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If there is one part of Colorado that is – in my humble opinion – criminally overlooked, it is the Eastern Plains. Yes, the mountains are stunning, and yes, our cities are pretty darn cool, but the Plains have the most beautiful sunsets you will ever see, the friendliest folks, AND it is chock-full of rich agriculture that helps feed the country! While I am a native of eastern Colorado, I am always looking for new places in the area to explore, which is how I happened upon Holyoke, a small and charming Colorado town that is just minutes away from both the Nebraska and Kansas state lines:
As cliche as it sounds, Holyoke (population 2,500) looks like something off a postcard, as you can see its resident's pride in every home and business and on every corner.
Courtesy of Annie
Since it is a small town, I figured we could easily see and do everything in an afternoon... I was gravely mistaken!
The first stop when traveling any distance with kids is the hotel, which, in this case, was the Cobblestone Inn & Suites.
Courtesy of Annie
Since Holyoke is small, lodging options are limited to a few Airbnbs and the Cobblestone, so we chose the latter, and I am SO glad we did. As a germophobe, I NEED to know the room is clean, and I am happy to report that the Cobblestone exceeded my squeaky clean expectations! It wasn't just the cleanliness that impressed me, as the folks at the front desk were incredibly kind and helpful, and the food was superb (more on that in a minute).
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After checking in, it was time to drive around and explore the town's many historical sites, beginning with the eye-catching Holyoke Public Library.
Courtesy of Annie
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Courtesy of Annie
If you think the Holyoke Public Library looks like a dreamy historic house, you would be correct! Housed inside the c. 1919 W.E. Heginbotham House, the Craftsman-style home features its original red brick, half-timbered gable ends, and a striking terracotta roof, making it one of the most distinct libraries in the Centennial State.
The Library isn't the only pristinely-preserved building in Holyoke.
Far from it, in fact, as the downtown area consists of many parts of the original infrastructure, plus other gems like the 1927 "house with a canopy" Reimer-Smith Oil Station, 1906 Millage Farm District (pictured), and the 1936 Phillips County Courthouse.
While there are plenty of reasons to visit Holyoke, my favorite is the hidden Inklings Bookstore!
Courtesy of Annie
When I say it is hidden, I mean it - we almost missed it because there was no exterior sign to confirm Google Maps' directions.
My mom and I couldn't believe how expansive and impressive this small-town bookstore was, as it rivals something you would find in the big city! When we walked in the main doors and veered to the left, we were met with a bright and open room chock-full of beautiful books, gifts, and displays.
Courtesy of Annie
Along the back wall were extended floor-to-ceiling bookshelves adorned with classic literature and perfectly curated items pertaining to an author or a theme (think soaps, candles, and cloth bookbags). My favorite section was the one dedicated to Jane Austen!
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Courtesy of Annie
If you are looking for unique gifts, Inklings is the place to go! I picked up this candle for a friend, plus fun book-themed coffees (Anne of Green Gables and Anna Karenina), delicious-smelling Wizard of Oz soap, and a few new games for my boys.
Courtesy of Annie
Along the right-hand side of the building is a separate room packed full of yummy gourmet treats and, opening soon, a full-service coffee bar.
After spending more than an hour shopping, my mom and I met my dad and my boys (who had been exploring a nearby park and playground) back at the hotel and headed to the lounge for a feast.
My mom, my highly picky 6-year-old, and I were thoroughly impressed with the menu, which consisted of traditional bar food plus wine, beer, and spirits.
Courtesy of Annie
Thanks to the recommendation from the table next to us (outgoing regulars who were fun to visit with!), we opted for a large pepperoni pizza, chips and guacamole, and egg rolls. Everything was beyond tasty, with our table favorite being the pizza.
After everyone got a good night's rest in our clean and comfortable room, we sauntered downstairs for breakfast before packing up and leaving.
While the Cobblestone offers a standard continental breakfast, it seemed to have more than most places, with ample hot (eggs, biscuits and gravy, bacon, etc.) and cold (cereal, yogurt, fruit) choices.
Holyoke (and all of your good people): I owe you an apology, as I underestimated just how special you are and how much you have to offer locals and visitors alike! I WILL be back soon and cannot wait to visit even more of your hidden gems and good people. For even more to see, do, and eat around Holyoke, please visit the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce’s website.
To discover more incredible boots-on-the-ground adventures across America from our team of local travel experts, check out all of the articles in OnlyInYourState’s Everyday Explorers series. What destinations would you like to see featured next on OnlyInYourState’s Everyday Explorers? Tell us where we should go on our nominations page.
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