Welcome back, Mavericks. Whether you’re a freshman starting your first semester of college or a senior starting your last first days; your college years are what you make them. These are the rights of passage that you have to see and do to really get the feel of Grand Junction.
The Farmer’s Market:
Every Thursday afternoon on Main Street local artists, musicians and farmers all come together to sell locally crafted and grown goods. Even though it’s a relaxed atmosphere it’s a great way to meet people and see more of what GJ has to offer.
Palisade:
Peaches and wineries. Palisade peaches are locally grown but popular far beyond state borders. Spend a weekend exploring the quaint orchards and local wineries. Palisade is beautiful and a hot spot for weddings and photography.
The Colorado Monument:
Hike Mica Mines or Devil’s Kitchen if you’re new to the area!
These easy hikes will get you out in a National Monument and allow you to appreciate some of Colorado’s beautiful hiking trails and wildlife.
The Grand Mesa:
Grand Junction rests in between a desert (the Colorado National Monument) and a forest (The Grand Mesa). People travel far and wide to visit the largest mesa in the world. Even though the Grand Mesa has activities year round- fishing in the summer, cross country skiing in the winter, fall is the best season to appreciate fall colors.
Local Breweries:
Kannah Creek Brewing Company/Edgewater Brewery, Rockslide, Palisade Brewery and Sudd Bros are just some of the local breweries in the Grand Valley. Grand Junction specializes in microbrews.
Enstrom’s Toffee: Feel like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and visit Enstrom’s Toffee- Grand Junction’s own toffee factory.
Graff Dairy:
While it closed Aug. 2014, it is back by popular demand. Graff Dairy has been making ice cream since 1964. Visit them out on 29 Road!
Powderhorn:
Even though you’re living in the valley doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy ski season. Powderhorn offers discounted student season passes through Sept. 30. CMU also offers Mavs take over the Mountain days.