Omayra Acevedo, Colorado Rocky Mountains. In case you are new to my columns – welcome. Should you consider yourself a loyal reader – thank you! To sum up who I am, I was born on the tiny island of Puerto Rico. Though my family moved to the states when I was the age of five, I spoke only Spanish until I was 11 and one half. I spent most of my childhood in New York, where the view outside the main window was a community park in the center of two apartment buildings, known as the projects. If you looked to the left, you could see the Twin Towers. Now known as ground zero. Between being an introvert, loving nature, and growing up in a city, I think it is what has wired me to be the person I am today. 

There is no denying that my top two favorite things to do are to spend time in nature and writing. I’m not perfect at either one. However, I do know beauty when I see it, and inspiration when I find it. For me, it is the small things in life that not only make things worthy, but make life exceptional.

During my first trip of 2021, I found myself in a friendly town known for its quintessential mountain-town vibe. It is located between the Collegiate Peaks and the Arkansas River in south-central Colorado. Only eight minutes from Cottonwood Hot Springs, and 13 minutes from Mount Princeton Hot Springs, I would say that this a town worthy of considering for your next day or weekend getaway. Plenty of shopping, dining and relaxing. Rather spend your time boosting your adrenaline? Perfect!

There are other options besides soaking in natural and/or rustic hot springs, and massages. Like, hiking, four wheeling, biking, snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and skiing not too far away. Yes, the town also offers ample lodging. From hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, cabins, campgrounds, and RV parks. 

My stay here wasn’t extensive, but it was long enough to capture some photos and spark my interest. Whether you are in search of relaxation, an adrenaline rush, or something in between, I think we can agree that there is always a place in Colorado that offers exactly what you’re looking for.

Colorado has helped me create who I am, and has made me realize the things that I deem worthy of living for. It is experiences and towns like these that reaffirm that I have made the right choice in moving to our colorful state. 

Welcome to Buena Vista; translated to Spanish: Good View. 

(Originally published in the January 28, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)