SECRET SALIDA

INSIDER ACCESS TO OUR FAVORITE HOT SPOTS & LOCAL CULTURE

BY CIELO VIDA

ROBIN’S BREAKFAST & BRUNCH

Aiming to be “The breakfast spot in town,” Robin’s Breakfast & Brunch owners Caroline and Nick Watson purchased the restaurant in July. “Robin’s had become a staple in this community and I wanted to see that carry on,” Caroline explained. “Owning a restaurant has been my lifelong dream.” The Watsons love Salida because of its strong small business culture and the opportunity to watch their five year old daughter grow up in a mountain town full of passion for the outdoors and love of community. Robin’s features high quality ingredients. Friendly staff. Delicious healthy options, including vegan and gluten free. Crowd favorite? Eggs Benedict alongside a classic Baileys and coffee. Coming soon: seasonal soups, patio changes, catering/event hosting. 8046 U.S. 50, Salida. Open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day but Thursday. On Facebook @RobinsSalida.

EAT

DRINK

It doesn’t get much more Salidaesque than the Cafe Dawn experience. Drinking latte art with the locals on a sunny patio with mountain views, in historic downtown near the river. And of course, co-owners Dawn Heigele and Phillip Benningfield bike to work, serve only fair trade coffee, and compost the restaurant’s cups, lids, eggshells and coffee grounds. Voted best coffee shop multiple times over the years. Delicious house-made bagels, baked goods and breakfast options. Locally and organically sourced wherever possible. Don’t miss the honey vanilla chai. Catering available. Cafe Dawn’s slogan is spot on: “The best mood enhancer.” 122 E First Street. Open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day except Wednesday. Cafe-Dawn.com

CAFE DAWN

EYE CANDY

ART

Nikki Manes is a treasure hunter at heart. So naturally she opened a gallery for other people to discover unusual art and treasure for themselves. At Eye Candy, celebrating a decade in business this November, you’ll find jewelry, glass, pottery and rarely seen vintage pieces crafted by more than 35 mostly local artists. Salidans recently voted Eye Candy “Best Art Gallery.” Nikki adores the mountains, “big personalities and powerful characters” of Salida. The gallery’s in a constant state of change—artists drop off new work daily. “Artists are our heart and soul. I’m always in search of art and jewelry that’ll make someone emotional… to gasp, cry, giggle, smile, sigh or trigger a great old memory is basically what I’m after.” 118 N F Street. Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. and til 6 p.m. Sun.-Thurs. On Facebook @EyeCandy~ArtAndTreasure.

SHOP

Excited by the thrill of discovering rare, high quality, resale items? Ruby Blues is for you. Opened in 2010 by Michael Almeida and Valerie Spanier, Ruby Blues is the only vintage clothing exchange store in town. “Clothes tell a story. We handpick everything that comes in. Then give it another life,” says Valerie. Sourcing items in nearby cities, yard sales and flea markets, they feature vintage denim, boots, leather, hats and t-shirts. You can’t miss Ruby Blues downtown Salida—it’s in a gorgeous 1890’s building at the corner of First and F. Michael and Valerie are proud to raise their daughter in Salida, a town full of ‘hidden gems.’ “How lucky are we to have all of this outdoor recreation right in our backyard?” 102 N F Street. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday to Tuesday. On Instagram @RubyBluesSalida.

SALIDA WALKING TOURS

PLAY

No visit to Salida is complete without a walking tour. What began as a onehour history tour in 2018 has now grown into a business with four employees, weekly historic ghost and murder tours, school educational programs, six books and an award-winning radio show. Steve Chapman, history buff and owner of Salida Walking Tours, is dedicated to preserving the town’s fascinating, colorful history. His tours are the result of thousands of hours of research in old newspapers, court documents, books, museums, and conversations with locals. New in 2022—a brewery tour, True Crime tour and two new books. Steve loves Salida for the river access, hundreds of miles of trails, endless camping options, dark skies, backyard parties, and great food. Top tours include the Salida Sam Wild West History Tour and the Ghost & Murder Tour. SalidaWalkingTours.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

NOV 1-24, 2021 KALEIDOSCOPE TOY FESTIVITIES

Crafts, demonstrations, games and prizes for all ages. Pop into Kaleidoscope and pick up your 30% off coupon. Good for one item. While you’re there, decorate an ornament to hang on the Kaleidoscope tree in Holiday Park. 116 F Street. Visit KalToys.com.

NOV 26, 2021 PARADE OF LIGHTS

6-9 p.m. Festivities begin with a parade starting at 5th and F Streets. Continuing along F to end at Riverside Park, known in December as “Holiday Park.” Join the locals and watch Tenderfoot Hill (“S’’ Mountain) illuminate with lights and fireworks to become Christmas Mountain. Downtown shops and galleries have extended hours for the event. Visit SalidaChamber.org. DEC 5, 2021 TEA WITH SANTA

Reservations required. Ticketed time slots. Pinon Real Estate Group presents the 16th annual Tea with Santa, a beloved free event for children of all ages. At your designated ticket time, participants will drive up to the Pinon Real Estate Group office at 201 F Street, wave to Santa, and present their ticket in exchange for a to-go goody box of treats. Reserve free tickets beginning Friday, November 26 at 8:30 a.m. More information on inside back cover.

DEC 24, 2021 SKI WITH SANTA

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hang out with St. Nick as he skis Monarch Mountain spreading Christmas cheer. If you’re lucky, you and your little ones might even get a photo with Santa. Must have a lift ticket or season pass to ride lifts. For up to date information visit @MonarchMtn on Facebook. JAN 1, 2022 NEW YEAR’S 5K

9 a.m. Make your New Year’s resolution and then sign up to run in the Salida Parks and Recreation’s New Year’s Day 5k. Beginner, dog and stroller friendly. Prizes awarded to top finishers and best costumes. Hot drinks, sparkling cider and snacks afterwards for everyone. Note the earlier start time this year. For more information and registration visit CityofSalida.com.

FEB 12, 2022 CHOCOLATE LOVER’S FANTASY FUNDRAISER

Unlimited chocolate, appetizers, wine tasting, spirits and beer. Fabulous silent auction benefiting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Chaffee County. For up to date information visit AllianceChaffee.org. FEB 13, 2022 SWEETHEART RACE

Race with your sweetheart. Teams of two race head to head on Monarch’s Freeway course. Registration fee $5. Sign up day of the event at the season pass desk. For up to date information visit @MonarchMtn on Facebook.

APRIL, 2022 KAYAKS ON SNOW & GUNBARREL CHALLENGE

Date TBD. Kick off the river season and watch kayakers race down a specially designed course on Monarch Mountain’s Freeway run and speed into an icy pond. Or test your mettle racing other skiers and riders up and down the Gunbarrel run. For up to date information visit @MonarchMtn on Facebook.

FEATURED LISTINGS

SECTION INDEX

08 HOMES ON ACREAGE

13 RESIDENTIAL

23 VACANT LAND

26 COMMERCIAL

27 VACATION RENTALS