EAT
If you’re staying in downtown Grand Junction, eateries galore are within easy strolling distance. For breakfast hit up the Dream Cafe (dreamcafegj.com) a modern space with excellent food, including tasty smoothies. For lunch, head to the east end of Main Street to the artisan bakery Main Street Bagels (gjmainstreetbagels.com) where they use their own bread for delicious sandwiches. Come dinner time, The Local (thelocalgj.com) offers up a family friendly environment with great pub fare and scrumptious desserts. For fine dining, Il Bistro Italiano (ilbistroitaliano.com) has an incredible story behind why it’s in Grand Junction and, of course, the food is incredible. For dessert, pretend to actually earn it, and walk the handful of blocks to Grand Junction’s famous candy maker Enstrom’s Candies (enstrom.com). From chocolate to fudge to ice cream, the place is a dream for anyone with a sweet tooth. Grab a stool alongside the huge windows looking into the candy kitchen where you can watch it all being made.
SLEEP
For convenience of location and simple comfort, you can’t beat the Fairfield Inn & Suites (marriott.com). Located on the west end of Grand Junction’s beautiful Main Street, the Fairfield provides easy access to get out for a stroll for window shopping, bike rentals, meals, treats and more (not to mention the numerous creative sculptures placed along the way). You’re sure to discover something new each time you get out for a walk. The Fairfield offers an above-average continental style breakfast for guests and spacious rooms. With indoor and outdoor pools, a swim is always on and for the BBQ-inclined a self-serve grill is by the outdoor pool to keep your swimmers full and satisfied.
PLAY
After having to decide on all those places to eat, the “Play” choices are easy. First, walk over to Ruby Canyon Cycles (rubycanyoncycles.com) from the Fairfield and rent your kit or stock up if you have brought your own ride. Then connect with Sarah and David Withers of Desert Rat Tours (desertrattours.com) for a shuttle ride or guide services as needed. Solid intermediate mountain bike riders will enjoy the miles and miles of trails called The Lunch Loops right there in town. Hikers can arrange a shuttle to be dropped off at the top of the inspiring six-mile Monument Canyon Trail in the nearby red rock of the Colorado National Monument (nps.gov/com).
—Cameron Martindell
