Grand Junction Official Visitor Guide - Grand Junction Colorado Adventure Guide
Grand Junction Inside & Out
2019-05-03 05:41:39
Named for its enviable location at the confluence of the Colorado and Gunnison rivers, Grand Junction is a special kind of crossroads — a joining of ancient and modern, of rustic and refined, of nature and culture. Whether you are inside or out, Grand Junction provides experiences you will not find anywhere else in the world.
INSIDE
Creative Chops
Still basking in the glow of its official designation, the new Downtown Grand Junction Creative District is Colorado’s newest artistic hub. Start your exploration with a First Friday Art Walk jumping off from the area’s flagship gallery, the Western Colorado Center for the Arts — friendly staffers will give you the lowdown on other participating shops and collectives, like the Working Artists Gallery & Studio.
Peak Performance
Grand Junction is also a great place to embrace the performing arts. The historic Avalon Theatre has welcomed pop artists through the decades, from Al Jolson to Bela Fleck, and is host to the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra and High Desert Opera — both offer outstanding productions.
Tune Up
If you’re more the standing-room-only music type, hit up the Mesa Theater for local and national acts ranging from Stryper to Leftover Salmon. Warehouse 25Sixty-Five Kitchen & Bar is music to your senses; treat your taste buds to the Loaded Haystacks (cheese-and-bacon-stuffed hashbrown balls) and listen to country-flavored acts like Jordan Davis and the hometown regular Gary Russell Band.
History Lesson
For a comprehensive (and thoroughly enjoyable) overview of the area’s fascinating heritage, check out the Museum of the West. Start with a trip up the Sterling T. Smith Education Tower, where you’ll get a 360-degree view of local geology/geography and regional archaeology. Then head inside to travel back to a time of gun-toting outlaws, rickety stagecoaches and one-room schoolhouses.
Western Civilization
Get your yee-haw with a side of ahhh at Gateway Canyons, known as one of the most exclusive, luxury Colorado resorts tucked away in the secluded Unaweep Canyon, about 50 miles southwest of Grand Junction. After enjoying quintessential Colorado experiences like horseback riding and sport shooting, adjourn to the Kayenta Lodge for a relaxing yoga class — then head to the spa for award-winning face and body treatments using locally sourced ingredients.
OUTSIDE
Corner Culture
Conceived in 1984 by local sculptor Dave Davis, Art on the Corner is, shall we say, the cornerstone of Grand Junction’s art-focused culture. Today, a diverse collection (of more than 100 sculptures) is on permanent display throughout the city’s vibrant downtown. Each year, visiting experts curate a temporary sculpture exhibit, and if you think you have the perfect place to relocate a piece to your home — many are for sale.
Flower Power
Occupying a tranquil 15- acre tract on the banks of the Colorado River, the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens is home to 600 local and exotic plant species. Stroll through the rose, herb, native, Western heritage and children’s secret gardens (all peppered with picturesque fish ponds and lush landscaping) before making a visit to the Butterfly House to see magical metamorphosis in action.
Purple Reign
Growing conditions in the area are just perfect for lavender. Swing by Belli Fiori Lavender Farm for a stroll through their peaceful fields (they have 1,000 plants in 11 varieties) and browse a variety of items infused with the fragrant herb, including sugars, candles and bath & body care products.
Fresh Finds
No matter what you’re planning to do during your Grand Junction getaway, there’s no better place to shop for provisions than the Grand Valley Farmers’ Markets — with locations in Grand Junction, Fruita and Palisade. Stock up on locally grown fruits, veggies and flowers, as well as a variety of baked goods and other tempting ready-to-eat foods, including artisan gifts, all to the accompaniment of local musicians. Stop by the Visit Grand Junction booth for a free gift and to play lawn games!
Furry Friends
Some of the Grand Valley’s cutest residents are ready to guide you through a peach orchard at SunCrest Orchard Alpacas and Fiber Works. Learn about the friendly animals, be paired with your own alpaca and take a 45-minute trek through the pastoral landscape. SunCrest also offers Mill Tours, including an overview of how natural fibers are transformed into yarn, as well as a store where you may purchase gifts made from alpaca yarn.
Board Games
Any ol’ landlubber can float around on a standup paddleboard. But you haven’t truly mastered the game until you’ve tried your hand (and the rest of your body) at SUP yoga with Stand-Up Paddleboarding Co. You’ll start with some basic yoga postures on land, then cast off in nearby Highline Lake for a short paddle — followed by an unforgettable floating asana sequence on your paddleboard.
River Dance
It’s practically illegal to visit Colorado without attending some kind of outdoor music shindig — which is exactly why places like Las Colonias Park Amphitheater exist. So grab your picnic blanket, lawn chairs and farmers’ market goodies, and head down to this intimate riverfront venue to catch acts liked ’90s pop artists the Gin Blossoms and acclaimed country singer-songwriter Chris Janson.
Grape Expectations
What’s better than an outdoor concert under clear Colorado skies? An outdoor concert in one of Grand Junction’s most popular vineyards boasting spectacular views of the Colorado National Monument: Two Rivers Winery & Chateau. This family-owned winery proudly hosts unforgettable evenings with the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra. Should you happen to have one glass too many, the Chateau has 10 luxe guest rooms to choose from.
New in GJ
Create your own candles using more than 100 different scents at Candle Kitchen GJ, or pop into Funky Junk DIY Studio during their Open Studio time to make your own custom home decor. All guidance and materials are provided.
Follow the Locals
“One of the things I love about the Colorado National Monument is that it’s only 10 minutes outside of the city. It’s so accessible. When you camp there, it’s beautiful during the day but at night you escape the city lights and it’s like a whole new place with an awesome view of the sky.” — Ryan Dutch, Colorado Mesa University Outdoor Program director
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