6 minute read
SECRET SALIDA
INSIDER ACCESS TO OUR FAVORITE HOT SPOTS & LOCAL CULTURE
If you haven’t devoured the Ensalada Amicas, you haven’t been to Salida. Employee owned, family friendly and one of the longest running restaurants in town—doors opened in 2002— Amicas Pizza co-owner Whitney McGovern values the restaurant staff’s teamwork and ongoing
BY CIELO VIDA
AMICAS PIZZA
EAT
financial giving commitment to Salida’s tight-knit community. “People in Salida want greatness.” Amicas, 127 F Street, serves up fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas, delicious salads and unique paninis. Soulcraft microbrews and bubbly kombucha on tap. Finish off with the gluten free flourless chocolate cake. Yum! Voted Salida’s friendliest waitstaff. Amicas is incredibly popular— expect a bit of a wait. Always high quality ingredients—local and organic when possible. Vegan options. Outdoor seating weather dependent. View the menu or order takeout at amicassalida.com.
DRINK
Looking for somewhere downtown to enjoy exceptional beer and great conversation? Check out Tres Litros Beer Company. In May of 2020, Nicholas Boyden and Jason Maxwell opened the newest Salida brewery—serving up Tres Litros microbrews for taproom consumption or to-go sales. Brewery walls covered in USGS maps and their location 109 ART GALLERY feels like a breath of fresh air. Crisp white and black decor, an expansive ceiling, small batch artisanal offerings and positive vibes reflect owner Kimi Uno’s desire to stand “against oppression, subjugation and late stage capitalism.” Kimi elevates artists and makers aiming to support themselves through their passions and small businesses. In addition to her unique retail near the river makes Tres Litros the ideal spot to end a day of outdoor play. From biking, skiing and adventuring to the lively local arts and music scene, Maxwell describes Salida as “hard to beat.” Sample their unique, Belgian-style Grisette, Boat Soda or enjoy seltzer and craft soda non-alcoholic beverages. Outdoor seating available, stop in at 118 N.
TRES LITROS BEER COMPANY
ART
Wandering past 109 Art strongest possible emotional Street Gallery, you’re reaction” from his paintings. Years likely to be captivated by ago, Smalzel traveled across one of Stephen Smalzel’s dreamy Colorado, painting every 14,000paintings of clouds, his brilliant foot peak. That journey led him to portrayals of fields of sunflowers, life in Salida because “it was the or one of his stunning, artistic friendliest Colorado town. Whether renderings of an avocado. Self- you were a conservative rancher taught artist Smalzel is renowned or a hippie—everyone seemed for attention to detail—or as to be having fun.” Twenty-five he calls it, “painting tightly.” He years later, Smalzel is often seen prefers to create outdoors, doesn’t strumming his banjo on a bench include man made objects in his downtown. Visit 109 F Street or work and strives “to elicit the smalzel.com.
SHOP
Entering Howl Mercantile E Street or visit treslitrosbeer.co. products—leather goods, men’s gifts, self care items and eclectic home decor—Howl brews Denver’s Corvus Coffee. Don’t miss the turmeric latte. Kimi’s family enjoys living in Salida where they can easily head to the wilderness to ski, bike, camp, hike—or simply feel free. Located at 130 W. First Street, Howl’s open every day 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Online at howlmercantile.com.
RIVETING EXPERIENCE JEWELRY
PLAY
Chilly weather is the perfect time to get cozy indoors and create. Now Salida has the venue to do just that. Nicole and Harry Hansen opened Riveting Experience Jewelry, 121 N F Street, to share a family legacy of three generations of metalsmiths—Harry’s a longtime farrier and Nicole began designing in her parents’ jewelry shop at age nine—while allowing others to craft something meaningful and beautiful. Project ideas include earrings, necklaces, wine charms, key chains and pet tags—guidance, supplies and tools included. Even as the Hansens set their sights on expanding the business throughout the western states, Salida will likely always be home base. “We’ve driven all over the country attending fine art festivals. Every time we came to Chaffee County, it felt like home. It’s where we belong.” Visit rivetingexperiencejewelry.com to make a reservation.
CHAFFEE COUNTY OUTDOORS
While some people may shun cold weather, Salida locals know Colorado’s winter and spring are the most magical times to get out into the wilderness. With a little layering of warm clothing and a hot toddy in tow, this year you just might learn to love the mountains in a whole new way. Whether you’ve got all the gear or need rentals, Salida’s got you covered. What are you waiting for? Bundle up and get outside.
SNOWSHOEING OR CROSS COUNTRY SKIING
Escape the mind chatter and head into the pristine wilderness on snowshoes. It’s just like hiking—with a little extra help to keep you on top of the powder. Remember to ask for pole rentals too. Popular local trails: Boss Lake, Fooses Creek or Rainbow Trail. Want to try cross country skiing? Scout routes on Cottonwood Pass or near Leadville on the Mineral Belt Trail. Gear rentals and maps available at Salida Mountain Sports 110 F Street.
HOT SPRINGS SOAKING
Need some relaxation and rejuvenation? After a long day of outdoor play—or a full day of work—soak your bones in a little hot water. There are multiple natural hot springs within a 30-40 minute drive from Salida. In addition to a swimsuit, pack a towel, plenty of drinking water and a beanie. Local favorites: Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Joyful Journey Hot Springs Spa and Valley View Hot Springs. While you’re at it, book a massage. You deserve it.
ICE FISHING OR FLY FISHING
Fishing isn’t just for summer time. Twin Lakes and Clear Creek Reservoir are two local hot spots for dropping your line through a hole in the ice. Time passes quickly while you take in the stellar views of the Collegiate Peaks as you wait for a bite. Short on time? Check out Sands Lake or Franz Lake—both are in town. If you’re more inclined to stand on the Arkansas River bank or wade in, pick up fly fishing supplies and tips at Ark Anglers, Salida Anglers or The Next Eddy.
SNOWMOBILING
If you’re longing to go farther than your feet can carry you, renting a snowmobile for the day might just be your answer. Snowmobiling allows you to explore nature’s winter wonderland or access backcountry terrain it would otherwise take all day to hike to. Fun for the whole family! Bring a thermos of hot chocolate, a hearty picnic and plenty of snow clothes. All Season Rentals, 10238 U.S. 50, offers guided tours and gear for leisurely as well as seasoned snowmobile riders.
FAT BIKING
What’s one of the things we love best about Salida? We can ski or snowboard in the morning and mountain bike in the afternoon. And now access to riding fat bikes means we pedal whether the trails are wet or dry. A fat bike is an off road bike—similar to a mountain bike—but with oversized tires and larger rims allowing for travel over uneven terrain like snow or sand. The Salida Mountain Trail System just across the Arkansas River downtown is perfect for first timers. Rent a fat bike at Subculture Cyclery 129 G Street.
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