Jenna Gallas’ Colorado Favorites: Three attractions that support local artists and events
Oct. 17, 2024
Note: Direct quotes were edited for typos, to observe AP style guidelines and to fit the listicle structure.
Being the events manager for Visit Manitou Springs and a Manitou-based business co-owner means that Jenna Gallas is familiar with and values experiences that benefit local communities.
In a recent interview, Gallas shared three Colorado attractions that promote participation in local events and encourage communities to connect with local artists.
1. Armadillo Ranch
Gallas noted that she co-owns this bar and grill. It is located in Downtown Manitou Springs and near the finish line for the Emma Crawford Coffin Races, an event Gallas plays a part in organizing. According to the bar’s website, Armadillo Ranch serves lunch and dinner and also has a late-night menu.
“Well, first and foremost, I'll tell you my partner and I run a bar and restaurant in Manitou called Armadillo Ranch. So, I would probably put that at the top of my list… It's right down at the finish line, as a matter of fact, of the Coffin Races, and the Coffin races are the single busiest day of the year.”
Gallas also emphasized that Armadillo Ranch hosts live musical performances six days a week featuring local artists and music groups. A full performance schedule is available on their website’s events calendar.
According to the bar’s website, a $3.50 fee is added to all performance attendees’ tabs to help support the “Armadillo artist community.”
“We do all kinds of fun, weird events too, but yep, locally owned, family-run labor of love business, if you will. I would encourage people to come and support our local artists.”
2. Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Gallas said she recently took a trip to the Royal Gorge in Cañon City, where she got to walk the bridge for the first time and go white-water rafting.
According to the attraction’s website, the park offers rides and has a visitor center. They also host a variety of holiday events, community organization-led educational opportunities and events that showcase local artists.
“In terms of what I just did, which I thought was super cool… I have been at the [Manitou Springs] Visitor Center for seven and a half years and I've never been to the Royal Gorge, and I just went down there and did [the] Echo Canyon Rafting expedition, I think they call it, in the morning. So, we rafted the Royal Gorge Canyon in the morning, and then in the afternoon, went up to the Royal Gorge Bridge. And so, you get to go up on the bridge and see the people rafting below and be like, ‘I was just there;’ super, super cool.”
3. Desert Reef Hot Springs
Located near Florence, Desert Reef Hot Springs offers more than natural pools and overnight accommodations. According to an article in Westword, Desert Reef organizes frequent events, which include concerts that feature local musicians, sound baths, movie screenings and vinyl-listening parties.
“Wonderful place; [I] saw a live music concert there one evening and camped overnight, and what an amazing magical experience. Highly recommend.”
