One of the reasons you probably moved to Colorado, have chosen to stay in Colorado - or are visiting is because you like the outdoors. Salida encompasses all Colorado has to offer - and the name "Heart of the Rockies" is due to it's location - but you may just fall in love! There happens to be the most 14ers (these are mountains with elevations above 14,000 feet) than any other region in Colorado. There are cupcakes - and there is art too!
Whimsical art caught my eye - and I was able to catch up with a local artist - Hannah Tideshell - who is the creative behind the mosaicked skull seen above. I asked her point blank - "Why Salida?"
"Salida found me! I’m originally from North Carolina so I’m waaaaay away from “home”, but the artsy vibe of the town and the river running through it stole my heart. It’s super nice to have hot springs all around, too. I can always connect back to the water.... The town and the people have really opened its arms to me and my art, too. Truly, the first place I ever publicly showed my work in the area was Elevation Beer Co in Poncha Springs— love the beer and the people there."
The best baker in town - is an artist... and pastry chef! From cakes and cupcakes, to cinnamon buns and pies - you will buy something for now - and for the trails! I asked The Biker & The Baker "Why did you choose to open your business in Salida, and the response was "When we opened the biker & the baker, we had already opened and owned 2 other successful restaurants and this was our newest concept we saw a market for as the demographic seemed to be changing at the time and locals were looking for more high end dining options. Also, I’m a pastry chef and owning a dessert bar was always a dream for me" Pretty sure they made the right decision when they opened their doors, and they continue to open their doors from 4pm-10pm Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
All in all - I hope you “Enjoy Salida"!
WINTER - Snowshoeing, snowmobiling... and other snow activities!
SPRING - I'd check out the hot springs if I were you... Colorado days are warm in the spring, but the nights can still be chilly!
SUMMER - "Captian Zipline Aerial Adventure Park" …. and so much more including Gem hunting!
FALL - Chalets + Cabins on the Creek to peep the changing leaves....
