Visitors to historic downtown Salida have a new reason to spend more time exploring local businesses and discover the stories hidden throughout the city’s National Historic District.
This week, Salida Walking Tours launched the Salida Story Trail, a free digital audio history experience that places QR code markers in the windows of participating downtown businesses. Visitors simply scan the code with their smartphone to hear the story behind that location—no app, tickets or reservations required.
Unlike a traditional walking tour, the Salida Story Trail has no designated starting point or route. Visitors discover stories naturally as they explore downtown, encouraging them to linger longer, browse local shops and experience Salida at their own pace.
“One of the things that makes downtown Salida special is that every storefront has a story,” said Michael Almeida, owner of Ruby Blues. “The Story Trail gives visitors another reason to slow down, look around and discover businesses they might otherwise walk right past.”
The Salida Story Trail was created by local historian Steve Chapman, founder of Salida Walking Tours.
“The idea behind the Story Trail is simple: give visitors another reason to stop, look around and spend more time downtown,” Chapman said. “If someone pauses to hear a story, maybe they’ll also discover a bookstore they’ve never visited, a gallery they hadn’t planned to enter or a restaurant they decide to try.”
The Story Trail is launching with its first locations this week, with new stories and participating businesses being added regularly over the coming weeks.
The Salida Story Trail is free and available year-round.
To learn more, visit: https://www.salidawalkingtours.com/salida-story-trail
