Our Neighborhood
Brew with a View is ideally located in historic downtown Salida, encircled by a multitude of activities and attractions. Nestled in the Rockies, Salida blends its rich history with a vibrant cultural scene. Keep reading to learn more about our unique neighborhood and all it has to offer.
Stroll through the historic heart of Salida, where the past and present converge in a colorful display of culture and architecture. This town, once a critical stop for the Rio Grande Railroad, resonates with the echoes of locomotives, having played a pivotal role in Colorado's railway history.
As you explore, you'll encounter buildings that tell tales of of the town's storied past. The architecture in downtown Salida spans various eras, from charming Victorian structures to functional designs of the early 20th century, each narrating a different chapter of the town's rich heritage.
The streets of downtown are alive with a vibrant mix of shops, art galleries, and restaurants. These local establishments, set against the backdrop of historical buildings, offer a unique blend of Salida's artistic flair and community spirit. Here, you can savor the local cuisine, appreciate the craftsmanship in every gallery, and find one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Exploring Downtown Salida
Salida's downtown isn't just a reflection of its historical significance; it's a lively center of contemporary community life. The area invites you to enjoy its cultural offerings and partake in the ongoing story of a town shaped by both its historical roots and its modern-day vibrancy. This blend of history and current culture makes downtown Salida not only a significant historic site but also a lively and engaging part of today's community.
Salida proudly holds the title of Colorado's first designated Creative District, a testament to its rich artistic and cultural heritage. This recognition marks the town as a leading center for creativity, where art and history intermingle in a vivid display of community spirit.
In this celebrated district, galleries and studios abound, offering a glimpse into the diverse artistic expressions that define Salida. It’s a place where the past informs the present, with local artists drawing inspiration from the town's historical roots to create captivating contemporary works.
The Creative District is not just about showcasing art; it's about celebrating the unique cultural identity of Salida. Year-round, the town buzzes with festivals and events that bring the community and visitors together, making art an integral part of daily life.
As Colorado's first Creative District, Salida invites everyone to explore and engage with its dynamic art scene, set against the backdrop of its rich historical narrative, making each visit a unique and enriching experience.
Art and Culture
Downtown Salida offers a unique and varied shopping experience, featuring a collection of independent shops. These stores range from antique and vintage finds to consignment shops, providing a diverse array of choices for every shopper. The Creative Arts District is a notable highlight, where art lovers can explore a variety of galleries and studios. These spaces showcase the works of local artists, including painters, sculptors, potters, and fiber artists, offering a glimpse into Salida's creative soul.
Dining in Salida caters to a range of tastes, from American classics to Mexican and Italian cuisines. Many restaurants feature outdoor dining, allowing guests to enjoy meals amidst the town's scenic beauty. And of course, near and dear to our heart, Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub is a local favorite, renowned for its delicious pizza, house-brewed craft beer, and inviting atmosphere.
Shopping and Dining
Salida, affectionately known as the "Heart of the Rockies," is a place where history is not just a subject in books but a vivid, tangible presence that can be experienced throughout the town. This historic Colorado city, which flourished with the advent of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, is a living testament to the state's rich railway history. The Salida Museum, established in 1954, is a focal point for those interested in delving deeper into the local history. It offers an extensive collection that includes Native American artifacts, tools from the mining and ranching era, and old photographs that paint a picture of Salida's early days.
As you wander through Salida, you are walking through the pages of history. The Downtown Historic District, with its charming architecture, is a reminder of the times when miners and pioneers roamed these streets. It was during the Colorado Gold Rush of the 1870s that Salida really came into its own, a period well-documented and brought to life through various walking tours. These tours are a fantastic way to connect with the town's past, offering stories and insights into the pioneers who shaped the region.
Historic Attractions & Museums
Salida, Colorado, offers a rich array of outdoor activities and parks, blending natural beauty with recreational fun. The town has recently enhanced its appeal with the completion of the Scout Wave 2.0 project in the fall of 2022. This new addition to the Salida Whitewater Park has quickly become a standout feature, creating one of the best surfing waves in Colorado, even at low water flows. The wave, located just downstream of the F Street Bridge, is surfable across a range of flow conditions, making it a year-round attraction for water sports enthusiasts.
In addition to river surfing, Salida's parks are central to the town's outdoor life. Riverside Park, positioned at the corner of F Street and Sackett Avenue, is a popular spot for both residents and visitors. It's known for its scenic paths, performance bandshell, bouldering wall, and picnic areas by the river, offering a perfect setting for family outings and community events. The park also serves as the focal point for FIBArk, an annual whitewater festival and outdoor celebration.
Outdoor Activities and Parks
Alpine Park, located between 4th and F Street in downtown Salida, is another key outdoor space. This 2.3-acre park is known for its large grassy area, basketball hoops, restrooms, playground, and picnic tables. It's a tranquil haven that also plays a vital role in community events like Salida's Farmers Market, where local vendors showcase fresh produce and artisanal goods.
Salida's commitment to outdoor recreation is further evident in the city's management of over 400 acres of open space, 36 acres of parks, and over 5.5 miles of trails within the town. These spaces and facilities are not just recreational areas; they are integral parts of the community's life, offering venues for a variety of activities and gatherings.
For those looking to explore the natural beauty around Salida, the area offers numerous trails and scenic drives like the Spiral Drive, which ascends Tenderfoot Mountain and provides panoramic views of the town and the Arkansas River Valley. Browns Canyon National Monument, designated in 2015, is a must-visit for its rugged landscapes, whitewater rafting, hiking trails, and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Whether it's surfing on the Arkansas River, enjoying a concert in Riverside Park, exploring the trails, or simply relaxing in Alpine Park, Salida's outdoor offerings cater to a wide range of interests and provide endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
In the vicinity of Salida, hot springs offer a rejuvenating escape, combining natural beauty with historical charm. At Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, visitors can relax in natural "hot pots," a unique experience set against the backdrop of Colorado's scenic landscape. Joyful Journey Hot Springs, south of Salida, provides tranquil pools with therapeutic mineral waters and stunning mountain views. In Salida itself, the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center, built on a natural hot spring, is the largest indoor hot springs facility in the country, offering a variety of water-based activities for families and fitness enthusiasts.
Scenic Rides & Hot Springs
Salida, nestled in the Rocky Mountains, is not just about its vibrant outdoor activities but also offers serene experiences through its scenic drives and relaxing hot springs. The region's picturesque landscape can be enjoyed through several scenic routes, each offering its unique beauty and historical significance.
One of the most notable drives is over Marshall Pass, which follows the original railroad grade of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. Starting on County Road 200 off of Hwy 285, south of Poncha Springs, this route offers historical insights and stunning alpine views, culminating just below the tree line at an elevation of over 10,000 feet. Another scenic drive along US Hwy 50 takes you through the Bighorn Sheep Canyon alongside the Arkansas River, promising sightings of wildlife, kayakers, and an enchanting view of the Collegiate Peaks.
Salida, Colorado, is an adventurer's paradise, offering a wide range of activities that cater to every level of outdoor enthusiast. The town's proximity to Browns Canyon National Monument, a recent addition to Colorado’s national parks, makes it an ideal location for rafting, fishing, and hiking. The canyon, with its beautiful trails starting from the Ruby Mountain Trailhead, is a splendid spot for outdoor recreation.
For those who crave a bird's-eye view, the Monarch Crest Scenic Tramway up to Monarch Pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Continental Divide. The tramway ride is a unique way to experience the majestic beauty of the Rockies.
Horseback riding is another popular activity in Salida, providing a different perspective of the stunning Sangre de Christo mountain range. Whether you opt for a short tour or a full-day ride, horseback riding in the Rockies is an unforgettable experience.
Adventure and Recreation
In the winter, Monarch Mountain draws skiing enthusiasts. Known for being one of the more affordable ski resorts in Colorado, Monarch Mountain offers a less crowded skiing experience, ideal for families and intermediate skiers.
Salida also boasts a vibrant whitewater scene. The Arkansas River, running through downtown, is a hub for fishing and kayaking, offering both calm and exhilarating waters. The Salida Whitewater Park in particular features man-made whitewater features for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and bodyboarding.
Mountain biking around Salida is a thrilling experience, with trails suitable for all skill levels. The Monarch Crest Trail, for instance, is a popular mountain biking destination, offering a ride along the scenic Continental Divide Trail.
These outdoor activities, combined with Salida's semi-arid climate characterized by mild winters and warm summers, make the town a year-round destination for those seeking adventure and connection with nature. The array of activities in Salida, from river adventures to horseback riding and mountain biking, ensures that every visit is filled with excitement and unforgettable experiences
Getting Here
To reach Salida from Denver, drive about 142 miles on US-285 S, which usually takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. From Colorado Springs, take US-50 W for a trip of approximately 102 miles, lasting about 2 hours. If you're coming from Grand Junction, the route is via US-50 E, covering around 190 miles with an estimated drive time of 3 hours and 50 minutes. These routes offer straightforward access to Salida, with each drive showcasing Colorado's landscapes.