Taking advantage of warm, sunny winter days, Zeb the Duck heads southwest on US 285.   From Denver, through the mountains, to New Mexico, this road showcases beautiful mountain views and wonderful small towns.    This a favorite road for the wanderings of the Colorado Traveling Ducks.    Today we drove a couple hours to the town of Fairplay.

In Denver, we have mile high everything, but Fairplay has 2 mile high stadium.

Bet those baseballs really sail.  Gold was discovered in 1859, but later arriving miners objected to the way mining claims were filed, so they moved to a new camp and named it Fair Play.   Now the county seat and center of commerce of Park County, Fairplay has many businesses, restaurants and a vibrant local arts showing.

Our law enforcement officers are always appreciated, but recently 3 officers were shot and one died in the line of duty in another part of Park County.    We, the Colorado Traveling Ducks, appreciate and respect the officers and all they do to keep us safe.   Extra support is always appreciated by those that serve.

Fairplay has businesses that you many not find in every town.

This area is brimming with outdoor activities.    You can hunt, fish, hike, pan for gold and camp.   Fairplay is called the “Trout Fishing Capital of Colorado”.    Even a moose statue greets you at Colorado East Bank and Trust.

This outdoor paradise, surrounded by the Mosquito Mountain Range, also offers skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.   Of course, all that activity may result in severe hunger, so head to the Brown Burro.

One side, the Cream and Steam, is a coffee shop  and the other side, the Brown Burro Cafe serves very tasty full meals.   In the summer, enjoy the outdoor seating area between the two.   If new clothing is what you want, there’s no better place than The Salt Licking Goat Clothing Company.

For coffee or a morning snack, don’t miss the Java Moose.

Fairplay is in Colorado’s South Park area.   South Park was  great area of Colorado, before the South Park Show.    South Park Community Presbyterian Church has stood here for many years.

During the summer, visit South Park City, an outdoor museum.   This is a replica of an original western town.   We will be back to visit historic South Park.   Looking down main street, the majestic 14,000 foot mountain peaks are stunning.

You have a probably seen the carved wooden bears and other statues.   Now you know where you can purchase your own.

Fairplay holds many festivals and concerts during the year.   One of the most well known is Burro Days the last full weekend in July.   We love festivals, and Fairplay has some of the best.   A visit to Fairplay will be fun and will bring a smile to your face.   Visit soon.