Top Farmers' Markets on Your Way... or to Stay?

DENVER, CO--(Marketwired - May 22, 2014) - Perhaps one of the most alluring things about Farmers' Markets is that they provide a glimpse into traditional farm life. The bounty displayed in bright colors and unique fashions is part of a larger tale -- the conclusion of which is the market. What if knowing the whole story, and being part of it, allowed you to follow your food back to the land and turn the markets into an excursion? Boasting more than 36,000 farms and ranches encompassing 31 million acres, you're sure to find bounty and entertainment in every corner of Colorado.

• Ancient history, culture and creativity at the Cortez Farmers' Market:

To see: Cortez Farmers' Market -- small town market that's bigger than its britches.
To do: Sample unique and varied produce like okra and Asian greens from Stone Free Farms.
To stay: Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch and U-Pick gardens for an overnight stay in an ancient and exquisite setting.

• Multi-stop markets on historic Highway 50:

To see: Historic and beautiful farm country that absorbs Southeastern Colorado along Historic HWY 50 -- one of the last transcontinental highways. La Junta, a prime stop and economic center, was the junction of the Old Navajo and Santa Fe Trails.
To do: Visit the array of farm stands that dot the highway showing off Colorado's finest.
To stay: Rest your head at Three Dog Night guesthouse in Sugar City.

• Shop the extensive markets of the highest alpine valley in the world and visit an exquisite National Park:

To see: At an average elevation of 7,700 feet, the farming, produce and outdoor activities of the San Luis Valley and the Alamosa Farmers' Market are unique to the region.
To do: Drive the Great Sand Dunes Scenic Byway.
To stay: Cozy up in an elegantly rustic cabin at Double Spur Lodgehttp://www.doublespurlodge.com/

• The many markets of Delta County and stays on the farms that feed them:

To see: The 2012 Agriculture Census reported that Delta County has one of the highest concentrations of organic farms in Colorado.
To do: Cedaredge offers a Farmers' Market every Saturday in Town Park with live music or pop up to Paonia where roadside markets and tasting rooms serve local grown freshness. Try Delicious Orchards or Orchard Valley Farms.
To stay: Follow fresh fruit back to the vineyards of Stone Cottage Cellars and stay in a winemaker-built stone cottage. Or spend the night at the Living Farm Inn and Cafe -- enjoy dishes prepared from all things grown on their farm then calm yourself at "Love a Lamb" night.

• Peaches, produce and purple perfection in Palisade:

To see: The plentiful Palisade Farmers Market or markets like High Country Orchards. Discover adorable fibers at SunCrest Orchard Alpacas.
To do: Head into the countryside on a wine or farm tour on Rapid Creek Cycles -- fully outfitted cruiser or electric bikes.
To stay: Extend your wine-cation by nestling in on a 20-acre vineyard retreat at The Wine Country Inn.

ABOUT COLORADO
Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreation, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and renowned ski resorts. Breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, headwaters of seven major rivers, peaceful lakes, 11 national parks/monuments, and 58 mountains that top 14,000 feet.

www.COLORADO.com. Colorado Media Room.