Spring is just around the corner! No Really. The real estate business is always thinking ahead out of necessity. Real estate brokers need to consider the same things market analysists think about and vice-versa. Buying and selling real estate is an important part of the world-wide economy and local economies. Especially an economy that has taken a serious hit such as this one. All the explanation is in preparation for encouraging anyone 'just thinking' about buying a home or selling any kind of property. Now would be a great time to get started. There are a lot of preparations involved in listing and selling a home and in order to get to "sold" it's time to get going! The "early bird really does get the worm" so get started now!

Susan Downing

Broker/Associate

susan@weshillrealestate.com

719-688-2097

Salida's Rocky Mountain Lifestyle

The thing about living in a small town in the Rocky Mountains is that most of your entertainment happens outdoors. There just aren't a lot of concert halls or museums, although we do have the Storyville movie theater - which has been getting Salida's denizens Oscar ready all year. What I'm really getting at though, is that recreation tends to be dictated by the weather, and this last week proves it.

Today I woke up to 11 inches at Monarch Mountain, where it was -6 degrees with the wind boasting 40 mph gusts up top, and the mountain was full of mostly locals that had come to ride the 2 foot of new snow that had fallen in the past 48 hours. Sure the bar had a steady rotation of cold fingers and toes warming themselves up on hot toddies and nachos, but out on the mountain you couldn't miss the wails of delight as skiers and snow boarders alike rolled through thigh deep snow welcomng the face shots hidden in the trees.

By way of comparison, last weekend brought temperatures so warm that heading up to the ski hill wasn't even a consideration. We took the jeep back into Brown's Canyon Wilderness and bucked up the trail just as far as we could and then, in jeans and t-shirts, ran the dogs above the Arkansas River. In fact it was so warm Saturday, we were ready to put the boat in the water on Sunday and have ourselves a little float through Salida town, and we weren't the only ones. Monday's paper revealed some other anglers had done just that and taken advantage of a warm Saturday afternoon on the river pulling mostly rainbows and a couple of brown trout from the January waters, and pumping their stomachs to see just what they eat all year long. The answer, surprising in volume for January, was midges and one Olive Caddis.

I lived in San Francisco, California for 7 years before I moved to Salida, where I am now enjoying my 4th winter and the lifestyle is really starting to sink its teeth into me. I love spending my days off seeing how many runs a girlfriend and I can rack up on the mountain, or grilling those bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers for the Super Bowl half time snack while standing out in the lightly falling snow. I like that people here don't complain about the weather, rather they celebrate it, strive to be closer to it, find a way to harness, embrace or enjoy it. I like that folks around here pay attention to the outside world and the weather around them - it's part of what helps shape the Rocky Mountain lifestyle.


In the real estate industry we do see a lot of potential buyers that are wooed by the natural beauty that cradles this valley and the abundant outdoor entertainment that comes along with it. Undoubtedly, property on the Arkansas River (or one of her major tributaries) is the most coveted and south after in the area, and this season we are seeing some pretty remarkable pieces going up for sale. So, if you're in the market for a Rocky Mountain lifestyle, get in touch and we'll help you with a place to live, but he lifestyle is up to you!

K. Hale Chamblee
Broker/Associate
Direct: 719.221.4637
email: Hale@WesHillRealEstate.com

Salida Eats

Its interesting to talk to folks in from out of town and have them say, "Whenever I come to Salida I ALWAYS eat at _________," because this next visit some of those folks are in for a very pleasant surprise. For a little Rocky Mountain town nextled in a doughnut hole of fifteen 14,000 ft. peaks, Salida sure has some good eats these days.

The classics are still here, like: Amicas Pizza & Microbrewery, offering handmade wood fired pizzas, specialty sandwiches, fresh salads and of course, Salida's only locally made beer, or Laughing Ladies Restaurant, a Historic Downtown institution serving up Modern American Cuisine for lunch, dinner and what might be this girl's favorite Sunday brunch in town.

In recent years Salida has been adding to the list of local eateries and situated right on the Arkansas River, the Boathouse Cantina, is a spot not to be missed. Featuring an array of delicious salsas and what might be the most diverse beer tap in town, you can't beat the Boathouse for good food and a great view. Enjoy the Cantina in the summertime when kayakers abound in nearby play holes and the windows roll up to let in the roar of the Arkansas whitewater.

New to the Salida Eats scene just this year are The Fritz, 216 Ferraro's, Wallbangers Sports Bar & Grill, and just this week, Currents:

American Bistro? Global Cafe? The Fritz serves up delicious sandwiches by day, small plates by night and they just might have the best burger in town - which they serve up to locals for a reduced price every Monday. Last night I had the pineapple jam, greens and terryaki steak BURGER! Whoa! Don't miss the bacon macaroni and cheese!

Across from Riverside Park on "F" Street is 216 Ferraro's Italian Restaurant featuring killer house made pastas and deserts, Italian wines and daily specials.

Head out to the highway to get your sports bar fix at Wallbangers, open just over a month now Wallbangers is becoming a popular spot with locals and tourists alike. Wonder what they'll have on special this Super Bowl Sunday?!

Featuring their full menu for the first time this week: Currents, a downtown steak and seafood bar serving mussels, fresh oysters, crab cakes and a menu designed to please everyone in the family. Check out their 2 for 1 Happy Hour from 3-5 pm daily.

No trip to Historic Downtown Salida would be complete without stopping in at the Victoria Tavern, built in 1902 it's been a bar ever since and has the history to prove it. With the original back bar, gun rack and pressed tin ceilings, the Victoria is a favorite on the Historic Preservationists list, but for someone looking for a little local color you can't beat The Vic for a good drink, the inside scoop around town and handful of stories about the wild, wild west - it's also the best spot to see live music in town! Plus, Monarch Season Pass and same day ticket holders get in FREE to all winter long. (See what I mean about an insider's tip?!)

Just a short way down the road to the junction of U.S. Highway 285 & Highway 50 is Grimo's Italian Restaurant. Intimate and full of old school charm, this is where Frank Grimo has been serving up the classics at reasonable prices for years now. From the King cut prime rib, to the meatballs, to the hugely reasonable wine list, the homemade soups, and a Limoncello martini that will knock your socks off, this is a must for locals and tourists alike. The service is excellent and Grimo's gets my vote for best date night spot around!

After a day on the river, mountain, or trail be sure to pop into one of these Salida area restaurants for a good meal and some local hospitality.

K. Hale Chamblee

Broker/Associate

Direct: 719-221-4637

email: Hale@WesHillRealEstate.com