Brighten up the Holidays Along Roads Less Traveled in Southern Colorado

With more than 20 antique stores — and growing — Florence boasts the highest number of antique stores per capita in the state. Stop in to find something perfect for you or someone you know.

Once you hit Wetmore, the vistas begin a dramatic change. As you ramble along this drive toward Westcliffe, you enter the San Isabel National Forest, where the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo mountains are noticeably closer.

Join artists and art enthusiasts from across Colorado and the country in the string of galleries in downtown Westcliffe. In just a short stroll, you’ll discover how much the Wet Mountain Valley’s stunning landscape inspires visiting and local artists.

Because winter nights last longer and are darker, there are more opportunities for observing the night sky. In 2015, Silver Cliff and Westcliffe were recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association as the ninth International Dark Sky Community in the world, the first in Colorado and with an elevation of almost 7,900 feet — the highest in the world.

Several unique holiday markets fill Spanish Peaks Country’s calendar. Begin at the Museum of Friends, the country’s only counter-culture art museum, where their annual Marketplace of Ideas is sure to fill your basket with one-of-kind gifts. Other holiday markets in December can be found at the Gardner Community Center, the Fox Theater and throughout La Veta, an enclave for Colorado artists.

Offering year-around opportunities for motor-free recreation, Cuchara Mountain Park is an exciting place to get out on your snowshoes or backcountry skis and enjoy a pristine, Colorado mountain experience.