Paonia and the North Fork Valley
Food scene
Friendly, well-stocked local health food store with fresh produce, staples, snacks, herbal medicines, spices, local products & gift items.
10 locals recommend
Indigo Autumn
230 Grand AveFriendly, well-stocked local health food store with fresh produce, staples, snacks, herbal medicines, spices, local products & gift items.
Far more than just pizza (which is delish) ... Louie's is a local favorite with tasty food downstairs, a friendly bar & music scene upstairs ... local bands (sometimes with famous drop-in guests) & karaoke. Everybody goes to Louie's! During the pandemic they are doing take-out, & we're eagerly awaiting the grand re-opening ...
24 locals recommend
Louie's Pizza
202 Grand AveFar more than just pizza (which is delish) ... Louie's is a local favorite with tasty food downstairs, a friendly bar & music scene upstairs ... local bands (sometimes with famous drop-in guests) & karaoke. Everybody goes to Louie's! During the pandemic they are doing take-out, & we're eagerly awaiting the grand re-opening ...
nido
201 Grand AveDelicious hand-made food .... their tacos are spectacular!
A local favorite, Delicious Orchards has a farm store with produce, local gifts, hiking gear & maps, exceptional fruit & cider offerings, local wines & beverages, a very popular cafe, extensive outdoor seating area with a play area, a stage for music & festivals, and beautiful orchards to wander through or camp in. Paonia wouldn't be Paonia without Delicious Orchards!
51 locals recommend
Big B's Delicious Orchards U-pick, Cafe & Tasting Room
39126 CO-133A local favorite, Delicious Orchards has a farm store with produce, local gifts, hiking gear & maps, exceptional fruit & cider offerings, local wines & beverages, a very popular cafe, extensive outdoor seating area with a play area, a stage for music & festivals, and beautiful orchards to wander through or camp in. Paonia wouldn't be Paonia without Delicious Orchards!
Extraordinary handmade organic breads including sourdough, challa, cinnamon roles, you name it. A bread-lovers paradise!
9 locals recommend
Mountain Oven Organic Bakery
395 Clark AveExtraordinary handmade organic breads including sourdough, challa, cinnamon roles, you name it. A bread-lovers paradise!
Excellent home-baked breads, rolls, breakfast items & treats along with coffee made right. A good morning spot.
19 locals recommend
Paonia Bread Works
530 Grand AveExcellent home-baked breads, rolls, breakfast items & treats along with coffee made right. A good morning spot.
A friendly community pub with great local beers and music in the summer. They have moved to a new location on 1st street, just south & a little west of Don's Super Market (near the tracks).
21 locals recommend
Paonia United Brewing Company
201A Grand AveA friendly community pub with great local beers and music in the summer. They have moved to a new location on 1st street, just south & a little west of Don's Super Market (near the tracks).
A perfect place for a picnic & wine-tasting on the banks of the North Fork of the Gunnison river, just outside Paonia. This lovely vineyard & orchard offers local products and art in its interesting farm store. Friendly people, good wines!
27 locals recommend
Black Bridge Winery
15836 Black Bridge RdA perfect place for a picnic & wine-tasting on the banks of the North Fork of the Gunnison river, just outside Paonia. This lovely vineyard & orchard offers local products and art in its interesting farm store. Friendly people, good wines!
One of the original wineries on the Western Slope, Eames offers the best of Colorado wine culture. Be sure to pick up a few bottles of the exceptional Sangre del Sol, their signature blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that's a local favorite. Their seasonal events are very popular.
Alfred Eames Cellars
11931 4050 RoadOne of the original wineries on the Western Slope, Eames offers the best of Colorado wine culture. Be sure to pick up a few bottles of the exceptional Sangre del Sol, their signature blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that's a local favorite. Their seasonal events are very popular.
Also called Qutori - On 133 just before Paonia, you'll see this local favorite for excellent coffee, sandwiches, pies & take-home treats. They also have a winery and a gift shop. We like to stop here on the way to Carbondale & Glenwood Springs for travel food & to fill the coffee mug. They make the best BLTA sandwiches ever! New foodie dinner menu for 2024 - super tasty!
22 locals recommend
Root and Vine Market
40823 CO-133Also called Qutori - On 133 just before Paonia, you'll see this local favorite for excellent coffee, sandwiches, pies & take-home treats. They also have a winery and a gift shop. We like to stop here on the way to Carbondale & Glenwood Springs for travel food & to fill the coffee mug. They make the best BLTA sandwiches ever! New foodie dinner menu for 2024 - super tasty!
The Storm Cellar is a boutique winery in the West Elks AVA, just up the road from Paonia. They specialize in estate-grown, high-elevation white wines and rosés, crafted by two sommeliers, Jayme & Steve. Interesting place for a visit; they are open by appointment during the pandemic.
15 locals recommend
The Storm Cellar
14139 Runzel Gulch RdThe Storm Cellar is a boutique winery in the West Elks AVA, just up the road from Paonia. They specialize in estate-grown, high-elevation white wines and rosés, crafted by two sommeliers, Jayme & Steve. Interesting place for a visit; they are open by appointment during the pandemic.
Reopened April 2024 with new owners - and already has a great reputation! Authentic, healthy Italian food is the centerpiece. Haven't tried it yet, but everybody is excited about this "new" dinner restaurant in town.
Flying Fork Cafe
Reopened April 2024 with new owners - and already has a great reputation! Authentic, healthy Italian food is the centerpiece. Haven't tried it yet, but everybody is excited about this "new" dinner restaurant in town.
Another new restaurant in Paonia! The folks who cook here are true artists - they always amaze me with their healthy, delicious, farm-to-table creations. Highly recommend! Currently (4/24) hours are Lunch menu, 11 - 3:00 Tuesday - Saturday & Dinner Menu, 5 - 9 Thursday -Saturday
Good Love
Another new restaurant in Paonia! The folks who cook here are true artists - they always amaze me with their healthy, delicious, farm-to-table creations. Highly recommend! Currently (4/24) hours are Lunch menu, 11 - 3:00 Tuesday - Saturday & Dinner Menu, 5 - 9 Thursday -Saturday
Arts Scene
A cultural mecca in the mountains! Stop in here for concerts, readings, events & to shop for art & gifts made by local artists & crafters.
16 locals recommend
Blue Sage Center For the Arts
228 Grand AveA cultural mecca in the mountains! Stop in here for concerts, readings, events & to shop for art & gifts made by local artists & crafters.
Unique center for the arts and a Paonia classic. They offer quirky, unique & artistic events throughout the year.
Elsewhere Studios
107 3rd StUnique center for the arts and a Paonia classic. They offer quirky, unique & artistic events throughout the year.
Restored & revived local theatre has movies, concerts, readings, poetry, events ... always something interesting going on here!
21 locals recommend
Paradise Theatre
215 Grand AveRestored & revived local theatre has movies, concerts, readings, poetry, events ... always something interesting going on here!
A must-stop for local gift shopping, The Cirque has a unique selection of local and hand-made gifts, clothing, leather goods, jewelry, candles, journals, books, herbal products, & a gallery of local artists. If you want to take home something uniquely Paonia, you'll probably find it here.
10 locals recommend
The Cirque Boutique
232 Grand AveA must-stop for local gift shopping, The Cirque has a unique selection of local and hand-made gifts, clothing, leather goods, jewelry, candles, journals, books, herbal products, & a gallery of local artists. If you want to take home something uniquely Paonia, you'll probably find it here.
Local & international photographer Ben Lehman makes stunning images specializing in Nature's beauty on the Western Slope ... come visit this gallery to see his work!
Lehman Images Ltd.
219 Grand AveLocal & international photographer Ben Lehman makes stunning images specializing in Nature's beauty on the Western Slope ... come visit this gallery to see his work!
Just up the road in Hotchkiss, the creamery hosts music, art events, shows & has a wonderful gift shop.
10 locals recommend
Creamery Arts Center
165 W Bridge StJust up the road in Hotchkiss, the creamery hosts music, art events, shows & has a wonderful gift shop.
A cultural preservation & exchange organization featuring programs that foster cooperation among people and love and respect for Grandmother Earth. Check out their Experience offering, Encounters of the Shamanic Kind.
Shamanic Arts Center
261 W Hotchkiss AveA cultural preservation & exchange organization featuring programs that foster cooperation among people and love and respect for Grandmother Earth. Check out their Experience offering, Encounters of the Shamanic Kind.
Sightseeing
Come experience our beautiful rivers up close & personal with experienced guides
11 locals recommend
Western Slope SUP
185 W Bridge StCome experience our beautiful rivers up close & personal with experienced guides
Just up the road in Crawford, the spectacular Black Canyon offers memorable views, hiking, camping, and world-class trout fishing
153 locals recommend
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Just up the road in Crawford, the spectacular Black Canyon offers memorable views, hiking, camping, and world-class trout fishing
Beautiful views, wildlife & birdwatching, camping, hiking, boating ... enjoy this little gem of a park only a few miles from Paonia
11 locals recommend
Crawford State Park
40468 CO-92Beautiful views, wildlife & birdwatching, camping, hiking, boating ... enjoy this little gem of a park only a few miles from Paonia
Grand Mesa overlooks the North Fork Valley and is the highest flat-topped mountain in North America, reaching an altitude of 11,000'. A perfect place to ski in the winter, or get away from the heat of summer with its lakes, streams, trails & campsites. Visit the Aspen and Spruce/Fir forests for which Colorado is so famous!
Grand Mesa Visitor Center - Grand Valley RD
Grand Mesa overlooks the North Fork Valley and is the highest flat-topped mountain in North America, reaching an altitude of 11,000'. A perfect place to ski in the winter, or get away from the heat of summer with its lakes, streams, trails & campsites. Visit the Aspen and Spruce/Fir forests for which Colorado is so famous!
Driving this scenic byway is a visitor's must-do - passing through iconic Colorado Rocky Mountain territory, you might spot Moose, Elk, Bears, Marmots, Aspen forests, and a riot of wildflowers! This is a favorite for those who want to see the most memorable sights of the Western Slope including Crested Butte and Kebler Pass, the Black Canyon, Crawford and Needle Rock, and the famous Gunnison Gorge. Be sure to stop for a picnic or a hike along the way, and to take unforgettable photos at the many scenic overlooks.
West Elk Loop
West Elk LoopDriving this scenic byway is a visitor's must-do - passing through iconic Colorado Rocky Mountain territory, you might spot Moose, Elk, Bears, Marmots, Aspen forests, and a riot of wildflowers! This is a favorite for those who want to see the most memorable sights of the Western Slope including Crested Butte and Kebler Pass, the Black Canyon, Crawford and Needle Rock, and the famous Gunnison Gorge. Be sure to stop for a picnic or a hike along the way, and to take unforgettable photos at the many scenic overlooks.
This is a very special place, honoring the Indigenous peoples who have lived in the area since long before Europeans came along. It's located on the very spot where the famous Ute leaders Ouray & Chipeta had their farmstead and ranch. Learn about Ute history and culture, explore the grounds with tipis and memorials, and don't miss the gardens and marsh walk. The gift shop has great souvenirs, crafts, jewelry & books. In Montrose, and hour's drive from Paonia.
19 locals recommend
Ute Indian Museum
17253 Chipeta RdThis is a very special place, honoring the Indigenous peoples who have lived in the area since long before Europeans came along. It's located on the very spot where the famous Ute leaders Ouray & Chipeta had their farmstead and ranch. Learn about Ute history and culture, explore the grounds with tipis and memorials, and don't miss the gardens and marsh walk. The gift shop has great souvenirs, crafts, jewelry & books. In Montrose, and hour's drive from Paonia.
These canyons are full of scenic beauty, Indigenous & Old West historical spots, and spectacular views. Great for scenic driving, hiking, exploring & camping. Best to visit in Spring & Fall, as the Summer heat can be a challenge, and the roads are sketchy in the Winter. Several entrances along Hwy 50 on the way to and beyond Delta.
7 locals recommend
Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area
5524 650 RdThese canyons are full of scenic beauty, Indigenous & Old West historical spots, and spectacular views. Great for scenic driving, hiking, exploring & camping. Best to visit in Spring & Fall, as the Summer heat can be a challenge, and the roads are sketchy in the Winter. Several entrances along Hwy 50 on the way to and beyond Delta.
Step back in time to visit this extensive and fascinating collection of Old West artifacts including reconstructed apothecary shops, doctor & dentist offices, a general store, gunsmith, carriage works, stagecoach stop, saloon, hotel and much more. Curated by a local archaeologist & many knowledgeable volunteers, this is a must-see exploration of the history & culture of the Mountain West. Great place for kids & history buffs. In Montrose about an hour's drive from Paonia.
7 locals recommend
Museum of the Mountain West
68169 Miami RdStep back in time to visit this extensive and fascinating collection of Old West artifacts including reconstructed apothecary shops, doctor & dentist offices, a general store, gunsmith, carriage works, stagecoach stop, saloon, hotel and much more. Curated by a local archaeologist & many knowledgeable volunteers, this is a must-see exploration of the history & culture of the Mountain West. Great place for kids & history buffs. In Montrose about an hour's drive from Paonia.
Come visit the confluence of the North Fork and Gunnison rivers, where you can enjoy the picnic area, rent a boat, go on a hike, or enjoy the spectacular view from the overlook. Only a few miles from Paonia on the way to Delta, look out for the sign "Pleasure Park Road." Great place to take the kids & dogs with lots of open space.
18 locals recommend
Gunnison River Pleasure Park
8949 Pleasure Park RdCome visit the confluence of the North Fork and Gunnison rivers, where you can enjoy the picnic area, rent a boat, go on a hike, or enjoy the spectacular view from the overlook. Only a few miles from Paonia on the way to Delta, look out for the sign "Pleasure Park Road." Great place to take the kids & dogs with lots of open space.
City/town information
On the way to Delta, take the turnoff for 65 and drive up Grand Mesa to the interesting little town of Cedaredge. Visit the historical Pioneer Town and several other interesting attractions, shops & restaurants. You can support the local animal shelter by picking up some vintage treasures at the Shelter Shoppe and check out the Ribbons & Roses Antique Mall. Continue on to explore Grand Mesa; the Powderhorn Ski Resort is further up the road & is a local favorite.
10 locals recommend
Cedaredge
On the way to Delta, take the turnoff for 65 and drive up Grand Mesa to the interesting little town of Cedaredge. Visit the historical Pioneer Town and several other interesting attractions, shops & restaurants. You can support the local animal shelter by picking up some vintage treasures at the Shelter Shoppe and check out the Ribbons & Roses Antique Mall. Continue on to explore Grand Mesa; the Powderhorn Ski Resort is further up the road & is a local favorite.
Along 133 as you drive to Paonia from Carbondale, this unique little mountain hamlet is steeped in history and natural beauty. Visit the park along the Crystal River, book a horseback ride at the local stables, photograph the unique coke ovens, dine at the Redstone Inn, check out the local shops, and don't miss the spectacular Redstone Castle! They are currently developing the castle as a wellness spa - super excited to have this addition to our area!
59 locals recommend
Redstone Historic District
Along 133 as you drive to Paonia from Carbondale, this unique little mountain hamlet is steeped in history and natural beauty. Visit the park along the Crystal River, book a horseback ride at the local stables, photograph the unique coke ovens, dine at the Redstone Inn, check out the local shops, and don't miss the spectacular Redstone Castle! They are currently developing the castle as a wellness spa - super excited to have this addition to our area!