Rum on the Road: Glenwood Springs, CO

Montanya Distillers makes its home at the end of the road in a mountain town, but the remote location doesn’t keep owner and CEO Karen Hoskin from exploring the world. Her pursuit of quality spirits takes her from hidden gems in the Colorado Rockies to the busy streets of San Francisco and Miami. In this blog series, we share some of Karen’s best finds.

Destination: Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Glenwood Springs is found on what Coloradans call “The Western Slope”—more or less the Rocky Mountains to the west of the continental divide. Glenwood Springs is just off I-70 and surrounded by the White River National Forest, making it easier to reach than some mountain towns while offering the same inspiring beauty.

Over the years, Glenwood Springs has been visited by the famous and the infamous alike, including President Teddy Roosevelt and gunslinger Doc Holliday. Among the draws? Hot springs. There’s nothing quite like soaking in earth-warmed mineral waters. These days it’s a regular stop for many Buttians (as we like to call ourselves in Crested Butte, Colorado) and offers completely different scenery despite being only a few hours from home.

Digs: Hotel Denver

Sometimes, finding the best hotel isn’t about finding the fanciest digs. It’s about quiet and comfort, and that’s just what Karen found at Hotel Denver. A good value and walking distance from almost everything, including the hot springs.

Out on the Town

The Bluebird Care and Coffeehouse has great lattes and gluten-free quiche.

The Bluebird Cafe and Coffeehouse is a perfect place to start your day or grab a quick pick-me-up. They serve great lattes and so many delicious styles of gluten-free quiche you’ll want to try more than one. (The gift shop is worth a visit too—some funny stuff!)

For lunch, don’t miss the tacos at Slope and Hatch, a tiny storefront with fresh, innovative and tasty tacos. It’s a little off the beaten path, but worth the extra jaunt. Karen likes the Thai Curry tacos and the Curried Lamb tacos.

And for dinner, The Pullman is an excellent stop. Karen enjoyed a steak salad that was super fresh and the perfect amount of food. Plus, the cocktails are always spot on, and the bartenders are usually making something delicious with Montanya Rum. Looking for something simple? A sipper of Oro with a king cube can take the chill off a winter night.

View of Mt. Sopris from Spring Gulch Nordic Center

Best kept secret

When people think of Colorado, they often think of downhill skiing. A worthy pastime, of course.

But there’s something to be said for slowing the pace and traveling across the ground instead of down. There’s so much to take in and see!

The Nordic skiing at Spring Gulch Nordic Center, just ten minutes or so outside of Glenwood Springs, offers great views of Mt. Sopris and a killer workout. Glenwood Springs is 5,761 feet above sea level after all.

And the vapor caves are worth a visit as well.

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Rum on the RoadAlissa JohnsonMarch 26, 2019Karen HoskinComment