The holiday season is here and if you’ll be visiting Salida in the near future, you’re in for a treat! Salida is a cute mountain town all year long, but when it’s lit up and decorated for the holidays, it’s especially charming. The town is home to an impressive variety of unique shops and restaurants, with something to please everyone in your group. An afternoon spent strolling through downtown will be time well spent and give you a great opportunity to see firsthand why Salida is known as the “Gem of the Rockies.” Below, we’ve highlighted a few of our favorite local businesses to make it easier for you to experience some of the best that Salida has to offer (and maybe take care of a little last minute shopping, too).
Sunshine Market
Located at 211 F Street, Sunshine Market is a great store where you can find all sorts of all-natural gifts and other wellness products. The health conscious will love the fantastic assortment of supplements, bulk herbs, and organic foods. The market also has one of the largest selections of teas available in the Arkansas River Valley, including a number of hard-to-find varieties. For gifts, you can choose from products like candles, lotions, oils, chocolates, candies, and many more. When you stop in, be sure to check out their fresh baked goods, which make wonderful on-the-go treats.
Salida Mountain Sports
Salida Mountain Sports is the place to go if you’re in need of some quality outdoor gear or if you’re looking to buy for friends and family. They have clothing and footwear for men, women, and children as well as plenty of accessories like water bottles, hats, sunglasses, and more. There’s also gear for all sorts of outdoor activities, so you can rest assured you’ll have all the necessary equipment. What’s most special about Salida Mountain Sports, though, is the employees. Every person who works here is incredibly knowledgeable and can answer any question you might have. They’ll be able to make sure you’re set up with the apparel or gear that best meets your needs and preferences. You can find Salida Mountain Sports at 110 F Street.
Opal Boutique
Cute clothes and trendy accessories are the name of the game at Opal Boutique, located at 128 F Street. Every item in this wonderful store has been hand-picked by the owner to reflect not only high fashion, but quality and affordability. There’s clothing for women of all ages, with style choices that run the gamut from classic and conservative to flashy and daring. Opal Boutique boasts a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that you’re bound to notice whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone special. And should you be shopping for someone else, the boutique’s stylish staff members are on hand to help you find the perfect gift.
Wood’s High Mountain Distillery
Get a taste of high country spirits when you visit Wood’s High Mountain Distillery at 144 West 1st Street. Here, you’ll be able to sample their whiskey, liqueur, and gin varieties or sit back and relax as you sip one of their craft cocktails. You can also buy a bottle of your favorite spirit, purchase some branded merchandise, or book a tour of the distillery. We highly recommend hitting up the distillery on a Saturday or Sunday morning, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., so you can enjoy their Bloody Mary bar before or after exploring downtown Salida.
Yoga Olas
If you find yourself a bit stressed out by the holidays during your time in Salida, why not head over to Yoga Olas and decompress with a yoga or fitness class? They offer several classes every day (holidays excluded) that are appropriate for everyone from beginners to experts. Drop-in passes are available as are multi-day passes if you’d like to visit the studio several times during your Salida vacation. Yoga Olas is located at 229 F Street.
The Book Haven
Independent bookstores are a rare find these days, but Salida is lucky to have its own with The Book Haven. Located at 135 F Street, The Book Haven is cozy and inviting with a great selection of books from local authors as well as other new and used books, calendars, and cards. There’s even a coffee and tea station where you can get a warm drink before you start browsing the shelves. If you have children under the age of 8, you might want to consider going to the Happy Story Hour. Held every Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. until the end of January, you’ll be able to enjoy some wine while the little ones enjoy treats and stories. (While Happy Story Hour is free, you will need to RSVP in order to secure your spot.)
Howl Mercantile & Coffee
Howl Mercantile is your one-stop-shop for artisanal goods. In this store, you’ll find unique and eclectic home goods and accessories from local small batch makers. If you’ve been having trouble finding gifts for loved ones on your list, we’d be surprised if you weren’t able to find something amazing at Howl Mercantile. They serve Corvus Coffee’s Cold Brew and Pour Over so make sure you get some while you’re there as it’s incredibly delicious. You’ll find Howl at 130 West 1st Street.
Eye Candy
Located at 118 North F Street, Eye Candy is an art gallery with a huge assortment of one-of-a-kind pieces. With works from over 30 different artists, the gallery is truly a sight to behold. There are paintings, sculptures, blown glass pieces, jewelry, handmade purses, and so much more. Even better, you’re sure to love the gallery’s ambiance as you’ll feel right at home as soon as you step in the front door. Eye Candy should definitely be on your list of stops if you love exceptional works of art or know someone who does.
Drift & Amble
At Drift & Amble, 117 North F Street, you’ll find original hand screen printed apparel as well as mugs, accessories, letterpress cards, jewelry, and more. Their products are great whether you’re interested in finding the best souvenir for your trip or if you just want to show off your Colorado pride. Their custom designs and high quality goods have made Drift & Amble a popular shopping spot for visitors and locals alike.
Soulcraft
Soulcraft is a local brewery where you can relax in the tasting room, try one of their 16 beers on tap (plus seasonal beers), enjoy a lively conversation, or play a board game with friends. Growlers and branded merchandise are available for purchase – both of which make magnificent gifts. There’s also an on-site food container that serves handmade pasta, sandwiches, salads, and more. The brewery maintains a consistent schedule of events that include things like trivia night, live music, and dancing. Soulcraft is located at 248 West Rainbow Boulevard, making it an easy first stop when you come into town.
Here’s to a Fantastic Salida Trip!
We hope you’re able to check out some of the local businesses we’ve featured here. What can we say? We love Salida and all of our amazing small businesses. And of course, if you need lodging for your Salida vacation, we’d be honored to host you. Our one- to three-bedroom cabins are perfect for families and friends alike. Take a look at all the amenities our cabins have to offer. You can also check availability and book online. We look forward to seeing you!