2021-12-03 11:56:34
Once a rough-and-tumble mining town inhabited by cowboys, gold-seekers and infamous ruffians like Wild Bill Hickok and Buffalo Bill Cody, modern-day Pueblo is a sunny playground nestled on the banks of the Arkansas River. Morning Begin in the colorful Union Avenue Historic District, which once housed trading posts, gambling saloons and second-story brothels. Today, the neighborhood is one of three that make up Pueblo’s Creative Corridor — hubs of museums, live music, galleries, public sculptures and more. The creatives of Pueblo Arts Alliance host art walks, raku firings, poetry readings and other special events on the on the first Friday of each month. Check out the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk, a 32-acre waterfront plaza with a nature center and outdoor amphitheater. Take a river cruise or get your heart pumping on one of the bike trails, many of which connect to Lake Pueblo State Park. Near the riverwalk is Neon Alley, an outdoor museum of vintage signs and new creations close to historical Union Depot. Afternoon Traveling with kiddos? Mosey over to the award-winning Buell Children’s Museum, adored for its hands-on arts, science and history exhibits. There’s also Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum, a World War II-era Army air base with vintage aircraft; the El Pueblo History Museum, a recreated 1840s adobe trading post; The Steelworks Center of the West, rated a topfive industrial collection in the nation; and the Rosemount Museum, a 37-room 1893 mansion. Evening Watch the city melt into shades of gold and red on a sunset gondola boat ride. Then, head into Old Town for a bite, making sure to sample the town’s de facto mascot, the chile pepper. Try a Pueblo Slopper, a hamburger smothered in pork green chili and topped with cheese and onions. Or take the Pueblo Chile Farm Tour along Hwy. 50 to soak in the aromas, colors and hard work of generations of local farmers (Aug.–Sept.). Roadside markets also offer sausage, cheese, honey and more throughout the summer. Motorsports fans find plenty to cheer about at the Honor Speedway and the Pueblo Motorsports Park. Each hosts a variety of competitions in summer and fall. Sidetrips Take a scenic drive west of Pueblo to the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff, between the Wet and Sangre de Cristo mountains. The quiet area, home to 200 miles of hiking and biking trails and 54 alpine lakes, has an air of the undiscovered. You’re likely to spot real cowboys and gals herding cattle on horseback and historic one-room schoolhouses. The communities were also the first in Colorado to be recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association; schedule a star party and visit Smokey Jack Observatory. South of Pueblo, Colorado City anchors the southern leg of the Frontier Pathways scenic byway. The 104-mile road along the splendid Sangre de Cristos travels through the San Isabel National Forest, by Hardscrabble Canyon and 40-acre Lake Isabel, an ideal spot for fishing, hiking and picnicking. Head west for 24 miles along Hwy. 165 to Bishop Castle, a quirky fortress Jim Bishop has been building for more than 40 years and billed as “The Largest One-Man Construction Project in the Country.” Stay & Play Options Colorado City, Pueblo (page 186), Pueblo West, Silver Cliff, Westcliffe SEE HISTORICAL DRAMA ALONG THE FRONTIER PATHWAYS SCENIC BYWAY. THE LAND HOLDS GREAT IMPORTANCE TO UTE INDIANS WHO MADE THEIR HOMES IN THE REGION, TRADERS AND TRAPPERS WHO MADE A LIVING IN THE FOOTHILLS, AND SPANISH CONQUISTADORS WHO EXPLORED THE TERRITORY FOR PRECIOUS MINERALS. PAIR DINNER WITH A SHOW — SEE WHAT’S ON STAGE AT THE STEEL CITY THEATRE COMPANY, IMPOSSIBLE PLAYHOUSE OR GRUPO FOLKLÓRICO DEL PUEBLO.
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