eye of Mt. Lamborn and surrounded by the beauty of the West Elks Wilderness, PAONIA has a thriving arts community and has the largest number of natural and organic farms, per capita, in Colorado.
Once described as a surf town in the mountains, CRESTED BUTTE features a National Historic District with vibrant Victorian storefronts and expressive local characters. With over 2 million acres of public land surrounding town, enjoy legendary skiing and snowboarding, unparalleled mountain biking, or a secluded fly fishing experience.
The high desert town of Gunnison is defined by rolling sage and Western State Colorado University, which welcomes you from the east with its Spanish colonial red-tiled roof campus and the iconic ‘W Mountain’ to the south which boasts the largest collegiate mountain monogram in the world. West of Gunnison sits 22-mile long Blue Mesa reservoir, the longest in Colorado which terminates at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Nestled in the picturesque Uncompahgre Valley and surrounded by the majestic snowcapped peaks of the Cimarrons and San Juans, the RIDGWAY experience satisfies art lovers, foodies, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts. Day-trip for adventure, soak in hot springs or tour the town, enjoying public art and creative surprises, even in our alleys.
SALIDA falls along the Collegiate Peaks Scenic and Historic Byway and is a short drive from Browns Canyon National Monument. While in town visit one of Salida's artist studios and galleries, kayak, tube or raft the Arkansas River, climb a 14er in the Collegiate Range or unwind with a soak at one of 3 area hot springs.
Grab friends, family or both and prepare yourself for five days of stunning landscapes & creative inspiration around every corner.
SUSTAINABLE SETTINGS: Pick fresh vegetables, watch the animals, see a dairy in action and leave with delicious foods to prepare.
Peppino's Pizza : is a local's favorite for lunch! Offering pizza by the slice, whole pie, tasty sandwiches and salads, there is sure to be something for everyone.
RIO GRANDE ARTWAY: Enjoy unique ARTway community parks and gardens (don't miss True Nature Healing Arts' Peace Gardens or the mural at S.A.W.) as you bike along the Rio Grande Trail in Carbondale.
GET YOUR ART ON: Make a vase at Carbondale Clay Center, join Roaring Fork Drawing Club for an evening of fun & friendship, see an art exhibit at The Launchpad or find a kids class at Handmakery.
TINY PINE BISTRO: A new addition to the Carbondale dining scene, Tiny Pine Bistro is an American bistro with a cozy, neighborhood atmosphere.
BATCH PROVISIONS: curates and serves classic cocktails with a modern riff, small production wineries, a unique beer list, and house-made mocktails. Also serves pizza!
MARBLE DISTILLERY: is the only inn in the world housed within a working distillery. Here guests can ‘Sleep with the Stills’ in a relaxed, state-of-the-art room with refined amenities.
THE VILLAGE SMITHY: Classic American fare sourcing fresh, local ingredients, produce and meat from our valley's ranches and farms.
THE CIRQUE BOUTIQUE: Shop handmade artist produced clothing, jewelry & accessories as well as EcoBaby and internationally textiles and organic home gifts.
NIDO TACOS: mouthwatering selection of tacos & tamales made to order in the heart of downtown
ORCHARD VALLEY FARM & BLACK BRIDGE WINERY: you-pick fruits and veggies or head inside for olive oil & vinegar tasting or wine tasting and enjoy the riverside picnic area.
Chrysalis Barrel Aged Brewery: Award winning brewery host live music, food trucks and saison style beer flights.
FLYING FORK CAFE: Italian inspired fare with daily specials & corner bar with craft cocktails
PARADISE THEATRE: Dance at an outdoor concert or snuggle up for a movie on the big screen at Paonia's legendary cultural spot.
WISEHARTS SPRING INN: One-of-a-kind structure located on a 40-acre ranch which features natural springs.
BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON: Big enough to be overwhelming but still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time. Visitors are exposed to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock and craggiest spires in North America, with many scenic rim trails to hike. Take a full day to explore this National Park.
SWEETGRASS PAONIA: Paonias newest eatery by former Courdon Bleu chef & educator; epic pastry with keto & gluten free options
ICONIC HIKES: Get out into nature and see the landscapes that have inspired so many CB artists, explore one of the famed wildflower filled hikes near downtown Crested Butte.
THE PUBLIC HOUSE: The Public House celebrates local Colorado craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries, seasonally relevant and farm-driven food, generous lodging, and the conviviality of live music.
THE CENTER FOR THE ARTS CB: Take a class! The Center for the Arts CB offers classes in the visual and literary arts in addition to a full line-up of music performances.
CRESTED BUTTE MOUNTAIN HERITAGE MUSEUM: Take a tour! Either a historic walking tour of Crested Butte with museum staff or a self-guided tour of the Crested Butte Creative District.
SECRET STASH PIZZA: Crested Butte's best loved pizza joint since 2002.
MONTANYA RUM DISTILLERS: World renowned rum distillery, offering daily tours, tastings and a full rum bar with artisan cocktails.
OLD TOWN INN: Family-owned and eco-friendly guest house located in the heart of downtown.
THE SUNFLOWER: The daytime baker creates a variety of breads, pastries, desserts, breakfast and lunch options sure enslave the senses.
CIMARRON COFFEE AND BOOKS: Enjoy nationally award-winning locally roasted Cimarron Coffee Roasters coffee while browsing the ever-rotating local art show, fetching collection of books and gifts. A great place to chit-chat with the locals.
RIDGWAY AREA TRAILS: Affectionately called RAT by the locals, this group of local bicyclists and advocates have created an amazingly accessible 30 mile trail system right in and around Ridgway. There are many ways to skin a rat. However you get there, you be glad you did! They’ve got all the information you need to explore the region, including trail maps and the latest Ridgway Area news on their website.
ORVIS HOT SPRINGS: Especially rewarding after biking the Ridgway Area Trails or taking a long hike in the mountains, rejuvenate at Orvis Hot Springs, a clothing-optional natural hot springs with massage, lodging and camping (clothing required indoor pool and private tubs also available).
EATERY 66: It all started with a vision – and a 1966 Vintage Airstream, to bring "farm to trailer" cuisine to Ridgway.
ALPENGLOW ARTS ALLIANCE: An informal coalition of Ouray County based arts-focused organizations promote the daily, weekly and annual cultural programming, festivals and classes via a special calendar.
-OR- RIGS ADVENTURE: Book a fishing adventure on the river with RIGS, offering paddleboarding, white water rafting and premier guided fly-fishing.
GALLERY WALK: Visit Amulet Arts, 610 Arts Collective, Mountain Girl Gallery, The Vault Vintage and Consignment, Art by the Park, Kane Scheidegger's studio, Rootwings Art, Ouray Image Photography, Timber Creek Gallery, and Cimarron Coffee and Books to get a taste of the local art flavor.
FOUR CORNERS RESTAURANT: Now featuring dishes by Chef Drake in a relaxing southwestern setting with a beautiful view, plus live music several nights a week from May to September.
STEPS TAVERN: Offering everything from domestic beer and cocktails to craft beer, handcrafted Martinis and Moscow Mules. Also visit STEPS on the Patio, a great outdoor hangout for you and your friends.
RIDGWAY LODGE AND SUITES: Conveniently located in the midst of all the action, offering travelers comfortable rooms, great rates and plenty of upgrades.
KATE’S PLACE: Enjoy breakfast or lunch inside the cozy restaurant or out on the large patio. Definitely check out the specials, and it’s all great!
RAFT THE ARKANSAS RIVER: Deep in the heart of land-locked Colorado sits 148 miles of river park, providing a challenging playground of world-class water for rafters, kayakers, and standup paddleboarders. And don’t miss one of the country’s oldest, white water festivals when FIBArk kicks off in June!
HIGH SIDE BAR & GRILL: With the best location and patio in town, this casual dining spot on the Arkansas River provides an ideal spot to enjoy a refreshing drink, like the signature Ruby Ray, along with a delicious meal of both American- and Asian-inspired fare.
RIVERSIDE PARK: Enjoy one of many annual festivals that cater to your love of craft beer (Brewers Rendezvous in July), local music (JazzFest in August) or fiber arts & crafts (Fiber Festival in September).
THE FRITZ: A Gastro-Pub/American Bistro inspired by French, Spanish and local cuisine serving inventive small plates in the restaurant and on the patio, and a delicious cocktail and wine menu at the bar.
AMICAS: Favored among locals and visitors alike, Amicas offers creatively-inspired, woodfired pizzas and craft brews in a lively setting.
STEAMPLANT THEATER & EVENTS CENTER: The hub of creativity and cultural activity with concerts, workshops, film screenings, artist receptions, and more at this multi-use facility along the banks of the Arkansas River.
AMIGO MOTOR LODGE: A fully-renovated boutique motel in a 60-year old, historic building. Modern furnishings meet minimalist design to create a space that is friendly, casual, and (above all) comfortable.
THE BIKER & THE BAKER: Grab amazing, fresh-baked pastries for the ride out of town, or linger a while longer over a brunch of an omelet stuffed with goat cheese and caramelized onions, or go “all in” to your next destination with a fav dish of hash browns, carnitas, tomatoes, poached eggs and green chili.