This Groovy Revamped Motel Is the Perfect Home Base for Colorado’s Best Agri-Tourism Trails

The Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway in Colorado is an exploration of beautiful orchards, lavender gardens, world-class vineyards, wineries, and farm market fruit stands. Over a dozen of the area’s two dozen wineries sit along the Fruit & Wine Byway trail. There are also several local farms to visit. 

You can drive the byway trail or bike it. Three loops of varying lengths make up the entirety of the Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway. The East Cruiser Loop is an easy, 5-mile ride that starts and ends in downtown Palisade and follows the Colorado River. The 7-mile West Cruiser Loop also takes you through scenic Riverfront Park. Most of the wineries are located on this route. Finally, there’s the 25-mile East Orchard Mesa Loop. This ride has a more pronounced incline but boasts some of the valley's best views as a reward.  

Spoke and Vine Motel, a short walk from downtown Palisade and within a stone’s throw of multiple local wineries, can be a great home base for a Fruit and Wine Byway trail adventure. Paying homage to Palisade’s status as a “non-chain” destination, this locally owned and operated business comes with an interesting backstory. 

It’s owned by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo of Jody Corey and Jeff Snook, who purchased what is now the motel in late 2018. Jody had stayed at the property during a girls’ weekend getaway and says that after possibly “one-too-many glasses of wine,” she decided she should buy the place. She and Jeff had the background experience in property management and hospitality to make it happen, and today, the place aims to “change the way you motel.”

It feels like staying in someone’s guest room in their home, more than a motel. Everything, from the decor to the coffee and drinks, and even the employees, emulates a feeling of a locally inspired attitude (in the best way). Boasting a “no-frills” overnight stay experience, you’ll have everything you need, such as a cozy bed, plentiful AC, and a spacious and contemporary bathroom without the stress of a luxury resort.

And since Palisade has plentiful Colorado sunshine, be sure to spend time out on the large, fenced-in outdoor patio in front of the guest rooms. It’s a kid-safe and dog-friendly space for you to let loose while you indulge in some local Palisade wine and bites. The communal picnic tables, shaded booth seating areas, and Adirondack chairs are an ideal place to relax.  

Spoke and Vine Motel is an ideal place to set as a home base for those seeking a ride down the Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway. It’s also a great place to return to after some wine and farm fruit adventures. 

Exploring More Along the Fruit & Wine Byway Trail

Along the Fruit & Wine Scenic Byway Trail and a bit beyond, don’t miss stepping out to Sage Creations Organic Farm, a lavender lover’s dream destination. There’s also an abundance of wineries along the way, like Vines 79 Wine Barn, Restoration Vineyards, and TerraVin Cellars, among other awesome spots to spend time.