Almost year-round, I roam around the Western Slope and southwest and south central Colorado for my kids’ high school sports. Sometimes, I have time to explore destinations, properties and attractions of interest to the meetings and events market on these outings. This past weekend, I had the good fortune of being in Pagosa Springs for about 24 hours.
It was fun to see 21 high school track teams compete and spend an hour on the outdoor patio of River Pointe Coffee Café to enjoy a frozen lemonade, nice views of the river and Hot Springs Resort, and good conversation with Visit Pagosa Springs Director Jennifer Green. It was only a short walk over the bridge to meet The Springs Resort & Spa Co-Owner Narissa Whittington and tour the attractive property and later take an amazing soak. The resort not only hosts a variety of corporate groups, they were opening the doors for a post-prom gathering that night. My daughter thought that sounded like a great way to wrap up prom!
On the west side of town, I connected with General Manager CK Patel for a tour of the major renovations underway at Quality Resort, soon to be rebranded as a Holiday Inn Resort, which combines what guests expect from a Holiday Inn along with family-style activities in resort locations. Patel also owns Wolf Creek Snowmobile Tours so the property will offer snowmobile outings along with discounted lift ticket to Wolf Creek Resort for skiing and snowboarding in winter. In fair weather, activities will include paddleboats and stand up paddleboards for use on the adjoining lake and a new historic downtown tour on large “trikes” that Patel is introducting. The renovation includes several meeting and event spaces, which should greatly open up options for small to medium groups in Pagosa Springs, with sister property Quality Inn located across from Hot Springs Resort offering a lower price point if that is needed to watch the budget or for overflow.
While out west, I checked out one of three local breweries: Pagosa Brewing & Grill. I love the outdoor beer garden, designed to resemble the European beer gardens that owner Tony Simmons observed while completing his brewing education. Page Kafonek, front-of-the-house manager, mentioned that two large event tents are being set up for summer and fall that will be handy for groups. For those who don’t want to imbibe, the house-made dry sodas are tasty. For dinner, it was on to another microbrewery, Riff Raff Brewing Company, opened two years ago downtown. There is a nice patio area out front, and who can beat the $6 Riff Raff Burger after being outdoors for a track meet? At every destination, I always look for a local bakery and Pagosa Baking Company—offering pastries, breads, breakfast, lunch and catering—never disappoints.
Sports teams as groups can be great revenue generators, especially for mountain towns when it’s the “off-season.” Look at what one mom and daughter did while on a track team excursion; plus, her team and probably others spent the night in Pagosa Springs the evening before! Enjoy spring in Colorado.
