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"Alamosa's Early Iron Club sparks excitement, Tamale-making bill passes, Draftsman Beer opens, Dollar General in Monte Vista!"
"Alamosa's Early Iron Club sparks excitement, Tamale-making bill passes, Draftsman Beer opens, Dollar General in Monte Vista!"
"Alamosa's Early Iron Club sparks excitement, Tamale-making bill passes, Draftsman Beer opens, Dollar General in Monte Vista!"
"Get ready to rev up your excitement with Alamosa's Early Iron Club, Colorado House recognizing tamale-making, Draftsman Beer Company opening, and Dollar General now open in Monte Vista! 🚗🌮🍺🛒"
Frank V Flohr
May 5, 2026
Trivia Question❓In the small town of Romeo, Colorado, what unique title did the residents give themselves in order to boost tourism? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Every Labor Day weekend, Alamosa is transformed as the Early Iron Festival rolls through town, honoring decades of classic cars and community spirit.
The Early Iron Club, a passionate group of local enthusiasts, has led the festival for over 40 years.
Main Street and Cole Park fill with polished chrome, revving engines, nostalgia, and craftsmanship as car lovers and curious families gather from across the San Luis Valley.
This beloved event is more than a car show — it’s a living showcase of rolling history, creative restorations, and personal stories behind every vehicle.
Alamosa’s deep roots in transportation make Early Iron a perfect fit, connecting the city’s past and present.
By drawing visitors, bolstering local business, and preserving automotive heritage, the festival has become a hallmark tradition.
As engines roar to life, Alamosa proves each year that the past still inspires and unites the community today. Read More... |
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Located right in the mountain town of Creede, Snowshoe Lodge offers a comfortable and convenient place to stay while exploring one of the San Luis Valley’s most scenic destinations. With its laid-back atmosphere and classic mountain feel, it’s a great fit for visitors looking to experience Creede at their own pace.
I’ve personally stayed here several times over the years while visiting Creede, and it’s always been a reliable, no-fuss place to come back to after a day out in the mountains.
Whether you’re in town for fishing, hiking, or a weekend getaway, the lodge provides easy access to the Rio Grande, nearby trails, and everything that makes this part of Colorado special.
Being located within Creede itself means guests are just minutes from local shops, restaurants, and the well-known Creede Repertory Theatre—making it easy to enjoy both outdoor adventure and small-town charm without having to travel far.
If you’re planning a trip to Creede this season, Snowshoe Lodge is a solid option that keeps you close to everything. |
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Preserving the stories of places time forgot. |
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Wagon Wheel GapTucked along Highway 149 west of South Fork, Wagon Wheel Gap is one of those places many people drive past without realizing how much history sits in that narrow canyon along the Rio Grande. Today, the most visible reminder is a small depot-style structure along the highway, marked as Wagon Wheel Gap. It is modest, easy to miss, and yet it serves as one of the last visible links to a time when trains, travelers, hot springs, and mountain scenery made this place a destination. A Resort Stop in the MountainsIn the late 1800s and early 1900s, Wagon Wheel Gap became known for its natural hot springs. Visitors came seeking mineral waters, mountain air, and a retreat from everyday life. The railroad helped make that possible. The Denver & Rio Grande line brought passengers through the canyon, and Wagon Wheel Gap became more than a name on a map. It was a stop tied to travel, tourism, and the promise of rest in the mountains. The Depot That Still Catches the EyeFor modern travelers, the remaining depot-style structure is often the thing that sparks curiosity. Sitting near Highway 149, it hints at a much busier past, when passengers would have arrived by rail and continued on toward the nearby hot springs resort. It is important not to overstate what remains. Wagon Wheel Gap is not a preserved resort town, and most of the buildings and activity that once defined it are gone. But that small structure gives the place a physical anchor — something you can still point to and say, “This mattered once.” The Gap ItselfThe name comes from the narrow passage where the Rio Grande cuts through the surrounding mountains. Long before modern highway travel, this canyon shaped movement through the area. Wagons, trains, and later automobiles all followed the same natural corridor. That setting is part of what makes Wagon Wheel Gap so compelling. Even with most of the old resort history gone, the canyon still feels like a gateway — a tight, dramatic passage where the landscape itself seems to hold the memory. What Was LostLike many early resort communities, Wagon Wheel Gap’s heyday did not last forever. Fire, changing travel patterns, and the passage of time erased much of what once stood there. What remains today is not a bustling resort, but a quiet roadside reminder. The depot-style building, the river, the canyon walls, and the highway are enough to make you pause and wonder what this place looked like when trains still brought visitors into the gap. Why It Belongs in Lost PlacesWagon Wheel Gap is not completely gone. That is what makes it especially interesting. It is one of those places where just enough remains to catch your attention, but not enough to tell the whole story on its own. Unless you know the history, it can look like a small structure along the road. But once you understand what was here — the railroad stop, the hot springs visitors, the resort activity, and the mountain passage — Wagon Wheel Gap becomes something more. It becomes a reminder that some lost places do not vanish all at once. Sometimes they fade slowly, leaving behind a single building, a name on a sign, and a story waiting to be noticed again. Did You Know?
Wagon Wheel Gap was once known as a railroad stop and hot springs destination. Today, the small depot-style structure along Highway 149 is one of the most visible reminders of that earlier chapter. |
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Valley-Wide Health SystemsThis week’s Community Spotlight highlights Valley-Wide Health Systems, a nonprofit organization serving communities across the San Luis Valley with comprehensive healthcare and support services. With clinics located throughout the region, Valley-Wide provides access to primary care, behavioral health services, dental care, and family support programs, helping ensure that residents can receive quality care close to home. In rural communities like ours, access to healthcare can make all the difference. Organizations like Valley-Wide Health Systems play an essential role in keeping the San Luis Valley healthy by making care accessible, affordable, and community-focused. |
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Romeo, ColoradoIf you’ve ever headed south from Alamosa toward Antonito, chances are you’ve passed through Romeo. Located along Highway 285 in Conejos County, this small San Luis Valley community may be easy to drive through, but it carries its own quiet place in the Valley’s story.
With a population of just a few hundred residents, Romeo reflects the agricultural roots that have shaped this part of the Valley for generations. Surrounded by open fields, big skies, and distant mountain views, the area remains closely tied to farming and rural life.
One recognizable landmark in the area is Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, located at 6633 County Road 13 in Conejos. The church reflects the deep Hispano heritage found throughout Conejos County and the southern San Luis Valley, where faith, family, and tradition continue to play an important role in community life.
Romeo may not have the size of nearby Alamosa or the historic draw of Antonito, but it represents something just as meaningful: a slower pace, a strong connection to the land, and the kind of small-town presence that helps define the San Luis Valley.
Like many places across the Valley, Romeo’s story is found in the fields, the families, and the quiet rhythm of everyday life. |
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Colorado’s “Tamale Act” is advancing, poised to transform how homemade foods are sold statewide. The legislation, House Bill 26-1033, expands the Cottage Foods Act, letting home cooks legally sell items like tamales, burritos, and dairy-based foods that typically require refrigeration.
New rules would require special food safety training, registration with the health department, and allow for potential oversight or inspections. Annual income limits for home-based food businesses would rise, offering more growth potential for small producers.
In the San Luis Valley, where sharing family recipes and homemade foods is a tradition, these changes could empower more locals to sell their signature dishes—even without commercial kitchens.
Supporters believe the bill could spark new economic opportunities, preserve cultural heritage, and make local food sales safer and simpler. If the Senate approves it, homemade favorites could soon become a regular part of markets and events across Colorado. Read More... |
Q/A Questions |
Q: What is the population of Romeo, Colorado? A: The population of Romeo, Colorado is approximately 393. Q: Is Romeo, Colorado a rural or urban area? A: Romeo, Colorado is a rural area. Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Romeo, Colorado? A: Some popular outdoor activities in Romeo, Colorado include hiking, fishing, and camping. |
Draftsman Beer Company Opens Its Doors in Monte Vista |
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Monte Vista officially has a new place to gather, unwind, and enjoy locally crafted beer. Draftsman Beer Company opened its doors , timing its debut with Cinco de Mayo — and by all accounts, the launch drew a strong crowd.
The new brewery, located at 215 Adams Street, has been in development for months and is now fully up and running. Inside, customers are greeted with a modern, clean taproom featuring stainless steel brewing tanks just behind the bar, giving visitors a direct look at where the beer is made.
During a visit on opening day, owner Ryan Martz shared the brewery’s initial hours of operation:
The opening marks a major milestone for downtown Monte Vista, bringing a long-anticipated brewery to the community. Early turnout suggests strong local support, with patrons filling seats along the bar and gathering inside the taproom throughout the day . With its combination of on-site brewing, a welcoming atmosphere, and plans to serve as a social hub, Draftsman Beer Company is poised to become a go-to spot for both residents and visitors in the San Luis Valley.
As the brewery settles into its regular schedule, it will be one to watch as it becomes part of the fabric of Monte Vista’s growing downtown scene. |
Tip of The Day |
Visit the local farmers market in Romeo to support small businesses and discover unique and fresh produce options. |
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If you’re craving a true hometown meal here in the San Luis Valley, Mom and Pop’s Country Kitchen is quickly becoming a go-to spot in Alamosa. Located on 8th Street, this locally run diner offers the kind of simple, hearty food that feels right at home in the Valley. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu is built around comfort food favorites — from classic egg breakfasts and pancakes to burgers, sandwiches, and satisfying homestyle plates. It’s the kind of place where portions are generous, coffee keeps coming, and you can settle in for a relaxed meal. What makes Mom and Pop’s stand out is the friendly, no-frills atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping in for breakfast, grabbing lunch, or sitting down for dinner, it has the feel of a small-town diner where locals can gather and visitors can get a taste of everyday Valley hospitality. For Alamosa, Mom and Pop’s Country Kitchen is a welcome addition to the local dining scene — good food, friendly service, and a down-home feel. Location: 1210 8th Street, Alamosa, CO |
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🐾 — Meet Brownie 💛 (Still Waiting)You may remember Brownie from a previous feature—but he’s still waiting for his forever home, and we wanted to give him another chance to be seen. Brownie is a large adult male Pit Bull Terrier / Boxer mix with a distinctive bicolor coat and expressive eyes that reflect his thoughtful personality. He’s the kind of dog who takes a little time to warm up, but once he does, he forms strong and loyal bonds. He’s described as good with adults and other dogs, though he can be a bit cautious when meeting new people. With his moderate energy level, Brownie enjoys a balanced routine that includes both activity and quiet time. Brownie does best in a home with a secure yard and a 6-foot fence, where he can feel safe and settled. He already has basic training and would thrive with an experienced owner who understands his breed and can help him continue to build confidence. Sometimes the right dog just needs the right moment—and Brownie may be waiting for exactly the right person to come along. 📍 Adoption InformationUpper Rio Grande Animal Society 👉 Contact the shelter directly to learn more about Brownie or schedule a meet-and-greet. Quick Facts
Not ready to adopt? Sharing Brownie’s story could help him find the perfect home. |
🏪 Development Watch: Dollar General Now Open in Monte Vista |
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The new Dollar General in Monte Vista officially opened its doors on Thursday and is now welcoming customers.
Located on the east side of town at 2099 Sherman Avenue, the store is open daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM and offers a wide selection of everyday essentials, groceries, and household items.
A recent visit to the store suggests it is currently in a soft opening phase, with some shelves still being stocked as operations continue to ramp up. This is common for new store openings as inventory is finalized and staff settles into place.
Even in its early days, the store is already providing a convenient new shopping option for the community. Status: Now open (soft opening phase). |
Interesting Facts:
• A Small but Incorporated Community Romeo is officially an incorporated town, even though it has a population of only a few hundred residents.
• Located in Historic Conejos County The town sits in one of Colorado’s oldest settled counties, with deep Hispano roots dating back to the mid-1800s.
• Surrounded by Productive Farmland Romeo is right in the heart of the San Luis Valley’s agricultural region, with nearby fields producing crops like potatoes, barley, and alfalfa. |
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Cheesy Beef & Noodle Skillet BakeThis simple, hearty skillet bake is perfect for using what you already have on hand. Made right in a cast iron pan, it combines ground beef, marinara, tender egg noodles, and a layer of melted mozzarella for an easy, no-fuss comfort meal. Ingredients
Instructions
San Luis Valley Twist: Stir chopped roasted green chiles into the sauce before baking for a little extra warmth and local flavor.
Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic, no-fuss dinner—perfect for a cool San Luis Valley evening. |
COMMUNITY TIP LINE |
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The San Luis Valley Beat is growing, and we’d 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. We’re currently accepting:
Event listings are always free, and we review submissions regularly for upcoming newsletters. Have something to share? Send it to: |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The residents of Romeo, Colorado, dubbed themselves "The Jackasses of Romeo" in hopes of attracting more visitors to their town. |