The Places Behind the Story - Ouray, Colorado

Hello! My name is Mindy Obenhaus and I'm the new kid here at The Craftie Ladies. My debut novel The Doctor's Family Reunion just released! The story takes place in Ouray, Colorado, one of my most favorite places in the world, so I thought I'd take you on a little tour to some of the real places in the book.

 

They say the best place to start is at the beginning, so that's where we'll begin.

The book cover is an artist's rendering of Ouray's Main Street.

These are some snapshots I took of the actual Main Street.

 

 

I think the artist did a fabulous job of capturing the essence of Ouray, don't you?

 

In the story, my heroine owns a Jeep tour company. That might seem like an odd business to a flatlander like myself, but Ouray is the jeeping Capital of the World. Why? Well, this former gold and silver mining town is surrounded by thirteen and fourteen thousand foot peaks rich with history and beauty. So if you want to go exploring...

 

This is the "little blue building on Seventh Avenue" where my heroine's business, Adventures In Pink, is based. In reality, it's Switzerland of America Jeep Tours and Rentals. This was a big tour day, so the Jeeps and tour trucks that are normally parked out front are carrying folks through the mountains, over some of the most gorgeous, yet rugged terrain you'll ever experience.

 

To the left there, you can catch a glimpse of the historic Western Hotel. Built in the late 1800's, the hotel/restaurant/saloon is still open today, with some of the most wonderful food in town. And believe me when I tell you, this town has some fantastic food. :)

If you're a history buff, or simply appreciate Victorian architecture, you'll like the fact that two-thirds of Ouray's Victorian structures are still in use today.

 

Aside from jeeping, another favorite is Ouray is hiking. You can explore one of the many mountain trails or simply trek up Eighth Avenue to Cascade Falls like my hero.

 

Because Ouray is surrounded by such high peaks, it's light in the town long before the sun's rays actually reach it. But, oh, what a sight when the sun finally tops the Amphitheater.

 

But of all the sights in Ouray, this has to be one of my favorites.

 

Welcome to Mouse's Chocolates and Coffee.

(It's the shorter building on the right)

Best Belgian chocolate anywhere, hands down. And it's my hero's favorite morning stop.

 

I hope you enjoyed this little tour around Ouray. There's so much more I could share, but I'm afraid we'd be here all day. However, if you'd like to know more, you can go to the Ouray page on my website, mindyobenhaus.com.

 

And I hope you'll check out my debut release, The Doctor's Family Reunion, available now on Amazon (click here to order).

 

 

Family means everything to Dr. Trent Lockridge. Growing up without a father, he always yearned for a family of his own. One long-ago  summer in Ouray, Colorado, he thought  he might build a future with beautiful  Blakely Daniels. But when he abruptly fled town, he broke her heart and left behind more than memories. Years later, Trent is shocked—and overjoyed—to learn he’s a father. He’d like to earn back Blakely’s love and trust— but it won’t be easy. And the clock is ticking. He’s got only a few weeks to prove that, this time, he’s here to stay…forever.