AWR Trip Report
Staff Members: Robin Paschall
Travel Dates: September 2014
Destinations Visited: Palisade and Fruita, Colorado
We don’t always have to travel to the other side of the world — sometimes AWR staff finds adventure right near home. This fall, we visited Palisade and Fruita — great for hikers, bikers, river rafters, and wine lovers alike!
DAY 1 — Lunch at local winery and live music downtown
Once we arrived in Palisade, we hopped on our bikes and had a beautiful ride through the vineyards to a winery that makes you feel like you have traveled to France: Maison la Belle Vie. The evening’s entertainment was the Stray Grass Band at the Palisade Brewery. The Brewery is a local’s favorite with a fun outside patio.
DAY 2 — Mountain biking in Fruita and wine tasting in Palisade
The second day started with a mountain bike ride in Horse Thief Canyon along the Kokopelli Trail. Followed by a “peach pizza” at the Hot Tomato Restaurant in downtown Fruita!
The afternoon was spent visiting one of the many wonderful wineries in the area. Wine tastings are free, there is a good variety of wine flavors, nice views, and interesting people!
DAY 3 — Colorado Mountain Wine Fest
For us, the Wine Fest started with the 25-mile Tour De Vineyards road bike ride through the wine country. A great way to start the day!
Colorado Mountain Wine Fest is an all-day wine tasting event with live music, seminars, grape crushing, and much more!
We enjoyed our stay at the Wine Country Inn!