Omayra Acevedo, Peak to Peak. Life seems to always throw you a curveball. For me, it seems as if every time it happens, it forces me to be a bit more vulnerable than I’d like to be. This alone makes me want to take cover under my sheets and hide, but I don’t. Giving up is not an option. Instead, I put on my big girl pants and face the ball coming right at me with full determination. Once the hit is over, I take a very much needed break and remember that there are so many things in life to still enjoy. Like a small get-a-way to rejuvenate and recompose. 

Two hours south of Denver and 11 miles west of Colorado Springs is the very charming, picturesque and quaint little town of Green Mountain Falls, Colorado. This scenic community was one of three towns set up as a vacation spot. Yes, it is small, but after being there myself, I see the attraction to it. The town is surrounded on three sides by Pike National Forest and is full of history. 

Long before the town was established, the Ute Pass trail ran by the site of what today is Green Mountain Falls. It was first used by the Ute tribes, then by the Spanish explorers and eventually by the white settlers moving west. That’s just the beginning of how this eccentric town came to be. For over 60 years, The Pantry, a local restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner, is open seven days a week and has a full bar. 

As I entered The Pantry, I couldn’t help but feel all fuzzy and warm on the inside. It was quiet, but full of that Rocky Mountain Charm that I love so much! The staff was friendly, welcoming and I felt like I was home. The food was good too – I had breakfast. But, if you’re there for dinner and don’t want to drive the two hours back home, you can stay at the local Outlook Lodge. It is a Victorian style structure and a great overnight stay for couples of all ages. 

While you’re in town, don’t forget to take in some local color and visit Crystal Falls and the local artisans’ crafts at the Stones, Bones and Wood trading post. Besides everything, I love that you would never know you were only minutes away from a large city. 

(Originally published in the October 24, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)