Carbondale

Ranching and farming are still well and alive in Carbondale, and the best way to sample the goods is through the town’s top restaurants. The Goat Kitchen and Bar, for instance, uses locally sourced ingredients crowd favorites, which include their signature elk burger. It’s to the same tune that Allegria serves their French-Mediterranean fare in a fine-dining setting. For brunch, there is the Village Smithy, a favorite gathering place since 1975. Other notable restaurants in Carbondale include Brass Anvil and Tiny Pine Bistro.

Carbondale is a Certified Colorado Creative District and artists’ haven. Many art galleries and spaces are scattered throughout town, including the Rio Grande ARTWay, a one-mile public arts venue along the Rio Grande Trail. The Powers Art Center doubles as a memorial to art enthusiast John G. Powers and a permanent exhibit of his extensive collection. For crafts, notable attractions include Carbondale Clay Center and Paradise Art Glass.

When residents are not enjoying Carbondale’s local restaurants or art scene, they are out exploring the surrounding mountain wilderness. Some outdoor recreation to be had in and around town include camping in Paonia State Park, fishing for trout at Roaring Fork River, hiking in nearby trails like Grizzly Creek Trail and Smuggle Mountain Trail, and of course, skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

Carbondale residents always find reasons to gather and celebrate. Every first Friday of the month, the town hosts First Friday, which comes complete with games, live entertainment, and food down the length of Main Street. Locals also look forward to Carbondale Mountain Fair, an arts and music festival held every summer at Sopris Park. This event has been around for over 50 years.