Ridgway
RIDGWAY CREATIVE DISTRICT: VIEWS, BREWS & RENDEZVOUS
Local Tips For Your Creative Ridgway Vacation
Surrounded by the rugged peaks of the San Juan Mountains and the Cimarron Range in Colorado, Ridgway is a historic town built on what was originally Ute territory, becoming a railroad and ranching hub in the late 1800s.
Today, you’ll find a thriving artistic community in the Ridgway Creative District, housed in Old West-style storefronts. With more than 20 percent of the town’s 1,000 residents working as artists, producers or creative professionals, the innovative spirit is evident as you stroll the galleries, shops and museums throughout this quirky, off-the-beaten-path gem on the southwestern tail of the Colorado Creative Corridor. Check out Ridgway’s Creativity and Entrepreneurship brochure to find creative businesses and places to visit, shop and eat, as well as other services.
Think Outside the Gallery
Beyond the workshops and art galleries, Ridgway’s creativity and heritage can be found all around. Feel like part of the community at the Sherbino Theater, where music, movies, lectures and performing arts have been bringing together locals and visitors alike for more than a century. Delve into the local history at the Ouray County Ranch History Museum and Ridgway Railroad Museum.
Shop handcrafted goods while talking to local makers at the weekly Farmers Market in Hartwell Park from May to October. Snap photographs of some of the spectacular vistas all around Ridgway, including one of the best views of Mount Sneffels from the Divide Ranch & Golf Club. Along the way, keep an eye out for poems and artwork displayed in alleyways, as well as public sculptures and murals in the parks and along trails around town. Dennis Weaver Memorial Park is a magical place to relax, stroll and picnic, with wildlife, a poem rock, a medicine wheel and a 2,800-pound eagle monument with a 20-foot wingspan.
Elizabeth Riley
Elizabeth Riley
Meet Artists & Makers
Definitely visit 610 Arts Collective, next to the Sherbino Theater, for local and regional art and handmade goods on Clinton Street. For truly unique gifts, score some funky finds — from African artwork to handmade furniture to children’s toys (you never know what you’ll find) — at The Vault Vintage and Consignment at 380 Sherman St. Meanwhile, Timber Creek Gallery is the spot to pick up chic clothing, jewelry and home décor with a mountain-town twist (think: vintage-inspired ski signs, hand-hooked pillows and embroidered flannel shirts).
Elizabeth Riley
Elizabeth Riley
Interested in discovering handmade goods by local makers? Pop intoCimarron Art Glass, a working glass forge with a retail section that feels like an art gallery. Looking for a workspace while you’re on the move where you might hobnob with local entrepreneurs? Check out Proximity Space: Ridgway and its high-speed internet with post-pandemic spaces for rent for the day, week or month.
Celebrate Art
Creativity is celebrated in its many forms with vibrant festivals and events throughout the year. Celebrate river recreation at Ridgway RiverFest, held each summer, featuring the “Junk of the Unc” homemade watercraft race, as well as live music and youth art activities. Every Thursday evening in July, bring a picnic to Hartwell Park and enjoy a free line-up of live music in all genres during the Ridgway Concert Series. Enjoy art demos, deals, treats and fun around town at Ridgway First Fridays during the summer months. In mid-August, experience individuality and quality craftsmanship at the Ridgway Rendezvous Art and Crafts Festival, a juried arts-and-crafts festival. The last weekend of September, explore the unique Sneffels Fiber Arts Festival, which showcases quality fiber arts and clothing made by local and regional artists, as well as classes and demonstrations. Reignite your own creativity at Ridgway Spirit Fest with inspiring discussion, art, dance and music. Winter months bring more opportunities to experience art with the Ridgway Independent Film Fest at the Sherbino Theater in November and Noel Night around town in December.
Discovering Healing Arts
After an evening of dancing or standing and talking with friends at an art reception, the best way to start your next day is with a rejuvenating massage, a refreshing fitness class or a relaxing soak in the hot springs. Visit Ridgway Pilates to be guided in bodywork by highly trained instructors. Stop in for a couple hours at Ridgway Yoga Shala to practice one of many yoga styles offered or purchase a healthy drink, tea or resource for healing. Feeling like a massage, hyperbaric oxygen therapy or other therapeutic work? Call to make an appointment at Wholeness Massage & Bodywork, Balance Natural Medicine or one of Ridgway’s other health and wellness services. And don’t forget to stop by Orvis Hot Springs & Spa to enjoy a soak in the outdoor clothing-optional pools, the swimsuit-only indoor pool or private hot tubs (they also offer massage in a yurt)
Sip & Savor
On historic Clinton Street, you can visit Chloe’s Charcuterie and Wine Bar and enjoy a delicious charcuterie board along with their owner’s hand-picked selection of wines. Explore textures and flavors through carefully curated meats, cheeses, local breads, crackers, fruits, pickled vegetables and produce from the Western Slope of Colorado. Next door is one of Clinton Street’s newest residents, Tacos and Beer. They offer bold tacos, ice-cold beer, their famous salsa bar as well as their well known Martin’s style Tacos. At the other end of the block, Colorado Boy Pub & Brewery is known for its cold pints of locally brewed English-style ales served alongside artisan pizzas, while its sister pub, Colorado Boy Depot, serves up beer in Ridgway’s industrial district on Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m.
The True Grit Cafe is a western, saloon-style restaurant that pays tribute to John Wayne and the film of the same name, one of many westerns filmed in the Ridgway area. A couple of blocks across Highway 62 within the heart of Chipeta Lodge Resort + Spa, The White Buffalo Restaurant features locally sourced ingredients paired with a charming atmosphere. It’s the perfect place for upscale casual dining fare, seasonal menus, signature curated cocktails, wine and beer! Plus, the restaurant scene in Ridgway goes well beyond borders with the exotic flavors at Thai Paradise. The quality they offer is unmatched in the region and their portions are generous.
Elizabeth Riley
Just when you thought the food and good times were limited to Clinton Street, across Highway 550 lies Greenwoods. An all-day restaurant that seamlessly blends Rustic Rocky Mountain cuisine with influences from the American South. Across the street from Greenwoods is The Million Roadhouse where you can experience heritage and contemporary dining amidst San Juan’s vistas. Savor local brews, craft cocktails, and innovative dishes curated by Chef Alan. A warm, inclusive environment welcomes all, even furry friends on their dog-friendly patio.
Elizabeth Riley
When you’re ready to start all over again, kick off your morning with locally roasted coffee at Cimarron Coffee & Books or breakfast at Kate’s Place. If you’re looking to stock up on food supplies, and want to have a large selection, visit Ridgway Mountain Market on the corner of Sherman and Lena streets.