Enjoy a vacation, long weekend, or girls’ getaway in the Royal Gorge Region, where you’ll find one-of-a-kind experiences to suit all tastes. Though the area is known for its long list of recreational activities, there’s plenty to do for those who choose to take a more leisurely pace.

If the skies are blue and the air is warm, there’s no better place to catch up with friends than on the Arkansas Riverwalk Trail, where strolling, chatting, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings go hand-in-hand. Continue your outdoor adventure in Parkdale, an Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area fishing site that offers picnic tables and great views of Bighorn Sheep Canyon.

For a dash of culture, visit the Fremont Center for the Arts, the longest running art center west of the Mississippi. With monthly rotating exhibits, there’s always something new. Or, head into Florence and peruse the many antique stores that have helped the town garner its title, “Antique Capital of Colorado.”

Want to know more about the region’s history? If that’s the case, there’s a whole lot to explore. Museums like the Florence Pioneer Museum, The Museum of Colorado Prisons, and the Royal Gorge Regional Museum and History Center tell the stories of Florence, Cañon City, and beyond. Go one step further and take a self-guided tour of downtown Cañon City, Florence, or Western Fremont County, where the landscapes and scenery are varied and beautiful.

When it’s time to put your feet up, The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey beckons. Come taste award-winning wines in the winery’s tasting room or shop in their gift shop. For a unique dining experience, book a seat on the Royal Gorge Railroad Dinner Train, where riders enjoy a three-course meal and expansive views of Colorado’s most dramatic canyon.

There’s a lot to do in the Royal Gorge Region. However, it’s important to remember to relax, absorb the spectacular scenery, and see where the day takes you.