When my husband and I drove into Salida Colorado, we thought we had driven back into 1955. This small historical town was alive. There were families on bicycles, with strollers, with dogs all walking about town. The city parks were full with kids and families playing and having a picnic.

The historic downtown was bustling with people going in and out of small shops, art galleries and restaurants. Then at the end of town, we ran into the Arkansas River and a large park over-looking the kayakers doing tricks in the river, kids getting their feet wet and dogs swimming after sticks. Everything seemed so alive with activity.

The streets in town are named F street, G street, Fourth and Fifth streets. Lining these streets, there are 1900’s historical Victorian homes with no one home looking like another home. You can walk the streets everyday and notice a different home that you had not seen before. There are 16 blocks from the river to the main highway with lovely homes that line the streets all the way. Again, people running, riding 1950’s bicycles with baskets and bells and gardening in their front yards planting flowers or just relaxing on their front porches watching the world go by. There is also a trail system that you can access from town where you can walk from the river to the country in a short period of time.

Surrounding the small town of Salida are 14 thousand foot peaks that were snow capped at the very tops and between town and the peaks are small farms and ranches. There is just lovely county side lining the valley floor with the river meandering through it.

We also found that there are so many events, activities and interest groups that you can get involved in so it is so easy to meet local people. You cannot go to the grocery store and not run into several people that you know. When you drive down the street, you wave at every other car going by.

In the winter, there is Monarch Ski Area which is 20 minutes from town. Again, it is just a good old fashioned ski resort, no lift lines and plenty of skiing. If you want to teach your kids to ski, this is the place for them to learn. Many people also enjoy snowshoeing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling.

In the summer, there is hiking, biking, four wheeling, river rafting, festivals, car shows, art walks, hot springs and music venues, time with family in the park, Fourth of July with parades and fireworks, playing in the river or just relaxing on your front porch with friends.

After driving back into 1955 and finding small town life, we decided to make this special place our full time home. I have the opportunity to share this with the many visitors and people looking for this kind of place on a daily basis in my real estate business.

If this lifestyle appeals to you feel free to contact me. I will introduce you to the local activities and personalities who make up this wonderful town that makes you feel like you are living in iMayberry back in 1955.

Barbara Pearson-Sawyer, GRI

Cell: 719-207-3884

email:barbara@pearson-sawyer.com

Web: http://www.barbarapearson-sawyer.com