SECRET SALIDA

INSIDER ACCESS TO OUR FAVORITE HOT SPOTS & LOCAL CULTURE

BY CIELO VIDA

HIGH SIDE! BAR & GRILL

Four years after moving to Salida, Angela and T.W. “Chief” Winston found themselves wishing for an affordable Salida restaurant where they could enjoy live music with their friends. So in August of 2020, they opened one. “When everything shut down the wheels started turning… We decided it was the perfect time to sink our creative juices together,” Angela reflects. From stellar wings and poké bowls to an easy-breezy kids’ menu and local musicians playing weekly year-round, High Side! Bar & Grill has it all. To create a family atmosphere that locals love, they staffed High Side with a friendly, “cool crew of teens.” The Winstons love Salida’s “magical quality. It’s one of the best towns in the entire country. It’s going to grow no matter what. We’re just trying to keep it as ‘Salida’ as possible.” 300 W. Sackett Ave. Ever-changing menu. Check out @HighSideSalida on Facebook.

EAT

DRINK

What happens when a BV High School grad with an MBA, a commercial brewer from Tommyknocker, and a guy with a dozen years of experience working for Senator Hickenlooper’s brewpubs come together? You get a phenomenal batch of biz partners ready to brew up large-scale production and distribution of barrel-aged and Belgian-inspired beers. Carlin Walsh, Christian Koch, and Andy Astor are three of the creative minds behind Elevation Beer Company. Opened in 2012, Elevation’s become a hub for adventurous locals and tourists passing through the valley. For “replenishment” post-exertion, pick up a six of salt and lime Tres Amigos. Tasting Room open 11-9 daily. Seasonal food truck hours. Visit ElevationBeerCo.com.

ELEVATION BEER COMPANY

GREEN CAT GALLERY

ART

When Steph Brady opened Green Cat Gallery in the mid-90s, most of downtown Salida was boarded up. “[A few friends and I] were the ones who started this whole art movement… perseverance, working together as a team, believing in ourselves, and putting our money in to make [Salida] the art town that it is today.” At the gallery, Steph showcases her art— paintings, glasswork, jewelry—and her husband Joe’s stone sculptures and wood art. She describes Green Cat as “family,” because her kids and grandchildren helped her keep the gallery open over the years. Speaking of Salida, Steph says, “I love that most of the people who’ve lived here for a while are on mountain time. I love the 4-way stop signs, making people slow down. And last of all, the kindness of people.” Stop by 124 G St., or call (719) 207-0333 to make an appointment. Hours vary. Info at GreenCat-Salida.com.

SHOP

The Beekeeper’s Honey Boutique is the oldest honey company in Colorado. Owner Jamie Johnston’s great grandfather started the biz back in 1908, making her a fourth-generation heritage beekeeper, and the first female in her family tree to do so—chasing down a childhood dream. In keeping with 114 years of tradition, Jamie’s team still hand labels and bottles every jar of honey since opening in Salida in 2009. Of her love of bees, Jamie says, “Bees are an integral part of Earth. Please plant bee-friendly flowers and forage any chance you get!” Stop by the boutique at 209 W. 3rd St. to pick up some honey butter and watch beeswax candles being handcrafted with love. During the summer harvest, bring in your own wide-mouth jars to get them filled with raw, unfiltered honey straight from the frame. Open Mon-Sat 10-6 and Sun 11-4. Info at BeekeepersHoneyBoutique.com.

COMANCHE DRIVE-IN THEATRE

PLAY

Three miles west of Buena Vista, on CR 306, a nearly long-lost American relic still exists. A drive-in movie theatre. John and Pearl Groy opened The Comanche Drive-In in 1967, and to this day it’s continued to be owned and operated by the Groy family. Films shown range from top box office hits to classics. As if the epic views from the Comanche DriveIn at sunset were not enough, it’s also the highest elevation drive-in in the U.S., and only one of eight still open in Colorado. Updates in 2018 included digital projection. Load up the kids and blankets and head to Comanche for a unique tailgate, or rooftop, experience under the stars. Plan to use your car or portable FM radio to receive sound for the movie. Open all summer. Films begin at dusk. Cash only. Concessions available, unforgettable popcorn. Pets are welcome. Visit ComancheDriveIn.com for ticket prices and a current movie schedule.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JUNE 16–19 74TH ANNUAL FIBARK “America’s Oldest and Boldest Whitewater Festival,” FIBArk is all that and more. Compete in (or spectate) whitewater, running, or biking events. Live music performed by national headliners. Enjoy carnival rides and food truck fare. Full schedule at FIBArk.com.

JUNE 24–26 SALIDA ART WALK Artists put their best work on display for an immersive art experience. This celebration of Salida’s diverse arts scene includes demos, street performers, culinary arts, and live music. Be sure to catch the Mini Masterpieces Auction on Saturday. Full schedule at SalidaArtWalk.org.

JULY 4 FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION For a small town, Salida celebrates Independence Day in a big way. Kids’ fishing derby, pancake breakfast, hometown parade, and live music in Riverside Park from noon to 9 p.m. Fireworks follow at dusk. For more info visit SalidaChamber.org.

JULY 9 26TH ANNUAL BREWERS RENDEZVOUS Food vendors pair their cuisine with 75 of Colorado’s finest specialty craft beers from 1-5 for this Brewfest in downtown Salida. More than 300 tastings are offered. Live music throughout the event. For more info visit SalidaChamber.org.

JULY 16–17 SALIDA ARTS AND MUSIC FESTIVAL Meander under the shade of cottonwood trees while strolling past dozens of tents filled with creations made right here in our town. Local bands and musicians are also featured at the event. For more information visit SalidaArtsFestival.com.

JULY 22–31 CHAFFEE COUNTY FAIR AND RODEO Salida is so proud of our ranching heritage that each year we return to our roots with this fair and rodeo. 4H competitions, mutton bustin’, cattle roping, an authentic western dance, Rocky Mountain oysters, and more. Grab your cowboy hat, slip into your boots, and c’mon down. Schedule of events and entry info at ChaffeCountyFair.com.

AUGUST 6 ANGEL OF SHAVANO CAR SHOW Lovers of vintage, restored cars rejoice. Fully loaded, tricked-out, shiny, historic, and custom vehicles fill the park from 10-4. Don’t miss the Engine Meltdown—a junk car without water or oil will run as long as mechanically possible. Benefits Chaffee County Search and Rescue South. Register and get more info at ChaffeeSARSouth.org.

AUGUST 13 JAZZ FEST Features both local and nationally renowned jazz musicians. The festival evolved from the Salida SteamPlant’s decadelong Sunday evening Jazz on the Plaza, and is the perfect way to enjoy a summer day. Visit SalidaSteamplant.com for more info.

SEPT. 24–25 SALIDA STUDIO TOUR See Salida artists at work in their natural habitat—their personal art studios. Visit with artists and learn about painting, printmaking, clock making, woodturning, sculpting, metalworking, mosaics, glasswork, fiber art. More info at SalidaStudioTour.com.

FEATURED LISTINGS

SECTION INDEX

08 HOMES ON ACREAGE

16 RESIDENTIAL

24 COMMERCIAL

26 VACANT LAND

27 VACATION RENTALS