While exploring more of Colorado, I recently discovered Agape Farm & Retreat, a western Colorado B&B escape, located 90 minutes from Glenwood Springs near Paonia. This 28-acre farm is truly a peaceful retreat — and perhaps one of my favorite surprise discoveries in my home state.
From Denver on a late Thursday afternoon, our road trip to Agape Farm and Retreat took us 4 hours flat — no traffic (even on I-70 passing through popular mountain towns including Glenwood Springs). And once we exited I-70 to drive through Carbondale on Hwy 82 over McClure Pass, the drive was calm and peaceful with the only traffic issues, keeping an eye on the darting deer.
Located between the small towns of Paonia and Crawford on a country road, this Colorado B&B is a beautiful retreat in the North Fork Valley on the Western Slope in Delta County. In this largely undiscovered region, travelers search for an unplugged vacation can breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the diverse scenery of lush forests, high desert plateaus, pristine lakes, miles of rivers, beautiful orchards and vineyards and more.
Arrival to Agape Farm and Retreat
Situated beneath Mount Lamborn and near the West Elks Wilderness, the Agape Farm offers more than 4,600 square feet of living areas, suites, bathrooms, a commercial kitchen, and eco-friendly facilities.
We were welcomed to this sprawling eco-conscious farm and retreat by our hosts Nancy and her son Nick, and we immediately felt like family. Our arrival at the gated farm on a quiet backroad (but paved) reminded me of my Iowa roots. Nancy’s husband opened the unlocked gate, where plenty of parking was available close by the entrance to the B&B.
Nancy immediately sensed we were exhausted (just finished a major house renovation), and she escorted us to our guest suite and then popped into the kitchen.
Within 10 short minutes, she returned with local goat cheese, crackers and apples for us to enjoy on the back porch. Even though it was late evening, we could tell how beautiful the property would be in the morning. Yet it wasn’t until the next morning while enjoying the relaxing and cool Colorado morning that I realized how sprawling this farm is actually.
Accommodations at the Agape Farm and Retreat
After our light snack, my hubby and I retired to our “Bluebird” suite, tastefully decorated and welcoming, with closet space, a chair for reading / relaxing, and our own bathroom.
There are a total of 4 guest rooms, including one oversized guest suite upstairs to accommodate 4 people.
For those wanting to get closer to the outdoors, a yurt is also located on the property with its bathroom/shower facilities inside the main house (a short couple minutes away). I peeked into the yurt and it was also beautifully decorated with an amazing view looking out on wide open spaces.
Living areas and Kitchen of Agape Farm & Retreat
In addition to the lovely suites, what I really loved about this B&B is that there were so many nooks and crannies inside the house to just wind down and relax.
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With my busy schedule, I seldom get a chance to just sit back and read, which I did multiple times in the living room right off my suite, as well as on the porch.
Breakfast is included, and both Nancy and her son Nick took turns creating amazing and out-of-the-ordinary breakfast, from spicy shakshuka to eggs benedict with avocado, prepared with many local ingredients. And the fresh fruit and yogurt — out of this world!
The Grounds of Agape Farm & Retreat
My husband is an early riser, so the three mornings we woke up at this beautiful Colorado bed and breakfast, he took a walk around the 28-acres which includes a 2.8 acre vineyard, more nooks and crannies of areas to sit, an abundance of flowers including lots of sunflowers, gardens,shrubbery and trees, all with spectacular views of Delta County.
What to do in Delta County, Colorado
The nearby town of Paonia and Delta County are known for its tasty orchards — peaches, apples, plums, apricots and cherries. Each 4th of July, the small town celebrates its roots (literally) with Paonia Cherry Days Festival.
And like most small towns, there are a variety of other festivals and celebrations throughout the year, ranging from the annual Crawford Pioneer Days, North Fork Uncorked (hosted by West Elk winemakers), annual West Elk Wine Trails, and even an annual Hotchkiss Sheep Camp Stock Dog Trials.
And speaking of wine, this area features several worthwhile vineyards and tasting rooms including our favorites Stone Cottage Cellars, Leroux Creek Inn & Vineyards, and Black Bridge Winery.
Leroux Creek Inn Vineyards
Room rates start at $155.
Thanks to Delta County and Agape Farm & Retreat for hosting our stay for the purposes of a review; opinions expressed are my own. Photo credits: Diana Rowe and Agape Farm & Retreat
