Our New Mexico/Colorado Vacation July 2023 Part 2

On Tuesday, July 18 we wanted to eat breakfast at a recommended place located not too far from downtown Pagosa Springs called 2 Chicks and a Hippie.  Luckily, it was not crowded when we got there.  It is a small place, but really neat.  The breakfast we both had was very good, I would definitely recommend this place.  

Afterwards, we took off as there were a couple of waterfalls we wanted to see.  First was one not too far from downtown Pagosa Springs called Treasure Falls.  When we get there, we see this path to the right of the parking lot and take off.  After not long of hiking, it seems the path is pretty rugged, you have go go over tree trunks so we turn back and head to the Jeep.  We can see the falls from the distance, but not like we wanted to up close.  As we are driving off, we notice there is a sign to the LEFT of the parking lot (which specifically states this in the brochure we got but didn't pay attention!) the trail to the falls.  Oh well.  

We head on to the second falls called Piedra Falls.  The trip was an interesting one.  You went through people's pastures and you are in the boonies traveling to these falls.  I don't know how many cattle guards we went over to get there.  Once we do, the hike up isn't too bad and once at the top, the falls are gorgeous!

Temperature on the way to Piedra Falls

You could feel the spray if you got closer, which we did and it felt so good!  One way trip from our lodging took about an hour to get to these falls, but worth it!

After we got back to town, we headed to another recommended place called Riff Raff on the Rio.  Surprisingly it was not crowded and we got in right away.  We sat by a window so we could see the people in tubes going down the San Juan River.  There we ordered beer and an appetizer, both were very good.  Greg had El Duende Green Chili and I had Man's Best Friend Honey Blonde.  Potachos was the appetizer and came with this awesome sour cream with lime and garlic (we asked for another!).  

After this, went back to the "apartment" and rested a bit.  There was one more place I wanted to go to before heading out the next day for Colorado Springs.

When I was researching places to stay in Pagosa Springs, I found this renovated motel dating back to 1898.  You can read its history here:

Nightingale Motel

Attached to the motel is the bar and after looking at photos, I knew I wanted to go in.  I love retro whether it be from the 40s, 50s, 60s, or 70s and this place looked kinda like a speak easy, dark inside with red velvet couches, gold tufted bar stools and a really neat vibe.  

I had their Old Fashioned, which was a bit strong for me as they don't add Club Soda as I am used to doing so had the bartender add a couple of splashes.  Greg had a Margarita.  I really liked the atmosphere of the bar.  Come to find out, the lady waiting on us was originally from Ft. Worth!

Afterwards, time to go back to the apartment and rest. Tomorrow we leave for Colorado Springs!