Where to go on a Weekend in GJ?

[McGowdog]

I only know GJ as a town I travel through to get to Vegas or SoCal. So I don't know the town too well.

But with regards to the OPs thread title Where to go on a weekend in GJ, I tell you what I'd do. I'd go through Montrose and head up to the Blue Mesa and go fishing for Kokanee Salmon, or I'd go to Glenwood Springs, or I'd go to Aspen, or I'd dig out my Diamondback and head to Moab.

But that's just me.

[5stones]

well since the OP is going to be GJ for a weekend, they are (I think) requesting info on what to do and see IN GJ...not moab, 30minutes away, montrose 45 minutes away, Glenwwod springs 1 hour away etc...

They are trying to get the feel of the town.

SO first off...it's in a GREAT location. Very easy to get into the mtns for summer hiking camping etc..and winter for skiing and snow mobiling. (powderhorn is a nice SMALL beginer ski mtn...about 45 minutes away)
As you can see many great weekend places under 2hours away.

I love GJ, my parents have lived there for over 10years. (redlands...having the monument as a view from your backyard...wonderful)
You get 4 good seasons...yes summer is HOT, but it's dry and actuall in the shade that 105 isn't half bad. But it will cool down nicely at night. Winters are usually pretty mild by CO standards, but you will get snow etc... I guess this winter was a bad one!

Yes, the Gas drilling is causing some problems...(we have that hear in North texas as well) but in a counrty where the ecomomy is bad..GJ is doing very good. But, They sure are tearing up the roads etc...


SO.... for things to do on weekend.

Definately go Downtown.
if you are there go for the Thurs night Farmers market, it's fun.

Resturants... no GJ doesn't have fantasic resturants (5* etc..) but it does have it's share of good ones) here's few of my favorites:
The Bagle place downtown is great (love those cinnamon ones) Main Street Bagles
Dolce Vita is a nice resturant and has good food.
The Rockslide Brewery has good food and great beer.
The prime cut has good steaks.
WW Peppers pretty good mexican...great margaritas.
Main Street cafe...good breakfast

Definately take the drive up to view the Colorado National monument...if you have a convertable it's great fun. Stop at the scenic overlooks to get a real feel of it. Teh nyou will know why the REDLANDS was so aptly named...it's beautiful.
Great hiking all through there...but yes in summer go in the early morning or evening...the heat of day will kill ya. But the drive alone is very nice.

There is ALOT of hiking and mountian biking etc... avail.

you can do a raft float down the river...nice at sunset.
For white water rafting you have to go to Glenwood...alot of fun.

The wineries (and the meadery!!) are fun to visit and taste..
(most are in Palasides area)
Two Rivers has some of the best tasting wine (IMO) It's right in the redlands and has a beautiful "chateau" with rooms to stay in.
Grand River is pretty good as well.
There are about 19 wineries in the area

link to winery listing... Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau

here is the website for GJ...
Grand Junction, Colorado - Travel Planning, Hiking, Camping, Hotels, Wine Tours - Grand Junction Visitor & Convention Bureau

Also if you golf...there are some very nice courses in the area.

HAVE FUN!!!

[delta07]

Originally Posted by 5stones

Resturants... no GJ doesn't have fantasic resturants (5* etc..) but it does have it's share of good ones) here's few of my favorites:
The Bagle place downtown is great (love those cinnamon ones) Main Street Bagles
Dolce Vita is a nice resturant and has good food.
The Rockslide Brewery has good food and great beer.
The prime cut has good steaks.
WW Peppers pretty good mexican...great margaritas.
Main Street cafe...good breakfast

If you are going to go out for a locally brewed beer, try Kannah Creek. It's much better in my opinion. Also, the Prime Cut is no longer there. It is now Kannah Creek Brewery. Also, I would recommend the Crystal Cafe over Main Street Cafe for breakfast. The Main Street is nothing special, and was rather disgusting the last time I ate there. If you like Asian food, try Zen Garden. Pretty good food for GJ. I can attest to the Winery now. I went there for dinner on Sun. and it was very good. It was pretty expensive though.

[np711]

Go hiking! There are tons of trails up on the monument. Personal favorite: No Thoroughfare. There are two waterfalls to hike to, and it's not too challenging.

Downtown is fun to walk around, too, so I would definitely do that. There are tons of great restaurants downtown, so you won't have any problems finding good food.

[CosmicWizard]

delta07 wrote:

If you are going to go out for a locally brewed beer, try Kannah Creek. It's much better in my opinion.

I second that suggestion! Try their Pinyon Pesta Pizza too.

[5stones]

Hey thanks for the update on resturants!!

When did Khannah Creek open?
we didn't go out when we were there this spring...just skiing at eating for free at Mom and DAd's!!

yes...Crystal Cafe is very good.

too bad about main street cafe not being as good as it used to be.

[delta07]

I think Kannah Creek has been there for several years now. I can't remember exactly when they opened. Just for the record, Crystal Cafe isn't as good as it used to be either. I think they must have changed ownership within the past year. It's still what I would consider the best breakfast in GJ, but not as good as it used to be.

[lobo35]

Originally Posted by delta07

I think Kannah Creek has been there for several years now. I can't remember exactly when they opened. Just for the record, Crystal Cafe isn't as good as it used to be either. I think they must have changed ownership within the past year. It's still what I would consider the best breakfast in GJ, but not as good as it used to be.

I know this is an old message but my wife and I are moving to junction from Maine. We've spent three weeks here and I tell you the only place we will eat when we move out is the crystal cafe. I spoke with one of the new owners and she said they just bought the place in Feb of 08.

Not to insult my wife but the woman in the front is not hard to look at.

[delta07]

Grand Junction restraunts are nothing to write home about, that's for sure! There isn't a single place I am missing after moving to Oregon. I sure hope for everyones sake that GJ gets some decent places to eat in the future!