Activities

If you have never visited Buena Vista, you might pull into town and wonder what there is to do in our little city. However...stick around for a weekend (or longer as you'll soon realize). You'll be amazed at the number of things you can do. Soak in the river in the natural hot springs. Hike a fourteener. Ski Monarch or Cooper. Cross-country ski along the river. Kayak. Swim. Shop. Dine. Go to a swing band performance at the Orpheum. It's a hip town, with tons of activity and lots to do...if you know where to look.

We suggest visiting these other businesses. Then, ask what's going on. You'll see why Buena Vista is a best-kept secret.

DINING

Global Cafe & Market (Located at Global Garage, 222 Hwy 24 S) Inspired by our Napa Valley chef, Andrea Bartone, Global Cafe & Market is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring gourmet soups, steak, ribs, pastas and snacks...plus a world market for picnic supplies and healthy fare. Full wine list and micro brew selection. Full espresso menu, plus our pastry chef's daily fresh-baked breads, cookies, cakes and pastries. Menu changes seasonally. See Menu, Wine List, Catering Menu. Open 7a 'til late. $$+

Evergreen Cafe (Hwy 24)
Barb's got a knack for making you feel right at home at this easygoing breakfast and lunch spot. Get your classic early bird breakfast or try the delicious wraps and salads. Whatever you try, it's value-priced. $

**Also: The Evergreen transforms each Wed-Sat night into the Asian Cafe at the Evergreen for tasty Thai food, and, on wednesdays...sushi!! $$-$$$$

Stop into the Buena Vista Roastery (Main Street) for a great cuppa joe and the local scoop.

We recently added the Mt. Princeton resort restaurant to this list, because we had a fabulous meal. Crab cakes, lamb t-bones, delicious full meals. $$$$

Mother's Bistro (Main Street)
This is one fabulous place, full of good energy and food, in a gorgeous restored general mercantile building on East Main. $$$-$$$$


SOAKING

Antero Hot Springs
Each cabin comes with its own, private hot springs pool. That fact should be cool enough to compel you to visit.
www.anterohotsprings.com

Cottonwood Hot Springs
Come soak in Colorado's purest, geo-thermal, gravity-fed mineral spas. Historically noted for their medicinal and therapeutic value, the springs were used for centuries by the Ute Indians as a spiritual gathering retreat. Ever since, people have come from all over the country to soak in the curative waters.
www.cottonwood-hot-springs.com

Nathrop, CO (10 minutes by car)
At the foot of the Collegiate Peaks in Colorado's central Rockies, you'll find the Mount Princeton Hot Springs. It's south of Buena Vista, west of Nathrop. There's a lodge and restaurant here, but what sets it apart is the possibility to soak in Chalk Creek itself. Slide into the hot spring on the edge while sticking your toes into the creek’s frigid waters flowing past, for an extraordinary hot-and-cold sensation. There also are several improved mineral pools and a bathhouse.

Salida, CO (1/2 hour by car)
If you're looking for a hot spring pool more suited to kids than adults, check out the Salida Hot Springs Pool in central Colorado. The city pool has the usual amenities of a municipal facility, and because it's all indoors, you never have to worry about the weather. There's a wading pool, and all the pools have varying temperatures so you can find one that suits you.

SHOPPING

Beads Louise (Main Street)
Louise herself rules this bauble mecca, and you'll instantly adore her and her shop. You'll relish the possibilities of creating the perfect gift for someone special, and trust me...you cannot resist shopping for yourself at the same time.

Serendipity Yarn & Gifts (Main Street)
This is heaven for those with physical dexterity. I'm talking knitting, crocheting...and just looking at the gorgeous visual display of gourmet yarns makes me realize that knitting has come a long way, baby. Ply yourself with cashmere yarn. Shop for a fabulous gift or card or knitted thingy...it's all beautifully displayed to the degree that even non-knitters will find plenty to stimulate your soul. The amazing samples will inspire you to learn to knit - which of course they can provide instruction to all skill levels.
www.serendipityyarn.com

Rustic Woods (Hwy 24, near Global Garage)
Cathy runs a terrific shop, filled with fabulously unique items. I purchased a pair of antique cabinet doors with gorgeous aqua glass detail, and hung them in the Global Garage. You'll find treasures, too, and at terrific prices.

KAYAKING & PADDLE SPORTS

Colorado Kayak Supply (CKS)
This nationally known, Uber-reputable establishment caters to the adventurous river enthusiast. Technical gear meets Roxy and Billabong fashions, and you can get your fashionista on while shopping for a bio-toilet kit. Don't miss the 2007 Paddlefest (May 18-20)!
www.coloradokayak.com

SKIING

Monarch Mountain
Monarch is skiing as it's intended. Monarch is an uncrowded, family-friendly ski area with terrific terrain. Hop a snowcat tour. Or, get married at the mountaintop...Monarch Mountain is now open in summer.
www.skimonarch.com

Cooper
Loyal fans will talk endlessly about this terrific ski area, yet you might soon notice that the conversation ends short of inviting you to ski there. It's terrific. It's real skiing. And no one wants you to discover it.
www.skicooper.com


CHILLIN'

Bongo Billy's
It's that classic coffee shop.
www.bongobillys.com

WELL-BEING

Nature's Pantry
Nature’s Pantry offers natural and organic food including meats, dairy and cheeses, organic produce, a large bulk selection, an extensive supplement section, household cleaning products, personal care, books and gifts. A helpful and friendly staff will greet you at the door, and make you feel good as you leave! 1.719.395.2649.



OUTDOORING

The Trailhead
This is one-stop shopping for your outdoor adventure. They cover backpacking, climbing, mountain biking, ski touring, and travel needs. Their full-service rental shop offers camping gear, mountain bikes, climbing gear, snowshoes, backcountry skis and boots, and a variety of accessories.

RELOCATING

South Main Development
This new community centers around the concept of New Urbanism, where neighbors can walk to the park, to each other's homes, to shopping and dining spots, and to their play activities. Located along the Arkansas River, the community includes a river park and gorgeous riverside trails.
www.southmainco.com