In Grand Junction’s vibrant downtown, you’ll find plenty of places to dine, trendy boutiques to visit, and one of the largest outdoor art displays in the country to explore and snap the best selfies with. Downtown has so much to offer that we’re breaking it down, block by block, highlighting who is where, as defined by which piece of artwork is nearby. Names of streets and numbers aren’t always memorable, but the artwork in Grand Junction certainly is – so we are helping you navigate based on art! Last week we looked at 3rd-4th street, and now we’re moving on and exploring everything between 4th and 5th street.
Start on the north corner of 4th Street, home to two classic downtown statues. There's the girl waiting to cross the street on her bike, and two giant train wheels tied around each other. Both sculptures are easy to see, making this the perfect meeting spot.
Right across Main Street is the Rockslide Restaurant and Brewery, Grand Junction's oldest craft brewery. Stop in to try their selection of handcrafted beers inspired by Grand Junction, like the Cold Shivers Pale Ale, named after Cold Shivers Point in Colorado National Monument, or their Horsethief IPA, inspired by Horsethief Canyon. Not only a place for drinks, but Rockslide also has a killer food menu. For smaller bites, try the Mesa Verde spring rolls, a southwest take on a classic with creamy tomatillo and pineapple habanero sauces. For something heartier, you can never go wrong with their bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Rockslide might be best known though, for their salmon fish and chips, so much so that every Tuesday is all you can eat fish and chips night.
Enjoy your craft made beverage and upscale pub food on Rockslide’s outdoor patio, surrounded by a flower garden and large trees that provide plenty of shade even on the sunniest of days. Be entertained by the three stoic gorillas right next to the patio where kids often climb on their backs. Also, keep your eyes peeled for the metal ostrich that resides in the shady garden.
Another favorite spot is Café Sol. Fresh soup, salads, and paninis all made with fresh, locally and ethically sourced ingredients can all be found here. The fixed menu features Café Sol staples like their quinoa breakfast bowl or chicken guacamole panini. They also have specials that change daily for new and exciting combinations. Although they offer takeout and delivery, you’ll likely be inclined to hangout – both the restaurant and patio have a relaxed local vibe and atmosphere.
A few doors down from the Rockslide, right behind the gorilla statues is Western Anglers, a locally owned fly fishing shop with everything you need to start casting, even if you've never held a fly rod before. Stop in and stock up on the latest gear, hand-tied flies, and fishing clothes. The staff are all passionate anglers themselves, and as experts on the local waters, they are more than happy to provide insight on where to fish, and what type of flies to try for the most success on the water.
Don’t just stalk up on gear though, load up on knowledge. Western Anglers offers classes in rigging, tying flies, and casting to help you learn the craft or dial in your existing skills with hands-on instruction. Or take a guided trip out to Bar ZX River Ranch. Let Western Anglers worry about transportation, gear, flies, and lunch. All you need to do is enjoy catching your fish of a lifetime.
Any other outdoor clothing you might need to be prepared for Colorado’s ever-changing weather can be found at Loki, located right off Main Street on Colorado Avenue. This Grand Junction born company specializes in modular clothing to help you adapt and stay comfortable no matter what the weather throws at you. When it gets warm, open the Loki jacket's vent system to keep cool. When it gets cold, close up the vents and pull out the hidden gloves and built-in facemask to brave even the harshest of winter days.
Right next to Loki is the Zesty Moose, a specialty shop that focuses on fresh, natural and locally sourced ingredients without using preservatives or additives, while still maximizing flavor. From unique and zesty pasta, handmade flavored olive oil, to jams, jellies, spices and seasonings the Zesty Moose has everything to make your next home-cooked meal more flavorful. Don't forget to try one of their monthly cooking classes to learn tips and tricks for preparing food and bringing the most flavor out of ingredient combinations. While you learn to cook or shop, try some local wine from Shiras Winery – yes, you can sip while at this lovely store!
Downtown between 4th and 5th is also the perfect place to explore your inner artist. Meet your friends by the sitting bear statue for an evening of fun at the Palette. Take a painting class and follow along with an instructor to create your very own masterpiece. Different projects and themes are offered every week, so there is always something new to create! While you paint, sip on Grand Junction wine that was made in nearby Palisade.
Once you hit the giant bicycle, you’ve come to the end of this block we featured here. Next on our list is Downtown Grand Junction between 5th and 6th Street to explore art galleries, tattoo shops, and more!
Explore other downtown businesses between 4th and 5th Street.
Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra, Brown's Shoe Fit Company, Uniquely Yours, Gelato Junction, Summit Canyon Mountaineering, Colorado Graphx
Learn more about all Downtown has to offer on page 16 of the Grand Junction Visitor Guide.