Stories From The Water

We all know big city shopping for the holidays can be stressful. Never knowing exactly what to get friends and family can be traffic, crowds,  time-consuming and all fuss and no fun. Well, this year we’ve got you covered! Get away from the big city and spend a weekend in Salida or Buena Vista and  your list will shrink, problem solved!  Come relax in the hot springs after a day of being outdoors skiing, snow shoeing, hiking, biking, yes in winter as well. The valley’s night life includes live music, a variety of dining choices and micro breweries.  Ready to shop?  Salida and Buena Vista are only 20 miles apart and offer a valley of one-stop shopping destinations not to mention those grand mountain views that will put a smile on your face. So get away and Play &  Shop this Holiday Season.

Oveja Negra: Take your biking and hiking to the next level with an Oveja Negra Bag. Not only do these bags come in fun styles and colors, but they are also handmade in downtown Salida. These bags aren’t just a fashion statement though, they are tough as nails and designed to take your adventures further.

Check Them Out: https://www.ovejanegrabikepacking.com/

Badfish Paddle Boards: Stand up paddle boards, river-lake-ocean, are not only fun they are extremely versatile and friendly for all ages. Badfish carries a wide variety of boards from small surfboards, to yoga and expeditions boards.  Made here in the Arkansas Valley. 

Check Them Out: https://badfishsup.com/

DVK Lessons: They say “You give a poor man a fish and you feed him for a day. You teach him to fish and you give him a job that will feed him for a lifetime” So why not give the gift of learning this year!  Let us teach your loved ones how to raft, fish, kayak, or sup and give them something they will be able to enjoy the rest of their lives. Make it a family experience and a gift certificate for this summer 2019.  Premier rates for bookings made by Dec. 15th. 

Check Them Out: https://www.dvorakexpeditions.com/paddle-school/

Drift and Amble Clothing: There are plenty of amazing clothing stores in downtown Salida, but one stands out because of their locally made goods. Stop into Drift and Amble and check out there hand printed and designed goods! They have everything from infants to adults with fun outdoors and Salida inspired designs.

Check Them Out: https://driftandamble.com/

Dry Bags: Riverboat Works in Salida is the local boaters go to for new rafts and water-crafts. But we can’t forget to mention their custom designed boat frames and a wide range of river equipment as well! Stop in and get your family or friends a new dry bag to keep your adventures dry all winter and summer.

Check Them Out: https://riverboatworks.com/

Handmade Pottery: Salida and Buena Vista are home to many unique potters each with there own style. Stroll through downtown ‘main streets’ and you are sure to find something for that special someone.

Elevation Beer: Some people are hard to shop for, they either have everything or just don’t really know what they want. We have a perfect solution for those folks…. Beer! Our local brewery has some of our favorite beers and does not disappoint. Stop in to sample their tasting room exclusives while you’re picking up some bottles for that impossible to shop for a friend. Be sure to check out the special brews for the holidays.  ‘Best IPA’ anywhere! 

Check Them Out: https://elevationbeerco.com/

Bikes Bikes & more Bikes: We all know that a ‘new’ bike day is the best kind of day. So why not make this Holiday season the best day ever with a brand new mountain bike so that your loved ones can explore some of Colorado’s best mountain bike trails. Absolute Bikes, since 1999, carries a wide variety of new and used demo bikes and yes you can try them out this holiday season 7 days a week. Trails everywhere right out the door to take that demo ride.  

Check Them Out: https://www.absolutebikes.com/

Thrift Store Finds: Check out Salida and Buena Vista’s many vintage shops and thrift stores.  You can shop for that one of a kind gently used gift and enjoy one of the many coffee shops as well. Get a pair of authentic cowboy boots or a vintage Patagonia jacket. There is surely an antique jewelry piece or some unique gift waiting for you to check off your list.   Wonder to the downtown areas where there are over 50 art galleries and many one of a kind shops to keep you shopping for a few days.  The towns are all decked out for the holidays for you to enjoy an easy shopping experience.

Dvk Gift Certificate: There is proof that collecting experiences is far superior to collecting things. So maybe this Holiday try something new and get your loved ones a DVK adventure gift certificate, (Gift cards available), so they can explore the best that nature has to offer. Rafting, fishing, hiking, and biking will be the experience they will not ever forget.  DVK has 8 whitewater rivers in the Colorado, Utah and Wyoming.  These adventures are available May thru September.   This is a gift that will keep on giving in memories forever!   

Check Them Out: Dvorakexpeditions.com