I had always been a fan of small towns. I’m intrigued by how much different it could be from those metropolises or suburbs that I’m familiar with.
During 2011 I had a chance to make my first true trip out west. Sure, I had been to Nevada and California before, but it was a work trip and I didn’t see all that much. This was to be a continued experience of a week or more.
We stopped at Center, Colorado, not because it was a specific tourist destination on our trip, but because it might have a restaurant. Enter Leonardo’s Restaurant. It had a hometown flair to it, but still had an appeal to those weary travelers on their way to Sand Dunes National or Park or Mesa Verde. A Hispanic lady greeted us and showed us to our table. After glancing over the menu I decided on a burger…a good safe choice, after all I was unfamiliar with Mexican cuisine and was never sure what I’d get.
The burger was filling. My fellow travelers seemed satisfied with their meal.
As I paid my check I noticed the kitchen was bustling with activity of the lunch rush. I begin to wonder about their clientele. Was it mostly the ranchers and industrial workers in this town of 2000 people? Did they have regular customers who already knew what they wanted before they even ordered?
As I was leaving I noticed a portrait of Jesus and his disciples in the lobby. No doubt it was a sign of the religious conviction of the owner. I took a few pictures of it and I was on my way.
Center might be a wide spot in the road between Durango and Colorado Springs, but it is home to many. I later found out there was a whole section to the town I hadn’t seen. There was a business section including a thrift store and a few bars and shops. The town even had a high school. I’m intrigued by the way of life its residents must lead. Do they seem stress free in their bubble of small town life? Do they long for more than what Center can offer? I wanted to meet more of its residents and have conversations with them. But alas our time in the town was too short and we must be on our way to Sand Dunes.