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COMMUNITY STYLE A Colorado River Retreat
WHAT’S UP IN THE WEST
• Circular Economies and Reusing Waste
• Smith Mountain Singletrack Trails in Delta County
• Museum Exhibit: The Science Behind Bicycles
• Smalltown For The Cause
BLOSSOM
Western Colorado’s Lavender Industry
HOME + GARDEN
Nic Korte: Western Colorado’s First Habitat Hero DRINK Pumpkin Spice Cocktail
MAKER
Greenleaf & Blueberry: Pigments with Purpose
ART
Confluence Studios in Grand Junction: Bringing Art + Community Together
MUSIC
Cavalcade: Fruita’s All-Volunteer Stage for Music, Magic + Community
FOOD
Wild Finch: Pagosa Springs’ New Culinary Gem
FOOD
Bean to Bar: How Craft Colorado Chocolate is Reclaiming Cacao’s Roots
• The Wild Dark: Finding the
COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY Presentations, Block Parties, Galas + More
SPOKE
Gear for the Season
SPOKE
Gear Profile: Altra Running
SPOKE
Athlete Profile: Olivia Cummins’ Road to the Olympics
GRAND OUTDOORS
Get the Shot: Photo Tips from Western Slope Pros
TAKE
Mesa Top Trail #714
KARL NICHOLASON’S CREATIVE LEGACY He Was an Artist
CAMINO AL ÉXITO Expanding Opportunity for Spanish-Speaking Enrepreneurs
LEGACY
As autumn settles across Western Colorado, we feel the shift of the season — crisp mornings, golden leaves and a rhythm that asks us to slow down and reflect on what has passed and what will continue forward. Fall reminds us that beauty is fleeting, yet its impact lingers long after the moment has passed. This issue celebrates the idea of legacy — the lasting impact of a person, place or idea. It’s what’s passed down, preserved or transformed over time. At the heart of these pages is a celebration of Colorado Mesa University, marking 100 years of education, community and vision (full feature on page 82). The Centennial is more than an impressive milestone; it’s a reminder of how roots deepen, traditions evolve and how each generation carries the work forward.
Throughout these pages, you’ll also find other legacies — those woven into the land, the arts and our shared experiences outdoors. From makers whose craft outlives trends to adventures that connect us across time, we honor what has shaped us and what will continue to inspire.
In this harvest season, here’s to gathering and cherishing the legacies that light our way forward.
Kim Fuller with Bobby L’Heureux +baby Emery
Publishers of Spoke+Blossom Founders of Jaunt Media Collective
Keep in touch with us between issues! Check out our website, spokeandblossom.com, for updates and events, and follow us on social media.
Founder Robin Brown
Publisher
Jaunt Media Collective
Editor-In-Chief
Kim Fuller
Managing Editor
Lexi Marshall
Art Director
Kitty Nicholason
Community Engagement
Chloe Wasserstrom
Editorial Intern
Jude Bolick
Partnerships
Bobby L’Heureux
Contributors
Julie Bielenberg
Lisa Blake
Jude Bolick
Kim Fuller
Jeff Heaton
Jayme Henderson
Kylea Henseler
Courtney Holden
Katie Lukashow
Kristen Lummis
Lexi Marshall
Cat Mayer
Chloe Mayer
Cover Photograph
Maureen McGuire
Kitty Nicholason
Kimberly Nicoletti
Nickolas Paullus
Nathan Rist
Sharon Sullivan
Sarah Vanderpool
Wendy Videlock
Chloe Wasserstrom
Jennifer Weintraub
Betsy Welch
Stephan Werk
Melanie Wiseman
The Western Hotel By Stephan Werk of Werk Creative
Spoke+Blossom Magazine
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NICKOLAS PAULLUS
Nickolas has been kneedeep in the Colorado food and wine scene for over 20 years. For the fall, he is intent on opening his Turkish pizza kitchen, finishing the follow-up to his debut novel and mushroom foraging with his family.
WENDY VIDELOCK
Wendy lives in Palisade with her husband and their various critters. Her newest book is Wise to the West, (Able Muse Press). Wendy currently serves as Western Slope poet laureate. To learn more visit wendy-videlock. constantcontactsites.com.
BETSY WELCH
Betsy is a Colorado-based journalist and storyteller and former senior editor for Outside’s cycling group. She specializes in human-centered stories from the world of gravel, mountain and adventure cycling. When not on the bike herself, you can find her in the garden, on a trail run or trying to finish The New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle.
MAUREEN MCGUIRE
JUDE BOLICK
Jude is an editorial intern and a senior at Colorado Mesa University, pursuing an English degree with a focus on technical writing. She has been published and presented her scholarly works at numerous conventions. She loves spending time with her pets and family on her ranch in Whitewater, Colorado.
Maureen (Kelly) is a teacher in Grand Junction. Her love of the culinary arts stems from spending her childhood in her grandmother’s kitchen and sharing her interests and talents with others. She was born and grew up on the Western Slope, and continues her efforts to strengthen our community for future generations. She and her husband, Ira, love gardening.
KATIE LUKASHOW
Katie is a change management strategist and leadership coach passionate about cultivating a sense of place in businesses, nonprofits and faith communities. She recently relocated from Grand Junction to Albuquerque with her husband, who is in medical residency, and their two Iraqi rescue dogs. Their dream is to return to the Grand Valley soon!
Learn
LEGACY
THE LASTING IMPACT OF A PERSON, PLACE OR IDEA. WHAT IS PASSED DOWN, PRESERVED OR TRANSFORMED OVER TIME.
We Asked These Western Slope Locals to Weigh in on This Topic
Compiled by S+B Staff
TANYA BLOCK ROUSSIN
Founder of Smart Virtual Solution
“I see legacy as the invisible thread that connects what we build now to what lasts. At Smart Virtual Solution, my work is about connecting dots between vision and action, overwhelm and clarity, tech and people. My legacy isn’t about flashy growth. It’s about helping others build smarter, simpler, more sustainable businesses, and feel proud of how they got there.”
TERRY SHEPHERD
Artist-in-Residence and Ceramics Director of The Art Center of Western Colorado “Over 41 years, I’ve tripled our studio’s size and class offerings — from three classes per week in 1984 to 10 per week in 2025. I’ve built and rebuilt three outdoor kilns, expanding the ways we fire pottery to include experimental styles alongside our traditional work. In 1997, I co-wrote a $20,000 Coors Foundation grant that, along with revenue from our annual September Pottery Sale, has funded equipment upgrades and maintained a vigorous studio for our students. I’m proud to have fostered a climate of curiosity, serious study and open-minded exploration in the ceramic arts. I’ve hosted over 30 visiting artists for workshops, and in 2006 cofounded the Biennial International Juried Contemporary Clay Exhibit, now in its 20th year. I’m honored to contribute to the vitality of the arts as both a teacher and ‘doer.’”
LAURA BRADLEY
Manager of Performing Arts Marketing at Colorado Mesa University “Legacy lives in what endures in our imaginations. In the performing arts, moments vanish as they are lived, but something lasting and profound remains: a gesture, a voice, a feeling. I’ve learned that legacy isn’t always what’s recorded but what is stirred. Each time I face a blank canvas or an empty stage, I feel the wonder of possibility. It’s as if I’m stepping into an ongoing story that I’ve inherited by daring to create. I know what I pass on might be unintentional, intangible. For me, legacy is about the impact we leave behind in the moments of connection, and in the love or truth we discover in ourselves and share.”
CIRCULAR ECONOMIES LINK BUSINESSES IN THE CAUSE OF REUSING WASTE
Words by Kristen Lummis | Photos courtesy of Business Incubator Center
In June 2025, an empty truck arrived at Enstrom Candies to pick up a load for transport to the Front Range. It wasn’t a load of delicious toffee or chocolates, but, instead, a load of plastic film.
Plastic can be tricky to recycle, and plastic film is often bound for the landfill. Yet while this film is a waste material at Enstrom, it’s a necessary commodity at Driven Plastics in Lakewood, Colorado, where it’s used as aggregate in asphalt manufacturing.
Ordinarily, it would be long odds that a world-famous candy maker and an eco-asphalt producer would partner in building a supply chain. But this cooperation is one example of an effort in Colorado to create circular economies connecting businesses and manufacturers so that one company’s waste can become another company’s treasure.
According to Mike Ritter, economic development director for the Business Incubator Center (BIC) in Grand Junction, this effort began in 2022 when the legislature established the Circular Economy Development Center (CEDC) with a mission to grow and create markets for recyclable and reusable materials.
“We realized that transportation is the largest barrier in recycling, especially in a state like ours,” Ritter says. “We’re so geographically unique in that we have a giant mountain that
separates us.” The solution is a statewide Circular Transportation Network (CTN), which facilitates a “backhaul model” of trucking in which a truck picks up a new load, rather than returning empty after dropping off its original cargo.
While Enstrom Candies was the first Western Slope business to participate in the CTN, Ritter is confident that more will follow. To help achieve this, Ritter shares that the BIC is exploring community aggregation where multiple businesses can combine their recyclables into the necessary volume for costeffective transport.
Currently, the materials accepted by the CTN are aluminum cans, cardboard, down-filled products, unshredded paper, plastic film, tin, and plastics #1 and #2. However, Ritter is open to any and all innovative suggestions.
“If you have a material you think can be reused, reach out to us, and we can either help you find the end market for it, or see if it might be able to fit into another one of our programs,” he shares.
It’s a pretty sweet — and sustainable — deal. :
To learn more about the CEDC and the CTN, visit gjincubator.org/circulareconomy-development-center
COMING SOON: SMITH MOUNTAIN SINGLETRACK TRAILS IN DELTA COUNTY
Words by Jude Bolick | Photos courtesy of Delta Area Mountain Bikers
In the 2018 Delta County Recreation and Trails Master Plan, Delta County residents identified a shared need for non-motorized recreational trails in the area. Now, after a decade of planning, that dream is well on its way to becoming reality. Thanks to the efforts of Peter Brown, chairman of the Delta Area Mountain Bikers (DAMB), a nonprofit dedicated to building and maintaining mountain bike trails in Delta, construction is slated to begin on the Smith Mountain Singletrack Trails in the summer of 2027, with some trails becoming available for public use as early as 2029.
10 years ago, Sven Edstrom, former chairman of DAMB, traveled 6 miles east of downtown Delta, near Austin, to the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. From there, he began his trek around the Smith Mountain area, equipped with a GPS and a mission: to map out potential non-motorized recreational trails. On this expedition, he mapped out over 100
miles of potential trails, yet it would be Brown, years later, who would turn this dream into a reality. Meeting with Edstrom, Brown analyzed the trails that his predecessor mapped out and selected roughly 26 miles of trails that he calls “the core nugget of awesome trails that would give the flavor of what the whole area could be and serve a lot of different rider types.”
“Just the area of where it sits is really unique in what it would offer mountain biking on the Western Slope,” says Brown. “These kinds of trails are not really represented well in our area. Once I got out there and looked around the area, I thought ‘oh, this could be world-class awesome.’”
This 26-mile stretch will be open yearround, even in the heart of winter, and offers a unique mixture of difficulty that lends itself well to beginner and experienced bikers alike. This stretch will consist of four different trails woven throughout the Smith Mountains “that
allow for that gravity-fueled downhill flow experience” and a “big incline that slopes toward the Gunnison River,” says Brown. Additionally, while the trail was designed with mountain bikers in mind, they will be open to all types of trail-goers: walkers, hikers, trail runners and horseback riders.
Once the locations of the trails were decided on, Brown enlisted the help of the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA) to work with DAMB on getting the permissions needed to begin construction on the trails. With the support of COPMOBA, the Bureau of Land Management and environmentally conscious groups in the area, DAMB is well on its way to getting the green light to begin construction on the trails.
“One of our goals is to be respectful of everything that lives in that area, from cactus to golden eagles,” explains Brown.
This environmental assessment is pricey, however, but is completely necessary to ensure that the trails take everyone into account, both mountain bikers and wildlife alike.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of Brown and DAMB, what Edstrom dreamed all those years ago and what Delta County residents identified as a gap in outdoor recreation is now becoming a reality that will be game-changing for mountain biking in Western Colorado. :
NEW EXHIBIT AT MUSEUM OF THE WEST EXPLORES THE SCIENCE BEHIND BICYCLES
Words by Kristen Lummis | Photos courtesy of Carnegie Science Center — The
Western Colorado is biking country. Whether your tastes run to mountain biking, road cycling, downhill biking or gravel, it’s likely you’ve got at least one bicycle in your garage. And while you know how to ride your bike, have you ever thought about how it actually works?
Beginning on Oct. 3, 2025, Museum of the West is presenting “Gear Up: The Science of Bikes,” an interactive exhibit that explores the mechanics and workings of bicycles. “The bicycle is an elegant example of basic science principles and material science,” explains Mollie Shepardson, director of development and communications for Museums of Western Colorado, which includes Museum of the West, Dinosaur Journey and Cross Orchards.
“Visitors will learn how bikes work, the history and evolution of the bicycle and how bikes have impacted our culture,” Shepardson adds, noting that the exhibit is geared toward all ages and you don’t have to be a cyclist to appreciate it.
“Just because someone might not have ridden a bicycle or doesn’t do so on a regular basis, doesn’t mean that they won’t enjoy this exhibit,” she says.
“Gear Up: The Science of Bikes” was developed by Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and produced in partnership with the Sciencenter. Museum of the West is able to bring the exhibit to Grand Junction thanks to support from the Grand Junction Lions Club who recently funded the creation of a traveling exhibit gallery at Museum of the West. :
Science of Bikes
“Gear Up: The Science of Bikes” will be on display from Oct. 3 to Dec. 27, 2025 in the Museum of the West’s Grand Junction Lions Club Traveling Exhibit Gallery at 462 Ute Ave. For more information, visit museumsofwesternco.org
MUSIC. YOGA. COMMUNITY. RIVER.
SMALLTOWN FOR THE CAUSE
Words by Julie Bielenberg | Photos courtesy of
Campout For The Cause began back in 2009 as a mellow night under the stars — friends gathered on the grass, music in the air, the Colorado River community. Fast-forward to today, and that one starry evening has blossomed into the newly named Smalltown For The Cause, a multi-day, multi-generational celebration of music, movement and community, now joyfully rooted in Salida’s iconic river region. Elephant Revival — Colorado’s own cosmic-folk darlings — will headline both Friday and Saturday nights, spinning their spell of haunting harmonies and earth-soaked rhythms.
This year’s festival is Sept. 19 and 20, 2025, and in Colorado’s prime river and peaks country — where the mountains meet the water, the
sunsets project palettes of color and musical notes echo off the Collegiate Peaks. Scotty Stoughton, festival founder and producer, explains, “Salida is such a cool town — it’s got its own vibe, its own heartbeat. We bring incredible music, an inspired ethos and the kind of local love you can feel the moment you get here. It’s a beautiful gathering in a beautiful place, surrounded by beautiful people.”
Smalltown For The Cause’s new digs feature towering cottonwoods shading the grassy lawns, the Arkansas River flowing steps away and the scent of campfire mingling with the aroma of food trucks parked along F Street. But Smalltown is more than music. Yoga in the Park remains a cornerstone, with mats lining the riverbank
Smalltown For The Cause
In Salida, the Arkansas River flows through town beneath the Collegiate Peaks.
each morning. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or you still think “downward dog” sounds like a hiking trail, you’ll find a yoga experience that fits. Sessions and workshops stretch beyond Riverside Park to the South Ark Neighborhood Camping Area.
The team is also expanding its offerings for younger festival-goers. Camp Coletrain — a major kids’ initiative — invites children to dive into two mornings of music-making with Coletrain Music Academy and Bonfire Entertainment. Beyond the tunes, kids can enjoy yoga designed just for them, arts and crafts stations, plus other creative activities that keep little hands and minds inspired all weekend long.
The music menu is as eclectic as it is soulful — foot-stomping beats from Moontricks, the spirited string magic of Clay Street Unit, a Grateful Deadinspired romp with Pickin’ on the Dead, plus sets from Ramona, Deer Creek Sharpshooters, Lindsay Lou, WinterWonderWomen, Kat Factor of Gone Gone Beyond and plenty more surprises. Education and collaboration, as always, are rooted into the festival’s DNA. Workshops explore all realms of creativity: songwriting circles where strangers become bandmates, meditative moments under cottonwood trees, hands-on instrument-making and even lessons in regenerative farming for those who want to leave the land better than they found it.
By night, Riverside Park transforms — string lights twinkling overhead, the river shimmering in the moonlight and the town of Salida humming with post-show energy. Downtown bars and cafes swing their doors open to festivalgoers, and the whole community feels like it’s dancing together.
Snag regular general admission, children’s tickets or full-event passes online. Whether you come for the music, the yoga, the river or simply the joy of gathering under a star-filled, cosmiccoated Colorado sky, Smalltown For The Cause promises one thing: you’ll leave lighter, happier and already dreaming of next year. As a bonus, each year, Smalltown For The Cause selects different nonprofits to receive the funds raised, making every ticket a tiny act of generosity. :
smalltownforthecause.org
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Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or you still think “downward dog” sounds like a hiking trail, you’ll find a yoga experience that fits.
Elephant Revival — Colorado’s own cosmic-folk darlings — will headline both Friday and Saturday nights.
WESTERN COLORADO’S UNIQUE CLIMATE CULTIVATES A THRIVING LAVENDER INDUSTRY
HIGH-ALTITUDE PURPLE GOLD
Words by Lexi Marshall | Photo by Robb Reece
Western Colorado, long celebrated for its peach orchards and vineyards, is now awash in waves of purple. Lavender, once considered an exotic Mediterranean crop, has found an unexpected home in the high-altitude terrain of the Western Slope, where innovative farmers are discovering that Colorado’s challenging climate produces some of the finest lavender in the nation.
Paola Legarre of Sage Creations Organic Farm in Palisade remembers when growing lavender was purely experimental. “I was looking for an alternative to tree fruit and was interested in exploring a crop that hadn’t been grown commercially in the Grand Valley before,” she says.
That was 2006, and what began as curiosity has blossomed into nearly two decades of dedicated cultivation. Legarre’s journey illustrates the methodical approach that has made Colorado lavender farming successful. “Over the past 18 years here in Palisade, I’ve conducted numerous trials to determine which species and cultivars thrive in Colorado, testing close to 70 different cultivars and four species,” she explains.
Meanwhile, at Balcony Botanicals in Hotchkiss, Kristi Stites took a different path
to lavender farming. Her journey began with a personal need rather than agricultural experimentation. “Living in Colorado’s dry climate, I could never find anything that really kept my skin moisturized, so I started making my own body products over 15 years ago — and lavender was always at the heart of them,” Stites shares. “After years of formulation, research and visiting other farms, I realized that Colorado was the ideal place to grow lavender.”
THE HIGH-ALTITUDE ADVANTAGE
What makes Colorado lavender special isn’t just where it grows, but how the challenging environment transforms the plant itself. The state’s unique conditions create lavender with enhanced therapeutic properties that set it apart from crops grown at lower elevations.
“Lavender is well suited for this area because it likes an arid, sunny climate, marginal to rocky alkaline soils and cold to moderate climate,” Legarre explains. But it’s the altitude that creates the magic. “The specific stress factors experienced at higher altitudes can lead to alterations in the quantities and ratios of individual compounds within the essential oils that the plant produces. Higher concentration of certain beneficial
chemical compounds, like high-altitude lavender, is known to have a higher concentration of linalyl acetate, an ester linked to calming, relaxing and anti-inflammatory effects.”
Stites echoes this sentiment, noting how Western Colorado’s natural conditions align perfectly with lavender’s needs. “Western Colorado offers just about everything lavender loves: hot, dry summers, plenty of sunshine and well-drained soil,” she says. “These growing conditions, paired with our high altitude and intense sun, produce hardy plants with strong essential oil content and vibrant blooms.”
The soil composition also plays a crucial role. As Stites explains, “Many areas of Western Colorado naturally meet those needs, with slightly alkaline soils in the ideal pH range of six and a half to eight and high levels of calcium, which lavender loves.”
THE VERSATILITY OF COLORADO LAVENDER
While lavender’s visual appeal draws visitors to farms across the Western Slope, its culinary applications are opening new markets. The highaltitude growing conditions create unique flavor profiles that distinguish Colorado lavender from varieties grown elsewhere.
“Lavender at higher elevations are also known to have different aroma and taste profiles compared to that of lavender grown at a lower elevation,” Legarre says. “This attribute in high elevation grown lavender lends itself well to use as a flavoring for beverages like wine ciders, beers, teas and coffees.”
Stites has discovered similar culinary potential at Balcony Botanicals. “The culinary potential of lavender has become one of the most exciting areas of focus on the farm,” she says. “Most people don’t realize that culinary lavender — usually English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) — varies widely in taste depending on the variety, much like grapes in winemaking. Some are sweet and floral, others more savory, herbal or citrusy.”
MEETING GROWING DEMAND
The lavender industry in Colorado is responding to a broader cultural shift toward natural,
locally-sourced products. Stites has observed this trend firsthand: “People are craving connection — to where their products come from, to what’s in them and to who’s making them. Lavender isn’t just pretty and relaxing anymore — it’s part of a bigger story about wellness, sustainability and supporting local makers.”
This demand extends beyond traditional uses. “There’s also been a clear shift toward all-natural, ingredient-conscious living,” Stites explains. “In skincare, people are reading labels, avoiding synthetic fragrances and looking for plant-based solutions that actually work. In the culinary world, chefs and home cooks alike are embracing lavender for its unique flavor profile — especially when they can trace it back to a local farm.”
LOOKING FORWARD
The future of Colorado lavender appears bright, with established growers optimistic about the industry’s potential. “I strongly believe that Colorado has the potential to lead the national lavender industry by demonstrating that we can produce a consistently high-quality product,” Legarre says. “Beyond its beauty, lavender is also a remarkably versatile ingredient and flavoring that can be incorporated into many other products made right here in our state.” Legarre has made teaching a cornerstone of her work, recently authoring Lavender for All Seasons: A Gardener’s Guide to Growing and Creating with Lavender Year-Round
For newer operations like Balcony Botanicals, the focus remains on quality and education. “Lavender is still an emerging agricultural industry in both Colorado and the U.S., and there’s a lot we’re all still learning,” Stites reflects. “I want to continue educating people on the real benefits of lavender — not just the scent, but the science — and help others understand its wide range of uses, from their skin to their food.”
Whether you’re drawn by the sight of purple fields stretching toward the mountains, the therapeutic benefits of high-altitude essential oils or the unique flavors that only Colorado’s climate can produce, one thing is clear: lavender has found its home on the Western Slope, and it’s here to stay. :
WESTERN COLORADO’S FIRST HABITAT HERO
A GARDEN FOR THE BIRDS
Words + Photos by Melanie Wiseman
Even though Nic Korte is a hero, he doesn’t consider himself special. He believes anyone can be a hero — a Habitat Hero that is. Currently, Korte’s Grand Junction and Collbran yards/ gardens are the sole Western Slope properties designated Habitat Heroes by Audubon Rockies, a regional bird conservation nonprofit.
“There are many people who have my ethics for habitat,” says Korte. “I would love to see Habitat Hero designation signs all over, so people would be aware and inspired by others paying attention to water and wildlife.”
WHY BIRD HABITAT MATTERS
The breeding adult bird population in the U.S. and Canada has declined by over 3 billion since
1970 according to Cornell University — and the number continues to drop. The goal of the Habitat Hero designation is to support communities in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming in cultivating birdfriendly habitats.
Bird habitat loss is a major threat to bird populations. Driven by human activity, deforestation, urban sprawl and agriculture are fueling a staggering decline in bird habitat — a trend that shows no signs of slowing. The remaining fragmented and isolated natural areas are not large enough to support certain birds’ needs. Planting native plants helps to weave together the patches of our unraveling ecosystem in order for birds to thrive.
Like us, birds need food, water and shelter throughout the year. Native gardens not only brim with seeds, berries, insects and shelter for birds, they conserve water, help combat climate change, eliminate chemical fertilizer and pesticide use, require less maintenance and do not spread invasive plant species. Native plants provide nectar for pollinators including hummingbirds, native bees, butterflies, moths and bats.
Native plants grow naturally in a region in which they evolved. The life of birds depends on their ecological basis. Without native plants and the insects that co-evolved with them, birds cannot survive. Unfortunately, most available landscaping plants are alien and break the food web, degrading natural habitat. Through Audubon’s helpful database, people can discover native plants in their area and the types of birds they will attract.
A LOCAL LEADER IN BIRD-FRIENDLY GARDENING
Korte has lived in his Grand Junction home since 1986. He considered the home’s large
Nic Korte shows off tubular perennials that attract hummingbirds. He replaced a large lawn with native plants that attract birds.
grassy lawn a waste, promptly downsized it (less mowing and watering) and replaced it with native plants. He jokes that people stop and comment on the ever-changing native blooms, but never roll down their window to compliment him on his grass!
Every drop of water that hits Korte’s roof is captured and directed either to underground perforated pipes that irrigate trees and plants or to a rain barrel for future use. All growth in his yard and gardens is organic, and maintenance is seasonal and fairly minimal. Most of his plants were free starters from friends or empty lots. A favorite of the birds is his healthy crop of sunflowers, which began with two roadside ditch transplants.
Korte frequents many nurseries but praises Chelsea Nursery in Clifton for its dedication to xeric plants, which require less water, and native species that naturally thrive in the Rocky Mountain region.
In June 2025, Korte received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Colorado Field Ornithologists — recognizing him as a dedicated
GET INVOLVED
Join a free informational kickoff meeting aimed at boosting the Habitat Hero program on the Western Slope, sponsored by the Grand Valley Audubon Society.
• First Presbyterian Church 3940 27-1/2 Rd. Grand Junction
community leader whose contributions to birding and habitat protection span decades and have left a legacy in Western Colorado and beyond.
“What I do is a drop in the bucket, but I’ve always felt that if everyone in the world did their drop in the bucket, it could fill an ocean,” he says.
BECOME A HABITAT HERO
Visit audubon.org/rockies/projects/habitat-hero for information on native plants for your area. Complete and submit the application with photos and contact amanda.martinez@audubon. org with questions.
After Habitat Hero designation is approved, you will receive a sign for display, a copy of Colorado Wildscapes, native wildflower seeds, the possibility of being featured by Audubon to help inspire others and the pride that comes in know ing you are part of the growing effort to revitalize habit landscape for birds.
“I believe in small gestures — it’s worked for me in my life,” says Korte. “If people are making an effort to save water and planting bird habitat, then they could be a Habitat Hero, too.” :
yYOUR HOME AND GARDEN with a custom-designed greenhouse
PUMPKIN SPICE, BUT MAKE IT NICE
Words + Photo by Jayme Henderson
It was a blazingly hot afternoon in early July, when I rolled up after a four-hour drive to attend a friend’s book launch at Eagle-Vail’s Hygge Life, a decadent lifestyle store that’s filled with quality pieces that evoke all-thingscozy. My pickup truck’s air conditioner unit had died along the way, so the glass of sparkling rosé I received upon arrival was warmly welcomed. Feeling a delightful little buzz, I perused the curated furniture, homewares, lighting and book collections, and I stopped upon a piece that simply had to make it back home with me.
You know those pieces — the ones made with such care and precision that are destined to become family heirlooms. I purchased two mouth-blown crystal Champagne coupes in the coziest amber hue. That set was all I could buy that night, but I look forward to returning, so that I can build a collection for
a proper dinner party. My purchase was about legacy, an investment into my future. Future get-togethers. Future cocktail parties. Future moments shared with friends.
This fall-centric cocktail pairs savory pumpkin with baking spices and tropical nuances, supplied by rum, orange liqueur and coconut milk. The multiple measures needed to create this cocktail recipe might seem labor intensive, but let’s go back to the concept of legacy and why purchasing or creating quality items is a meaningful, heartfelt endeavor.
Make a batch of the key component in this cocktail recipe — a homemade pumpkin spice syrup — and you won’t look back on the cheap, syrupy substitute. It’s delicious in a classic Old Fashioned, in your morning latte or in this creamy, rum-based drink that’s packed with multiple Colorado-made components. :
PUMPKIN SPICE COCKTAIL
1½ ounces Montanya Rum Oro
1 ounce Pumpkin Spice Syrup (see recipe)
½ ounce Amaro Montenegro
½ ounce Grove Street Alchemy Orange Liqueur
1 ounce full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
2 dashes DRAM Cardamom and Black Tea Bitters
Spiced Pumpkin Seed Dust (see recipe)
Star anise pods, for garnish
1. Prepare the Pumpkin Spice Syrup and the Pumpkin Seed Dust in advance.
2. In a mixing tin, combine the rum, Pumpkin Spice Syrup, Amaro Montenegro, orange liqueur and full-fat coconut milk.
3. Add ice, shake well and double-strain into a coupe glass.
4. Place a small portion of the Spiced Pumpkin Seed Dust into a sieve, hold over the finished cocktail and lightly tap to release a light dusting onto the top of the drink.
5. Gently garnish with a couple of star anise pods.
SPICED PUMPKIN SEED DUST
¼ cup toasted pumpkin seeds
Dash salt
Dash sugar
Dash cayenne powder
1. In a food processor, blend and pulse the toasted pumpkin seeds for about 30 seconds, until the seeds reach the consistency of a fine powder.
2. Transfer to a bowl and add the salt, sugar and cayenne powder to taste.
3. Mix thoroughly and store in an airtight container.
PUMPKIN SPICE SYRUP
1 cup water
½ cup pumpkin purée
½ cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ginger
pinch cloves
pinch nutmeg
1. In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients.
2. Over medium-low heat, bring the mixture to a simmer and then reduce heat to low, stirring occasionally.
3. Let simmer on low for about five minutes to concentrate the flavors.
4. Remove from heat and let completely cool.
5. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean, sealable jar.
6. Store in the fridge for up to one month.
RAISE A GLASS TO COMMUNITY
SOCIAL HAPPENINGS AT LOCAL WINERIES
Words by Jude Bolick
Wine is best enjoyed with friends — exchanging stories, exploring creative potential, strengthening your body and mind, all while sipping from your favorite glass of wine. This is the feeling that a handful of local wineries are working hard to emulate through community-driven events that pair good wine with meaningful connection. Check out how three Grand Valley wineries are bringing people together one sip at a time.
CARBOY WINERY
Carboy Winery hosts a plethora of communitydriven events that meet year-round, not just confined to the summer months. Out of all these events, two stand out as exemplifying the connectivity that Barbie Graham, Carboy sales and hospitality manager and tasting room
manager, works to build and strengthen. The Pen and The Glass, which takes place every fourth Friday of the month, is a spoken word open mic night that collaborates with the Western Colorado Writers’ Forum to foster fun and confidence while supporting local writers. Paint and Sip, which takes place every third Friday of the month, is run by local artist Shannon Vialpando, who guides participants through the process of creating a beautiful painting, no prior experience required. Both events offer a wide selection of delicious wines to be enjoyed throughout.
“I wanted to have a sense of authenticity; we’re not doing it to just create revenue. I wanted to create a network of micro-connections and build a sense of community in the Western Slope,” says Graham. “For The Pen and The
Carboy Winery CEO Kevin Webber pours a barrel sample for guests from a wine thief.
LEO SIDERAS
Live music, good wine and socializing at Restoration Vineyards
Glass, people get out there and bare their hearts and souls; it’s such an intimate experience and there’s a big community response. For Paint and Sip, not only do you get to sip wine, but you get to make something that you get to take home with you. A lot of people are nervous at first, like ‘oh I can’t paint, I don’t know how to do this,’ but it really helps people get out of their shell. At the end of the day, if we can be a space that hosts connectivity in the community, that’s serving a greater goal than dollar bills.”
MAFIA PRINCESS WINERY
Mafia Princess Winery also works to foster connectivity in Western Colorado with their Corks + Chronicles and Sunset Sips events. Corks + Chronicles takes place every second Wednesday of the month and offers participants a lively book club discussion while enjoying a discount
on finely crafted wines. Sunset Sips is held every last Friday of the month and invites participants to enjoy live music from local artist Clayton Yeazle, mouth-watering food from 505 Fix Food Truck and signature wines from the winery itself. Mafia Princess also hosts an annual fall event, the Italian Family Style Dinner, where 25 guests gather around an oversized table to share authentic homemade Italian cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, Mafia Princess wines and the intimacy that family dinners inspire.
“Making a space open and inviting to bring people together is part of our mission as a business,” says Hillary Eales, founder and winemaker of Mafia Princess. “When we started the winery, we prayed a lot about it and had a vision for the place — that it would be more than a business, that it would be a place of community. A place people could come and feel at peace.
The Italian Style Family Dinner at Mafia Princess is an annual fall event for 25 guests gathered around an oversized tale.
Where they could get involved, get their hands dirty in the vineyard and slow down. We live in a hectic culture; we wanted to make a place that people could find rest for their very souls, through community, working with their hands during harvest or just pausing for a sunset.”
RESTORATION VINEYARDS
Restoration Vineyards makes the most of its sunset views with a weekly community event on the Western Slope. Wine Down Fridays pairs discounted selections of the winery’s favorite pours with fresh, authentic Thai cuisine from Pali-Thai. Held every Friday, the event offers a relaxed atmosphere for guests of all ages. With 16 different wines, such as their 2023 rosé and 2021 fumé blanc, plus seasonal selections, Restoration Vineyards has something for everyone. Restoration Vineyards also offers exclusive wines for wine club members.
“We’re not just a winery, but we’re a gathering place for the community as well,” says Gary Brauns, owner of Restoration Vineyards. “This event, it’s really just an ideal setting, and it’s very local-centric. The view and the food — it’s a pairing made in heaven.”
Through an array of creative social events that take advantage of the Western Slope’s beautiful scenery and the intimate nature of sipping wine with friends, these three wineries are taking connectivity to a whole new level, fostering a deep sense of community and belonging in every patron. :
Carboy Winery
3572 G Rd. Palisade
THE PEN AND THE GLASS
4:15 – 6 p.m. every fourth Friday. (September 26, October 24, November 28, December 26, January 23)
PAINT AND SIP
5 – 7 p.m. every third Friday. (September 19, October 17, November 21, December 19, January 16) carboywinery.com barbie@carboywinery.com
Mafia Princess Winery
221 31 3/10 Rd. Grand Junction
CORKS + CHRONICLES
6 – 8 p.m. every second Wednesday. (September 10, October 8)
SUNSET SIPS
5:30 – 8:30 every last Friday. (September 26, October 24)
One of my most treasured possessions is a little green photo album that I got at my wedding. It is not filled with photos, however. Rather, it is filled with recipes. These recipes were given as gifts and written with love. Just ask my husband, Ira — every time I opened a card with a recipe inside, I lit up with a big grin. I have added to this little book: scraps of paper found tucked in my grandmother’s old cookbooks with recipes in her handwriting, sticky notes full of scribbles, index cards with folded corners. These are easy, home cooking recipes with a lot of history and excellent results. The ingredients are easy to obtain, and the directions are simple. I also adjust these recipes as needed depending on what’s available, the tastes of the day or what’s on sale. That’s what the people who originally gave me the recipes would have done. They are a reflection of busy, everyday people’s lives at different points in history, and a desire to serve delicious food to their friends and families.
Many of the recipes gifted to me were personal favorites — dishes my loved ones made
IRA’S GREAT GRANDMOTHER MARGARET CRAVEN KENNEDY’S POTATO SOUP
SERVES 4 FOR A MAIN OR 6 FOR A SIDE
4-5 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
½-1 white onion, chopped
Salt to taste
1 Tbsp butter
½ cup milk or cream (I used cream)
1 green onion, chopped (I used chives from my garden)
Bacon bits and/or shredded cheese (optional)
just for me, and that I adored. A few cards don’t include names, so I’ve had to guess the giver based on their handwriting. There are even a couple I still haven’t figured out, though I hope someday I’ll be able to trace them back to someone special. Several of the recipe contributors are no longer with us. This little book holds a piece of their legacy — some recipes passed from person to person before finding their way to these pages, others preserved as tender memories of friends who’ve left this world.
Taste and smell are powerful mediums for memories, and each time I make a recipe from my book, those people — living or dead, known or unknown — are remembered and present, even for a tiny, fleeting moment. I encourage you to look through or get family recipes, even simple ones. Ask your friends and family for some of the foods that they make you. Pass on recipes that people compliment you on. Here are some of my favorites from my family recipe book. :
1. Add potatoes, salt and onion to a pot. Cover with water. Boil and cook until tender.
2. Drain about half of the water. Add butter and cream. Cook until hot and your desired texture.
3. Top with green onion and other toppings.
The card says it’s good with BLTs. I served it with my great grandmother Mary’s “BBQs.”
GREAT GRANDMA MARY KLAPPERICH’S BBQS (SLOPPY JOES)
SERVES 6
1½ lbs lean ground beef
1 medium onion
1 small can Campbell’s tomato soup
1 Tbsp vinegar
1 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp yellow mustard
3 Tbsp tomato ketchup
1. Brown the beef with the onion and drain off the fat.
2. Stir in remaining ingredients and heat.
3. Serve on buns.
LINDY EVANS’ CHEESE PIE
SERVES 12
A graham cracker crust (store bought or homemade)
3 8-oz packages of cream cheese
¾ cup sugar
3 eggs
2 cups (1 lb) mini chocolate chips, divided
1 tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp whipping cream
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Beat together cheese and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla.
3. Stir in 1²⁄³ cups of chocolate chips. Pour into crust.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for another 30 minutes (or until set).
5. Let cool completely. Melt remaining chocolate chips with whipping cream until smooth. Spread over top of cooled pie.
HOW TO BUILD THE PERFECT FALL CHARCUTERIE BOARD
AUTUMN AMBIANCE
Words
As the temperature drops and the leaves fall, autumn invites us inside to gather and feast. We wrap ourselves in a thick knit sweater, curl up in a blanket and tuck into heartier foods that will fend off the chill.
Whether you’re hosting a weeknight catchup with friends or need a prelude to a dinner party, a charcuterie board is your golden ticket to easy, elegant entertaining. Embrace the season of coziness with earthy, sweet and spiced flavors for the perfect fall-inspired charcuterie spread.
SET THE SCENE
According to Cooper Hall, owner of The Hog and The Hen in Grand Junction, a great board doesn’t just taste good; it tells a story. “I like to paint the picture and focus on the people you’re with, the
music that’s playing and where you are. In the fall, I think of people gathering around the fire, drinking a bigger red wine or whiskey cocktail — like a sweater you wear on the inside,” he explains. The secret to creating the perfect board? Include elements that complement the backdrop and your beverages.
Forget the light and floral notes of summer — fall is for food with a backbone and structure. Lighter flavors tend to get lost, whereas bolder flavors stand out.
Charcuterie boards are no exception. Hall stocks his specialty market and deli with unique offerings that provide a refreshingly different type of charcuterie board. Ready to build your own masterpiece? Following is what Hall recommends to stand out this season.
by Jennifer Weintraub | Photo courtesy of The Hog and The Hen
THE CHEESE COURSE: BUILD BOLDLY
The first rule of a great charcuterie board: variety. Think of a mix of flavor, texture and milk types. Three is the magic number; include at least three meats, cheeses and accompaniments.
Start with a soft and spreadable cheese, such as a creamy brie or the Meredith Marinated Sheep & Goat’s Milk Cheese, Hall advises. Then, bring in contrast with an aged variety, such as gouda, which is caramelized and complex. Aged cheese offers more concentrated flavors and pairs well with the acidity of bigger drinks.
Fall is the perfect time to introduce a fruitstudded cheese, like the cranberry Wensleydale, a white cheese from the U.K. Hall then layers a nutty, earthy cheese, such as comté or gruyère, with a slightly sweet and savory flavor that pairs well with food and wine. Additionally, you can’t go wrong with a Drunken Goat cheese marinated in red wine.
THE MEATS: CURED + COMFORTING
While cheese often steals the spotlight, the cured meats play a crucial supporting role. When it comes to a traditional Italian charcuterie board, pork reigns supreme. “Italian food is peasant food,” Hall notes. “There’s not a lot of beef in Italian cuisine because they want the cows to make milk for the cheese.”
Prosciutto and speck? Always a yes. But don’t sleep on pancetta or porchetta, pieces of cooked or cured pork rolled in herbs and rosemary, which lend themselves to autumn’s deeper, woodsy flavors.
GARNISHES: SWEET, SPICY + UNEXPECTED
“Charcuterie is traditionally about eating the preserved food,” he says. “In modern times, grazing boards have come about and use charcuterie elements that people put their own spin on.”
Hall honors the traditional spirit with preserved foods, including autumn-inspired additions such as candied ginger, dried apricots or pepitas (pumpkin seeds). Additionally, a briny element, such as pickled pomegranate seeds
or Peruvian pearl peppers, cuts through the richness of the cheese and cleanses the palate. If you choose to create a modern grazing board, seasonal fruits such as apples, pears and figs pair perfectly with warm fall flavors. Fig jam, apple butter or spicy pepper jelly, while not traditional, can add flavorful flair for another level of indulgence.
DON’T FORGET THE VESSEL
A board full of meat and cheese is great, but you need something to carry those bites from the plate to your mouth. Hall’s go-to? A warm, crusty baguette on the side. But if you’re catering to a crowd with preferences, include a variety of crackers so there’s something for everyone.
GATHER ROUND
A charcuterie board is more than a snack — it’s a celebration of the season, the senses and the company around you. Whether you’re swirling a glass of pinot noir or sipping a smoky bourbon, the perfect fall charcuterie board invites you to slow down, dig in and savor the moment. :
Located at the base of Mt. Garfield, The Blue Beryl Winery serves traditional dry wines — estate grown and made — with a local Palisade twist. Enjoy the wine and the view.
Balcony Botanicals
Give your skin the getaway it deserves. Balcony Botanicals, inspired by Colorado’s climate, creates award-winning lavender skincare that pampers and restores. From soothing lotions and body oils to artisan soaps and balms, each small-batch product is crafted with pure, sustainable ingredients. A daily ritual that feels like a retreat. 970.439.0490
balconybotanicals.com
STRiVE’S BOTANICAL OASIS
At the Heart of Grand Junction Nestled along the Colorado River, the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens is a 15-acre jewel managed by local non-profit STRiVE. What was once a reclaimed site now flourishes with vibrant spaces from the serene Cactus and Antique Rose Gardens to the whimsical Children’s Secret Garden, peaceful Japanese Garden and lively Celebration Plaza. Indoors, a lush tropical rainforest and butterfly house invite guests to wander among orchids, koi, turtles and fluttering butterflies.
More than a beautiful destination, the Gardens serve as a venue for life’s most memorable moments. From weddings and anniversary parties to corporate gatherings, our unique indoor and outdoor spaces create an unforgettable backdrop for any celebration.
Every visit and event booking helps STRiVE provide programs and opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities making the Gardens a place where beauty, nature and community all thrive together.
strivecolorado.org/wcbg/
Chef Counter Experience at The Western Saloon & Grill
Discover mountain hospitality at its finest. Executive Culinary Chef John Broening blends wood-fired hearth cooking with French technique, seasonal flavors and ingredients sourced from local farmers and producers of the Western Slope. Nightly at 5:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Reserve at 970.497.1057 or OpenTable. thewesternouray.com
Ride Beyond: A Western Slope Weekend with The Cycle Effect
OCT. 10–12, 2025
GRAND JUNCTION
Three unforgettable days of riding, coaching, yoga, wine and luxury lodging — all for a cause. Every mile fuels The Cycle Effect’s mission to empower young women. Spots are limited — reserve yours now and ride with purpose. thecycleeffect.org
MUSEUMS OF WESTERN COLORADO
Explore Western Colorado’s Heritage with the Museums of Western Colorado Experience Pass Make the most of the fall season with the Museums of Western Colorado Experience Pass — a one-week ticket for admission to all three unique museum sites. Dive into paleontology and geology at Dinosaur Journey Museum in Fruita; experience the region’s cultural history at the Museum of the West in Grand Junction; wander the historic apple orchard and transportation exhibits at Cross Orchards Historic Site (open May–December).
Whether you’re traveling to the area or hosting visitors over the holidays, the Experience Pass is a perfect way to explore local culture. Ideal for families, history buffs and adventure seekers, the pass offers great value: $18 for children, $21 for seniors, military and students, and $24 for adults.
Create lasting memories — grab your Experience Pass today! museumsofwesternco.org
SMALLTOWN FOR THE CAUSE
Music. Yoga. Community.
ELEPHANT REVIVAL
Join us for Smalltown For The Cause in downtown Salida, Colorado, September 19 & 20. Featuring two nights of Elephant Revival, Moontricks, Kat Factor (Gone Gone Beyond), Clay Street Unit, Lindsay Lou, Magoo and more! Plus, daily yoga classes, sound bath meditations, educational workshops, kids music activities led by Coletrain Music Academy, slacklining, late night shows around town, and a deep, connected community!
Smalltown For The Cause remains grounded in its mission to foster music, movement and meaningful connection, all while giving back to local causes. The festival continues to be a platform for grassroots impact, family friendly experiences and deep community impact. campoutforthecause.org
BTHE BOOK
Words by Wendy Videlock
THE WILD DARK: FINDING THE NIGHT SKY IN THE AGE OF LIGHT
BY CRAIG CHILDS
estselling author Craig Childs lives off-grid in Western Colorado. His newest book delves into the diminishing darkness of our night skies, exploring human history of gazing skyward and finding meaning — not to mention beauty.
Yet today, because of light pollution, only 20% of people on Earth can see the Milky Way.
Childs delivers a dazzlingly tragic image of ourselves — a people so in love with light we’re killing the dark.
Childs reminds us that all living beings exhibit positive phototaxis, the natural movement of an organism toward light.
”Everything from lizards to insects to plants to manta rays to plankton to humans are drawn to the light,” he says. “Birds wheel toward any city, spinning over spotlights and street lamps as if the maps in their almond-sized brains can’t stop saying, turn left, turn left, turn left.”
This kind of imagistic writing has me returning to Childs’ books. These are campfire stories — infused with flesh and blood language sparking against the night. It’s science writing at its best.
Especially keen is his olfactory perceptions. One day the air “smells like cold herbarium,” another like “a freshly minted coin.” Old cow dung smells like “burning grass,” fallen leaves like “rotting citrus” and a hot can of beer smells like “the underside of a hay pile.”
Language-loving poets, wildlife adventurers, scientists and nature lovers of all kinds are drawn to Childs’ books. We know we won’t get detached reportage, but a living, breathing science.
“Light is hungry and has to be told to stop,” Childs tells us.
Equipped with a hand-held device which measures ambient light from the night sky, Childs travels from Vegas to the depths of the desert. The idea is to go from a Bortle 9 to a Bortle 1 reading on the scale. To travel this distance by car would take a mere few hours, which would defeat the purpose of measuring gradual darkness, so Childs and his companion ride bicycles from the Strip to the heart of the desert, a grueling journey of about eight days.
We’re also taken backward in time — to the Desert Archaic cultures to the people of the Pleistocene to a contemporary homeless guy on a back road to the dried-out shell of a desert tortoise — all of whom have lived under the same skies. The night sky, Childs tell us, is a birthright.
It’s a journey well worth taking and one brimming with hope. One of the researchers Childs interviews tells him, “Unlike many environmental dilemmas we face … the problem of artificial light is a relatively simple fix. It is a pollution that vanishes with the flip of a switch.”
At the heart of this rich and surprising book is a way forward, a reminder of our shared humanity, the pleasure of the well-turned phrase — and a mirror as big as the moon.
THE BEVERAGE
TELLURIDE DISTILLING AGAVE
Craig Childs himself recommends pairing The Wild Dark with a potent glass of tequila. We recommend Telluride Distillery’s Agave, perfect as a sipper and delightful as a mixer. Sourced from a raw, organic agave from Jalisco, Mexico, terpenes are added for flavor and aroma. The distillers boast their tequila is aged in medium char oak, producing a slightly sweet, herbaceous flavor. :
INSTAGRAM + PODCAST PICKS
@alloveradventure
All Over Adventure is your go-to guide for all things Colorado, from breathtaking hikes and tucked-away hidden gems to wanderlust-worthy destinations beyond. Created by Samantha Baldwin, a passionate traveler and outdoor enthusiast, this page blends stunning photography with practical tips to help you make the most of every adventure.
Your Own Backyard
This documentary podcast by Chris Lambert investigates the 1996 disappearance of Kristin Smart, a Cal Poly student. Through meticulous research, interviews and storytelling, Lambert sheds new light on the case, focusing heavily on the prime suspect, Paul Flores. The series brought renewed national attention to the mystery, and is widely credited with helping prompt the eventual arrest and conviction of Flores.
Compiled by S+B Staff
@garveysgardens
Garvey’s Gardens’ Instagram blooms with seasonal flowers straight from its Palisade farm and partner farms across the U.S. Expect stunning, sustainable arrangements, behind-the-scenes wedding and farm moments, plus features on local artisans — all rooted in a love for fresh, chemical-free beauty.
Open Container
Hosted by renowned outdoor journalist Doug Schnitzspahn, each episode explores creativity, adventure, conservation, politics and the people shaping the outdoor world. Through candid conversations with those who turn to nature for inspiration and solutions, the show reveals how the outdoors teaches, changes and heals us — and how it can help us build a better future.
@mesaverdelavender
Peek into life on a high-desert, woman-owned family farm in Mancos, Colorado. Follow along for organic culinary lavender, small-batch oils and hydrosols, behind-the-scenes farm life and a celebration of this droughttolerant crop thriving in the Four Corners sunshine.
On Coaching
Hosted by Steve Magness and Jon Marcus — both seasoned coaches with experience at the collegiate and professional levels — the show takes listeners behind the scenes into the candid conversations that shape athletic performance. Blending cuttingedge science, time-tested wisdom and a touch of philosophy, they explore the process of coaching and strategies for maximizing endurance.
MELDING WELLNESS, CRAFT + SUSTAINABILITY
A COLORADO RIVER RETREAT
Words by S+B Staff | Photo by Sarah Vanderpool
Nestled along the southern edge of the Colorado River, just outside Palisade, a newly completed home defies convention by embracing what came before. Rather than demolish and rebuild, the owners of this stunning Western Slope retreat saw an opportunity to restore and reconnect — both with the land and themselves. Their vision was clear: build a serene sanctuary deeply integrated with the natural world. That meant doing more with less — less environmental impact, less visual clutter and
less separation between indoors and out.
To achieve that, the project team — led by local builder Jesse Zacher of Wildwood Construction and design firm Shape Architecture — took a regenerative approach. Portions of the existing foundation were preserved and reused, drastically reducing the carbon footprint of construction. From there, the home was carefully reimagined as an eco-conscious retreat that not only honored the site’s natural beauty, but worked in harmony with it.
One of the home’s most striking changes was its reorientation to the river. The previous structure had ignored the dramatic waterway altogether. The new design, in contrast, opens fully to the river through expansive triple-pane windows and fluid outdoor living areas that expand the livable footprint. The result is a layout that feels effortless and organic.
The home’s high-performance envelope and solar-ready design earned it an impressive HERS rating of -18, meaning it is projected to produce more energy than it consumes over the course of a year. Certified Energy Star and designed with passive energy strategies in mind, it offers superior thermal comfort during Colorado’s most intense seasonal swings.
But comfort here goes beyond efficiency. Inside, the warm and minimalist interiors embrace a Japandi-inspired aesthetic — a blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design philosophies centered on simplicity, nature and tranquility. Earthy textures like rammed earth, wood, stone and concrete layer the space in quiet luxury. Natural light pours in through thoughtfully placed windows, illuminating subtle details handcrafted by Zacher himself.
A builder, farmer and true craftsman, Zacher brought both artistry and intention to the project, treating sustainability and design with equal reverence — a rare combination across the state.
His attention to detail can be seen throughout, from custom cabinetry to outdoor structures that frame dramatic views of the Little Book Cliffs Wild Horse Range.
The single-level layout supports not only aging in place but also a sense of openness and flow. Two custom workspaces — an airy, riverfacing art studio and a connected indoor-outdoor workshop — serve the creative pursuits of the homeowners. Every space feels purposeful yet calming, providing a quiet canvas for living, creating and entertaining.
This is more than a home — it’s a philosophy brought to life. By honoring the land, preserving resources and centering wellness, this riverside retreat proves sustainable living can be warm, beautiful and inspiring. :
HOW GREENLEAF & BLUEBERRY TURN NATURE INTO LEGACY
PIGMENTS WITH PURPOSE
Words by Chloe Mayer | Photos courtesy of Greenleaf & Blueberry
Husband-and-wife duo Jess Greenleaf and Matt Hurd are more than entrepreneurs behind non-toxic, professional-grade watercolors — they are Earth stewards who spark a sense of wonder and possibility in the everyday. Their vibrant watercolor expedition began in the early 2010s with Greenleaf’s determination to carry paints into technical alpine terrain. She desired something portable that would not compromise quality or limit creativity. The result is Greenleaf & Blueberry: professional, handmade watercolors crafted in Grand Junction. The couple’s collaboration blossomed from their connection to the Earth, drawing inspiration from geology’s nuances and a commitment to superior quality through one-of-a-kind pigments. Today, they co-own Greenleaf & Blueberry, with Greenleaf serving as creative director and Hurd as the master colourman behind the brand.
Initially, their goal was to learn to make superior quality paints for Greenleaf to use in her painting practice. However, the testing process resulted in hundreds of pans of paint. So, in 2012, she opened an online shop. It took only three years for both Greenleaf and Hurd to work full-time for Greenleaf & Blueberry.
“The world feels so full of soulless stuff for sale, so we didn’t want to just add to the noise,” Greenleaf says. “We only wanted to offer something if it was truly of value and answered an actual need.”
This commitment led the co-owners to develop exacting standards for their watercolors, including low or no toxicity, high lightfastness ratings and producing only single-pigment colors named accordingly. They use no fillers, dispersants or additives that could alter the natural pigments. Each color is handcrafted in small batches, with pigments sourced naturally
from around the world, ensuring every product meets professional-grade quality. Greenleaf & Blueberry craft each color by hand, using the traditional muller and slab method.
PAINT YOUR LEGACY
The couple believe painting leads to a more intentional and meaningful life. It is a way to weave and leave your inimitable legacy.
The nuance of creating paint has led Hurd to appreciate the variety and genius of his days and surroundings. “It has also made me more aware of the solace painting can give to painters and how that can be passed on,” he says. “Our customers’ delight is absolutely contagious and often brings joy to our days.”
Greenleaf illustrates how the act of painting takes observation, deliberation, interpretation, creativity, problem-solving and time. “It forces us to slow down, sit quietly and consider our subject in minute detail,” she says. “Painting a subject will lock it into our memory in vibrant, sensory detail, and in a way that snapping a quick photo can never approximate.”
She adds that it is their honor to be a part of people’s creative journey. Painting develops a serene way of thinking and seeing the world. Painting “is something of a second language, and it is a wonderful thing to converse in it. It has made me aware that creativity is truly an essential life skill.”
Hurd emphasizes that making watercolors has allowed Greenleaf & Blueberry to create jobs for artists and craftspeople in the Grand Valley.
“Our manufacturing and packaging processes require artisan skill and aren’t tasks that we would consider outsourcing,” he shares. “It’s all pretty 19th century, but we love what we do and are grateful that can offer good jobs right here where we live.”
FALL INTO AUTUMN’S COLORS
The changing foliage and calming cool of fall reflect a particularly perfect time to bring paintbrush to paper. Greenleaf specifically designed the Fall Flora & Foliage Palette, comprised of 24 colors and accompanied by a hand-painted color chart for the fall season. She selected these colors specifically for depicting fall leaves, foliage and all plants in their seasonal state. Choose among a full array of reds, oranges, yellows, greens and browns, with a couple blues to choose from for mixing and versatility.
The best way to purchase Greenleaf & Blueberry watercolors and supplies is through their website, greenleafblueberry.com , or at select stores across the state including Two Hands Paperie in Boulder and artist Sarah Uhl’s historic jailhouse studio in Carbondale. :
Jess Greenleaf
S H O P V ISI T
E N J O Y D O W N
T O W N T O D A Y
Spas, gift stores, art galleries, coffee shops, restaurants, breweries, toys, and more - there’s something for everyone downtown!
DOWNTOWNGJ.ORG
CONFLUENCE STUDIOS IN GRAND JUNCTION
BRINGING ART + COMMUNITY TOGETHER
Words + Photos by Sharon Sullivan
Confluence Studios celebrated Earth Day 2025 with art demonstrations, live music and an opening reception for a pop-up exhibit titled “The Last of the Kind: Endangered and Extinct.” There was also a morning encaustic class (painting with pigment in warm beeswax), and later in the day, poetry and prose readings by several acclaimed authors, including Western Slope poet laureate Wendy Videlock.
Confluence Studios’ tagline is “Bringing Art and Community Together,” hence the name “Confluence,” says owner Carrie Kellerby. The Earth Day activities were just a sampling of what often goes on at this vibrant gallery, located at 660 White Ave. in downtown Grand Junction.
Kellerby says her “goal is to create a life of beauty, joy and community.”
You’ll find acrylic paintings, watercolors and collage artwork, as well as handwoven garments, intricate beaded jewelry, exquisite hand-turned wooden bowls and more — all made by local artists and artisans. Confluence Studios hosts monthly First Friday events, opening receptions for revolving art exhibits, art classes and demonstrations. During its quarterly Women and Words events, women read their original writings, or someone else’s work, followed by conversation. Women and Words is held on spring and fall equinoxes, and winter and summer solstices.
Traditionally, art galleries group an artist’s work together. Kellerby, however, designs her spaces differently. She lets the artwork tell her where it wants to be, she says.
“A lot of that comes from my interior design work,” Kellerby says. “The art is talking to me. I choose to place artwork where it resonates with other pieces.” It creates a feeling of hospitality, a feeling of being part of a home, she notes. “It’s why we have furniture, flowers in vases — so people can see how you live with art. It’s why we mix things up.”
Curated exhibits occupy three of the rooms, while another offers rented wall space for artists who want to hang a body of work.
Artist Caole Lowry leases a wall, and is also a gallery member. “Carrie’s skills as a curator are really unparalleled,” Lowry says. “She knows how to hang a show and create a space that is welcoming.”
Confluence also hosts two uncurated shows each year — “the Dark Show” and “Gifts for the Goddess” — holdover events from the former Planet Earth and the Four Directions Gallery, a shop Lowry owned for 18 years in Grand Junction. Both professional and amateur artists contribute to these popular community exhibits.
Confluence Studios has a tiered membership model in which its approximate 100 members pay a yearly fee to receive discounts on classes and artwork, help shape gallery programming and show their work in the members-only exhibit in December and January.
Local business owners benefit from Confluence Studios’ Art to the Community program, which lends artwork for display in their spaces. In return, owners receive a 10% commission on any work sold while on display. (Owners also receive 10% discounts on any purchased work — not to mention the opportunity to showcase original artwork).
Kellerby wrote her dissertation, titled Dwelling in the Woven Threshold, for her Ph.D. in philosophy, art theory, aesthetics and visual culture. The topic explored women, art and culture through the ages. “Women weavers were the originators of culture and economy — the foundational thread of culture and society,” Kellerby explains.
Lowry likens Confluence Studios to “coming home.” She adds, “I can’t say enough good things about what Carrie’s doing with her vision and commitment to art. She’s making space for creatives in our world. That’s what we need now.” : Confluence Studios is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Learn more at imconfluencestudios.com
Artist Caole Lowry
FRUITA’S ALL-VOLUNTEER STAGE FOR MUSIC, MAGIC + COMMUNITY
CAVALCADE
Words by Lexi Marshall | Photos courtesy of Cavalcade
In the heart of downtown Fruita, just off Aspen Avenue, sits a small, intimate venue with an outsized impact. Cavalcade is more than a stage — it’s a gathering place where art and community intertwine, fueled entirely by volunteer passion. For 14 years, this all-ages, allvolunteer performing arts space has welcomed musicians, poets, comedians and storytellers to share their craft with an audience that’s there to truly listen.
Cavalcade’s story began before its name existed, in a creative space called Mirth. As Jeannine Purser — the sound engineer, booking agent and director — recalls, “Josh Ott and Max Connors started Mirth. Within that space was an apparel line named Ones, owned by Michelle Cools. Another thing that happened inside Mirth was Cullen Purser’s ‘Cavalcade of Interesting People,’ where he would interview a fascinating person who lived right here in the Grand Valley.”
When Mirth’s founders moved on, Michelle and Cullen Purser didn’t want to lose the momentum of their projects. They rallied four
other families to take over the lease. “At the time we were just throwing spaghetti on the walls to see what would stick,” Jeannine Purser says. “We had open crafting nights, tinker nights, open mic night, movie night, concerts and our monthly variety show. As time went on, we realized that the music piece of the puzzle was going to be the spaghetti that stuck.”
That focus remains today, with open mic nights, variety shows and concerts forming the backbone of Cavalcade’s calendar.
Being an all-volunteer space is more than an operational choice — it’s a philosophy. “We are all there because we are passionate about being there,” Jeannine Purser explains. “We want to offer this experience to our community because we love the community and what Cavalcade brings to everyone who walks through our doors.”
Current volunteers range from sound engineers and emcees to cleaning crews and booking coordinators. Even the variety show performers donate their time so proceeds can go toward rent and utilities.
A STAGE FOR THE BRAVE AND THE CURIOUS
Step into a Cavalcade show, and you’ll sense it immediately: the freedom to take creative risks. “Cavalcade is a place where people of all skill levels are permitted to present themselves authentically, warts and all,” says Cullen Purser. “For someone learning how to perform, they know they can fail in front of people without being ostracized. For seasoned performers, they can feel safe to expand their horizons.”
Jeannine Purser adds that the atmosphere is “the feeling that something great is about to happen right before your eyes, and then it does.”
The venue is strictly a sit-down listening room, designed so audiences can engage deeply with the music “in the way that the musicians have intended their music to be heard.”
Cavalcade’s booking process blends openness with intuition. Cullen Purser jokes, “We have an invisible forcefield at the front doors, which deters debutantes and divas.” Many performers first appear at the long-running Thursday open mic, then return for variety shows or ticketed concerts. While traveling acts often find the venue themselves, the lineup skews local — giving talented Western Slope artists, from seasoned players to first-timers, a safe spotlight.
Cavalcade survives on ticket sales, occasional space rentals and the generosity of artists who donate show proceeds. “We literally do not profit,” Cullen Purser says. “We intentionally have no paid staff. This is how as a venue we survived the COVID-19 years.” Their landlord, the local Masonic Lodge, has also been “incredibly supportive and kind.”
As Fruita has evolved into a cultural and outdoor destination, Cavalcade has quietly deepened the town’s artistic roots. “Art without community is a tree falling in the forest that nobody hears,” Cullen Purser reflects. “Cavalcade is a community builder. We are consistent and have been for 14 years. There are connections upon connections that don’t even know it originated at Cavalcade.”
Jeannine Purser sees its uniqueness in its motives: “We aren’t trying to make money off of anyone. From the safety that is found through that ethic, many artists have wound up broadening their horizons and sharing their talents throughout the entire City of Fruita.”
• Swing Dancing – 2nd Friday, lessons at 6 p.m. ($5), dancing at 7 p.m. (free)
• Open Story Night – 3rd Friday, free
• Open Mic Comedy Night – 4th Friday, hosted by Joke Junction, free
This fall’s highlight is a special Oct. 25, 2025 concert with guitarist-composer Hayden Pedigo, slotted into a rare tour gap between Denver and Salt Lake City. “The audience will feel so close to the experience,” Cullen Purser says. “And he will leave having been cared for in ways most venues won’t do.”
A PLACE CALLED HOLY
Patrons often describe Cavalcade in reverent tones. Late poet Steve Cline, a regular performer, captured the feeling in his Ode to the Cavalcade, where “cold winter nights” are warmed by “music done right.” Young poet Reilly Prescott likens it to “a holy place … Though it isn’t a church, it’s still home.”
14 years in, Cavalcade remains true to its roots: an open door, a safe stage and a steadfast belief that music and art are best when shared. Or as Jeannine Purser puts it simply, “We are there because we love what we are doing.” :
Aaron Halevy performing at Cavalcade
WILD FINCH
Words by Lexi Marshall | Photos courtesy of Wild Finch
In a town best known for its geothermal springs and surrounding mountain serenity, Pagosa Springs, Colorado has long deserved a restaurant that meets its natural beauty with culinary brilliance. Enter Wild Finch — a vibrant, chef-driven destination that’s shaking up the local dining scene in the best way possible.
Tucked into the brand-new main building at The Springs Resort, Wild Finch feels at once intimate and invigorating. Picture earthy elegance with sweeping views of the Mother Spring (the resort’s primary geothermal source and the deepest geothermal hot spring in the world), paired with a menu that’s as memorable as the mineral waters just outside. Helmed by Executive Chef Daya Myers-Hurt, the restaurant
opened its doors in May 2025 and is already redefining what dining in Pagosa can be.
Let’s not bury the lede: the food is incredible.
On a recent visit, the market fish — that day a cut of sablefish — arrived impossibly flaky and so smooth it nearly melted into the Greek potatoes beneath. It was, simply put, the best fish we’ve tasted in years.
But Wild Finch’s magic lies not only in the execution of its dishes, but in the philosophy behind them. Myers-Hurt, who draws from Southern, Asian, African and French culinary roots, creates food that feels deeply personal. Nearly everything is incidentally gluten-free, with standout plant-based options that feel like stars in their own right.
PAGOSA SPRINGS’ NEW CULINARY GEM PAIRS WELLNESS + FLAVOR
Take the Tooth + Gill Polenta, a velvety bed of cornmeal grits studded with locally grown mushrooms from the personal farm of the resort’s marketing manager. It’s rich, earthy and entirely dairy-free, yet you’d never know it. The grilled vegetables appetizer — crisp, flame-kissed and dressed in a spiced tahini — is both gluten-free and vegan, and bursting with flavor.
The playful spirit continues in the zeroproof beverage offerings. The Equilibrium, a bright blackberry shrub laced with turmericbasil simple syrup, is equal parts refreshing and restorative. Meanwhile, the Pagosa Collins (chamomile, tarragon, soda and lemon) is the kind of drink you’ll wish you could bottle and take home.
Myers-Hurt isn’t the only wellness-minded mind behind the menu. Sarah Goudie, the director of nutrition, ensures each dish is not only nourishing but also supports the body’s natural rhythms. The result is a menu where guests feel cared for, not just fed.
And then there’s dessert.
Lime in the Coconut is a refreshing marvel: a dairy-free cilantro sorbet layered with coconut granita, shortbread crumble and Chantilly crème. It redefines dessert — light, luxurious and wildly original. Or indulge in Campfire Girl, a whimsical nod to childhood s’mores, with smoked chocolate, meringue and potato chip crumble.
What sets Wild Finch apart is its ability to balance indulgence and intention. Yes, you can enjoy a chicken-fried elk steak, but there’s a nutritional undercurrent to the entire experience. It’s food that celebrates flavor first, without forgetting how we feel afterward.
As Pagosa’s dining scene continues to evolve, Wild Finch marks a pivotal moment. No longer does a night out require settling for second-best or making the drive to Durango. With its thoughtful menu, stunning views and deep respect for ingredients and guests alike, Wild Finch is a revelation. :
thewildfinch.com
Executive Chef Daya Myers-Hurt
BEAN TO BAR
Words by Nickolas Paullus | Photos by Bodhi Gilroy
Even in its craft incarnations, chocolate can be nondescript. Plastic, foil or paper, the packaging offers little in the way of detail about the confection. Flavor and texture, a quip about the chocolatier, perhaps a general notion of sourcing, but nothing to connect a farm, a process, a person, to the finished product.
Bean to bar chocolate seeks to remedy just that. Through a more direct approach to sourcing and a more inclusive artisan process, bean to bar allows chocolate lovers to have a more intimate relationship with their candy.
Conor Griffin, owner of Lore Cacao in Paonia, is no stranger to chocolate. A third-generation chocolatier, Griffin grew up learning the process and practice of a chocolate maker at the Bostonarea institution, Watson’s Candies. Much of that history fortifies his shop, from his patient hands to his nearly 100-year-old kettle. It imbues his craft with the familial warmth that has carried his mother’s shop for so long.
Lore Cacao’s focus, however, is not exclusive to Griffin’s family history. Lore finds focus and meaning in cacao’s history itself.
The cacao industry has a colonial and contemporary history rife with exploitation. Child labor, slavery and environmental abuse abound throughout the industry, throughout time. As with many mass-market commodities, a global demand for cheap and available chocolate has led to systemic abuses for centuries.
“I was a teen when I started paying more attention to traceability in the supply chain,” reflects Griffin. “And the best way to ensure good practices is to work with small distributors and direct trade with co-ops and farms.”
Large-scale farming operations demand uniformity. Supermarket candy bars are made to taste identical every time, so buyers know exactly what to expect. But this homogeneity comes at a cost.
“It harms the soil, ecosystems and cultures rooted in the growing of cacao,” says Griffin.
Roughly 70 miles away in Grand Junction, another chocolate maker took note of the industry’s missteps. They left such an impression that owner and chocolatier Keane Karnan named his shop Dirty Lil Cacao.
HOW CRAFT COLORADO CHOCOLATE IS RECLAIMING CACAO’S ROOTS
To Karnan, much of the dirty not-solittle secret is that, through exploitation from corporations and middlemen, “cacao farms have too small of a margin” to be sustainable, to say nothing of being profitable. The result is cyclical poverty and exploitation through much of the chocolate growing world.
Karnan, however, embraces a more direct relationship with farmers, as well as regional coops. This results in equitable pay for each person in the chain, from bean to bar.
And the chocolate just tastes better. Certainly there’s a levity to eating a candy with moral considerations, but it’s also that bean to bar chocolate is more nuanced.
Karnan’s chocolate is as “premium as [he] can make it,” because the control afforded by the bean is unparalleled. “It’s entirely my own recipe,” continues Karnan, as he details a process filled with inspecting, roasting and aging — variables completely out of the hands of most chocolate makers.
This can be especially important when working with beans from different regions. “We know about it in wine, but there is terroir in cacao beans, too,” explains Karnan. From Fiji to Thailand, Africa to Mexico, the aromatics and flavors of cacao are varied and vibrant. Berries, spice and flowers, there are subtleties in many regional beans that are unimaginable from massmarket chocolate.
“The taste you associate with chocolate is the flavor of Ghana, of the Ivory Coast,” says Karnan. And in a world so wide and vibrant, Karnan seeks to bring a more nuanced view of the sweet treat through a more individualized process.
Back in Paonia, Griffin expands, “Maintaining that distinct terroir creates the most authentic flavor. On my end, I use a lighter roast profile, pure and simple ingredients — just cacao and coconut sugar — and carefully monitor the flavor expression during the granite stone-grinding process.”
Today’s cacao market is saturated with greenwashed labels touting words like “ceremonial” and “holy,” while offering little transparency about the process or the people who make such “rituals” possible.
“The work I participate in — sorting, hands and eyes on each bean, all the way through to its completion as a chocolate bar — is a ritual in itself,” Griffin says. “There’s so much gratitude that blossoms from being part of this cooperative cacao cycle, which completes itself with a happy customer. That’s the ritual for me.” :
BUILDING A LEGACY OF WELLNESS
YOGA IN THE GRAND VALLEY
Words by Lexi Marshall
From sunlit orchard flows to heated power classes, the Grand Valley offers a vibrant mix of yoga where connection, community and personal growth are at the heart of the practice. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or brand new to the mat, these local favorites bring together skilled teachers, welcoming spaces and a variety of classes designed to help you strengthen, restore and reconnect — both on and off the mat.
THE ZEN DEN YOGA STUDIO
In the heart of downtown Fruita, The Zen Den offers a warm, welcoming space designed to feel like a second home. With classes held at a comfortable 70 to 80 degrees, this community hub invites students to slow down, connect and grow. The diverse schedule, offered seven days a week, ranges from deeply restorative practices like “rest and restore” and yin to energizing flows such as “fire flow” and vinyasa. Beginnerfriendly options, including gentle yoga, slow flow and “take a seat,” ensure accessibility for every body and experience level. The studio also offers a monthly “sound sojourn” on the first Saturday of each month and hosts a small boutique.
Whether you’re seeking mindful stillness, improved mobility or a powerful sweat, The Zen Den’s teachers guide each class with intention, helping you return to the “home within” time and again. thezendenfruita.com
PEACH ORCHARD YOGA
Set among Palisade’s peach orchards, Peach Orchard Yoga offers a serene blend of movement, mindfulness and community connection led by founder Tracy Kentz, a 200-hour certified yoga teacher and registered nurse with over 20 years of personal practice. Classes range from the gentle stillness of restorative yoga and candlelight yin to the invigorating challenge of “hot power flow” and “HIIT yoga,” with beginner-friendly options and private sessions available. Seasonal outdoor classes in the orchard provide a uniquely Colorado backdrop for cultivating strength, balance and inner calm. For a personalized experience, Kentz offers private group sessions in the studio, in the orchard or on location — perfect for special gatherings such as wedding parties, team retreats or family get-togethers. peachorchardyoga.com
COURTESY
Peach Orchard Yoga
HALF MOON YOGA
A force of nature in Grand Junction’s yoga scene, Half Moon Yoga founder Linda Jordan brings over four decades of practice — and a life rich with both triumphs and challenges — into every class she teaches. Known for her bold, nurturing presence and unfiltered honesty, Jordan blends intense, strengthbuilding flows with powerful storytelling that invites students to face and release deep-seated emotions. Under her leadership, all teens can practice for free at Half Moon. Whether you’re stepping into the studio for personal renewal or to support Jordan’s mission of empowering the next generation, expect a transformative experience that stays with you long after savasana halfmoonyogagj.com
YOGA V
More than a place to practice, yoga V is a vibrant community in Grand Junction dedicated to strengthening both body and mind. Welcoming students of all levels, the studio fosters personal growth, meaningful connections and a commitment to self-care as the foundation for overall happiness. Classes range from
heated flows in an infrared-warmed studio to restorative, meditative sessions — each held in fresh, purified air thanks to REME HALO systems. With thoughtfully designed spaces featuring work by local artists, yoga V offers a sanctuary where members can slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect with themselves. yogavstudio.com
RADIANT AGING YOGA
At Radiant Aging Yoga, founder and certified yoga therapist Vicki L. Gee blends more than 20 years of yoga expertise, 20 years in corporate leadership and a decade in the U.S. Navy with the art of mindfulness to help every body — especially those 45 and beyond — feel vibrant, strong and at ease. Through private and group yoga, meditation, yoga nidra and corporate wellness workshops, Gee meets clients where they are, guiding them toward greater strength, balance, mobility and peace of mind. She reminds her students that “yoga isn’t about perfection — it’s about creating space for ease and vitality in your life.” Catch her next at the Experiential Wellness Expo on Sept. 27, 2025 in Grand Junction, where she’ll be hosting two yoga workshops. radiant-aging.yoga :
COURTESY OF HALF MOON YOGA
GUNNISON COUNTY’S GRAVEL ROADS
GET LOST (IN THE BEST WAY)
Words by Betsy Welch | Photos courtesy of Eric Larsen
If you fly into the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport en route to a gravel cycling trip, you’ll likely get a bird’s-eye view of some of the roads you’ll soon be riding. If, like me, you travel on a particularly blustery early spring afternoon, your pilot might spend a few extra minutes surfing turbulence, circling the hills in search of calmer air. You might even dip directly over County Road 887, like we did, skimming the flanks of Tomichi Dome on one side and buzzing the gate to Waunita Hot Springs on the other.
Days later, hunched over my bicycle’s handlebars instead of scrunched into a window seat in row nine, I would notice something else about the scenery on County Road 887, something not visible from the air: the landscape’s flush of
salmon-orange Indian paintbrush and clusters of white Rocky Mountain phlox poking through alongside the sagebrush.
A turbulent landing at a small regional airport isn’t a perfect metaphor for gravel cycling, but there are some similarities. The search for the best route. The occasional double-back. The cyclist, like the pilot, has to be prepared to pivot. The views are just as good on land as from the sky, and arriving at your destination brings a mixed sense of relief and accomplishment.
WHERE GRAVEL RIDES MEET BIG SKY COUNTRY
Over the past two decades, gravel cycling has evolved into one of the most popular disciplines in the broader world of cycling. It occupies
a space between road and mountain biking, where riders can explore lesser-traveled (and less-trafficked) dirt roads without needing the equipment or skills required for technical offroad terrain like singletrack. In fact, a whole category of bicycle has grown up alongside the discipline — one that looks like a road bike at first glance, but is built with features like wider tire clearance and more relaxed geometry to handle longer days on rougher surfaces. Gravel has also succeeded on a personal level: it invites a wide spectrum of riders — from competitive athletes to recreational adventurers — to experience both familiar and unfamiliar places in a new way.
Gunnison County, with its high alpine valleys and remote byways, feels purpose-built for this kind of riding. Located in the heart of the Rockies, Gunnison County is enormous — the fifth largest county in the state by land area — and mostly unpopulated. What it lacks in people, it makes up for in topographic drama: highaltitude plateaus, sagebrush parks, deep river canyons and thousands of miles of dirt roads.
According to the Gunnison–Crested Butte Tourism and Prosperity Partnership (TAPP), Gunnison County is home to a whopping 37% of all the United States Forest Service roads in the state of Colorado. For gravel cyclists, this translates to more than 1,100 miles of gravel riding. Add in BLM and county roads, and the county brims with an overwhelming buffet of options. You’ll find everything from fast, rolling gravel through wide-open meadows to washboard climbs that top out well above 9,000 feet.
BEYOND THE SINGLETRACK
Every time I’ve ridden up Spring Creek Road, it’s been en route to Gunnison County’s other abundant cycling resource: singletrack. Every summer, thousands of riders pedal heavy mountain bikes — or get shuttled by vehicle — to the Doctor Park trailhead to ride one of the county’s most beloved trails (there are more than 150 of them). I’ve often wondered what lay beyond that right-hand turn, where the dirt road continues to climb alongside Spring Creek. Now I know. It’s a gravel cyclist’s dream: a steady climb through hulking pine trees,
followed by a sporty — but not-too-steep — descent to the shores of Taylor Reservoir.
Topographically, the subalpine Spring Creek ride feels like a distant cousin to the scrubby sagebrush landscape abutting County Road 887 — the one we buzzed over in the airplane — yet, as the crow flies, the two dirt roads are only 20 miles apart. Gravel riding in Gunnison County is like that: one minute you’re zipping up your windbreaker after cresting a 10,000-foot pass, the next you’re rolling past sprawling ranches tucked into piñon country.
RIDE, REST, REPEAT
This kind of riding lends itself well to the “credit card tour” approach. Riders can link up routes that traverse the region and spend nights in unique small-town stays like the newly-refurbished Pitkin Hotel. In fact, many of Gunnison County’s best rides stitch together forgotten places — pedaling through Pitkin and adjacent Ohio City feels like moving through a living postcard. These towns aren’t “on the way” to anywhere, so you’re unlikely to visit them by
car. Take Waunita Hot Springs, for example — a historic lodge and one of Colorado’s best spots for a soak. Unless you’re on a bike (or in a lowflying plane), you’d probably never pass it at all.
For those who’d rather stick to one hub and explore outward, Gunnison itself makes an excellent basecamp. The Island Acres Motel, a stylishly refurbished motor lodge, sits just across from Hartman Rocks, a well-known mountain bike area that also hides some of the best gravel loops in the county. From your room, you can roll straight into the sagebrush and come back to a hot shower, well-appointed kitchenette and a well-stocked bike washing station.
Whether you’re credit card touring between remote outposts or spinning out from a basecamp in town, the riding here delivers what gravel cyclists actually want — solitude, scenery and choices. On County Road 887, what started as a flight-path curiosity became one of the most memorable stretches of my trip. That’s the thing about gravel: what looks like the middle of nowhere from the sky often turns out to be exactly where you want to be. :
GEAR FOR THE SEASON
Compiled by S+B Staff
Danner Cascade Crest Packable GTX Pants
These waterproof pants are as relaxed as they are durable. The elasticated waist, with drawcord, and hem make the pant fit to you, rather than you fit to the pant. Enjoy your journey with articulated knees and ankle zippers for movement and boot compatibility. Built to keep up without weighing you down, take these breathable and ultra-packable pants wherever adventure calls. $390 danner.com
Astral High Noon Hemp Hoodie Sun-ready performance, naturally. This hoodie blends high-function with low impact, crafted primarily from hemp for its breathable, heatdispersing and odor-resistant superpowers. The textured piqué knit lifts the fabric off your skin to keep air flowing freely for no cling, just cool comfort. Tough, timeless and free of synthetic fibers, it’s your go-to sun layer without the chemicals. $85 astraldesigns.com
Red Paddle Co EVO Pro Change Robe
Designed for life by the water, this change robe keeps you warm, dry and comfortable before and after every river or lake adventure. With waterproof, breathable fabric and cozy insulation, it’s the ultimate post-session essential for kayaker, paddle boarders, surfers and swimmers. $249 red-equipment.us
Teva Grandview Gore-Tex Hiking Boot
This low-profile waterproof hiker pairs durable leather, breathable mesh and a Gore-Tex bootie for all-weather comfort. With a secure heel lock, cushioned support and grippy Vibram outsole, it’s built for trails and travels short and long. $165 teva.com
BioLite Solar String Lights 44’
This versatile, off-grid string light delivers 44 feet of warm glow across 20 shatter-proof bulbs, powered by a detachable battery that doubles as a mobile charger. Recharge via solar panel or USB-C (no outlet needed) and enjoy up to 40 hours of light on a single charge. With three brightness settings, weatherproof design and a braided nylon cord, it’s perfect for fall camping and evening patio time. $99.95 bioliteenergy.com
Ombraz Refugio
Named after the Italian word for “shelter,” this new style from Ombraz pairs high-performance design with a laid-back feel. These armless shades feature integrated nose pads, optional side and nose shields, inspired by retro wraparounds and built for big-sun adventures. $195 ombraz.com
Ruffwear Confluence Dog Life Jacket
Made for water-loving dogs, this streamlined life jacket offers harness-like agility with reliable buoyancy. Foam paneling supports natural swimming, while dual handles make lifting easy. With six adjustment points, non-stretch webbing and reflective trim, it’s secure, comfy and adventure-ready, even after dark.
$114.95 ruffwear.com
Mammut Duncan Guide HS
Hooded Jacket
This versatile jacket offers lightweight, reliable weather protection on long outdoor adventures, thanks to the threelayer Mammut DRY Tour technology. Made with recycled fabric and durable ripstop inserts, it’s breathable, waterproof and built to last with adjustable hood and hem for a customizable fit. $299 mammut.com
Peppermint Cycling Co. MTB Overall
Fall riding just got more fun. These durable, water-repellent mountain biking overalls are made with highquality four-way stretch fabric for maximum mobility. They feature a zippered chest pocket, elastic at the ankles and waist for a dialed fit, and a side zipper for easy on and off. Built to move with you and stay put, no matter how rowdy the ride gets. $190 peppermintcycling.com
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45 L
The new Ocean color in this pack is really giving us wanderlust. It’s a rugged, weather-resistant carry-on backpack that adapts to your journey — it can compress down for city days and expand to a full 45 liters for extended adventures. Stowable shoulder and waist straps, tuck-away sternum strap, 360-degree grab handles and a trolley sleeve make hauling effortless, while expandable side pockets hold water bottles or tripods. $299.95 peakdesign.com
GEAR PROFILE
ALTRA RUNNING
Words by Lexi Marshall | Photos courtesy of Altra Running
Altra didn’t set out to reinvent the running shoe — they simply wanted to create one that worked with human anatomy instead of against it. What started as shoe modifications in a toaster oven has become a movement that challenges everything we thought we knew about running footwear.
Co-founder Brian Beckstead recalls the pivotal moment of Altra’s origin. “The lightbulb moment came on the shop floor,” he says. “At the time, we were working at a specialty running store and realized that traditional shoes were altering natural foot strike and contributing to injury. So we started modifying shoes in a toaster oven, removing the heel lift and carving out space in the toe box.”
This wasn’t about being different for the sake of it. “We just saw runners struggling in shoes that didn’t fit how feet are shaped or how bodies move,” Beckstead explains. That outsider perspective became Altra’s defining characteristic, pushing them to question industry standards from heel-to-toe drop to toe box construction.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE DESIGN
Two features set Altra apart: the FootShape toe box and Zero Drop platform. These aren’t marketing gimmicks — they’re biomechanical solutions.
“These features are central to Altra because they reflect how the human body was designed to move,” Beckstead says. “We were born with feet that are widest at the toes, not the ball, and evolved to walk and run with a natural, level stance.”
The FootShape toe box allows natural toe splay, improving balance and reducing pressure points. Meanwhile, Zero Drop — where heel and forefoot sit at the same height — promotes better posture and natural stride mechanics. As Beckstead puts it: “It’s not just a design choice. It’s a return to how we were built to move.”
MOUNTAIN HERITAGE
While Altra’s innovation began in Utah, the brand has found its true home in Colorado.
“While we were born in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, where we first started tinkering with shoes to better match the way our bodies are built to move, that spirit of experimentation and connection to mountain terrain still defines us,” Beckstead explains.
As a Colorado brand in its current form, Altra continues testing and developing in “rugged, high-elevation environments surrounded by a passionate running community that values natural movement, durability and a deep connection to the trail.” This Colorado foundation
has shaped their approach to creating footwear that thrives in demanding mountain conditions.
INNOVATION WITHIN PHILOSOPHY
Growth hasn’t meant abandoning their core mission. “Our mission has always been simple: help people run as naturally and efficiently as possible. That hasn’t changed — it just evolves,” says Beckstead.
Whether developing super shoes for road racing or tackling “the world’s toughest trails and longest efforts,” Altra maintains their fundamental belief that “shoes should work with your body, not against it.”
Altra represents more than footwear — it’s a philosophy that challenges why we’ve accepted shoes that fight our natural biomechanics. In a market dominated by heel elevation and narrow toe boxes, they’ve proven there’s power in returning to basics: letting feet be feet, and bodies move as they were designed to. :
altrarunning.com
Co-founder Brian Beckstead
LEGACY FOR A LIFETIME
OLIVIA CUMMINS’ ROAD TO THE OLYMPICS
Words by Chloe Wasserstrom | Photos courtesy of Olivia Cummins
For Olympian and professional cyclist
Olivia Cummins, the bike is more than an extension of her sport — it’s a symbol of legacy in motion, a vessel carrying years of ambition, discipline and dreams. More than machinery, it’s a vehicle that continues to promise possibility. Each ride is a testament to where she has been and where she is going.
Cummins’ road to the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris began in her hometown of Fort Collins, Colorado when she was 5 years old. On a casual family outing to Colorado State University’s racing series, Cummins entered her first cycling race. Without any training or
practice, she pedaled her way to second place, but she was determined to be first.
“Later that day, they had another kids’ race, and I won,” Cummins says. “16 years later, and here we are.”
Throughout her early childhood, Cummins dabbled in many athletic avenues. From horseback riding to gymnastics and soccer to ice skating, she always came home to her bicycle, whether it be on the mountain, track or road.
“Cycling was the only constant,” Cummins shares. “I liked it, and I was good at it.”
At 10 years old, Cummins met her coach, Andy Clark. This was just the beginning of a
steadfast and true partnership. Clark is still Cummins’ coach today. By 14, Clark gave her a pivotal piece of advice: if she wanted to reach her full potential, she’d need to channel her energy entirely into cycling. Cummins listened. That same year, she broke into the pro rankings — one stride closer to her ultimate goal: earning a spot on the UCI Women’s World Tour.
Upon high school graduation, she joined the cycling team at Colorado Mesa University, where she graduated with a degree in psychology this past spring. It did not take long before Cummins was invited to an Olympic training camp across the state in Colorado Springs. She trained countless hours with USA Cycling. Track cycling began to take precedence over road racing, as it became the primary focus of her Olympic training.
She could practically taste the thrill and victory of Paris 2024. Days before the final selection camp, where Cummins and her peers trained and participated in mock race simulations, Cummins crashed at the Road National Championship in Charleston, West Virginia. The athlete was not in the shape she wanted to be in to travel to the Netherlands and show USA Cycling her very finest.
“I did the best I could but knew I was capable of more than I showed,” Cummins says. “I was scared [if I was going to make the Olympic team and] that all the bad luck before the camp was going to cost me all the hard work I had put in for years.”
Then came the call — Cummins was officially an Olympian. In the weeks leading up to Paris, her summer revolved around the track, the gym, long endurance rides and even time in the sauna. And then it was time to compete in Paris.
After three races across two days, Team USA — with Cummins among them — claimed victory in the Team Pursuit event.
“I had never cried from a race or a result [before now],” Cummins recalls. “It was amazing to see how much we put into making that happen and it actually pay off and work out.”
Although Cummins championed an Olympic track event, she has always been biased to the road. That is why she is now dedicating her training to improve her threshold power, “filling in the gap between the super easy and the super hard rides.” She does not know if she will compete in the 2028 Summer Olympics, but she is certain that cycling will always be a part of her life.
“It may show itself differently, but it will always be there in some way, shape or form,” Cummins says.
You can find her legacy stamped into the roads and trails of the Grand Valley and throughout the entire state. You may even spot her tracks on Kokopelli’s Trail, 18 Road Trails in Fruita, riding from Grand Junction to Palisade, the National Monument or any rolling road. :
GET THE SHOT
Words by Kylea Henseler
They say a picture is worth a thousand words — but sometimes a truly wondrous sight feels impossible to capture in even a thousand pictures. And with the camera almost everyone carries in their pocket, it’s easy to take dozens of shots and still feel like you missed the moment. The good news is you don’t need a fancy camera to take great photos. With some advice from the pros and a little practice, anyone can shoot pics to be proud of on their cell phone. So, as the leaves start turning, here’s how you can brush up on your photography skills before heading out to see the foliage.
GET TO KNOW YOUR PHONE
It’s easy to take smartphones for granted, but Grand Junction-based photographer Catherine Mayer says, “The tech packed into these pocket cameras is truly remarkable.”
Phones typically handle settings like exposure automatically — features that often require manual adjustment on traditional cameras — and they offer a convenient, shareable photo library without the need for an SD card. While it’s easy to simply point and shoot, getting to know your device is the key to capturing photos that pop.
PHOTO TIPS FROM WESTERN SLOPE PROS
Photographer Catherine Mayer explains how she used the rule of thirds to compose this photo on her iPhone. “Here I used my camera grid to create a photo so that the buildings are in the first two-thirds of the left side of the image, and the umbrella tables are in the last third. In between is the leading line of the canal,” she says.
“This is an often overlooked step,” Mayer says.
David Kish, who teaches cell phone photography at the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, says there’s just a few technical things to remember.
One common drawback is that phone cameras don’t perform well in low-light situations. A second thing to check before you snap is the focus, as phones may automatically focus on or blur different aspects of a picture, especially when they’re very close to an object.
Finally, Front Range photographer Matt Siffert encourages using your phone’s editing features to bring photos to life. “You don’t always need to drastically edit your photos,” he says, “But don’t feel like editing falsifies the authenticity of your image.”
He believes exploring your editing tools and developing preferences is “part of the journey,” and tweaking just a few settings, like brightness and saturation, can make a huge difference.
THINK ABOUT COMPOSITION
Composition, more than any camera, is what really sets images apart.
“Shift your perspective into photographer mode,” Kish says.
While hikers can see the beauty around them as they walk along a trail, he explains, holding the phone up at head height won’t capture the scene like they intend. Instead, he suggests trying different angles, like kneeling down and capturing a trail from ground level.
Siffert says playing with foreground and background elements can give photos a creative edge, and he loves juxtaposing fall foliage with objects like tractors.
“Consider the various objects that surround what you’re focusing on,” he says, and “see if you can arrange everything harmoniously.”
To keep things simple, Kish says photographers can always use the rule of thirds: a design principle that involves visualizing an image as a three-bythree grid and placing the most important parts at the intersections of those squares.
FIND THE SPOT FOR THE SHOT
Siffert recalls the biggest risk he ever took as a photographer — capturing residents’ reactions in Cuba when Fidel Castro resigned as president amid widespread concern for public safety. “I don’t know if I’d have the guts to do that today!” he says.
Around here, photographers often take a different kind of risk to get the shot, from climbing to get a vantage point or hiking to a remote location.
Luckily, you don’t need to take any big risks to capture the perfect shot, though they do make for good stories.
A quick hike, leaf-peeping drive or even a step out the front door all provide ample opportunities for creative photographers.
Mayer loves shooting on the Grand Mesa and capturing the peaks of the Sneffels Range, and said Ashcroft is another cool place for autumn exploring. She and Kish both recommend Kebler Pass, the scenic byway that connects Paonia and Crested Butte.
Kish says one last tip for nailing foliage photography is avoiding full sunlight, which can cause too much reflection from the leaves. Instead, he suggests shooting earlier or later in the day, in overcast conditions or, at least, waiting for a cloud to block the sun.
Ultimately, he says, when the leaves turn, “the pictures almost take themselves.” :
Mayer advises getting to know the tools, settings and editing features on your phone. In this photo, she utilized portrait mode to play with foreground and background subjects.
Photographer Matt Siffert encourages phone users to explore editing tools on their phone and tweak settings like exposure and contrast. “Don’t feel like editing falsifies the authenticity of your image,” he says.
Boulder-based
Siffert likes shooting the juxtaposition of objects and nature when he shoots fall foliage.
Mayer got this beautifully-lit shot in Zion National Park, Utah.
MESA TOP TRAIL #714
Words + Photos by Melanie Wiseman
Thanks to the hundreds of backbreaking hours donated by mountain bikers, horseback riders and hikers, the Grand Mesa has one of the best and newest trails on the Western Slope. Completed in July 2015, Mesa
Top Trail #714 is a 14.6-mile, moderate outand-back hike that skirts natural ponds and meadows, forests of tall pine and spruce sprinkled with quaking aspens and offers stunning vistas of the Elk and San Juan Mountain ranges.
Mesa Top Trail was designed to connect a large parking area off Highway 65’s peak to the 15-mile Flowing Park Loop for a combined total round trip distance of 30.5 miles. Overwhelmed? Don’t be. With accessible trailheads at both ends
and several intersecting Forest Service roads and other trail off-shoots, you can create a Mesa Top Trail hike of any length you wish.
Although Mesa Top Trail is great for a variety of activities, it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people during your exploration. Savor the solitude by making frequent stops, especially at the plentiful viewpoints.
While many Grand Mesa hikes are best in summer, hiking the Mesa Top Trail in fall is a true delight. Golden aspen leaves shimmer against a bluebird sky, their fallen counterparts paving the trail, while crimson, russet and honey-colored ground cover hugs the craggy basalt terrain. Both you and your furry friends will enjoy the cooler temperatures.
GETTING THERE
Mesa Top Trailhead is located just off Highway 65 near the Mesa/Delta County line on the Grand Mesa. The large parking lot, a staging area for snowmobilers in the winter, is located just south of Lands End Road. There are vault toilets and changing rooms.
To reach the Flowing Park Reservoir parking area at the opposite end of the trail, or other intersecting Forest Service roads, travel west on Lands End Road and take the first left onto Flowing Park Road 109.
THE TRAIL
The Mesa Top Trail is located in the Grand Mesa National Forest, and like other trails on the Grand Mesa, overall elevation stays relatively flat. Starting at the Highway 65 parking lot, the trail descends gradually over 7.3 miles one way, dropping from 10,733 to 10,018 feet in elevation.
As the trail begins, it skirts many meadows for the most part by staying just inside the trees. At mile 1, the trail heads away from the meadows toward the rim of the Mesa. Skid Trail branches off to the right at mile 2.4. At approximately the 3-mile point, the trail touches the Grand Mesa rim, offering colorful views of the Granby and Battlement Reservoirs as well as the towns of Eckert, Cedaredge and Delta in the distance.
A large portion of the Mesa Top Trail crosses rocky basalt stretches of varying sizes. Near mile 6, the trail crosses Trail #721 which drops off the top of the mesa toward the Granby Reservoirs. A rocky outcrop is the roughest part of the whole trail, with the final stretch smoothing out. The beautiful Flowing Park Reservoir greets you at the end.
Whether you chose a section of Mesa Top Trail, a shuttle one-way or round trip, this fall hike will not disappoint. :
A LOVE LETTER TO THE GRAND VALLEY
Words by Katie Lukashow | Photo by Jeff Heaton
Come gather near and hear the tale Of a place both wild and kind — Where mesas rise and horses roam, And rest is what I’d find.
The flattops watch with softened gaze, Like grandmothers at rest — Her silence stitched with ancient care, A calm against my chest.
Mount Garfield stood with jagged pride, A sentinel grown stern. His shadow held the ache I brought, And taught me not to turn.
You cradled us in red-rock arms, With hush and canyon hymn.
Through winding roads of Monument stone, You softened what had been.
We watched the wild horses crest the ridge, Unbridled, fierce and wide. They moved like prayers across the land — A freedom we couldn’t hide.
We found a parish with open arms, A fierce and faithful few, Who taught us how love holds its ground When storms come breaking through.
My body, once a stranger’s shell, Found rhythm in the land. Each run along the river’s edge Was joy I hadn’t planned.
Through vineyards thick with dusty grace, Through snow and desert flame, I failed, I laughed, I bruised, I healed — And never once felt shame.
The apricots hung low and sweet, Their branches bowed with gold. The peaches ripened in the sun, A story softly told.
We tasted time and learned to wait, To trust in slow delight. Each harvest sang of something more Than what just meets the sight.
Junction, you held us close When life was stripped and bare — You met us with a gentle truth And with more grace than we can share.
We leave your dirt but not your hold — Collected from sacred ground. The curse, they say, ensures return, But we see promise in what’s bound.
And though we go to new unknowns, Your dust still coats our shoes.
We carry all your rooted grace — Your memory, a muse.
So here’s to you, our western home, Where healing had its start — A valley carved not just in stone, But deep within our heart. :
FALL IN OURAY AT THE WESTERN HOTEL
Words by Kim Fuller
As summer fades and crisp mountain air rolls in, Ouray transforms into one of the Rockies’ most enchanting autumn escapes. At the center of it all, The Western Hotel & Spa offers a retreat that feels both timeless and perfectly suited to the season, where history, warmth and modern comfort meet against a backdrop of autumn brilliance.
Established in 1881 and lovingly restored in 2023, The Western is one of the last surviving timber-frame buildings in the West. Once a 40room boarding house, it has been reimagined
into 16 thoughtfully designed suites. Inside, cozy fireplaces, dark wood, leather furnishings and freestanding bathtubs invite guests to curl up after a day of exploring. Vintage typewriters and sweeping mountain views add a touch of character that connects each stay to the area’s legacy, while soft lighting and curated design create the perfect cocoon for chilly evenings.
The Grotto Spa is especially enticing with its dry sauna, cold plunge, soaking hot tub and treatment rooms, offering warmth and rejuvenation after brisk mountain hikes. The
spa’s moody, Western-inspired ambiance feels tailor-made for fall — inviting guests to slow down, savor and embrace the season.
At The Western Saloon & Grill, Executive Chef John Broening leans into fall flavors with his signature “farm to fire” approach. Menus highlight the region’s harvest, from orchard fruit and root vegetables to local meats and cheeses, sourced from nearby farms and ranches. New this year, the Chef’s Counter seats just five guests per night for an intimate three-course prix fixe
menu paired with optional wine flights. With natural wines and Colorado vintages poured alongside tasty dishes, dining here feels like a celebration of the season — intimate, flavorful and best enjoyed by the glow of candlelight.
AUTUMN ADVENTURES IN OURAY
Before temperatures drop and a lot of ice settles in for the winter season, the Ouray Perimeter Trail offers an exhilarating escape for hikers and trail runners. It encircles the town with nearly six miles of rugged, scenic beauty, passing by the impressive Box Canyon Falls and Cascade Falls.
For a different vantage point, the Million Dollar Highway becomes one of Colorado’s most spectacular drives any time of year, but fall timing is ideal. Twisting from Ouray toward
LOOKING
AHEAD TO THE 2026
OURAY WINTER WINE FESTIVAL
As the first snowflakes begin to dust the peaks beyond Ouray, get ready to raise a glass at the Ouray Winter Wine Festival, returning in February 2026. This charming, intimate gathering takes place in the historic Wright Opera House on Main Street — it’s a fireside festival where you can taste your way through Western Colorado’s finest wineries, cideries and distilleries. Previous years have offered two sessions — midday and early evening — so mark your calendar and prepare for a cozy, wine-soaked celebration of winter in the Rockies. ouraywinterwinefestival.com
Silverton, the route offers sweeping views of mountainsides ablaze with color.
Round out a perfect Ouray day with a soothing soak at the Ouray Hot Springs Pool, a year-round draw since 1927. The sulfur-free, geothermally heated pools range in temperature from warm to steamy hot, with areas designed for both relaxation and play. Families can enjoy lap lanes and shallow sections, while adults can retreat to quieter soaking pools. Whether it’s a post-hike recovery dip or a starlit soak on a snowy night, the hot springs are an essential part of the Ouray experience. :
thewesternouray.com
KIM FULLER
KIM FULLER
WHERE ADVENTURE SLEEPS
COLORADO’S COOLEST HOSTELS
Words by Kylea Henseler
Sometimes, driving home after a day of adventure — even just a few hours across the state — is the last thing a tired traveler wants to do. Paying for hotels near some of Colorado’s hottest destinations isn’t always appealing, but hostels offer warm beds for a fraction of the price.
Hostels feature dorm-style rooms where guests simply pay for the bed, and they make perfect crash pads for weary adventurers. Many offer single and mixed-gender dorms, as well as kitchens where guests can store and prepare their own food. And, they’re a great place to meet like-minded people from all over the world.
This style of accommodation may be better known in other countries, but the Centennial State boasts multiple hostels worth checking into for those traveling on a budget or looking for a unique experience.
RAD Hostel
Colorado Springs, CO
One of the biggest draws of hostels is the community they create, as travelers from all over come to crash and share stories. RAD Hostel emphasizes this community in its ambitious mission to “cure loneliness” by making every guest feel at home.
“We’re a place to connect,” says owner Erin Welch. “Whether a solo traveler, digital nomad or just someone who craves authentic human connection, RAD creates an atmosphere where friendships form naturally.”
She notes that six couples who met at the hostel went on to get married.
RAD offers both single and mixed-gender rooms, and events and excursions are a big part of the package, including day hikes to spots like
Garden of the Gods, live music, game nights and group trips to local venues. But, Welch says, “Our most popular on-site activity is the evening bonfire. While the free s’mores definitely help, there’s something undeniably magical about it.”
Rates start at $33 per night. radhostel.com
The Bivvi Hostel
Telluride + Breckenridge, CO
The Bivvi bills itself as a “basecamp” and takes its name from bivouacs, or minimalist open-air encampments used by adventurers. And that’s exactly who the hostel is designed for, with locations in mountain communities that thrill seekers flock to.
Each location offers private suites and more budget-friendly dorms. Amenities include a hot tub, restaurant and bar, Wi-Fi, free breakfast, indoor gear storage and busses to the nearby ski areas. The Bivvi Breckenridge is even within walking distance of downtown, while Telluride’s is just a short drive from all the action.
Rates start at $40 per night. thebivvi.com
The Block Hotel & Commons
Silverthorne, CO
“Hotel” is right in the name, but this property offers options ranging from private suites to beds in single-gender or mixed dormitories.
Formally known as “The Pad,” The Block got a name change after Crestline Hotel & Resorts acquired it this year.
Based in Silverthorne, it’s an affordable site near popular spots to fish, hike, mountain bike and paddle. In winter, ski areas like Breckenridge, Copper, Arapahoe Basin and Loveland are just a short drive away.
And, there’s plenty to do at The Block itself, which has a bar and rooftop hot tub. It also hosts community events nearly every day, like trivia, yoga and even Latin dance lessons.
Rates start at $29 per night. theblocksilverthorne.com
Dolores Bike Hostel
Dolores, CO
With around 70 miles of singletrack accessible from downtown Dolores and hundreds more
nearby, this southwest Colorado town is practically a mountain bike mecca. At the Dolores Bike Hostel, cyclists find customized amenities to help them feel at home, like indoor bike storage and maintenance tools.
But, owner Jake Carloni says, “We’re also a hostel for everybody … It’s a really nice place to come recover and rest.”
Amenities like a bar, sauna and cold plunge excite guests no matter what their hobbies are. In addition to trails, Dolores is near historical and geographical destinations like Mesa Verde National Park and Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park, as well as the Wilson Group 14ers.
The hostel also hosts regular yoga classes and a monthly book club where guests can discuss a book of their choice.
Rates start at $45 per night. doloresbikehostel.com
Ember Hostel
Denver
Denver offers several options for budgetconscious travelers, but Ember holds the distinction of being crowned the best in the country by Hostelworld in 2020 and the third best in 2025.
Located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, the historic building boasts distinctive decor
throughout, and pitches “five-star amenities with the lively social buzz of a hostel.” Guests can choose between private rooms and co-ed or female-only dorm rooms with up to 16 beds.
In keeping with that, Ember hosts regular events including excursions to Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre and Monday Movie Night, in addition to special activities like Bend & Blaze yoga which guests must pre-register for.
Rates start at $33 per night. emberhostel.com :
THREE AUTUMN DAYS IN MADISON, WISCONSIN
Words by Courtney Holden | Photos courtesy of Destination Madison
Fall can be a difficult time to get away. Not only does September mean the start of a new school year (and all the hustle-bustle of soccer, Scouts and ukulele lessons that come with it), the golden aspens and finally cool temperatures make our Colorado home hard to leave. Trust us when we say the direct, two-hour flight to a multi-colored autumn getaway in Madison, Wisconsin is worth it.
DAY 1
Home to the highest number of parks per capita in the U.S., Wisconsin’s capital city is a walkable, bikeable, 280,000-person mini metropolis situated on an isthmus between two glacial lakes. Start your time here with a taste of the state’s delicacy at locally owned Fromagination, a cutto-order cheese shop offering a wide range of
Wisconsin’s award-winning blocks and wheels. Try the 15-year cheddar or delightfully squeaky cheese curds (or both!) and munch as you walk down the street to check into the Park Hotel. Request a room on the ninth floor for a clear view of the Capitol building (and the only granite dome in the world), along with the green lawns and changing trees of the surrounding square. Spend the rest of the afternoon downtown poking into shops or meandering through the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (admission is free) before walking to your dinner reservation at the farm-to-table Heritage Tavern Dinner and drink menus change seasonally, but the flight of Heritage Deviled Eggs — topped with crispy pork, pickled turmeric or some other decadence — are a staple. Choose foraged mushroom pappardelle or a mushroom-and-
Dane County Farmers Market
peppercorn-crusted striploin for your main, paired perhaps with broccoli stem and chili peanut slaw. Finish the meal, and your evening, with a creation from Pastry Sous Chef Kalyn Schultz.
DAY 2
Rise and shine for the Dane County Farmers Market, steps (literally) from your hotel’s front door. Breathe in the scent of fresh dahlias, and don’t be shy about sampling a ground cherry or smackerel of honeycomb as you wander through the more than 150 vendors who ring Capitol Square each Saturday morning. More evidence of fall’s harvest — squash, apples and pumpkins — will also be on display at what’s reported to be the largest producers-only farmers market in the country.
For lunch, enjoy a black kale Caesar or Korean fried chicken and waffle at James Beard award-winner Chef Tory Miller’s Graze. Then head out in search of amber elms and goldenorange ash trees on a hike. Where to go? You could wander through Wingra Woods, a section
One of the four Thai pavilions at Olbrich Botanical Gardens
of the 17-plus miles of trail in the UW-Madison Arboretum. Or, you might enjoy the flamecolored leaves of sugar maples and white oaks as you hike the relatively level 2-mile out-andback to Picnic Point along Lake Mendota’s south shore. Work up a sweat — and of course get your leaf peeping on — but don’t overdo it. There’s more adventure on the menu for today.
But first, dinner in the plant-filled, atriumesque main dining room at Everly. Autumn’s bounty is on display here too, evident in everything from their tea-braised pork with carrots and mushrooms to their chocolate mousse terrine featuring Fresno chilis.
Instead of after-dinner sips, it’s after-dinner splashes on your Brittingham Full Moon Paddle
itinerary, walk across the street to Wonderstate Coffee. Order a fall-inspired maple latte to go and sip while taking in the 16 acres of outdoor gardens — plus an indoor, tropical conservatory — at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. Expect the Autumn Garden, with its carpet of native grasses, as well as the asters and mums in planted beds and containers to be especially vibrant, but make time to stroll through the white bark of the Birch Walk and to snap a selfie by one of just four Thai pavilions located outside Thailand.
End your time in Madison with a game of truth or dairy at the trendy, mixed-use Garver Feed Mill. There, try a slice of mac and cheese ‘za and a Wisco Salad (featuring bleu cheese) from Ian’s Pizza followed by a stop at Calliope
PRESENTATIONS, BLOCK PARTIES, GALAS + MORE MARK CENTENNIAL YEAR
COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY
CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Words by Sharon Sullivan | Photos courtesy of Colorado Mesa University
One hundred years ago, Mesa County residents voted to tax themselves in order to establish a college in Grand Junction. At the time, the Colorado Legislature initially declined to provide funding, so voters overwhelmingly approved a mill levy and secured additional support from the local Lions and Rotary clubs. On April 10, 1925, Grand Junction Junior College was founded, enrolling 39 students in its inaugural two-year program.
A century later, Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is marking its Centennial with another first: bringing Broadway productions to Grand Junction. These shows will take place at CMU’s new, state-ofthe-art Asteria Theatre, which opened in 2024.
As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary and Colorado marks 150 years of statehood, CMU’s Century Project will commemorate the university’s 100th anniversary with a yearlong series of events, including special presentations, performances and celebrations throughout the 2025-26 academic year, according to Robin Brown, vice president of development and CEO of the CMU Foundation.
Celebrations kicked off for staff and faculty on Aug. 22, 2025 with a documentary premiere of Long May We Live, produced especially for the Century Project by alumni Herry Fuentes and Jaden Quan of Jhova Media. A public screening is scheduled for Oct. 23 at the Asteria Theatre.
FROM JUNIOR COLLEGE TO UNIVERSITY
In 1937, after a period of steady growth, the two-year Grand Junction Junior College was renamed Mesa College. By the mid-1970s, it had transitioned into a four-year college offering bachelor’s degrees. Another name change followed in 1988, when it became Mesa State College. In 1996, the college introduced its first master’s program.
Finally, in 2011, the Board of Trustees and the State of Colorado officially renamed the institution Colorado Mesa University to reflect its growing student population and more than 100 undergraduate programs, including certificate, associate and bachelor’s-level degrees. Since then, CMU has continued to grow, adding a number of graduate-level programs to its curriculum.
In 2005, the university added a two-year open-admission division at Western Colorado Community College, which has since been renamed CMU Tech. The community college offers technical certificates and associate degrees. Additionally, CMU has a branch campus in Montrose.
Another important CMU milestone is the addition of St. Mary’s Medical Center, which
houses the university’s physician assistant, physical therapy and occupational therapy graduate programs. The State of Colorado did not allocate funding for this project, so, “we went out and found philanthropic, local government and private sector support,” says CMU President John Marshall. “It’s a ‘yes’ ethos — a powerful example of how we found a way.”
Tim Foster served as Colorado Mesa University president from 2004 to 2021. He recalls how Mesa State College struggled financially when it was part of a consortium of state schools. When Mesa State College acquired its own governing board in 2003, it gained more control over its finances, which allowed it to grow. Prior to that time, there were not enough dormitories on campus to meet the need, says Foster.
“When I got there, we didn’t have enough housing — we were putting students up in hotels,” Foster recalls. “If you can’t provide housing, students will go somewhere else. We more than doubled the dorm capacity over the years — from 800 to more than 2,000. Being independent allowed us to do that.” Three new dormitories were built, and old dorms were renovated.
Grand Junction Junior College, 1925
Mesa College students, 1954
HONORING PEOPLE WHO SHAPED CMU
CMU Special Collections and Archives Librarian
Amber D’Ambrosio spent a year collaborating with Foster and Grand Junction writer Kristen Lummis on a high-quality coffee table book celebrating notable people and stories from the university’s 100-year history. Among them is Mary Elizabeth Hendrickson, one of the first students to graduate and receive her pilot’s license from the college’s Pavilion Pilot training program, established in 1939. “I found that interesting because women didn’t have a lot of opportunities back then,” D’Ambrosio says. “It was surprising that one of our first aviation students was a woman.”
D’Ambrosio also uncovered a surprising moment in CMU’s history involving former U.S. President Gerald Ford. In 1974, Ford’s visit to Grand Junction happened to coincide with the university’s homecoming weekend — both events were scheduled at Lincoln Park. Rather than rescheduling, the college invited him to take
part. “He agreed to be part of the ceremony,” says D’Ambrosio. “President Ford ended up crowning the Homecoming Queen that evening.”
The 192-page coffee table book is available for purchase at the campus bookstore and at CMU Downtown, located at 500 Main St. in Grand Junction. CMU supporter Rock Tope wrote the foreword, and President Marshall contributed both the introduction and afterword.
“As we think about our 100 years, it’s really a story about the people who made this place what it is,” Marshall says. “Mary Rait was one of those remarkable people who had a significant impact on this university.” Rait began teaching at the college in 1925, and became the school’s first vice president in 1937 — a position she held for 23 years. The original women’s dormitory was named for her. While that building has since been demolished, a new dorm has been constructed and named for Rait. A bronze statue of Rait will be installed on campus sometime during the school year.
Mesa College graduation, 1959
Mesa College students, 1960s
Mesa College students, 1969
A YEAR OF CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS
An Academic Passport Open House will be held on Oct. 24 from noon to 5 p.m., inviting students, alumni and community members to explore CMU’s academic departments and learn more about its programs.
On Dec. 5, community members are invited to step back in time for a Roaring 20s Party at Davis House, the university’s hospitality venue, located at 1520 N. 7th St. The historic property has been remodeled to resemble a home built in the early 1920s, says Brown. Guests are
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encouraged to dress up in period attire — think flapper dresses, pearls, pinstripes and fedoras — for an evening of classic cocktails, decadent appetizers, lively music and nonstop dancing. This is a ticketed event.
Coming up in February 2026 is “Becoming CMU: 100 Years in the Making” – a three-part presentation of stories collated by Foster. This presentation will take place at the university’s Black Box Theatre and is free and open to the public.
The Century Project’s grand finale will take place on April 10, 2026, with the CMU Century Gala on the second floor of the University Center. Guests are encouraged to dress in the style of their favorite decade and will move through various rooms, each uniquely decorated to reflect a different era from the university’s 100year history. :
For a schedule of all the events commemorating CMU’s Centennial anniversary year, visit cmucentury.com
Autumn Leaving 40x30x1.5” on Canvas
CMU Houston Hall, 2002
KARL NICHOLASON’S CREATIVE LEGACY HE WAS AN ARTIST
By Kimberly Nicoletti | Photos courtesy of Michael Hurshman
Karl Nicholason epitomized the stereotypical tortured, starving, genius artist — and yet his story and creative works are anything but cliché. A new book, titled Karl Nicholason: He Was An Artist, outlines his life and presents unpublished works.
Before Nicholason died in 2022 at age 82 in Grand Junction, he survived both the heights and the horrors of an artist completely dedicated to his own vision.
In the 1960s and ’70s, he lived in Southern California, working as a principal illustrator for Psychology Today. He became a well-respected commercial illustrator for psychology, science and sociology textbooks, and created images for magazines ranging from Saturday Review to Playboy.
“His imagination, coupled with exceptional technical skill, were well-suited for the psychedelic era of counter-culture self-exploration promoted by Psychology Today,” author Michael Hurshman points out in the book, later adding: “His technical proficiency as a draftsman coupled with his ability to visualize a client’s concept in a colorful and captivating psychological diorama was unique for the time and became his professional calling card.”
But by the 1980s, commercial tastes had changed, and Nicholason had no interest in catering to them — or to galleries. He respected only a handful of masters, viewing the rest as “hacks,” a label he certainly didn’t apply to himself. His thumbnail sketches, many of which the book showcases, demonstrate his skill in
Biology Today, a college textbook, was produced by the publishers of Psychology Today. Their offices were in Del Mar, California. Kitty worked there in the ‘70s.
A client with a new greeting card company found Pyramid Printing, where Kitty worked, and said she needed an illustrator. Karl was a perfect fit for the job — and the client — and he worked happily and profitably for quite a while. This is a Christmas card featuring a play on a Magritte painting.
Karl produced illustrations in a wide range of styles. In fact, his nickname in San Diego was “Dial-A-Style.”
perspective, line, medium and subject, regardless of scale. Some of his effects still baffle artists. He also relied on his photographic memory rather than reference material.
Despite the fact that his vast — and surprisingly self-taught — techniques would have allowed him to produce just about anything, he refused to meet market demands that didn’t suit him.
“He wanted to do what he was motivated to do. He just thought people should recognize his brilliance and reward him for it — and, I mean, he was brilliant,” Hurshman says.
He notes in the book: “His art is deeply personal and involving his complex psychology and life experience, rooted in a singular obsession with expressing his inner turmoil and vision. He was his own audience. His art, outside of the contracted commercial obligations and infrequent gallery representation, was never created for public consumption. The decorative art market was of particular disgust to him.”
His frustrations around conformity ultimately spiraled into depression, overreliance on alcohol, divorce and homelessness. Still, he continued to constantly create, sometimes drawing on toilet paper rolls because he couldn’t afford supplies. He stated in one sketchbook: “If I don’t paint to empty my mind, I’ll go mad.”
His initial success, artistic talent and “fun life” attracted Kitty Nicholason, and they married in 1983. Granted, she wanted to “domesticate” him, teaching him financial responsibility and marketability, but he didn’t — or couldn’t — grasp either.
Growing more despondent in California, he began to talk about Colorado. He had been stationed in Denver from 1957 to 1961 after enlisting in the Air Force at age 17, where his photographic memory resulted in extraordinary Morse code communication. Upon discharge, he briefly studied at The Art Institute of Colorado before rebelling against academics.
After carving a life near the Del Mar beach they so loved, the couple settled into an affordable dream home in Grand Junction, where properties were financially attainable, as opposed to California.
“We moved in 1990, and it was great at first,” Kitty Nicholason says.
But Western Slope clients didn’t pay what he was accustomed to. One client with homes in Laguna Beach and Durango hired him for a fair amount of illustration work, but he broke off the relationship over a perceived slight, she says.
“Karl never wanted to go out and hustle work. He always assumed he would just be discovered — he was that good … I absolutely fell in love with his artistic ability, but I wanted to have a normal family life, and he was just too prickly, and he never missed an opportunity to tell me I was doing something wrong,” she says, adding that alcohol and lack of money increased the pressure. “He was fine on beer, but if he had tequila, oh my god. He was never physically
violent with me or our son, but I spent the last four or five years walking on eggshells trying to make sure that he was happy so that I could be happy.”
In 1998, after 15 years of marriage, they divorced. Once she remarried, he no longer affected her moods — so much so that she moved a hospital bed into her home when he fell ill before his death. “He mellowed a bit in the end,” she says.
Still, that didn’t prevent his son — whom he references in drawings about not having enough money to buy a gift for during his homeless days in Denver — from estranging him several years before his death.
“He was remarkably good at one thing and was unable to do almost anything else,” Hurshman says. “He did not function well in society. He was introverted, typically poor, and he just sat in his little room probably drinking too much beer and tequila at times and drawing and painting. That was his life.”
Hurshman, an art collector, met him in Grand Junction in the mid-1990s but lost touch while he was homeless for more than two years in Denver in the early 2000s, during a period when he was finally seeking gallery representation. Sketches in the book viscerally speak to Nicholason’s isolation, poverty, desperation and hopelessness.
“I viewed his act of making art as somewhat of an exorcism,” Hurshman says. “He had demons, and that’s how he got them out. He was very unemotional about his art; when he was done with the piece, he was done with it. He didn’t go back and edit and agonize. When he got it out of his head, he just did another one and another one and another one until he was exhausted or passed out.”
Not wanting Nicholason to remain unrecognized after his death, Hurshman spent more than two years sorting through the nearly 3,000 drawings and paintings stuffed haphazardly in the artist’s tiny Grand Junction dwelling. With an aim to “make order out of the chaos that was Nicholason’s world,” he structured
Karl loved puns.
the book into seven categories: vignettes ranging from satirical relationships to domestic violence; social commentary, often including Nicholason’s sarcastic wit; alienation; works inspired by the masters; land- and seascapes; the La Infanta
Karl did not like people asking him: ‘What does this mean, or why did you do that?’ He’d get real irritated, partly because he probably didn’t even know, and it bugged him to have to try to analyze his art because he didn’t do it to have to analyze it.
Margarita series inspired by Velazquez’s 1659 paintings; and other works.
Most do not include explanations. Rather, cryptic and often disturbing illustrations, which include references to mythology, clever word play and repeating symbols such as starfish, are left to the viewer’s imagination.
“It is quite possible that even Nicholason would be unable to coherently describe his motivation for the subject,” Hurshman writes. “He once told me that he would commonly wake up after a night of heavy drinking, and paintings or drawings would be on his drawing table. He had no reference materials other than his inner torment and no memory of creating the images.”
“I learned not to ask a lot of questions,” he says. “He did not like people asking him: ‘What does this mean, or why did you do that?’ He’d get real irritated, partly because he probably didn’t even know, and it bugged him to have to try to analyze his art because he didn’t do it to have to analyze it. He did it to get it out of his head.”
Yet, he obsessed over color mixing and typically documented his experimentations.
A book designer by trade, Kitty Nicholason designed the book using her ex-husband’s favorite typefaces. Hurshman says the overall quality of the artist’s works were so high, he
could’ve compiled the book with totally different images and been equally as happy with it.
“I have a couple of friends who were bigtime illustrators in their day, and they looked at the collection and went, ‘Oh my god, I’ve never seen anything like this. Who is this guy?,’” he says.
Apart from his early illustration awards, only this book and two major paintings in the permanent collection of The Art Center of Western Colorado in Grand Junction honor his talent. However, after seeing the book, The Leonardo — a major museum in Salt Lake City — offered to dedicate 2,500 square feet to exhibit Nicholason’s work for two months last summer. Unfortunately, financial issues forced the museum to cancel the show. As of press time, the museum hoped to highlight his art in the fall.
“He should’ve been discovered,” Kitty Nicholason says. “Maybe a different personality would’ve dominated. But his talent. He’s right up there — I think — with the big kids. I really do.” :
The 200-page book designed by Kitty Nicholason and published by Michael Hurshman in 2025.
Karl and Barney in his studio on Jimmy Durante Blvd. in Del Mar, California, October 1983
EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY FOR SPANISH-SPEAKING ENTREPRENEURS
CAMINO AL ÉXITO
Words by Kristen Lummis
On April 2, 2025, the Grand Junction Business Incubator Center (BIC) launched a new initiative called Camino al Éxito, or “Path to Success.” The program expands existing services and materials to include Spanish-language coaching and support, aiming to better reach and assist entrepreneurs whose first language is Spanish.
According to Chief Executive Officer Dalida Sassoon Bollig, BIC previously offered Spanishspeaking staff and resources in Spanish, including curricula, access to statewide Small Business Development Center (SBDC) classes and flyers. However, with Camino al Éxito,
the center is providing dedicated learning and meeting space and working to ensure its existing services are accessible in Spanish. The goal is to attract and assist entrepreneurs from the 14.5% of Spanish-speaking households in Mesa County by offering additional support and resources.
“This is essential for our community. We want our community to be diversified and strong economically,” says Sassoon Bollig. “Every entrepreneur needs skills to make this happen, and by supporting Spanish speakers, BIC helps stimulate the local economy with job creation and sustainable business practices.”
Sonia Guiterrez and her brothers, Jose R. Gutierrez and Sergio Gutierrez, of Sierra Concrete Company COURTESY
COMMUNITY-DRIVEN INSPIRATION
The inspiration behind Camino al Éxito came from two local businesspeople, Sonia Gutierrez and Eric Gil. Both were raised in bilingual households and recognize that learning in one’s native language aids in understanding, retention and, ultimately, success — even if your business operates entirely in English.
Gutierrez saw the importance of this firsthand, as her parents founded and operated a tortilla factory for two decades. “My dad, my family, they’re entrepreneurs. That’s what I grew up with and my dad is a very stubborn man — thank goodness — or he wouldn’t have had the success he did with his businesses,” explains Gutierrez, noting that her father spoke English “very well,” but still had difficulty navigating the business world.
When Gutierrez and her brothers opened Sierra Concrete Company in Grand Junction
six years ago, they followed in their parents’ footsteps, becoming entrepreneurs themselves.
“It wasn’t until after we started Sierra Concrete that I learned about the Business Incubator Center,” shares Gutierrez, who is now one of 14 local business leaders serving on the BIC board of directors. “I did not know about all of the programs, and I wish I would have,” she says, explaining that she believes BIC services can useful to all business owners, no matter where they are in their entrepreneurial journey.
SUPPORT AT EVERY STEP
Gil arrived in the Grand Valley from Los Angeles in 2021 and established Strong Branch Learning, a tutoring and academic support business. Gil had previously been a public school teacher who tutored on the side. Upon arrival in the Grand Valley, he quickly availed himself of numerous business-support resources, including local chambers of commerce and BIC.
Strong Branch Learning SAT practice exam group show their positive attitude.
“I’ve utilized the Business Incubator services. Everything that they’ve offered, I’ve pretty much leveraged,” Gil explains, calling out BIC’s Leading Edge program, which helped him review and refine his business plan and practices, including accounting, bookkeeping, insurance liability and more. “It’s good to go over that again and make sure you have your head in the right place,” he shares.
With this positive firsthand experience, he was thrilled when Gutierrez asked him to help establish Camino al Éxito. “Sonia started with a kernel of an idea — the idea of growing the education piece at BIC to help business owners in the Spanish-speaking community,” says Gil. He believes that mentoring is one of the most valuable services he received from BIC, and is gratified that Spanish-language mentoring will be an important component of Camino al Éxito.
Reflecting on the importance of Camino al Éxito, Mike Ritter, the BIC’s economic
development director, highlights the center’s mission “to support the launch, growth and stabilization of business enterprises.” Ritter adds that this “means a variety of different things for a variety of different people. But fundamentally, it’s that we can support you in the business side of your business, and that comes so much more easily when you can get support in your native language.”
Established in 1986, BIC offers a staggering array of business support programs. Ritter proudly shares that in 2024 BIC was ranked the “second-best incubator in the world” by the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA).
Every BIC program aligns with at least one of four organizational pillars: innovation; space and tools; funding and incentives; and mentorship and coaching. The programs housed at BIC include the regional SBDC, the Incubator Intensive Program, the Commercial
Sonia Gutierrez, Eric Gil, Dalida Sassoon Bollig, Mandy DeCino
COURTESY
Kitchen Program, the Mesa County Enterprise Zone, the Mesa County Business Loan Fund, GJ MakerSpace, F-Works Coworking Space, a regional Circular Economy Development Center office, the Workforce Innovation Project, AgriWest and Strategic Planning for Nonprofits.
CONNECTING + GROWING
TOGETHER
Only a few months in, Gutierrez shares that business people are signing up for Camino al Éxito’s Spanish-language assistance and that she is currently acting as a mentor for a client, helping them “navigate some obstacles.”
Gutierrez adds that a top priority for Camino al Éxito is networking and spreading the word that Spanish-language services are available at BIC in a comfortable, dedicated setting where entrepreneurs can take classes, meet with mentors and connect with one another.
Gutierrez believes that the ideal clients for Camino al Éxito are people who want to start a business or are looking to expand an existing business. As the program becomes better known,
20 YEARS OF BANKING. COMMUNITY FOCUSED
she envisions a system of cohorts, groups of approximately 10 entrepreneurs at a time, who will go through a Spanish-language business development program together, with additional one-on-one advising provided as needed.
Mandy DeCino, SBDC program director at BIC, connects clients to Spanish-language educational resources at the state level and has been involved in building out Gutierrez’s and Gil’s vision. She is excited about Camino al Éxito’s prospects, especially BIC’s ability to respond to a client’s diverse needs in both English and Spanish.
“We won’t know what people need until they come to us and we ask specific questions,” says DeCino. “Then we can say ‘Oh, we need to guide you in this direction.’ That’s part of the beauty of us being who we are. We can pivot and change and identify what you need, and then find the resources to make it happen.” :
If you are interested in learning more about Camino al Éxito and the Grand Junction Business Incubator, visit gjincubator.org
FALL 2025
Compiled by Jude Bolick
SEPTEMBER
Chili & Beer Festival
Crested Butte, CO
September 6
The 26th Annual Mt. Crested Butte Chili & Beer Festival will take place in the base area of Crested Butte Mountain Resort. During the event, amateur and professional chili cookers will battle in a variety of categories for “best of” awards, and craft breweries from around the state will compete for “best of” titles and cash prizes. cbchamber.com
Bridges of the Butte
Crested Butte, CO
September 7
For four lively hours, participants don their wildest costumes and cycle across all the iconic Gunnison and Crested Butte bridges. After the event’s conclusion, stick around for the post-event celebration, featuring music, food, drinks and prizes. All proceeds go to support the Adaptive Sport Center’s mission to raise funds for access to affordable lessons, state-of-the-art
equipment and expert instructors skilled in various disciplines and disability adaptations. adaptivesports.org
31st Annual Telluride
Blues & Brews Festival
Telluride, CO
September 12-14
Renowned as one of the most scenic and intimate music festivals in the country, this multi-stage event combines live blues, funk, indie, rock and more with top craft breweries. Gondola rides, hiking, biking, kids’ activities, late-night shows, morning yoga and local vendors round out the experience. tellurideblues.com
Tour of the Moon
Grand Junction, CO
September 13
Made famous in the 1980’s Coors Classic and later in the cycling movie American Flyers, this bike tour takes participants along the legendary twists and turns of the red rock canyons and the Colorado National Monument. Enjoy panoramic views throughout while pedaling the 41-mile or the 64-mile loop and end the course in downtown Grand Junction. theridecollective.com
Desert’s Edge Triathlon
Fruita, CO
September 13-14
After a modified event in 2024, Desert’s Edge Triathlon is back at Highline Lake State Park in 2025 with all the usual race distances: sprint, Olympic, collegiate draft legal and off-road sprint. Sprint and Olympic will take place September 13 with off-road sprint and collegiate draft legal happening the following day on September 14. grandjunctionsports.org/ desertsedge
Colorado Mountain Winefest
Palisade, CO
September 20
Sponsored by Fisher’s Liquor Barn, Colorado Mountain Winefest is in Riverbend Park and features over 50 Colorado wineries. Enjoy chef demonstrations, artisan vendors, live music and delicious dishes present at this awardwinning festival, deemed the best wine festival in the country by USA Today. coloradowinefest.com
KIM FULLER
Crested Butte Film Festival
Crested Butte, CO
September 24-28
Come celebrate 15 years of film and community at this film festival, where art, luxury and creativity intersect. Over the course of the week, enjoy 75 feature-length films and short films within the outdoor adventure, narrative, documentary and student and children’s genres. Audience members consistently feel inspired and compelled to discuss the films with one another. cbfilmfest.org
Telluride Autumn Classic
Telluride, CO
September 25-27
Enjoy the spectacular display of the San Juan Mountains’ autumnal foliage at this worldclass celebration of automobiles, motorcycles, aircrafts and so much more. From high-end restorations of vintage and exotic vehicles to live music and a vibrant art scene, this historic town of Wild West lore will be filled with so many family-friendly attractions, it’ll get everyone’s motor running. tellurideautumnclassic.com
38th Ouray 2025
Jeep Jamboree USA
Ouray, CO
September 25-27
Join the classic Jeep Jamboree as they bring the renowned American event to Ouray. Travel through golden aspen trees and past old mines to reach Colorado’s bestpreserved ghost town. Highlights include high elevation passes with spectacular mountain views, including the iconic Imogene Pass at 13,114 feet. jeepjamboreeusa.com
Fruita Fall Festival
Fruita, CO
September 26-27
At this two-day festival, there is something for everyone: an art walk, pet talent show, baking and
canning competitions, races and even a parade! Enjoy the feeling of fall as you peruse over 100 vendors and food trucks while filled with an overflowing sense of creativity. fruitachamber.org
TEDxGrand Junction “Monumental”
Grand Junction, CO
September 27
Are you hungry for inspiration and new perspectives? Then you should take advantage of this wonderful opportunity: TEDx coming to Grand Junction. TEDx events encourage creativity, innovation, cultural awareness and social impact through the magic of the spoken word. Secure your spot at The Art Center and ponder wisdom from presenters of a plethora of fields: science, entertainment, technology and more.
tedxgj.com
Mountain Harvest Festival
Paonia, CO
September 26-28
Hosted by local nonprofit North Fork Valley Creative Coalition — a program that supports local artists in Paonia, Hotchkiss and Crawford — this festival offers participants a wide selection of attractions: Colorado music, arts, the Great Chili Cookoff, farm tours, comedy and a beloved pub crawl — all featuring free music performances. Embrace small-town Americana at its finest!
mountainharvestfestival.org
OCTOBER
Durango Cowboy Gathering
Durango, CO
October 1-4
Come join cowboys, cowgirls and all others in celebrating the essence of the American West. Earning third place in the 2024 Best of Durango & La Plata County, this celebration features music, poetry, storytelling and equestrian events designed to foster respect and
solidarity between rural and urban communities. Whether you’re a seasoned cowboy or city slicker, the Durango Cowboy Gathering promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the cowboy way of life and local communities.
durangocowboygathering.org
Steamboat
Food & Wine Festival
Steamboat Springs, CO
October 2-5
Head to Steamboat Springs for an unforgettable culinary celebration. Connect with renowned chefs in settings that are both intimate and breathtaking. Savor the best of wine country with tastings, guided hikes, curated dinners, hands-on classes and more. Experience how collaboration, craft and origin come together to create the most luxurious flavors at the table. steamboatfoodandwine.com
West Elk Challenge
Trail Marathon Gunnison, CO
October 4
The Nature Connection hosts this 26.2-mile point-to-point trail marathon during peak fall foliage to raise funds for summer camp scholarships. The race begins at Crawford Reservoir State Park, winding through scenic farms and ranches near Needle Rock. Runners then ascend into Gunnison National Forest, navigating aspenlined slopes of Mt. Lamborn. After summiting Inter-Ocean Pass, the course descends through varied terrain to Paonia’s River Park, with more than half the route on thrilling singletrack trails. thenatureconnection.net
Downtown Art Festival
Grand Junction, CO
October 3-4
Alpine Bank’s Art Festival highlights Grand Junction’s vibrant arts community with memorable
events like a gallery walk, live artist demonstrations, ballet performances, Native American dancing and unwavering support for local artists. Participants also get to explore the newly installed temporary exhibit, “Art on the Corner.” downtowngj.org
Cedaredge Applefest
Cedaredge, CO
October 3-5
Cedaredge Applefest showcases live music, art, craft food, a chili cookoff, golf tournament, 5k run, library book sale and much more. The event brings together more than 200 vendors and over 30,000 attendees each year. Come celebrate this beloved community tradition, full of Cedaredge flair and flavor.
cedaredgeapplefest.com
Sage Burner Trail Race
Gunnison, CO
October 11
Just outside Black Canyon National Park, this race lives up to its name with sagebrush-covered hills covered with stunning vistas of the Maroon Bells, San Juan Mountains and Gunnison Basin. Featuring technical slickrock and smooth single-track, it’s a perfect fall day for trail enthusiasts. Participate or cheer on the 13k, 28k or 50k adventure. oneloveendurance.com
Friends of Mesa County
Libraries Annual Book Sale
Mesa County, CO
October 16-18
Browse thousands of used books at great prices. Enjoy delicious barbecue from Smokey Bonez while choosing from a fantastic selection of books, CDs and DVDs. All proceeds from the Friends’ annual book sale support Mesa County Libraries. mesacountylibraries.org
Orchestral Awakenings with Project Trio
Grand Junction, CO
October 25
Brooklyn-based Project Trio returns to wow audiences with its energetic, genre-crossing sound that blends classical, jazz, hiphop and more. This electrifying ensemble defies categorization, combining instrumental virtuosity with pop culture savvy and infectious grooves. Experience their dynamic musicianship up close in the intimate setting of Two Rivers Winery & Chateau. gjso.org
Avon Spooktacular Polar Plunge Avon, CO
October 25
Come enjoy a day of non-stop excitement while supporting an incredible cause. Dive into Nottingham Lake to make a splash and raise funds for Special Olympics Colorado, creating a wave of support that will make a real difference. This event is packed with activities for all ages, and spectators are more than welcome to cheer on the action. specialolympics.com
NOVEMBER
Rim Rock Marathon and Half Marathon Fruita, CO
November 2
The Rim Rock Marathon and Half Marathon course follows the famous Rim Rock Drive through the Colorado National Monument, giving runners beautiful views of the Grand Valley. The views along the racecourse are unmatched and perfect for runners looking for something monumental. grandjunctionsports.org
Kessel Run Ultra Fruita, CO
November 8
Enjoy sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains and the Colorado National Monument as you run through the North Fruita Desert. Choose between the 10-mile, 20mile, 50k, 40-mile or 50-mile as you take in the breathtaking scenery, including panoramic views of the Grand Valley from the Book Cliffs’ rim. All distances begin on fast, flowing singletrack and work their way through the steep ups and downs of the Zippity-Do-Da Trails. madmooseevents.com
Ridgway Independent Film Fest Ridgway, CO
November 16-19
Soon after Ridgway became one of Colorado’s first certified Creative Districts, the Ridgway Independent Film Fest emerged. Now in its 11th year, the festival has grown from a grassroots celebration of short film into a dynamic fourday experience. Despite its rising popularity, it remains communityfocused, offering diverse programming that fosters a sense of belonging among attendees, sponsors, partners and visitors alike.
ridgway-fuse.org
Downtown Tree Lighting Grand Junction, CO
November 22
Catch the spirit of the holidays in downtown Grand Junction with the Downtown Tree Lighting, presented by Enstrom Candies. With a magical wave of his hand and a sprinkling of magic dust from the Wells Fargo rooftop, Santa will light not only the tree at 4th and Main, but also every light on Main Street … simultaneously! Kids will then have the opportunity to meet with Santa before he returns to the North Pole to get ready for his Christmas deliveries. downtowngj.org
Carbondale
Turkey Trot
Carbondale, CO
November 27
This event is open to walkers and runners alike, with all ages welcome to participate. The race starts and ends at the Carbondale Recreation Center, with 1-mile and 5K options available. All participants will receive a medal and can indulge in pumpkin pie during the post-race festivities. Trek along the Rio Grande Trail for a morning of lively camaraderie and breathtaking scenery, perfect for the whole family to enjoy. carbondalerec.com
BVSC
Turkey Trot 5k
Buena Vista, CO
November 27
What better way is there to kick off Thanksgiving than with a family-friendly race around Buena Vista? Participants will enjoy a mostly flat course with well-maintained trails that offer great views of the Collegiate Peaks
and the Arkansas River. Runners, joggers and walkers are welcome. Plus, all participants are entered for a chance to win a pair of Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort Day passes.
oneloveendurance.com
NUTCRACKER! Magical
Christmas Ballet
Grand Junction, CO
November 28
Give the gift of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet to the whole family. Celebrate America’s favorite holiday tradition with an international cast featuring world-class talent from renowned ballet capitals across the globe. With choreography by acclaimed Ukrainian choreographer Viktor Davydiuk, the show blends classical ballet and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets and hand-crafted sets and costumes.
visitgrandjunction.com
The Polar Express Train Ride
Durango, CO
November 21-January 3
This event offers an unforgettable, immersive theatrical re-creation of the classic holiday story, The Polar Express. Climb aboard a vintage steam train as it departs from Durango Train Depot for the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus himself. Chefs will serve hot chocolate and a sweet treat while passengers listen to a reading from the beloved book. After arriving at the North Pole, guests will enjoy a dazzling light show set to holiday music. On the return trip to Durango, Santa will visit each coach and present the first gift of Christmas to every passenger. durangotrain.com:
FOREST LIGHT - HYBYCOZO
ILLUMINATED DAILY AT DUSK | On View Through October 29 | Ford Park, Vail
HYBYCOZO (pronounced hee-bee-ko-zo) is the collaborative studio of artists Yelena Filipchuk and Serge Beaulieu, known for largescale sculptures that explore the intersection of geometry, light, and space. Founded in 2014, their work draws from mathematics, science, and nature to reveal the universal language of pattern.
HYBYCOZO has exhibited internationally with institutions such as The Smithsonian, Crystal Bridges, and the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, with permanent works installed across the globe
Town of Vail’s Art in Public Places is proud to present Forest Light , HYBYCOZO’s first public installation in Colorado.
SKIP DOTY
Words by Jude Bolick
The first thing I saw when I exited my car was a glorious view at the base of the Book Cliffs. Lush greens, breathtaking architecture and a 100-year-old apricot tree set against a beautiful backdrop of soaring heights and blue skies. The next sight was just as wonderful; Skip Doty’s bright smile as he welcomed me to Early Morning Orchard (EMO).
In 2011, Doty had a dream: he wanted to provide Western Colorado with high-quality, locally grown and affordable produce. Since then, persevering through the ups and down, EMO has grown bigger than ever, and 2025 marks its sixth year of regenerative agriculture. EMO has a variety of ways to get their produce to their customers, from farmers’ markets to
community stores all the way to food banks and wholesales. EMO also encourages other local farmers to implement regenerative practices by offering seeds and guidance to get them on their feet.
“It’s all about people, not profit,” says Doty. “It’s that human touch. What’s important isn’t how much money I make at the end of the day — it’s that I know people get to go home with good food.”
For Doty, collaboration is the life force of EMO. Ed Malen was the stoneworker for EMO from 2011 to 2018 and is responsible for much of the beautiful structures around the orchard, including the recently restored fountain just outside of the comet structure — one of Doty’s
JUDE
BOLICK
many architectural visions turned masterpiece. Julia Coffey is the farm director and has taken on more duties than ever as Doty works to transition EMO to his nephew, Matt. According to Doty, other key contributors to EMO’s success include Kaye Davis, local food banks, Skip’s Farm & Market and other community grocery stores, and farms like Cattle Valley and Ollin, all of whom support his mission of providing good food for everyone.
“I’ve been lucky to have some really great people who have worked here over the years,” Doty says. “People of all backgrounds and incomes. Everyone matters; it’s the same with our customers. The important thing is that we treat everyone with kindness and that we make sure they walk home with armfuls of fresh produce at a good price.”
As Doty continues to transfer EMO to his nephew and to Coffey, he expresses “cautious optimism” over their efforts to carry on the legacy of his dream, focusing their efforts on food banks and local sales above all else.
In his downtime, Skip likes to spend his days hiking the Book Cliffs and sharing memories and stories with his friends Tim and Eddie. :
To learn more about Skip Doty and Early Morning Orchard, visit earlymorningorchard.com or contact Julia Coffey at info@earlymorningorchards.com
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Melanie Cross EAGLE OFFICE
Melanie, NP-C, AFMC is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner with 24+ years of healthcare experience.
She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with a minor in Anatomy and Neurobiology from Colorado State University and completed the Accelerated Nursing Program at Regis University, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Nicco Long EAGLE OFFICE
Nicco is a board-certified family nurse practitioner who values building relationships with her patients and collaborating with them to make optimal, personcentered healthcare decisions. Her healthcare journey began in dentistry, where she specialized in preventive care and prosthodontics. Through her experiences, she observed how interconnected our body systems are and how they affect our overall health and quality of life.
OUR FOCUS
• A new option for primary care and gynecology in the valley
• Functional, personalized medicine, treating root cause rather than treating symptoms with medications
• Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and testosterone pellets
• Weight loss
• Thyroid optimization
• Helping those with chronic conditions, particularly those who have searched for answers for a long time and have been told “everything is fine.”
• Committed to building relationships with patients
We utilize functional medicine to focus on root causes to improve health rather than using prescriptions to treat symptoms.
