Southwest Highways January 2013 | Page 31

January 2013 30

Travels with Eamon-Silverton, Colorado

If I was lucky enough to catch a good size trout, I'll throw it in the cast-iron skillet on my campfire, and have a lovely fresh fish supper next to the stream where it was caught. If I wasn't able to hook my own supper, I'll drive down to the small grocery store in town, and grab something to throw on the campfire.

There are no supermarkets nearby, but Silverton Grocery has a good selection of produce, meats and other items, and it has a very friendly, small town feel. They even have organic produce and dairy products, which is rare in small mountain towns. If you prefer a warm bed instead

of a tent at night, there are some nice

hotels, such as the Grand Imperial Hotel,

located in a handsome old building down-

town. There are a number of local motels

and quaint mountain B&Bs in the

Silverton area. Check out:

www.silvertoncolorado.com

for lodging information. Shopping in

Silverton probably won't turn up any

real valuable pieces of artwork, but you

can buy your souvenirs and antiques

typically found in mountain west villages.

In the fall, the aspen trees turn a lovely

shade of gold, and a mountain drive in the Silverton area offers gorgeous views at the green mountains accented with gold splotches of aspens, the leaves of which blow through the crisp, cool air, winter on its way. If skiing is your thing, a winter trip to Silverton can be quite pleasing, with several ski areas nearby with plenty of solitude and snow. However, winter's snow and ice can make these mountain roads very dangerous, so please be sure to plan ahead and drive with care! Whichever season you choose to visit in, Silverton will offer a lovely trip, whether driving the Million-Dollar Highway, or riding the Durango-Silverton Railroad. Until next month, Happy Trails, my friend!

-Eamon Decker

Colorful buildings on Greene St

-Sangres.com