This former trading post on the banks of the Arkansas River has come a long way since the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad first rolled into town. Heat things up at their annual chili festival, hop aboard a Venice-style gondola on the Arkansas River, or take advantage of the great outdoors and even catch your own dinner.
The Big To-Do
If you find yourself in Pueblo during late summer, breathe in the classic scent of roasting chili peppers at the Chile and Frijoles Festival. This annual event takes place on the third weekend of September and features live music, arts and crafts, special events and a farmer’s market. Bring a jar of your special homemade salsa or chili and see how it stacks up to all the local contestants at the salsa and chili competition. Don't miss out on the green chili stew, a Pueblo specialty, which serves as the perfect topping to just about anything.
Historical Amusements
Located in central Pueblo, City Park has been a centerpiece in town for more than 100 years, and you’ll still find rustic stone architecture from long ago in the park’s buildings and bridges. For more kid-friendly fun, head to The Rides at City Park and whirl about on the park’s carnival rides, rocket down a tube slide into the cool waters of the pool or saddle up on one of the prancing horses on the antique carousel. You’ll find more of Pueblo’s quirky fusion of history and fun at the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk of Pueblo. Take a stroll down the walkways and enjoy the local art, interactive fountains and great views of the city. Afterward, relax on a gondola ride down the lazy Arkansas River.
Into the Wild
Pueblo’s proximity to mountains and rivers makes it an ideal place to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Hike or bike 70 miles of trails in the immediate area or refresh yourself with a cool dip at Lake Pueblo’s beach. The lake is one of the state’s fishing hotspots, where you can pull walleye, bass and catfish from its waters or fish below the dam for trout. In the downtown area, get your blood pumping with some kayaking at the whitewater park or head down to Valco Ponds for some birdwatching.
Yummy Delights
In addition to its spicy specialties, Pueblo rolls out food to suit a wide range of tastes. In downtown, wet your whistle at the Shamrock Brewing Company (108 W. 3rd St., Pueblo), a microbrewery, Irish pub and restaurant all rolled into one. Try their seasonal ale or one of their four original house brews and then fill your belly with an order of their famous Scotch eggs. You should also try one of the mega-awesome burgers at DC’s on B Street (115 W. B St., Pueblo), where you get to choose from toppings like grilled onions, blue cheese or Pueblo’s famous peppers.
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