Off-Season Adventures for Aspen Locals // Salida, Colorado
With the weather changing, businesses turning over the closed sign (for now), and visitor season coming to a slow crawl in town, now is the perfect time to be a tourist yourself. Several great weekend options exist within a few hours of the Roaring Fork Valley, meaning you don’t have to go far or even buy a plane ride to get out of dodge. We’ve scouted out some easy-going local gems right here in Colorado, starting with Salida.
Two hours away via Independence Pass, Salida is a mountain town of just over 5,000 residents nestled along the Arkansas River. Home to Monarch Mountain and with a charming downtown corridor, this small town is located in the heart of the state. Adventure is happening here, with a full roster of activities all four seasons and more than a dozen 14ers to take your breath away.
Image via Amigo Motor Lodge
STAY // Owners Philip and Kaitlyn renovated a 50’s motel into the Amigo Motor Lodge in 2016. Simple, clean, comfortable, and pet-friendly this is not a 5-star resort, but it is a gem in the town that calls itself the gem of Colorado. The property has a tepee and a hot tub, and you can even sleep in an Airstream for the night! Bonus: The owners are committed to conservation and giving back to the local community.
PLAY // Head to the whitewater park in town and hop on a stand-up paddleboard (you might just spot a SUP from local company Badfish), get on your bike for a ride, or lace up your hiking shoes for one of the many 14ers near town. Easier hikes abound if you’re traveling with younger ones and your dogs can run off-leash at Loyal Duke’s Dog Park. Soak away your day at the largest indoor hot springs in the country.
EAT  and DRINK // It should come as no surprise that an active town has a happening food scene. Options abound, from Patio Pancake Place, The Firefly Restaurant, and Little Red Hen Bakery for breakfast, to Sweetie’s Sandwich Shop, Mo Burrito, and Gathering Grounds for lunch. Dinner options include pizza (with gluten-free options) from Moonlight Pizza & Brew Pub, tapas and gastro-pub fare at American bistro The Fritz, and steak and seafood at Currents. Fancy a beer? That’s not a problem in Salida. Soulcraft has 16 taps on hand and The 146 Taphouse has 40 self-serve beer and wine taps.
SHOP // Owner and artist Lindsay Sutton-Stephens operates Sutty’s Downtown Record and Arts, where a collection of classic vinyl meets modern, colorful artwork. The Beekeeper’s Honey Boutique sells local honey that has been foraged from the mountain fields and meadows. And be sure to pop into Drift & Amble, a locally-owned screen-printing shop that sells original designs on shirts, hats, and more.
SEE // Fall foliage typically peaks from mid-September to early October. Plan your trip around leaf-peeping season to ensure the sights in town, and en route, are stunning. Check out the calendar of events at local event center Steamplant or see what is playing at the Comanche Drive-in Theater, a quick 30-minute drive from town.
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