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Colorado Field Guide Established in 2017

Colorado Creative Corridor

Colorado Creative Corridor

5 days

More Itineraries

Colorado's Creative Corridor runs through a handful of the state's Certified Creative Districts, including Carbondale, the North Fork Valley, Crested Butte, Ridgway and Salida — not to mention stunning landscapes, restaurants serving locally sourced menus and the spirit of the arts around every corner. Check out more information on each destination here >>

Colorado Creative Corridor Itinerary Map

Sustainability Activity

Travel Like a Local: There are special places and unique vistas around nearly every Colorado corner. You can help ensure these places exist for generations to come by staying on roads and trails, keeping speeds in check, leaving campsites and picnic spots just as you found them, and following instructional signs while you’re out and about in our state.

Day 1

Activity

True Nature Healing Arts Organic Cafe

An intentional sanctuary, True Nature Healing Arts offers yoga in Carbondale, CO. We also have a tea room, Ayurvedic spa and eco-friendly boutique.

Insider's Tip

Hang Out for Lunch: True Nature's Sangha Kitchen has salads and soups crafted from locally grown items. Perch on the patio overlooking the Peace Garden for a truly serene post-yoga bite.

Activity

Rio Grande Artway

Bike or stroll along this 1-mile stretch of paved, artlined trail that runs between nearby Aspen and Glenwood Springs.

Dinner

Allegria Restaurant

Italian and European casual bistro in Carbondale. Venetian style decor local artists, open kitchen. We are using slow cooking in food preparation local seasonal ingredients. Our menus are... Read More

Activity

Carbondale Wild West Rodeo

Every Thursday from early June through late August, this family-focused event offers caf scrambles, mutton bustin', barrel racing, bull and bronc riding and much more. Come out rain or shine!

Lodging

Marble Distilling Co. & The Distillery Inn

Sleep with the Stills . . . Marble Distilling Co. is the only distillery in the world to boast five luxury hotel rooms where guests can "Sleep with the Stills". Colorado is known for its rugged... Read More

Day 2

Breakfast

Silo Culinary Productions

SILO’s philosophy is all about simplicity. Our classic American fare allows the fresh, local ingredients to speak for themselves. Whenever possible, produce and meat are sourced from the Roaring... Read More

Insider's Tip

Head South: Make your way an hour and 15 minutes south to lovely enclave of Paonia, passing by lush orchards and vineyards as you go.

Activity

Delicious Orchards & Big B's Cidery

Delicious Orchards features a farm market, tasting room and cafe with a U-pick orchard, making this is a must stop when you are in Paonia.

Lunch

1-2-Thai Authentic Thai

Inspired by her mother who is a street food cook in Thailand, Alm and Tyson decided to begin a little business of their own. A Thai Food truck. Read More

Activity

Azura Cellars & Gallery

Please join us for a complimentary tasting of our fine Azura wines. Browse our fine art gallery and enjoy a glass of our select wines in the charming courtyard. Read More

Dinner

The Living Farm Cafe

Welcome to The Living Farm Café and Inn. We are one of the very few true farm-to-table restaurants in Colorado. Our café features farm-fresh and organic produce, meat, cheese and eggs from our... Read More

Activity

Blue Sage Center for the Arts

Located in Paonia, Colorado, the Blue Sage Center for the Arts is dedicated to providing opportunities to create and experience art in all its forms. Today the Blue Sage offers daily classes,... Read More

Insider's Tip

In the Mood for Live Music?:

Check Blue Sage's calendar to see if the concert series or choruses are taking place during your visit.

Lodging

Bross Hotel Bed and Breakfast

The Bross Hotel is a graceful frontier hotel noted for its genuine hospitality located on the western slope of Colorado. The ten guest rooms all with private baths are appointed with beautiful... Read More

Day 3

Insider's Tip

Breakfast at The Bross & On to Crested Butte: No need to go far for breakfast — The Bross' breakfast buffet includes a hot main dish, fresh seasonal fruit, juice, homemade granola yogurt parfaits, breads with homemade jam and delicious coffee. When you've had your fill, head east for two hours to the active AND creative town of Crested Butte.

Activity

Take a Historic Walking Tour of Crested Butte

Start at the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum and make your way through this charming town's Victorian-era sites.

Lunch

Montanya Distillers

Montanya Distillers is a Colorado craft distiller of award-winning rum, founded in 2008. The company moved its headquarters from Silverton, CO to Crested Butte, CO in May 2011. Stop by for a... Read More

Insider's Tip

It's Not Just Booze: For lunch at Montanya, we recommend pairing your high-mountain rum with the distillery's delicious pho or ramen.

Activity

Take a Class

Take a an art, dance, cooking or other class in the Crested Butte Creative District.

Dinner

Bonez

Our dining room at BONEZ is a bit different than your standard restaurant. Our giant community table is where you'll find both locals and tourists alike, in a friendly and lively environment. Read More

Activity

Feel the Creative Vibe

Attend a music or dance performance or film event at one of the creative district's many event venues.

Lodging

Elk Mountain Lodge

Located 1 block from Elk Ave, fine restaurants, and unique shops and galleries, the Elk Mountain Lodge has become the premier hotel in downtown Crested Butte. Completely and beautifully renovated,... Read More

Day 4

Breakfast

McGill's At Crested Butte

Enjoy homemade breakfasts such as french toast with real maple syrup, eggs benedict, and fresh baked biscuits. Read More

Activity

Head to Ridgway to Tour a Few Galleries

Trek south and west to the mountain-cradled town of Ridgway. Visit Lupita's Bizarre Bazaar, Art by the Park, Kane Scheidegger's studio and Timber Creek Gallery to get a taste of the local art flavor.

Lunch

Taco Del Gnar Ridgway

An “elevated fast food restaurant” with the mantra that a tortilla is solely a vessel to sail fresh thought-provoking cuisine with amazing flavors to your mouth. Read More

Activity

Soak in Ridgway

Stroll Ridgway's downtown park and alleys, discovering Alley Poems and Alley Art, as well as sculptures installed by Public Art Ridgway Colorado and the Town.

Dinner

Provisions at the Barbershop

A European-style cafe specializing in simple, delicious food made with fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers when possible and distributors of gourmet products. We offer craft cocktails,... Read More

Activity

Alpenglow Arts Alliance

Check out the Alpenglow Arts Alliance calendar at www.alpenglowarts.com for what's happening while you're in town — most nights there's something fun or educational with festivals on many weekends... Read More

Lodging

Chipeta Solar Springs Resort

Chipeta Solar Springs Resort and Spa - Where relaxation meets adventure. Enjoy the solitude and beautiful San Juan Gateway views from your classically designed adobe suite. Then venture out and... Read More

Day 5

Breakfast

Kate's Place

Cuisine with heart and soul, freshly prepared using the highest quality ingredients (local when feasible). Read More

Activity

Now Head East to Salida's Historic Downtown

Tour Salida's charming downtown and visit several artist-owned galleries.

Lunch

Moonlight Pizza and Brewpub

A community center need only serve great pizza. We take pride in the freshness of our dough and veggies. Our dough was made today. It wasn't made in Topeka, frozen, shipped here, and warmed up.... Read More

Activity

The Beekeeper's Honey Boutique

Sweet honey, candles, and beauty products from Salida, Colorado. Read More

Dinner

The Fritz

Gastro-Pub? Americana Bistro? Global Cafe? Call it what you want, we call it delicious, and hopefully you will too. Sandwiches by day, Small and large plates at night. Served late so you can enjoy... Read More

Activity

SteamPlant Theater & Event Center

Steamplant performing arts venue in historic downtown Salida. The historic SteamPlant Event Center offers a riverside, multi-use... Read More

Lodging

The Manhattan Hotel

The Manhattan Hotel offers the only boutique hotel on the banks of the beautiful Arkansas River. Located in the heart of downtown Salida, you are steps away from delicious dining, local eclectic... Read More