Settled in a beautiful green valley flanked by fourteeners sits the historic town of Salida. Once, around the time mining and the railroad brought prosperity to the city, it vied for the opportunity to be the state capital. Now it has gained fame as a superlative getaway, thanks to its burgeoning artist community (named one of the best in the West by Sunset Magazine), whitewater rafting and numerous other recreational activities, including mountain climbing, fishing, biking and skiing. It’s home to the FIBArk Festival – short for for First in Boating on the Arkansas – the June meet that celebrates whitewater kayaking, canoeing and a 26-mile downriver kayak race. You can spend hours exploring galleries and small shops in the historic downtown district, or splash around in the well-known Salida Hot Springs. But there are a few surprises out there, too.– Cynthia Pasquale
Getting there: Salida is about 100 miles west of Pueblo on U.S. 50, or 145 miles southwest of Denver on U.S. 285.
