Covered Bridge Magazine | Summer + Fall 2022 | Issue #2 by CoveredBridgeVail

SUMMER

FALL

2022

TOP TRAILS for JUNIOR A DV E N T U R E R S

Easy Living At Altitude Hats Off To Female Chefs Eagle Rodeo Then + Now

VAI L + M INTURN + EAGLE-VAI L + AVO N + E DWARD S + EAGLE + G YPSU M

SPECIALIZING IN INTERIOR DESIGN, GENERAL CONTRACTING, AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT IN RESORT MARKETS www.ocgdesignmanage.com

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hello from

our publisher

Elevate Publisher Jaunt Media Collective Editor-In-Chief Kim Fuller Managing Editor Lexi Reich Assistant Editor Lauren Farrauto Creative Director Chelsea Connolly Creative Consultants Kitty Nicholson + Shannon Kennedy Advertising Bobby L’Heureux

CLIMBING A MOUNTAIN begins with the steps you take on the valley floor toward the ascent. Just ask Ellen Miller, accomplished alpinist and advocate for the integrity of wild lands. In our “Live Like a Local” highlight (page 98), Miller expresses what the word “elevate” means to her: “To rise above.” "To strive to be better.” “To raise one another to a higher state.” Just as Miller has championed our valley and the environment, the strides we can each take toward elevating this community become a collective climb toward a brighter future. Covered Bridge is here to connect this mountain valley and to share the inspiring and informative stories of

In Gratitude,

Kim Fuller Jaunt Media Collective jauntmediacollective.com

Cover Photographer Jennifer Weintraub Website coveredbridgevail.com Social @coveredbridgemag Partnership Opportunities Email bobby@jauntmediacollective.com or call 815.414.9642 Proudly produced + printed in Colorado. Thank you for supporting local media! Jaunt Media Collective 2077 North Frontage Rd. Suite 103A Vail, CO 81657 ® 2022 Covered Bridge Magazine. All rights reserved. No portion may be duplicated, in whole or in part, without the written consent of its publishers. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. The publisher assumers no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided. Company cannot be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in this magazine.

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PHOTOS BY CASSIE SCALES, MARK BRICKLIN

Dear Readers,

local people, places, businesses and experiences. For every article we create, there are dozens more narratives ready to be revealed. We are constantly learning of new and exciting happenings, and we’ll continue to take the high road when it comes to bringing these amazing stories to life. In reading Covered Bridge, you’re already supporting the uphill efforts of independent media, so thank you. Please continue to make choices that will help sustain our community rather than deplete it. With every step of the climb, we can all rise together.

Contributors Anais Coudouy, Anders Willis, Becca Saulsberry, Bobby Cornwell, Cabrini Klepper, Cameron Martindell, Carly Fink, Cassie Scales, Chelsea Connolly, Clare Hefferren, Craig Hoffman, Dominique Taylor, Jennifer Weintraub, Julia Clarke, Kaitlin Emig, Kim Fuller, Kimberly Nicoletti, Kristen Grace, Laura Mills, Lexi Reich, Lisa Blake, Lucie Hanes, Mark Bricklin, Mary Kelley Zeleskey, Nanette Bedway, Nick Conover, Rachel Glowacki, Russel Reuben, Sandy Ferguson Fuller, Senna Leith, Susi Thurman, Olivia Lyda, T.J. Voboril, Todd Winslow Pierce, Townsend Bessent, Whitney Rae, William Montecristo

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table of

contents

su m m er + fall

contents

2022

MOUNTAIN STYLE

38 c o v e r e d b r i d g e va i l . c o m

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER Elevate

CONTRIBUTORS

ABOUT THE COVER Q&A with Jennifer Weintraub

10 VOICES OF THE VALLEY Thoughts on “Elevate” 11

VALLEY HAPPENINGS. + Vail Comedy Show + 3 Local Businesses Adding a Touch of Tech + Après-Play at Recovery Lab in Vail + Spa Refresh at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek

MOUNTAIN LIVING Healthy Living Starts at Home

20 WELLNESS + FITNESS + Amazing Brains Helps with Mental Health + Ayurveda for Easy Living at Altitude

54 CHEERS + Cocktail Feature: Big Bend from Vin48 + Community Buzz + the Art of Lattes + Get Berry Balanced with Inner Light Juice

26 ATHLETE PROFILE The Underground Athletes of Vail Valley

60 BOOK CLUB The Poop Fairy

28 GEAR FOR THE SEASON + Summer + Fall 2022

62 ART + MUSIC + Runaway Grooms

+ Gear for Lil’ Rippers 34 ADVENTURE + 1 Epic Mountain Bike Trail + 3 Ways to Ride It + Tapping Outdoor Flow to Optimize Indoor Work

+ Gus Contemporary 67 STYLE FOR THE SEASON Local Boutiques Share Mountain Style 70 MAKER The Belden Witch

40 GRAND OUTDOORS 10th Mountain Division Hut Association Climate Change Project

72 ROAD TRIP A Castle Getaway in Colorado Springs

42 FAMILY + 6 Easy Trails for Tots

74 OFF-SEASON GETAWAY Belize: More Than Beaches + Booze

+ Slow Down + Reconnect at Riverwalk Theater 44 NOURISH + Sundae’s Sweet Success + Recipes from Chef Pierson Shields + Restaurant Spotlight: Mauka Poke Bar, Eagle + Restaurant Spotlight: Ridge + River, Vail + Local Column: Eat With Your Hands c o v e r e d b r i d g e va i l . c o m

VAIL VALLEY'S Top Female Foodies

98 LIVE LIKE A LOCAL Ellen Miller, Vail Valley’s Most Accomplished Mountaineer 100 DINING GUIDE Eat Local 102 EVENTS Summer + Fall 2022 104 PARTING SHOT Illustration by Sandy Ferguson Fuller

features 78 HATS OFF TO FEMALE FOODIES From Charcuterie Spreads to Catering

84 CONSERVING LAND FOREVER Eagle Valley Land Trust + Eagle County Open Space

88 DINOSAURS GALORE The New Museum at Dinosaur Junction in Edwards

94 EAGLE COUNTY FAIR & RODEO Then + Now

SUMMER + FALL 202 6

contributors 1

1. Jennifer Weintraub Writer + Photographer @the.outdoorista 2. T.J. Voboril Writer @tjvobo 3. Julia Clarke Writer juliaclarkeyoga.com

4. Chelsea Connolly Creative Director @thechelseaconnolly

5. Kaitlin Emig Writer @sunflower_lion 6. Nick Conover Writer @nickconover

7. Sandy Ferguson Fuller Writer, Editor, Illustrator + Photographer alparts.com

8. Lucie Hanes Writer @lucie.insideout 9. Clare Hefferren Writer @freckledclariosity

10. Mary Kelley Zeleskey Writer @mkzelesk 11. Olivia Lyda Writer @olivia.lyda 12. Cameron Martindell Writer @offyonder 13.Cabrini Klepper Writer @yogawithcabrini 14. Kimberly Nicoletti Writer kimberlynicoletti.com 15. Lexi Reich Managing Editor + Writer lexireich.com 16. Lisa Blake Writer @lisablakecreative.com 17. Townsend Bessent Photographer @townephoto 18. Kristen Grace Writer @kristengraceyoga

c o v e r e d b r i d g e va i l . c o m

Creating a communal space where local, whole, seasonal ingredients are used to craft good food that harmonizes with planet & community.

0056 Edwards Village Boulevard 970.446.6830

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Unit 120, Edwards CO 81632

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about the

cover

About the Cover with Jennifer Weintraub By kim fuller

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“IT'S THESE MOMENTS THAT LIGHT ME UP — BOTH THE ADVENTURE AND THE PERFECT SHOT. I HOPE MY PHOTOGRAPHY INSPIRES OTHERS TO GET OUTSIDE, TRAVEL FURTHER AND TO BE INQUISITIVE AND RESPECTFUL OF THE WORLD.”

ONLINE PROGRAMMING WITH GOAT TRAINING

GOATTRAINING.COM

Empowering

YOUNG WOMEN THROUGH MOUNTAIN BIKING

lip to page 34 in this issue and you can read a local’s perspective on mountain biking Two Elk trail, one of the Vail Valley’s most notable rides. Jennifer Weintraub writes on experiencing the trail in three distinct ways — when she shared the article and her photos with us, we knew her capture of her friend Lauren Rust cruising through the alpine meadow was our cover. “We had just started the descent on the Two Elk trail through Vail's Back Bowls,” shares Weintraub. “It was a warm summer day in early July, and the hillside was bursting with wildflowers. The colors were so vibrant that I had to stop and capture the view with Mount of the Holy Cross in the background. While the guys charged the downhill, Lauren slowed down so I could snap a few shots through the flowers.” Weintraub says she loves capturing beauty in the world. It’s the dramatic landscapes, bold colors, unique destinations and authentic people, she says, that inspire her to stop and bottle the scene into one memorable image. “It's these moments that light me up — both the adventure and the perfect shot,” she adds. “I hope my photography inspires others to get outside, travel further and to be inquisitive and respectful of the world.” + jenniferweintraub.com

c o v e r e d b r i d g e va i l . c o m

to create brighter futures & build stronger communities.

EMPOWERED WOMEN EMPOWER WOMEN.

Get involved thecycleeffect.org

The Cycle Effect is a 501c3 non-profit on the Western Slope, Colorado

voices of

the valley

Thoughts On

elevate?

Scotty Moises

Founder of Crush Pow Mobile Mixology in Vail “Ecstatic is how we all arrive to this community. Love is what happens as we immerse ourselves in our community. Endurance is what we build over the years in our community. Value is what we provide to our community. Acceptance in our community: all races, lifestyles and economic bases. Tough is what we have to be to survive in our community. Everlasting friendships are what we make in our community. This is what elevate means to me in our community. This is why I have lived in this community for over 30 years.”

Koen van Renswoude Co-founder of Hygge Life in Avon

“Born and raised just below sea level in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, life for me at 8,100 feet in the Vail Valley is per definition elevated. However, to live an elevated life, I believe the trick is to be able to enjoy every day’s smaller moments. To sit down for a coffee with a friend, see an eagle flying around, catch sunrise or sunset, see familiar faces at the grocery store or enjoy a home cooked meal, for example. High-highs are wonderful, like summiting a peak or skiing chest deep powder, but it’s those many smaller moments every day that keep me elevated.”

Claudia P. Hurtado-Myers Legal services director of Polanco Law and immigration attorney in Vail

“As an immigrant child coming to the United States from Colombia for medical treatment and ultimately never being able to return home due to war, I never imagined myself in the beauty that surrounds me every day. At an early age, I learned resilience, and as a young adult, I learned to use it when I found out that I could not have children due to the medical trauma on my body. That changed when I moved to Vail in my early 40s. Four months after moving here, I found out I was pregnant with the most adorable child that would completely change and elevate my status to “mom.” People tell me that there is something in the water, but I credit my miracle baby to the peace that our natural surroundings bring, the joy of the people that live here and the support that this community brings to its residents.”

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valley happenings

Laugh ‘Til it Hurts at the Vail Comedy Show By Lisa Blake

PHOTO BY KIM FULLER

DENVER-BASED COMEDIAN Eeland Stribling brings the laughs at Vail Comedy Show.

"TURNS OUT LAUGHTER AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT ARE VERY POPULAR IN THIS AMAZING AND BEAUTIFUL VALLEY.” Mark Masters

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MARK MASTERS IS Colorado’s second cleanest comedian. The comedy club headliner and dive bar open-mic'er hosts and books the Vail Comedy Show, billing these monthly laugh-a-thons as a top trusted source of community mental health improvement. Catch these live, in-person shows at Bridge Street Bar in Vail Village. Pull up a seat in the basement comedy room — 55 guests means it’s a sold-out show — order a cocktail and sit back for an authentic ski bar comedy show. Masters pulls in comics from HBO, Comedy Central, Late Night with Stephen Colbert and Conan. Masters got his start in Denver — you can read about it in his book Not Good Yet — where the comedy scene is insanely competitive and scoring stage

time is tricky. This motivated him to create his own show in Vail, 100 miles from the aggressive scene in Denver. Derrick Stroup headlined the very first Vail Comedy Show in September 2019 at Vail Brewing Company. “I remember it like it was yesterday,” Masters recalls. “The crowd was sparse but had a great time, and they told friends, and pretty soon our Saturday night shows were packed shoulder to shoulder with well over a hundred people at every show.” After a COVID-induced pivot to online performances and a stint at the Riverwalk Theater in Edwards, the Vail Comedy Show landed at Bridge Street Bar in 2021 and converted the dance club into a comedy club a couple nights a month. The shows have sold out every month, and Masters is now welcoming international press coverage and flying in comics from around the country. “The space is small, but the way everyone is packed in is perfect for comedy and a really fun atmosphere,” he says. “In comedy, we call it a hot room, and people like to work hot rooms. I get a lot of emails.” Masters books nationally touring headliners for the shows. “In September I am super excited to welcome Steph Tolev to our stage,” Masters shares. “She has been on Comedy Central and is a regular at The Comedy Store, and she is one of my favorite comedians on the planet." “This really has been an ‘if you build it they will come’ situation,” he adds. “Turns out laughter and live entertainment are very popular in this amazing and beautiful valley.” + vailcomedyshow.com

valley happenings

Three Vail Valley Businesses Making the Most of the COVID Pivot Toward Tech By Lucie Hanes

GOAT TRAINING Edwards COLOR ROASTERS Eagle YOGA OFF BROADWAY Eagle

WHILE ONLINE INDUSTRIES thrived in the wake of lifestyle changes necessitated by the COVID pandemic, brickand-mortar businesses faced a gloomier outcome. Establishments that depend on a steady flow of customers quickly found themselves at a loss for both immediate income and trust in the future, as a return to “normal” (as we’ve known it) has moved continuously further out of sight. Many struggling businesses have closed their doors for good, unable to meet overhead demands or waiting for the worst to pass. Those that have managed to weather the storm have walked a fine line by revamping their methods of outreach while staying true to their core messaging. Three local businesses have found the balance by translating some of their traditional offerings into a digital format. The addition of technological options has helped them connect with their communities from afar under peak pandemic conditions and will continue to support their missions as we all figure out how to blend what we miss from the past with what we appreciate about the present. GOAT TRAINING, EDWARDS John Mark and Laura Seelig founded GOAT Training to support the unique needs of the local mountain athlete population. One main motto at GOAT, “The Gym Is Not a Sport,” summarizes the aim to give athletes the strength they need — both physical and mental — to reach their potential, rather than replace the adventures that they love the most. This approach allowed the GOAT team to support their community throughout the pandemic by reminding them that they don’t need a gym to pursue their passions. John Mark Seelig then took his own advice by launching the GOAT FEED, an online training platform built on the same model of well-rounded health without all the gimmicks of influencer fitness culture. “The only perfect program is the one you actually do,” says John Mark Seelig. “This is a way for people who have moved on from our community to keep up with our program consistently or to reach those whose priorities and lifestyle habits have changed throughout COVID.” The GOAT FEED program combines strength training, endurance developc o v e r e d b r i d g e va i l . c o m

ment and psychological impact within an intelligent program where every action serves a purpose. Mountain athletes can turn to GOAT FEED for a source of motivation in this strange new world that eschews structure more often than not.

In response to these emerging needs, deGorter created Stay@Om Yoga to nurture individuality. “We provide a large variety of instructors and class lengths, so there is always a practice to meet you where you are on any given day.”

Join the GOAT FEED at goattraining.com/goat-feed.

Test the waters with Stay@Om at stayatomyoga.vhx.tv using the promo code FREEMONTH.

YOGA OFF BROADWAY, EAGLE Yvonne deGorter, owner of the Eagle mainstay Yoga Off Broadway, first found the inspiration for creating an accessible yoga platform while missing her own yoga practice as a stay-at-home mom when her kids were young. But, the daily demands of running her business put those intentions on pause, until COVID came out swinging. “It became urgent to offer practices to help people stay well in their physical and mental bodies,” deGorter explains. “While I was offering virtual live yoga, the times or styles didn’t always work for everyone.”

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COLOR ROASTERS, EAGLE Quality drives every decision that Charlie Gundlach, owner of Color Coffee, makes throughout the roasting process. He travels the world over to bring the beans and processes that he believes in back to Eagle where he transforms his discoveries into the community’s elixir of life. This small-town setting has both served and subverted his intentions to build community around coffee. “Being in a small market,” Gundlach discloses, “one of the biggest challenges for growth has always been expanding our reach.”

Color turned to online subscription services and digital rebranding to put their coffee on the technological map. “That decision has allowed us to keep pace with the drastic increase in web traffic during lockdown and maintain those numbers, even with our café sales recovering.” Color then introduced its own Athlete Ambassador Program to celebrate the relationship between mountain adventurers and the coffee that fuels them, while sharing the brand from a place of love with a wider audience. “The active mountain lifestyle is a beautiful thing,” Gundlach maintains, “and our ambassadors do an amazing job of telling that story. Color is happily here to provide the space and coffee to support it.” Personalize your Color Coffee subscription at colorroasters.com/collections/ subscriptions, and get to know the Color Ambassador Team at colorroasters.com/ pages/color-ambassadors.

valley happenings

Pair Your Mountain Play with Recovery Lab in Vail By kim fuller

recoverylabvail.com

LONGTIME LOCAL wellness professional Kordi Schmidt is no stranger to sports recovery. Schmidt owned and operated Manor Vail Spa for nearly a decade, and now she and her husband Harrison Brown have launched another project that has local athletes lining up. “Recovery Lab has been years in the making,” shares Schmidt. “We were just waiting patiently for a location that made sense for our concept. When the storefront at The Ritz-Carlton Club in Lionshead became available, we took our leap of faith. We have always wanted to create a facility that offers high-end sports recovery treatments for athletes seeking peak performance, those recovering from injury or for anyone feeling the effects of the high altitude.” It’s only been in recent years that the general public has had access to this type of equipment. As Schmidt points out, many of the modalities offered at Recovery Lab used to only be available to elite athletes. “We wanted to be the first in the valley to show how important it is to have facilities like this exist,” she says. "Every person that walks through our door has different recovery needs, and it has been a pleasure to create a personalized treatments for every individual." The recovery modalities offered at Recovery Lab include IV rehydration and vitamin supplementation, an oxygen bar, NuCalm acoustic therapy, hyperbaric treatment, muscle contouring, Cryotherapy and Cryo slimming and toning treatments. "With our medical and professionally trained team, we are able to create a custom recovery plan,” explains Schmidt. "Recovery is a big part of mountain play, and we are here to help.” We’ve checked it out ourselves, and the Recovery Lab truly is a great spot to go to help alleviate sore muscles post workout, reduce inflammation and eliminate fatigue. It’s an ideal spot to relax, revive and recover. Schmidt says they will continue to expand offerings and bring in cutting edge technology from this fast-growing sector of sports performance. “The Recovery Lab aims to not just cater to the active tourist but to also be available to our valley locals,” says Schmidt. “We are working in partnership with other providers to offer access to high-end recovery modalities, fostering the health and well-being of those who are the foundation of our mountain community.” +

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Are you experiencing altitude sickness? Feeling Hungover?

By kim fuller

Spa Refresh at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek YOU MAY STILL think of the spa in the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek as Allegria, but before COVID hit in 2020 the spa transitioned to be exhale® spa Beaver Creek. The spa and fitness brand has 14 locations in the U.S. and Bermuda, one of which is now in the Vail Valley. The refreshed spa in the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek offers multiple treatments including acu-healing therapies and luxurious massages ranging from deep tissue, to fusion and flow massages. Facials are also available based on personal skin care needs, from dryness, acne and blemishes, anti-aging or skin brightening. The Colorado Wild Rose Cure treatment ($395) was one of the most popular at Allegria — so much so that it’s one of the only offerings exhale® spa Beaver Creek has carried over onto their spa menu. The 130-minute treatment takes time for deep relaxation and renewal; it includes a warm rose compresses, a wildflower body scrub and a custom massage using rose geranium body butter. This delightful indulgence is perfect for a reset in any season. If you can request a therapist, ask for Wendy!

Are your legs burning after a long hike or mountain biking? Having trouble recovering from an injury? OXYGEN BAR IV THERAPY LEG RECOVERY BOOTS CRYOTHERAPY PERMANENT FAT LOSS, TONING, AND PAIN MANAGEMENT HYPERBARIC CHAMBER NUCALM NEUROACOUSTIC MEDITATION THERAPY

exhalespa.com/colorado/beaver-creek/

728 W Lionshead Cir, Vail, CO 81657 970.763.5341 recoverylabvail.com

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mountain living

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Healthy Mountain Living? It Starts at Home By Julia Clarke

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don’t know if there’s a joke about a scientist, a doctor and a philosopher walking into a bar, but if they did, I think one topic of conversation they’d all agree on is that spending time in nature is immensely beneficial for human health. I know I’m preaching to the choir here, but although we may not be lacking in outdoor time in the Valley, there’s still more we can do to stay plugged in to nature. After all, people are increasingly working from home these days, so it’s becoming more important than ever to examine how your home affects your health. Susan Lauer is an administrator for Maharishi Vastu, an organization that promotes an ancient style of architecture from India called Vastu, a predecessor to Feng Shui that promotes health and happiness through home design and layout. She likens the homes that we live in to a box that can either impede or promote our access to nature’s intelligence. “Unless the box is aligned with the natural world, then all it does is create an interference. And, we live and work in those boxes for 85-95% of our lives.” Otherwise known as Vedic architecture, Vastu is founded on the understanding that the human brain is sensitive to orientation and that elements like time, space and direction inform your cognitive function — how you think, learn, reason and solve problems. Vastu gives precise recommendations for what direction your front door should face, how to arrange your rooms and even what position your head should point when you’re sleeping. You don’t need to foot the bill for a brand-new home to incorporate some of the principles of this ancient philosophy. Whether you’re sharing a condo with multiple roommates and seeking to make life a bit more peaceful or building your dream mountain home, you can make these simple changes that might increase your sense of harmony and happiness at home.

CREATE SPACE FOR SPIRITUALITY Another simple principle you can easily implement is to have a designated space for your daily yoga, meditation, journaling or prayer practice. After all, everything in life needs space in order to grow, not least your heart and mind. If you live in tight quarters, your space can be a small corner of your bedroom. Whatever shape it takes, make sure it’s quiet, kept clean, painted in a neutral color and, ideally, in the northeast of your home to support contemplation. If you love this idea and are looking for inspiration to build a temple or incense to burn, look no further than Blossom Himalayan Arts in Vail Village.

INCREASE ACCESS TO NATURAL LIGHT One of the healthiest things you can do is increase your access to natural light, and this is backed up by clinical research. A 2001 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that bipolar inpatients in west-facing rooms had a mean 3.67-day longer hospital stay than patients in otherwise identical but east-facing rooms, where they were exposed to direct sunlight in the morning. The light of the rising sun is considered to be the most health-bestowing, so if you’re on the north side of the highway or down valley where the Gore Range doesn’t block the dawn light, you’re in good shape. If you don’t get any sun until later in the day, get out for a short dawn walk as often as possible, and keep window coverings to a minimum to enjoy natural light from as many angles as possible.

FAVOR NATURAL MATERIALS Given the time period that Vastu originated in, natural materials would have been the only choice for home decor, but it’s now well known that substances found in common household materials like paint, upholstery and cleaning agents can be detrimental to your health, otherwise known as Sick Building Syndrome. Give your interior a makeover with the help of local businesses Hygge Life in Eagle-Vail to help you enhance your home with natural materials, like wooden furniture, ceramic tile, natural fiber rugs and blankets, and use natural paints and glues to redecorate. +

SLEEP WITH YOUR HEAD POINTING TOWARDS THE EAST OR SOUTH This simple principle carries no expense. Vastu recommends sleeping with the pillow end of your bed pointing east to support spiritual growth, while south is recommended for health. It might seem highly unlikely that this could have any discernible health benefits whatsoever, but in published research, Iowa physician Veronica Butler discovered that her patients who sleep in north-facing beds suffer from significantly more depression and anxiety than those who sleep in other orientations. If you can’t easily move your bed, simply turn around in it so your head points towards the Gore Range or the ski hill; you can also use your compass for accuracy here.

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wellness +

fitness

c o v e r e d b r i d g e va i l . c o m

Amazing Brains

Balancing Brainwaves with Accessible and Individualized Mental Health Care By Kristen Grace

mazing Brains is dedicated to teaching people about noninvasive, alternative brain therapies. The creators behind the Colorado wellness company are eager to make mental health care more widely accessible. Their mission is to “support as many people as possible to feel their best and perform their best,” says founder and CEO Micah Shanser. The team focuses on creating welcoming and empowering environments in their Frisco and Avon locations. Individuals struggling with focus, anxiety, chronically low energy, poor sleep, and athletes seeking enhanced performance are a few of the many people Amazing Brains guides towards finding renewed vigor. Shanser expresses that an important part of the Amazing Brains mission is the accessibility of care. He believes that mental health care should be attainable regardless of financial status, language barriers or other factors that can make mental health care unreachable. By partnering with organizations like Eagle Valley Behavioral Health and Vail Health, Amazing Brains is able to help people at a price that works for them. This is one of the ways they strive to reach their accessibility goal. Amazing Brains is passionate about serving communities, investigating the causes of struggles and implementing strategies that create lasting improvements. Amazing Brains recognizes that the idea of feeling better and performing better can look different from one person to the next. For this reason, they value a highly individualized approach. Melanie McAuley, who oversees many of the processes at Amazing Brains, says, “We’ll start with goal setting … helping someone be more aware of what it is that they want and need,

what will help them feel better [and] what is not helping them.” Once a person’s goals are established, the Amazing Brains team will conduct a brain mapping. Shanser compares the brain map to a snapshot of a person’s brainwaves. The graph makes a goal more attainable. They use the brain map to determine the electrical activity of a person’s brainwaves, then they associate that information with, “known neural or bio markers to help understand what someone is going through,” explains Shanser. Shanser shares that the brainwaves are measured in cycles per second (hertz) on the brain map, and they are categorized as Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta and Gamma. Specific brainwaves are associated with specific mental states. For example, the wave known as Theta can be identified as feeling “zoned out,” but it can also be associated with states of creativity and empathy, according to Amazing Brains. High Beta can be related to anxiety, but it can also be attributed to periods of focus and planning.

fitness

Through brain mapping, the professionals can recognize which brainwaves are measuring too high or too low, and they can then use brain training to balance those frequencies. Brain training involves the use of a person’s goals, their brain map, a customized protocol and a neuromodulation device to “stimulate and shift brainwave patterns,” explains Shanser. This process also involves breathwork, strategies for coping and exploration of belief structures. By balancing the brainwaves, Amazing Brains can help people tap in to their Flow State; this can be felt as “an effortless, selfless and timeless experience,” according to Shanser. The Flow State is experienced when a person is feeling and performing their best. Shanser emphasizes that at Amazing Brains, they do not look at people through a diagnostic lens. Rather, they simply strive to understand what feelings a person may be experiencing. The data helps them understand that a person may have brain frequencies that are

associated with a specific mental state, such as ADHD or anxiety, for example. However, they hold fast to their humanistic approach; they work through what a person is experiencing without losing sight of the human being. A few of the abundant, tangible results from brainwave stimulation include increased energy, improved mood, better sleep, and decreased stress, headaches and anxiety. One of the most notable aspects of brain training with Amazing Brains, according to Shanser, is that outcomes continue to get better with time. Even months after a person’s neuromodulation therapy is finished, follow-up brain maps often emphasize that positive developments are still occurring. “We’re actually making meaningful pattern changes that are stable and lasting,” Shanser says. Amazing Brains is deeply proud to help their communities — one brainwave at a time. + amazingbrains.com

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PHOTO COURTESY OF AMAZING BRAINS

wellness +

BACKCOUNTRY SAFETY STARTS OFF THE MOUNTAIN

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BIG HEART BIG HANDS IS A COLORADO NONPROFIT THAT RAISES MONEY FOR MOUNTAIN RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS, SUPPORTS THE AWARENESS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MOUNTAIN SAFETY EDUCATION, AND PROVIDES FREE TRAUMA HELP FOR THOSE IN NEED. WHEN BACKCOUNTRY ACCIDENTS HAPPEN AND RESCUES OCCUR, IT IS OFTEN THE EMOTIONAL TRAUMA THAT IS THE LONGEST LASTING IMPACT TO INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES. BIG HEART BIG HANDS OFFERS FREE COUNSELING TO THOSE IMPACTED BY BACKCOUNTRY RESCUE.

B IGH E ARTBIGHANDS.ORG

wellness +

fitness

Ayurvedic Tips for Easy Living at Altitude By Julia Clarke

ife at high-altitude is exhilarating, isn’t it? You've got a direct line to nature, which studies show is good for your stress levels and improves cognitive function. You get 250 days of sunshine every year to top up your vitamin D levels, boost your endorphins and generally make you feel superhuman. You breathe cleaner air to fuel your mountain adventures. But, these high-altitude conditions also pose some unique challenges. Whether it’s your first hike here or your thousandth, you can’t ignore the burning in your lungs when you hit the hill. Even when you’re resting, your heart beats faster up here. There’s an ongoing battle against dry skin and dehydration, no matter how much you chug. You might find it difficult to gain weight or sleep, and you might feel restless and ungrounded. It’s almost as if you’re turning into an Aspen tree — slender, fragile and quaking in the wind. Ayurveda, an ancient system of holistic medicine from India, explains this phenomenon with a principle called Samanya (like increases like). Put simply, everything we consume or experience possesses certain traits (such as hot, cold, dry, oily), and those traits will increase the same qualities within your physiology. The low pressure, increased winds, drier air and colder temperatures here equate to increased movement, lightness, dryness and cold in your body and mind. Though this can be a blessing — if you run hot, you’ll love the cold weather here — it can also translate into a host of unwanted symptoms, like restlessness, depletion, constipation and poor circulation. So, do you need to pack up the Subaru and head back to Florida? Not according to Ayurveda, which recommends preventative guidelines in the form of diet and lifestyle solutions that can help you offset the effects of high altitude. The Ayurvedic approach to treatment is via a principle called Vishesha (balance with opposites). In simple terms, balance movement with rest, light with heavy, dryness with oil and cold with warmth. Try integrating these easyto-master Ayurvedic lifestyle tips into your daily routine to help you find firm footing on higher ground.

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Integrate these easy-to-master Ayurvedic lifestyle tips into your daily routine to help you find firm footing on higher ground.

BALANCE MOVEMENT WITH REST

BALANCE LIGHT WITH HEAVY

BALANCE DRYNESS WITH OIL

BALANCE COLD WITH WARMTH

Although your body does adapt to altitude, you might find that your cardiovascular system is always working a bit harder, especially when you’re exercising on steep slopes. Consequently, you may experience fatigue, but annoyingly, you can’t sleep well thanks to altitude, so you’re not recovering properly. Over time, this can cause physical depletion and mental agitation. Instead of trying to compensate with coffee — which only adds more stimulation — balance all that action with rest and recovery.

Maybe it’s the excitement of being in the mountains or perhaps it’s just the lower air density here, but we’ve all probably experienced that sensation of feeling a bit lighter here. Perhaps you’re losing too much weight, or if you’re already a bit mercurial and flighty, it may feel like you’re going to float away like an untethered helium balloon. To balance light with heavy, seek more weight and density in your diet and other behaviors.

The air is so dry here it hurts to breathe, and you pant harder when you exercise, which means you get dehydrated more easily, and the record days of sunshine further dry out your skin and eyes. When dryness in your physiology becomes chronic, it can lead to unwanted symptoms like constipation, premature aging and increased heart rate. In addition to staying hydrated, you can balance dryness with its natural opposite: oil, on your skin and in your diet.

Despite all that sunshine, it’s generally colder here. You might think you’ve already addressed this point with a costly down jacket, but other behaviors can actually be increasing coldness in your physiology, such as drinking a lot of icy beverages and eating cold foods like salads and sandwiches. According to Ayurvedic science, excess cold in your physiology is the cause of circulation issues, sluggish digestion and low energy.

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Schedule active rest days with yoga, walking or foam rolling. Practice meditation, which can help with anxiety and insomnia. Get to bed by 10:30 p.m., when possible. Turn off screens an hour before bed to help settle your nervous system.

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Eat denser, grounding foods like root vegetables, whole grains and dairy. Lift weights to add a little bulk. Sleep with a heavy blanket.

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Massage warm sesame oil into your skin before you shower. Replace your moisturizer with almond oil. Eat oily foods like ghee, nuts, avocado and salmon. Cook using healthy oils like olive and coconut.

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Prepare more warm, cooked foods. Cook with digestive spices like black pepper, ginger, turmeric, cumin, fennel and coriander. Ditch the ice and sip room temperature or warm water. Take regular baths or get in a hot tub.

athlete profile

The Underground Athletes of Vail Valley By Nick Conover

Heather Morgan

he rolling, mellow hum of nearby I-70 cuts through the cold morning air — a familiar soundtrack for an early morning alpine start at one of the many East Vail trailheads. Before heading out, a small crew of skiers go over the avalanche forecast and check their beacons. At the front is Calen Orlowski, known by friends and followers as “Ranger Cal.” Seeking out big ski lines in the Gore Range is how he spends his free time. Skiing over 7,000 human-powered vertical feet in a day is an ambitious goal. But, as Orlowski suggests, “We don't go super fast; we just don't stop". Admission to this terrain is not something that comes cheap. Orlowski has been skiing since he was 3-years-

old. He has been searching out big mountain lines around the Vail Valley for over a decade. In 2008, Orlowski left home in Oregon after he landed a position with the Walking Mountains Science Center. "I made a lot of connections through my position and was able to ski a lot," he recalls. "I was enamored with access to beautiful mountains and the lively ski scene." Access to these remote mountains is why Orlowski decided to call Vail home. Now, he is a Mountain Sports Ranger for the U.S Forest Service. The focus of his role is to manage ski areas operating on public land in Eagle County. "I help resorts stay in compliance with their permits," Orlowski explains. "I also work as a natural resource specialist and help track

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ATHLETES

Calen Orlowski

PHOTO BY TOWNSEND BESSENT

winter wildlife like the Canadian Lynx." He has made a career of protecting the mountains that he plays in. Work or play, he spends most of his time in the mountains around Vail. He is admired and respected by the backcountry community. Orlowski finds motivation in the Vail Valley athletes he feels are "humble and under the radar." His philosophy is simple: "You have got to get it while you can. Life is short, and these experiences that we can have in the mountains can be so amazing. They do not last forever, and that’s what makes them so special". Back in Vail Village, Heather Morgan is hard at work feeding hungry tourists at Sweet Basil. Morgan is the general manager of the popular Vail restaurant, which has been a staple for visitors since 1977. Heather is also a decorated marathon runner — a fact she is too humble to share often. It is not uncommon for her to knock out a half marathon (or more) before opening the doors of Sweet Basil at noon. Morgan moved to Eagle-Vail three years ago. She was feeling burnt out from the New York City lifestyle and needed a change. “Since I work in hospitality, I knew I could live in any destination that has great hotels and restaurants,” she says. “So, Vail seemed like a great fit.” Now, she finds that the high altitude and unique terrain offer an advantage in her marathon training. Morgan signed up for the New York City Marathon on a whim years ago and has been training to compete ever since. In 2018, she finished the race in three hours and nine minutes, a pace of seven minutes and 12 seconds per mile. Her goal for her future is to set a personal record by finishing in under three hours. For Morgan, running began as a way to recharge her batteries after long nights in the restaurant. Having run over 40 marathons and several other races, she says Vail is a perfect community for pushing her limits. “The scene is lively and active,” she points out. “There is always a Vail Recreation District race to sign up for. The key is you have to keep showing up.” Further down valley, in Edwards, Forrest Knapp is gearing up for a busy

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summer. Knapp became the owner of Alpine Kayak School four years ago. He also manages the safety team during the Vail Whitewater Series. But, Knapp has been guiding young rippers through local white water for two decades. He grew up in the Smoky Mountains of Northern Alabama. His grandfather introduced him to skiing and a love for the outdoors at an early age. Knapp says he belongs in the mountains. He decided to move to Vail in the early 1990s after graduating from The University of Montana in Bozeman. One of his first jobs was running the lunch program at Vail Mountain School. It was here that he earned the nickname “the lunch lady.” He was very popular among students and taught many of them how to kayak. Knapp will tell you, “It is easy to become well-loved when you’re handing out homemade chicken fingers instead of math homework.” He is very modest. His constant excitement and open-hearted attitude are important pillars of the Vail community. Knapp is always eager to talk about river access. “As class five kayakers, we are so lucky to have Gore Canyon only 30 minutes away,” he says. He continues with an excited smile, “We are the best sneaky paddling spot in Colorado! When we bring friends to Dowd Chute or Gilman Gorge, it blows their minds

"YOU HAVE GOT TO GET IT WHILE YOU CAN. LIFE IS SHORT, AND THESE EXPERIENCES THAT WE CAN HAVE IN THE MOUNTAINS CAN BE SO AMAZING. Calen Orlowski

that Eagle County isn’t on every paddler’s radar.” Knapp is very grateful to call Vail home. To some, Vail is just a shiny ski village at the bottom of a valley dissected by a major interstate. Heated sidewalks and expensive hotel rooms make it easy to paint Vail as a tourist destination with no soul. But, at Vail's core is an underground community of local badasses that span across the valley. They are caring for the mountains, running local businesses and sharing their enthusiasm with future generations — all working hard to keep our community vibrant and inspire others to push it just a little bit further. +

Forrest Knapp

gear

Gear

for the Season Summer + Fall

2022

Tested + Compiled by Covered Bridge Staff

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1. ATHLETIC LITE The non-alcoholic beer scene just keeps getting more dynamic, and Athletic Brewing seems to be leading the movement. Their new NA light beer, Athletic Light, comes in at only 25 calories and 5 grams of carbs per 12-ounce can. We’ll cheers to that! $13.99 per six-pack athleticbrewing.com

2. PATAGONIA DIRT ROAMER BIKE SHORTS + LINER SHORTS There are some new updates to feature with Patagonia’s lightweight and breathable mountain biking gear. The liner shorts feature a three-layer, mountain bike-specific chamois and wide-open mesh panels for ultimate air flow. The bike shorts pair perfectly with the liners and are made with a highly stretchy and breathable fabric. Liner shorts: $89, Bike shorts: $99 patagonia.com 3. PATAGONIA FITZ ROY SLEEPING BAG 20°F / -7°C Sleep outside this summer and fall with a new streamlined, 800-fill power, down bag from Patagonia. It’s lightweight and sewn Fair Trade, so you can truly feel good about bringing it into the backcountry for your next overnight. $479-$519 patagonia.com 4. PATAGONIA STEALTH HIP PACK 11L Keep your fishing gear organized right at the hip with this lightweight and water-resistant pack. The design is made to conform to your body, so you have comfort with every cast. $159 patagonia.com

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5. SWIFTWICK FLITE XT TRAIL SOCK Trail running and hiking feels best when your footwear is dialed. This sock comes in five-inch and two-inch cuff heights, featuring a natural Merino wool upper that wicks moisture and regulates temperature, along with grip fibers and ankle support to maximize stability. $23.99-$27.99 swiftwick.com 6. TRACKSMITH NDO MERINO HOODIE Coming from their “No Days Off” collection, Tracksmith created this cozy and plush Merino wool pullover to provide post-run warmth and recovery. The wool blend insulates, absorbs sweat and repels odor, making it ideal to wear before an early morning session or to fend off chill when you’re done. $188 tracksmith.com 7. BEDROCK FRESHSTICK This zinc-based deodorant is plant-based and plastic-free, combining matcha green tea and zinc oxide to calm redness, razor bumps and soften skin. We love the refreshing scent and how the mineral and matcha work together to ease odor and irritation. $15 bedrockskin.com 8. BACKPACKER'S PANTRY New flavor inspirations are hitting shelves this season from this Boulder-based backpacking meals company. Quality ingredients make up the range of options they are creating, and this season we’re loving Green Curry and Blueberry Peach Crisp. $5.49-$12.99 backpackerspantry.com 9. BUFF COOLNET UV INSECT SHIELD Protection from the sun and bugs is a must in the mountains. This BUFF has built in sun protection and insect repellent properties, so it’s perfect for hot hikes, days on the river and mosquito-infested campgrounds. $28 buffusa.com 10. KĀMA This origami-style surface is your portable platform for adventure and mindfulness. It’s a honeycomb-shaped “space within a place” that can be used for activities that range from yoga to an open-air picnic. With each mat, Kāma keeps over 160 plastic bottles out of landfills. $220 kamasurface.co

gear 2

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1. KÜAT PISTON PRO X This tray-style bicycle rack mounts to your vehicle’s receiver hitch. Among other notable features, the rack uses two arms to clamp down on the tires instead of the frame, protecting your bike’s paint job. For those with heavier e-bikes, the Piston Pro is compatible with a ramp that allows you to roll your bike onto the rack — no lifting required. $1,389 kuat.com

2. LIFESTRAW PEAK SERIES COLLAPSIBLE SQUEEZE BOTTLE WITH FILTER Stay hydrated in the backcountry by filling up in alpine water sources. This new line of bottles from LifeStraw protect against bacteria, parasites and microplastics. Each bottle is durable and compact, so you can just carry what you need and keep the water flowing all day. Available in 650 mL and 1L. $32.95-$37.95 lifestraw.com 3. IBEX LIZZI TIGHTS A durable blend of Merino wool and nylon create the durable fabric for these compression tights. They are thermoregulating, moisture-wicking, odor-resistant and wrinkle resistant. The tights are versatile and great as a one-pant-does-it-all travel essential, and they’re also available in a pant style. Wear them during leisure activities, taking yoga classes, hiking or dress them up for dinner with a nice sweater. $175 ibex.com 4. DECKED X PATHFINDER CAMPFIRE COOKING KIT Take this ultimate kitchen setup on the road anywhere you roam. This kit is designed to serve up to four people, containing a wide

variety of cooking vessels and utensils. Each kit comes packed neatly in a DECKED D-Bag. Fitted with custom foam inserts which securely provide a home for each component, the result is an easy to transport kit. $475 decked.com 5. GNARLY SPORTS NUTRITION VEGAN PROTEIN Gnarly just transitioned all of their product packaging from plastic tubs to steel tins or recyclable bags; they are the first nutrition supplement brand to utilize steel and ditch the classic, plastic tubs. This vegan powder combines a plant-based protein blend with 14 essential vitamins and minerals for complete vegan nutrition on the go. $61.45 gognarly.com 6. LA SPORTIVA KARACAL MOUNTAIN RUNNING SHOE Clock some big miles in the mountains this summer and fall with the help of this shoe’s robust cushion. The arch gives hug-like support, which allows for ultimate performance and longevity while navigating technical terrain. $130 sportiva.com 7. IGLOO COOLERS ECOCOOL TRAILMATE In 2021, Igloo used 150,000 pounds of post-consumer milk jugs and yogurt cups that were recycled for their ECOCOOL Collection. Now, they’re including the brand-favorite Trailmate in the ECOCOOL collection, still featuring all-terrain wheels, telescoping handle, bottle openers, dry storage areas, removable butler tray, umbrella holders, tie-down points and more. $339.99 igloocoolers.com 8. COSTA LIDO Featuring a frame made from lightweight, plant-based Bio-Resin, these sunglasses are eco-friendly and equally durable. The Lido comes in Costa's color-enhancing, polarized 580 glass and polycarbonate lenses. $209 to $259 costadelmar.com

9. MYSTERY RANCH BRIDGER 55 This weight-conscious yet feature-rich bag is a great choice for new or more experienced backpackers. The frame has been designed to be more breathable, and the pack features many thoughtful details that make organization and accessing gear more streamlined. $329 mysteryranch.com 10. DIAMONDBACK HAANJO 5 Get off the beaten track with a gravel bike this season. The Haanjo 5 is built around Diamondback’s 6061 alloy frame and carbon fork with front and rear thru axles. The path offroad is rarely flat and smooth. Plenty of gears and grippy tires make for fun adventures on the dirt. $2,050 diamondback.com

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gear

Gear

For Lil’ Rippers

Summer + Fall 2022

Compiled by Cameron Martindell

Kids love being outside, but even in comfortable summer weather, the elements can take a toll. Here are some tested favorites from a mountain-loving, adventure-focused family.

1. JOOVY NOODLE V HELMET Lightweight is key for little heads and necks, and the 9.6-ounce Noodle V fits the bill. Available in six colors to suit any personality, this helmet has 17 air vents to keep hard charging kids cool, bug mesh in the front vents and a removable visor. The dial fit harness is easy for little hands to manage on their own. $50 joovy.com

and when they’re done, they hand it to me — no questions asked. But, this is the daypack that has done the best for us. It’s roomy enough to be useful, and with the included 1.5-liter hydration reservoir, my kids love having their own hose to drink from. Plus, we love the built-in sternum strap whistle (when they’re not “testing” it). $70 osprey.com

2. STRIDER ROCKING BASE This product brings the phrase “start ‘em young” to it’s true effulgence. As soon as kiddos can crawl up things, they can begin their life-long biking journey. This base takes the classic 12-inch Strider balance bike and holds it firmly upright for them to get familiar with the handle bars, seat and rocking motion without the risk of the bike falling over. $90 strider.com

8. AMK BACKYARD ADVENTURE KID'S FIRST AID KIT As much as we try to dissuade them, kids want to be like adults, and that means having all the things adults have — like a first aid kit. But these cute kits, available in a fox, owl, bear and raccoon design are perfect for littles to call their own. Pre-loaded with adhesive bandages, sanitizer and ointment there’s still room to customize depending on the child’s ability. $7 adventuremedicalkits.com

3. NAMUK ONE ULTRALIGHT JACKET With a water column of 25,000 mm, this is a true waterproof rain shell and is great for playing or adventuring even in a heavy downpour. The jacket also has a very high breathability of 50,000 gr/m2/24 to help vent moisture from within. It packs into its own inner pocket for storage and only weighs 150 grams (size 128/134). $329 namuk.us 4. PETZL OUISTITI Take the tyke climbing with this full-body harness! Designed for kids under 66 pounds (30 kg), this harness does not require a connector to be fastened — just snug it up, clip them in and go! I’m able to connect my 4-year-old to the auto-belay system at the climbing gym, and he will do a bunch of laps on his own. $70 petzl.com 5. HOUDINI KIDS SUN TIGHTS Made from surplus Italian Liquid Skin fabric — a 72/28 percent blend of polyamide and elastane — these warp knit construction pants are non-pilling and snag resistant, so they will last for years. The fabric is quick drying and has four-way stretch to handle all sorts of play. $50 houdinisportswear.com

6. PATAGONIA KIDS BAGGIES This iconic Patagonia short has been around since the 80s, and this year, for the first time ever, both the kids and adult versions will be made from 100% discarded fishing nets — transformed into a quick-drying fabric called NetPlus. It’s one step towards reducing the nearly 8.8 million tons of mismanaged plastic that ends up in the oceans. The shorts have self-draining pockets and a wide, elasticized waistband with an adjustable drawcord. $22.99 patagonia.com 7. OSPREY HYDRAJET 12 Getting kids to carry a pack can be a tricky prospect for some. My tact has been to not force it; let the kid carry it as far as they want,

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9. LA SPORTIVA TARANTULA JR. Sure, kids can climb in almost anything and may not care, but when they see other kids sticking to holds their shoes slipped off of, it’s time to consider this expense if you want to keep them stoked on climbing. New this spring, this kid-sized version of La Sportiva’s best-selling, entry-level gym shoe hits the market with ultra-sticky FriXion black rubber, minimal asymmetry, an easy closure system and an unlined leather upper. $75 sportiva.com 10. MPOWERED LUCI SOLAR BIKE LIGHT SET When the days get shorter in the fall but stay warm, kids are often pushing play into the dark, and lights on bikes become a key safety feature. This kit has a 100-lumen headlight and 40-lumen tail light, both with steady and flashing options to maximize visibility. The adjustable silicone straps are easy to mount to any post or bar. The lights can be recharged via USB or the solar cell on top of the headlight. $55 mpowerd.com 11. CARHARTT HOODED FULL ZIP SLEEVE LOGO SWEATSHIRT For cool summer mornings or nights around the campfire, this rugged layer is made of heavyweight 9-ounce, 80% cotton, 20% polyester fleece and has a pouch pocket on the front to warm-up cold hands. The attached hood makes it impossible to lose, and the ribbed cuffs and waist keeps the toasty in and the cool out. $30 carhartt.com 12. BURLEY PICCOLO Minimize the variables to get kids comfortable shifting gears by getting them on the Piccolo for longer family rides. This seven-speed tagalong really gives the rider a feel for what gears do and how to select them without worrying about balance, steering or breaking. The Piccolo is easy to attach or remove from the adult bike as needed. $400

adventure

Two Elk Trail

Three Uphill Routes to Access One Epic Downhill Trail

PHOTO BY KIM FULLER

By Jennifer Weintraub

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inding through the expansive back bowls of Vail Mountain, the Two Elk trail is a classic and remote mountain bike trail for advanced riders looking for a big adventure. There are three uphill routes to access a 4,000-foot descent from the top of Mongolia Bowl to the valley floor in Minturn. Once you reach the start of the Two Elk trail, you are rewarded with stunning views of Mount of the Holy Cross. Enjoy 8 miles of continuous descent through smooth single-track in open wildflower fields followed by a difficult and narrow trail that follows a mountain stream. There are three ways to access the downhill trail, but no matter which route you take, the trail is physically and technically demanding. Enjoy the ride.

THE ASCENT: Bowman’s Shortcut: Plan a shuttle for this route originating from Shrine Pass Road on top of Vail Pass. Bowman’s Shortcut begins in high alpine forest with a mix of smooth and rooty single-track. The trail has short, punchy climbs and steep, rutted descents in the 3 miles of trail until you reach the “Top of the World.” From here, there are incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding mountain ranges as it tops out at 11,700 feet. Soak in the views and have a snack before you begin the final descent to the intersection of the Two Elk trail. Gondola via Vail Mountain: Cut out some of the climb by riding the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead Village to Eagle’s Nest on the top of Vail Mountain. From here, jump on the Grand Traverse trail, a 5.5-mile cross country trail that cuts through Game Creek Bowl and the upper portions of Sun Down Bowl. The flowy single-track dips through dense forest and across ski runs while climbing 1,000 feet to Ski Patrol Headquarters (PHQ) at the top of Chairs 4, 5 and 11. Alternatively, you can ride Gondola 1 to Mid-Vail and take Mid-Vail Escape — a shorter route and steeper dirt road to PHQ. From PHQ, continue peddling on a dirt service road that skirts the ridgeline until you reach Chair 21, Orient Express. Just beyond the chairlift, you will need to shoulder your bike through a narrow slot in the cliff band. This is a great spot to unpack your lunch and refuel. Pick up the single-track for another couple miles as you wind past the Poma lift and eventually connect with the Two Elk trail. Vail Mountain / Mill Creek Road: Looking for a big day on your bike? Consider riding this as a 32-mile loop from Minturn. Start your ride at the Meadow Mountain Parking lot or your favorite Minturn restaurant to make post-ride refueling more efficient. Head east on the bike path along Gore Creek to Vail Mountain. Mill Creek Road is a forest service road that climbs up Vail Mountain on the east end of the resort. Just before Chair 10, Highline Express, the road veers out of the ski area to the left. Continue pedaling on the road until you connect with the trail at the top of the Poma lift. The forest service is currently reviewing a plan to reroute the existing Mill Creek Trail/Road and build a new 7-mile single-track on this section. If approved, the trail could be completed as early as Fall 2022. Visit vvmta.org for current information. Once you reach the Poma lift, take a left and continue deeper into the outer reaches of the back bowls until you intersect the Two Elk trail.

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adventure

THE DESCENT: Two Elk Trail: It’s all downhill from here ...

Eventually, you will pop out at the bottom of the valley next to the gun range at the south end of Minturn. Follow the dirt road out to Highway 24. It’s time to find a place to refuel and rehydrate. Need to know: Wildlife closures for Two Elk trail are in effect May 6 through July 1. There are no exits or bailouts once you start your descent on the trail. Be prepared with the right gear for you and your bike.

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PHOTOS BY JENNIFER WEINTRAUB

The start of the descent winds through Mongolia Bowl on the far edge of Vail’s Back Bowls. This section of single-track is smooth and fast through wide-open colorful fields. Once you reach the chairlift for Blue Sky Basin, you have reached the end of the ski resort — and the easier section of trail. From here, the trail becomes narrow, rocky and more technical as it enters a valley peppered with large boulders, rock gardens and a few high consequence areas with a steep drop-off to the river. Once you cross the bridge, it’s smooth sailing for the last mile of single-track.

LET’S FIND YOUR NEXT MOUNTAIN RETREAT TODAY.

Pete Seibert broker associate Lionshead Ofﬁce in Vail 531 East Lionshead Circle, Suite 11 970.390.1864 | peteseibertjr.com

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adventure

What Is Flow? Flow is a neurological cocktail of five chemicals resulting in enhanced performance, accelerated learning, amped creativity and pattern recognition. “It’s an optimal state of consciousness where we feel our best and perform our best. From a quality-of-life perspective, psychologists have found that the people who have the most flow in their lives are the happiest,” says Steven Kotler, a leading expert on human performance.

THE FOUR FLOW CYCLE COMPONENTS ALLOW US TO CONTINUOUSLY CULTIVATE FLOW.

The Struggle is real. Panting, angst and monkey brain is chemical build up. The torturous feeling typically lasts 20 minutes if you focus. If resisted, go back to jail and start again. Consciously use struggle and be rewarded as a springboard into flow.

Tapping Outdoor Flow

to Optimize Indoor Work By Clare Hefferren

he temptation to be outdoors never ends, yet indoor work is required. While you may not control your work environment, being intentional with outdoor time provides an extra “gas tank” to fuel focus and productivity. Knowing how flow works at a neurobiological level gives us this choice.

Release. The release is a microsecond. We start calming down as a potent mix of reward neurochemicals; pleasure-inducing and performance-enhancing arrive, increasing everything from muscle reaction times to attention and pattern recognition.

Flow. You are one with the road, the dirt, the water. Time dissipates. The self disappears. Our heart rate slows and effortlessness soars.

Recovery. Flow is exhaustive, and so we must replenish our body and brain. Active recovery may include stretching, reading, sauna, infrared light, mediation or creative outlets. c o v e r e d b r i d g e va i l . c o m

Peak Experience Recommendations

Optimizing Workouts 12 individual pre-conditions, or flow triggers, amplify the likelihood of accessing flow. Flow triggers work by a combination of releasing chemicals and reducing cognitive load. Let’s explore a few triggers for outdoor pursuits.

Complete concentration reduces cognitive load. Flow follows focus. Mike Stepanek, a Shimano North America regional sales manager and single dad, swims early morning laps. “When swimming, I’m in a hypnotic trance of visual and audio. When you can find that place, I want to bottle that — every day, all day,” he shares. As risk goes up, flow becomes useful. Action and awareness merge and performance increases substantially. Heather Pugh, an EMT for Eagle County Paramedics, has an unpredictable work environment and relies on the outdoors to reset and reduce anxiety. The crew is on for 48 hours with palpable energy. “As I clock out, a post-shift run gets the crazies out. This time takes buzzing stress back down to earth,” she says. Novelty says when something is different we pay attention. Hit a new trail to drive yourself into flow. Complexity occurs when information comes at us, and our brains sort through it. Corrie Crane, property manager at East West Hospitality and enduro runner, plans runs near running water to absorb its release of negative ions in the air for a serotonin boost.

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Unpredictability dictates that when we don’t know what’s next, we pay attention. Stepanek thrives on a full schedule. “Ultimately the outdoor time is necessary to maintain the three balls I juggle — work, working out and kids. The better I can check off both lists, the better I am,” he believes. Deep embodiment is being connected to our bodies and senses to decrease cognitive load. Crane shares, “I talk to so many people at work that I want to get lost in the woods to listen to my heartbeat and the birdsong.”

Tomorrow choose your discipline, time and location to build in flow triggers. At sunrise, a 10K trail run through Beaver Creek provides unpredictability of footing, challenge/skills ratio of rolling vertical and deep embodiment as the rising sunlight breaks through the aspens. A lunchtime hike up Vail Mountain’s Berry Picker provides clear goals as the Eagle Bahn Gondola is the destination. A sunset mountain bike ride on Avon Preserve’s Saddle Ridge requires complete concentration as you navigate the sagebrush to be rewarded with immediate feedback on Lee’s Way sandy berms.

Clear goals reduce cognitive load and drive focus. With goals, our brains don't wonder what we should be doing. Crane gives herself permission to get outdoors. “I manifest what I want in my day for productivity, which includes work and a personal workout,” she adds. Immediate feedback gives us input on how we’re doing. Real-time course correction creates amplified possibility. Pugh knows, “When I’m in the Gore Range climbing over as many ridgelines as I can [an off-canted foot requires realignment and stokes the flow flame.]” Challenge/skills ratio is a sweet spot between boredom and anxiety. Find new vertical terrain. Ride the berms. Look for the jump.

Bring Flow Indoors As you increase outdoor flow, your work focus and productivity increase. Build a corporate athlete flow practice much the same way you build a practice outdoors. It’s all about choices. Choose to fuel the flow.

grand outdoors

10th Mountain Division Hut Association By Sandy Ferguson Fuller

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PHOTOS BY CRAIG HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY; KIM FULLER; CHELSEA CONNOLLY

Hut Centric?

t’s June. I’m hiking a hut trail in the Colorado tundra at about 12,000 feet. I’ve explored this same path in the same season many times over decades. The dynamic, surrounding beauty hadn’t changed much … until now. I would not expect to find butterflies here, especially in early summer. Customarily, temperatures stay low, winds whip around and delicate plants hug the ground. But for the first time ever, I spot tiny, blue-gray butterflies everywhere. It’s already warmer than last year. I haven’t seen my marmot yet … perhaps he has moved up higher? Down below, I pass barren acres of lodgepole devastated by pine beetle. Last summer, fire ripped apart these forests, sparing stands of aspen and spruce, but leaving vast charred remains. These familiar vistas aren’t as beautiful, but more powerful and silent. The snowmelt appears rapid. Climate change is no longer subtle. Soon, this trail will reach my 10th Mountain Hut destination where I’ll meet our family group. I’m excited to share a few days and nights in the high country with my grandkids for the first time. I hope they will love it, like me. I hope they will continue to enjoy similar experiences throughout their lives. But, it’s worrisome. Our Rocky Mountains are warming at more than double the world location rate. The 10th Mountain Hut Association has a mission to provide its visitors with a comfortable and enjoyable experience in a natural mountain environment. In return, caring stewardship and shared use are the expected practices of guests. This 501c3 organization, headquartered in Aspen since 1981, owns 14 huts and manages 36 other huts in the system — many located in or near the Vail Valley. The Association recently committed to its official 10th Mountain Climate Project, announcing a conscious decision to engage in responsible practices and procedures within the framework of its existing business and services. “We’re hut-centric. We already know

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how to do huts,” shares executive director, Ben Dodge. “But, with this new ongoing focus, we will be learning as we go. We will rely on outside consultants and experts (who also value the hut experience) to gather strategic information and lead informed decisions. Initially, our actions will be based on what we’re able to do, not on what we should do. It makes sense to reexamine our practices and procedures given the reality of climate change.” The Association’s first move was to contract for an expert analysis of their greenhouse gas production generated by

“LOOK AROUND! IF YOU LOVE WHAT YOU SEE, IF YOU WANT TO PROTECT IT, THEN START DISCUSSIONS. ENGAGE POLITICALLY. LET POLICY MAKERS KNOW THAT YOU CARE!” Auden Schendler current operations. The results shaped immediate renovations (solar, electric water-based heat, etc.) for their Aspen and Leadville buildings/offices. Fire mitigation is another priority, as they work closely with the Forest Service to provide a safe environment, while maintaining hut goals: providing safe structures and defensible perimeter spaces, while honoring natural beauty. Dodge emphasizes that “preserving the quality of hut experience” is paramount to their efforts. Future “innovations” introduced to huts should also enhance ambiance and visitor comfort. Does it make sense to lessen firewood consumption (directly linked to green-

house gas reduction) with more efficient heating? Of course, but a tight and fuel-efficient woodstove should still add charm and warmth to a hut stay. Other “new options” under evaluation include purchasing electric trucks, promoting employee and guest carpooling to sites, increasing solar lighting, revamping drinking water sources (instead of snow melt), designing hut improvements, creating media programs and publications and more. Perhaps the most important focus of the project is to stimulate awareness among hut users (80% of which are Colorado residents) and to encourage discussion and dialogue about climate change. “We’re not about preaching,” Dodge emphasizes. But, he hopes our community will begin to reach out more for climate action. “This Association, by nature, is expected to be environmentally aware,” notes Auden Schendler, senior VP of sustainability for Aspen Skiing Company. Schendler is an avid hut user, climate activist and author. He reflects on the significance of the 10th’s commitment: “Where’s our power in this?” Schendler observes. “Climate change is a global systems problem, with solutions found at much higher levels that require more than just personal action. But, the 10th Mountain Hut Association serves an influential, often wealthy and certainly pro-environment, constituency. It makes sense to mobilize this group, foster discussion and awareness with hut users. Mostly we have been silent. Look around! If you love what you see, if you want to protect it, then start discussions. Engage politically. Let policy makers know that you care!” On my hike to the hut, I look around and notice different vistas, weather patterns, wildlife habits and natural tempos. Yes, it’s worrisome. But, I still love what I see. Do you? Let’s be proactive and support 10th Mountain Huts in this valuable initiative. + To learn more visit: huts.org

family

The Best Trails for the Littlest Adventurers 6 FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIKES IN THE VAIL VALLEY: Upper Piney Lake Trail (Vail): Beginning at Piney River Ranch, the trail starts off with stunning views of the Gore Range set against a high alpine lake. The best photo opportunities and flattest section of trail are found in the first mile following the length of the lake and into a wildflower filled valley. It is 6 miles round trip to Piney River Falls, but the scenery is worth it just for a short stroll until you’re ready to turn around.

iking has always been one of my favorite ways to soak in the scenery and the beauty of the mountains. When our family of two grew to three, I didn’t want to stop doing the things I loved, like adventuring outside, but I knew I had to adjust my destinations and expectations. With a little one in tow, our family has adapted our active lifestyle without sacrificing our love of the outdoors. Hiking is one of those happy mediums. I’ve learned to slow my pace, but not my ambitions. Each year the trails you choose may look different as your little one gains strength and endurance. This gives you the opportunity to continuously explore your surroundings in a new light. There are thousands of miles of trails throughout Colorado, which means there is something to accommodate every age and ability. When you’re on the trail, make it fun. Explore along the way, and go at your own pace. It’s about the journey, not the destination. +

5 Senses Trail (Beaver Creek Mountain): An easy, interpretive trail originating from Beaver Creek Village winds through an aspen grove and follows the creek to the fishing ponds for a 1-mile round trip journey. Interactive signs along the way discuss the sights, smells and sounds in nature, making for a fun and educational experience for kids. Miller Ranch Open Space (Edwards): The 32-acre parcel is protected through the Eagle Valley Land Trust and offers a flat and quiet 2-mile stroll along the Eagle River. The trail begins as a narrow easement next to the river but soon opens to a larger meadow about a quarter of a mile in. From the main trail, there are off shoots offering small loops and access to fishing spots on the river. Sylvan Lake (Eagle): Sylvan Lake State Park, located 15 miles outside of Eagle, is a perfect, family-friendly day trip. A flat, 1.5-mile loop circles the lake, meandering through exposed and wooded shoreline. There are plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the view, which is beautiful from every angle. Pull out a picnic lunch at one of the tables that line the lake or grab a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddle board to take out on the water. Brown’s Nature Trail (Eagle): Traversing through lush meadows and pristine forests, the 2-mile loop on the Brown’s Nature Trail is a good option for a short adventure. Originating from the Yeoman Campground outside of Eagle, the mostly flat trail has enough features to keep kids entertained, including log bridges over the river, boardwalks through wet marshes and views of Fool’s Peak at the end of the mountainous valley.

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PHOTO BY WHITNEY RAE PHOTOGRAPHY

by Jennifer Weintraub

Fireweed Trail (Vail Mountain): Experience expansive views on top of Vail Mountain without the climb by taking either the Eagle Bahn Gondola from Lionshead or Gondola 1 from Vail Village. Upper and Lower Fireweed Trails are easy 1-mile, point-to-point trails that connect the two gondolas. Both routes traverse through open ski runs and dense forests. For a slightly easier hike, start from the Eagle Bahn Gondola and hike gently downhill to Gondola 1. The trails can also be connected as a twomile loop and hiked in either direction.

family

Digital Movies, Analog Vibes

Slow Down + Reconnect at the Riverwalk Theater By Lisa Blake

tep under the old school marquee into the four-screen Riverwalk Theater and order an adult Icee (blue raspberry slushy goodness with vodka, whiskey or rum) and some smoky brisket tacos. The Edwards community staple is back with a full roster of summer blockbusters and tempting pop-up menus. When the pandemic hit in 2020, theater screens went dark, and owner Grant Smith and his wife Katherine shifted to selling to-go meals and drinks. This year, the couple is thrilled to present a full and exciting summer box office lineup to locals and visitors craving a side of connection with their entertainment. “In a world where it's just easier to sit on your couch and watch Netflix, we believe there is still room for a shared experience and personal connection,” Grant Smith says. “We’re asking people to come out and be with friends, family and strangers to connect over food and entertainment.”

yard games on the dog-friendly patio and lawn. The walk-up food window is independent from the actual theater and is open for lunch and dinner, serving up daily specials such as a pork belly BLT, chili cheese dog, pizza and chopped brisket sandwiches. Watch for new homemade taco varieties and fun pop-up menu theme nights — think burger and fry night or fried chicken parties — on rotation this summer. A new roll-up garage door and inside seating will connect the lively indoor and outdoor spaces. One thing not to miss: the theater’s housemade soft serve ice cream. Flavors change on a weekly basis, and there’s always a non-dairy option. Orange is a popular pick, and watermelon is the summer flavor of choice. Can’t decide? Ask for a twist. “We are really hoping to draw more attention to our non-theater-related business,” Grant Smith says. “Our food is super legit.”

BLOCKBUSTER SUMMERS ARE BACK The Smiths want the Riverwalk Theater to be a destination for folks to come together and have a shared experience — preferably over some of their famous homemade soft serve ice cream and a sunset on the patio topped with a film in the comfy, clean theater. Largely focused on community and family, the couple strives to provide a reasonably priced activity that the whole family can enjoy together. “I love to see a dad and daughter going to a movie together, as the movie provides the medium for them to connect when they might not have anything else in common right now,” Grant Smith adds. It has been a rough couple of years for the cinema industry and now, he says, a ton of top-notch backlogged content is coming down the pike. Moviegoers can

A COMMUNITY GATHERING SPOT As longtime Eagle County locals, the Smiths purchased the Riverwalk Theater in 2018 as a cash-only movie theater with a basic concession stand. They’ve since installed an exterior patio and a walk-up food and beverage window. They added successful ice cream and coffee menus and an ever evolving bar program. “The inspiration for purchasing the business was and is all about creating and fostering community,” Grant Smith shares. “We’re a locals first business. And, we hope that visitors come here to experience the authentic lifestyle and live how locals live. If you want to get a slice of Eagle County, come to the Riverwalk Theater.” +

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expect consistent major releases this summer, including Top Gun: Maverick (whose release has been delayed three times), Jurassic World: Dominion, Elvis, DC League of Super-Pets, Thor: Love and Thunder and Nope. The Riverwalk Theater kicked summer off with a Top Gun release party and fundraiser for the Vail Veterans Program, working closely with Captain Tom Trotter who retired to Eagle in 2000 after 24 years as a Navy fighter jet pilot. Trotter worked as a consultant on both Top Gun films. DINNER + A MOVIE The Smiths are proud of the box office bar menu that has evolved over the last three years and welcome guests to stop in for a Colorado craft brew and

riverwalktheater.com

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Sundae’s Sweet Success

K Kent Beidel

ent Beidel launched Loaded Joe’s around 2004 to cultivate a sense of community in the Vail Valley, and although the coffee shop/bar/restaurant served its purpose, he has found a larger community through his artisan ice cream store, Sundae. “Ice cream appeals to 98% of the population, whereas coffee and alcohol doesn’t quite have that broad reach. Sundae gives us a greater opportunity to connect with the community,” Beidel says, adding how Sundae donates ice cream to nonprofits for fundraisers, and its Smart Scoops program encourages kids to read to complete punch cards, which earn them free ice cream. After 13 years of running Loaded Joes, which he “loved dearly,” Beidel decided to trade the long hours (7 a.m. to 2 a.m.) for more reasonable hours (11 a.m. to 10 p.m. max) and a continuously fun-loving atmosphere. “Ice cream is generally a happy busi-

ness,” he shares. “In the restaurant and bar industry, you have every emotional range. With ice cream, there’s this deep nostalgic memory. People eat ice cream on dates, with family, when they’re drowning their sorrows. In general, people are looking for and participating in a positive experience.” In fact, Beidel believes he’s really in the business of “sharing joy, one scoop at a time.” He credits his success — opening two stores (formerly Marble Slab) in Vail and Edwards in September 2016, then expanding to Glenwood Springs and Snowmass in summer of 2020 and Basalt in November 2021 — to his employees. “We have a fantastic leadership team, with several pastry chefs leading the culture that is about the positive experience and the high quality. It’s a collaborative effort, and joy is part of the training. We hire specific people who are naturals at serving,” he says. “We allow people to be the best versions of themselves.”

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUNDAE

By Kimberly Nicoletti

Club-One-Poster-v2-with-bleeds.pdf

He’s been fortunate to retain his talented team when other businesses are struggling. However, due to Sundae’s rapid growth, he still has a few store manager positions to fill. He also hires a lot of high school students. “They don’t have experience, but we choose to embrace that — to slow down and take the time to mentor them,” he says, adding that he hopes to foster their future success by instilling a solid work ethic. “We succeed because of our extraordinary community: our employees, customers and partners.” “Sundae is a place of joy,” adds Beidel’s executive assistant, Molly LaBrecque. “It’s somewhere you can walk in and feel a connection with the community. It’s a bright, welcoming place to be, and our products and customer service reflect that.” ARTISAN ICE CREAM Beidel, a self-described entrepreneur, saw a niche to fill in the form of handmade, small-batch, premium ice cream. While industries like craft coffee, whiskey and farm-to-table food are common, he says artisan ice cream has a lot of untapped potential. “I wanted a high-quality concept with made-from-scratch ice cream without the artificial colors, preservatives and junk that commonly goes into it,” he says. “Plus, there are so many fun, cool things you can do with ice cream.” LaBrecque and her team develop both innovative recipes, like the popular salted cookies and cream, as well as classics, like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. “We spend a lot of time dabbling with different ingredients — jams or swirls or sprinklings or blends,” LaBrecque says. “We’re very transparent about what we put in our products, and we want it to be as real and approachable as possible. We want people to be able to read and understand what is in there and why. There’s a lot of thought and a lot of care that goes into the process, and that can be felt through the ice cream.” For example, the perennial summer favorite — blackberry lavender — involves grinding fresh lavender leaves and cooking them with blackberries. Curated sundaes like the banana split showcase culinary components of cherry compote, chocolate hazelnut sauce and candied hazelnuts — all made from scratch. One of Sundae’s pastry chefs created the lemon strawberry cheesecake sundae by adding lemon curd, graham cracker crumble and strawberries alongside the strawberry and cheesecake ice cream. But, perhaps the biggest indicator of the quality comes out in the strawberry ice cream. “It tastes like you’re eating a fresh strawberry wrapped in cream, and there’s nothing else you can distinguish,” LaBrecque says. Sundae also understands that kids want rainbow sprinkles and gummy bears and even adults might want Oreos, so they do compromise when it comes to adding a few prepacked goodies into customized mixes (like Marble Slab did). But, otherwise, all sauces, extras and, of course, ice cream, are made on-site. Sundae offers three to four vegan and sorbet options daily and 18 to 22 flavors on any given day. Beidel acts as the chef taste tester, and his standards are high. His main question: “Am I going to be wowed? Because, we want to blow your mind with our ice cream.” +

12/23/20

7:22 PM

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Tagliatelle Pasta

with Wild Mushrooms, Truffles, Balsamic Reduction

PIERSON SHIELDS

Pierson Shields brings significant experience within the hospitality and culinary fields. Most recently, he served as executive sous chef at Hyatt Regency Denver Convention Center following culinary appointments at Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, Warwick Hotel, Tom’s Urban 24 and Hyatt Recency Phoenix. Shields also serves as a board member for both the American Culinary Federation and Auguste Escoffier Culinary School. Beyond the kitchen, he enjoys hiking, backpacking and traveling with his wife, Sarah, and their two dogs.

INGREDIENTS: 1.5 pounds unsalted butter 2 tsp lemon juice 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup mushroom stock 1 pound tagliatelle pasta, cooked and drained Fresh basil, for garnish

1. In a saucepan, brown the butter. Once butter is browned, add the lemon juice and heavy cream. Bring to a boil. 2. Once the mixture is boiling, add the mushroom stock. Season with salt to taste. 3. Serve with cooked tagliatelle pasta, and top with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.

Balsamic reduction, for serving

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PHOTOS BY NANETTE BEDWAY

Executive Chef for Grand Hyatt Vail

Beet Hummus Toast

with Local Rosemary Bread, Homemade Roasted Beet Hummus and Topped with a Poached Egg, Ricotta Salata, Parsley, Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes, Greens and Pickled Red Onions

HUMMUS: 2 small roasted beets 1 (15-ounce) can cooked chickpeas, drained, saving the liquid Zest of one large lemon Zest of one large orange Juice of half a lemon Salt and black pepper 2 large, roasted garlic cloves, minced 2 Tbsp tahini 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil Small handful of fresh thyme, rosemary, chives and parsley TOAST: 2 pieces of rosemary bread 1 roasted beet, peeled and diced 1/8 cup ricotta salata 1 Tbsp parsley 1/3 cup heirloom cherry tomatoes 1/2 cup mixed greens 1 Tbsp picked red onions 2 poached eggs

PHOTO BY ANAIS COUDOUY

1. In an emulsion blender, combine beets, chickpeas and liquid, lemon zest, orange zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, roasted garlic cloves, tahini, olive oil and herbs to make the hummus. 2. Once the hummus is blended to a creamy texture, spread hummus on your toasted rosemary bread. Top with mixed greens, beets, cherry tomatoes and eggs. Sprinkle with ricotta salata, parsley and pickled onions.

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Mauka Poke Bar Restaurant spotlight

Eagle By kim fuller

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PHOTOS BY NEW ROOTS PHOTOGRAPHY, SUSI THURMAN

ith a little imagination, the carved and clear blue water glasses at Mauka Poke Bar in Eagle could be seen as ornate windows overlooking the ocean. In reality, the quaint spot on Chambers Avenue couldn’t be farther from salt water and waves, but husband-wife owners Stephen and Kira Barczy have bridged that land and sea by bringing authentic Hawaiian poke to the mountains. Kira was born and raised on Maui, and she and Stephen met while he was working there after college. Their island time has always been accompanied by poke — the fresh and healthy fast food of Hawaii. “You can go to a local grocery and it’s like a deli station,” Stephen explains. “Just grab a half pound of poke and a scoop of rice, put it all in a deli container and take it with you to the beach.” Mauka, in Hawaiian, means “upland” or “towards the mountains.” The Barczys did their own mauka journey over five years ago, making their way to Eagle, and now ensuring Hawaiian culture and cuisine doesn’t feel so far away. Mauka opened less than a year

ago, and the community has received the new restaurant with full appetite. “We wanted something approachable, quick and easy,” Stephen says. "That’s what we thought was missing, and we had been plotting this for a while.” The fast-casual atmosphere is ideal as a lunch stop or to grab dinner on the go. Build your own bowl or choose from a signature bowl that highlights a specific poke, toppings and sauces — all named after the Barczys’ favorite places in Hawaii. They met in Lahaina, which is now the namesake of the delicious Lahaina Sunset Bowl. It’s colorful with bright flavors, featuring lemon avocado salmon, jalapeño, daikon radish, mandarin orange, edamame, purple cabbage, tamari and sesame seed. Fresh fish is delivered three times a week, and Mauka has eight styles of poke to choose from — everything from traditional, Hawaiian-style ahi tuna to ginger wasabi hamachi, pineapple teriyaki shrimp and even marinated tofu.

"We get amazing quality fish,” says Stephen. “My tuna is from Japan, my Hamachi is from Australia and my salmon is from Patagonia.” If you build your own bowl, you choose a size then a base of white rice, brown rice or mixed greens; walk down the line, pick your poke and your toppings and sauces. It’s easy to order online and pick up at the delivery window if you’re on the go. A visit to Mauka feels like a delicious celebration of all things poke. The Barczys have a passion for Hawaii and its culture, and how lucky for the Eagle River Valley that we get to share it with them. The Barczys had originally planned a big wedding on Maui for May of 2020. After it was cancelled due to COVID, they were left with over 100 of the carved and clear blue water glasses that are now for guests to use at Mauka. Each vessel is another hint of Hawaiian love brought by the Barczys to their Colorado mountain community. +

Mauka is open every day except Mondays

TUESDAY - THURSDAY 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. FRIDAY + SATURDAY 11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. SUNDAY 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 700 Chambers Ave., Eagle maukapokebar.com

Spoke+Blossom is a lifestyle print and digital magazine based in Western Colorado — an incredible place to live, work + play. S+B builds community by creating thought-provoking content and stunning photography that highlight a truly vibrant way of living. SPOKEANDBLOSSOM.COM

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Ridge + River Restaurant spotlight

Vail

hen I first entered the dining hall at Ridge + River, I turned right back around to check the sign on the door for fear that we had just interrupted a private family gathering instead of entering a restaurant. The scene seemed so immediately intimate compared to a typical restaurant setting that I couldn’t be sure I hadn’t made a wrong turn. Tables basked in the glow of an engulfing fireplace, precisely spaced out so that

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PHOTOS BY KIM FULLER, LUCIE HANES AND TOWNSEND BESSENT

By lucie hanes

each party could easily maintain their own privacy while still close enough to feed off of the laughter carrying from the next group over. Across from the fire, a panorama window looking down on the Vail slopes spans the entire opposing wall. Most of the light emanates softly from the fire, the setting sun, two pendant lamps above the mantle and flickering candles at each seating place. Walking in feels like stumbling upon a secret that deserves sharing … but you also wouldn’t mind keeping all to yourself. Ridge + River occupies a cozy corner on the second floor of the Manor Vail Lodge. Its warm presence gives it an unpretentious charm without missing a beat of elegance as comfort meets sophistication. The ambience sets the stage for the night to come from the second you walk in the door (because yes, you are in the right place and not somebody’s luxury living room). From there, the meal itself feels like

a natural part of the package instead of the main attraction. I mean that in the best way possible; it’s the entire night that matters, not the meal alone. You’ll likely get nearly as much satisfaction from just reading the list of creative cocktails ranging from warm and sweet to sharp and startling as you will from enjoying your final choice. But, neither the drink nor food list is overly large, as proof that the kitchen puts care into each production and believes strongly enough in its work that you don’t need an overwhelming amount of choices to find your perfect match. The food selection at Ridge + River emphasizes “regionally sourced ingredients from nearby mountains and rivers” as inspiration for the name. Shareables like crispy balsamic brussels sprouts with pancetta and shishito peppers or truffle fries with porcini and manchego flavors emphasize the same combination of familiar and distinctive as with the drinks. For the main course,

you can continue to follow the whims of your unique taste buds with your choice of butcher cuts and sauce samplers, or put the pairings in the hands of the experts to tuck into a pre-crafted plate. The elk loin melts in your mouth, especially if you’re not afraid to let the kitchen err on the rare side, atop a bed of risotto with a welcome tang from a sneaky hint of huckleberry. The cider-brined pork chop, another favorite, also accents the savory center of attention — sharply seasoned meat and cheddar polenta — with a sweet undercurrent of pear and apricot. The whole point of Ridge + River is to create an atmosphere that feels like coming home — if you lived in the mountainside castle of your dreams. You’ll find restoration in the chance to spruce up and wind down all in the same breath. + 595 Vail Valley Dr., Vail manorvail.com

WIND DOWN

WA K E U P 225 Wall Street #103A • Vail • 970-763-5101

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288 Bridge Street #C4 • Vail • 970-470-4189

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Eat With Your Hands By Russel Reuben + William Montecristo

Gold

Silver

Square pizza with pepperoni.

Bronze

Alpine Pizza Company Lionshead

Pazzo’s Pizzeria Vail

Pickup’s Pizza Company Edwards + Eagle

Reuben: The hype is real! Alpine Pizza Company are the new kids on the block in Vail. No need to order double ‘roni on this Detroit style pie, as the pepperoni slices stack up like flakes on a bottomless powder day. A crispy, cheesy crust lines the edges, so if you’re in for just a slice, make sure you grab a corner.

Reuben: We absolutely had to call into this OG Vail pizzeria for their infamous “hidden on the menu” item, The Sicilian. This layered pizza party keeps the peps hidden under the cheese, but don’t be fooled. Pazzo’s packs this pie with flavorful sauce that’ll tickle your taste buds.

Reuben: This square pie is so light and airy you could “Do A Kickflip” with it! With their new Edwards location, no need to drive to Eagle anymore to experience this ‘roni rarity. This cloud of a square pie will give you something to text home about!

Montecristo: In 1995, I read in a snowboard magazine that to get a local’s discount at Pazzo’s you had to know the then secret location of Hairbag Alley. Nowadays, just knowing to get to Pazzo’s early enough to catch a coveted slice of Sicilian style pie packed with oregano and pepperoni will get you a nod of respect from the boys in the back.

Montecristo: I used to think the neighborhood ice rink had the best square pizza in the world. Maybe it was because, in 1992, Lauren Sternberger gave me my first kiss behind the arcade, and her breath tasted like pepperoni, and her lips were as soft as Chapstick covered clouds. Soft pillowy crust, crisp corners and lots of sauce. It’s just like kissing a real live girl for the first time.

Montecristo: Huey Lewis says his 1986 hit, “Hip to Be Square,” was inspired by “bourgeois bohemians” who had dropped back in, cut their hair and started working out, but had kept their nonconformist tastes. I don’t know what those words mean, but I do know melty, cheesy corners, crispy crust and an avalanche of ‘roni cups brimming with flavor juice. From humble home kitchen beginnings to social media stardom, I think this may have been the “new drug” Huey was singing about the whole time.

Disclaimer: These rankings are absolutely anecdotal samplings of some of the food we ate with our hands and is by no stretch of the imagination an all-inclusive or accurate encapsulation of the valley’s cornucopia of offerings. If you have a suggestion of where we should eat next please email us at eatwithyourhandsvail@gmail.com

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ILLUSTRATIONS BY BECCA SAULSBERRY

Each issue of Covered Bridge we, your brave culinary explorers Russel Reuben and William Montecristo, search the valley for inspiring burgers, sandwiches, tacos, snacks on a stick, second breakfasts and finger foods. For the second issue, we wanted to explore the culinary renaissance that seems to be on everyone’s greasy lips these days. Once associated with high school cafeteria memories, this heavyweight hero is this season’s hottest fashion accessory. From the heat lamp to the spotlight, please welcome …

Large Selection Of Rare To Everyday Wines • 4 Sommeliers On Staff 10% Off Every Case Of Wine • Check Out Our Expanded Craft Beer Room 970-926-8111 Located Next To Village Market In Edwards Wine@vail.net

EAST COAST INSPIRED ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELEVATED

BAGELS & SHMEAR , PIZZA & BEER Open Daily

Find us at

7am - 2pm

34500 HWY 6 Edwards, CO

Give us a ring

Instagram

(970) 855-2940

@villagebagel

#shmearinghappiness one hand-rolled bagel at a time

ORDER ONLINE @ WWW.VILLAGEBAGEL.CO

cheers

Big Bend

Created by Anders Willis, Bar Manager at Vin48 Restaurant Wine Bar in Avon

Cocktail feature

2 ounces Wheatley Vodka 1 ounce ginger, hibiscus, jalapeño shrub 1/2 ounce fresh squeezed lime juice 1. Pour all ingredients into cocktail shaker. Add ice. Stir for half a minute and then restrain into fresh collins glass over hibiscus-layered ice cubes. 2. Top with seltzer water.

PHOTOS BY TOWNSEND BESSENT

nders Willis grew up coming out west to ski and fell in love with the sport as much as the area. After college, he moved to the Vail Valley from northern Florida without a job, housing or acquaintances here; he just wanted to ski. As a red head, the need to tan on a beach in Florida just did not exist. His family is passionate about food, and Willis has worked in many restaurant kitchens as well as on the front-of-house side. After a friend told him about an opening at Vin48, Willis started as an expediter to help communicate the needs of the servers to the kitchen. He quickly fell in love with the program’s dedication to fresh, seasonal ingredients and constantly changing menu. Now a staple behind the bar at Vin48, Willis' cocktail program shares the same admirable attributes as the culinary offerings at this celebrated and locally owned restaurant. +

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Yeti’s Grind Community Buzz + the Art of Lattes by Kaitlin Emig

riendly smiles and the warm smells of coffee greet guests at the three locations of Yeti’s Grind in Vail Valley. Sometimes the line for a latte is out the door, like in Vail, or sometimes there are dogs enjoying a pup-accino along with their humans sipping drinks, like at the local neighborhood stores of Eagle and Edwards. Throughout each local store, the baristas are committed to excellence. Churning out specialty lattes in under three minutes along with serving locally made baked goods, all while keeping cool and

positive, makes the team of coffee artists special and unique at Yeti’s. Owner Marci Leith believes what makes Yeti’s unique is their great coffee, good food and friendly vibe. Leith and her husband, Larry, have owned Yeti’s since 2018 after partnering with original owners Tara and Nate Picklo who started the first location in Eagle in 2007, followed shortly after with a second in Vail. The Yeti’s team has the recipe for success, shown by being voted the best coffee shop in the Valley since 2018.

“We keep trying to be great,” says Leith. Partnering with the best roasters in Denver who are committed to high quality products — from the farmers to the coffee shops — the Sweet Bloom team gives Yeti’s Grind that unique taste. Leith believes their passionate coffee provider keeps filling their cup of excellence by sourcing beans from around the world. The Yeti’s Blend, made specifically for high elevation brewing, is served in every espresso shot. Corvus Roastery beans are used in the drip coffee offering a medium bold taste. Another ingredient in Yeti’s success is the friendly atmosphere, starting with a greeting from every barista. Mariah Schab, who’s been a barista at Yeti’s for over five years, says that Yeti’s is exceptional because they only hire people with a positive attitude. “There will never be a guest experience that doesn’t involve a lovely interaction with their barista,” she adds. The java buzz and constant sound of espresso grinding might also contribute to the atmosphere at all three of Yeti’s locations. Specialty lattes with Colorado themed names, such as Moose Tracks or Mountain Mint, include a shot of espresso, steamed or alternative milk and a mixture of syrups and sauces to sweeten the drink. Other espresso drinks like cappuccinos, cortados, macchiatos and americanos are popular for those wanting a purer coffee taste. Drip coffee, cold brew, tea, chai, matcha, steamer and cold drinks can also be found on the menu. With over nine years of experience as a barista, Schab finds a bit of zen in art of latte making. “I worked at the Vail location for several years. That place gets very busy!” she exclaims. “I constantly have to remind myself, jovially, ‘it’s just coffee, and the earth will continue to spin around the sun,’ and that makes it easier to work at a steady pace while getting the guests their orders in a timely manner,” she adds. Now she helps with training new baristas at the Edwards location and finds teaching helps make her a better barista.

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PHOTOS BY SENNA LEITH

cheers

Keeping calm and multitasking are needed skills for Yeti’s baristas, along with learning how to properly steam milk and pour magnificent latte art. The baristas at Yeti’s are known for these skills and providing a space for both locals and tourists to gather. Lilly Ames, the manager at the Edwards shop finds coffee shops are a place where all ages are welcomed. She’s inspired to create a comforting atmosphere at the newest location. She believes the personal connections with regulars mixed with a warm mug in your hands creates an inviting space for guests to enjoy. Yeti’s newest location in Edwards opened their doors in November 2021 with a modern look but the same friendly attitudes. “While the two locations were great, we felt like we should add another right in the middle,” Leith describes when planning for their newest location in the Edwards Village Center across from the post office. “It’s really great being apart of the community here.” “Since we opened the doors, the community has shown such an appreciation for what our spot offers, which the town was lacking before,” says Ames. “Somewhere with plenty of workspace options mixed with comfortable seating for meetups with good friends.” Leith believes the design of the space speaks to building community. The accordion style doors and windows will open in the summer allowing a fresh breeze and space for outdoor seating. “We want a place where community can come to have great coffee and connect,” shares Leith. New editions to the menu at the Edwards location will include summer drinks, bowls, salads and ice cream bars. “All this topped off with some gorgeous art made by our talented Vail manager will be going up; it has me really excited to see what comes of our new location,” says Ames. Ames and Leith are also hoping to offer weekend music to help liven up the community feel over the summer. When asked about their favorite

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drinks at Yeti’s, Schab, Leith and Ames all agree that the Salted Maple latte and cappuccino are some of the best. They also recommend the cold brew, matcha, Cocomel and an iced oat milk latte with honey for the summer. Stop by one of the three locations in the Valley for your next java high. +

Yeti’s Guide to Coffee Drinks Ever wonder what the difference between a latte and a cappuccino is? What’s a traditional macchiato verses something found at the coffee shop chain store? Here’s a quick explanation of some popular coffee drinks like the ones found at Yeti’s Grind. DRIP COFFEE Brewed coffee, ask for it black or add your own cream and sugar. TODDY Cold brewed coffee concentrate, made by soaking beans for 12-18 hours resulting in a less acidic and bitter taste. ESPRESSO Made by pushing pressurized hot water through finely-ground, tightly-tamped coffee. Single and double shots make up the espresso drinks. CAPPUCCINO One-third espresso, one-third hot milk and one-third milk foam. A dry cappuccino has less milk. LATTE One-third espresso, two-thirds hot milk, topped with microfoam made into beautiful hearts.

SPECIALTY LATTES In-house latte concoctions sweetened with complementary syrups and sauces. MACCHIATO “Macchiato” means “stain” in Italian. This drink gets its name from the mark made by a swirl of foamed milk when it’s dropped into an espresso shot. CORTADO Equal parts single shot of espresso and steamed milk served in a small glass, a.k.a. mini latte. AMERICANO Hot water added to a single or double shot of espresso. This results in a cup of coffee with a similar strength and caffeine content to a cup of black coffee, though it will have a different flavor and mouthfeel.

MOCHA Latte sweetened with chocolate syrup or cocoa powder.

CHECK OUT INNER LIGHT JUICE'S NEW STOREFRONT 115 E 2nd. St. Unit #2 Eagle, Colorado

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF INNER LIGHT JUICE

cheers

Get Berry Balanced with Inner Light Juice By Rachel Glowacki

n a bluebird Colorado day, I was in line reading over the Inner Light Juice menu, having a hard time deciding between Eyes Wide Open juice (carrot, apple, ginger, lemon) and the Conscious Creator smoothie (banana, orange, turmeric, coconut, lime, vanilla protein, goji berries, chaga, flax, date, homemade almond milk) — both things I needed energetically and nutritionally. I decided to get both, because the homemade almond milk (raw almonds, purified water, cardamom, vanilla, date, maple syrup, sea salt) sounded incredible, and I am a sucker for anything with ginger. As I waited for my juice and smoothie, there was a sign to fill out a gratitude card and then put it into a jar. If they pulled your card, you got a free juice that week. After I paid for my nourishing goods, the owners Treasure (Tricia) and Keith said, “Bring your jars back next time, and you will get a $1 for each jar you bring back towards your next order.” What? Yes, they are the real deal and value sustainability. They pour their heart and soul into their food, where you can actually taste the light and love infused with each sip. Meet Treasure Schultheis and Keith Carrieri, co-owners of Inner Light Juice — a mobile juice trailer serving all organic, raw, cold-pressed juice and super-food smoothies. However, Inner Light Juice is more than a mobile juice trailer; it is a love story towards transformational health and well-being for self, each other and our planet. How did you two meet and come up with Inner Light Juice? We actually both grew up here in the

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Vail Valley, but did not meet until our mid-twenties at a recovery group. We instantly connected and began living the path of sobriety together. We swapped out alcohol for juice, partying for meditation, and meat and dairy for fruits and veggies. We have fallen in love with this path of conscious living, each other and creating Inner Light Juice together. We believe that we all have an inner light within. That light can dim or go out, and when you choose to eat mindfully, your food can help reignite that light. We are what we consume. When we consume health, we receive more health. What ingredients would you use to make a “renewal smoothie” and why? We have to start with love. That is our main ingredient. We train all of our employees to use intention and channel good vibes into the food. For a renewal smoothie, we would use nutrient dense ingredients that bolster immunity, recovery, detoxification, stabilization and energy, such as leafy greens, fruits and veggies, and of course superfood powders such as spirulina, chlorella, maca, chaga and reishi. These ingredients are all raw and minimally processed to keep the integrity of the plant in order to get as much vitamins, minerals and enzymes into our bodies as possible.

Green Goddess Renewal Smoothie

Where can people find all this nutritious deliciousness? We are mobile! Please check our website homepage, Instagram or Facebook for our weekly schedule including hours and locations. +

Directions: Add all ingredients together in a blender, adding the spinach first and coconut milk and ice last. Blend until smooth. Pour into your favorite glass or jar. Enjoy immediately while smiling and have the best day ever.

innerlightjuice.com

Nutrient-dense powerhouse smoothie packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants! Ingredients: 1 banana 1 green apple, diced 1 packed cup spinach 1/2 tsp. chlorella 1/2 tsp. maca 1 Tbsp. raw honey 1/2 cup coconut milk 1 cup ice

book club

Much Ado About The Poop Fairy

f you live in the Vail Valley and spend a lot of time outdoors like me, you’re undoubtedly aware of the local poop explosion! If you’re a dog owner like me, hopefully your pockets are stuffed with spare poop bags, easily accessible, ever-at-the-ready to pick up after your pet on walks, hikes and runs. Maybe you even do more than your share and occasionally return from an outing with a “six-bagger haul.” My personal record is a lucky-seven! But have you ever spotted The Poop Fairy (T.P.F.)? If not, it’s because T.P.F. is overwhelmed, much too busy to make any public appearances. I’m an author/illustrator, dog lover, longtime local and a true believer in T.P.F. I realize that the fairy needs help here, now more than ever. My newest book is all about it. Dog poop looms everywhere … in our open spaces, along our lakes and rivers, on

our trails, sidewalks, streets, curbs … far too voluminous for the The Poop Fairy to pick up, even working 24-hour shifts. That’s why I created a winsome golden retriever puppy to narrate a children’s picture book about the fairy and to encourage responsible pet ownership and practices among all ages. The Poop Fairy is a delightful, fun and rhyming story with my colorful illustrations featuring the puppy, the fairy and a variety of personable pooches. But in addition to showcasing a motley parade of neighborhood dogs, their eccentric owners (only below the knees!) and the poop fairy’s antics, I hope to deliver an urgent message, too. To quote my narrator: “Is there a Poop Fairy? I hope that is true. Who will come to the rescue? Get rid of this poo? … If every dog poops at least twice a day, that makes trillions of tons to move out of the way.” As our dog population here expands, so does the poop. It’s only going to get worse. Off-leash dog parks are in jeopardy. County officials all agree that there has been a general increase in the use of trails and outdoor space since the onset of the pandemic. Many second home owners and new residents have moved here permanently. There are more visitors than ever in our surrounding towns. “We believe that we need to institute cultural change and make it taboo to leave the poo. We plan to revive our 'Poo Patrol' on Earth Day this year. Last year less than a dozen of us picked up 200 pounds of dog poop at town parks in two hours,” comments Peter Wadden, who coordinates watershed education for the Town of Vail Environmental Sustainability Department. A rising awareness of our “poop problem” has morphed into an organized

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ILLUSTRATIONS BY SANDY FERGUSON FULLER

By Sandy Ferguson Fuller

effort to educate and encourage the public to pick up. I’m working with town and county leaders to coordinate an organized clean-up and mitigation from East Vail to Gypsum. We hope to host one or two community events during the summer/fall and The Poop Fairy book sales might provide some extra funds. Stay tuned. Interested parties include: • Town of Vail Environmental Sustainability • Eagle County Animal Shelter • Eagle County Environmental Sustainability • Eagle Valley Land Trust • Eagle County Open Space • Vail Public Library • The Bookworm of Edwards Poop isn’t just a local issue. Our neighbors in Jefferson County and the City of Boulder now sponsor a program using joint branding with other local land

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managers in the Front Range Metro Area. Their “Let’s Doo It” campaign emphasizes the negative impacts of pet waste and helps remove barriers to proper pet waste management. They provide bags at all trailheads and give visitors tools to help make packing the poop out easier. Indeed, the fairy needs help. Many people don’t realize that dog poop is different than wildlife waste. Because of its contents, it doesn’t biodegrade quickly. It may contain bacteria and parasites which are harmful to pets or humans and spread disease, such E coli, giardia, salmonella, roundworms, hookworms and cryptosporidium. Bacteria can also harm water quality in lakes, creeks and rivers and alter the ecosystems of these stream corridors. It creates an absolute environmental hazard if not promptly removed. So, I hope you enjoy my book, and please help out The Poop Fairy. Do your part and pick up, even if you don’t own a pet. Stay up to date on planned

local programs. And finally, a shout-out from T.P.F., “Believe in me but watch your step!” + The Poop Fairy is written and illustrated by Sandy Ferguson Fuller and published by Alp Arts Press, 2022. To order directly from the publisher, email sffuller@alparts.com or visit alparts.com. (ISBN: 979-8-9854198-0-1; Hardcover $19.99). Also available to order from The Bookworm of Edwards (bookwormofedwards.com).

music

The Runaway Grooms

“The music comes from inside us.” By Kaitlin Emig

combination of contemporary jam band infused with Americana songwriting, blues rhythms and funky beats, The Runaway Grooms are the latest music sensation coming from the Vail Valley. This five-piece band might be heartthrobs, as they sell out shows both locally and on their latest tour. Their second album, Violet Lane, was released in October 2021, and as they continue to grow their music, their fan base increases as well. While interviewing them, I, too, developed a fan crush on the band hearing their stories of the road, creating music together and living an adventurous, mountain lifestyle. The band first formed when lead singer and guitarist, Adam Tobin met Zac Cialek (now playing the steel guitar) in Vail Resorts employee housing. Shortly after, Justin Bissett joined on drums to form the original band in 2017 that played acoustic local gigs. In November 2019, the band expanded with bassist/ vocalist Zach Gilliam and keyboardist Cody Scott to revolutionize their sound. Their style of music is hard to put into one category as it bridges from American jam band to psychedelic rock to blues and soulful songwriting. “The music comes from inside us,” says Scott. Merging from each member’s background, culture and musical influences, their sound finds its way out. “There is no formula to it,” adds Cialek. The Grateful Dead, an iconic American jam band, plays a heavy influence on The Runaway Grooms’ music. When listening to the Grooms’ songs, you can feel these musical roots. “What we are trying to do today is get back the original jam band and traditional Americana music,” says Tobin. They enjoy keeping storytelling a part of their music like these early influences. “There is a story and depth to the songs, like in traditional jam bands, but then there is an exploration musically through key changes similar to contemporary jam bands,” explains Gilliam. With catchy lyrics like in “Song Without Sin,” their highest played song on Spotify, or in a funky keys infused song like “See Where You Land” from their

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PHOTOS BY JON RESNICK

art +

latest album, you find yourself jamming along. Bissett says the band wants people to sing along to their music — and, it’s hard not to. The Grooms have had a heavy tour schedule since the summer of 2021, traveling from coast to coast sharing their Colorado based music. “Some places think it’s exotic and romantic to be from the mountains, but overall people enjoy our music, and it stimulates a good time,” Tobin shares. Cialek thinks you must be a little crazy to be a band here seeing that all band members are still paying rent while traveling, as well as having other jobs when landing home. “It’s hard for us to be anywhere else,” he says, “because we draw inspiration from everything we do out here.” “Not as many bands have such adventurous lifestyles,” Scott adds. How often is it that a band member is rafting down the Grand Canyon or paragliding or ripping backcountry snowboard lines along with many other outdoor pursuits? And because of this uniqueness, they believe they can represent Colorado well. Gilliam explains there are a lot of talented musicians in the Valley who are concentrating on local markets. “We are going nationally, which sets us apart,” he feels. Additionally, he believes everyone came to the Valley to pursue the outdoors, which is different than in places like Nashville (where he comes from) where people move there to pursue music. Overall, they are grateful to have found a group of talented musicians to create original music within the valley. This chemistry helps them stand out while on tour. Their latest tours have featured their newest album, Violet Lane, a six song EP, as well as brought back some of their original pieces with a newer twist. Gilliam enjoys seeing people connect to their music by singing along to their songs at venues around the States. “In touring, we can see the country with some of our best friends, while also delivering art that we create together in a barn in Eagle, Colorado,” he says. The band also enjoys meeting each other’s friends and family from around

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the country, in addition to connecting with other musicians who help motivate and inspire them to pursue their dream. However, with the recent longer times away, the band admits there are some hard times. Scott explains there is a societal pressure to conform, and when looking at their touring reality, they make sacrifices for their art. “Sometimes we are sleeping five guys in the van, and that’s not even the hard part,” he reveals. “When we return from tour you ask yourself, ‘Am I still a musician? Should I get a job? How do I pay the bills?’ And in these times, we are glad to find a committed group to create music with,” he adds. They agree the highs of being on tour outweigh the lows. “It’s one of the greatest opportunities we can have as artists,” Tobin says. He admits there is a ton of work that goes into planning for their tour and how it can be an incredibly challenging puzzle to make a living throughout it, but when their only worry is what time their gig is, they can relax and enjoy the journey. They use frisbee golf to destress while on tour and joke about who’s the reigning champion. In reflecting on some of their favorite

“IN TOURING, WE CAN SEE THE COUNTRY WITH SOME OF OUR BEST FRIENDS, WHILE ALSO DELIVERING ART THAT WE CREATE TOGETHER IN A BARN IN EAGLE, COLORADO.” Zach Gilliam live performances, the band agrees that playing in front of a hometown crowd like at the Eagle show downtown last summer and selling out Shakedown Street bar in Vail for three shows was extremely rewarding. Over the summer, you can catch them at the Eagle Block Party and the GoPro Mountain Games at the beginning of June, Avon Live at the end of June, the Dillion Amphitheater in July and the Ford Amphitheater in late August. Visit therunawaygrooms.com for ticket information. +

music

PHOTOS BY TOWNSEND BESSENT

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Gus Contemporary on Finding Your Artistic Fit By Laura Mills

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ome know him as Chris Gruner, while others know him as Gus Contemporary — a pseudonym influenced by his middle name, August. A combination of urban influence from his roots blended with inspiration from the landscape of the Vail Valley brought about this artist's most well-known pieces. Gus has been a Vail resident for nine years, making his mark in the community as a bellman at The Lodge, a member of the Mountain Art Collective (MAC) and, most recently, as a permanent member of the Vail Farmers’ Market — but always for his art. Gus naturally brings a bright personality and a fresh perspective to the Valley, attracting a community around him. From a young age he could be found creating for fun with his triplet brothers, whether it was art projects encouraged by his parents or the black book drawings he immersed himself within. Coming from New York, it was no secret the urban influence carried into his creations, an element that can be found throughout his work today. The mountains that envelop the Vail Valley are what drew Gus here, but the cultivation of a meaningful community is what kept him here. “All the greatest friends I’ve ever had have lived in Vail. People are here for the right reasons. To be here, to be happy and enjoy the lifestyle,” he says. Being a full-time artist wasn’t something that always was on the table for Gus, but the connection to the craft has always been there. Senior year of college, Gus was doing well in school and on the fast track to an office job when he realized that path wasn’t meant for him, and his passion for art was still hanging on the sidelines. An open spot in friend Ryan Anderson’s Colorado apartment was an opportunity he couldn't resist; little did he know that it would lead him to a life filled with art, adventure and community. When Gus moved to Colorado, he began getting serious about art as a career. Taking it upon himself to study art history, he was able “to formulate a style and new perspectives” about the pieces he’s creating and “how to tie in

art +

a realm of understanding” through this self-taught reading, as he puts it. Gus picked up a spot at the Minturn Market, but as time went on, he began looking for something bigger. Four years ago, he began repeatedly applying for a spot in the Vail Farmers’ Market and was taken on by Angela Mueller. Thrilled to be there, Gus showed up on his first day and was welcomed by snow in June. Though he was given the opportunity to leave, he pushed through the summer storm and earned himself a permanent spot. The Vail Farmers’ Market has given him the exposure he had hoped for and allowed him to book commissions with a wide variety of clients. Gus has been known in the Vail community as someone who wears many hats, and he feels that can be seen in his art as well. Multiple times before, Gus has been asked if his collections are one artist or a combination of many. He feels very grateful to have such a wide-

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range of projects to work on, helping to prevent the creative blocks and encouraging the evolution of his style. Now occupying his own studio space with a wall completely made of windows, he can often be found there working on a wide range of pieces or gaining inspiration for something new. Art-in-progress is hung from the walls — some made from newspapers and others laid out on the floors. Gus encourages his friends to stop by and feel inspired in the space he has created, no matter their usual medium. If you’re lucky, he may even ask you to walk all over his pieces to spice up the texture. “Certain parts of the business side can be tough, but that never pushes my passion to the ground,” he shares about working as an artist. “Sometimes there can be a lot of pressure to maintain, sometimes repetitive work can be taxing, but it helps you evaluate your gratitude.” Then, we focused on the positives and

discussed the best part of the job. Once again, he was brought back to the theme of community. He often said that the people he’s met in Vail and those that naturally fell into his life were some of his biggest motivators. Surrounding himself with other local artists, like the photographer of this piece, Charles Townsend Bessent, and other members of the Mountain Art Collective — Dave Tucker and Rob Prechtl — has helped him maintain a level of continued inspiration and encouragement. It's always refreshing to see someone find their “fit,” whether it be a town, in their career or in their artistic style. In the world of Gus Contemporary, it’s clear that Vail is the place for him. + If you’d like to get a hold of Gus or check out his art, you can find him this summer at The Vail Farmers’ Market, at his Pitkin Creek Plaza Studio, on Instagram @guscontemporary or via email at guscontemporary@gmail.com.

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style for

the season

Mountain Style

Mountain life has its very own style. Here’s what’s in season from some local shops in the valley. By kim fuller

Vintage Native American Coin Necklace

Wick Light

This sterling silver pendant framed piece is designed by John Varvatos. It’s 24 inches in length and a striking complement to daily Colorado style. $495 Squash Blossom 198 Gore Creek Drive, Vail squashblossomvail.com

Available in graphic or brass, this modern piece for the home creates the ambiance of candlelight with the utility of a flashlight. Use it on the bedside table, to warm the office vibes or illuminate an outdoor dinner party. $149 Hygge Life 41149 US-HWY 6, Avon hyggelife.com

Mama Bear Chair PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOCAL RETAILERS

A Danish design, nothing says “cozy up” more than this chair’s elegant and expertly crafted silhouette — defined by a series of inviting curves that offer up a warm embrace. Starting at $4,775 hyggelife.com

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style for

the season

Custom Totem Ring Exclusive to Vail, this ring is by Denver designer Samantha Louise. The 18-karat, yellow-gold elements totem band has two emerald baguettes, a one trillion diamond and three turquoise cabs with mountains, a skier, bears and more. You can design your own elements too. $6,250 squashblossomvail.com

Mountain Time Tee Style is right on time with this women’s fit tee that’s screen printed by hand. It’s super soft and slightly relaxed for a great fit on lots of body types. $34.95 Alpine Kind 61 Avondale Lane, Beaver Creek alpinekind.com

Rocky Mountain Candle

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOCAL RETAILERS

Bring the outside in with scents of fir and pine with a touch of spice. $25.95 alpinekind.com

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3 Trees Snapback Sport your love of the outdoors front and center. This hat is handmade in Steamboat by Ohana and is one size fits most. $38.95 alpinekind.com

River Wrangler This shirt can take you from the river, with its UV protection and wicking properties, to the pub, with plenty of stretch and style. $85.65 alpinekind.com

Kinetic Breakthru Tech Lace Sneaker Pops of fun colors and eco-friendly materials made this SOREL sneaker stand out this summer and fall. The midsole features a special foam material made with algae biomass harvested from freshwater sources. $132.95 alpinekind.com

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The Belden Witch Find Magic in the Mundane By Cabrini Klepper

dd some magic to the mundane by sprinkling in The Belden Witch, a source of bewitched energetic healing from high-altitude alchemy to enchanting events. Turn sipping tea into an experience of energetic efficacy, knowing the maker perfected the blend and attuned it to the body’s physical and metaphysical alignment. Attend a Full Moon Sacred Circle & Cacao Ceremony to crack open your heart chakra, attain connection and gain community. Jocelyn Laferriere, The Belden Witch,

adopted her name in 2018 from a regular guest at her place of work, an inn nestled in the Colorado Rockies. This guest routinely returned from the nearby Belden Mine with cuts, scrapes and dry hands. Although the mine gave many locals the heebie-jeebies, Laferriere felt drawn to it. This magnetic pull, in combination with her endless witchy ailments, earned her the name from her miner guest: The Belden Witch. Laferriere began making healing herbal remedies about 10 years ago. At first, she only gifted them to friends and fami-

ly. Eventually, The Belden Witch website brand was born in 2020. “All these new age modalities are actually ancient healing modalities, topically and internally,” Laferriere explains. People keenly label The Belden Witch’s remedial approach to herbalism, ceremonies and classes as “new age,” but these tactics have existed for thousands of years. “It’s cool to see a reawakening in people when they go, ‘hold on, something feels right here.’ ” When it comes to intentionality, The Belden Witch provides. She believes humans are energetic beings and can feel any underlying stickiness, such as with trendy products advertised on Instagram. Customers seek authenticity, and Laferriere tests each product until she’s certain it will resonate with any buyer. Her best-seller, Wild Harvested Pine Resin Salve, takes three to four hours to harvest enough sap for nine one-ounce jars—and that’s just harvesting. Laferriere will venture into the woods and pick bits of sap off the trees, never tapping them, utilizing their natural healing elixir. Sometimes, she doesn’t find any sap, or the tree says, “don’t take this from me today.” Once home, Laferriere will dry, test and concoct the batch of sap to perfection. If she wouldn’t use the resin herself, Laferriere starts over with fresh sap. The finished product, however, is worth the wait. This magical mixture can treat scrapes, bruises, eczema, chapped lips, congestion and be applied to the soles of feet during sickness. “I’m not selling it to anybody if it’s not

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PHOTOS BY CARLY FINK

maker

perfect,” Laferriere says. “I feel like people can feel the intention behind it and this is such a big part of my life. I want my brand to be an extension of who I am, and I think it really is because I won’t allow anything other than my authentic self.” The Belden Witch attracts anyone wanting to return to the practices of innately knowing humans are dynamic, receptive beings. Ritual kits are another one of Laferriere’s top-selling items. These kits enable the user to focus on their personal intention, tune-in with energies, evoke extraordinary vibrations and sense something otherworldly. All The Belden Witch ceremonies and classes root in the necessity to slow down and show up as you are. For example, at a Full Moon Sacred Circle & Cacao ceremony in Minturn, anticipate profound connection to yourself and to others. Sit in a guided meditation near a mandala adorned with flowers, candles, crystals and herbs. Embrace pure love as you sip on heart-opening, ceremonial grade Keith’s

Cacao from Guatemala. Expect to leave the magical occasion rejuvenated as a physical and metaphysical being. “Reading the overall energy of people, we need to slow down and show up as we are,” Laferriere says. “We’ve forgotten how to be human. At these events I want to show people how to tune in and be human. Not just like I’m good, I’m fine. No one’s good all time.” To Laferriere, we aren’t meant to incessantly go and produce. Sometimes, something within us calls for a change. We may feel called to tune inwards and slow down. Just as nature cyclically ebbs and flows, so do we. “People are starting to look for a more holistic approach to everything,” Laferriere adds. “The fact that I can be a conduit to that is super exciting.” + Find The Belden Witch at a local farmers market or TheBeldenWitch.com for products, ceremonies, yoga classes and, of course, magic.

IBA DESIGN PROUDLY SUPPORTS LOCAL MEDIA Welcome to the valley Covered Bridge Magazine! IBA DESIGN ASSOCIATES 303 390 1648 contact@ibadesignassociates.com ibadesignassociates.com DENVER 1421 Oneida Street • Suite 11 Denver CO 80220 VAIL 434 Gore Creek Drive • Suite B2B Vail CO 81657 NEW YORK 45 Carmine Street • Suite 3D New York NY 10014

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road trip

A Castle Escape + Inspirational Adventure By Clare Hefferren

DAY 1: EASE YOUR WAY IN Arriving midday and hungry for a bite, please the whole gang at the food stand COATI for a midday pick me up (coatiuprise.com). When you’re ready for adventure, head to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum (usopm.org) for an interactive afternoon. Don’t forget to bring running shoes to race against Jesse Owens, a 1936 four-time track and field gold medalist. Begin by viewing the event's history before walking alongside athletes at the

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PHOTOS BY CLARE HEFFERREN; COURTESY OF GLEN EYRIE

Elevate Your Awareness of Colorado History in Colorado Springs

long weekend getaway to Colorado Springs is a fresh blend of history with nearby active and restorative elements. Less than three hours from Vail, step into General William Jackson Palmer and his wife Queenie Palmer’s castle at Glen Eyrie. Stay on the affordable retreat property surrounded by soul-stirring beauty. Each day’s excursion excites and sends you home with intriguing stories and a content soreness. Planning ahead, pre-book a Glen Eyrie stay (gleneyrie.org). Choose from seven buildings with varying styles and amenities, ranging from the historical castle to contemporary lodges.

opening ceremony athlete parade in the 360-degree immersive exhibit. Learn the skills and training involved to be a Paralympian. Test your athletic skills at archery, skiing and even bobsled. In addition to athletic prowess, discover how science allows athletes to be their best. See Michael Johnson’s gold spike shoe and Amanda McGrory’s racing wheelchair. And, don’t be shy. Ask the guide if they are an Olympian! On the way to settling in at Glen Eyrie, stop nearby for an unbelievable sunset above the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center (gardenofgods.com). With 300-foot towering sandstone rock formations and a winding road between, you can surely find the perfect viewpoint for a snapshot. Curious as to how the rocks got there? Visit the Geo-Trekker Theater to step back to the times of dinosaurs and hot magma spanning one billion years. DAY 2: A RESTORATIVE RESPITE Today is about rest and reflection. Wake with the mountain goats to explore the nature-filled property surrounded by impressive views and 16 hiking trails steps from the door. Pick up a map at the estate bookstore or simply meander amongst the sandstone. Trail levels range from easy to difficult. A picnic lunch on the property is recommended. With idyllic overarching trees for shade, spend the afternoon reading, journaling and napping. If kiddos are feeling antsy, the center has a sporting green stocked with outdoor cornhole and board games. After freshening up, put on your best duds for a festive happy hour at the infamous Broadmoor Resort (broadmoor.com). Stroll the property and revel in over 100 years of European elegance. Below the Pike National Forest, sip a fancy cocktail on the veranda while live music serenades and boats float on the Tarryall River. While this trip recommends a brief visit to the Broadmoor, it’s certainly warranted to return to enjoy golf, dining, spa and luxurious accommodations. DAY 3: LET’S GET GOING Inspired by the Olympic Center, head to Manitou Springs to climb the Manitou Incline — a feat of 2,744 steps over 0.9 miles and roughly a 2,000-foot vertical gain (manitousprings.org). While the average hiker gets to the top in an hour, seasoned climbers take 30 minutes. Dare to beat the record of 17 minutes and 45 seconds. After burning serious calories, grab a burger at Townhouse Sports Grill (townhousesportsgrill.com). Enjoy the fresh air and a well-earned frosty beverage on an expansive patio. Allow time to make it back to Glen Eyrie for a 90-minute castle tour. General Palmer, best known as co-founder of the Rio Grande Railroad, and his wife Mary, known as “Queenie,” allow access to the Carriage House and the castle’s first and second floors. Relish in the decorative fabrics, envision a soak in a clawfoot bathtub and dare to enter an underground tunnel. Whether you’re seeking the warmer temps of summer or the cooler temps of fall, Colorado Springs delights with history and adventure. You’ll head home dreaming of railroads and revelry, quenched thirst and vista views. +

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off season getaway

Belize: More Than Beaches + Booze

It’s a Wellness Lover’s Paradise In honor of its Mayan roots, Ka’ana (or “heavenly place”) is an award-winning resort in the quiet town of San Ignacio.

he transition from Colorado’s blustery and snowy winter landscape to lounging beneath the invigorating Caribbean sun and surrounded by vibrant greenery was — as I’m sure you might imagine — very welcome. Each inhale and exhale during my time in this Central American country was packed with mindfulness, gratitude and pure wonder. Belize — only a mild four-hour flight from Denver — offers all the luxuries of more frequented vacation hotspots minus the typical tourist traffic. It’s a

humble oasis brimming with extensive ecological and cultural beauty, making it the perfect destination for those seeking to blend adventure and relaxation. It’s difficult to express just how beautiful this hidden gem is, but it’s very obvious that the Belizeans have done an excellent job preserving the variety of stunning environments their home boasts. Plus, Frontier Airlines recently announced non-stop flights from its home base in Denver to Belize City starting at just $83, making the trip more accessible than ever before.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF KA’ANA RESORT

By lexi reich

CAYO DISTRICT My trip started with a fresh taste of warm Belizean hospitality — being served homemade tamales in the country’s western Cayo district. My hosts were a group of women native to the area belonging to the San Antonio Women’s Co-op. In addition to their incredible cuisine, I was privileged to hear stories of their ancestry and cultural history. Cayo is renowned for its numerous parks and ecological reserves. Close to the Guatemalan border, it is a dazzling green paradise that also happens to be loaded with exceptional historical sites, like the striking El Castillo pyramid towering over the Xunantunich ruins and Caracol, the country’s largest Mayan ruin. In honor of its Mayan roots, Ka’ana (or “heavenly place”) is an award-winning resort in the quiet town of San Ignacio. Thanks to its eco-luxury design, it beautifully complements the lavish green of its mountainous surroundings. It really is the ideal home base for anyone adventurous enough to venture into the country’s lush interior.

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After a long day traveling, arriving at the resort is a refreshing kickoff to your stay. Interweaving pathways lead to a pool with cocktail service and a sunbathing terrace, an organic garden and the La Ceiba Restaurant, which specializes in farm to jungle cuisine. For the wellness lover, the luxury spa features treatments like holistic Reiki healing and Maya abdominal massages. The boutique property is comprised of 17 private suites and villas that were clearly designed to ooze hospitality. Some rooms offer outdoor baths and showers, while others feature private pools. At Ka’ana, only the tranquil flow of water and the sweet, natural harmonies from the jungle reign. It is a breathtaking respite from the chaos of urban life. Needless to say, the quality of sleep I got each night was unmatched. Guests can also get their flow on as yoga is offered on property and at nearby Mayan temples. Or, take a hike at Big Rock Falls for a breathtaking swim under the locally loved waterfall. Ka’ana thinks of all the details and packs a delicious picnic lunch to fuel your adventure.

off season getaway accommodation, the Grand Caribe was impressive from the first look. Its 72 oneto five-bedroom condos all have ocean views and balconies to admire them from. The property’s 500-foot stretch of private beach features free paddleboard and kayak rentals in addition to plush lounge chairs and unlimited towel exchanges. It features three restaurants, a fitness center and a full-service spa and salon to get your zen on. The on-site tour and concierge staff members are ready to guide guests through diverse Belizean excursions. If anything, experiencing the Great Blue Hole from the sky is a bucket-list opportunity. The giant marine sinkhole is a wonder of the world that can be seen through a Tropic Air flyover tour. Stepping onto the 11-seat aircraft for the hour pushed me out of my comfort zone in a way that promotes growth. The oneof-a-kind, uninterrupted view makes this

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GRAND CARIBE

SAN PEDRO Arrive by plane or ferry, San Pedro is a postcard-worthy town located on the island of Ambergris Caye, famous for its sandy dive bars, wooden houses and seafood restaurants galore — an ideal spot to bookend a week-long trip to Belize. Here, I took the time to curl my toes in the sand and indulge in the Belizean way of life — travel by golf cart, then stop and stay awhile. Many plant-based options are available to visitors, like oat milk lattes and vegan banana bread at Farmhouse Market & Café or veggie tacos and berry sorbet at The Truck Stop. Or, for a fanfavorite, the sunset dinner cruise with Island Dream Tours is perfect for vegans and carnivores alike with its buffet-style food and endless cocktail options. As soon as the sun sets, the party begins! For a high-end but family-friendly

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well worth the investment. When you’re ready to dive into the bright blue Caribbean water, snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley is as incredible as it sounds. It was pointedly instilled into guests that Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a sacred haven for marine wildlife. For the yoga-seeker, Ak’bol Yoga Retreat hosts drop-in yoga classes at the end of its pier overlooking the reef. Mats are available and meditation is offered at the end of each class. Ak’bol also has free weekly discussion groups over ancient yogic texts, making it a hub for wellness enthusiasts worldwide. Overall, a visit to Belize is soaked with an intimate connection to mind, body and spirit. If you’re looking for a sign to book your trip, this is it. + Learn more at travelbelize.org.

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Valley’s

From Charcuterie Spreads to Catering, These Six Women Serve It Up Right By Kimberly Nicoletti

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PHOTO COURTESY SHELBY LEWIS

Top

Dank Equals High Quality

Eat Dank Food eatdankfood.com 570.561.4835

While men have always been predominant as chefs, more and more women are leaving their “place” in the home kitchen and moving on to the professional realm. Here are six female foodies in the Vail Valley who are spicing up the world of catering.

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Shelby Lewis fell in love with cooking at age 19 working on a Northern California winery and farm. She moved to Vail when chef Paul Wade accepted her as an apprentice to help open The 10th. “I was the only person who didn’t have a culinary degree, but I think he was willing to give me a shot, because I was passionate about it,” Lewis says. “It was good, because I was a blank slate for him to teach, and I didn’t have any bad habits.” After The 10th closed, she worked with a renowned chef in San Francisco and eventually returned to Vail in 2015 to work with Wade at Leonora. But once he left, she found herself in an environment where she didn’t feel supported. She had already been working in catering part time and realized, “I can do this, and I think I can do it better.” She abides by chef Paul Bertolli’s philosophy that the best cooking stems from a receptive attitude, improvisation and enjoyment of the entire process. Rather than sticking to a few menus, she takes time to come up with new items each time she caters. “It’s not just: send a pre-fabricated menu. I want to have a conversation and know the group dynamics. I [often] offer 20 options within each course category, and honestly, it’s been one of the most revered things,” she shares. Most of her meals start with four courses and go up to eight. “Rather than catering, I’m trying to bring in a home-restaurant experience,” she says. “I like to introduce different ingredients and techniques to clients.” For example, rather than chicken parmesan, she’ll suggest quail parmesan or a bavette steak rather than a rib eye. “I just try to keep it fun,” she says.

Foods of Vail foodsofvail.com 970.949.0282

“Anybody can cook, but making food beautiful and appealing is the biggest takeaway,” A Pioneer in Vail

Since establishing Foods of Vail in 1981, Tracey Van Curan remains passionate about cooking. “I love how food makes people happy and how gratifying it is to prepare good food,” she says.

Her inspiration started when she met a woman who owned one of the biggest catering businesses in San Diego. “She said, ‘work with me, and you’ll learn more about the culinary world in three weeks than you will in three years of culinary school,’” Van Curan recalls. And she did. Before Martha Stewart made a splash, Van Curan emphasized presentation. “Anybody can cook, but making food beautiful and appealing is the biggest takeaway,” Van Curan says. Her menus started with tasty Italian recipes she learned growing up in New Jersey. In addition to catering, she opened a shop for people to buy prepared food, with everything from frozen casseroles, chicken pot pies and homemade soup to freshly prepared meals and sides. “I use the best ingredients available and make it with love,” she says. As a forerunner in the Valley, she has acted as a mentor, helping people start their own careers. “As a business owner, it’s our responsibility to help,” she says.

As a little girl, Lauren McElroy would raid the pantry, create various concoctions and test them out on her little brother. Some turned out better than others, so her grandma started giving her hints about what ingredients blend well. Though McElroy was always passionate about cooking, she took a circuitous route to becoming a chef. She studied business marketing at Colorado State University and moved to Vail after graduating. After snowboarding for a few years, she pursued a career marketing insurance, real estate and pharmaceuticals. But, when she decided she didn’t like “being worked to death,” as she puts it, McElroy earned a degree in culinary arts at Keiser University in Florida. She worked as a pantry chef, hot line cook and caterer, and in 2015, she moved back to her “happy place” in Vail. That’s when she met a personal chef who taught her the ropes. In 2018, she opened Lauren’s Kitchen in Edwards. Her grab-andgo concept, which was somewhat unique to the area when she opened, has become immensely popular since the pandemic. Her high-quality, “healthier” comfort food classics are inspired by her Southern-raised grandmothers. Lauren’s Kitchen won bronze in the Best of Vail Valley Readers’ Choice Award for Catering category in 2020 and 2021-22.

Lauren’s Kitchen laurenskitchenedwards.com 970.446.6917

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PHOTO COURTESY TRACEY VAN CURAN; PHOTO COURTESY LAUREN MCELROY

Grab n’ Go + Catering

A FOODsmith

PHOTO BY DOMINIQUE TAYLOR; PHOTO BY BOBBY CORNWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

Allana Smith grew up outside Buffalo, New York with grandparents who loved gardening, cooking and nurturing through food. After attending culinary school, she worked at some of the best restaurants in Nantucket, France, Spain, New Orleans and Chicago. About 28 years ago, a culinary school friend urged her to apply at Sweet Basil, which immediately hired her as a pastry chef. She left Vail for a bit to work in the Napa Valley and then open a restaurant with a boyfriend in St. Louis. But after about a year, the relationship ended, and she drove back to Vail at 4 a.m. It was a good move; she took a job at The Lodge at Vail where she met her husband, a pastry chef. Then, she met Thomas Salamunovich, who asked her to help open Larkspur, as well as other restaurants. After 15 years at Larkspur, the Valley’s labor challenges, which included training 100 new employees annually, added up. She envisioned opening her own business; her husband already ran his

FOODsmith foodsmithvail.com 970.688.1925

own kitchen for Mountain Flour bakery since 2001. In 2014, Smith opened FOODsmith, a name Salamunovich came up with. Now, the personal chef and private event company focuses on creating memorable experiences through quality ingredients and attention to detail. “I thought, ‘If I’m going to do this, I’m going to do this with the quality of ingredients and processes I want. If it doesn’t work, I’m not going to do it. I’m not going to compromise and use less expensive beef or fish or produce,’” Smith remembers. Currently, the happily married mother of four is considering adding more employees, rather than just on-call servers. She and her husband are also thinking about offering classes or chef-curated retail. “I think what I enjoy the most about my current business is the way I’m being a chef … Seeing families grow and enjoy time together — as a chef in a restaurant, that’s pretty rare,” she believes, adding she loves the “connection with the giving part of it, the nurturing part.”

Swiss Meets the Rockies

Kathryn Matthews had so much fun sharing raclette with friends that she ended up launching Rocky Mountain Raclette. Coming from the luxury hospitality world, she was great at hosting parties. After learning from Splendido owner Brian Ackerman and studying the art of raclette in Switzerland, she opened her gourmet raclette catering business in 2015. The Swiss dish, which consists of melted Swiss raclette cheese scraped onto potatoes and artisan bread, is meant for sharing ingredients and stories around the dining table. Matthews adds a Rocky Mountain twist to the tradition by bringing in heartier seafood, steaks, game meats and vegetables to grill and dip in special sauces. A couple summers ago, she introduced her picnic concept. Armed with anything from Swiss raclette to local Colorado cheeses, meats, fruits, jams, homemade chocolate and more, she sets up full picnics for people in picturesque places. The location may be an easily accessible park, a hiking or horseback destination, or a fishing excursion. “I love seeing the amazing homes in Vail, but it’s spectacular to have raclette outside and actually melt the cheese near a river,” she adds. Either way, what sets her catering business apart is the slow, interactive dining experience, she says.

Rocky Mountain Raclette rockymountainraclette.com 970.343.9299

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The Grazing Fox thegrazingfox.com Picnic Vail picnicvail.com 970.279.1342

“Food should be fun and it should be enjoyed with other people, and I think we nail that.”

Pamela Davis is a fourth-generation, small-business success in the Vail Valley. Her great-grandparents homesteaded in Cordillera in the early 1900s, and her grandfather helped build Vail’s ski resort. After working at Beano’s, Allie’s and Zach’s cabins, she knew the food industry was where she wanted to be. “The people I worked with were fun and different,” she says. “At that time, one in four waiters had Master’s degrees, and we were all here for the same reason.” She met her husband at a bar they both worked at. Then, Peter Knobel, developer of Solaris, offered the couple a partnership in Bol, which they built from the ground up. Like Smith at Larkspur, Davis learned a ton, but managing a huge staff of over 100 consumed them. In 2012, they opened Yellowbelly, with the goal of serving fun, healthy and delicious food. When Davis got pregnant, she stepped away to focus on their son, but when he turned 2, she got the bug to “do something.” She had always created charcuterie boards for friends, so she turned it into a side gig in 2016. Last fall, her son started first grade, and she decided to let the business grow, since she had more time. “The floodgates opened,” she shares, explaining how she began partnering with various resorts. Her secret to success lies in her attention detail. “It’s the small things,” she feels. “There’s a lot of love that’s poured into the boards — things like cutting the cucumbers to put on crackers seamlessly, so there’s no fumbling. Food should be fun and it should be enjoyed with other people, and I think we nail that.” She had always envisioned a picnic component but didn’t have time until the pandemic shut down. Now, her mountain-inspired, luxury picnics cater to the outdoorsy, and not-so-outdoorsy, types. +

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PHOTO COURTESY PAMELA DAVIS

Fourth-Generation Valley Success

U PLEVE LE D MOU NTAI N CU ISI N E & COCKTAI LS

2 3 2 B r i d g e S t , Va i l 970.470.4803 falllinevail.com

Conserving Land

Eagle Valley Land Trust and Eagle County Open Space Work to Protect the Natural Character of the Vail Valley By T.J. Voboril

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PHOTOS BY TODD WINSLOW PIERCE

forever

Standing atop one of Vail Valley’s scenic ridgelines, it is not merely the altitude that will take away your breath. No matter the time of year, as one looks across to the spiky peaks of the Gore Range or down at the rushing Eagle River, the gorgeous vistas validate the effort necessary to enjoy them. From those elevated vantage points, one can not only gain perspective on the various geographic features but the extent to which humans settled into this now bustling mountain community, as well. From its beginnings as a summer respite for the Ute tribe to its rich ranching history to the current cosmopolitanism of two world-class ski areas, the Vail Valley has undergone tremendous growth. Development has brought plenty of benefits, but it has also altered the landscape in ways that, if unchecked, would destroy the unique splendor of the area. Condominiums, highways and chairlifts must coexist with elk herds, cutthroat schools and dense forests, which is no easy task. It is the mission of the Eagle Valley Land Trust (EVLT) to provide a bulwark against the pressures of a growing population. Since its founding in 1981, EVLT has placed 38 parcels and more than 13,000 acres of land in Eagle County into permanent

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conservation. These conserved places vary widely in character, mirroring the geographic variety of the Vail Valley. One can take in the glory of the East Vail Waterfall without worrying that it will one day be crowded by new housing. Hikers and bikers abound on the West Avon Preserve when it is open for recreation and then defer to the native wildlife during the winter closure. The Gates Ranch and its vibrant agricultural heritage are protected from subdivision so that future generations can work the land in the same manner as their forebears. A full list of EVLT’s conserved parcels can be found at evlt.org. “We are so fortunate to live and work in a place that is surrounded by nature in its many forms. I am proud to lead an organization that is dedicated to conserving these special places,” beams Jessica Foulis, the executive director of EVLT.

costs. But, we have a realistic view of what is healthy for the Valley. Workers need places to live, infrastructure is necessary to an efficient functioning of the community. So, we have to strike a balance between conservation and development, between collective action and private property rights.” In this vein, EVLT not only studies the land itself, but the way in which land interfaces with housing, transportation, education, waste management and other facets of life in the Valley. As the local organization focused on land, and because land literally touches everything and everybody, EVLT occupies a central place in the ongoing discussions about the future iterations of the Valley. As an organization with a timescale measured in decades and centuries, EVLT offers a unique perspective on these challenging issues. EVLT’s work also mixes public and private interests in its alliance with Eagle County Open Space (ECOS), a governmental organizational with which EVLT is sometimes confused. “EVLT has been a great partner in terms of making sure that conservation values are protected,” enthuses Phil Kirkman, the ranger and senior natural resource specialist for Eagle County. While both entities are focused on

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PHOTO BY TODD WINSLOW PIERCE

“As is common for many Valley residents, I moved here specifically to enjoy all that this environment has to offer. I have now made it my life’s work to make sure that others will have the same opportunity.” Leaving a legacy for the future is the guiding ethos of EVLT. “Forever is a powerful word that we use a lot in our work,” explains Foulis. This concept is an outgrowth of the mechanism by which the parcels are protected. When a landowner decides to put their plot into conservation, they grant a conservation easement to EVLT. A conservation easement is a legal document that puts specific restrictions on the use and development of the land, which restrictions exist in perpetuity. The owner retains full ownership rights to the land, subject to the easement, while EVLT ensures that the restrictions are being upheld through yearly monitoring visits. While this is a weighty and permanent obligation for the landowner, it is counterbalanced by the benefits received, both in terms of tax credits and the satisfaction of knowing that the land will retain its essential elements forever. Balance is another keyword and lodestar for EVLT. “There is a common misconception that we are militantly focused solely on preserving land at all

conserving land in Eagle County, the nature of their work is different in terms of constituencies, governance, funding and responsibilities. ECOS finances its acquisitions through a specific open space tax and is managed through the Eagle County government and its knowledgeable, friendly and steadfast employees. This results in another powerful conservation entity, one which Eagle County is lucky to have. When you are setting out to enjoy the outdoors, consider consulting the Open Space Finder map, which can be found at eaglecounty.us/openspace. ECOS is not EVLT’s only partner; the organization works closely with many other local groups. Exposure to nature being an important component of one’s mental health, a fact that COVID rendered even more stark, EVLT has allied with Eagle County Behavioral Health on programming and policy matters. Traditionally underserved communities have many roadblocks to access to open space, a conundrum that EVLT is working with Eagle Valley Outdoor Movement and its participating entities to resolve. Since the Valley is blessed with an abundance of land and water assets, it is only fitting that EVLT and Eagle River Watershed Council (ERWC) would team up to help protect these precious resources. An outgrowth of that link is the Land & Rivers Fund. When one visits a business participating in this program, 1% of their purchase goes directly to the Land & Rivers Fund, which then uses such funds to further EVLT’s and ERWC’s respective missions. It is a powerful way for locals and visitors alike to contribute to the long-term health of the Valley’s natural environment. A full list of participating businesses can be found at landandrivers.org. Armed with fresh insight into the machinations of protecting Eagle County’s open spaces, the next time that you set out on a hike, ski mission or raft trip, take a moment to express your appreciation for the tremendous efforts of EVLT, ECOS, and their partners and supporters. Without these zealous advocates for conservation, the Vail Valley may very well look more like an anodyne suburb than a jewel nestled high in the Colorado Rockies. +

Dinosaurs

gal 88

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lore The New Museum at Dinosaur Junction in Edwards By Sandy Ferguson Fuller

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Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS) and National Geographic expeditions. A new professional future opened for him. He moved back to the Valley in the '80s. “I always knew there was something special about this area,” he reflects. Likewise, there is something special about Doran — a hidden gem in our community, waiting to be discovered! Do you know about Doran? I didn’t! Not until his recent announcement of the exciting new museum at Dinosaur Junction in Edwards. He began developing the 501c-3 non-profit in its original Wolcott location two years ago, and it will open summer 2022 for all of us to enjoy. The target opening date is early June, but check the website for updates. The museum has a perfect home, located in the former June Creek Elementary School building, at 1121 Miller Ranch Road. Many details about planned case displays, unique fossils, featured species, activities, programs, etc. remain under wraps — literally — as treasures formerly exhibited beneath canvas tents at the outdoor Wolcott location will be moved to their secure and permanent location. The museum will be open year-round for families, schools, special events and more. Don’t be surprised to be welcomed at the museum by two favorite, familiar dinosaur skeletons towering at least 15 feet high. The collection development will be an ongoing project, largely determined by available funds and resources. Fossils are often hard to find, and to acquire rare specimens for display can cost thousands of dollars unless Billy digs them up himself. He has already found so many exciting things in Eagle County’s backyard; initially, these will comprise most of the collection.

“We’re focused on Eagle County history with objects that have been found here,” he shares. “Mostly things that I have collected, including 12 different dinosaurs, crocodiles, sharks, turtles, ammonites … Remember, during the Cretaceous period, this area was under water, a beautiful Caribbean resort! No birds included yet, as they’re extremely rare. In addition to this great museum, we plan to have a paleontology lab where students from around the world will come to study our unique stuff. The way the Rockies lifted up, very few areas have our same exposed layers. They’re all over Colorado, but in most locations, still a mile beneath the ground. Here they have come to the surface.” What are Doran’s most exciting local finds?

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF BILLY DORAN

With open minds and curiosity, we learn something each day. Do you know that the first Tyrannosaurus Rex fossils (a few scattered teeth) were discovered near Golden in 1874? I’m a Colorado native, but I didn’t! In 1902, Barnum Brown discovered the first partial T-Rex skeleton in Hell Creek, Montana. Indeed, we’re always learning; as recently as March 2022, paleontology experts entertained astounding new speculation about the existence of three T-Rex species. The debate is on, but no one doubts that the Rocky Mountains were the playground for these giant beasts. Our ancient Eagle County harbored many famous dinosaur species, and “Dinosaur Junction” (extending from above Wolcott to Edwards) was a bustling, prehistoric interstate travel corridor. Eagle County is also home to longtime local and professional dinosaur expert, Billy Doran, who founded Fossil Posse Adventures in Wolcott with his wife, Lily. In 2015, Doran opened the Prehistoric Journey kids’ summer camps. He has entertained and educated the public about dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures at a variety of venues for the past seven years. Doran “landed” in the Vail Valley in the late ‘70s after his plans to work at an orphanage in the Amazon basin dissolved; active terrorist groups made it too dangerous. Instead, he worked here as a ski bum for a season; then, he got the acting bug, lived in Hollywood in a VW bus and appeared in background spots on Friends, Seinfeld, E.R. and other TV shows. All the while, Billy kept his passion for paleontology and archaeology alive. He continued to gain experience and knowledge in field digs with the Denver

“They’re all so cool. Maybe the biggest one I found last summer. A Camarasaurus, about 45 tons! Also, the Allosaursus, about 30 feet long, found right on the other side of this Edwards ridge. Our Stegosaurus footprints are amazing. And, I even found a tiny footprint the size of a turkey claw that is about 230 million years old!” What is the most elusive dinosaur? You guessed it. He’s on a T-Rex quest! Perhaps his most extraordinary discovery so far was in 2015 in remote Escalante National Park, Utah on a dig with DMNS and National Geographic. “You never know what you’re going to find,” he marvels. “You wake up with rattlesnakes and scorpions. It’s not easy work to find these amazing things. But, talk about being in the right place at the right time. I was by myself in a drainage

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MISSION STATEMENT Museum at Dinosaur Junction

for a few minutes. As parts surface and pop out, they start to break apart. The first thing to peek out at me was a giant ‘beak.’ Turns out to be a horn that had broken off a skull and poked up from the soil as the ravine eroded. We dug in and found the entire head, then its entire skeleton, the size of an elephant; the body was about 7 feet long. The skull is at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and, proudly, my name is on it!” Doran recalls of the trip. “For me, finding that dinosaur represented the most amazing thing about finding fossils. All of a sudden, I became aware that I’m not just out there digging fossils, I’m not just out looking at history, I’m now part of history. I’m the first living thing, the first human for sure, to find this creature since it died, in this case in a 76-million-year-old layer. It’s the first time since I brushed the dirt away that the sun has shone on this skull. Now the science of paleontology is like a time machine. I’m part of this animal’s story going back eons, finding things that have

just been waiting to be found, waiting to be remembered and waiting to be brought out of the rock and put someplace where people can be in awe. It’s incredible looking at it that way. It led me to do what I’m doing and to building the museum,” he adds. Prior to opening, the museum received generous donations from Resort Development (sponsoring the central exhibit), Board Members, a GoFundMe campaign and donations from participants in Doran’s national online Zoom classes launched during the pandemic. Moving forward, its growth and success will rely on ticket sales, fundraisers and other sources. Dino donors can contact Billy to make a donation. Also, visit the website for information about enrolling in kids’ camps, arranging school visits, rafting and fossil hunting, corporate parties, birthday parties and presentations in Beaver Creek Village. Doran’s knowledge is vast, yet his magical way of explaining technical, scientific facts is enjoyable. He is dedicated to sharing his dinosaur passion. He loves

to have fun, work with kids and enlighten everyone about his favorite subjects so that “they get it,” he shares. “You know how every child loves dinosaurs? Well, it was no different with me! But, I never grew out of it. I like to call myself a Play-leontologist. Growing up, I dug through every creek, swamp and bog, catching everything that hopped, slithered, crawled, flew. My dad showed me some dino footprints in Holyoke, MA when I was a kid. I’ll never forget it,” Doran reminisces. Doran offers a unique gift to our community, and he’s already successful with kids and families. Volunteers, elementary age to retirees, have stepped up to help with the museum. Longtime summer camp participant Tucker Mazza totally gets it: “Fossil Posse is my favorite place in the world. Now I can’t wait to help Billy put together the skeletons for the museum. I want to be like Billy when I grow up.” + dinosaurjunction.org

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF BILLY DORAN

The Museum at Dinosaur Junction is dedicated to inspiring, educating and enriching life in Eagle County and Colorado as a whole by deepening the understanding and appreciation of history and science through the research, preservation and exhibition of paleontological treasures and discoveries, and the development of a reference library with a focus on Colorado’s highcountry fossils and paleontological history. Exhibits cover a comprehensive 200-million-year history of the region, from fossil dinosaurs beginning in the Triassic, through the Jurassic and into the Cretaceous Periods, including fossils from the Western Interior.

Eagle County

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Fair + Rodeo then + Now By Mary Kelley Zelesky

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What began in 1939 as a hometown fair with local contestants, the Eagle County Fair & Rodeo now hosts world champion competitors. Originally held on the grounds of the Eagle School, where the county administration building is today, hundreds of people flocked to Eagle to experience what would begin the beloved tradition of 81 years. During the early years of the county fair, the organizers began teaming up with 4-H, a non-profit organization, to host exhibit competitions and exhibits by local ranchers. Jenny Leonetti, who was born and raised in Eagle County, has been a 4-H agent assisting with the fair for 15 years. Leonetti spent her childhood visiting the fair with her grandpa who was a cattle rancher in Eagle County. “It's been interesting to watch the progression, because my grandma was in 4-H, and she was born in 1920,” says Leonetti. In addition to the exhibit competitions in the early years of the fair, community members were encouraged to participate by exhibiting their canned fruits and vegetables, pastries, needlework and preserves. Before the rodeo was added to the event, additional fair entertainment included a football game between the Minturn and Eagle high school teams, concerts, movies and a free lunch. The organizers even hosted a dance to continue the entertainment into the evening. Although the fair was beginning to grow in the early 1940s, most of the young men in Eagle County were being drafted or signing up to join military service, causing a shortage of farm labor and leather and rubber production. This labor shortage made it difficult for ranchers to continue their operations. At this time, there was no mention of the county fair in the local newspapers, but the organizers of the event did not give up. By 1950, the fair was back and even more successful than before when local

the event today. “The generosity that has poured out in the auction is just humbling, because we have one of the best auctions in Colorado all thanks to our business owners, individuals and buyers that come out,” believes Leonetti. By 1999, the new grandstands in the rodeo arena could seat 2,650 spectators. This exciting addition allowed even more devoted visitors to attend. In 2006, the 45,000 square foot Eagle River Center was built, where the community now hosts events, trade shows, fairs and tournaments. “When my grandma was in 4-H, they showed their livestock at what is now the Eagle County building in the town park,” Leonetti explains. “So, seeing that progress to the very enjoyable and successful Eagle River Center, where the kids show now, is just interesting to see how the facilities have grown.” Today’s Eagle County Fair & Rodeo offers multiple merchandise and food vendors, an auction, a junior livestock sale, concerts, a carnival, a sponsor dinner and more. Tanya Dahlseid, who manages the rodeo, has been part of the

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF EAGLE COUNTY FAIR & RODEO

businesses began participating by setting up commercial booths to display their products. After the large number of exhibits continued to grow, the fair was forced to relocate to a larger space in Gypsum where it would be held in 1952. This was the only year that the event was held outside of Eagle. The next year, the event made its way back to Eagle on a portion of the Mayer Ranch for seven years. After the ranch was sold, the county fair moved into its new home on 15-acres of land on the Eagle River. The community came together and local volunteers combined their efforts and moved the livestock barn, in sections, to the new location. Grandstands were built, and the historical exhibits would be displayed in a new, all-steel building. After the exhibit hall gained electricity in 1964, the event space now included lighting, cooking ranges and refrigerators, offering even more experiences for its visitors. Confident in the event’s success, the county purchased a 145-acre tract of land in 1986 for future growth. At this time, the junior livestock auction was the main attraction and is still a crowd favorite in

event for 20 years. “You can come onto our grounds and go to the carnival, you can walk around to see the vendors, you can go to the rodeo and just be with your community,” Dahlseid explains. “People enjoy visiting and seeing each other, and it's just a great family event.” While the event is loved by Eagle County residents, Dahlseid has seen the crowd grow in numbers over the years, including visitors from as far as Europe. “One year we sold out days in advance, and that was record breaking for us,” says Dahlseid. “I get goosebumps watching the crowd, because they get so involved.” Although the fair has grown and changed over the years, the sense of community and support has remained. “There is definitely a huge community of support and a great team from the county putting this on,” explains Dahlseid. “We definitely want to give back to the community, and the goal is to have a nice event for everyone to attend from all different cultures.” In addition to the crowd growing in numbers, the support from local businesses has been outstanding with 78 sponsors last year. “We shattered all of our records last year with our sponsorship,” adds Dahlseid. “We even had people contacting us during the event to be a sponsor for the following year.” With all of the hard work from the fair council, the event now hosts world champion competitors. “I would have never had the opportunity to see this caliber of competitors had it not been for this rodeo and the ability to go watch them, so it's definitely a treat for us,” Leonetti says. The Eagle County Fair & Rodeo, beloved by locals and visitors alike, returns July 27-30, 2022 for its 82nd year of bringing the community together to continue the historical tradition. “The rodeo was really just a hometown event, and now to see how it has just exploded,” says Leonetti, “we attract names that I see on TV, and it’s just neat to see how it has progressed.” ” +

“The generosity that has poured out in the auction is just humbling, because we have one of the best auctions in Colorado all thanks to our business owners, individuals and buyers that come out.”

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a local

Ellen Miller

Vail Valley’s Most Accomplished Mountaineer by lexi reich

o Ellen Miller, “to elevate” means to rise above, to strive to be better, to raise one another to a higher state. “One purpose in my life is to elevate others,” the long-time Vail Valley local says. Every morning, Miller strives to wake up and acknowledge how blessed she is to live in such a beautiful place. “My favorite part about living here is the mountains, snow sports, our access to wilderness and the community of amazing people,” she says. “We are very privileged to have a ‘backyard’ like this.” Miller has lived and worked in the Vail Valley for over 30 years, and she notably emulates the mountain lifestyle. Her primary passion is mountain climbing and being at high altitude. She was the first American woman to climb both sides of Mount Everest from Nepal and Tibet.

As the founder of the Vail Mountain Winter Uphill Race and The Climb for Literacy, access to the wilderness and supporting the community are fundamental values to Miller. She frequently appears in local programming, such as The Vail Symposium and the Colorado Snowsports Museum. “I enjoy giving back to my community and to the places I value by volunteering for the Town of Vail as a summer Vail Trail Host and for the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance as a wildlife ambassador,” Miller says. In fact, she was named the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance 2021 Volunteer of the Year. Her dedication and ambitious spirit give pulse to locals also contributing to Vail Valley’s world-renowned vibrancy. To many, she is not only a huge inspiration but a living legend.

Today, Miller works as a caregiver for an elderly patient. To her best ability, she connects with nature every day for “mental, physical and spiritual health,” as she puts it. Whether that’s hiking up Vail Mountain before work on a winter day or going climbing in the summer months, she says to never underestimate the value of an exhilarating jaunt above tree line. “The wilderness and forest in the Vail Valley are precious; please treat it with care,” she advises. “Everyone who lives here has a responsibility to care for these precious places and to help educate our visitors about the importance of ‘Leave No Trace’ and respecting wildlife.” This summer, Miller is leading wilderness educational hikes through Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance/USFS. She will also be volunteering at various trailheads during seasonal wildlife closures. And, it doesn’t stop there; you can also find her competing in local trail running races throughout the season, followed by ski mountaineering events in the winter. “For the past 16 years, I have also worked as the manager of the USA Women’s Mountain Running Team, so we look forward to returning to post-pandemic competitions with these athletes,” she adds. When Miller climbs, she says she feels insignificant amongst the grandeur of the high peaks. It helps her to see things from a higher perspective. “Elevation will always be important to me,” she shares. As one of Vail Valley’s most accomplished mountaineers, Miller’s work as an outdoor fitness coach and community ambassador is leaving a legacy that’s cherished by many. +

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PHOTOS COURTESY ELLEN MILLER

live like

970.476.1876 snowsportsmuseum.org

231 S Frontage Rd E Vail, CO 81657

dining guide

Rocky Mountain Raclette

A unique, social dining experience: Grilling meats, seafood, vegetables and melted Swiss Raclette cheese at your dining table or for a luxury picnic with friends. 970.343.9299 rockymountainraclette.com

Root & Flower

Modern bar offering craft cocktails and a curated selection of wines by the glass, plus a changing menu of New American bites. 288 Bridge Street, Vail 970.470.4189 rootandflowervail.com

Two Arrows Coffee | Bar

Craft coffee and cocktails with fresh local provisions in the heart of Vail Village. 225 Wall Street, Vail 970.763.5101 twoarrowscoffee.com

VAIL

EAGLE-VAIL + AVON

DECA+BOL

Hygge Life Shop & Café

Sophisticated bowling alley with lounge-style seating and a restaurant with global fare. 141 East Meadow Drive #113, Vail 970.476.5300 decabolvail.com

Fall Line Kitchen & Cocktails Globally accented new American cuisine and cocktails served in a ski lodge inspired setting. 232 Bridge Street, Vail 970.470.4803 falllinevail.com

Margie’s Haas

Contemporary Alpine cuisine with a fresh approach to classic recipes and ingredients. 970.476.4444 thehythevail.com/margies

Pazzo’s Pizzeria

Local pizzeria chain serving pies, pasta and sandwiches, plus beer and wine, in a casual atmosphere. 122 East Meadow Drive, Vail 970.476.9026 pazzospizza.com

Revel Lounge

The revelry of après is celebrated with hand-curated craft cocktails and elegant shareables. 970.476.4444 thehythevail.com/revel

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Home décor shop with a cozy craft coffee bar and a collection of Scandinavian home goods, accessories and gifts. 41149 US-6, Avon 970.331.5745 hyggelife.com

Pazzo’s Pizzeria

Local pizzeria chain serving pies, pasta and sandwiches, plus beer and wine, in a casual atmosphere. 82 East Beaver Creek Blvd., Avon 970.949.9900 pazzospizza.com

EDWARDS Craftsman

Gourmet sandwiches and snacks, plus an array of craft beers and whiskeys in a mod counter-serve setting. 56 Edwards Village Blvd. #112, Edwards 970.926.5833 craftsmanvail.com

Drunken Goat

A cheese shop, wine bar and gathering place for delicious charcuterie, bruschetta, paninis, salads and soups, along with gourmet market offerings and an amazing patio. 56 Edwards Village Blvd. #104, Edwards 970.926.1393 drunkengoatco.com

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Hovey & Harrison

Local market, café and bakery offering sourdough breads, pastries, pre-made and to-go food/meals, local produce, bar and cafe. 56 Edwards Village Blvd. #120, Edwards 970.446.6830 hoveyandharrison.com

Lauren’s Kitchen Grab n' Go & Catering Making Gourmet Convenient

Fresh-made comfort food with dietary-restrictive options available. 275 Main St. C106, Edwards 970.446.6917 laurenskitchenedwards.com

Riverwalk Theater + Edwards Supply Company

Locally owned movie theater featuring craft beer, BBQ sandwiches, coffee, pizza, soft serve ice cream, milkshakes, popcorn, candy and snacks. 34253 US-6, Edwards 970.855.2182 riverwalktheater.com

The Bookworm

Locally flavored, community minded, independently owned. Local gathering spot serving up crêpes, coffee, smoothies and more. 295 Main Street, Edwards 970.926.7323 bookwormofedwards.com

Village Bagel

Fresh, hand-rolled bagels made the old fashioned way. Schmears, savory bagel sandwiches and homemade pizza available. 34500 US-6 B7, Edwards 970.855.2940 villagebagel.co

EAGLE Pazzo’s Pizzeria

Local pizzeria chain serving pies, pasta and sandwiches, plus beer and wine, in a casual atmosphere. 50 Chambers Ave., Unit C, Eagle 970.337.9900 pazzospizza.com

The Assembly

Fresh, seasonal and globally inspired dining featuring a shared plates menu. 1143 Capitol Street #104A, Eagle 970.328.2828 theassemblyeagle.com

SCAN THIS + SIGN UP To receive emails highlighting community information + inspiration from Covered Bridge

events summer JUNE Michael Franti & Spearhead with Satsang Concert

Vail, CO • June 3 Make sure to buy tickets to this concert with a globally recognized musician at Vail’s Gerald R. Ford amphitheater. discovervail.com

Block Party 2022 - Kick off to Summer!

Eagle, CO • June 3-5 Kick off the summer right with awesome and plentiful live music at the 2022 Block Party. Music at this all-ages event will be spread across multiple stages. Food and craft vendors will be on hand; plus, official camping is available for the first time this year. eagleoutside.com

GoPro Mountain Games

Vail, CO • June 7-12 This activity-based weekend has events for every active mountain loving person and dog. Watch kayaking, slackline shows, K9 superwall and many other high energy events over the course of these games. summer.mountaingames.com

Vail Craft Beer Classic

Vail, CO • June 17-18 The Vail Craft Beer Classic is in its sixth year of celebrating craft beer in Vail. Created and produced by Team Player Productions and nonprofit partners, the Classic prides itself on quality beers paired with scenic views only found in Vail. vailcraftbeerclassic.com

Pride in the Park

Avon, CO • June 18 Celebrate Pride month with this local celebration in Avon! Pride in the Park is a day-long celebration, accompanied by a week of activities, that draws visitors from throughout the mountains of Colorado. Saturday's celebration ends the week's jam-packed schedule of activities designed to keep everyone interested and engaged. Numerous local organizations, businesses and vendors participate in the celebration. The Drag Show and Parade around Nottingham Lake are the festival's focal points. mountainpride.org

Bravo! Vail Music Festival

Vail, CO • June 23-30 Bravo! Vail welcomes wonderful musicians to the Vail community for this annual festival. Experience amazing performances by orchestras, small ensembles and more. bravovail.org

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+ fall 2022

Eagle Flight Days

Avon Art Festival

Eagle, CO • June 24-25 Eagle’s signature summertime event is back! This year’s theme, Sky’s the Limit, will take attendees to spectacular heights. Friday evening kicks off the weekend with silent disco and a movie shown on an LED video panel. Saturday’s color run will conclude just in time for the parade, while live music wraps up the day’s festivities. eagleoutside.com

Avon, CO • July 22-24 + July 29-31 The Avon Art Festival features juried works in several mediums, including printmaking, ceramics, mixed media, jewelry, wood, fiber and photography. Whether you're looking for that perfect painting for your new home, a collector’s piece for the entryway, a beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry design or handcrafted pottery piece, the Avon Arts Celebration has just the object for you. avon.org

Alpine Bank Showdown Town Concert Series

Eagle County Fair & Rodeo

Eagle, CO • June 30 The Alpine Bank ShowDown town concert series, presented by the Town of Eagle, will take place this summer on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at Eagle Town Park. Mark your calendar for the first ShowDown on Thursday, June 30. eagleoutside.com

JULY Eagle 4th of July Kids’ Bike Parade

Eagle, CO • July 4 Celebrate the 4th of July with Eagle’s annual July 4th Kids’ Bike Parade! Make sure to check out the online schedule. eagleoutside.com

Vail’s Art on the Rockies Festival

Edwards, CO • July 8-10 Enjoy a grade A art festival in Edwards. Vail’s Art on the Rockies Festival showcases beautiful work from over 110 artists, along with a jury judging of the pieces for exhibition. festivalnet.com

Adventure Van Expo

Eagle, CO • July 17 The Adventure Van Expo is a consumer show, open to the public, based on the adventure vans, 4x4 rigs and the gear that makes it all happen. There will be activities, food, beer, fun and camping! Open house vans and demonstrations are also available. Use the campground as base to go out into the region. allevents.in

Farm to Table Dinners

Vail, CO • July 22 Join in for a chef-crafted dinner, sourced from the fields of Colorado farmers, featuring seasonal and local ingredients. Intimate dinners are held outside in the heart of Vail Village. Check online for recurring dates. discovervail.com

Eagle, CO • July 27-30 Experience western flare and fun at the Eagle County Fair & Rodeo! Check out the fair or watch some of the rodeo events including Cowgirl's Barrel Racing, Cowgirl's Breakaway Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding and more. rodeosusa.com

Vail Dance Festival

Vail, CO • July 29-August 9 This two-week celebration highlights exceptional artistry in the heart of Vail for the 34th year at the unique Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. This year, it will celebrate the 100th world-premiere dance commission under Damian Woetzel’s visionary leadership since becoming Artistic Director in 2006. discovervail.com

AUGUST Outdoor Yoga at Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek, CO • August 1-30 Kick off your day with a complimentary outdoor yoga class. Bring your own mat and enjoy an hour of invigorating yoga each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. Check out more dates on their website. beavercreek.com

Eagle Mushroom and Wild Food Festival

Eagle, CO • August 5-7 Eagle County foragers, come one come all to this unique and informative festival! The Eagle Mushroom and Wild Food Festival returns this year to bring notable national experts in mushroom and wild food foraging, cuisine, cultivation, preservation and adventuring to our small Western Slope town. eaglemushroomfest.com

Beaver Creek Art Festival

Avon, CO • August 6-7 The Beaver Creek Art Festival offers the ambiance of a modern town center coupled with the imagery of an alpine village. Stroll around Beaver Creek’s mountain town and look to purchase unique pieces. artfestival.com

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Kids Adventure Games

Vail, CO • August 10-14 The 12th annual Kids Adventure Games is a multi-discipline obstacle adventure race for children ages 6 to 14. Great for spectating as a parent or for young ones to get their hands dirty, the online schedule shares more details. discovervail.com

Vail Wine Classic

Vail, CO • August 11-13 The Wine Classic at Vail is a premier destination event where master winemakers and enthusiasts gather to enjoy wine in beautiful Vail, CO. Join this Vail Valley community event to taste from hundreds of high-end wines, spirits and beers at the festival. vailwineclassic.com

Brew’Au Avon

Avon, CO • August 13 Say aloha to a day full of brews by Nottingham Lake in Avon. Brew’Au Avon includes unlimited samples of amazing brews, seltzers and ciders in your souvenir sampling glass. Experience live music, water lanterns, food trucks, kids’ activities, lawn games and many more activities! brewfestevents.com

Beaver Creek Trail Half Marathon, 10K + 5K

Beaver Creek, CO • August 13 Come run the Beaver Creek Trail half marathon, 10K & 5K race in Beaver Creek! Sign up online now. raceentry.com

SEPTEMBER Beaver Creek Oktoberfest

Beaver Creek, CO • September TBA Join in on this festive event! The Beaver Creek Oktoberfest is not one to miss, with great food, beverages and live music. beavercreek.com

Gourmet on the Gore

Vail, CO • September 2-4 The Gourmet on the Gore festival is a culinary experience that food lovers from around the world visiting Vail look forward to each year. The festival features open-air tastings of incredible wines, beers and spirits paired with unforgettable offerings prepared by Vail’s most celebrated chefs. Also check out the yoga, hiking and outdoor activities offered to pair with your culinary experience. gourmetongore.com

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Vail Oktoberfest

Vail, CO • September 9-11 + 16-18 Be a part of this fun-filled and bottomless-brew experience! The Vail Oktoberfest in Lionshead on September 9-11 and Vail Village the 16-18 is fun for the whole family. Make sure to try all of the authentic German bites and beers! oktoberfestvail.com

Vail Village Car Show

Vail, CO • September 16-18 If you are a car junkie who lives in Eagle County, look no further than the Vail Village Car show! With an expected 100+ exhibitors, it is sure to rev everyone's engines. 10times.com

Dynafit Trail Running Series

Minturn, CO • September 17 The Dynafit Vail trail running race series has become a must-do for avid runners. Taking athletes up trails, over mountains, through forests and over streams in and around Vail for the past 24 years, this series offers a great opportunity to explore local towns in the Vail area. Race #7 will be a 10K and 5K on Meadow Mountain in Minturn, but check out other dates for different races! discovervail.com

Mountain RATS Festival

Eagle, CO • September 17-18 A Colorado end-of-summer outdoor celebration! Come celebrate the beginning of fall in the mountains with a mountain bike challenge. An exciting weekend of festival fun and adventure on the trails near Eagle, Colorado with all types of ways to challenge yourself, including a heavy half, a 25K or 50K bike race and much more! geminiadventures.com

Vail Film Festival

Vail, CO • September 22-25 Sponsored and staged by the Colorado Film Institute, the Vail Film Festival is on a mission to support and celebrate independent film. Every September, this festival features screenings, workshops, panels, educational resources and opportunities for filmmakers and enthusiasts to network and connect. vailfilmfestival.com

OCTOBER Man of the Cliff

Vail + Beaver Creek Restaurant Week

Vail + Beaver Creek, CO • October TBA The Vail & Beaver Creek Restaurant Week festival, with participating restaurants spanning across two neighboring World Class Mountain Resorts in Vail and Beaver Creek, takes dining to new heights, literally! The ten day event will feature a wide variety of prix fixe menus and specials all showcasing the incredible and diverse culinary offerings available throughout the Vail and Beaver Creek villages. diningataltitude.com

Vail Farmers’ Market

Vail, CO • October 2 The Vail Farmers Market and Art Show is entering 21 years in Vail on Meadow Drive. The event started with a few tents and now has grown to over 148 tents for 16 Sundays of the summer. Make sure to check out previous dates! vaildaily.com

Avon Spooktacular Polar Plunge

Avon, CO • October 29 Participate in this fun and chilling fundraiser event! Plunge into Nottingham Lake with friends and family for a great cause. specialolympicsco.org

NOVEMBER Sleigh Ride Dinners

Walcott, CO • November TBA Create an evening of memories for you and your loved ones with this magical sleigh ride dinner. Start your night with a horse drawn sleigh to a quaint and welcoming cabin for your authentic ranch dinner and live music entertainment. 4eagleranch.com

Eagle Winter Market & Holiday Fair

Eagle, CO • November 12 Make sure to check out this crafty and holiday cheer filled festival! 10times.com

Christmas Fun Run and Walk

Eagle, CO • November 26 With two fun run/walks, a 5K and a one mile, you’ll be sure to have a nice walk! The money that is collected at the Christmas Fun Run and Walk will be put towards a medical service trip for students planning on attending. raceentry.com

Avon, CO • October TBA Man of the Cliff is a two-day community festival centered around rugged lumberjack-style games and a benefit concert. All funds raised support Can Do Multiple Sclerosis. Man of the Cliff welcomes more than 200 competitors and 3,000 attendees for a weekend of outdoor activities, live music, delicious food and drink, and tons of family fun. manofthecliff.com

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parting shot

ILLUSTRATION BY SANDY FERGUSON FULLER

“We never know how high we are Till we are called to rise; And then, if we are true to plan, Our statures touch the skies.” ~Emily Dickinson

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