CARBONDALE, CO HAS MUCH TO CELEBRATE IN 2014 IN
December 31, 2013 (Carbondale, Colo) – As the new year looms, Carbondale, Colo. has much to celebrate and anticipate. Colorado’s Basecamp for Adventure, just minutes from skiing at Aspen/Snowmass or Glenwood Springs, Colo., has heaps of snow, miles of open cross country and snowshoeing terrain, many spectacular shopping specials and delicious dining options. The exciting confirmation that the James Surls Center for Visual Arts will soon open its doors downtown is welcomed news for visiting art lovers, and the locals are celebrating the 6-month anniversary of the new Carbondale Branch Library, the backbone of community!
James Surls Center for Visual Arts
The Carbondale town board recently approved a 20-year lease for the James Surls Center for Visual Art at Garfield Avenue and Fourth Street downtown. Architects John Baker and Ramsey Fulton outlined the design of the building that will incorporate the former library structure into a new, bigger design capable of displaying the large sculptures created by internationally renowned artist James Surls.
The planned building is to feature a variety of linked facades including brick, marble panels, wood and other materials. Also planned is an enclosed garden. One of the smaller interior spaces will be managed by the Carbondale Council on Arts and Humanities, and will feature works by other artists, but the vast majority of the space will house Surls’ collection. The Center will be open to the public 270 days a year.
Reading is Fun-damental
The Carbondale Branch Library, celebrating its 6-month anniversary this month in its new, bigger location in the center of downtown, is one of six branches in the Garfield County Library District. It functions as a full service community library in a beautiful 30,000 square foot environmentally friendly building with lots of natural light, local art and repurposed beetled pine. Thousands of library patrons use all the library’s resources including over 25,000 books and media in in the on-site collection. Plus, dozens of regular and special programs from storytimes and book clubs to “Writers Workshop” and “Get Your Uke On” ukulele jam sessions (some ukuleles available).
Cross-Country Skiing
In and around Carbondale is some truly epic cross-country skiing. Spring Valley is a well-groomed 22 kilometer trail system that is a X-country enthusiasts dream come true, and the Rio Grande Trail, 44 miles along the Roaring Fork River, is a local’s favorite for a quick lunch-time slide or skate.
Snowshoeing
Otherwise known as hiking in winter, snowshoeing is a great way to get out into the wilderness, puff up those lungs with lots of cool, fresh air, and experience Colorado’s backcountry covered ub a peaceful blanket of show. Stop into the local ski shops to learn about conditions and rent some gear.
Support Local, Shop Carbondale
Downtown Carbondale offers a variety of storefronts to keep shoppers busy all day. In the historic center, art galleries sit next to import shops, and mercados to jewelry boutiques. There’s an array of clothing options from skater to hauteur, yoga togs to ceramic cow pitchers, and hand-painted masks and pottery created by local artisans, plus much more — including a treasure trove of consignment stores.
Continuing to draw recognition as a culinary hotspot, Carbondale offers cuisine from ethnic and multicultural to sustainable and award winning. There is a selection good for every palate, and a price point for every wallet. Diners find more traditional American cuisine here, but there is also an eclectic sprinkling of Mexican, Indian, Italian, Asian and Thai fare, and locally grown and organic farm-to-table offerings. A former blacksmith’s hearth now heats the best breakfast in the valley. There are also several steamy coffee and sumptuous sandwich shops, and some of the best hand-tossed pizza found for miles. Aiming to wow every taste and desire, the local restaurateurs in Carbondale offer the upscale and casual, the sophisticated and succulent, and the affordable and out-of-this-world.
The picturesque town of Carbondale is located 170 miles west of Denver, 12 miles from Glenwood Springs, and 30 miles from Aspen in the heart of Colorado’s central Rocky Mountains. There is plenty to do here in the winter months, and the Carbondale area offers a variety of comfortable lodging options, great casual and exquisite fine dining, creative arts and spectacular entertainment, and intriguing historical areas.
Celebrating its 125th anniversary, and recently named one of Colorado’s “Best Active Towns,” Carbondale is Colorado’s Base Camp for recreation, dining, shopping, special events, history, and arts enthusiasts. For more information about Winter Wonderland in Carbondale, visit: www.carbondale.com, call: 970.963.1890 or email: tourism@carbondale.com
