You’ve no doubt glanced at the exit sign on your way to points south, and because Trinidad is the last Colorado town on Interstate 25 heading into New Mexico, you may even have used this former crucial stop along the Santa Fe Trail as a rest stop. But that sells this historic hot spot short, with its many buildings designed by Isaac Hamilton Rapp (that’s Mr. Santa Fe style to you), as well as other prominent architects. Explore the brick streets of La Corazon de Trinidad, then stop in at the A.R. Mitchell Memorial Museum of Western Art (150 E. Main St., 719-846-4224, ) to check out the smorgasbord of vintage photos, cowboy paintings and Spanish folk art, before meandering over to the Trinidad History Museum (312 E. Main St., 719-846-7217, ) to check out several delightful buildings: the Baca House, the Bloom Mansion and the Pioneer Museum. Have kids in tow? The Trinidad Children’s Museum (314 N. Commercial St., 719-846-8220,) is a cutie, with a Victorian-era firehouse and all of the equipment and antique clothes to try on. It’s all a charming trip back in time. Kyle Wagner
STAY
The views from the Tarabino Inn take in the mountains, and you can’t miss the place: It’s very pink on the outside, and large, but inside the gentle color palette is more than conducive to a good night’s sleep. Some rooms feature four-poster beds and sitting areas; suites offer private baths with claw-foot tubs. Get up by 8 a.m. for the hearty, hot breakfast, and if you’re staying for more than one night, be sure to plan time sitting on the velvety couch in the library with the fireplace going. Rates start at $76 per night for shared bath and $107 for a suite. 310 E. Second St., 719-846-2115 or 866-846-8808,
DINE
Trinidad has a thriving Italian community, which means you’ll find outstanding red sauce around town. And at Rino’s Italian Restaurant & Steakhouse, you’ll also find singing waiters, along with homemade meatballs and chicken piccata so good you might start singing yourself (and believe it or not, they encourage this). The staff is as nice and happy as can be (of course they are, they’re singing), and you’ll be happy, too, if you save room for the chocolate fusion thing at the end, which is five layers of heaven. 400 E. Main St., 719- 845-0949,
Trinidad is 199 miles south of Denver via Interstate 25.
