Living in Salida, Colorado

The Arkansas River Valley draws people for its mountain views open spaces and clean water but most residents never think about the work being done to protect all of it from the development pressure transforming other Colorado mountain towns. This video features Suzanne Copping program director at the Central Colorado Conservancy which has spent 25 years protecting lands and waters in Chaffee Count...

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Episode 10 of Season 3! When Salida was founded in 1880 as a railroad depot and supply hub, it was a rugged wild west outpost. Over the last 146 years it has evolved into a vibrant creative arts district and outdoor recreation destination that it has become today. Ryan Taverna, a 5th generation Salidan joins Monica to talk about his family settling...

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Episode 9 of Season 3! What makes people move to Salida… and never want to leave? In this episode of Living in Salida, longtime coach and mentor Kenny Wilcox shares how a small mountain town built one of Colorado’s strongest communities through youth sports, mentorship, family values, and genuine connection. From state championship cross-country te...

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Episode 8 of Season 3! This week Monica talks with Emma Rosse. Emma moved to Salida Colorado just over a year ago following her husband's dream of leaving the front range and within months had built a loyal following for her outdoor clothing brand All Over Apparel while becoming a genuine part of the local business community. This conversation...

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Episode 7 of Season 3! This week Monica talks with Anthony Miller, co owner of 7000 Running Company. They discuss the appeal of running in a small community while continuing to support events in town and hosting running groups all while raising teenagers in Salida and Chaffee County. Connect with Monica: www. MonicaSellsSalida.com Instagram & F...

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Episode 6, Season 3! This week Monica talks with Juliet Schaub Founder of Divine Huntress. Juliet is a performer and entertainer who's been a major proponent for self acceptance and unapologetic power through movement. She inspires women to live their best self while dealing with life's circumstances Connect with Monica: www. MonicaSellsSal...

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Episode 5, Season 3! This week Monica talks with Robbie Balanger, the owner of the Shavano Restaurant in Salida. He talks about his background of working in the industry, starting a new restaurant in Chaffee County and getting a chance to enjoy all outdoor activities that the area offers. Robbie and Monica also visit about his latest venture of ope...

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Episode 4, Season 3! This week Monica talks with Andrew Stossmeister of Heart of the Rockies Radio. Andrew has been involved in covering high school sports on the radio for 11 years in Salida and Buena Vista. In this episode Monica and Andrew talk about the benefits of living and working in Salida and Buena Vista, the school systems in both towns,...

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Episode 3, Season 3! This week Monica talks with Katy Blanton, owner of Coffee by Topo and entrepreneur in Salida. They discuss the values of living in Chaffee County, owning a safe space in Salida and providing a great community spot for everyone to visit. They also talk about what it takes to live in Salida with an always changing landscape. Conn...

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Episode 2, Season 3! This week Monica talks with Betsy Dittenber. Betsy is the Executive Director for the Chaffee County Community Foundation, a public, non profit organization established to promote and facilitate philanthropy in Chaffee County. CCCF's mission is to act as a catalyst to inspire positive change through the power of philanthropy...

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Season 3! This week Monica talks with Steve Lee about working remotely in Salida, CO. Owner of CoWork Salida. Founded in 2016, Cowork Salida started as a small 3-person office at the old Sherman Hotel building on G street and has grown over the years to several larger locations accommodating up to 24 members with desk or private office spaces. They...

In this episode of Living in Salida, Monica McCarthy chats with GM Chris Haggerty of Monarch Mountain and explores brand-new No Name terrain, the Tamichi Triple lift, and why this addition stands out from other Colorado ski areas. Discover how Monarch Mountain’s 2025 expansion adds 377 new acres across the Continental Divide and what that means for powder days, local businesses, and life in Salida...

In this episode of Living in Salida, Monica McCarthy chats with the founders of Elemental 5, a unique acrobatics and fitness studio that blends ninja training, parkour, aerial silks, and tumbling to create a fun, empowering environment for youth. You’ll hear their inspiring story of how they turned their passion for movement and mentorship into a thriving community hub that helps local kids grow i...

In this episode of Living in Salida , Monica McCarthy chats with Eric Lee of Full Circle Restorative Justice. Eric is the Executive Director of Full Circle Restorative Justice a local non-profit that has been serving Salida, Buena Vista & Canon City since 2009. Their mission is to increase the health & safety of the community through restorative prevention and intervention. Eric has extens...

In this episode of Living in Salida , Monica McCarthy chats with Jennifer Dempsey, a professional performer and the founder and former director of the Salida Circus Outreach Foundation. Before starting the Salida Circus in 2007, Jennifer spent nearly 20 years performing in circuses including 12 years with the Belfast Community Circus in Northern Ireland. She is currently the Director of Colorado T...

In this episode of Living in Salida , Monica McCarthy chats with Ken Brandon, the creative force behind this unforgettable local icon, and hear the fascinating story of how it all began. From his early days moving to Salida in the late 1970s to becoming a driving force in the community through art, business, and his playful alter ego, Ken’s journey is as inspiring as it is entertaining. Whether yo...

In this episode of Living in Salida , Monica McCarthy chats with Andrew Bascue, Chief Welcome Home Office with Porchlight Builders. Porchlight Builders is based in Salida, CO and crafts high-end custom homes for Chaffee County. With over 12 years of home building experience, Andrew started Porchlight last year and aims to serve his clients as a guide throughout the entire home building process. If...

In this episode of Living in Salida , Monica McCarthy chats with Jon Terbush, the Executive Director of Salida Mountain Trails. Today we're chatting about one of the reasons Salida draws people to live and visit here; the trail systems. There are two major trail systems, the Arkansas Hills trails and the Methodist Mountain Trails, which together offer 70 miles of single track that are enjoyed...

In this episode of Living in Salida , Monica McCarthy chats with Paul Talley, the Executive Director of the Colorado Trail Foundation. An organization that, in collaboration with the US Forest Service, is responsible for the maintenance and administration of the CO Trail. The abundant outdoor activities is a huge draw for people to visit Chaffee County. If you're interested in connecting with...

In this episode of Living in Salida , Monica McCarthy chats with Marjo Curgus, the interim Director from the Chaffee County Housing Authority. Chaffee County is in a desirable mountain area with limited inventory and home prices that have risen over the years, causing a challenge for many to afford homes. The Chaffee County Housing Authority is working to help with this challenge as a multi-jurisd...

In this episode of Living in Salida , Monica McCarthy chats with Jessica Downing; the Interim Director for GARNA (Greater Arkansas River Nature Association) GARNA is an environmental nonprofit organization founded in 1996 as a cooperative association for the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area for education and stewardship and works with communities of the Upper Arkansas River Valley. If you'r...

In this episode of Living in Salida , Monica McCarthy chats with Scott Hughes, founder of FUN Street Family Arcade. A longtime local and former Boys & Girls Club mentor, Scott shares how he turned a simple idea into a vibrant downtown space for fun, connection, and belonging. From launching a business in a small town to creating a place where all ages feel welcome, this is the story behind one...

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Season 2, Episode 4! In this episode of Living in Salida , we shine a spotlight on the town’s thriving theater and arts scene with the legendary Jan Justis. From international ballet stages to founding her own dance company, Jan brings decades of creative experience to Salida. She shares what drew her to this mountain town, her current work with th...

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Season 2, Episode 3! This week Monica talks with Sheri Sauthoff, a retired nurse who moved to Salida from the front range several years ago. Salida is known as having a robust and active retired community. As of 2023 over 12% of the population is 55-64 and over 7% is 65-74. Yahoo Finance also voted Salida, CO as the best town to retire in Colorado....

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Season 2, Episode 2! This week Monica talks with Salida Montessori's, Courtney Landry. Courtney is the Head of School for the Salida Montessori Charter School (SMCS) and mother of 3 children. If you're interested in early education, are a parent here or thinking of raising your kids in Chaffee County, this is a good episode for you. Monica...