48 Hours in Palisade: A Weekender Guide
A Weekend in Palisade, Colorado:
Day 1: Morning Yoga at an Art Gallery
Day 1: Lunch Charcuterie Picnic in the Park
Day 1: Afternoon River Float and Distillery Stop
Day 2: Bike the Fruit and Wine Byway
Day 2: Tour Wineries and Farms
Looking for a truly unique weekend getaway? With 48 hours in Palisade, Colorado, you can experience our special blend of orchards, vineyards, and small-town charm splashed across a western Colorado background. Go from sipping wine to outdoor adventuring without missing a beat, and did we mention the breathtaking views? In Palisade, you’ll find chic B ‘n’ Bs, over 30 wineries, farm-to-table meals, fruit ripe for picking, and a high desert mountain biker paradise.
But with just 48 hours to experience it all, there’s a lot to choose from. Luckily, the locals here know how to balance work and play. We can often be found kayaking the Colorado River or biking the surrounding trails in the morning and then immediately head into town for a bite or to enjoy some live music with a glass of wine in hand. That’s our vibe: come as you are. If that sounds up your alley, read on for our weekender’s guide on spending 48 hours in Palisade.
Day 1:
Morning: Morning Yoga at an Art Gallery
Get your blood flowing with a yoga session at Blue Pig Gallery. Before a long day of wine tasting, water sports, farm tours, and more, stretch it out surrounded by curated, local art. A Pilates Mat class is offered each Wednesday at 9 a.m., Thursday at 5:30 p.m., and Saturday at 9 a.m. Bring your mat, water bottle, and yourself! All levels are welcome.
Lunch: A Charcuterie Picnic in the Park
Picture this: you, eating hand-selected cheeses paired with delicious, cured meats, while enjoying views of the majestic Bookcliffs and listening to the gentle roll of the Colorado River. Interested? We recommend a leisurely afternoon at Riverbend Park with lunch delivered in style by the talented charcuterie artists over at Palisade Picnic Co.
But wait, there’s more. Riverbend Park has an 18-hole disc golf course, picnic shelters and pavilions, a fishing pond, a playground, and a boat launch. It is the perfect place to bring a large group and soak up some sunshine.
Afternoon: Peaceful River Float and Distillery Stop*
Summers in Palisade can get hot, often reaching triple digits in July and August. (Here is a friendly reminder to always bring lots of water.) The Colorado River is a great way to cool off, and its Class I rapids in the Palisade and Grand Junction area make it ideal for paddle boarding, kayaking, rafting, and leisurely floats. Bring your own gear and drop in at Island Acres or rent equipment and book a shuttle through our local outdoor adventure rental companies.
Even better than a float on the river? One where you get to stop for cocktails. Float up to Clark and Co. Distilling. They offer a variety of cocktails and spirits, some infused with locally grown peaches, pears, and apricots! We recommend dipping in the river to cool off, then sipping on a butterfly lemonade (butterfly gin with lavender, lemonade, and fresh lemon) at the shaded patio before continuing your river float adventure.
*Always wear a life jacket, bring water, and be safe on the river. Check river conditions and speeds before your trip.
Day 2:
Bike the Fruit and Wine Byway
One of the best ways to experience our local agriculture and season wares is by bike. Palisade has three unique loops ranging from 5 to 25 miles of the ‘Fruit and Wine Byway’ that pass by most of our orchards and wineries. The low-traffic farm roads are easy to navigate by e-bike or peddle-bike (rentals available in town) and take you to award-winning stops. Views include endless orchards and vineyards boasting fresh produce along a background of the bluebird skies, warm sunshine, and ever-present Mt. Garfield and Bookcliffs. Sample fruits, purchase produce or jams, stop in a tasting room, find your new favorite wine, and meander your way back to town at your own pace.
Maps of the routes, which outline the roads and list the optional stops along the way, can be found at VisitPalisade.com or at the Palisade Chamber of Commerce.
Explore Wine and Farm Tours
Palisade is well-known for its wineries, and no weekend trip is complete without sampling at least a few before you leave town. Either drive to the various tasting rooms yourself or spice it up (and hand off designated driver duties) with a professional tour by limo, pedicab, trolley, bike, or even horse-drawn carriage. Find our multiple modes of getting around Palisade here. Our local tour companies are knowledgeable about the area and can help you customize your tour to hit wineries that meet your preferences.
Pro Tip: Many of our vineyards and orchards are locally owned, and there’s a good chance you will meet the owner when you stop by. They may even be willing to take you on a tour of the vineyards or show you how the wine is made.
We look forward to welcoming you to our Colorado getaway – after all, life tastes good here! Find other things to do, browse accommodations, or find more information on events and restaurants at VisitPalisade.com.