Summer is short in the Rockies, but maybe a smidge longer in Southwest Colorado. It is a unique month. Summer is not quite over, but school is just around the corner. While hiking, you can just begin to see leaves turning, the first signs of fall. But it's also the perfect time to slow down, get outside, and enjoy everything the region has to offer before the seasons change. Making the most of Southwest Colorado this time of year gives us plenty of opportunities to spend time with family and friends, while finally doing those things we've always wanted to do but just haven't gotten around to. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of the end of summer.

Living Outside Every Chance We Get

Twinkle Lights Make is Special. Photo by Considerate Agency.

Here in Southwestern Colorado, we live outside every chance we get. Now is the time to do something special in the backyard. Perhaps add some twinkle lights in your back yard, creating a magical space for enjoying evening meals. Maybe spruce up the back porch and add a little cafe table, where you can have your morning coffee. Fire pits? We can use those all year ‘round, and they make such a romantic statement. We also want to get in some of the season’s last summer concerts, as August moves along. Whatever you do, make sure you enjoy yourself on the patio, spending as much time as you can with family and friends. Yes, Colorado is a wonderful place to spend August. Southwest Colorado homes are designed to take advantage of these beautiful evenings.

Exploring Close to Home

Ancient Dwellings at Hovenweep National Monument. Photo by Wendy Stieg

We have incredible adventures just waiting for us to take advantage of them, right here in our back yard! Have you spent any time at Mesa Verde National Park? Or how about Canyons of the Ancients, or Hovenweep National Monument? This gives you a great chance to explore ancient homes and villages of residents of our area over a thousand years ago! Are you more of a water person? Spend time fishing on McPhee Reservoir, or get in some late season river fun. Have you ever taken your mountain bike to Boggy Draw, near Dolores, CO? What a wonderful place to take the family for the afternoon!

One of our favorites is getting to the local farmer’s markets. You can find them in Cortez, Dolores, and Mancos! Each town has festivals in August too, so checking local papers and town websites will give you some great ideas for seeing local music while enjoying the evening under the stars. There are plenty of scenic drives in this area. Get outside and enjoy our beautiful county! Many residents are choosing shorter weekend adventures instead of long vacations.

Bringing Nature Indoors

The large pottery cactus pot was a great find at the Cliffrose Garden Center in Cortez, CO. Photo by Wendy Stieg.

August is a wonderful time to create wildflower bouquets, and to use natural textiles to decorate an evening with family to make it special. Right now Earth-toned decorating is huge, and we have so many wild beautiful flowers and grasses to choose from. There is no shortage of locally crafted pottery, which gives an earthy craftsman-feel to home decor. We happen to live in an artist haven! Combine that with vintage furniture, easily found in online marketplaces, garage sales, and local antique shops. Couple that pottery with vintage furniture, wood accents, open windows and natural textiles and you have a fresh take on decorating your home. For not a lot of money! It’s a great way to get creative and freshen up your home.

Gathering at Home

Charcuterie Boards are a great way to jazz up a pot luck. Photo by Ana Maltez.

Finding ways to spend less money is a really great trend right now. By gathering at home, bringing friends and family to you, having potlucks and outdoor barbecues, we can easily enjoy each other's company and not break the bank. It is fun to get creative here too. Why not create a charcuterie board? Finding different kinds of wood and metal plates, boards, dishes, even finds from the local thrift store could become a beautiful presentation at a local neighborhood get-together for very little money. Imagine backyard garden dinners, family game nights, or friends just dropping by. Spending time haunting your local thrift stores could surprise you in how beautiful you can create an evening with friends. Home has become a hip destination.

Slowing Down Before Fall

High alpine flowers, Paintbrush. A Colorado favorite! Photo by Wendy Stieg

August is often your last chance to do other outdoor activities. Before we know it, it will be too cold to float on a river, go camping or hike alpine trails. We have been known to go hiking in mid December in Canyons of the Ancients, but the high alpine areas have to wait until snow melts. Why not get in some late season hiking? Wildflowers are still blooming! Bring your camera, or phone! Stunning photographs of mountain wildflowers can easily be turned into art in your living room. August is a great time to watch the incredible Southwest sunsets, while enjoying fresh peaches and sweet corn. This is a great time to get out and visit your local wineries and breweries. Savor the season, there is much to be enjoyed.

Closing

Lifestyle isn't about following trends. It's about appreciating where you live. August reminds us why so many people choose Southwest Colorado: stunning scenery, welcoming communities, endless outdoor adventures, and a pace of life that encourages us to slow down and enjoy the moment. Whether you're looking for your forever home, a mountain retreat, or simply inspiration for enjoying life in Southwest Colorado, this is one of the best times of year to experience everything our region has to offer

August in Southwest Colorado: Making the Most of Summer