When you’re visiting Southern Colorado, having exciting new adventures is a given. But, did you know that many of those can happen from the comfort of a dining table? Southern Colorado has a way of attracting talented chefs as well as visitors. Along with amazing options for any foodie, there are also a number of unique experiences to have while you sup in Southern Colorado.
To maximize the options, here’s our suggested two-day itinerary:
Start with pie after a visit to the Great Sand Dunes National Park: To kick off your visit to Southern Colorado, enjoy a morning at the Great Sand Dunes National Park—before fueling your car and yourself at the Great Sand Dunes Oasis. The meal options are satisfactory, but that’s fine because you really have to save room for dessert. With a number of pies available on a rotating basis, the hard part is picking a slice. (It’s wise to swing by for lunch as the pies tend to sell out by the end of the day!)
Cast your vote for the best pizzeria in Salida: After the Great Sand Dunes, make your way an hour and a half down the road to Salida. There, the people tend to be easy-going—except when it comes to the ongoing debate about which local pizzeria is the best. The frontrunners include Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub, Amicas Pizza and DePasquale’s Pizza. But since it’s impossible to go wrong with those options, you are the real winner.
Finish the night with drinks in historic Westcliffe: After dinner, it’s a scenic hour drive to downtown Westcliffe, where you can check in for the night at the Lamp Post Lodge and then walk to the nearby Westcliffe Wine Mine to toast with some of the region’s best vinos.
Take the Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway to Pueblo: Start your morning in Westcliffe by picking up some pastries for the road from the Sugar and Spice Mountain Bakery. (Be sure to bring cash.) Then hit the road on the Frontier Pathways Scenic Byway, which takes you through the San Isabel National Forest and past such destinations as Bishop Castle and Lake Pueblo State Park. As you arrive in Pueblo, visit the DiSanti Farm store (by 5:00 p.m.) for some famous, freshly roasted Pueblo chiles. Finish the evening on a high note with a dinner cruise in Pueblo—if you’re up for more pizza—or simply stroll the Pueblo Riverwalk before finishing at La Forchetta da Massi.
