I’ll be honest, these last 10 days have been a rough one.
I have just recently lost my job as was feeling devastated by the entire situation. While I searched for jobs and filed for unemployment, I found myself staying up late, thinking about what I should do next, and how I am going to move forward. I needed to get away from this feeling, and how my whole world had just been turned upside down.
Taking a Break in Westcliffe
My friend, Susie, sent me a text at 8:30 am on Saturday and asked if I had any plans for the day. Since I had no job and no current plans, I told her I had none. She asked me if I wanted to get away for the day and take a road trip to Westcliffe, about 2 hours from Cripple Creek. Of course, I don’t say no to adventure.
I had never spent a lot of time in Westcliffe, except when my dad and I went there for breakfast. We would take short road trips from Canon City down HWY 50 toward Salida taking a left at Texas Creek. I loved driving through the valleys and desert brush until the majestic Sangre de Cristos rose above the small hills to remind me just how small my existence is in this world.
This particular Saturday Adventure, the annual bluegrass festival was going on, be we opted for free fun with the tunes lightly playing in the background. So here’s what you can do during your trip!
1. Have Lunch at the Wine Mine
The Wine Mine is a cozy place in town where you can sit outside and enjoy the weather if it’s not too overwhelmingly hot. They have delicious paninis, pasta, salads, desserts, and of course, wine.
Their Miner’s Mixer is a great option if you are looking for a light snack and includes hummus, olives, Brie, and pita bread. Pair that with a good wine or beer and you’re good to go.
2. Visit the Local Shops
Photo Credit: OutThere Colorado
I always encourage people to get out of their car if they are visiting a place because you all see so much more on foot than you do from a car window. If you get out of your car and walk around town, you’ll find a few art galleries where people showcase their creations.
You’ll even find some of the shops selling quality clothing items, candles, purses, and much more. This isn’t your average shopping area, it’s so much better.
3. Have Coffee at Candy’s Coffee
Susie took me around this whole town, including some of her favorite places that she frequents. Including Candy’s Coffee. There you can get a matcha smoothing that is absolutely to die for.
They have a great list of coffee options and something to snack on if you need it. Take your hot or cold beverage with you to continue your walking journey around town, or sit in their cozy cafe.
4. Smokey Jack Observatory
Photo Credit: Dark Skies Colorado
Westcliffe lives in Dark Sky country, meaning it is the perfect place to go gaze longingly into the dark skies above and check out the stars. Westcliffe has been recognized as dark sky territory because it evades light pollution and with the Sangre de Cristos as a backdrop, that kind of scene at night is hard to beat.
You can visit the Smokey Jack Observatory to get a grand look at the night sky should you choose to stay through the evening. You’ll get free, private viewings by a star guide!
5. Learn About Trains at All Aboard Westcliffe
Learn the history of the railroad route that once existed in Westcliffe back in the late 1800s! In an effort to take full advantage of the mining boom in Silver Cliff, Westcliffe was connected to the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad extended rail line. At the All Aboard Westcliffe, you can see what the train system looked like and even step foot in a dining and sleeping car!
Collect some sweet snapshots while you are there.
6. Wander Through the Garden at Courtyard Country Inn
If you’re walking around town still, you may stumble upon a bright orange gate with an adobe fence decorated in flower pots. If you step behind that orange gate, you’ll find an abundant garden. You can sit beside their lively koi pond and ponder life or get photogenic and pose for some pictures. The garden also belongs to the Courtyard Country Inn, a preferred place to stay for the evening should you choose to stay overnight.
7. Visit the Elevation Meat Market and Take Home Dinner
Photo Credit: farmtopeople.com
Just down the street near Cany’d Coffee, there is a butcher shop that actually sells their own meat. You’ll find super thick-cut bacon and a variety of other game types you can take home with you. Elevation Meat Market also has a variety of cheeses to choose from. My friend Susie says they will even butcher an animal for those hunters out there!
