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Live like a local: Dana Wood’s guide to fun, food and adventure in Rifle, Colorado

Carla Jean Whitley
cj@postindependent.com
Kelley Cox Post IndependentPainter and photographer Jen Sanborn is one of six artist-owners of the newly relocated Midland Arts Company at 110 E. Third St. in Rifle. See today's Options section, page A11, for related story and photos.
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Dana Wood is one of Rifle’s chief champions. She’s a city councilor, yes, but her affection for the city isn’t merely political. Any conversation with Wood is likely to include reasons why she loves the place she’s called home for six years.

Her interests show up both personally and professionally. She’s interested in volunteering, yoga, reading and hiking with her dog. As a Garfield County Public Health employee, Wood works in project and grant management for healthy eating, active living and health equity. She’s also a board member of the Rifle Farmers Market, and many of her recommendations showcase those interests. Let’s take a look at Rifle through Wood’s eyes.

Want to share your favorite Garfield County spots? Visit tinyurl.com/livelikealocal or email cj@postindependent.com.



Let’s eat

“My go-to spot for breakfast and lunch is the Whistle Pig (121 E. Third St., Rifle; 456-3199; facebook.com/WhistlePigCoffeeStop)! My favorite thing for breakfast is the Whistle Pig wrap and for lunch, the Mesa Verde salad. They also have a wonderful variety of coffee drinks and homemade baked goods. I love the new outdoor patio and friendly atmosphere.”



I have nothing to wear!

“Trendz (East Third Street, Rifle) has a great selection of women’s name-brand clothing from dresses to sweaters at reasonable prices. I always get compliments from people when I’m wearing an item from their store.”

Gift shopping

“It’s a three way tie for this one: Miller’s Dry Goods (The World’s Largest Selection of Rifle, CO T-shirts; 118 E. Third St., Rifle; 625-1737), Sundee Studios (AMAZING jewelry; 112 W. Third St., Rifle; 999-2268; facebook.com/sundeestudio) and Midland Arts (lots of local art from stained glass to pottery and photography; 101 E. Third St., Rifle; 625-3068; midlandartscompany.com; pictured).”

Turn it up

“The Ute Theater (132 E. Fourth St., 665-6569; utetheater.com) is by far the best place to hear music. They get some serious artists in there like the Young Dubliners and Sam Bush.”

Art

“Midland Arts. There are so many amazingly talented artists in and around Rifle.”

Cheers

“If I want to go out to meet friends for a drink, I usually go to Brickhouse Pizzeria (100 E. Third St., Rifle; 625-1222; and 820 Main St., Silt; 876-2222; brickhouse-pizzeria.com).”

What’s your favorite way to get outside?

“In the summer, I love to swim on my lunch hour at the Art Dague Pool (1718 Railroad Ave., Rifle; 665-6571; rifleco.org). It’s a nice way to cool down and get some exercise. In the winter, I enjoy snowshoeing and cross country skiing at Rifle Mountain Park (13885 County Road 217, Rifle; 665-6570; rifleco.org).”

Culture

“The Rifle Heritage Center (337 East Ave., Rifle; 625-4862) is an all volunteer-run organization that has a massive collection of historical items from families all over this area and beyond. If you want to learn some fun facts and hear some cool stories, go in and check them out.”

Don’t miss this

“The Beaver Creek Trail (fs.usda.gov) is so beautiful and about 10 degrees cooler this time of year. It’s also great for snowshoeing and back country skiing in the winter. It’s tough to get to and a bit of a secret spot, so I won’t tell you any more!”


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