COME TO LIFE True Grit For six weeks, a film crew turned the center of Ridgway into an 1880s Western set for the John Wayne-classic “True Grit.” The firehouse is now an art studio and, on Clinton Street, see Rooster Cogburn’s residence. At the Ouray County Ranch History Museum , visit the jail wagon the character brought back. True Grit Cafe is the ultimate end to your trip. It’s festooned with actor and movie memorabilia. A mural, Chamber’s Staple & Fancy Groceries, from the feature was preserved as the restaurant was built around it. Wear your cowboy hat and order the “Grit” sandwich, it’s their famous chicken-fried steak triple stacked on a brioche bun topped with bacon and white gravy. Thelma & Louise Put the top down, play some ’90s tunes and feel the wind in your hair like “Thelma & Louise,” and head toward Unaweep Canyon (near Gateway) on the Unaweep Tabeguache scenic and historic byway . Translated from Ute, its name means “Canyon with Two Mouths,” and it’s the only canyon in the world where the creeks flow out in opposite directions. It offers some of the best granite climbing outside of Yosemite. Constructed in 1882, the Bedrock Store is also featured in the flick. Snap some photos of you and your friends pretending to be on the lam — oversized sunglasses and headscarves required! Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad South Park FROM TOP: LAURENCE PARENT; PAUL H. TRANTOW Denverites can tell you stories of childhood birthday parties at Casa Bonita restaurant; the same goes for Matt Stone and Trey Parker, the creators of animated mainstay “South Park.” One episode finds Cartman on the run from the law inside the eatery. He takes part in all the activities, including snacking on sopapillas, sprinting through haunted Black Bart’s Cave and finally making his very own cliff dive — yes, the restaurant has a massive waterfall inside where trained cliff divers do shows. Make your own mad dash through the recently renovated space (with an updated menu) and catch the puppet show and mariachi band. Casa Bonita in Lakewood 126 1-800-COLORADO
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