Sleeping in a Colorado schoolhouse

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Alan and I believe in slow travel, which means staying off the Interstate whenever possible. It also means taking our time reaching a destination. After leaving Greer, Hotchkiss, Colorado is the next major stop for us, farther than we want to drive in one day.

So, that’s how we find ourselves sleeping in a schoolhouse in Dolores Colorado. Actually, Alan discovered Lebanon Schoolhouse Bed and Breakfast on the internet. The historic building nestles in Colorado farmland a few miles north of Cortez, Colorado. The sight of rolling green hills is a relief after a day’s drive through the stark desert of the Navajo Reservation on Highway 491.

At Lebanon Schoolhouse, we quickly settle into our room, The Social Study, located in the carriage house loft. Alan asks Ken, one of the owners, for dinner recommendations. Since we’re starving, we heed his advice and hurry to the small town of Dolores for dinner at the Dolores River Brewery. Want to try handcrafted beers, gourmet pizza and outstanding salads in a quirky, artsy atmosphere? This is the place.

For breakfast the next morning, we’re treated to chocolate waffles covered in cherries and whipped cream accompanied by sausage links. Laura, Ken’s wife, assures us that chocolate waffles contain very little sugar. But, who cares?

After promising to return for another stay and more exploration of the four corners area, Alan and I drive along The San Juan Highway (#145) through beautiful mountain scenery. Although we traveled this same route last summer, the views still astound us. At Lizard Head Pass, we grab the cameras for a mountain photo shoot.

Later, we stop for lunch in Ridgway at the True Grit Restaurant where John Wayne’s picture is plastered on just about every wall. Soon, we’re back on the highway driving through Montrose and Delta. Alan and I end our day at Leroux Creek Inn in Hotchkiss, Colorado. Are you looking for a “taste of France” in Colorado? I’ll tell you all about it in my next post.

To read more on baby boomer travel, visit My Itchy Travel Feet .

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