Colorado Explorer

Cedaredge
Photo Steve Huntley

Colorado Explorer: Cedaredge: Apples, aspens and art draw visitors

By Linda DuVal

Descending from the southern edge of the Grand Mesa, travelers suddenly find themselves in the quiet Western Slope town of Cedaredge. Each autumn, the aspens and cottonwood trees in this area are ablaze with color.

But besides being a stop on the Grand Mesa National Scenic Byway, it's also a place where a person can really get away from it all. And it may hold a few fun surprises for you.

The history of Cedaredge traces back 8,000 years, when native peoples wandered through here. Only a few remainders of early cultures have been found. When European immigrants arrived in the late 1800s, they discovered it was the perfect place to raise fruit trees—a practice that continues today.

Be sure to stop at Pioneer Town, which is open through September, for a peek at how local businesses and homes might have looked more than 100 years ago. Notice the three wooden silos, the doll collection and—yes, really—the Mosasaurus skull.

Not all the antiques here are in the museum. Check out the antiques stores for some real finds. Art galleries feature some very talented local artists, and Starr's Guitars sells and ships fine guitars locally and to places around the globe.

There are lots of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and fishing on the Grand Mesa, which has numerous trails and about 300 lakes. You could be the only person fishing in your chosen spot! (The lakes also spawn mosquitoes, so pack insect repellant.)

Feel like an afternoon libation after all this exercise? Taste the vintages at two local wineries—Surface Creek (red, white and blush wines, including a non-oaked merlot) and Stoney Mesa Winery (from deep reds to light German-style whites). There's also the Blossomwood Cidery for homemade apple and pear cider. Or go by the Colorado Gold Distillery for a sample of some really smooth vodka. Too early in the day? Stop at Coldwater Coffee and Teas for a little non-alcoholic refreshment.

If children are traveling with you, visit Red Mountain Ranches for tours and fun activities for kids. They also sell a wide variety of locally made food products, including fresh apple cider, and you can pick your own apples, which are a major crop here. Be sure to track down some locally made apple fritters or pie.

And speaking of pie, all this exploring might make you hungry. Favorite local eateries include Red's Tapas & Bar, the Loading Dock Deli, the Bakery Café or, for more upscale cuisine, the Grill at Deer Creek Golf Club. Yes, there's also an 18-hole course here with very affordable greens fees.

Lodging options in town are somewhat limited, with a couple of bed-and-breakfast inns and a Howard Johnson's, but there are many more options nearby, including the Spruce Lodge, Alexander Lake Lodge, the Grand Mesa Lodge and the Mesa Lakes Lodge. There also are cabins and campgrounds in the area.

For information on visiting Cedaredge call the Ft. Uncompahgre visitor center at 877-825-7514.

Linda DuVal is former travel editor of The Gazette in Colorado Springs and a freelance writer.