Paonia, CO: Experience the Amazing Intersection of Ag and Art!

Paonia – A Brief History

The area was first explored in 1853 by Captain John W. Gunnison of the United States Army. Gunnison was on an expedition to locate a suitable pass through the Rocky Mountains for the Topographical Engineers. The Valley was inhabited by Ute Indians until 1880, when the Ute Indian Reservation was closed by the federal government.

Following the closure of the reservation, the site itself was settled in 1880 by Samuel Wade and William Clark, who had accompanied Enos Hotchkiss to the area from Ohio. The town was officially incorporated in 1902 and had its first election in July of that year. The peony roots that Samuel Wade brought with him to Colorado in 1881 inspired him to submit the Latin name for peony, “Paeonia” as a town name. The post office wouldn’t allow the extra vowel, so Paeonia became Paonia. Significant industries include ranching, mining and orchard farming.

Ranching: Cattle came first, but in 1893, sheep were introduced to the valley. Cowboys organized a secret society called the Cattle Growers Protective Association. When sheep appeared on a cattle range, if legal persuasion failed, sheep were stampeded over bluffs or massacred.

Mining: Vast reserves of coal lay buried in the area. The advent of the railroad made the shipping of coal economical and today, coal mining is a major industry.

Orchard Farming: Paonia is naturally air-conditioned by warm air flowing up the valley at night and cool air coming down from the mountains during the day resulting in optimal conditions for growing an abundance of cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, pears, nectarines and a variety of apples.

Natural Beauty / Tourism: Paonia is a focal point of back roads and trails leading into the forest and wilderness, attracting hiking and bicycle enthusiasts. Hunters outfit themselves in Paonia before setting out to get their elk, deer, bear, and an occasional mountain lion! Winter finds skiers alternating between cross-country and downhill in nearby resorts in Powderhorn, Sunlight, Crested Butte, Aspen and Telluride.

Creative Economy: The art scene is alive and well in Paonia. The North Fork Valley is a “Certified Colorado Creative District,” and home to many creatives, including painters, jewelers, dancers, actors, musicians and other artisans. You can enjoy the creativity at places like the Paradise Theatre or Blue Sage Center for the Arts.

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#1. Relax in their lovely downtown Parklet space

We began our visit to Paonia by parking on Grand Ave, in front of a beautiful parklet on the main street through historic downtown. It was the perfect place to get our bearings, using Google Maps to get oriented and learn more about the downtown businesses.

#2. Walk around downtown and Enjoy the Public Art

As we left the park, we were amazed by the murals adding vibrancy to many of the old buildings and alleys! We learned much of the public art is the result of being a Creative District. Keep reading to learn more about how local Creatives can drive a small town economy!

#3. Discover local artists!

Our next stop was the Grapevine Gallery where we talked with the owner and learned more about the local artisan community and admire their work on sale in this Artist Coop space! We learned about Blue Sage, a local non-profit organization that is housed in 2 historic properties and “for nearly 20 years, was the only events venue in Paonia offering a variety of classes, live music, talks, and gallery exhibits.”

• Grapevine Gallery – Google Maps – fantastic artist co-op Gallery!
• Blue Sage Center For the Arts – Google Maps – “dedicated to providing community members with opportunities to create and experience art in all its forms” – what a cool concept!

#4. Meet in our Favorite Third Spaces: Bakery, Coffee shops, Brewery

If you follow our travels, you know that we love Third Spaces – the concept of a hang-out place that is not home or work. The businesses below are all in or near downtown Paonia!

• Coqueliot Pastries – Google Maps – Beautiful French pastries – great reviews!
• Espresso Paeonia – Google Maps – love a good local coffee shop! Nice inside and outside space
• Clear Fork Cider – Google Maps – tasting room for a nearby Vineyard/Farm. Great reviews!
• Linda’s Bistro On Third St – Google Maps – beloved local wine bar with limited hours; check out the photos… fun and unique vibe!
• Paonia United Brewing Co. – Google Maps – super fun space, both inside and outside!
• Mountain Oven Organic Bakery – Google Maps – not downtown, but very popular with the locals according to google reviews!

#5. So many restaurants and unique shops!

• Good Love – Google Maps – one of those restaurants where the food looks like art! perfect google reviews!
• The Flying Fork – Google Maps – popular local Italian Cafe and Corner Bar restaurant recently re-opened to great google reviews!
• Paonia Bread Works – Google Maps – amazing selection of bread and pastries, but also sandwiches and pizza; cute patio. Great google reviews!
• Sweetgrass Paonia – Google Maps – “Great little breakfast and lunch spot for dine in or take out. Dog friendly patio seating, gluten free options and delicious drinks.” – super cute patio; perfect google reviews!
• nido – Google Maps – “Hidden gem of Mexican fusion in Paonia”; great google reviews!
• Louie’s Pizza – Google Maps – interesting hybrid… offers breakfast and/or Pizza!
• Rio Bravo – Google Maps – local Mexican food restaurant with a nice patio
• Heart Of The Dragon – Google Maps – gift shop with a fun name
• SK Bikes – Google Maps – popular local bike shop; good to know about if you brink your bike for area recreation!

#6. Experience the Historic Paradise Theater

We are always impressed when a small town has a renovated their historic theater serving the community! A local non-profit with an interesting story runs this one.

• Paradise Theatre – Google Maps – beautifully restored theater! They host movies and live performances (website)

#7. Visit nearby Winery Tasting Rooms!

The region around Paonia has a long history with various fruit orchards and, more recently, vineyards. Some of the best wine in the country comes from this area! We thoroughly enjoyed the tasting rooms we visited.

• Big B’s Delicious Orchards U-pick, Cafe & Tasting Room – Google Maps – delicious ciders and a real effort to foster community. We enjoyed our casual dinner on their covered patio and I even found a couple skeins of yarn in their market!
  • U-PICK | Big B’s Fruit Co
  • LIVE MUSIC | Big B’s Fruit Co
  • CAMPING | Big B’s Fruit Co
  • CAFE | Big B’s Fruit Co
• Qutori Winery – Google Maps – fun place to taste wine on a patio; fun shop!
• Orchard Valley Farms & Market and Black Bridge Winery – Google Maps – loved this place!
• Stone Cottage Cellars – Google Maps – loved this place! lovely wine and tasting area with a view!
• The Storm Cellar – Google Maps – great google reviews!
• 5680′ vineyards – Google Maps – great google reviews!
• Painted Vineyard – Google Maps – great google reviews!

Annual Events

• Jan-December: Paonia Final Friday Frolics – Monthly Artwalks sponsored by Chambers of Commerce and the North Fork Valley Creative Coalition
• June: North Fork Uncorked – “The wineries of the North Fork Valley invite you to come to Paonia and Hotchkiss to enjoy a fun-filled weekend of culinary events, wine and cider, music, and barrel tastings“
• July 4th: Paonia Cherry Days – “A famous parade, local entertainment, activities for all ages…“
• August: Pickin’ in the Park – Thursday evenings in August at Paonia Town Park, free live music concerts
• August: West Elks Wine Trail – “Discover the beautiful North Fork Valley and its award-winning wineries with our exclusive wine event! Immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes of vineyards as you sip on delicious wines from the AVA.“
• August: 100,000 Foot Ride – sponsored by the BMW Motorcycle Club of Colorado
• September: Colorado Grand Classic Charity Tour in Hotchkiss and Paonia – Hosted by The North Fork Valley Chamber of Commerce and Ute Trails Car Club
• September: Paonia Mountain Harvest Festival – 
• October: Hard Cider Festival – festival located west of Paonia at Big B’s/Delicious orchards
• December: Paonia Holiday Art Fair

Organizations that support Community in Paonia

• Home | Town of Paonia – city government website
  • Paonia Comprehensive (Master) Plan Updates | Town of Paonia – “Once completed, the Comprehensive (Master) Plan will provide the framework for Land-Use policies and is extremely important in addressing the needs for long-term balanced growth and development as well as addressing current needs. ” Community engagement is underway again, as of 2023
  • Housing Needs Assessment and Action Plan | Town of Paonia – “The Town of Paonia’s Housing Needs Assessment and Housing Action Plan was completed in November 2023.“
• One Delta County: An Economic Alliance – One Delta County – “We are a 501(c) 3 non-profit, investor-based corporation taking a new approach to economic development in Delta County. Although there were prior economic development entities, it was determined in late 2019 a new approach was needed… The outcome was One Delta County: An Economic Alliance.“
• North Fork Valley Chamber of Commerce from the towns and areas of Crawford, Hotchkiss and Paonia Colorado
  • Day Trips Around the North Fork Valley – North Fork Valley Chamber of Commerce
  • Tourist destinations around Hotchkiss Colorado
• North Fork Valley Creative Coalition and Paonia Creative District – “Comprised of the 3 towns of Paonia, Hotchkiss and Crawford – we are a thriving community with visionary artists, creative businesses, and a special quality of life. The North Fork Valley Creative Coalition is a nonprofit organization that manages the Paonia Creative District, a state-certified district in the Colorado Creative Industries Creative District Program.”
  • Event Calendar – North Fork Valley Creative Coalition
  • Paonia Signage and Wayfinding Project – North Fork Valley Creative Coalition – “Signage and Wayfinding Plan for Paonia Creative District and Town of Paonia.“
• Paradise Theatre – Non-Profit Community Theatre – operated by “The Friends of the Paradise Theatre (FOPT) builds community through educational events, films, live music and theatre.”
  • Events Calendar – Paradise Theatre
  • Cabin Fever Festival – Paradise Theatre, Paonia, CO
• KVNF – Homepage – Regional public radio station, home base in Paonia.
  • History – This station began operating in 1979 and has been growing ever since!
• Elsewhere Studios – Artistry in Residence program
• Blue Sage Center for the Arts – Blue Sage Center for the Arts “The Blue Sage Center for the Arts is dedicated to providing community members with opportunities to create and experience art in all its forms.”
• Welcome — BMW Motorcycle Club of Colorado – “premier BMW motorcycle club in Colorado! Join like-minded motorcycle fans for club rides, breakfast meetings, social get-togethers, and club meetings.“

Map of Paonia