Winter magic.
Tour a castle in Redstone, ColoradoIn the early 20th century, a progressive mine owner named John Cleveland Osgood developed a company town called Redstone, west of Colorado's Elk Mountains and south of Glenwood Springs. He built spacious, affordable housing for miners' families a lodge for bachelors, and a grand Tudor-style mansion for himself
Mining is no more, but the mansion still stands and is open for tours. And Redstone is now a tranquil art colony beside the Crystal River. It offers a relaxing escape from the urban holiday hustle--you can shop for antiques, take a sleigh ride through peaceful pines, or work up a sweat on cross-country skis.
Start off by visiting Redstone Castle--Osgood's dream home. On weekend tours you'll see some of its 42 magnificent rooms. You'll learn that, a century ago, the castle was considered very modern, with running water and electricity from its own cogeneration plant. You can overnight at the castle during events like the Murder Mystery Evenings ($500 per couple), held monthly.
As days grow cooler and holiday lights go up, shops, art galleries, and homes come alive. Check out Fiala Handweaving (450 Redstone Blvd.), for vintage lace, linens, and antique china. Tiffany's of Redstone (255 Redstone) specializes in Tiffany-style glass lamps, antiques, leaded windows, and collectibles. (Note: Some shops are only open on weekends.)
The Friday after Thanksgiving, holiday celebrations in Redstone kick off with the Grand Illumination: a tree lighting, carolers, and luminarias lining the main street. A bonfire flares beside the handsome, Tudor-style Redstone Inn, the town's big hotel and restaurant.
The Redstone Inn makes a good base camp for the weekend; you can relax at the spa or have a sumptuous dinner. The inn has cross-country skiing equipment for rent and guides for tours into the surrounding national forest.
When the snow starts falling, there's even more to do here in the Crystal River Valley. Besides cross-country skiing, you can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride around town or explore the nearby backcountry on snowshoes.
Nearby Ute Meadows Nordic Center has 15 kilometers of groomed ski trails, and lessons and rentals are available (a new day lodge and more trails are under construction at press time). The center is 8 miles south of town via State 133. Take the Marble turnoff to County Road 3.
Travel planner
WHERE: Redstone is about 17 miles south of Carbondale and some 29 miles south of Glenwood Springs via State 82 and 133.
CONTACT: Chair Mountain Stables: sleigh rides from $15; (970) 963-1232. Redstone Castle: tours $10; (970) 704-1430 or www. redstonecastle.com. Redstone General Store: (970) 963-3126. Redstone Inn: from $99; (800) 748-2524. Ute Meadows Nordio Center: $8; (970) 963-5513.
 Printer friendly
 Cite/link
 Email
 Feedback
| |
| Title Annotation: | castles |
|---|---|
| Author: | Walter, Claire |
| Publication: | Sunset |
| Article Type: | Brief Article |
| Geographic Code: | 1U8CO |
| Date: | Nov 1, 2001 |
| Words: | 446 |
| Previous Article: | Heroic artifacts in Golden, Colorado. |
| Next Article: | Ready for the Olympics. |
| Topics: | |