This Is The Most Hospitable Town In Colorado
Surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains, Paonia is a nature lover's dream. Visitors can meander through mountains, rivers, and lush valleys. You will find some of Colorado's most beautiful hikes in Paonia, offering stunning views of wildflowers in the spring and vibrant leaves in the fall. Beyond its natural beauty, Paonia also has a vibrant community. It is a hidden gem for visitors seeking a destination that combines stunning natural scenery with small-town hospitality and a laid-back atmosphere. The thriving arts community, quaint local shops, and restaurants all create Paonia's inviting atmosphere, making it one of the most hospitable towns in Colorado.
Arts and Culture
Paonia boasts a vibrant arts community, making the town an exciting place to explore and discover. The town is recognized as a Certified Colorado Creative District, indicating a strong community commitment to promoting the arts. The town's cultural richness makes it an inviting place for artists and visitors. Throughout the town, you will find numerous galleries, studios, and performance spaces like the Blue Sage Center for the Arts. If you are visiting Paonia, stopping in at the art galleries is a must.
Downtown, visit the Grapevine Gallery, which showcases a diverse range of two- and three-dimensional works of art, including ceramics, paintings, photography, sculpture, wood, and other unique, local pieces. For handmade jewelry and a souvenir, visit Cirque Boutique & Gallery.
Festivals and Events
Throughout the year, the community hosts several events that bring the town together. In the summertime, the city comes alive for the Paonia Cherry Days. Hosted in July, the festival features a parade, food vendors, and live entertainment. Other summertime festivals include the O' the Rockies BMW Rally in July and the weekly Pickin' in the Park music series every August. A popular music festival that brings artists and music lovers to the town is the annual Mountain Harvest Festival.
Held every year in September, the festival features local music, art, farms, food, and spirits, organized by the nonprofit North Fork Valley Creative Coalition. Paonia also hosts ongoing community events, such as its Weekly Soup Supper, hosted by the Paonia Methodist Church, and Farmers Markets, where you can find local produce.
Local Shops
Part of Paonia's hospitable atmosphere is the thriving local businesses that make the community an inviting place to live. Downtown Panoia is a mix of local shops, historic buildings, and restaurants. Visitors should take some time to stroll through the historic district and browse the unique shops. Many of the stores sell handmade crafts, creating a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
Check out Trader Mags, a vintage boutique offering a curated selection of clothing, jewelry, and fine art. Lucille Lucas Gallery is another unique store that sells Custom hats and unique art pieces. The Refinery is a unique eco-fashion store that sells clothing made from reclaimed materials and reflects the town's commitment to sustainability.
Restaurants and Wineries
After exploring Paonia's vibrant community life, enjoy the flavors of the town. Paonia is home to some cozy restaurants with delicious cuisine. For lunch, consider dining at Sweetgrass Paonia. They are known for serving decent coffee, offering top-notch pastries, and providing friendly service. Some of their most popular menu items include falafel waffles, avocado toast, and breakfast sandwiches.
Feeling like some more unique cuisine for dinner? Head over to Nido for traditional Mexican cuisine. The owner and operator, Chef Ed Vaughn, is an award-winning chef serving renowned tacos. Paonia is also located in the West Elk American Viticultural Area, known for producing high-quality wines, including Riesling and Pinot Noir. Experience the warmth of Colorado's wine country and visit some of the local wineries. Sip on your wine and take in the mountain views at Black Bridge Winery or Stone Cottage Cellars.
Outdoor Activities
Beyond its vibrant community, Paonia also boasts beautiful natural scenery, making the town an inviting spot for nature lovers. Some of the scenery surrounding the city includes the majestic Ragged Mountains and the North Fork Gunnison River. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping at the nearby Paonia State Park. Paonia is home to some of Colorado's most beautiful hikes.
The Cliff Creek Trail, for instance, is a leisurely five-mile hike with stunning scenery. As you walk the trail, you can enjoy intense bursts of wildflowers in the spring and summer. In the fall, the vibrant hues of aspen foliage look like an Instagram filter. Whether you like admiring mountain views during a relaxing picnic or hiking in the lush alpine environment, there is something for everyone to appreciate about Paonia's natural beauty.
Small Towns to Visit Next
Once you have explored Paonia, you might want to continue your travels and explore more of Colorado's hospitable towns. Just a 14-minute drive from Paonia is the small town of Hotchkiss. The agricultural village is home to more wineries and has more opportunities for enjoying the outdoors. Check out the wines at Mesa Winds Farm and Winery or The Storm Cellar.
Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and fishing, especially near the nearby West Elk Mountains. A little bit further away, Crawford is a town renowned for its picturesque surroundings and outdoor recreational activities. Crawford State Park and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison nearby are great places for outdoor exploration.
Overall, if you are looking for a hospitable town to explore in Colorado, Paonia is the place to visit. There is a lot to appreciate about the city, from its vibrant arts scene, with galleries and venues lining its downtown streets, to the local shops, festivals, and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Visitors might expect a typical mountain town when visiting Paonia. However, Paonia is a place where nature lovers and artists unite, creating a unique, inviting, and laid-back atmosphere. Whether you are an artist, avid hiker, or wine lover, you will find something to appreciate about Paonia that will make you fantasize about returning once you leave.
