Photography Richard Durnan©
Written By Kayla Arnesen
This is Colorado's Wine Country, complete with every Rocky Mountain adventure imaginable. Nowhere in the West will you find as much diversity in natural wonders, outdoor activities and fascinating history. More than a dozen wineries are set amidst the beauty of western Colorado's amazing landscape. You can tour Colorado';s Wine Country by car or bicycle, or simply end a day in the outdoors with a stop at one of the local, and very friendly, wineries. Each one has its own personality and charm with most offering free tastings and tours. Some feature picnic areas and facilities for events, weddings, parties and musical performances. Hosts are hospitable and experienced so tap into their knowledge about winemaking in Colorado. Whatever the season, Colorado's Wine Country offers a breadth of outdoor adventures.
Surrounding this wonderfully fertile valley is an adventure in every direction with Grand Junction serving as the perfect central location. Natural wonders take you back to the dinosaur age and through the wind-carved canyons of the Colorado National Monument. With an abundance of culture and activities, visitors can view sculptures at Art on the Corner, stroll through one of the many galleries or soak up the splendor of the Botanical Gardens. Enjoy a history museum, live theatre performance or musical concert. Nearby Grand Mesa offers over 200 lakes and streams, and the stunning wilderness lands of the Uncompahgre Plateau.
LOCAL STATISTICS:
Location: 248 miles west of Denver on I-70,
62 miles north of Montrose
on Highway 50
Population: 42,666
Average Home Price: $159,000
Average Rental: $350-600
Median Age: 38.1
Average Household Income: $47,700
Elevation: 4,597 Ft.
Median Temperatures: Summer: 95/64F Winter: 46/35F
Days of Sunshine per year: 291
Average Annual Snowfall: 23.6 in.
Founded: 1881
Industry: Government/Service/Tourism/Retail Trade
Mesa County Population: 116,935
College: Mesa State College
Visitor's Services:
Grand Junction Visitors and Convention Bureau
740 Horizon Dr. | Grand Junction, CO 81506
(970) 244-1480/ (800) 962-2547
Email: tamarac@gjcity.org
Website: www.gjchamber.org/
www.visitgrandjunction.com
Attractions/Services:
Colorado National Monument
Colorado River State Park
Colorado's Wine Country
Grand Mesa Scenic Byway
Powderhorn Ski Resort
Redlands Mesa Golf Club
The Cabaret
Where Climate, Culture and Cuisine are Second to None!
Near the Convergence of the Great Colorado and Gunnison Rivers!
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