Regenerative Workshops
A Place to Learn About Regeneration—From the Ground Up
Located in Paonia, Colorado, the Center is designed around a three-day immersive learning experience for farmers, land stewards, and community members who want to move beyond theory and into lived, place-based understanding of regenerative systems.
Mornings: First Stop of the Farm Tours: Observation, Practice, and Principle
Our property on 7 acres is a learning center itself—both in the classroom and on our working land. Together, we observe, question, and engage with water management strategies and regenerative agriculture principles as they are applied in real time. Participants take part in hands-on demonstrations and guided observation, learning how water moves across the land, how soil responds, and how small interventions can create meaningful ecological shifts.
Instead of prescribing formulas, mornings focus on building ecological literacy—learning how to read landscapes, understand patterns, and make decisions that consider context.
Afternoons: Learning Across the Living Landscape
Afternoons find us stomping across the valley to visit local farms and land projects that are actively practicing regeneration in diverse ways. These sites demonstrate a range of approaches, including:
• Rotational and adaptive grazing
• Orchard systems and perennial agriculture
• Annual vegetable production
• Food forests and agroforestry
• Herb and flower farming
• Integrated water and soil restoration strategies
Each site offers an exciting unique viewpoint, showing how regenerative principles adapt across scale, climate, and enterprise. Farmers share what’s working, what’s challenging, and what they’re still learning—offering honest, peer-to-peer exchange derived from lived experience.
A Learning Model Rooted in Relationship
Through this intensive, learning unfolds through conversation, observation, shared meals, and time on the land, not just presentations. The goal is specifially adaptation—supporting participants to return home with deeper understanding, sharper questions, and practical insights they can apply in their own landscapes.
Our work is guided by regeneration as a living practice: one that restores soil and water, strengthens local food systems, and reconnects people to the places they steward.
This is a field-based learning experience for those ready to gain an understanding of what regeneration looks like in practice.
❋ Intentional StructureWe blend guided moments, open exploration, and space to reflect—so the experience feels both focused and fluid.
❋ Collaborative EnergyConnection is a core part of the process. You’ll learn just as much from the group as from the content itself.
❋ Expert FacilitationLed by experienced guides who know how to hold space, encourage participation, and keep things moving with purpose.
❋ A Supportive SpaceOur events prioritize comfort, safety, and respect—so you can show up as you are and fully engage in the process.
Upcoming Events
-
June Workshop
TBD
-
July Workshop
TBD
Local
// resources //
Eating Well in Paonia
-
If you want to stock your fridge and keep things simple, Don’s is your go-to. This small, well-loved local market carries fresh produce, quality meats, bread, non-alcoholic beverages, and everyday staples. You’ll also find organic and gluten-free options. It’s an easy stop for breakfasts, packable lunches, and snacks for full days in the field.
-
A favorite among local growers and food lovers, Indigo Autumn specializes in farm-fresh local produce, organic groceries, bulk foods, and thoughtfully sourced items in their fridge and freezer. Ideal for assembling nourishing meals that reflect the agricultural richness of the North Fork Valley.
-
For those arriving on a Friday, this is a Paonia ritual worth planning around. Open Friday mornings from 8–11am, Mountain Oven offers organic sourdough breads, croissants, quiches, breakfast burritos, pastries, cookies, and excellent coffee. You can also purchase freshly milled flour and occasionally find local farm products — perfect for a hearty breakfast or provisions to carry with you.
-
A relaxed, dependable spot for breakfast, lunch, or a mid-day break. Sweetgrass offers indoor and outdoor seating (outdoor is pet-friendly) and is a comfortable place to refuel between sessions or meet up with fellow participants.
-
A true Paonia gem — and a special treat if you’re here on a Sunday. Open to the public only from 11am until sold out, Coquelicot features exquisite handcrafted French pastries by local pastry chef Clementine. Gluten-free options available.
Good food, local flavor, and easy options while you’re here learning and working.
Bakeries, Lunch Stops & Casual Meals
-
A dependable stop for breakfast, lunch, snacks, or deli items. Easy take-away options if you’re packing food for the day or heading back to your lodging.
-
Authentic street-style Thai food truck serving lunch Tuesday–Thursday. Expect noodles, rice dishes, soups, and bold flavors. Locations vary — often near the end of Grand Ave & 1st on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tuesdays in summer, they’re at Black Bridge Winery, a lovely riverside lunch stop.
-
Seasonal, locally inspired dinners by Chef Joe near Paonia River Park. Fresh, colorful, and thoughtfully prepared meals. Outdoor seating under a pergola; dog-friendly. Open summer evenings (generally not Tues–Weds).
-
A welcoming community space serving delicious vegetarian food, Third Bowl ice cream, and a small market with local goods. They also serve meals at the Arbol Farmers Market on Tuesdays during market season. All are welcome.
Farms, Wineries & Places to Linger. Good for afternoons off, social evenings, or bringing visiting partners.
-
A Paonia landmark and gathering place, especially lively from spring through fall. Outdoor seating, café food, local cider and wine, ice cream, live music, and a market with local products. U-pick fruit when in season. A great place to relax, wander, and experience the valley.
-
A working farm and winery offering excellent food (brunch, lunch, dinner), quality wines, beautiful views — and babydoll sheep. Run by a former Front Range chef and her husband. Open seasonally.
-
Local wines with sweeping views of Mt. Lamborn. Pair a tasting with food and browsing next door at Root & Vine Market. An easy place to spend a relaxed afternoon.
-
Part café, part market, part gallery. Enjoy a meal inside or on the patio, shop for local art and gifts, and combine your visit with a wine tasting at Qutori.
-
A quiet, tucked-away winery with lovely vineyard and mountain views. Enjoy tastings in a peaceful garden setting — ideal for a slower afternoon.
-
Producers of premium Colorado wines. Open by appointment, with tastings available at Zenzen Gardens and wines poured at select local restaurants.
-
Slightly off the beaten path and worth the drive. Known for rosés and expansive views. Summer Friday nights often feature dinner catered by a local chef. Check ahead for details.
Good options after full days of learning, plus places to relax and connect.
-
A go-to for dinner, cocktails, and a relaxed evening atmosphere. Menus change — check the window for current offerings. A solid choice when you want something thoughtfully prepared and don’t want to cook.
-
A great early-week option (typically Mondays and Tuesdays, late morning through afternoon). Find them near Grand Ave & 1st. Offers regular and gluten-free crusts. You can take your pizza next door to the pub to enjoy with a local beer or non-alcoholic drink.
-
A simple, seasonal local diner on Grand Avenue. Home-style cooking at good prices. Especially good for a hearty breakfast before a long day. Check hours, as they vary by season.
Beer, Cider & Evening Hangouts
-
Paonia’s local pub — friendly, casual, and community-centered. Locally brewed beer, food inside, and occasional food trucks and live music. A great place to unwind and talk with locals.
-
Specializing in barrel-aged beers, with indoor and outdoor seating. Often hosts music and food service depending on the night.
Markets, Groceries & Supplies Beyond Paonia
-
Tuesdays, 5–8pm at Paonia Town Park (May–October). Local produce, prepared food, live music, and a strong sense of community. A highlight of the growing season.
Exploring the North Fork Valley & Beyond
Places to rest your nervous system, deepen your sense of place, and experience this landscape between learning days.
-
A beloved local swimming hole and gathering place just outside of town. Cold spring-fed water, grassy banks, and mountain views make this a refreshing stop on hot days. Best visited in summer; come prepared for cold water and a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
-
An easy, peaceful place for a short walk or to sit by the North Fork of the Gunnison River. Shady spots, open lawns, and river access make it ideal for unwinding after a full learning day.
-
Central green space in town with mature trees and mountain views. On Tuesday evenings during the growing season, it hosts the Arbol Farmers Market — a great way to experience Paonia’s community life.
Close-In Nature & Easy Walks
Perfect for mornings, evenings, or gentle reset time.
Mountains, Forests & Quiet Places
For those who need solitude, altitude, or inspiration.
-
A vast and rugged wilderness area visible from Paonia and central to the valley’s identity. Offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and a strong sense of remoteness. Even short walks near trailheads give a sense of the wild systems that surround the agricultural lands.
-
An iconic presence in the valley, visible from many farms and vineyards. You don’t need to climb it to appreciate it — simply spending time in its shadow offers perspective on elevation, water flow, and microclimates.
Farms, Food & Living Agriculture
Hands-on experiences that reflect the valley’s working landscape.
-
A wonderful example of small-scale, values-driven agriculture. Western Culture produces award-winning goat cheese and welcomes visitors to meet the goats. During the season, you can bottle-feed baby goats, tour the farm, and purchase cheese directly. A meaningful stop for anyone interested in regenerative food systems and animal husbandry.
-
More than a place to eat — this is a working orchard and cultural hub. Walk through fruit trees, explore the market, listen to live music, or enjoy cider and wine under the trees. U-pick fruit is available in season, offering a direct connection to local agriculture.
Scenic Drives & Half-Day Adventures
When you want to see the bigger landscape that shapes this valley.
-
A dramatic and humbling landscape carved by water over deep time. Sheer canyon walls, powerful river views, and quiet overlooks make this a profound counterpoint to farm-scale learning. About 1–1.25 hours from Paonia — ideal for a half-day or full-day outing. South Rim is the most accessible for first-time visitors.
-
A stunning drive connecting Paonia to Aspen. Meadows, aspen groves, and sweeping mountain views shift with the seasons. Excellent for photography, contemplation, and understanding the broader watershed and bioregion.
Art, Culture & Community Spaces
Places where land, people, and creativity meet.
-
An international artist residency housed in a historic property. When open to the public, it offers a glimpse into how creative practice intersects with rural life and landscape.
-
A peaceful garden space hosting art, events, and wine tastings. A gentle, reflective place to slow down and enjoy beauty created with intention.
Lodging
In-Town Lodging (Hotels, Inns, B&Bs)
-
4.9•Bed & breakfast
A beautifully restored historic inn in downtown Paonia with a welcoming bed-and-breakfast feel. Centrally located near restaurants, tasting rooms, and shops, it’s a great choice for those who want character-filled, comfortable lodging with easy walkability.
-
4.8•Hostel
A highly rated hostel-style accommodation in the heart of Paonia. Affordable, social, and characterful — good for solo travelers, small groups, students, or anyone looking for a casual, community-oriented place to stay. Some rooms and suites are available with private bathrooms; walk to nearby eateries and tasting rooms.
-
4.8•Hotels•Open
A family-run motel just off Hwy 133 offering comfortable, pet-friendly rooms with Wi-Fi, parking (including for RVs), and basic amenities. A dependable mid-range choice for visitors who want a simple home base close to town and the valley’s outdoor attractions.
-
3.6•Hotels•Closed
Another in-town lodging option. Rooms are simple and functional, making this a budget-friendly choice for visitors who want easy access to Paonia’s restaurants and shops without frills.
Outdoor & Agritourism Stays
-
A rustic National Forest campground set in spruce and fir forest near Anthracite Creek. Sites are first-come, first-served (seasonally late spring through fall). Each site has a tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring/grill. It’s cooler and wooded — great for a true mountain camping experience close to trailheads and wilderness access, but bring your own water and gear.
-
Want something agricultural and social? Big B’s offers camping right in the orchard, just minutes from Paonia. You can tent camp, park an RV, or even stay in more comfortable cabin or glamping-style units amid apple trees. On-site amenities include a café, orchard market, live music, BBQ, playground, and seasonal events — a fun place to stay with a group or bring partners/family.
Other Unique & Community-Oriented Stays
-
Not far from downtown Paonia, this locally-hosted property offers ranch-like accommodations, with options for cabins, glamping platforms, and even tent camping among goats and chickens — a nice blend of agritourism and laid-back lodging with easy access to wineries and restaurants.
Paonia has a growing collection of private homes, cottages, tiny homes, and cabins available through platforms like Airbnb. Options range from farm-style stays and cozy cottages near orchards to tiny houses or rural retreats with scenic mountain views and outdoor spaces — perfect for longer stays, family groups, or anyone who wants a kitchen and more privacy than a hotel. Some popular types of Airbnbs include quiet cottages close to town, tiny houses near the Black Canyon area, and larger homes with mountain views.
Vacation Rentals & Airbnbs
Here’s how you might decide where to stay:
• Rustic & Outdoor-focused: Erickson Springs or camping at Big B’s — great for people who love nature and don’t mind minimal facilities.
• Comfortable & Characterful: Bross Hotel or Redwood Arms — ideal for folks who want a solid night’s rest after long learning days.
• Budget & Social: The Local Nomad — perfect for students, solo travelers, and small groups.
• Extended Stays or Group Trips: Airbnbs and vacation rentals — more space, kitchens, and flexibility.