Salida and Buena Vista iarethe perfect Colorado family destinations if you’re planning a family reunion and want to turn it into a memorable vacation. Each family is a little different regarding what they like to do, so it’s best to plan your event in a location with a little something for everyone. You also want to ensure your destination is versatile and allows for indoor and outdoor planned activities.
From playing games to sharing tasty meals to lodging in style, your family reunion can be one event the family will remember for many years. If you’ve never planned a big event, you might not know where to begin. Fortunately, Settings Event Rental is a great resource to help you start your planning. Plenty of rental options and information can help make planning your event easy and stress-free. In the meantime, let’s look at some great local events, family-friendly activities, and a few yummy restaurants your family is sure to love.
Schedule Family Outings
You may consider scheduling a few fun family outings to local historical sights during your planning. Although there are several events designed for people of all ages, we’ve listed a few of our favorite family-friendly activities in Salida. We also offer discounts for Creekside guests on some of the most popular activities and attractions in town.
Salida Walking Tours
Salida offers walking tours home to Colorado’s largest National Historic District with knowledgeable local guides that can provide interesting facts and information about the area. During your tour, you’ll visit historic buildings, see beautiful scenery unlike any other, and hear amazing stories about the land and people from the past. Watch out, though. While strolling through the charming downtown streets, you may see a ghost!
A 20% OFF coupon is available for Creekside Chalet guests. Book now, and save! Not sure of your schedule? Reserve a spot now and reschedule later. At checkout, enter code: CHALET.
Salida Museum
During your stay in Salida, you and the family cannot miss out on seeing the wonderful exhibits in the Salida Museum. With lots of history and tons of items to see, you will be amazed at how much you learn about the area’s history. The knowledgeable and friendly staff is happy to answer all your questions and tell you everything they know about mining and the old railroads that once were the town’s primary focus. You can even get an up-close view of some unique artifacts and treasures, like the pocket watch from the 1800s that once belonged to the sheriff who lost his life during a shootout.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Winter Activities
You’ll find Monarch Mountain Ski Area, just a short drive from the cabins. Monarch is well-known for being less crowded and more affordable than some of the state’s larger ski resorts. So, this is the place to go if you’re looking to maximize your time on the slopes during your winter vacation. Plenty of other great winter activities are available for visitors who don’t ski or snowboard.
Up on Old Monarch Pass Road, there are many opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding or snow tubing. Dog sled rides are another thrilling and unique activity you can incorporate into your vacation. If you’re in the mood to explore the backcountry, there are several snowmobiling areas near Salida and Monarch. You can choose from guided tours or explore the stunning scenery on your own when renting a snowmobile.
Summer Activities
You’ll love a summer vacation spent in Salida! Beautiful weather and plentiful chances for fun are just some of what makes this area so delightful. Hiking and biking are two of the area’s most popular things to do in the warmer months, thanks to the miles and miles of trails. Whether you’ve spent lots of time in the mountains or this will be your first experience, you’re sure to find a trail that’s perfect for you.
Creekside Chalets & Cabins is located close to the Arkansas River, making it a prime spot for various water-based activities. Whitewater rafting trips are typically available from May through August. You can choose from relaxing float trips or adrenaline-pumping trips through Class IV rapids if you’re an experienced rafter.
Performance Tours offers exciting, affordable, fun rafting options to Browns Canyon National Monument, Blue River, Royal Gorge, and more. They have been voted the #1 raft company in Summit County for the past 10 years! Creekside guests save when booking online.
Whether it’s scenic family floats, advanced whitewater rafting, or a half-day trip through Browns Canyon National Monument, Independent Whitewater has a trip to fit your needs. Creekside Chalet guests will receive 10% OFF on all summer rafting trips! Book online and use the discount code: creeksidechalets.
The Arkansas River also boasts great fishing conditions during the summer months. There are shops in Salida where you can rent all the necessary gear or book a guided walk and wade trip along the river.
Area Events
Salida and the surrounding area host several great events throughout the year. During the winter months, you can head to Monarch Mountain for holiday festivities, the ever-popular Kid’s Fest, or Kayaks on the Snow – where brave participants ride their kayaks down a special course and into an icy pond. Art, wine, and food festivals never seem in short supply in town during summer. FIBArk, perhaps Salida’s most popular festival, happens every year in June and features incredible whitewater competitions, a parade, live music, and more. While Salida is a small town, there’s always something going on!
Find Some Great Places to Grab a Bite to Eat
Food is another key component that requires planning in advance and can help add to the fond memories of your family reunion. Although you may provide food alone, taking the entire group to a restaurant during their stay can be fun. Here are a few local favorites you won’t want to miss.
Patio Pancake Place: Amazing Breakfast All Year Long
Awarded “Best Breakfast in Salida” for several years in a row, Patio Pancake Place is a favorite among locals and tourists. Contrary to its name, Patio Pancake Place does not have a patio, but they serve breakfast from 6 am to 2 pm, seven days a week.
Boathouse Cantina: A Summertime Favorite
This American and Baja-style restaurant, Boathouse Cantina, offers a vast menu selection that includes nachos, jalapeno poppers, and even buffalo wings to start off your meal. Entree choices range from burgers to tacos and burritos and more. In addition to their popularity due to the quality of their food and service, this Cantina is also a hot spot for events. Birthday parties, family reunions, and weddings are only a few types of events the Boathouse Cantina is happy to host.
Amica’s Pizza: Perfect for a Cold Winter Day
Amica’s Pizza is much more than an ordinary pizza parlor offering a huge selection of pizza and craft beers. The food options are virtually endless, with a menu that includes hot sandwiches and delicious salads. If you’re looking for a great slice of pizza while in town, you’ll want to visit Amica’s Pizza with your family.
The cabins of Creekside Chalets are ideal for families of all sizes, with enough amenities to please everyone in your group. Don’t forget your four-legged friends! Creekside Chalets is also a Pet-Friendly Property. Let us know what you’re looking for and how many people are expected for your event, and we’ll help you find the perfect combination of cabins. Everyone in your family will have plenty of room to spread out, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. Contact us today to start planning your next family reunion.