A celebration of autumn in Colorado’s high country BY J ULIE BIELENBERG
Palisade River Ranch, Palisade Procure the sweetest pickings
Located in the agricultural heaven of Palisade, this is the Western Slope’s newest, boutique river ranch. Prime picking come fall when guests can choose from either the Loft or Guest House (the ranch plans to offer glamping and events in 2017). Tour the nearly 100-acre estate with various ponds, trails, gardens and even a private 45-acre island in the middle of the Colorado River. Select the best of the Western Slope’s produce, meat, wine, and beer and bring it back to Palisade River Ranch. There are plenty of utensils, plates, glassware and grills to help make for one of the most romantic and memorable autumn evenings, feasting on the bounty in one of Colorado’s best kept secrets. Prices begin at $155 per night. Don’t forget to grab a glass of wine and wander down the road to hear the bullfrogs and chase away the fun nightlife with four legs. November and December, the ranch is still open and offers accommodation only 30 minutes from Powderhorn Mountain Resort and the winter fun of the Grand Mesa. The Ranch is also located just minutes from the Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway to purchase your goodies. www.vrbo.com/834797
James Ranch, Durango
Come for the burger, stay for the night
Ten miles north of Durango, stretching along the Animas River Valley, is James Ranch and their milk cows, tree nursery, loads of organic vegetable and flower gardens, irrigated pastures with chickens pecking around, ponds, tractors, and three generations of family working together. Come autumn, the ranch is a Southwest farm to table experience of both scenery and food—sights, smells and sounds of autumn circulate the Valley, it’s hard 36
FA L L 2016 | mt ntow nm a ga z ine.com
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