Eating My Way Across Colorado: Aspen Leaf Bakery & Cafe

You want some of the best baked goods and fresh salads, sandwiches and soups that southern Colorado has to offer? Look no further than the Aspen Leaf Bakery & Cafe, located at 113 W. Main St. in Florence--the antiques capital of Colorado.

Usually I eat my way across Colorado alone, but this time the girls and I went to see what was happening at one of the most popular spots in Florence.

The Aspen Leaf is so popular that people drive from out of town to feast.

Two people in our party had the turkey panini, which I've had before also. Imagine a stunning artichoke spread, provolone, sliced red onions, alfalfa sprouts and marinated tomatoes complimenting all that turkey on some flat bread. No, just don't imagine it. Get to the Aspen Leaf and have one. The garden salads at the Aspen are always clean, fresh and crisp.

Our salads were chock full of tender baby spinach, other greens and plump, bright tomatoes.

I had the egg salad accented with celery and a special seasoning on a croissant. Beyond divine.

I could blather on about the veggie mushroom melt, the organic, vegan burger, the fresh soups and tortilla and lettuce wraps. Yes, I could.

But let's be honest. We all have these healthy offerings and then want to get to the baked goods.

The Aspen Leaf even has a good selection of gluten-free offerings. They also have cookies, macaroons, scones, danish, brownies, turn overs, bear claws, cinnamon rolls, muffins, bundt cake, coffee cake, cheese pockets with various fruit fillings, tiramisu with mocha sauce, strudel, banana bread, bread pudding with vanilla sauce, pies and cheesecakes.

If that wasn't enough--the Aspen Leaf semi-recently added soft serve ice cream to the list of temptations.

Breakfast, served until 11 a.m. is just $4.95 at the Aspen Leaf and includes quiches, biscuits and gravy and breakfast burritos.

As if all the food and beverages at the Aspen Leaf weren't enough to keep one lingering in delight--then the ambience would be.

The Aspen Leaf's walls featured local artists' works.

This bakery and cafe is located in a historical building (complete with skylight) as are most of Florence's businesses.

Local handmade pottery for sale.

And local food products.

We loved this culinary collage.

Vintage aprons and kitchen tools.

More local art.

And if you really want to vicariously set your taste buds aflame, make sure and visit the Aspen Leaf's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Aspen-Leaf-Bakery-and-Cafe-117536445005789/?fref=ts