Plant-Based Eating in the Southwest
Check out Sharon Palmer’s guide to enjoying the plant-powered eats in the Southwest.
I got back from a Southwestern trip through Colorado, Utah, and Nevada, while bringing my son home to California after a year of college in Denver. We went through some of the most majestic territory in the U.S., and I just had to share it with you. This blog today is not as much about eating a plant-based diet, as it is about enjoying some of the wild natural places still left in the country. And, by the way, eating a plant-based diet lowers your carbon footprint, which is a good thing for preserving our planet, too. Please find your way to this part of the U.S. and treasure the experience.
Radishes, Denver Union Station Farmers Market
We landed in Denver, and then grabbed the really convenient train from the airport to Union Station—right in time for the farmers market! If you’re in town, you must fit this in on a Saturday.
Asparagus, Denver Union Station Farmers Market
Pretty posies of asparagus in season at the farmers market!
Freshly Baked Breads, Denver Union Station Farmers Market
Look at these gorgeous loaves of ancient grain breads.
The Pig & The Sprout, Denver
We ate at this little hot spot in Denver, which had a delicious broccoli cauliflower salad. Don’t let the name of the restaurant fool you, there were tons of plant-based options on the menu.
Aspen, CO
We had a great opportunity to stop by Aspen as we drove through Colorado. My first time. What a beautiful town! Very historic, charming streets with lots of great restaurants.
Aspen, CO
A quick snap with my family—Nicholas, me, and Peter—in Aspen.
A thrill to hike in Arches National Park, a must on your route through Utah.
There are more than 2000 natural sandstone arches, like this one, in the park, as well as intriguing formations, like the one to the right, which looks like a lion to me.
Double arches—so beautiful.
You could easily spend a whole day, but with just one afternoon, we choose the stunning vistas—such as this famous arch, which was formed over the millennia as seas flooded, and then receded in these valleys.
Dinosaur Bones in Utah
Utah is the place to see dinosaur bones, even in this small park where we stopped by along the highway. Those are the preserved vertebrae of a dinosaur there.
Pronghorn Deer, Utah Wildlife
We glimpsed this gorgeous Pronghorn deer in Utah—it reminded me of something you might spy in Africa.
Lizards, Utah Wildlife
There are so many types of lizards in Utah—this one was greenish, and perched for a nice view.
Eklecticafe, Moab
We enjoyed a delicious meal at this vegetarian restaurant in Moab—this wrap with tofu was divine!
Zion National Park
The vistas at Zion were breathtaking. We had one morning to hike around. I could spend a week—honestly.
Zion National Park
The park system is so efficient at Zion. The shuttles drop you off the major hike trails and viewpoints, which keeps traffic out of the park.
For more plant-based eating guides, check out:
Plant-Based Eating in Walla Walla, WA
Plant-Based Eating in the Big Island, Hawaii
Plant-Based Eating in New York City