I wonder just how many people, while touring the Rocky Mountain Elk Range, manage to completely miss out on the rather dazzling array of quality attractions that lay but a stone’s throw from Highway 133?
⇐⇐⇐ sharp left at the brightly colored and original sign.
With the equally historic and unique town of Marble just up the road, with its myriad of outdoor activities and delicious food of its own, I can identify with the urge to simply press on and get on with the magnificent day ahead. But in my opinion, that would be a mistake. Ten, fifteen minutes, half-an-hour or more, you won’t miss it in the scheme of things, but Redstone will repay your attention with fond memories for years to come. It is just that sort of place.
First indication that something is different about Redstone comes by way of a series of early 20th century abandoned, and now in the process of being restored, industrial coke ovens.
It may be a short trip across that little bridge, but my, what a delightful surprise exists just yards or so on the other side. It really is another world, and by far one of the nicest little alpine towns anywhere, in my experience.
Not only are the various businesses genuinely interesting and original, each of the historic building in which they are housed are lovingly maintained and cared for, as evidenced by their uniform neat and tidy appearance.
Inside, these bustling businesses certainly don’t disappoint. Each brings a vision and passion unique to their owners, and each one bristles with life.
There is even a tiny museum right alongside a beautiful little park – perfect ice cream scarfing venue – a foot bridge from which connects to the coke ovens.
With the wealth of accommodation offered by this remarkable village, as featured in my previous post, Castle to Cabin, Accommodations in Redstone Colorado, many a Detourist may at this point opt to overnight a day or two here, and thus enjoy perhaps a tour of the castle, a long thrilling hike in the mountains, a spot of fishing, a dip in the pool, and a romantic meal or two at the historic inn.
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REDSTONE ART GALLERY
173 Redstone Blvd. 970-963-3790 redstoneart.com
“The Redstone Art Gallery has curated one of the finest collections of artists in many media. We represent a wide range of Colorado and other artists who exhibit passion for design and quality.
Michael and Stephanie Askew purchased the Redstone Art Center in 2012. As artists and collectors, both wanted to continue working with fine artists in a unique location, and create an environment conducive to workshops, field trips, and special events celebrating art and music.”
“Stephanie is the Creative Director of the gallery, and is a fine painter in both watercolor and oils, as well as an accomplished photographer. Her eye for quality and design in other works of art will add to the already outstanding collection of artists’ work in the Redstone Art Center. She will be leading workshops, events, and the ongoing selection of original art to continue the legacy of the center over the years.
Michael is both a photographer and wood worker, specializing in large format black and white photography, and various fine woodworking projects, including segmented turning, furniture, and pens. His award winning black and white photographs from numerous shows and exhibits are in private and corporate collections from Australia, the US, and Europe. The American Airlines Admirals’ Club purchased 11 of Michael’s photographs, which are on display in the San Diego Airport.”
“Come visit with Michael and Stephanie in the gallery as they carry on the tradition of collecting fine art of all media, and continue to support numerous workshops, demonstrations, field trips, and other events in support of the community of Redstone and the surrounding area artists.
Michael and Stephanie Askew invite you into their gallery and sculpture garden exhibiting sculpture, fine photography, local art, elegant jewelry, and hand crafted ceramics with artist demonstrations and workshops. Open daily during the summer.”
REDSTONE ART GALLERY
173 Redstone Blvd. 970-963-3790 redstoneart.com
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Tiffany of Redstone
Antiques, Home & Garden, Used, Vintage & Consignment. Established in 1998
“Offering rustic furniture, architectural artifacts, vintage clothing, authentic industrial & steampunk items and good old rusty metal. We also have a vast offering of unique relics and salvaged material just waiting for your spark of repurposing creativity. An unexpected experience!
Repurposing is all about connecting with your home surroundings. Mass produced furnishings have no soul, substance or story. On the other end of the spectrum the antiques and art world has a reputation for being lofty and pretentious, an image that has run aground with today’s consumers.”
“As more people yearn to do new, unexpected and creative things with vintage items – choosing possessions that have a backstory and making them their own, P2R – picking2repurpose was born. “People love a story,” says Craig Stifter ~ P2R Founder. “They like to know the story of an item, it’s soul, it’s substance.
“What the heck is Craig Stifter up to at P2R – picking2repurpose?” That seems to be the question circulating the Crystal Valley in Colorado lately. To get a better handle on this conundrum we’ll need to set the Wayback Machine to the 1970’s…”
“So how did it all start? Where did Craig’s passion for picking old stuff come from? “I ‘blame’ it all on my parents!” Stifter says. Growing up in the Southwest suburbs of Chicago in the 1970’s like most little boys Craig was playing pond hockey, motor biking and building forts. But he was also tagging along with his dad, Bob Stifter, on picks ranging from the infamous Maxwell Street Market to the enormous M&R Double Drive-In Flea Market and in between all the usual junk jaunts – estate sales, garage sales, alley dumpster diving and doing what his dad referred to as “checking the traps” aka hitting his favorite junk stops. “Criss-crossing Chicago in my Dad’s old pick up truck full of junk, people would comically yell out ‘Hey Sanford and Son!”
Tiffany of Redstone
Antiques, Home & Garden, Used, Vintage & Consignment. Established in 1998
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MOUNTAIN MERCANTILE
117 Redstone Blvd. 970-963-7359
“Featuring locally sourced art, gifts, mountain lodge décor, clothing, as well as gear and guides for fly fishing. It’s an inventory that celebrates the mountains and the creatures that live in them.
“Open daily during summer, with seasonal hours during the off-season, across from the Redstone Inn.”
MOUNTAIN MERCANTILE
117 Redstone Blvd. 970-963-7359
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WILD HORSE ENTERPRISES
306 Redstone Blvd. 970-963-8100
“Home of Rocky Mountain Teddy Bears and the amazing Rhythm Motion Clocks. Showcasing a large variety of Colorado style gifts and locally made fresh chocolates. Open daily in the summer from 10am, located across from Redstone Park.”
WILD HORSE ENTERPRISES
306 Redstone Blvd. 970-963-8100
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REDSTONE GENERAL STORE
292 Redstone Blvd. 970-963-3126 redstonegeneralstore
“Step back in time when you enter this old-fashioned general store. Enjoy hot coffee, tea, lattes, cold drinks or treat yourself to our eclectic array of candies, snacks and fresh baked goodies.”
“One stop shopping for liquor, tobacco, and supplies. Redstone logo clothing, books and gifts.”
“Locals call it simply the G Store. You can’t leave town until you’ve visited the G Store — for snacks, ice cream, pizza and hot dogs. Owners Mike and Lisa Schlueter have added a fun outdoor western theme dining area, very kid friendly. Open all year round, 9am-6pm, and conveniently located across from Redstone Park.”
REDSTONE GENERAL STORE
292 Redstone Blvd. 970-963-3126 redstonegeneralstore
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REDSTONE INN
Grill/Bar – Dining Room – Patio
82 Redstone Blvd. | 970-963-2526 | redstoneinn.com
“Redstone Inn has set the benchmark for dining well in the valley for over 100 years. Open 365 days a year and serving continuously from 11am winter | 7:30am summer. Enjoy all three venues — the cowboy grill, poolside patio and REDS, the historic dining room. Indoor & tented banquet, wedding & meeting facilities available.”
entrees
“Homemade Meatloaf 16.95 gravy, mashed potatoes, chef’s veggies Grilled Aspen Ridge Natural Flat Iron Steak 27.95 8oz., crispy onions, yukon chive mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, house steak sauce Quinoa & Vegetable Fried Rice 13.75 / add chicken 4.95 / flat iron steak 8.95 / salmon 7.95 wild mushrooms, vegetables, egg, sweet chili sauce this item is gluten free Toasted Pumpkinseed Pesto Grilled Norwegian Salmon 22.45 forest mushroom & spinach red quinoa, berry balsamic reduction this item is gluten free Herb Roasted Redbird 1/2 Chicken 22.5 yukon gold chive mashed potatoes, seasonal veggies, chicken au jus this item is gluten free Grilled Aspen Ridge Natural Ribeye 34.5 12oz., seasonal vegetables, gorgonzola herb butter, cheddar au gratin potatoes.”
grill salads
“Southwestern Cobb 14.5 romaine, blackened chicken, applewood bacon, fire roasted black bean & corn salad, avocado, cheddar jack cheese, pico de gallo, crispy tortillas, chipotle ranch dressing Add To Any Salad chicken 4.95 / salmon 7.95 / flat iron steak 8.95 House Caesar 7.95 crisp romaine, shaved parmesan, house caesar dressing, grilled crostini Valley House Salad 7.5 local greens, carrots, onion, cucumbers, tomatoes, grilled crostini, roasted garlic & herb vinaigrette The Sonoma 8.5 strawberries, jicama, almonds, gorgonzola, local greens, poppy seed vinaigrette this item is gluten free Centennial Salad 8.5 spinach, walnuts, apples, goat cheese, sticky chardonnay vinaigrette this item is gluten free.”
grill breakfast
“Creme Brulee French Toast 9.5 maple syrup and fresh berries Cinnamon Roll 3.95 Continental Breakfast 6.75 choice of toast, yogurt, fresh fruit Bagel And Cream Cheese 3.95 Redstone Old Fashioned Oatmeal 6.75 oats, dried cherries, almonds, add yogurt & strawberries for 2 Pancakes 9.5 three pancakes or two pancakes, maple syrup and one egg Two Egg Breakfast 9.5 cooked to order, choice of ham, bacon or sausage, toast, redstone potatoes Cowboy Biscuits And Gravy 8.5 two buttermilk biscuits, sausage-sage cream gravy or half order biscuits and gravy with egg Veggie Omelette 10.05 fresh vegetables, ranchero sauce, mozzarella, side of potatoes and choice of bread Redstone Omelette 10.75 diced ham, mozzarella cheese, green peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach, side of potatoes and choice of bread Huevos Rancheros 10.85 two fried eggs, corn tortillas, ranchero sauce, pepperjack cheese, avocado, black beans this item is gluten free.”
REDSTONE INN
Grill/Bar – Dining Room – Patio
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Recreation in Redstone Colorado, Retail Center of the Aspen Marble Detour
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thanks for visiting martincooney.com
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