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"Cinco de Mayo Mystery Revealed! Plus, Wild Alder Ass Race in Colorado!"
"Cinco de Mayo Mystery Revealed! Plus, Wild Alder Ass Race in Colorado!"
"Cinco de Mayo Mystery Revealed! Plus, Wild Alder Ass Race in Colorado!"
Unlock the history of Cinco de Mayo, meet the adorable animals at San Luis Valley shelters, and join the thrilling South Fork Alder Ass Race! đđśđ
Frank V Flohr
Apr 14, 2026
Trivia QuestionâCrestone, Colorado is known for being a spiritual hub with many different faith communities present. How many different spiritual centers are located in Crestone? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Cinco de Mayo bursts onto the scene each May 5th, marked by lively celebrations full of color, music, and flavorful foods.
This day commemorates the Battle of Puebla in 1862, where General Ignacio Zaragoza and Mexican forces triumphed against the better-equipped French army under Napoleon III.
Though not Mexicoâs Independence Day â thatâs September 16th â this victory in Puebla became a lasting symbol of unity and resilience for the Mexican people.
In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is mostly observed locally in Puebla, but in the United States, it has blossomed into a celebration of Mexican heritage, especially in communities with deep Mexican-American roots.
Here in the San Luis Valley, the holiday is embraced as a chance to honor Hispanic traditions, support local businesses, and gather with friends and neighbors â celebrating pride, culture, and community. Read More... |
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A new approach to healthcare is now available in Alamosa, and itâs changing the way patients connect with their provider.
Gariner Family Health is the San Luis Valleyâs first Direct Primary Care (DPC) clinic, offering a simpler, more personal alternative to traditional healthcare. Instead of billing insurance for each visit, patients pay a flat monthly membership that covers a wide range of primary care services.
This model allows for longer appointments, same-day or next-day visits, and direct communication with your provider by phone, text, or email. The focus is on building real relationships and giving patients the time and attention they deserve.
For many in the Valley, where access to healthcare can sometimes mean long waits or limited availability, this approach offers a refreshing option â one centered on accessibility, transparency, and personalized care.
Gariner Family Health also offers transparent pricing for labs and services, helping patients better understand and manage their healthcare costs.
Whether youâre looking for a more convenient healthcare experience or simply want a provider who takes the time to listen, Gariner Family Health is bringing a new level of care to the San Luis Valley. |
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Preserving the stories of places time forgot. |
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Dhama Some places in the San Luis Valley were never really towns at allâjust a name, a post office, and a handful of families spread across the open land. Dhama was one of them. Tucked into the foothills west of Moffat, Dhama was a tiny rural outpost that once helped connect isolated ranchers and homesteaders to the outside world. It may not appear on most modern maps, but for the people who lived nearby, it was once an important stop in daily life. A Post Office and a Place on the MapLike many small settlements across the San Luis Valley in the early 1900s, Dhama centered around a single practical need: mail service. In a time before highways, cell phones, and rural delivery as we know it today, a post office was more than just a place to pick up letters. It was a connection to family, news, business, and the wider world. For scattered families living miles apart, the local post office could serve as both a landmark and a lifeline. It marked a communityâs presence, even if that community was little more than a few homes, ranch buildings, and wagon tracks across the valley floor. Life on the Remote Valley FrontierIt is easy to imagine what life in a place like Dhama must have been like. Wind across the sage. Long distances between neighbors. Horses or mules tied outside while someone stepped in to collect mail or exchange a few words. These tiny outposts were woven into the larger story of settlement in the San Luis Valley, where ranching, farming, and endurance shaped everyday life. Dhama likely never grew large, and that may be exactly why its story is so compelling. It represents the many small places that helped build the valley but were eventually left behind as roads improved, populations shifted, and services moved into larger communities. What Remains TodayToday, little remains of Dhama beyond a small adobe post office building standing quietly against the landscape. Weathered by time and surrounded by open country, it serves as a rare physical reminder of a place that has nearly disappeared from memory. It is the kind of building many people might drive past without a second glanceâbut once you know what it was, it becomes something else entirely: a surviving piece of San Luis Valley history. Why It MattersPlaces like Dhama remind us that the history of the San Luis Valley was not shaped only by its largest towns. It was also shaped by quiet outposts, lonely roads, and the small communities that stitched this wide valley together one stop at a time. Though Dhama may be gone as a living community, its story still speaks to the resilience, isolation, and determination of the people who once called this land home. âSome places donât disappear all at onceâthey fade. A post office closes, a family moves on, and eventually, only the wind remembers the name.â
âDo you know a forgotten place in the San Luis Valley? Send it to usâwe may feature it in an upcoming issue.â |
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Animal Shelters of the San Luis Valley |
Looking to adopt, foster, or support a local animal in need? Hereâs a helpful guide to animal shelters and rescue organizations across the San Luis Valley. đ Monte VistaUpper Rio Grande Animal Society â Conour Animal Shelter
đ AlamosaSan Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society
đ Del Norte / Rio Grande CountyRio Grande County Animal Shelter
đ Saguache CountySaguache County Animal Shelter
đ Conejos CountyConejos County Animal Shelter
đ Valley-Wide & Foster-Based RescuesSan Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society (SLVAWS) đś Thinking About Adopting?
Local shelters are always in need of adopters, fosters, and volunteers. Even sharing adoptable pets on social media helps these animals find homes. |
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Tucked against the dramatic western slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Crestone is one of the most unique and intriguing communities in the San Luis Valley. Small in size but big in personality, Crestone offers a blend of rugged natural beauty, deep spiritual roots, and a fiercely independent spirit. Originally founded in the late 1800s during Coloradoâs mining and homesteading era, Crestone remained a quiet and isolated settlement for decades. Its story took an unexpected turn in the 1970s and 1980s, when the surrounding Baca Grande area began attracting spiritual leaders and seekers from around the world. Over time, the region became home to retreat centers, monasteries, temples, and hermitages representing a wide range of faiths and traditions. Today, Crestone is known as one of the most spiritually diverse small towns in North America. Visitors can find Tibetan Buddhist centers, Hindu temples, Zen practice spaces, Catholic hermitages, and moreâall set against the backdrop of towering peaks and wide-open Valley skies. That unusual blend of cultures and beliefs has helped shape Crestone into a place unlike anywhere else in Colorado. Crestone is also a gateway to outdoor adventure. Nestled near the base of several fourteeners, including Crestone Peak and Crestone Needle, the area draws hikers, climbers, photographers, and nature lovers looking to experience some of the stateâs most rugged and awe-inspiring terrain. The surrounding landscape offers endless opportunities to explore, reflect, and take in the raw beauty of the San Luis Valley. Despite its small population, Crestone has a distinct and memorable character. The town is home to local art, small businesses, and a creative, close-knit community that embraces individuality. Whether you come for the mountain views, the peaceful atmosphere, or the curiosity of its spiritual reputation, Crestone leaves a lasting impression on nearly everyone who visits. In a valley filled with historic towns and hidden gems, Crestone stands apart as a place of beauty, mystery, and quiet inspirationâone more reason the San Luis Valley continues to be one of Coloradoâs most fascinating regions. |
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Q/A Questions |
Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Crestone? A: Hiking, camping, fishing, and rock climbing are all popular outdoor activities in Crestone. Q: Is Crestone a good place to visit for spiritual or wellness retreats? A: Yes, Crestone is a popular destination for spiritual and wellness retreats due to its peaceful and natural setting. Q: Are there any local restaurants or cafes worth trying in Crestone? A: Yes, Crestone offers a variety of unique and delicious dining options, including the Bliss Cafe, the Elephant Cloud Market, and the Cloud Station Cafe. |
Monte Vista Development Update: Major Projects Near Key Milestones |
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The Cobblestone Hotel is now entering its final phase of construction. Exterior stucco and stone veneer work are largely complete, with scaffolding still visible as crews finish upper-level details. With the building fully enclosed, interior construction is likely well underway. The project appears to be on track for a potential summer opening, adding new lodging capacity to the community. |
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The new Dollar General store appears nearly ready to open, with both the building and surrounding site now fully completed. Recent observations show the exterior finished, storefront glass installed, and parking lot paving complete, along with sidewalks and site infrastructure. The location now resembles a ready-to-open retail store, with remaining work likely limited to interior setup, inventory, and final inspections. An opening in the coming weeks is expected. |
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At the AutoZone site, construction has made significant progress as the building takes shape. Exterior walls are now up and painted in the companyâs recognizable color scheme, marking a major milestone in the project. Work continues on the front entrance and window openings, while site development is also advancing. The project has moved into the mid-to-late construction phase and continues to progress steadily toward completion.
Together, these developments highlight ongoing investment in Monte Vista, with new retail and hospitality options expected to open in the near future. |
Tip of The Day |
Make sure to stay hydrated at high altitudes to combat potential altitude sickness in Crestone, Colorado. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent symptoms like headaches and dizziness. |
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Revolution Rail Co. â Colorado Rail BikingLooking for something a little different on your next San Luis Valley adventure? Revolution Rail Co. offers a one-of-a-kind railbiking experience out of South Fork, where riders pedal specially designed rail bikes along historic tracks beside the Rio Grande. Their Colorado location features several experiences, including the Rio Grande Run, Pedals to Paddles, and the Twilight Tour. Itâs a fun mix of scenery, light activity, and local historyâall set against the mountain views and wide-open beauty that make this part of Colorado so memorable. Whether you're planning a family outing, a coupleâs adventure, or something new to recommend to visitors, Revolution Rail brings a fresh twist to exploring the South Fork area. Itâs the kind of experience that feels both relaxing and unforgettable. LocationSouth Fork Station |
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đž â Meet RiverRiver is an adult male Pit Bull Terrier mix with a striking black-and-white coat and distinctive white markings around his shoulders that make him stand out. He has the kind of look that instantly catches your eye and the potential to become a loyal companion in the right home. While his profile is simple, River may be a great fit for someone willing to give him the time, patience, and fresh start every shelter dog deserves. Sometimes the dogs with the quietest listings are the ones just waiting for the right person to notice them. If youâve been thinking about opening your home to a new companion, River may be worth a closer look. đ Adoption InformationUpper Rio Grande Animal Society đ Contact the shelter directly to learn more about River or schedule a meet-and-greet. Quick Facts
Not ready to adopt? Sharing Riverâs story could help him find the perfect home. |
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Pack burro racing brings a spirited fusion of athletic competition and mining history to Colorado each summer.
On September 5, 2026, South Fork will welcome racers and fans to the 5th annual Alder Ass Race, featuring both a 3-mile beginner-friendly "mini" course and a demanding 11-mile "standard" route with steep climbs and rugged terrain.
Every burro must carry traditional prospecting gear, and all gear must be present at the finish to avoid disqualification.
Strict rules require runners to guideânever rideâtheir burro using a single, short lead rope, emphasizing teamwork and tradition.
Registration, open until August 29, requires securing a burro independently, while âGhost Runnerâ entries allow virtual participation.
Other major races, like the World Championship in Fairplay and the Buena Vista Pack Burro Race, offer more chances to engage with this colorful local tradition.
Experience the camaraderie and heritage of pack burro racing, a true Colorado celebration. Read More... |
Interesting Facts |
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie CookiesThese rich, fudgy cookies landed somewhere between a brownie and a bakery-style cookieâand that turned out to be a very good thing. Chilling the dough for a couple of hours, shaping each cookie into a tall âpillar,â and baking them for just 10 minutes gave them a thick, soft texture with gooey peanut butter chips tucked inside. Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
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COMMUNITY TIP LINE |
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The San Luis Valley Beat is growing, and weâd love your help in making it a true reflection of our community. If you have something happening in your town or organization, you can now submit it to be featured in an upcoming issue. Weâre currently accepting:
Event listings are always free, and we review submissions regularly for upcoming newsletters. Have something to share? Send it to: |
đĄ Answer to Trivia Question: There are approximately 24 different spiritual centers in Crestone, Colorado. |