Who else can say those three things and deliver? Only Grand Junction can. Check out this adventurous itinerary experienced by OttsWorld and start making plans to visit so you can partake too!
Day 1
Photo @ottsworld
Activity
Suncrest Orchard Alpacas and Fiber Works
Offering interactive and educational tours year-round, this alpaca farm, which is also a Palisade Peach orchard, allows you to experience the animals up close and personal. Whether it be a tour of the mill where they spin the alpaca fibers into yarn or a Trekking Tour where you get to walk your very own alpaca, Suncrest Orchard Alpacas and Fiber Works is worth the stop.
Drinks
Ciara's Cantina
Stop into Ciara’s Cantina and enjoy a variety of tacos, specialty drinks, and delicious bar bites. If you’re looking for a spot to relax, listen to music, and soak in the atmosphere, Ciara’s is the place to go. The new modern décor is hip and fresh, and they have the biggest outdoor patio in Downtown Grand Junction!
Lodging
Two Rivers Winery & Chateau
Located between the beauty of vineyards and scenic Colorado National Monument, Two Rivers Winery & Chateau offers lodging, wine tastings, and majestic views. As you approach the Chateau down the long driveway, with vineyards framing both sides, you feel like you’ve been transported to Napa Valley. This family operated winery & chateau has award-winning wines and one of a kind experiences, including live music in the summer and a beautiful destination wedding venue.
Dinner
626 on Rood
This modernistic restaurant has an extensive wine list celebrated by connoisseurs. It's complemented by a farm-to-fork menu that provides a sophisticated culinary experience - all in a relaxed atmosphere. 626 on Rood has a very knowledgeable staff who love to offer suggestions and share with you stories about the local purveyers and wineries that inspire their seasonal cuisine.
Day 2
Photo @msadanza
Breakfast
Main Street Bagels
Main Street Bagels has been in business for over 25 years. From bagels and breads to cinnamon rolls and cookies, the variety of made from scratch baked goods is so prolific, you will likely leave with a few treats. Their homemade granola is a local favorite, so grab that for your backpack as well.
Activity
Colorado National Monument
Many say it should be a national park because of its vast acreage, awe-inspiring views, red rock canyons, and stunning monliths. With beginner to advanced hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and wildlife, Colorado National Monument is affectionately known as the "National Park You've Never Heard of."
Activity
Downtown Grand Junction
Located 10 minutes from Colorado National Monument, Downtown Grand Junction is vibrant and feeds your curiosity thanks to the boutique shops, hip restaurants, and 100 sculptures that frame the the sidewalks. This historic downtown, which is a designated park, has history built into every thoughtful architectural design.
Lunch
Bella Balsamic & The Pressed Olive
Located on Main Street in Downtown Grand Junction, Bella Balsamic & The Pressed Olive runneth over with extra virgin cold-pressed olive oils and exquisite balsamic vinegars, which come in a variety of flavors. Stop in and taste to your hearts content – they love to suggest complimentary pairings that will have your palate dancing with enjoyment.
Photo @tacopartygj
Dinner
TacoParty
With a weekly rotating menu of local ingredients inspiring everything on the menu, Taco Party is known for its creativity and unconventional methods of intersecting culinary genius with Colorado's rural delights - some ingredients being grown right here in the Grand Junction area. The tacos represent a celebration of Colorado's bounty, and don't even get us started on their gourmet soft serve! Yes, we said that.
Day 3
Photo @burnfitness_co
Activity
Mountain Biking and Stand-up Paddle Boarding
Grand Junction is a mecca for outdoor recreation. With hundreds of lakes and two large rivers, the Colorado and the Gunnison, which are the city's namesake, there is plenty of water to canoe, raft, float, and stand up paddle board on. Trail connectivity is an obsession in Grand Junction, so there is no lack of mountain bike routes for you to enjoy. The Grand Junction area is the size of Rhode Island and Delaware combined, with over 76 percent of it being public land, so you get the picture! You won’t be bored, and you won’t have to deal with crowds. For all your paddle board, bike rental, and shuttle needs, check out Grand Junction Adventures & Stand Up Paddle Boarding Co. They will be happy to help you out!
Lunch
Cafe Sol
Looking for fresh, wholesome food? Cafe Sol prides themselves on high quality, organic ingredients perfectly seasoned for their unique sandwiches, paninis, and salads. This place is a local favorite and their team is some of the happiest staff you will meet.
Photo @highlandsdistillery
Drinks
Highlands Distillery
This craft distillery is located on Belli Fiori Lavender Farm, so the views and the smells only enhance the experience. Highlands Distillery specializes in handcrafted vodka, whiskey, and gin with a focus on science and art. Stop by and sip their unique handcrafted spirits, with drinks like the Elevated Blueberry Lemonade or the Redstone – barrel infused vodka, lemon juice, turbinado syrup, marasca syrup, garnished with a flaming sugar cube, lemon wheel and Luxardo cherries. Oh, and one more because we must – their Blood, Sweat & Steers Bloody Mary is stabbed with a chili jerky stick. Come on!
Dinner
Il Bistro Italiano
Bringing an array of traditional, fresh recipes and innovative dishes to Grand Junction, Il Bistro Italiano is sure to make you feel like you are wandering the streets of Italy. Start off with artichoke parmesan soup or stuffed dates with Butterkase cheese wrapped in applewood bacon. Their signature dish is the Rosetta, homemade pasta (of course!) with oven roasted rosemary ham and provolone cheese baked in a spicy tomato cream sauce. End your evening with the quintessential tiramisu with house made lady fingers (there they go again)!
Day 4
Photo @dreamcafegj
Breakfast
Dream Cafe
Located on Main Street in Downtown Grand Junction, Dream Café serves up delicious breakfasts and scrumptious sandwiches in a uniquely hip atmosphere with food you dream about. The huge house made cinnamon rolls are baked fresh daily, and you can add a Bloody Mary or mimosa to your edible experience. If you have a craving for banana bread French toast, eggs benedict (there are 5 options!), or a salmon sandwich with bacon - then you need to stop by for breakfast or lunch soon.
Photo @edgewaterbrew
Activity
Riverfront Trail
This 24.5-mile scenic paved path from Loma to Palisade has stunning riverside views and easy accessibility. Located near city parks, lakes, art, murals, and riverside beaches, this trail is one you’ll find yourself stopping frequently along the way to take it all in and snap a selfie. Be sure to stop by Edgewater Brewing Company to sink your teeth into their Nashville hot chicken or choose from seven unique burgers. You’ll want to save room for their apple pie topped with caramel ganache.
Lunch
Palisade Brewing Company
Live music, onsite brewing, and outdoor seating - what’s not to love? Palisade Brewing Company, located on the outskirts of Grand Junction, serves up delicious food and fun times.
For more Grand Junction activities and itineraries, check out pages 18 & 19 of the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.
