Laid-Back Mountain Inn with Rooms Decorated by Local Artists
One of La Veta Inn’s interior designers, southern Colorado–based artist DeEtta Lessar, claims "the simplicity of nature” is one of her primary influences. Another designer, LaClaire Skaggs, also finds inspiration in the natural world, saying her imagery is “spatial, organic, and spiritual.” Lessar and Skaggs were two of 18 local artists chosen by La Veta Inn to redecorate its guest rooms. Thanks to this project, each chamber has its own distinct vibe as well as one-of-a-kind accents, including sculptures, photographs, and paintings that capture the majesty of the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
One thing all the rooms have in common is a commitment to comfort, evidenced by feather mattresses, Canadian down comforters, and Israeli cotton sheets. A laid-back atmosphere pervades the inn, extending to its casual onsite restaurant. When executive chef Scot Mangold isn't mingling with guests in the dining room, he can be found in the kitchen, crafting chicken mole and hickory-smoked pulled-pork tacos for lunch or dinner entrees from a rotating menu listed on a blackboard. The restaurant hosts live music and dancing on select days—check the calendar to see who’s playing next.
La Veta, Colorado: Artist Colony Tucked Away near Great Sand Dunes National Park
Located about a three-hour drive south of Denver, the small town of La Veta is surrounded by the rugged Spanish Peaks, which the Tarahumara believe to be the cradle of all life on earth. The mountains inspire the region’s many painters, sculptors, and jewelry makers. Restaurants and cafés in the center of town rub elbows with a number of galleries displaying fine art, crafts, and Georgia O’Keeffe’s watercolors of sad clowns.
In the surrounding natural landscape, you can explore miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails that stretch past primeval forests and secluded alpine lakes. Just a short drive away is Great Sand Dunes National Park, home to the tallest dunes in North America.
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.