APRÉS ADVENTURE HOTSPOTS

Words by Julia Cavalieri

There’s no question the après experience has long been defined by ski culture. After all, how many other sports not only allow, but encourage, a few cocktails thrown into the mix? In recent months, Western Slope drinkeries have turned this notion on its head, taking the aprés concept beyond the slopes to complement yearround adventures. Strike the perfect balance between Colorado recreation and delicious libations, and pull up a stool at one of these Grand Valley newcomers.

Tucked inside Paddleboard Adventure Company (PAC), The Sneak Line made its splash in Palisade in 2022. Owner Danny Tebbenkamp’s vision for the bar stems from the Hawaiian concept of ohana — meaning family. “We wanted to create a space where customers can gather and tell stories from their day,” Tebbenkamp explains. “What helps more than having a drink in hand?”

Serving up local Palisade wines, craft beers, ciders and kombuchas, The Sneak Line caters to locals with a daily aprés happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. ($4 drafts and $1 off cans) and a calendar of happenings tied into river events, including the monthly community float, history nights, PRIDE float, Float & Flow yoga and a Storytelling Open Mic series. Reopening with weekends only in March and daily in May, expect another season of community events plus a rotation of musicians and food trucks on site. Tebbenkamp continues, “After a day of paddling, why not belly up to our bar, tell your stories and then head on to whatever’s next?”

Once you’ve paddled down the rapids, dock your vessel at Palisade’s newest riverside watering hole, Clark & Co’s Distilling. Opened in July and known for its brandy and infused moonshine, Clark & Co’s is the latest project from Clark Family Orchards, a seven-generation family farm.

“Our family has been here since the first peach trees were planted in the valley,” says coowner Mackenzie Clark-Schmalz. “Our grandpa made moonshine and peach brandy in his basement using fruit that would have otherwise been discarded.”

With a bar and restaurant that opens to a riverside terrace, Clark & Co’s is in prime position for outdoor enthusiasts. As the first waterfront bar in Palisade with the ability to dock and drink, the distillery also beckons thirsty bikers, located at the end of the 32-mile Palisade Plunge — a mountain bike trail connecting the Grand Mesa to the valley. This summer, the Clarks plan to add an outdoor bar, covered awning, picnic tables and lawn games. While Mackenzie and her husband Chris have realized Grandpa Larry’s dream of bringing peach brandy to the masses, they’ve also expanded offerings to include spirits like ‘Paligave’ Nectar and Butterfly Pea Gin, plus seasonal drink specials. “Palisade is transitioning to a tourist destination, and we want to adapt and be a part of that to continue the tradition of our family farm,” Clark-Schmalz says.

Those mapping out their next adventure should consider making Trail Life Brewing their basecamp as well as après spot. “Our hope is that Trail Life will become a resource for those looking to explore the outdoors,” says owner Ryan Dutch, who spent 12 years directing the Colorado Mesa University Outdoor Program before opening the brewery with his wife and head brewer, Emma, last August.

The Dutches teamed up with popular used gear shop Gear Junction to open the concepts side-by-side in one of Downtown Grand Junction’s most historic Main Street addresses dating back to 1890. While technically separate businesses, a new functional design with a glass partition creates the feel of an open, mixed use space, building an organic flow and one connected outdoor hub. The interior reflects this ethos, with tables adorned with world maps, inviting travelers to plan river trips and dream up mountain escapes.

As far as the beer goes, Trail Life takes a practical approach, serving up simple, traditional offerings and brews from other local breweries.

“Our hope is that Trail Life will become a resource for those looking to explore the outdoors.”

— Ryan Dutch, Trail Life

Brewing

“We just want to serve good beer,” Ryan Dutch says. “We don’t care about the competition; the more breweries [in Grand Junction], the better.” With beer tanks in plain sight — alongside Gear Junction’s bike repair station — guests can see and hear the beer being made and feel like part of the process. :