9 Places To Stop: Glenwood Springs
Beauty Surrounds Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs is often referred to as the Warmest Mountain Town in the West. By touring the town and chatting with locals, you will quickly learn this doesn’t just refer to the steamy Glenwood Hot Springs Pool but also the personalities of the people. It’s no wonder the locals are so friendly when they are surrounded by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and lots of outdoor fun. Rand McNally and USA Today even named Glenwood Springs the Most Fun Town in America in 2011 because of the variety of entertainment options. From golfing, hiking, and whitewater rafting, you will have plenty to experience. With close proximity to six world-class ski resorts, including Aspen and Vail, Glenwood Springs also makes the perfect day trip. Here’s a round up what to do and see while you are in town!
1. Luxe Nest
Marc Isgrig, owner of Luxe Nest
Eclectic Home Decor is the name of the game at this colorful shop! Husband and wife team, Dode and Marc Isgrig, seek out furnishings you won’t find anywhere else. From furniture including crafty chairs and lamps to jewelry and paintings, there is plenty to keep your shopping senses elevated! Warning: if you are traveling by air, you may be shipping some of these charming items home! And if you are traveling by car you may need to leave a passenger behind! “People go crazy when they come in because we have so many unique items,” says Marc.
What the Locals Like: Take The Tram Up to the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.
813 Grand Ave
Glenwood Springs, CO
https://www.facebook.com/ALaCarteBoutique
Claire Wollcott, sales associate at A La Carte Boutique
This fashion hotspot is brimming with trendy styles, jewelry and crafty items for the home. The boutique shop makes it a point to carry a variety of clothing and accessories that cater to fancy night outs as well as mountain casual. Brands carried include: Kenzie, Nic + Zoe and XCVI. “When customers walk in we want them to feel like they are taken care of. We are happy to help accessorize or just let customers browse,” says employee Claire Wollcott.
What the Locals Like: Hike to either Hanging Lake or Grizzly Creek.
803 Grand Ave
Glenwood Springs, CO
Kathryn Fangman, owner of Grand Avenue Sweets
It’s not just the homemade chocolate of shop owner, Kathryn Fangman that draws crowds to one of Glenwood Springs newest shops. Old Fashioned candy fills wooden wine barrels and glass jars. “It’s really neat to see customers stop in with their kids and see candies they remember buying for a nickel,” smiles Kathryn. Her old-time favorite is a chocolate Charleston Chew. “When I was younger we would freeze them and then throw them on the ground so they would break into pieces.”
What the Locals Like The Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
818 Grand Ave
Glewnwood Springs, CO
Sally Rue, Owner of Sacred Grounds
Energy is buzzing inside this eatery and it’s not just from the freshly brewed coffee. The owner of the deli and coffeehouse, Sally Rue, is quick to strike up conversations with visitors. Serving up breakfast and lunch you can find quiches, salads, sandwiches, smoothies and enough ice cream flavors to fit anyone’s preference. You can also stop in to pick up a box lunch to go before you take off on any outdoor adventures. “I love the opportunity to meet a variety of people. We have regular customers who come in 6 or seven days a week and tourists who come see us every morning during their stay,” says Sally.
Fun History Fact: Sacred Grounds was a brothel in the 1800’s. The original floors and walls remain.
What the Locals Like: Everyone should see the Yampah Caves.
725 Grand Ave
Glenwood Springs, CO
5. The Pullman
The Pullman adds a creative touch to dishes
Thoughtful dishes speak to a dedication of origin and seasonal flavor inside this rustic restaurant and bar. At dinner, choose between small plates, snacks and salads as well as large plates that include- eggplant cannelloni’s, hefeweizen steamed black mussels as well as pan roasted steel head trout. For sweets- the creativity continues with the house favorite, strawberry rhubarb ravioli. Watch chefs in action from the open kitchen.
Fun History Fact: The space was formerly a greyhound bus station and even a nightclub at one point.
330 7th Street
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Dine and learn about Doc Holliday history at this saloon.
Step inside this watering hole and you very well could belly up to the same bar as Doc Holliday. While there is no proof that the gunslinger sat at this bar, there is a very large chance. You see, this bar was shipped in from Leadville in the 1920’s, which is a town Doc spent time before heading to Glenwood in 1886. And knowing how much he liked to drink and gamble, he very well could have done just that at the Leadville establishment this bar once sat before it was packed up and shipped to Glenwood. When it comes to the menu, expect typical bar fare, including soups, salads, steaks, sandwiches and even Mexican food. If you have an adventurous palette, try the Wings Rings and Dangly things. (Chicken wings, onion rings and rocky mountain oysters.
724 Grand Ave
Glenwood Springs, CO
Water Features are the focal point of Johnson Park Mini Golf in Glenwood Springs
Water features are the focus of this well manicured mini golf course in West Glenwood Springs. Whether you play 18 or 36 holes, you are guaranteed a shaded course. Don’t forget to dig through your pockets for quarters to hit up the $0.25 ski ball machines. Ms. Johnson opened the course 27 years ago as a way to carry on a family tradition. Her parents owned at an amusement park in Milwaukee that sported batting cages, mini golf and go-karts. “I love when people who grew up here or played here as a kid bring in their own kids. A guy was in just the other day and told his little boy he always chose the glider prize after finishing his game. Look, we still have those same prizes,” smiles Ms. Johnson.
51579 U.S. Highway 6
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
8.Vicco’s Charcoalburger Drive-In
Open since 1953, Vicco’s Charcoalburger Drive-In is a staple to Glenwood Springs
Experience 50’s nostalgia at this classic drive-in in West Glenwood. Vintage coca-cola decor decorates the patio of the restaurant where hungry folks line up for a taste of made to order burgers. Choose from Angus, buffalo, elk, turkey and veggie patties. Top it off with a swirl cone; flavors are plentiful- English Toffee, Black Cherry and Tropical Orange and several more! Stop by on a Saturday night for the Hot Summer Nights Cruise Series where you will catch plenty of vintage cars or even show off your own.
Vicco’s Charcoalburger Drive-In
51659 Hwy 6, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Glenwood Canyon Brewpub makes award winning beer cleverly named after landmarks in town.
Taste gold at the Glenwood Canyon Brewpub. The brewers at this mountain town pub, located inside the historic Hotel Denver, are no stranger to sweeping awards from competitions including the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival. Brews are creatively named to match landmarks and the personality of the town. Whether you order the Shoshone Stout, Hanging Lake Honey Ale or Vapor Cave Indian Pale Ale, this is craft beer at its core. If you are looking for something that screams sweet- there is mead on tap from Redstone Meadery in Boulder, CO. Drink up at the lively bar where clear windows showcase the brewing equipment. Or, head to the back of the restaurant where copper topped tables are ready and waiting.
402 7th St
Glenwood Springs, CO
