COLORADO EXPLORER
Palisade: a peach of a town

By Linda DuVal

Palisade
Activities
Dining
Lodging
Shopping


Colorado Explorer
Peach harvest in Palisade.
© Matt Inden/Weaver Multimedia.

The Colorado Mountain Winefest has become one of the state’s most celebrated events, and, incidentally, introduced a lot of folks to the little town of Palisade.

The annual wine festival (Sept. 16–19 this year) happens in Riverbend Park, a great place to visit even when there are no booths for sampling Colorado vintages and selling everything from handmade pottery to homemade peanut butter. Last year’s festival drew some 8,000 folks, so it’s a little quieter when there’s no grape-stomping going on. That’s the beauty of this spot along the Colorado River, which flows past placidly at this point.

But there are plenty of reasons to visit this Western Slope town besides the festival. First, you can enjoy the local wineries. Most of them have tasting rooms—we recommend Canyon Wind Cellars, Plum Creek Winery, Garfield Estates, Two Rivers Winery, Grande River Vineyards, Carlson Vineyards and Whitewater Hill Vineyards.

Also, Palisade is home to some of the best peaches in the world. True, they had some weather issues this past spring, but when they’re good, they’re great! Look for Palisade peaches at farm stands or at the Sunday Farmers’ Market, which usually runs until late October. As well as local produce and flowers, there’s live music and local artists showing off their skills from woodworking to pottery-making.

This year, the town holds its second annual Oktoberfest on Sept. 26.

Whatever brings you to Palisade, be sure to check out the cute downtown. For a delicious meal, try the Palisade Café & Grill. If you’re just looking for a pastry—say, a peachy treat—then check out the Slice O’ Life Bakery next door. Locals also like the Red Rose Café, which serves up a unique mixture of Italian, Vietnamese and American food, and Inari’s, a bistro with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Lodging is more plentiful in nearby Grand Junction, but Palisade’s new Wine Country Inn is worth checking out. Try the inn’s Tapestry Lounge for tapas and light dining if you want to eat on-site. There also are half a dozen B&Bs in the area, including the Dreamcatcher Inn, and Vistas & Vineyards, which has its own orchards, vineyard and views of the dramatic Book Cliffs.

A couple of great little art galleries offer a reason to linger downtown. The Blue Pig and Twisted Brick Studios have artists on site.

Oh, and before you leave town, don’t forget to buy some local wine as a memento of your visit. While you’re in the area, be sure to visit nearby Colorado National Monument for a great hike, biking adventure or scenic drive. This stunning park is a terrific place for photographs or just enjoying the Colorado scenery.

For information on visiting Palisade, see the town’s website or call 970-464-7458.

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

Around the state

Colorado Explorer
Hiking through aspens near Telluride.
© Matt Inden/Weaver Multimedia.

Activities

Set the alarm to catch the Colorado Balloon Classic, at dawn Sept. 4-6 at Memorial Park in Colorado Springs. Mass ascensions of up to 100 balloons are expected. Particularly photogenic is the balloon glow on Saturday and Sunday evenings. 719-471-4833, www.balloonclassic.com.

If heights don’t make you dizzy, try the new mule trail rides along the rim of Royal Gorge near Cañon City! The canyon walls are too steep for any path to go to the bottom, but you can get great views from the top, on these steady, sure-footed critters. 888-333-5597, http://www.royalgorgebridge.com/MuleRides.aspx.

A celebration of suds, spice and song is on tap Sept. 11 when Mt. Crested Butte rolls out its annual Fall Festival of Beers & Chili Cook-Off. The cook-off kicks off at noon and several microbreweries will help temper the heat. Also join a 10K Fun Run in the morning. Live music rounds out the festivities. 970-349-6438, http://www.cbchamber.com/fall-festival-of-beers.html.

The town of Telluride has become synonymous with summer festivals, but they don’t stop with Labor Day! Set your sights on its inaugural Photography Festival, Sept. 20-26. World-famous photographers will share their expertise. Presented in conjunction with the Ah Haa School of Arts. 970-728-3886, www.visittelluride.com.

The kids had their fun at camp. Now it’s Mom’s turn. Women interested in education, inspiration and philanthropy will converge on Copper Mountain Sept. 24–26 for CampExperience, a two-and-a-half day networking retreat. The event includes fly fishing, self-defense classes, organic cooking, yoga and guest speakers. 720-200-0271, http://www.campexperience.com/2010/index.html.

Need to put a little haunt in your Halloween? Take a tour of the Haunted Mansion in Leadville—if you dare! Then join a guided tour of Leadville’s historic Evergreen Cemetery at 8 p.m., Oct. 30 and 31. Reservations recommended. 888-532-3845.

Dining

If you’re looking for an upscale dinner in Glenwood Springs, consider the Riviera Restaurant, a revitalized retro supper club. Specialty of the house is Colorado lamb, but their steaks are marvelous too. And the seafood risotto is a local favorite. Reservations suggested! 970- 945-7692.

Headed to Denver for the big game? Whether it’s football or baseball, you’re going to want to eat before or after. So head to the Big Game restaurant in LoDo, where you’ll not only enjoy multiple TVs, but also burgers and local beers, steaks, wild game, Colorado lamb and trout, and wood-fired pizzas. 303-623-1630.

Lodging

The Western Slope bursts with fall colors and offers a very different sort of place to stay: Cedar’s Edge Llamas Bed & Breakfast in Cedaredge. Yes, a B&B on a llama farm! Have breakfast on your private patio or cottage sunroom, then spend the day exploring the Grand Mesa National Forest. 970-856-6836.

Each September, Sundance Trail Ranch in Red Feather Lakes transforms from guest ranch to country inn, with shorter stays available. The horse program runs every day, and reportedly one of the state’s best disc golf courses is here. They have some adults-only weeks, and it’s pet-friendly. 800-357-4930.

Shopping

If you haven’t been to Manitou Springs lately, the shops are booming! You still can buy salt-water taffy and hemp clothing, but check out the new stores, such as RetroMoto Toys, The Olive Tap (yes, olive oil on tap for tasting), new kitchen shops, great art galleries and artists’ workshops. 877-340-6071, www.manitousprings.org.

It’s never too early to think about next ski season. Savvy shoppers will head for the annual Ski Rex tent sale that kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 4 at Colorado Ski & Golf locations—the biggest one being in Aurora. It continues through Sept. 19 but smart shoppers go early, when the selection is primo. 303-337-1734.

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