So... you were wondering?
Answers to frequently asked questions...
Are you a Bed & Breakfast?
We are not a Bed and Breakfast. As an Inn, we offer comfortable guest accommodations but we leave meal preparations to the many capable Valley dining establishments. Your room does come well-stocked with organic coffee, as well as a nice selection of teas and hot chocolate. Unfortunately, due to the COVID pandemic, both of Crawford's restaurants went out of business, however, plenty of dining options exist in nearby Hotchkiss and Paonia.
When is check in & check out?
You can check in as early as 3pm. Check out time is by 11am. Early check in or late check out may be possible with advance arrangements.
How does check in & check out work?
We are pretty unique in this regard. We may or may not be on site when you arrive. If nobody answers when you arrive at the side door of the house (the up hill side), simply locate your room (there will be a welcome note on the door, and the door will be unlocked), let your self in and we will catch up with you later. All three rooms are clearly marked - Magpie and Raven are accessed from the front porch, while the Stone Studio is accessed down six steps into the lower yard. This casual check in policy allows you to come and go as you please right from the start! Check out is equally informal. When you depart, simply text us at (970) 589-2903 to let us know of your departure, leave the key in the room and close the door, unlocked, behind you.
How about payment?
If you booked through AirBnB.com then your payment has already been collected - so nothing to do in regard to payment. If you booked through our website or any other online booking agency (such as Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, Travelocity, Trip Advisor, HomeAway, etc.) then payment will be due upon your arrival (or at sometime during your visit). We prefer cash or check (made out to Stone House Inn), but are also happy to accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit or debit cards. When paying by card we will simply run the card you provided during the reservation process, on the first day of your stay. In no case will charges be applied to your card before your scheduled arrival date.
Our nightly rate for our standard rooms, plus tax is: High Season Weekends: $129; High Season Weekdays: $119; Low Season - any day: $99. Our nightly rate for the Stone Studio, plus tax is: High Season Weekends: $155; High Season Weekdays: $145; Low Season - any day: $125.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you must cancel, please give us as much notice as possible so we can re-book your room. If the booking is canceled before 10:00 PM, 2 days before check-in there will be no cancellation penalty; less than 2 days before check-in the charge will be the equivalent of the first night's stay + tax. If we are able to re-book your cancelled room inside of that two day time frame, we will not charge a cancellation penalty.
Where should we park?
Guests may park street-side on the broad shoulder of the road, directly in front of the Inn. We also have one level 4' x 9' motorcycle parking pad just off the shoulder. Please contact us if you have an especially large vehicle or are pulling a trailer.
Do you have Satellite or Cable TV?
We do not. Our rooms each have a large flat screen TV and DVD/Blu-Ray player - with a nice selection of movies in the room. We also offer Netflix and Hulu streaming services to round out your viewing options. A Redbox movie rental kiosk is located outside the City Market grocery store in Hotchkiss.
What about Wi-Fi?
We offer FREE secured 150MB high speed Wi-Fi for our guest's use. The password is located on the information card in your room.
Any food preparation facilities?
Our two standard rooms do not have kitchen facilities, but do have mini-fridges with separate freezers. These rooms also feature a microwave, coffee pot, electric hot water kettle and a good selection of plates, bowls, glasses (even wine and shot glasses... as well as beer mugs waiting in the freezer!), flatware and basic kitchen utensils (wine and bottle openers and can opener). The Stone Studio features a full kitchen, refrigerator/freezer, range and oven and is well-stocked with everything you would need to prepare a meal.
What dining options are available in Crawford?
Sadly, the COVID pandemic put both of Crawford's restaurants out of business.
Heading out of town for breakfast... what do you suggest?
Where can I purchase some wine or beer?
Honestly, if you are in search of local wine, spirits or beer you have a lot of options. If you want something convenient to your room, head a half mile south, out of town, to The Desperado (convenience store, liquor store and gas station). The Desperado will have a decent, but smallish, selection including some locally produced options.
Tri-R Liquors in Hotchkiss, next to the City Market grocery, has just about anything you might desire - including a good section of local wines and spirits. Of course, the North Fork Valley is well known for wine. We have 14 wineries, many with tasting rooms - take my advice and spend an afternoon sampling! Some nice options include Leroux Creek Inn and Vineyards, west of Hotchkiss on 3100 Road, a few miles north of the highway, Azura and Stone Cottage Cellars both northeast of Paonia, Black Bridge Winery east of Paonia and Delicious Orchards/Big B's tasting room west of Paonia. Delicious Orchards also produces a popular line of hard and traditional ciders (Big B's brand). There is also Paonia United Brewing (P.U.B) in Paonia - a watering hole for the hip crowd. P.U.B. is located in a converted church building on the main drag in Paonia, just north of downtown, and is a center of activity many evenings, with occasional live music. On the other end of downtown, just off the main drag, is the well-regarded Chrysalis Brewery - another worthy stop for the craft beer lover.
Where is the nearest gas station?
The Desperado is a Sinclair affiliated gas station, convenience store and mini liquor store all in one, and they are located a half mile south of town on Highway 92, just before Crawford State Park. There is a Shell station in Hotchkiss - Stop n' Save; and there is a Conoco station at the Stop n' Save on the west edge of Paonia on Highway 133. The Stop n' Save locations typically offer the best gas prices in the Valley. Rogers Mesa Store, just west of Hotchkiss, also has a gas station. All of these gas stations offer well-stocked convenience stores.
I need some basic supplies. What is nearby?
Again, The Desperado is just a mile south of town on Highway 92... they will have all the convenience store basics and a little bit more.
I'm looking for an ATM. Where can I find one?
There is an ATM located in downtown Crawford outside of the United Business Bank branch - across from the Town Hall (the big stone former school house). There is also an ATM inside the Desperado convenience store and gas station, a half mile south of town. There are multiple ATMs in both Hotchkiss and Paonia. For those with a Credit Union card participating in the surcharge-free Co-Op network, check out the ATM at the Delta County Federal Credit Union - adjacent to the City Market grocery.
How far to the North Rim of the Black Canyon?
The North Rim of the Black Canyon is 13 miles from the Inn. Take Highway 92 south about two miles and make your first right after Crawford State Park reservoir. Follow the signs because the road twists and turns. The last several miles are unpaved but well-maintained. The drive offers lovely views even before you get to the chasm! The north rim of the canyon typically opens for visitors sometime in April and closes in November. Check with the National Park for exact open and close dates - as they tend to vary based on the weather.
How far to the South Rim of the Black Canyon?
The South Rim of the Black Canyon is quite a drive - because you have to drive around the canyon. You could drive south on Highway 92 to connect with Highway 50 and then head west towards Montrose, or you could drive northwest on Highway 92 through Hotchkiss, to Delta, south to Montrose on Highway 50 and then east on Highway 50 to the park entrance. Give yourself 65-75 minutes via Delta or 1.5 hours heading south and then west. The route south towards Gunnison will reward you with amazing views, but it is a longer drive. Please note the the Colorado Department of Transportation is planning two major highway projects on Highway 92 south between Crawford and the South Rim - which will slow down your trip in 2020 and 2022. Road work is first planned for the stretch of road between Crawford and south on Highway 92 to Highway 50. Following that project, a long term major road re-construction is planned from Blue Mesa Reservoir at the intersection of Highway 92 and Highway 50, west to Montrose.
Is there any night life in Crawford or the North Fork Valley?
Well, it depends on what your idea of "night life" is. One favorite activity is to watch the stars on a clear night (check to see if a meteor shower is scheduled during your visit by clicking here!) A good place to watch the night sky is at the Needle Rock trail head parking area, about 4 miles east of Crawford (turn east at the post office and take Dogwood Ave out a couple miles to Needle Rock Road on the south side of Needle Rock). Not a single point of artificial light to be seen... plus you are at the base of the awesome Needle Rock! Also, The Black Canyon National Park has recently received a "Dark Skies" certification.
I'm looking for some good information on the North Fork Valley and Delta County. Where can I find it?
There is a handy mobile app that you can load on your smart phone that provides helpful information on dining, activities and attractions in the area. To load this free app, search "Visit Delta County, CO!" Also, we have a fine visitor's guide online at www.northforkvisitorguide.com.
Other nighttime entertainment could include...
Are you a Bed & Breakfast?
We are not a Bed and Breakfast. As an Inn, we offer comfortable guest accommodations but we leave meal preparations to the many capable Valley dining establishments. Your room does come well-stocked with organic coffee, as well as a nice selection of teas and hot chocolate. Unfortunately, due to the COVID pandemic, both of Crawford's restaurants went out of business, however, plenty of dining options exist in nearby Hotchkiss and Paonia.
When is check in & check out?
You can check in as early as 3pm. Check out time is by 11am. Early check in or late check out may be possible with advance arrangements.
How does check in & check out work?
We are pretty unique in this regard. We may or may not be on site when you arrive. If nobody answers when you arrive at the side door of the house (the up hill side), simply locate your room (there will be a welcome note on the door, and the door will be unlocked), let your self in and we will catch up with you later. All three rooms are clearly marked - Magpie and Raven are accessed from the front porch, while the Stone Studio is accessed down six steps into the lower yard. This casual check in policy allows you to come and go as you please right from the start! Check out is equally informal. When you depart, simply text us at (970) 589-2903 to let us know of your departure, leave the key in the room and close the door, unlocked, behind you.
How about payment?
If you booked through AirBnB.com then your payment has already been collected - so nothing to do in regard to payment. If you booked through our website or any other online booking agency (such as Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com, Travelocity, Trip Advisor, HomeAway, etc.) then payment will be due upon your arrival (or at sometime during your visit). We prefer cash or check (made out to Stone House Inn), but are also happy to accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express credit or debit cards. When paying by card we will simply run the card you provided during the reservation process, on the first day of your stay. In no case will charges be applied to your card before your scheduled arrival date.
Our nightly rate for our standard rooms, plus tax is: High Season Weekends: $129; High Season Weekdays: $119; Low Season - any day: $99. Our nightly rate for the Stone Studio, plus tax is: High Season Weekends: $155; High Season Weekdays: $145; Low Season - any day: $125.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you must cancel, please give us as much notice as possible so we can re-book your room. If the booking is canceled before 10:00 PM, 2 days before check-in there will be no cancellation penalty; less than 2 days before check-in the charge will be the equivalent of the first night's stay + tax. If we are able to re-book your cancelled room inside of that two day time frame, we will not charge a cancellation penalty.
Where should we park?
Guests may park street-side on the broad shoulder of the road, directly in front of the Inn. We also have one level 4' x 9' motorcycle parking pad just off the shoulder. Please contact us if you have an especially large vehicle or are pulling a trailer.
Do you have Satellite or Cable TV?
We do not. Our rooms each have a large flat screen TV and DVD/Blu-Ray player - with a nice selection of movies in the room. We also offer Netflix and Hulu streaming services to round out your viewing options. A Redbox movie rental kiosk is located outside the City Market grocery store in Hotchkiss.
What about Wi-Fi?
We offer FREE secured 150MB high speed Wi-Fi for our guest's use. The password is located on the information card in your room.
Any food preparation facilities?
Our two standard rooms do not have kitchen facilities, but do have mini-fridges with separate freezers. These rooms also feature a microwave, coffee pot, electric hot water kettle and a good selection of plates, bowls, glasses (even wine and shot glasses... as well as beer mugs waiting in the freezer!), flatware and basic kitchen utensils (wine and bottle openers and can opener). The Stone Studio features a full kitchen, refrigerator/freezer, range and oven and is well-stocked with everything you would need to prepare a meal.
What dining options are available in Crawford?
Sadly, the COVID pandemic put both of Crawford's restaurants out of business.
Heading out of town for breakfast... what do you suggest?
- Zack's BBQ in Hotchkiss (located on a residential street behind the City Market grocery store - look for the yellow sign). Zack's is a gathering spot for locals and has been serving up traditional breakfasts (and lunch and dinner) for nearly 40 years - Zack's is a local institution and is famous for its Texas BBQ. Zack's is closed on Sundays and Mondays but open every other day.
- Living Farm Café in Paonia. The Living Farm Café is also on the main street of town and has a nice dining room and a shady deck. The Living Farm Café features local and organic options as well as vegan and gluten-free options for all meals.
- PJ's Pub in Hotchkiss is a favorite for those with higher standards for their food. The atmosphere is appealing and the food tasty. PJ's is open for lunch and dinner only.
- Louie's Pizza in Paonia. Louie's is on the main street and has really tasty pizza and plenty of specialty pizzas to choose from. Live music some weekend nights.
- Flying Fork Cafe in Paonia specializes in Italian cuisine and has developed a reputation for its high-quality, creative and local cuisine. This is a "special occasion" destination and has lovely seating outside under the apple trees.
- The Old River Road Trading Post. This place is really hard to find (15495 Black Bridge Road, Paonia - use your GPS) because it is in the middle of the countryside between Paonia and Black Bridge Winery, but if you are of a hippie persuasion, or simply appreciate the counter culture, you really should check this out. They are open every day except Saturday and there is a dining room and a great natural foods store. The meals are serve-yourself buffet style and some days simply by donation. The food ranges from really great to lackluster, but it is guaranteed to be healthy and local. There is no menu and some days meals have an ethnic or macrobiotic theme. This is an experience more than a restaurant... I will mention that two dear acquaintances, separately, have seriously considered moving to the area because of this place. Not for everyone... but for those who "get it", it's a treasure!
- Delicious Orchards/Big B's Café - two miles west of Paonia on Highway 133 - is located at a great local foods establishment/orchard that you should visit anyway... Pick up fruit and veggies direct from the grower and don't miss the apple cider. Big B's Ciders (traditional and hard) is based here - and there is a tasting room for cider and local wine. If you are visiting in the fall you MUST get the cold pressed fresh cider - the best to be found short of pressing your own! They hold a Hard Cider Festival here late each October. The café has a simple but delightful menu, heavy on local and fresh foods.
Where can I purchase some wine or beer?
Honestly, if you are in search of local wine, spirits or beer you have a lot of options. If you want something convenient to your room, head a half mile south, out of town, to The Desperado (convenience store, liquor store and gas station). The Desperado will have a decent, but smallish, selection including some locally produced options.
Tri-R Liquors in Hotchkiss, next to the City Market grocery, has just about anything you might desire - including a good section of local wines and spirits. Of course, the North Fork Valley is well known for wine. We have 14 wineries, many with tasting rooms - take my advice and spend an afternoon sampling! Some nice options include Leroux Creek Inn and Vineyards, west of Hotchkiss on 3100 Road, a few miles north of the highway, Azura and Stone Cottage Cellars both northeast of Paonia, Black Bridge Winery east of Paonia and Delicious Orchards/Big B's tasting room west of Paonia. Delicious Orchards also produces a popular line of hard and traditional ciders (Big B's brand). There is also Paonia United Brewing (P.U.B) in Paonia - a watering hole for the hip crowd. P.U.B. is located in a converted church building on the main drag in Paonia, just north of downtown, and is a center of activity many evenings, with occasional live music. On the other end of downtown, just off the main drag, is the well-regarded Chrysalis Brewery - another worthy stop for the craft beer lover.
Where is the nearest gas station?
The Desperado is a Sinclair affiliated gas station, convenience store and mini liquor store all in one, and they are located a half mile south of town on Highway 92, just before Crawford State Park. There is a Shell station in Hotchkiss - Stop n' Save; and there is a Conoco station at the Stop n' Save on the west edge of Paonia on Highway 133. The Stop n' Save locations typically offer the best gas prices in the Valley. Rogers Mesa Store, just west of Hotchkiss, also has a gas station. All of these gas stations offer well-stocked convenience stores.
I need some basic supplies. What is nearby?
Again, The Desperado is just a mile south of town on Highway 92... they will have all the convenience store basics and a little bit more.
I'm looking for an ATM. Where can I find one?
There is an ATM located in downtown Crawford outside of the United Business Bank branch - across from the Town Hall (the big stone former school house). There is also an ATM inside the Desperado convenience store and gas station, a half mile south of town. There are multiple ATMs in both Hotchkiss and Paonia. For those with a Credit Union card participating in the surcharge-free Co-Op network, check out the ATM at the Delta County Federal Credit Union - adjacent to the City Market grocery.
How far to the North Rim of the Black Canyon?
The North Rim of the Black Canyon is 13 miles from the Inn. Take Highway 92 south about two miles and make your first right after Crawford State Park reservoir. Follow the signs because the road twists and turns. The last several miles are unpaved but well-maintained. The drive offers lovely views even before you get to the chasm! The north rim of the canyon typically opens for visitors sometime in April and closes in November. Check with the National Park for exact open and close dates - as they tend to vary based on the weather.
How far to the South Rim of the Black Canyon?
The South Rim of the Black Canyon is quite a drive - because you have to drive around the canyon. You could drive south on Highway 92 to connect with Highway 50 and then head west towards Montrose, or you could drive northwest on Highway 92 through Hotchkiss, to Delta, south to Montrose on Highway 50 and then east on Highway 50 to the park entrance. Give yourself 65-75 minutes via Delta or 1.5 hours heading south and then west. The route south towards Gunnison will reward you with amazing views, but it is a longer drive. Please note the the Colorado Department of Transportation is planning two major highway projects on Highway 92 south between Crawford and the South Rim - which will slow down your trip in 2020 and 2022. Road work is first planned for the stretch of road between Crawford and south on Highway 92 to Highway 50. Following that project, a long term major road re-construction is planned from Blue Mesa Reservoir at the intersection of Highway 92 and Highway 50, west to Montrose.
Is there any night life in Crawford or the North Fork Valley?
Well, it depends on what your idea of "night life" is. One favorite activity is to watch the stars on a clear night (check to see if a meteor shower is scheduled during your visit by clicking here!) A good place to watch the night sky is at the Needle Rock trail head parking area, about 4 miles east of Crawford (turn east at the post office and take Dogwood Ave out a couple miles to Needle Rock Road on the south side of Needle Rock). Not a single point of artificial light to be seen... plus you are at the base of the awesome Needle Rock! Also, The Black Canyon National Park has recently received a "Dark Skies" certification.
I'm looking for some good information on the North Fork Valley and Delta County. Where can I find it?
There is a handy mobile app that you can load on your smart phone that provides helpful information on dining, activities and attractions in the area. To load this free app, search "Visit Delta County, CO!" Also, we have a fine visitor's guide online at www.northforkvisitorguide.com.
Other nighttime entertainment could include...
- Pickin' in the Park. Thursday evenings in August at the Paonia Town Park. This a great free event with fantastic musical acts and a real festival atmosphere!
- Catch a movie. Check out the community owned one-screen Paradise Theatre in Paonia, or the Tru-View Drive In Theatre in Delta (mid-April through September).
- Live music can often be found at: The Paradise Theatre in Paonia, The Blue Sage Center for the Arts in Paonia, Louie's Pizza in Paonia. Tucker's Pizza, Pub and Arcade in Hotchkiss also has live music many weekends. A comprehensive events calendar for the Valley does not exist, but check out the websites of the venues mentioned for their individual events calendars.
- Have a drink on the town. PJ's Pub in Hotchkiss (small and intimate), Pat's Bar & Grill in Hotchkiss (small and intimate), Tucker's Pizza Pub & Arcade in Hotchkiss, or Louie's Pizza in Paonia. And of course, local favorite hang out spot, Paonia United Brewing (P.U.B.), is on the main street of Paonia too!