Family vacations are more than just time away from work and daily routines—they are opportunities to reconnect, create lasting memories, and recharge mentally. However, the excitement of planning a getaway can quickly turn into financial stress if not approached with a solid plan. The good news? With the right strategy, you can enjoy a fulfilling vacation without breaking the bank or sacrificing your long-term financial goals. 

ALAMOSA — In his book “A Tale of Two Colonies: Dutch Calvinists and Southern States Saints in the San Luis Valley”, author Bill Heersink chronicles the histories of these two groups.  

CONEJOS COUNTY — Bountiful Meats & Processing is a meat processing shop in Bountiful. The shop offers custom meat processing, wild game meat processing, and meat shares to fill your freezer. Jocelyn and Mitch Buhr own the shop and processing operation, which has seven employees. 

ALAMOSA - On June 21, children enrolled in the HIPPY Program and continuing their education, as well as children who are enrolled and graduating from the program, attended a special ceremony at the Alamosa Family Recreation Center. 

SEVEN MILE PLAZA - For the past two years, Ernie Martinez alongside his wife Sandra and their family, several volunteers and donors have worked to restore the St. Francis of Assisi Mission Church in the Seven Mile Plaza and are pleased to announce that restoration work is complete, for now.  

SOUTH FORK — After years of planning and construction, a major milestone was reached on June 10 as the first home in South Fork’s Sawmill Meadow Village workforce housing development officially sold — to a local restaurant cook who now calls the dream of homeownership a reality. 

CENTER - It was a sunny morning, with plenty of breeze to make the trees move in the afternoon on June 22, as the San Juan Fiesta brought in a fantastic, spirited celebration to Center. 

ALAMOSA — Society Hall is thrilled to bring Jackson Emmer, the acclaimed award-winning California and Colorado based singer songwriter, to the stage on Wednesday night, June 25. 

ALAMOSA — The board of Society Hall invites anyone with an appreciation for original talent to another great evening of music with the Antonio Lopez Band and Ol' Scratch at Society Hall, Saturday, June 28, at 7:30 p.m.  

ALAMOSA — Summer is officially underway at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley, and across all six sites, kids are diving into adventure, creativity, and connection. 

ALAMOSA — SLV Habitat for Humanity is hosting Bike 2 Build, the San Luis Valley Century on Saturday, June 28. A most scenic way to experience the beautiful San Luis Valley and support a great cause. 

CRESTONE - Kristof Kosmowski’s work will be on display at the Shumei Gallery in Crestone during July, August, and September. A symposium with Kristof will take place on Sunday, July 20, starting at 3 p.m. A reception will follow until 5 p.m. 

DEL NORTE - Summer has finally arrived in Del Norte and though the construction is blocking what is sure to be a wonderful view, Music in the Park is the place to be on Thursday nights. It is sponsored by Rhythms on the Rio. 

MONTE VISTA - It was a beautiful morning and sunny afternoon, with about 11 children at the Bike Rodeo at Fullenwider Park on June 14. 

SOUTH FORK - June 14, several young anglers gathered with their families at Saddlebrook Pond just outside of South Fork to enjoy a morning packed full of fishing and fun. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) along with the South Fork Visitor Center have hosted this event for well over 10 years and helped spread the joy of fishing to younger generations. 

SAGUACHE - Beautiful colorful quilts of all sizes, shapes, colors, and textures, were hung in the gymnasium at Mountain Valley School District, on June 14. The Saguache Sagebrush Quilters had quite a show with 15 quilters displaying their work in five different categories. The show went until about 3:30 p.m. 

Medano Creek update for Great Sand Dunes as of June 18 - according to the National Park Service, as is typical in mid-June, Medano Creek is no longer flowing in the area of the main dunes parking lot and trailhead.

FORT GARLAND — Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center has announced that, starting June 21, 2025, the museum will be hosting Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces. 

ANTONITO — With the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad season now in full swing, a little of the narrow gauge railroad’s history might be of particular interest.  About 130 years ago, in February of 1880, the railroad’s first tracks of the San Juan Extension were laid down, running from Alamosa south to Antonito.

ALAMOSA — Twelve-year-old Toni Wells, longtime member of the 4-H club of the San Luis Valley, was recently announced as the top seller in a fundraiser to support the Livestock Judging Team. Donations and fundraisers are crucial to a program like the Livestock Judging Team as the program can involve traveling when not all team members may have the financial ability to participate.