Charming Salida — Go French Yourself

“No matter how sophisticated you may be, a large granite mountain cannot be denied-it speaks in silence to the very core of your being" -Ansel Adams

We had a stunning scenic drive continuing our Colorado moto tour. Salida sits at an elevation of 7,038 feet and is nestled at the foot of the scenic Central Colorado Rockies. Downtown Salida is on the National Register of Historic Places and is Colorado's largest historic district. Loved all the adorable little shops and amazing restaurants. The mountain views are unreal. Everyone is so active. There are joggers and bicycles all over the place. Because of the cool, comfy summers and relatively mild winters, the area around Salida is called the "banana belt" of Colorado. It's a truly charming wonderful little town and I just want to put it in my pocket and carry it with me everywhere I go.

Planning a trip to Salida? Live in Colorado Springs or somewhere close but have never ventured over there? Get in the car and go would be my advice. Here are the things on my list that we greatly enjoyed and would do again and again and again.

Amigo Motor Lodge: I would live in this gem if I could. This a fully- renovated boutique motel in a 60 year old historic building. Modern furnishings, minimilistic design, fabulous people, and it's dog friendly. We loved every second here. We got to speak to the husband of the husband and wife team that own the motel and they got a ton of inspiration from one of my favorite people, Liz Lambert. Every detail was just perfection. We got to tour 7 of the 8 rooms that are finished and Lin and I agreed on Room 2 all though room 4 stole my heart at first glance. You must Stay Amigo and have #muchovacay. I will just let the photos speak for themselves. SWOON. (Not even going to apologize for all the pictures. It was ALL just too fabulous. Already missing it. Book your stay here.

The Fritz: Located in the heart of downtown Salida, this is a fabulous place for lunch or dinner. There is a wonderful shaded patio to take in those gorgeous mountain views. The food is incredible and the service was impeccable. They are known for their small plates which we love so we can experience a variety of different unique items. Highly recommend the dates, the chicken and brie sandwich, and the blood orange margaritas. They have daily changing desert options too. We met a fabulous couple here that were traveling to Denver from their home in Montana. Everyone in Colorado has been so nice. That rarely happens in my current hometown of Oklahoma.

Currents Restaurant: Highly recommend for dinner. The nights get chilly in Salida and after a long days travel comfort food and fabulous wine just hit the spot. This menu has a good variety of options. Highly recommend the beef stroganoff though. Locals love it. Other restaurants recommend it. You will not be dissapointed.

Benson's: This a great place to grab an after drink cocktail and listen to live music. We actually saw some fun free style there.

Brown Dog Coffee Company: Wonderful breakfast burritos and iced lattes. If you are in a hurry and need something on-the-go, this is just the place for you.

Sweeties: The best sandwiches and sweet treats you will find in Colorado. There is always a line but don't worry, it moves quick.

Season's cafe: Breakfast is a must here. The folks at Amigo told us about this and I am so glad they did. Everything is organic and made from scratch. Do treat yourself to the biscuits and gravy. This is the best sausage gravy I have tasted in quite some time.

There are a ton of trails and outdoor things to do. We were just so limited with our 24 hours there. Love the blue skies and even met this cute little fellow just wondering around a residential neighborhood like no big deal.

P.S travelers...

Bishop Castle is not far from here. It's worth stopping by. It is an "elaborate and intricate" one-man project" named after its constructor, Jim Bishop, that has become a roadside attraction in central Colorado.

The "castle" is located in south central Colorado on State Highway 165 in the Wet Mountains of Southern Colorado in the San Isabel National Forest, southwest of Pueblo, Colorado.

Bishop bought the land for the site for $450, and construction on what was originally intended to be a family project to build a cottage started in 1969 when he was fifteen. After Bishop surrounded the cottage with rocks, several neighbors noted that the structure looked something like a castle. Bishop took this into consideration and soon began building his castle.

According to Roadsideamerica, "for most" of the 40 years he has worked on the castle "Bishop was engaged in a running battle with Washington bureaucrats over the rocks that he used," which came from the National Forest surrounding his property. "Bishop felt that they were his for the taking, the government wanted to charge him per truckload." That dispute has been settled. In 1996, he was challenged by the local and state government over unsanctioned road signs that pointed to the site. They settled the dispute by issuing official road signs.

Thanks for traveling along. We are having the greatest time out here. I have so many great places to share with you.

Next up: Aspen!!!

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Xo

Sam