Earlier this year I took a trip through South East Colorado. What a fantastic area of the country it is. Right on the edge of the plains, but also close to the beautiful San Isabel National Forest and the Sangre de Cristo mountains.
There are beautiful roads to drive on, and Michael Schumacher -- the famous Formula I race car driver -- chose the area for a recent motorcycle trip. You should too. It's perfect for a family vacation.
The area is one of the most important cross-roads regions in the country. Most everyone heading west passed through the region and evidence of that migration is everywhere. Even dinosaurs roamed there. Especially prominent is the historic Santa Fe Trail -- more about that in another article.
Pueblo, Colorado is a wonderful little city, and a great place to include on a trip to the region. The downtown (Union Street) is packed full of adorable shops, bakeries, restaurants, bars, and the lovely Riverwalk -- along the Arkansas River which was the border with Mexico until 1846. The city is also one of the most important historical sites for the railroad wars of the 1800s.
Pueblo also has some great architecture, and among my favorite buildings is the El Pueblo History Museum. Don't miss this gem. They do historical reenactments, and have superb exhibits on the history and inhabitants of the region. Make sure to find out about Annie Blake and General Palmer. These two characters' histories offer fantastic tales of the development of the region. They were tough and determined to own lots of land and make the most of the region.
Don't miss the museum's fantastic gift shop -- I love my new t-shirts, jewelry and books. And if you are with kids, they'll love it too.
When you go to Pueblo, don't miss Gagliano's Market. It is the most authentic Italian market I have been in since I lived in Italy years ago. I consider their Stuffed Bread a Food Pilgrimage™ -- and you can read all about it in the Travel section. It has been there for 83 years, and they know how to do Italian food right. If you are going through town in an RV this is a perfect place to stock up for the next leg of your trip.
Another totally cool thing to do is visit the -- due to open to the public in December of 2006 -- Steelworks Museum of Industry and Culture run by the Bessemer Historical Society. Pueblo was one of the centers of the steel smelting industry. In fact it was the largest west of the Mississippi. The site of the museum was the home of the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company from 1850 though 1990. The company was the largest employer in the region with 61 mines, and much of American labor relations evolved right on this site. The site is an erie mix of manufacturing history and the very real challenge of treating workers properly. Make sure to take a gander at the "hospital" -- thankfully our's are now modern.
As a chili lover, I adore cookoffs and festivals that serve the yummie stuff. Though I haven't yet attended, Pueblo holds the annual Chili and Frijoles Festival. It is held the third weekend of September (22 through 24 in 2006.) Grab a couple of cold beers and your Pepto Bismol and go at it. You'll join 90,000 other chili and bean lovers. If you love music, take your pick from 46 different bands. For shoppers (which I certainly am) you'll have the shops of 150 exhibitors to peruse. Oh, by the way, it's free.
If barbeque is more your speed, Pueblo holds another festival called Boats, Blues and Barbeque every June. Try one of the local Bed and Breakfast Inns when you stay over. They are adorable.
Close to Pueblo are a couple of places you have got to see. The first is Bishop's Castle. This is a hand-built castle constructed by a local man who has battled with the government for the right to do what he has done. You can walk into the castle -- it's free -- and see this amazingly beautiful structure for yourself. Remember, he built it all by himself. The dragon head is made of recycled hospital trays. It's a trip!
Also in that same area is Lake Pueblo. It's a fisher-person's paradise. The trip from Pueblo past the lake, up to Bishop's Castle, and back can be done in half a day. But it's a lovely area. So pack a picnic from Gagliano's and stop along the way to eat and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
There's much more to Pueblo Colorado than the Federal Government's Publications Office. I know you'll love it.
Eat and Drink:
The Pantry: Sloppers (hamburgers drown in green chili.)
Star Bar: More Sloppers.
Gold Dust Saloon: Even more Sloppers.
Gus' Place: Tavern with Dutch lunch -- plates of deli meats and cheese -- and it's the home of the Boiler Maker.
Gagliano's Market: Italian everything and the owners are adorable.
Hopscotch Bakery: Yummy cakes and cookies. Amazing grainola (remember that yummy stuff?).
Jorge's Sombrero: Try the Enchiladas Tejanas which are similar to lasagna but made with corn tortillas and green chili. Yum-eee.
Rosario's: Italian. Owner's dad is a famous regional artist and his work is on display though out the entire restaurant -- even the bathrooms.
Sleep:
- Abriendo Inn Bed and Breakfast
- Edgar Orlin House Bed and Breakfast
- Pueblo Marriott: nice bed, but I think I got bit by fleas there.
Kids:
Pueblo Carousel: Old fashioned, beautifully maintained, authentic carousel with hand-carved horses and chariots, in City Park.
15" Gauge Trains and Kid's Rides: Kids and adults can ride around the lake on the miniature train. Children get to ride on the most adorable selection of carnival rides I've ever seen. Also in City Park.
Festivals:
April: Outlaws Rod and Custom Car Show
May: Cicno de Mayo Celebrations
June: Bluegrass on the River Festival, Blues & Barbeque, Andenucio Baseball Tournament, NSRA Rocky Mountain Street Rod Nationals, Rollin on the Riverwalk
July: Colorado Music Fest and July 4th Celebration Little Britches Rodeo
August: Pueblo Air Show Colorado State Fair
September: Chili and Frijoles Festival
November & December: Holiday Lighting Extravaganza
