What happens when two full-time middle school teachers look around their mountain town and decide the community needs something that does not exist yet? In this conversation we sit down with Samantha Bahn and Deb Bass O'Brien, the women behind Book Club Salida, a woman owned independent bookstore that opened its brick-and-mortar location in March of 2026 after two summers of farmers market pop ups. This is not just a bookstore story. It is a community story about two educators who saw a gap and decided to fill it while still teaching full time. We talk through their Salida origin stories, how a blizzard road trip to host a school book fair planted the seed, and what they are building beyond just selling books including author events, intimate book clubs, summer camps, and reading retreats. The space also sits in a building with a fascinating history connected to Salida madam Laura Evans and the old downtown speakeasy, and that spirit of female owned community minded business feels very much alive in what they have created.

Connect with Monica:

• www.MonicaSellsSalida.com
• Instagram & Facebook @MonicaSellsSalida
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

The Arkansas River Valley draws people for its mountain views open spaces and clean water but most residents never think about the work being done to protect all of it from the development pressure transforming other Colorado mountain towns. This video features Suzanne Copping program director at the Central Colorado Conservancy which has spent 25 years protecting lands and waters in Chaffee County through conservation easements that allow landowners to permanently restrict subdivision while continuing to work their properties for generations. The conversation covers why protecting ranch land matters beyond just the views including how open lands filter water into the Arkansas River how wildlife depends on privately owned open spaces and how the balance between growth and conservation determines whether the reasons people move here are still here in twenty years. If you live in or are considering moving to Salida Colorado this is one of the most important conversations about the future of this community right now.

Connect with Monica:

• www.MonicaSellsSalida.com
• Instagram & Facebook @MonicaSellsSalida
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Episode 10 of Season 3!

When Salida was founded in 1880 as a railroad depot and supply hub, it was a rugged wild west outpost. Over the last 146 years it has evolved into a vibrant creative arts district and outdoor recreation destination that it has become today. Ryan Taverna, a 5th generation Salidan joins Monica to talk about his family settling into the area in 1885, growing up in its current community and running the Mountain Sports Haus, a business serving the area for 50 years.

Connect with Monica:

• www.MonicaSellsSalida.com
• Instagram & Facebook @MonicaSellsSalida
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Connect with the Mountain Sports Haus: https://mountainsportshaus.net/

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Episode 9 of Season 3!

What makes people move to Salida… and never want to leave? In this episode of Living in Salida, longtime coach and mentor Kenny Wilcox shares how a small mountain town built one of Colorado’s strongest communities through youth sports, mentorship, family values, and genuine connection. From state championship cross-country teams to life-changing mentoring programs, this conversation reveals why Salida is more than just a beautiful place to live — it’s a place where people truly belong. Kenny opens up about moving from Iowa to Colorado, building a championship culture at Salida High School, raising four boys in the community, and helping shape the next generation through coaching and mentorship. If you’re thinking about moving to Salida, raising a family in the mountains, or simply looking for a community with heart, this episode will show you why so many people fall in love with Salida and choose to stay forever.

Connect with Monica:

• www.MonicaSellsSalida.com
• Instagram & Facebook @MonicaSellsSalida
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Episode 8 of Season 3!

This week Monica talks with Emma Rosse. Emma moved to Salida Colorado just over a year ago following her husband's dream of leaving the front range and within months had built a loyal following for her outdoor clothing brand All Over Apparel while becoming a genuine part of the local business community. This conversation covers her journey from Golden to Salida, how she pre-sold nearly a hundred pairs at Fibark before her first shipment even arrived, and why the trail to town lifestyle that defines Salida turned out to be the perfect fit for the brand she had spent years building. The conversation also covers what makes All Over Apparel different, her commitment to sustainable materials and packaging, and new products coming in 2026 including men's and women's daily driver pants and winterized overalls. If you are thinking about moving to Salida Colorado, starting a business in a small mountain town, or looking for outdoor clothing built for real life from trail to town this is a conversation worth a listen.

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Episode 7 of Season 3!

This week Monica talks with Anthony Miller, co owner of 7000 Running Company. They discuss the appeal of running in a small community while continuing to support events in town and hosting running groups all while raising teenagers in Salida and Chaffee County.

Connect with Monica:

• www.MonicaSellsSalida.com
• Instagram & Facebook @MonicaSellsSalida
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

To Connect with 7000 Feet Running Company: https://shop.7kft.co/

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Episode 6, Season 3!

This week Monica talks with Juliet Schaub Founder of Divine Huntress. Juliet is a performer and entertainer who's been a major proponent for self acceptance and unapologetic power through movement. She inspires women to live their best self while dealing with life's circumstances

Connect with Monica:

• www.MonicaSellsSalida.com
• Instagram & Facebook @MonicaSellsSalida
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

To Donate to Divine Huntress: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-me-loki-bring-healing-art-and-freedom-to-ibiza

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Episode 5, Season 3!

This week Monica talks with Robbie Balanger, the owner of the Shavano Restaurant in Salida. He talks about his background of working in the industry, starting a new restaurant in Chaffee County and getting a chance to enjoy all outdoor activities that the area offers. Robbie and Monica also visit about his latest venture of opening a new Italian restaurant in Salida.

Connect with Monica:

• www.MonicaSellsSalida.com
• Instagram & Facebook @MonicaSellsSalida
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

For information about Shavano Salida: https://www.friendsofshavano.com/

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Episode 4, Season 3!

This week Monica talks with Andrew Stossmeister of Heart of the Rockies Radio. Andrew has been involved in covering high school sports on the radio for 11 years in Salida and Buena Vista. In this episode Monica and Andrew talk about the benefits of living and working in Salida and Buena Vista, the school systems in both towns, sports opportunities for kids and childcare programs in Chaffee County and the true magic of the area.

Connect with Monica:

• www.MonicaSellsSalida.com
• Instagram & Facebook @MonicaSellsSalida
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Living in Salida returns with Monica McCarthy for Episode 3, Season 3!

This week Monica talks with Katy Blanton, owner of Coffee by Topo and entrepreneur in Salida. They discuss the values of living in Chaffee County, owning a safe space in Salida and providing a great community spot for everyone to visit. They also talk about what it takes to live in Salida with an always changing landscape.

Connect with Monica:

• www.MonicaSellsSalida.com
• Instagram & Facebook @MonicaSellsSalida
• Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Contact Coffee by Topo: https://www.coffeebytopo.com