The Grand Valley was recently named the 10th best Wine Region in the United States in USA Today's 10Best Poll. We are so excited to see the recognition our backyard is receiving recently, and we wanted to chime in about some of the things we love. Here are the10 reasons we love the Grand Valley!
#1 - THE WINE
With the 10th best wine region in the country, we'd be remiss if we didn't put wine on our list. From crisp and bright whites, to big, bold reds, you're never far from a quality wine experience. We truly have an embarrassment of wine riches here in the Grand Valley.
#2 - THE COMMUNITY
With a population of approximately 160,000 in Mesa County, chances are you'll run into someone you know while out and about. This small-town feel is what we love so much about the Grand Valley. That sense of partnership, the community bond, and everyone working together towards a collective goal is precious, and our community is all the more better for it.
#3 - THE CLIMATE
The Visit Grand Junction website states that we receive over 300 days of sunshine annually. That's tough to argue with! And even in the winter, cold is typically the main element to deal with, and it isn't really that cold (says Sarah, the Midwesterner). Any snow that we do get is typically light in the valley, and usually gone within 24 - 48 hours. However, the Grand Mesa at the eastern boundary of the Grand Valley, and Powderhorn Mountain Resort, gets dumped on, making an ideal getaway for winter sports!
#4 - THE OUTDOORS
Speaking of climate, with all that sunshine the Grand Valley is an outdoor paradise. Hiking. Bicycling. Kayaking. Fishing. Snowshoeing. These are just a few of the outdoor activities we really enjoy, and within an hour's drive we can be doing any of them in and around the Grand Valley. The access to outdoor recreation, in our eyes, is unparalleled here and one of the main reasons we love the Grand Valley.
#5 - THE BEER
And what goes great after a nice outdoor session of hiking or biking? A cold beer, of course. With 11 breweries spread across Fruita, Grand Junction, and Palisade, you're never far from a tasty craft beer! Fun fact - the 11 breweries here in Mesa County give us more breweries per 100,000 people than the Denver Metro area. Mesa County has approximately 7 breweries per 100,000 people, while Denver Metro has approximately 5.
#6 - GRAND JUNCTION'S MAIN STREET
Also appearing on USA Today's 10Best list, Main Street in Grand Junction offers the perfect mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options. The Art on the Corner project ensures there's always something interesting to look at while strolling along the heart of our city.
#7 - COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT
While we mentioned the outdoors earlier, the Colorado National Monument is well-deserving of its very own category. Our "mini Grand Canyon" is a breathtaking natural treasure that we are extremely fortunate to have in our backyard. There's something for everyone, whether you're into driving and stopping at the numerous pullouts, or hiking any of the spectacular trails.
#8 - THE GRAND MESA
Equally deserving of its own spot on our list is our beloved Grand Mesa. Just an hour's drive away, the largest flat-top mountain in the world is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. With more than 500 square miles of land, and over 300 lakes, there's plenty of room to spread out and find your perfect spot.
#9 - COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY
As one of the pillars of our community, Colorado Mesa University brings so much to Grand Junction and the Grand Valley. A steady stream of talent graduating into the community, top-notch athletic programs, and a commitment to the arts (including the new Asteria Theater) are just a few of the reasons we enjoy being so close to the University.
#10 - DID WE MENTION THE WINE?
With more than 35 wineries in the Grand Valley, you're never far from a truly memorable tasting experience, where you're more than likely to have your glass poured by owners, operators, and winemakers (who are most likely the same person!). If you would like to experience them for yourself on a first-class, guided tour, book your next Winery Tour with us today!
Cheers all!
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