USA - Grand Junction, Colorado
Taking a weekend trip to visit a friend is always fun! Only a four hour drive from Denver, you can reach Grand Junction in Colorado's Western Slope. A smaller town with a population of a little over sixty thousand, it is well know for wine and very close to Palisade, known for peaches. Four hours on a good day, longer if you get a flat or run into traffic. I experienced my first flat tire ever on the way to Grand Junction, going over seventy five miles an hour. I was able to pull over safely and went to my trunk to find out I don't have a spare tire. Only a fix-a-flat device that would never be able to fix the gaping hole in my tire. A tow truck, tire store and an hour and a half later I was on my way again.
There are many outdoor activities to do in and around Grand Junction such as visiting Grand Mesa National Forest to camp, hike and explore. You can visit one of the vineyards or wineries and have a wine tasting, even driving through is beautiful. You could visit James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park, an eight hundred and ninety acre park close to the river where you can bike, bird, boat and camp. Visit the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens which is twelve acres and meander for the afternoon.
Since I am not an outdoor kind of girl, I enjoy exploring the Main Street in town. There is a lovely antique store that you could spend hours in, A Robin's Nest of Antiques and Treasures. If you like antiques, set aside some time to find some treasures. There are many other cute shops and restaurants on this street. On my last visit to Grand Junction, we stopped by Kiln, a coffee shop. It was great! The coffee was fantastic and I enjoyed a honey, lavender scone that was delightful. I would recommend stopping by Pablo's Pizza on Main Street, it is another favorite that I have visited a couple of times. It is very pleasant spending the afternoon roaming around and stopping in the shops.
It is also very enjoyable to drive through the vineyards and take in the scenery. We took a nice drive through Palisade and visited Valley Fruit Stand. It has a old western themed facade and was too cute. I got some fresh fruits, veggies and jam. Would recommend stopping by.
It is always nice to get away, I'm lucky to live so close to various little towns living in Denver. There is a lot to do and see. I look forward to the next mini-vacation!
