Boulder Magazine Dec/Jan 2024

A Winter 

Whirlwind 

Get Caught Up in 

Colorado’s Frosty Festivities 

SKI-IN 

CULINARY 

HAVENS 

SOUL-WARMING 

HOT SPRINGS 

THE RETURN 

OF GRAY 

WOLVES

A 33,000-acre Network Of Sanctuaries 

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Please remember these rescued animals during your holiday giving. 

Your donation will truly make a difference in their lives! 

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December/January 2024 | 1

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TOUCH . FEEL . RELAX 

COLORADO SPRINGS 

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woodleys.com

December / January 2024 

102 

Return of The Pack 

Restoring gray wolves 

to Colorado’s ecosystem 

By Grace Adele Boyle 


79 

Handing Out Hope 

for the Holidays 

Celebrating a handful 

of Boulder County 

nonprofits 

By Matt Maenpaa 

86 

When Breaking 

the Rules Goes 

Exactly Right 

The dream-team 

design of a 

Boulder oasis 

By Holly Bowers 

94 

Warming Up 

in a Winter 

Wonderland 

Hot spring hot 

spots and winter 

recreation 

By Chloe-Anne Swink 

and Christopher C. 

Wuensch 

PHOTO NPS/DIANE RENKIN

Departments » December / January 2024 

Buzz 

21 Rhyme and Reason 

Andrea Gibson takes 

their place as Colorado’s 

Poet Laureate 

22 Calendar Our 

five highlights for 

December/January 

21 

24 Events Your guide to 

planning your free time 

36 Entertainment 

Reviews of new movies 

and music 

38 Staff Picks Gift ideas 

for the readers in 

your life 

40 Newsmaker 

Preparing for this 

year’s Super El Niño 

44 History Time 

traveling to Mount St. 

Gertrude Academy 

48 Art Seen The visceral 

dichotomy of 

Alexander Richard 

Wilson’s creations 

50 Local Chatter 

Sitting down with poet 

and advocate 

Andrea Gibson 

56 Western Drawl 

How Dr. Katherine 

Newburgh finds magic 

in the everyday 

Well Styled 

59 A Very Hygge 

Holiday Community 

gatherings and 

candlelit contentment 

60 Holiday Gift Guide 

Local finds for each of 

your loved ones 

64 Entertaining 

Prioritizing connection 

this holiday season 

68 Weekend Trip The 

rural reverie that is 

Brush Creek Ranch 

72 Fashion The pinnacle 

of party-perfect attire 

59 109 140 

Food+Drink 

109 Tea Time Find out 

what’s brewing 

in Louisville 

110 Dining Out The 

Huckleberry pays 

homage to elevated 

comfort food 

112 Winter Dining 

Snow-capped dining 

experiences for 

the adventurous 

116 In the Kitchen 

Recipes to keep you 

warm and cozy 

all season 

122 Libations Dry Land 

Distillers’ festive grainto-glass 

cocktails 

126 Restaurant Guide 

The best spots for 

eating and drinking in 

Boulder County 

122 

Travel 

140 Ski Japan Exploring 

one of the world’s top 

ski destinations 

Fundamentals 

18 Reader Services 

20 Editor’s Letter 

138 Real Estate Forum 

144 The Last Reflection 

SKI-IN 

CULINARY 

HAVENS 

SOUL-WARMING 

HOT SPRINGS 

A Winter 

Whirlwind 



THE RETURN 

OF GRAY 

WOLVES 

ON THE COVER » 

Cross-country skiing at 

The Magic Meadows Yurt 

Dinners by Crested Butte Nordic. 

PHOTO XAVIER FANE 


Staying warm, together. 

We’re here for you this winter and all year long. 

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Emily Sweeney 

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Mara Welty 

■ ■ ■ 

Senior Account Executive 

Nichole Greenley 

Art Director 

Shanna Thomson 

Travel Director 

Katie McElveen 

Graphic Designers 

Andrea Späth 

Carl Turner 

Fashion Photo Director 

Cary Jobe 

Contributing Writers 

Holly Bowers, Grace Adele Boyle, 

Sarah Cameron, Adele Chase, 

Linnea Covington, Laura K. Deal, 

Kaitlin Gooding, Denise K. James, 

Bland Lawson, Matt Maenpaa, 

Megan Mathis, Kalene McCort, 

Katie McElveen, Katherine Owen, 

Ginny Rogan, Wendy Swat Snyder, 

Chloe-Anne Swink, 

Irene Middleman Thomas, 

Lisa Van Horne, Brad Weismann, 

Christopher C. Wuensch 

Photographers 

Coco Aramaki, Lucy Beaugard, 

Xavier Fane, Kaitlin Gooding, 

HBK Photography, Emily Seabold, 

Emily Sierra, 

Irene Middleman Thomas 

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December/January 2024 | 19 

®

from the editor 

SKI-IN 

CULINARY 

HAVENS 

SOUL-WARMING 

HOT SPRINGS 

A Winter 

Whirlwind 



THE RETURN 

OF GRAY 

WOLVES 

Give the gift 

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to 

AS I WRITE THIS, MY 

little black cat is screaming at 

me, requesting, nay, demanding 

his dinner. His name is Tony, 

and he definitely belongs in the 

Italian mafia. One hunger-induced swipe of 

his claws could render any innocent managing 

editor absolutely useless, her hands punctured 

and bruised, stolen from the keyboard. 

Even though it’s only four in the afternoon, 

he thinks it’s five—dinner time. And, 

technically, it is; in an alternate universe that 

existed only a few weeks ago, it was five. But 

now it’s four—thanks to the end of daylight 

savings time. 

In truth, time is totally, definitely an illusion, and yet December holds 

a distinctive significance as the culmination of various conclusions, and 

January, the gateway to a new beginning. It’s a bridge between past and 

future, a reset in time—a lot like daylight savings. 

While the theme of this issue is, unfortunately, not time traveling, many 

of the stories sitting behind this page do touch on journeying from one place 

to the next: a poet transitioning from broken heartedness to a state of awe 

and astonishment; a Doctor of Education embracing shamanic healing; 

adventurers climbing snowy peaks for mountain-top eats; the return of gray 

wolves to Colorado. 

It’s these transitions that make life worthwhile—and propel us through 

another year. 

Propelling Boulder Magazine through the year is our wonderful editorial 

and advertising team. As we enter the next year, I want to thank our cohort 

of dedicated, passionate and oh-so-talented writers and photographers for all 

of the work they’ve put into this magazine this past year. They are truly the 

heart of this publication. The backbone, of course, is our ambitious leaders, 

Emily and Robert Sweeney and creative art director, Shanna Thomsom. 

And Nichole Greenley breathes life into every issue with her unwavering 

tenacity and enthusiasm. 

As I finish this letter, Tony is now curled up beside me, fed and happy, 

an adorable reminder that time and emotion are ever-fleeting…and here we 

go again! 

Subscribe online via the web 

at TheBoulderMag.com or 

by calling 843-856-2532. 

Mara Welty 

Managing Editor 

editor@thebouldermag.com 

FIND US ONLINE! 

Visit us on our website 

TheBoulderMag.com 

Find us on Facebook and Instagram 

@bouldermagazine 


Your Local Rundown on News and Culture 

Rhyme and 

Reason 

Poet Laureate Andrea 

Gibson believes in 

beauty above all else 

See page 50 

PHOTO COCO ARAMAKI 


calendar 

The Reveal: 

DECEMBER – JANUARY 

Our five highlights from this season’s calendar of events. 

Longmont Symphony 

Orchestra & The Boulder 

Ballet: Tchaikovsky’s 

“The Nutcracker” 

Dec. 2–3 

More than any other ballet, 

Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, “The 

Nutcracker,” is about children and the 

magic of childhood. For many young 

people, the enchanting performance 

of “The Nutcracker” is their first 

experience seeing professional dance 

performance. Times and prices vary. 

Vance Brand Civic Auditorium. 

longmontsymphony.squarespace.com. 

Boulder County 

Farmers Markets 

Annual Winter Market 

Dec. 3 

Join us for our most festive market 

of the season. Held annually at 

the Boulder County Fairgrounds, 

the annual Winter Market brings 

together 150 local farmers, ranchers, 

food producers and artisans to 

create a local-only holiday shopping 

experience that champions small 

businesses. Free to attend. 9am–3pm. 

bcfm.org. 

Gingerbread Tea at 

St. Julien Hotel & Spa 

Dec. 3, 10, 17 

Gingerbread Tea is a long-standing 

tradition at St. Julien with proceeds 

benefiting “There with Care,” a nonprofit 

organization that supports 

families and children facing critical 

illness. We ask that you consider 

bringing an unwrapped toy to 

support our toy drive. Children will 

enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating, 

complete with a complimentary chef 

hat and apron, while adults can 

relax to the soothing sounds of live 

holiday jazz. $20–$45. 12pm–5pm. 

stjulien.com. 

St. Nick on the Bricks 

Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 

Kids of all ages can visit with Santa 

outside on the 1300 Block of the 

Pearl Street Mall. Bring your list 

and a camera to capture priceless 

holiday memories. Free. 11am–2pm. 

boulderdowntown.com. 

Boulder Bach 

Festival 


The mission of the 

Boulder Bach Festival 

is to celebrate the music 

of Johann Sebastian 

Bach by providing highquality 

performances and 

educational opportunities 

that will not only satisfy those who already love Bach’s music but will also 

introduce Bach’s music to others. Prices vary. 4pm. Dairy Arts Center. 

boulderbachfestival.org. 

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Event Calendar 

Looking to fill your social 

calendar? We've got the 

rundown on what to do 

this winter season. 

arm Clothes › Cool Gear 

A purveyor of fine provisions suitable 

for a variety of outdoor endeavors. 

Lights of December Parade Dec. 2 

Come celebrate over 30 years of this beloved community parade. Spectators 

will enjoy floats created and decorated by local businesses, churches and 

civic groups. Crowds will enjoy marching bands, lit fire engines, holiday 

carolers and much more. The grand finale includes an appearance by the 

jolly old man himself—Santa Claus. Historic Downtown Boulder & Pearl 

Street Ball. Free. 6pm. boulderdowntown.com. 

Clothing & Gear 

Outdoor 

For All 

Gear 

Your Adventures 

Books › Gifts › Local Info & Maps 

› Mountainsmith › Carhartt 

Carhartt › Darn Tough 

› Elk Jerky › Gifts › Local Info & Maps 

www.mountainmangear.com 

By the Carousel & Train Cars 

20 

20 

Lakeview Dr., 

Dr., 

#111, 

#111, 

Nederland, CO 

CO 

303-258-3295 

303-258-3295 

Open 7 days, 9am - 6pm 

Open 7 days, 8am - 7pm 

Grief and Loss Coaching 

Group for Grieving During the 

Holidays 

Nov. 7–Dec. 12 

Grieving During the Holidays Grief 

and Loss Coaching Support Group 

is rooted in providing a caring space 

for finding solace during the holiday 

season and beyond in a community 

setting focused on both recent 

and longer-term grief experiences. 

It is guided by best practices 

for grief support for hope and 

healing. Join us as we collaborate 

and uplift each other through 

understanding and connection. $135. 

rootsandwingsgriefcoaching.com. 

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony 


Be part of this annual community event 

when all of Broomfield welcomes the 

arrival of Santa Claus at the George 

DiCiero City and County Building 

at One Des Combes Drive. The air is 

filled with children caroling from the 

local schools, the Community Park 

trees are spectacular, the Mayor lights 

the community holiday tree, families 

can enjoy free cookies and rides on the 

holiday wagon ride and children are 

able to talk to Santa. Free. 6–8pm. 

broomfield.org. 

Parade of Lights 


This Louisville holiday tradition has 

been a favorite for over thirty years. 

The festivities begin with musical 

entertainment provided by local 

schools and churches and visits with 

Santa. The main attraction, the Parade 

of Lights, starts at 7pm. Historic 

Downtown Louisville on Main Street. 

louisvillechamber.com. 

Hazel Miller and the Collective 

Holiday Concert 


Every year Hazel and the band 

elevate our hearts and bring us a 

sense of joy and warmth—it’s the 


SIP • SAVOR • SHOP • SPA 

Winter in Santa Fe 

The scent of piñon and cedar burning 

fills the air. Cozy conversations take 

place around fireplaces. Tables are 

set with flavorful, festive food. 

Renew your spirit in Santa Fe. 

(877) 901 -7666 

HHandR.com 

TAOS 

El Monte Sagrado Resort & Spa 

Palacio de Marquesa 

SANTA FE 

Inn and Spa at Loretto 

Eldorado Hotel & Spa 

Hotel St. Francis 

Hotel Chimayó de Santa Fe 

ALBUQUERQUE 

Hotel Chaco 

Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town 

The Clyde Hotel 

Inn and Spa at Loretto Photo by Douglas Merriam 

LAS CRUCES 

Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces 


soulful way to feel the spirit of the 

season. Ms. Miller, an accomplished 

performer who has been playing in 

Colorado for almost four decades, was 

honored on the floor of the Colorado 

State Senate in March 2023, and on 

June 10th, 2023, she was inducted 

into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. 

$25. 7–9:30pm. thedairy.org. 

Lights of December Parade: Viewing 

Party with Live Holiday Music 


Join us for a night of holiday fun as you 

view the downtown “Lights of December 

Parade” from the cozy comfort of R 

Gallery’s Wine Bar window. Enjoy free 

hot chocolate or a glass of fine wine or 

craft beer as you listen to holiday music 

Beautiful clothing 

since 1988 

performed by local songwriter, Laurie 

Dameron. The parade starts at 15th 

& Walnut Street and passes right in 

front of R Gallery on Broadway. The 

grand finale includes an appearance 

by the jolly old man himself—Santa 

Claus! Free. 6–9pm. rgallery.art. 

The Longmont Museum’s Annual 

Holiday Show 


Featuring The Mestas-Abbott 

Quartet, Brothers of Brass and Mollie 

O’Brien & Rich Moore, the Longmont 

Museum’s holiday tradition returns 

for its eighth year. Join us for songs 

of the season and holiday cheer 

from some of the finest musicians 

and performers in the region. Cash 

bar with signature holiday drink. 

$20–$25. visitlongmont.org. 

Niwot Holiday Market 


Shop from a variety of holiday popup 

vendors located at the Grange and 

businesses all over town with a festive 

food hall at the Left Hand Grange. 

Festive drinks include mulled wine, 

hot chocolate, hot apple cider, egg nog 

and more. There will also be carolers, 

harpists, horse and carriages and an 

appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus. 

Free. 10am–4pm. niwot.com. 

1334 Pearl Street Boulder 303-447-2047 

Alpaca Connection 

Alpaca Sweaters & Unique Clothing 

Longmont 

Symphony 

Orchestra & The 

Boulder Ballet: 

Tchaikovsky’s 

“The Nutcracker” 


More than any other ballet, 

Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet, “The 

Nutcracker,” is about children and the 

magic of childhood. For many young 

people, the enchanting performance 

of “The Nutcracker” is their first 

experience seeing professional dance 

performance. Times and prices vary. 

Vance Brand Civic Auditorium. 


Homes for the Holidays 


Historic Boulder is excited to 

present its 37th annual Homes for 

the Holidays Tour. Through the 

years, this enchanting experience 

has taken us through a selection of 


303-776-2920 

• 373 Main Street • Longmont 

Hours: M-F 10am-6pm 

• Sat 10am-5pm 

• Closed Sunday 

brownslongmont.com 

LongmontShoes.com 

Our services & selection 

of men’s, women’s 

& kid’s shoes and 

accessories will 

KNOCK YOUR 

SOCKS OFF! 

DANSKO •. MERRELL 

KEEN •. BROOKS 

HOKA . 

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NEW BALANCE 

NEW BALANCE 

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and more! 

and more! 

meticulously decorated historical 

homes, where creativity, tradition 

and holiday spirit come together to 

create a truly magical atmosphere. 

The Homes for the Holidays tours 

allow event goers to explore the 

architectural marvels, exquisite 

craftsmanship and captivating stories 

that reside within Boulder’s earliest 

homes. This year, the tour will take 

us on an educational journey that 

will explore transformed carriage 

houses or Accessory Dwelling Units 

(ADUs) in the Mapleton and Whittier 

neighborhoods of Boulder. $20–$50. 

11am–4pm daily. historicboulder.org. 

Boulder County Farmers 

Markets Annual Winter Market 


Join us for our most festive market 

of the season. Held annually at the 

Boulder County Fairgrounds, the 

annual Winter Market brings together 

150 local farmers, ranchers, food 

producers and artisans to create a 

local-only holiday shopping experience 

that champions small businesses. 

Free. 9am–3pm. bcfm.org. 

Find Your 

Sparkle 

AT 


Open 7 days a week 

from 12 til close! 

959 Walnut St 


303.443.2850 

St. Nick on the Bricks 


Kids of all ages can visit with Santa 

outside on the 1300 Block of the 

Pearl Street Mall. Bring your list 

and a camera to capture priceless 

holiday memories. Free. 11am–2pm. 

boulderdowntown.com. 

Gingerbread 

Tea at St. Julien 

Hotel & Spa 

Dec. 3, 10, 17 

Put on your 

Sunday’s best 

and join us for 

Gingerbread Tea. Gingerbread Tea is 

a long-standing tradition at St. Julien 

with proceeds benefiting “There 

with Care,” a non-profit organization 

that supports families and children 

facing critical illness. As such, we 

ask that you consider bringing an 

unwrapped toy to support our toy 

drive. Children will enjoy gingerbread 

cookie decorating, complete with a 

complimentary chef hat and apron, 

while adults can relax to the soothing 

sounds of live holiday jazz. The price 

for tea includes, scones, petit fours,

Certified Arborists/Industrial Athletes 

6 Climbing Certified Arborists on Staff 

Chris Thompson and Evan Grosskopf-Jones pictured above • Photo by James Baker 

303-443-1233 

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Berkelhammer 

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servIng Boulder sInce 1988 

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tea sandwiches and assorted gourmet 

teas. $20–$45. 12pm–5pm. stjulien.com. 

The Climate Emergency: Science 

and Solutions featuring Mike Nelson 


Mike Nelson has served as Chief 

Meteorologist for Denver7 since 2004. In 

2001, he was recognized by the Colorado 

Embrace our 

warm & cozy 

COLLECTIONS 

from 

Henriette Steffensen 

Crush • Kinross • Brodie 

White & Warren • Sundry 

Velvet • One Grey Day 

LAYER ON LUXURY 

with fashionable fleece 

tops, scarves & dresses, 

cashmere sweaters 

& accessories, plus 

luxe coats in rich hues. 

Stay warm in style! 

i found it at 

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THE best collection IS YOURS. 

Broadcasters Association as their “Citizen 

of the Year” for his volunteer work in 

Colorado schools. Mike has also written 

two books on Colorado weather, as well 

as “The World’s Littlest Book on Climate” 

with Dr. Pieter Tanns and Michael 

Banks. Mike was named a Fellow of the 

American Meteorological Society in 2019. 

$15. 7:30pm. Chautauqua Community 

House Series 301 Morning Glory 

Drive, Boulder. chautauqua.com. 

The Momedy 

Club: Escape 

From The 

Holidays 


A retreat from 

the rigamarole! 

Your passport for distraction and 

entertainment. Let us pamper 

you with fun, featuring Emily 

Kingsley, stand-up comedian, from 

the Matriarchy; Jessie Rodriguez 

presenting her Handprinted Movies; 

and Lisa Trank, storyteller of 

Mother dot Writer. $35–$50. Doors 

open at 6:45. Stewart Auditorium. 

longmontoutloud.com. 

Winterfest 


Bring your friends and family and kick 

off the holidays with a tree lighting 

ceremony, horse-drawn carriage ride, 

Santa’s Cottage, a historic cottage 

tour, festive market, guided hikes and 

more. Prices and times vary. Colorado 

Chautauqua National Historic 

Landmark, 900 Baseline Road, 

Boulder. chautauqua.com. 

Holiday Festival 


Be immersed in the comfort and joy 

of twinkling lights, seasonal greenery 

and beautiful music at CU Boulder’s 

Holiday Festival, an enchanting 

annual tradition for all ages. The 

celebration brings together student 

choirs, bands and orchestras—along 

with world-class faculty performers— 

for a winter concert of holiday favorites 

and a few fresh delights. From 

orchestras, bands and choirs to jazz, 

world music and opera to world-class 

faculty and guest performances, the 

CU Boulder College of Music brings 

hundreds of stunning performances 

to Boulder audiences throughout the 

academic year. Times and prices vary. 

cupresents.org. 

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the holiday hustle and bustle. Aerial 

shenanigans on invented apparatus, 

lively music, A.I. generated 

experiments and more for a fun 

antidote to all the holiday hoo-hah. 

Times and prices vary. Gordon Gamm 

Theater. thedairy.org. 

Winter Magic Arts Extravaganza 


Featuring one-of-a-kind gifts 

including ceramics, paintings, jewelry, 

fiber arts, wood and so much more. 

Plus, there will be food trucks and 

award-winning brews. Free. Times 

vary. Wibby Brewing in Longmont. 

ebcacolorado.org. 

Boulder Holiday Gift Festival 


The festival is a great place to find 

the perfect gift from amazing local 

exhibitors. You will find a vast 

array of amazing high-quality gifts 

that are locally made. This fun and 

unique shopping experience can be 

enjoyed by the whole family. Free. 

11am–5pm. Concert starts at 12pm. 

coloradoevents.org. 

Family Ornament Making 


Create Christmas and winter holiday 

decorations with the young people in 

your life at the Longmont Museum. 

We’ll be crafting, painting and creating 

keepsakes that will delight for years to 

come. This class is for children aged 5 

and up, accompanied by an adult. $10. 

longmontcolorado.gov. 

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Vegan Holiday Market 


This is a celebration of all things 

small business during the holiday 

season. It’s a place to shop locally and 

support small businesses for gifts, 

enjoy some lunch and connect with 

your community. Free. 11am–3pm. 

The Avalon Ballroom. vegfestco.com. 

Longmont 

Symphony 

Orchestra - 

Candlelight: 

A Baroque 

Christmas 


The main attraction for our holiday 

concert is Vivaldi’s “Gloria.” From 



the genre of cantata-mass, this hybrid 

form is set for solo voices, choir and 

orchestra. Textural contrast, expressive 

variety and emotion arise from the words 

of the mass. Enjoy the beautiful sound 

of the Baroque style throughout this 

special holiday performance. Prices vary. 

4–6pm. Vance Brand Civic Auditorium. 


flock to the 

unusual 

Old Town Niwot 

112 2nd Ave., Niwot, CO 80544 

303-652-0512 

Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm 

www.littlebirdniwot.com 

Boulder Bach 

Festival 


The mission of 

the Boulder Bach 

Festival is to celebrate the music of 

Johann Sebastian Bach by providing highquality 

performances and educational 

opportunities that will not only satisfy 

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those who already love Bach’s music 

but will also introduce Bach’s music to 

others. Prices vary. 4pm. Dairy Arts 

Center. boulderbachfestival.org. 

Christmas at Hotel Boulderado 


The festive spirit of the season 

reigns true at our Christmas Day 

celebrations, where you will marvel 

at the beautifully adorned 28-foot 

Christmas tree in Hotel Boulderado’s 

lobby. Enjoy seasonally prepared 

menus with three different locations 

to choose from. boulderado.com. 

New Year’s Eve Party at St. Julien 


Join us for an unforgettable Gold 

Rush-themed New Year’s Eve 

celebration at St. Julien Hotel & Spa. 

We have planned an evening filled 

with live music, delicious food and 

a lively atmosphere. You can dance 

the night away with Mannequin The 

Band, sip on refreshing cocktails and 

raise a toast to the year ahead with 

your friends and loved ones. 21 and 

over. $149–$179. stjulien.com. 

“Proclaiming 

Colorado’s Black 

History” Exhibit 

Dec. – Sept. 2025 

The Museum 

of Boulder, in 

partnership with 

Adrian Miller, the Boulder County 

NAACP Chapter and the Boulder 

Public Library’s Maria Rogers 

Oral History Program, will develop 

activities to highlight the history of 

Black people in Colorado with our 

IMLS: Museums for America grant. 

The program will collect original oral 

histories and research, consolidate 

research data and make it publicly 

available and host a series of programs 

about race. Free–$10. 9am–5pm, 

daily. museumofboulder.org. 

NFL Sunday Ticket 

Dec. 1 – Feb. 11 

Come watch football with Avanti F&B 

every Sunday all season long on the 

fourth floor and enjoy food and drink 

specials with the sound on for key 

games. Free. Times vary. boulder. 

avantifandb.com. 


E 

Engagement 

Season 

When you’ve found 

your love story. 

303-665-5552, 800-665-0771 

www.Lafayetteflorist.com 

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Reviews: TV & Music 

DENISE K. JAMES ON NEW FILMS AND MUSIC 

Fair Play 

Netflix • Starring Phoebe Dynevor, Alden Ehrenreich, Eddie Marsan 

Rated R • 4 STARS 

Fair Play is an impressive directorial debut by Chloe Domont, as she captures the 

intense atmosphere and gender dynamics of this private workplace relationship 

that takes a turn for the worse. 

After much buzz coming from this year’s Sundance Film Festival, Netflix won 

the bidding war with a massive $20 million deal. As seen in her recent interviews 

promoting this film, she describes this as a very personal film for her because it’s 

based on various relationships she’s experienced and you can see that personal 

touch and human experience throughout the this film. 

Hot off the heels of their new engagement (following a lewd intimate opening scene), 

thriving New York couple Emily (Phoebe Dynevor) and Luke (Alden Ehrenreich) 

can’t get enough of each other. When a coveted promotion at a cutthroat financial 

firm arises, supportive exchanges between the lovers begin to sour into something 

more sinister. As the power dynamics irrevocably shift in their relationship, Luke 

and Emily must face the true price of success and the unnerving limits of ambition. 

As the audiences, we enter their lives at the honeymoon stages of their early 

engagement, which shows this seemingly happy and loving young relationship and 

by all accounts, seem like a very “progressive” couple. Ehrenreich deserves a solid 

performance as an everyday man who seems to want to support his soon-to-be 

future wife, but it’s Dynevor, who’s steals the film. She gives such a captivating and 

engaging performance from start to finish. What makes Dynevor’s performance so 

thrilling and captivating is the fact that you don’t quite expect it from her, especially 

when you first meet her character. 

This was my first time watching her on screen and shortly after the first few 

scenes, I felt her level of confidence in her acting abilities to carry this film. The 

movie definitely capitalized on her talent and range as an actor. Dynevor is mostly 

known for her more innocent role on the hit Netflix series “Bridgerton,” which made 

certain moments of the film more effective and leaves you more shocked to see 

as Dynevor completely demands your attention to the screen as she executes her 

character’s emotions with perfection. 

Thanks to director Domont and editor Franklin Peterson, the tension that 

builds feels like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off thanks to an incredibly sharp 

screenplay and editing cuts. You can feel the tension, especially in the second and 

third act of the film. There are some areas of the characters’ relationship dynamics I 

wished were explored further to really add more of an emotional connection toward 

the end, yet, for me, these are the kind of films I wished Netflix would invest into 

more and give new visionary directors like Domont the opportunity to make. This is 

a can’t-miss film for me and will have people thinking if they really know a person! 

Peter Gabriel 

i/o 

I once landed a win in a trivia game 

because I knew the answer to a Peter 

Gabriel question. For those of us 

who grew up in the MTV generation, 

“Sledgehammer,” his quirky video, is 

cemented to our consciousness. Now, 

the former Genesis member is back 

after 21 years with a brand- new album 

called i/o. I listened with an open mind 

and was pleasantly surprised. Tracks 

like “This is My Home” and “Love Can 

Heal” inspire the melodic, dreamlike 

state we loved about Genesis in the first 

place. Gabriel hasn’t lost his touch. 

Wild Nothing 

Hold 

Whether I’m folding clean laundry or 

chopping vegetables for dinner, Wild 

Nothing is my ideal background music. 

Their effortlessly nostalgic sound 

and smooth beats are reminiscent 

of decades gone by, and their newest 

effort, Hold, is another bridge between 

music’s past and present. Download 

“Suburban Solutions” for driving beats 

to elevate your day, or try “Dial Tone” if 

you want to step away from your device, 

outside into the late fall sun and into a 

new perspective. 


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staff picks 

Unwrap a Book this Season 

Gift ideas for the readers in your life 

1964: Eyes of the 

Storm 

by Paul McCartney 

When Beatlemania took hold 

in the early 1960s, the Fab 

Four were probably the mostphotographed 

people on the 

planet. Who knew that Paul 

McCartney was himself a 

dab hand at photography 

and was busy pointing 

his lens back in the other 

direction the whole time the group was in the spotlight? 

1964: Eyes of the Storm offers a generous selection of his 

photos taken amid the excitement and chaos of the group’s 

rise to fame. We see not only the frenzied fans in London, 

Paris, New York, Miami, and other locales but also candid 

scenes of the lads rehearsing, relaxing, and clowning around 

in hotel rooms. The selection of prints McCartney chose for 

this collection also demonstrates his keen interest in the 

everyday details of life in the cities the band visited. His 

foreword and running commentary are a pleasure to read, 

as is a thoughtful introduction by New Yorker writer Jill 

Lepore. This beautifully designed coffee-table book would 

make a great holiday gift for anyone with an interest in the 

Beatles or that memorable era in general. –Bland Lawson 

We Could Be So Good 

by Cat Sebastian 

This historical romance is perfect 

for readers who enjoy a friendsto-lovers 

story and midcentury 

Manhattan vibes. Brooklynborn 

Nick Russo fought tooth 

and nail for his position as a 

reporter with one of NYC’s 

biggest newspapers and is 

exasperated when the boss’s 

incompetent son, Andy, begins 

working in the newsroom. To 

his utter surprise, Nick finds 

Andy’s bumbling, air-headed antics charming, and the 

two develop a close friendship. Nick is dismayed when he 

realizes his feelings for his friend have become something 

deeper – Andy couldn’t possibly feel the same way, could 

he? Cat Sebastian is at her best here in this sweet, slowburn 

romance, delivering characters that are fully fleshed 

out and wonderfully endearing, and the window into the 

experience of a closeted gay man living in the 1950s is 

especially timely. This would make a great gift for readers 

who love a good love story! – Sarah Cameron 

Witch of Wild Things 

by Raquel Vasquez 

Gilliland 

The Flores sisters come from a 

family of women with magical 

powers. Sage commands plants, 

her sisters, the weather, sky, 

animals. Their grandmother 

can see ghosts. After a tragic 

accident tears their family 

apart, Sage returns years later 

hoping to reconcile with her 

sisters. There’s an appreciation 

of the natural world, especially 

plants, a little bit of magic, a little 

bit of romance and a lot of drama in this family saga. For 

fans of Black Candle Women and The Enchanted Hacienda, 

this would make a great gift for someone who’s looking for 

a new author and loves books about family, friendship, and 

falling in love. –Megan Mathis 

Zero Days 

by Ruth Ware 

Hired by companies to test their 

vulnerabilities, Jack and her 

husband are elite hackers with an 

enviable personal and professional 

partnership. Everything changes 

when Jack discovers that her 

husband has been murdered and 

she’s the prime suspect. But Jack 

is strong, smart, and determined 

to clear her name. She knows she 

must use her skills and instincts 

to find out who killed her husband 

and why, evading the police—all while staying clear of his 

killer. There are constant surprises, secrets uncovered and 

dangers to avoid. An original spin on a locked-room mystery, 

Ware’s latest is well-written, fast-paced, and exciting. This 

would make a great gift for fans of propulsive, technologydriven 

mysteries that keep you guessing until the end. 

–Adele Chase 

B 


ODE TO 

KINDNESS 

To the newcomers making Boulder their home, 

be warm. To the eager family buying their first home, 

be gentle. To the aging grandparents selling their 

life home, be considerate. To those sharing this 

special place we all call home, be kind. 

Eric Jacobson 

REALTOR 

303.437.0221 

eric.jacobson@compass.com 

Alex Jacobson 

WOOD BROTHERS HOMES 

303.523.8207 

alex.jacobson@compass.com 

A Custom Builder with a Passion for High-End, Energy Efficient Homes 

Compass is a licensed real estate broker in the State of Colorado and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from 

sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages 

are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. 





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newsmaker 

Climate Conundrums 

Boulder lab predicts ‘Super El Niño’ this winter 

By BRAD WEISMANN 

THANKS TO PROJECT SCIENTISTS LIKE STEPHEN YEAGER AT BOULDER’S 

National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), we have a better sense of how climate 

changes, worldwide. 

Utilizing an experimental prediction 

system, a team at NCAR’s Climate and 

Global Dynamics Lab determined that 

a “Super El Niño” weather pattern will 

affect the Northern hemisphere this 

winter. If this prediction is accurate, 

how will this phenomenon impact us? 

And what can we do to prepare? 

“That’s exactly the questions that 

scientists are now struggling with,” 

says Yeager. “We sought to solve that 

question over this winter; to run a 

bunch of experiments where we take 

the sea-surface temperatures and run 

a bunch of atmosphere tests.” 

NCAR was founded in Boulder in 

1960. Up to that time, meteorology 

was a largely neglected discipline. 

Most meteorologists were weather 

forecasters, and very little research 

was taking place. With the birth 

of NCAR, scientists could “attack 

the fundamental problems of the 

atmosphere on a scale commensurate 

with their global nature,” says Yeager. 

Now, NCAR is home to many who 

seek to unlock the mysteries of weather 

and climate. 

One of the many is Yeager, who 

pursued his natural inclinations in 

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newsmaker 

becoming a scientist. 

“Science and math always came 

naturally to me,” he says. “It was 

something that was easy and that 

I enjoyed. I was almost an English 

major—in the end I just liked to be 

able to take a test and be done with it.” 

Although it may seem like weather 

prognostication is a hit-or-miss affair, 

especially in unpredictable Colorado, 

the science is improving all the 

time. New measurement techniques, 

rigorous experimentation and more 

climate-relevant observations are 

added to the mix, and the result is 

a more accurate picture of what’s 

to come. 

NCAR’s project involved the use 

of “hindcasting.” Instead of working 

forward into possible futures, 

hindcasting involves taking historical 

sets of data and testing them until 

an accurate mirroring of the actual 

likelihood of an El Niño took place. 

“A hindcast is just like a forecast 

except you do it in the past,” says 

Yeager. “You set up everything, and 

we ask: did our forecast actually check 

out? How skillful was it?” 

The project used a 20-member 

ensemble (factor) forecast in its study, 

including new metrics regarding 

the state of the ocean, sea ice and 

landforms, as well as the traditional 

atmospheric measurements. These 

factors were run in computer 

simulation repeatedly, using data 

reaching back to 1970, covering a total 

of approximately 6,400 years. 

“What we do when we do climate 

forecasts, it’s good practice to run an 

ensemble; so you tweak the original 

conditions ever so slightly and then 

you have a bunch of parallel worlds,” 

says Yeager. “It gives us the best sense 

of what will happen and also the best 

information about uncertainty in 

our forecast.” 

Once an accurate method of 

measurement was devised, it remained 

only to feed current climate data into 

the “hindcast” system to look forward 

in time. What the scientists found 

was surprising. It appears that “El 

Niño conditions are likely to develop 

into one of the strongest events on 

record,” the biggest since the winter of 

1997-1998. 

According to NCAR, “El Niño events 

are characterized by warmer-thanaverage 

temperatures in the Tropical 

Pacific Ocean. The phenomenon, which 

usually peaks in December, can have a 

significant impact on weather patterns 

across the country, causing the 

northern U.S. and Canada to become 

warmer and drier than usual while the 

southern U.S. becomes wetter.” 

So, what does this mean for us? 

According to Yeager, there is no 

definitive answer. 

“It is the sort of phenomenon that 

should make us expect the unexpected 

in the winter,” he says. “We should be 

expecting surprises—maybe a winter 

with no snow, or it could be snowstorms 

that deliver tons of snow. The warmer 

air holds moisture, so when we do get 

a storm, it may be a whopper.” 

So, despite the advanced 

prognostication techniques we have, 

the weather future is still, literally, 

cloudy. Coloradans are known for 

preparing for all possible weather 

conditions in our rapidly changing 

environment. The best way to prepare 

is to be ready for all possibilities. 

Some suggestions for those looking 

to prepare include clearing gutters 

and downspouts, checking roofs for 

leaks and checking for stressed trees 

on one’s property. Families should 

prepare “getaway kits” filled with 

necessities for being displaced if the 

weather overwhelms one’s home. 

“We should act not in concern, but in 

vigilance,” Yeager says. B 


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history 

Mount St. Gertrude 

Academy 

The lovely lady on the hill 

By LAURA K. DEAL 

AMID THE BEAUTIFUL HOUSES ON THE 

Hill stands a stately structure known today as 

The Academy, an elegant retirement community 

that saved and reinvented one of the earliest 

buildings in the neighborhood. 

In 1891, the fresh air and natural beauty of Boulder 

inspired Sister Mary Theodore O’Connor, who was ill with 

tuberculosis, to suggest to her Catholic community that they 

establish a house in Boulder for girls ill with the disease. 

She had traveled here with two other nuns from her Order, 

The Sisters of Charity, Blessed Virgin Mary, from Dubuque, 

Iowa, to visit her brother, Dr. Walter O’Connor, Surgeon 

General of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. Their 

suggestion soon became reality when a local man donated 

half a city block to the Mother House. Later, the Order was 

able to purchase the other lots on the block as well. 

Built in 1892, Mount St. Gertrude Academy gathered 

rumors almost as quickly as it did students. Sister Mary 

Theodore had grown quite ill during the year, and she 

wished to die in the new building. It still lacked doors, but 

she did spend her last night under its roof, though the Sisters 

who kept vigil at her bedside were terrified by the howling 

coyotes that gathered outside. Because of the frequent visits 

from the coyotes and wind, the building felt haunted, and for 

years, people reported seeing Sister Mary Theodore on the 

stairs, though her presence was said to be peaceful. 

In addition to housing female students in a dormitory 

and providing an infirmary for girls sick with tuberculosis, 

Mt. St. Gertrude’s also drew girls from Boulder and nearby 

farms. Students commuted on foot, horseback and by 

buggy, and after 1908, some arrived by the Denver-Boulder 

Interurban railroad. They had to hike each morning up the 

hill from the train station at the university. Some students 

went on to attend the University of Colorado, for a signed 

certificate of completion from Mt. St. Gertrude’s meant 

automatic acceptance at CU. Not every student went on to 

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history 

college; some opted for the Commercial track, which included 

skills like shorthand, typewriting and bookkeeping, as well 

as commercial law. Other students attended the Academy’s 

music conservatory, and students produced musical and 

theatrical entertainments. Whichever path they took, all 

students also received an education in religion and etiquette. 

Students were expected to abide by strict codes of conduct 

and dress, including wearing no makeup, but day students 

learned to wipe lipstick off before arriving at the doors in 

the morning, and reapply it in the afternoon while hiding 

behind the building. When worldly fashion led to shorter 

skirts, Academy girls learned to roll up their skirts around 

the waistband, a trick which could easily be reversed if the 

Sisters did an inspection of skirt length. 

Not all students were intimidated by the rules, however. 

Some of the pranks included climbing the tower, borrowing 

the nuns’ habits to wear, putting lipstick on the statue of St. 

Gertrude and even pouring ink into the holy water. Rumors 

occasionally worked their way through town, and one 

longtime Academy neighbor recalled hearing that a student 

had given birth and hidden her baby in a locker. 

Many alumnae were saddened when, in 1969, Mount 

St. Gertrude was no longer financially viable for Sisters of 

Charity, DVM, and they sold the property to the University 

of Colorado. The departments of Continuing Education, 

Dance and the Intensive English Center moved in, which 

made for a hurried commute between classes for students 

who had to get there and back from the main campus. 

Then in 1980, an arsonist associated with the Khadafy 

(top left) Nuns, 

women and girls 

posed on the 

east side of the 

school. (top right) 

The present-day 

academy, now a 

retirement home in 

Boulder’s University 

Hill neighborhood. 

(bottom left) Mount 

St. Gertrude shortly 

after it was built, 

1892. (bottom 

right) Mount St. 

Gertrude Academy 

Catholic girl’s 

school students 

pose in costume for 

scenes from a play, 

probably “Snow 

White and the 

Seven Dwarves.” 

regime in Libya set fire to the upper floor of the Academy, 

destroying the roof and much of the building. CU quickly 

had to rehouse their departments, and the building began to 

fall into ruin. Concerned that it would be torn down rather 

than preserved, Historic Boulder obtained a listing for the 

Academy on the National Register of Historic Places. That 

complicated what prospective buyers could do, but in 1998 

CU sold the property to the Academy Group, a partnership 

of three gentlemen who envisioned a retirement community 

that would meet the needs of seniors in Boulder while 

preserving some of the city’s past. Though there was much 

opposition at the time from neighbors, the project went ahead, 

and it now houses a vibrant community which includes both 

independent and assisted living. Still, the Academy, once 

known as the “lovely lady on the hill,” holds her place as one 

of Boulder’s jewels. B 

PHOTOS BOULDER HISTORICAL SOCIETY/MUSEUM OF BOULDER AND DENVER ART GLASS 


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art seen 

Four-panel “Stars at 

night, full moon in 

Virgo, winds sweeping” 

Peaks and Valleys 

Denver painter’s luminous landscapes offer pastoral 

calm and a message about climate change 

FOR DENVER-BASED 

creative Alexander Richard 

Wilson, artistic ability 

surfaced at an exceptionally 

early age. 

“I really think I woke up gluing things 

together; I came to consciousness with 

markers stabbing the kitchen wall,” 

Wilson recalls. 

In kindergarten, an art teacher was 

marveled by Wilson’s raw skill to draw 

in perspective after a class prompt. 

Wilson—who studied Architecture 

and Designed Objects at the School of 

the Art Institute of Chicago—would 

By KALENE MCCORT 

also construct entire complex, paper 

cities as a child. 

Now, the 30-year-old puts in 

countless hours at a paint-splattered 

studio located within The Temple on 

Curtis Street in Denver’s Five Points. 

The creative hub—once the first major 

synagogue in Denver, built in 1882— 

is now home to some of the city’s most 

revered makers. 

“The people around me and the 

events as they happen on earth inspire 

me,” Wilson says. “Being alive is 

inspirational—if you sit with it—a lot has 

to come together for this to go every day.” 

Wilson’s vibrant work is rich with 

time and place, but it also captures a 

feeling that’s rather timeless, too. 

Cows in grassy fields, burnt 

tangerine sunsets, flocks of crows 

among skyscrapers, snow-capped 

mountains of former mining towns 

and stirring portraiture have all been 

splashed upon canvas, with much 

passion and intent. 

Prior to relocating to Colorado from 

Chicago, Wilson was a studio assistant 

to prominent wire sculptor Eric 

Gushee. At the time, Wilson’s visual 

art was more intrinsically abstract, 

which is what the artist describes 

as pieces possessing “movement 

and rhythm.” 

Since moving to Colorado in 2020, 

the peaks and valleys of the Rocky 

Mountain region have acted as Wilson’s 

muse, which, following road trips to 

overlooked and forgotten places in the 

Rockies, have manifested on canvas. 

A scenic drive to Colorado’s alpine 

valley resulted in a painting of the 


“Mike Brown as 

photographed 

after his 

Graduation 

from Normandy 

High School” 

Alexander Richard Wilson 

PHOTO DERRICK VELASQUEZ 

“Glamp with Us” 

Conestoga wagon marquee of The 

Frontier Drive-Inn in the town of 

Center. Once a place to pull in and 

view cinematic gems, it now bears 

the message “Glamp with Us.” 

On Instagram, Wilson calls the 

mid-century landmark an “idol of 

colonialism.” 

Wilson’s work displays the evolution 

of places, cities and towns that may 

have been considered top-notch but 

are now eroded, both literally and 

figuratively. Themes of gentrification 

and decay dance alongside an essence 

of pastoral calm. 

Climate change remains at the 

forefront of Wilson’s work, and it often 

intersects with the subjects of race and 

injustice. “I—in the Black body way— 

felt like Colorado’s landscape was very 

relatable: no one’s talking about you 

being on fire,” Wilson says. 

“Sometimes I feel that I am 

specifically talking about our idea 

of beauty and our ideas of tolerance 

relative to imaging and landscape.” 

Wilson’s “Stars at night, full moon in 

Virgo, winds sweeping,” for example, is 

a stunning four-panel painting of lush 

blue depicting the San Luis Mountains 

basked in the glow of the moon. 

At other times, Wilson’s brushstrokes 

give way to very specific homages. 

In Wilson’s painting, “Mike Brown 

as photographed after his Graduation 

from Normandy High School,” Wilson 

honors the 18-year-old African 

American man who lost his life at the 

hands of Missouri Law Enforcement, 

in Ferguson, in 2014. Wilson grew 

up in nearby Florissant, a suburb 

of St. Louis. 

Wilson’s journey into becoming 

a full-fledged working artist was 

inspired by the global pandemic, an 

event that had many reevaluating. 

“Tragedy and happiness are the 

things that change your life,” Wilson 

says. “I will say, like most people, I 

think for me in the last five years, it’s 

COVID-19, which canceled everything. 

It was an insane kind of period from 

my brain.” 

Wilson mostly works from 

photographs and enjoys occasionally 

painting en plein air but relishes 

amping up color back at the studio. 

“The most rewarding aspect about 

being an artist is when people get it, 

when kids get it,” Wilson says. “I want 

viewers to feel like they are being 

acknowledged in the work.” 

Wilson stays busy crafting 

commissions and selling paintings 

on Instagram. The layered work— 

tinged with elements of folk art and 

sophistication—remains in demand by 

collectors throughout the U.S. 

“A lot of the people who do find me find 

me for a really good reason, and it feels 

really genuine and uncomplicated,” 

Wilson says. “I love the people who 

support me.” 

Pieces by Wilson can be seen in the 

Birmingham Museum of Art, works 

that were purchased by a man over 

social media without Wilson knowing 

they would be displayed as part 

of a collection. 

“My goals for the year are to keep 

working relative to my lens of activism 

and to keep telling this funny Colorado 

story because I feel like it’s the 

beginning of an opus, but sometimes 

it feels like I’m writing a whole book 

while making these,” Wilson says. 

“Colorado still has a lot of mysteries, a 

lot of things that are growing inside it 

that are good.” B 


local chatter 

The People’s Poet 

Meet Boulderite Andrea Gibson, Colorado’s new poet laureate 

By KATHERINE OWEN 

ATTEND A CONCERT— 

any venue, any genre— 

and you’ll find an audience 

composed of musicians and 

non-musicians alike. 

“But if you go to a poetry reading, 

usually everybody in the audience is 

a writer. And I want to change that 

about our culture.” 

So says Andrea Gibson, Colorado’s 

newest poet laureate, whose work 

takes the form of both spoken word 

and printed page and focuses on 

everything from gender identity and 

social justice to love and wonder— 

all with vulnerability and honesty. 

“My partner teases me and says that 

there isn’t a topic I haven’t written 

on, saying, ‘You have something to 

say about everything.’ And it’s true,” 

Andrea quips. 

Selected by Governor Jared Polis, 

Andrea began their two-year term 

in September 2023, succeeding poet 

Bobby Lefebre, the state’s first poet 

laureate of color. The author of six fulllength 

collections of poetry, Andrea 

has won the Independent Publishers 

Award twice, was a finalist for the 

Goodreads Choice Awards three times 

and won the first-ever Women’s World 

Poetry Slam. Having shared their 

poems across the country and around 

the world, becoming Colorado’s poet 

laureate is a poignant homecoming. 

“I fell in love with poetry in Colorado, 

and just about everything I know and 

love about poetry, I learned from the 

poets of Colorado,” they explain. 

It all began with a broken heart 

and an open mic night at Boulder’s 

erstwhile Penny Lane coffee shop. “I 

got up on the mic, and I read a poem 

for the first time; I was so scared,” 

they recall. “The paper I was holding 

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local chatter 

was rattling louder than my voice.” 

But they never fell out of love with it, 

because it always required courage 

and spurred a rare kind of “creative, 

emotional exchange.” 

In time, Andrea went on to share 

those poems around the country and 

eventually, the world. Two years 

ago, one week after sending their 

most recent collection, You Better Be 

Lightning, off to print, Andrea was 

diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 

has been home undergoing treatment 

since. “So, it feels full circle— 

returning to the places where I fell in 

love with writing and fell in love with 

sharing poems,” they say. 

They explain that, for much of their 

life, their poetry focused on what was 

wrong in the world. With the diagnosis 

came a paradigm shift. “Suddenly, 

I’m in this place where I’m actively 

confronting my mortality,” they 

explain. Just as quickly, the focus of 

their work turned to the wonder and 

awe that’s all around us. 

“The diagnosis has changed my 

writing in that, so much of what I’m 

writing about is astonishment, which I 

now think is a huge part of every poet’s 

job in some way—to turn the culture’s 

attention towards astonishment, 

towards awe, and to just be present 


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local chatter 

with the beauty that is here,” 

Andrea explains. “Right now, our 

world is in so much pain, but it’s so 

important to also put our attention 

on beauty. We will only want to save 

the world if we remember why it’s 

worth saving. And who wants to 

save a mess?” 

Andrea explains that awe is often 

found in a simple fact—a source of 

inspiration they’re excited to share 

with young people in particular as 

poet laureate. 

“I tell a 12-year-old that cows have 

best friends, or it rains diamonds 

on Jupiter, or that you can fit every 

person in the world inside of the 

city of Los Angeles. And then I say, 

‘Okay, write on that for 10 minutes.’ 

And then in 10 minutes—I’m getting 

goosebumps—in 10 minutes, you’re 

watching these kids discover that 

they, too, are poets.” 

From Andrea’s perspective, 

everybody is a poet and there is a 

poem for everybody. 

“I want people who don’t 

necessarily love writing to know 

that there is a poem for them. 

There’s a genre of poetry for 

everyone, or there’s a poet that, even 

if you think you hate poetry, there 

is a poet for you,” Andrea says. “I 

want people to just get excited about 

life and feeling and the connective 

power of art because it wakes us up 

emotionally and helps us reframe 

things. The first thing that I wrote 

about cancer was just this: 

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What I’ve found in my experience 

as a poet is that the poet’s job is to 

make even the hardest things in 

life beautiful.” 

Learn more about Andrea at 

andreagibson.org or sign up for their 

newsletter, Things That Don’t Suck. B 


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western drawl 

Embracing Your 

Inner Home 

Dr. Katherine Newburgh explores the power 

of enlightenment 

By WENDY SWAT SNYDER » Photos by EMILY SEABOLD 

ON A MISSION OF SELF-DISCOVERY, DR. KATHERINE 

Newburgh plots a course through France and Scotland searching for the 

key to an untethered existence, free of societal expectations. The trek 

across ancient lands takes her to a place in the heart for the answers 

she’s seeking. Her latest book, Finding Home: A Mystical Memoir, 

shares this personal journey, revealing how, through her travels, she 

found a pathway to the essence of true self. When we sat down for a 

chat, she shared her unique take on Western culture and Eastern cures, 

therapies and healing. 

You have a Ph.D. in education. 

You’re a sought-after leadership 

consultant and research 

professional. Describe the shift 

that sent you on your present 

esoteric path. 

The books I’m writing are my soul 

calling. I had been doing a lot of 

questioning, and there was this moment 

when I had a spiritual awakening. It 

was December 2018. I essentially woke 

up a different person. I felt like I couldn’t 

relate to the person I’d been. It was very 

disruptive. At that time, I was working 

in a school district in Vail, Colorado, I 

had one of those jobs your mom loves— 

security, a retirement plan—living that 

life that a lot of people would be satisfied 

with. But I wasn’t completely satisfied. 

I never seemed to tap into what was 

truly nourishing to what I’d call my 

soul’s purpose—that something only I 

could do. But I didn’t understand what 

I needed to be satisfied. What ended 

up happening was I received a really 


Katherine Hall 

Newburgh, Ph.D. 

Founder, Books of Eden Publishing 

booksofeden.com 

» Hometown: Trinidad, Colorado 

» Education: BA in English, 

Master’s in Teaching, Ph.D. in 

Curriculum and Education 

» Hobbies: Writing, horseback 

riding, being on the trail running, 

camping, hiking, riding in the 

wild places 

» New Year’s Resolution To share 

her work more widely and connect 

with others who believe in the 

magic of this life 


western drawl 

collective of humanity is moving into 

a heart centered way of being—which 

I first wrote about in The New Eden: 

Paradise Retold. 

powerful embodied experience where, 

suddenly, all the ambitions I had, the 

lifestyle I had, the addictions I had, no 

longer had any appeal for me. I stopped 

drinking, I went inward for a long time. 

It actually took about five years. 

You write about shamanic healing, 

how it transformed your journey. 

I was on a very inward journey, trying 

to make sense of what was happening 

to me, and that’s when I discovered 

shamanic healing. My research on 

teacher burnout prepared me for some 

of these questions. I realized there’s 

so much more happening at so many 

levels—a deep existential questioning 

that couldn’t be addressed by the 

traditional healing modalities of the 

Western world. 

A lot of what we do, therapy for 

example, is we manage the symptoms. 

I define true healing as an irreversible 

transformation where the symptoms 

never come back. 

Essentially, my spiritual awakening 

moved my focus of consciousness from 

my head to my heart. I naturally began 

seeking out those healing modalities 

that worked with those heart centered 

ways. There’s a lot of research that the 

Your second book, Finding Home: 

A Mystical Memoir, documents 

your dual journeys—inward 

and outward. 

I traveled to specific sites in France 

and Scotland, looking for answers, and 

that led me to lots of different healers, 

and the modalities of Kabbalistic 

Dream Work, reversing, and heart 

imagery. When you become open and 

transparent the miracles come floating 

in—grace doesn’t have a limit— 

helping your life to flow and change, to 

live beyond the expectations of others. 

To return to the time before the fall, 

reversing the trauma, communing 

with earth to create a state of 

unconditional belonging, knowing that 

you are worthy. 

The holiday season can be magical, 

but not for everyone. Your thoughts 

on dealing with that dynamic? 

There’s this pressure to belong 

somewhere, to someone, to something. 

The secret to really enjoying the holiday 

season is rooted in having a deep sense 

of self-worth—you have to love yourself 

first. And having discernment. You 

must be able to say, is this life-giving to 

me? In the face of all that’s going on, it 

takes a lot of courage to be joyful right 

now. 

Your message—if you were going 

to say one thing to someone—what 

would be it? 

The whole point of everything I do is to 

orient you to living your most natural 

life and I call for different practices to 

make that possible, to bring it down to 

something practical, actionable. 

I believe there’s nothing that can’t be 

restored, on a personal level as well as 

a collective global level. The way to that 

restoration is through the voice of the 

heart—and trusting that. 

There’s nothing that can’t be 

redeemed—the heart knows how to 

do it. B 


gift guide | entertaining | weekend trip | fashion 

PHOTO HYGGE LIFE 

A Very Hygge 

Holiday 

Invite small moments 

of comfort this season 

See page 64 


To Enjoy at Home… 

Holiday 

Gift Guide 

Holiday Designer’s Choice 

Bouquets, created with 

today’s freshest flowers for 

the season. Prices vary at 

Lafayette Florist, 600 S. 

Public Rd., Lafayette, 

lafayetteflorist.com. 

Thymes Frasier Fir Petite Diffuser. This 

deep green vessel seamlessly compliments 

any home decor, making this flameless 

option the perfect way to fill cozy spaces. 

$46, at Sweet Ruckus, 607 

S. Broadway, F, Boulder, 

sweetruckusgifts.com. 

“Money 

Mask” from 

Cameroon, 

West Africa. 

Bring 

abundance 

into 

someone’s life 

this holiday 

season by 

giving the unique 

gift of a Money 

Mask. Having one 

in a home is said 

to bring prosperity, 

wealth and happiness. 

$150, at Ana’s Art Gallery, 

1100 Spruce St., Boulder, 

anasartgallery.com. 

Koval Cranberry Gin 

Liqueur. A tart and dry 

liqueur with a holiday 

flavor profile, the gin 

base lends juniper 

to balance out the 

cranberry. Perfect for 

mixing with sparkling 

wine, or making aperitif 

cocktails. 750mL bottle. 

$32.98 + tax, at Hazel’s 

Beverage World, 1955 

28th St., Boulder, 

hazelsboulder.com. 

All of the joggling boards are handmade in South Carolina with Southern 

Yellow Pine. Sizes are 6’ to 12’ in length, and we also offer a 4’ children’s size. 

Recommended for a covered porch. Cushions are an add-on option and come in red, 

black, tan and grey. Prices vary at The Joggle Factory, thejogglefactory.com. 


To Explore the World… 

Freshley overalls in grey thermal denim. Work 

in the snow without looking like the abominable 

snowman.This new all-in-one thermal denim is a 

fully integrated hybrid. $149, at Mountain Man 

Outdoor Store, 20 Lakeview Dr., #111, Nederland, 

mountainmannederland.com. 

BeakView BirdCam. Feed your birds and get live 

pictures and video with real time notifications. 

Handy AI software helps you identify your 

birds, too. Starting at $199.97, at Wild Birds 

Unlimited, 1520 S. Hover St., Suite D, 

Longmont, wbu.com. 

ProMaster Chronicle Tripod Kit. A multifunctional, precisioncrafted 

aluminum tripod in a groundbreakingly innovative, 

self-contained package. Whether you’re using your phone 

or camera, need a tripod, monopod, tabletop or groundlevel 

tripod or handheld stabilizer, the Chronicle does it all. 

Starting at $319.95, at Mike’s Camera, 2500 Pearl St., 

Boulder, mikescamera.com. 


To Dazzle Every Day… 

Trol Moon Moth. Canova Home has 

something unique and perfect for 

everyone. Visit and enjoy their many 

new jewelry collections for men and 

women. Prices vary, at Canova 

Home, 1200 Pearl St., #100, 

Boulder, canovahome.com. 

Rare and colorful watermelon 

tourmaline pendant, from a recent 

purchase of over 3,000 carats from 

the ‘70s. $1,200, at Anspach’s 

Jewelry, 101 S. Public Rd., 

Lafayette, anspachsjewelry.com. 

The Boulder Peaks Mountain 

Ring is a Cronin Jewelers 

exclusive. Locally designed 

and hand-crafted in 14k yellow 

and white gold, it features the 

majestic Flatirons surrounding 

a center stone of your choice. 

Come see our collection for the 

perfect holiday gift! Prices start 

at $2,600, at Cronin Jewelers, 

1235 Alpine Ave., Boulder, 

croninjewelers.com. 

This gorgeous pear shaped 

diamond ring is available 

in white or yellow gold and 

platinum. The center diamond 

is offered in a variety of sizes. 

We invite you to come in and 

see our beautiful selection at 

Snyder Jewelers, 2201 Ken 

Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 

snyderjewelers.com 

Eric’s famous Mountain Jewelry is always a favorite gift 

idea. Eric Olsen, Master Jeweler. Prices vary at Eric 

Olson, Master Jeweler, 820 Main St., #107, Louisville, 

master-jeweler.com. 

Little black diamond drops sparkle in these drop 

earrings, perfect for adding that extra touch to any outfit 

elevating the everyday. Features 18K yellow gold, black 

diamonds and lever back closure. Total diamond weight: 

3.34ct. Inquire for price at Walters & Hogsett, 2425 

Canyon Blvd, Boulder, waltersandhogsett.com. 


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entertaining 

The Wonder of Hygge 

How to prioritize the simple joys and moments 

of connection this holiday season 

By LISA VAN HORNE 


PHOTOS HYGGE LIFE 

THERE IS A HUSTLE AND BUSTLE, 

a frenetic energy that is often associated 

with the holiday season in the United States. 

Whether we’re being encouraged to hurry to 

tick the boxes off our shopping lists or rushing 

to keep up with a calendar teeming with festive events, these 

pressures can sometimes eclipse the tranquil coziness and 

warm comforts of the winter season. 

But for Alexandra Gove, owner of Vail Valley’s Hygge Life 

shop and café, the holidays are an especially opportune time 

of year to purposefully reduce these stresses and embrace the 

calm connections that the season facilitates. 

“In Danish, hygge is an adjective, a noun and a verb—a 

state of contentment and the opportunity to invite small 

moments of comfort and connection into your day,” says Gove. 

“Rather than the common translation of ‘coziness,’ we view it 

as a larger appreciation of the people and places that make 

us feel at ease.” 

Gove and her partner, Koen, were conscious of their 

preference toward this mindset long before they discovered 

the term “hygge.” After meeting in Vail, the pair moved to 

Koen’s hometown of Amsterdam, where Alexandra was 

struck by the slow, intentional and thoughtful style of living 

that she encountered. 

“People were actually sitting down to enjoy their coffee!” 

says Gove. 

After travels throughout Europe and a continued 

appreciation for finding “hygge moments” of happy, peaceful 

feelings alongside good people, Alexandra sought to bring 

this mindset back to the United States. After moving back 

to Colorado, Alexandra and Koen began hosting “hygge 

dinners” and partnering with local chefs, musicians, 

florists and bartenders to create environments in which 

guests could experience calm moments of connection. These 

gatherings were the precursor to the opening of the Hygge 

Life showroom in 2017—featuring a collection of furniture, 

lighting, home décor and gifts from designers and makers 

across Scandinavia, Europe and the United States—followed 

by their café, where visitors are invited to experience calm 

moments of enjoyment in their day. 

Gove notes that the meaningful memories and cozy 

feelings so often precipitated by the holidays make it “hygge 

high season,” and the ideal canvas for practicing this mindset 

of peaceful joy and serenity in simple pleasures. 

“Traditions such as putting up a Christmas tree, lighting 

menorah candles, attending a ballet, enjoying a lingering 

holiday dinner with family and friends—these are all 

instances that can conjure feelings of hygge in us during the 

holidays,” says Gove. 

The abundant opportunities to gather and connect with 

loved ones represent yet more chances during the holiday 

season to slow down and create moments of appreciation for 

simple, yet meaningful comforts. From adorning your abode 

for a holiday gathering to thoughtfully prioritizing moments 

of connection through meal preparation and with the children 

in your lives, here are a series of ways that you can bring 

hygge into your heart and home this holiday season. 

A Holiday Welcome 

When hosting get-togethers over the holiday season, Gove 

notes that it’s important to prioritize connection over 

perfection. 

“The goal shouldn’t be to have a ‘perfect’ table setting,” 

says Gove. “Rather, create an environment that facilitates 

warmth and comfort that shows guests that you’ve put 

genuine thought into creating an enjoyable atmosphere.” 

Here are five considerations that Gove recommends when 

it comes to hosting connected holiday gatherings: 

• Slip into comfort. Placing a basket of slippers in various 

sizes next to your door instantly encourages welcome 

and warmth. Outside of the physical comfort, this can 

also represent a transition from the outside world into the 

satisfying aura of coziness in your home. 

• Adorn with warm textures. Drape blankets and soft 

textures all over your home to encourage a sense of calm. 

If you have wooden or metal chairs around your dining 

table, add to their comfort by placing sheepskin seat pads or 

draping blankets over the backs. 

• Use firelight and candles for ambience. The peaceful glow 

of candlelight and the nostalgic crackle of a warm fireplace 

add immeasurable coziness to your home and a festive 

mood to your gatherings. Use candles of multiples sizes in 

the center of your dining table to add layers of warmth that 

illuminate your meals. 


entertaining 

• Make your favorite moments extra special. Starting 

to feel stressed in the planning of your holiday gathering? 

Pause and seek out the festive activity that triggers you to 

relax, slow down and enjoy the moment. Fully embracing 

these festive traditions and little moments will bring you 

back to your tranquil mindset. 

• Add a thoughtful touch to holiday outings. If your 

gathering includes an excursion out to enjoy a holiday 

activity, such as a light festival or holiday light drive, take a 

moment to prepare a thermos of hot cocoa to sip on and enjoy 

along the way. 

Creating Culinary Connections 

For Kirk Bachmann, fourth-generation chef and president 

and provost of Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, 

Boulder, hosting food-centric holiday gatherings are 

meaningful, memorable ways to celebrate love, gratitude, 

friendships and the enjoyment of holiday traditions. 

“For me, the concept of hygge is not just about filling bellies,” 

says Bachmann, “but also touching hearts with the power of 

a well-crafted meal, shared in an atmosphere of warmth and 

togetherness. It’s about embracing the cozy elements of life, 

like the aroma of bread baking and the savory scents of a 

hearty stew to create a sense of contentment that lingers in 

your guests.” 

And it’s not just the food itself that can create these conduits 

for connection, but the planning and preparation of the meals 

as well. Here are four ways that Bachmann suggests creating 

moments of connection throughout a culinary gathering: 

• Be considerate in your planning. Actions as simple as 

creating intentional seating arrangements can go a long way 

in making your guests feel special. Being mindful of your 

guests’ culinary preferences, food insecurities and dietary 

restrictions ensure that they feel respected and welcomed. 

• Get your guests involved. While your holiday kitchen 

doesn’t need to be organized as prescriptively as Auguste 

Escoffier’s famed “Brigade System,” encouraging friends and 

family to join in food preparation with tasks that they are 

comfortable with creates a sense of teamwork, community 

and pride in the resulting feast. 

• Emphasize traditions. Being mindful of the traditional 

dishes that may evoke fond memories for your guests will 

take your food-centric gathering to a new level of comfort, 

meaning and inclusivity, as these traditional dishes vary 

from person to person and culture to culture. 

• Share recipes. There’s a story behind every recipe, and 

this can be especially true for holiday dishes. Bachmann 

notes that his father’s Christmas Stollen—a buttery, rumflavored 

Swiss-German bread—is just such a recipe for him. 

Not just a delicious holiday treat, the bread is a labor of love 

that harkens to Bachmann’s family history, and it’s a key 

element of his holiday traditions. Encourage your guests to 

share their own stories of meaningful recipes, which will 

conjure up fond memories. 

PHOTOS HYGGE LIFE AND AUGUSTE ESCOFFIER SCHOOL OF CULINARY ARTS 


PHOTO MICHEILE HENDERSON 

Embrace the Wonder 

A child’s wonder at the simple joys of the holiday season is 

magic that Genna Hackley, founder of Babysitters of Boulder, 

believes adult celebrators should also embrace. 

“I encourage parents to gift themselves moments of wonder, 

peace and exuberance, too, like they gift these experiences to 

their children,” says Hackley. “Parents often express to me 

that they regret stress-induced behavior during this season. 

The holiday season presents a unique opportunity to model 

the essential message of caring for one’s well-being. Let your 

child observe the adults in their lives making time for rest 

and simple pleasures.” 

Here are a few considerations and activities that Hackley 

recommends as parents look to foster joyful connectionbuilding 

this holiday season: 

• Find moments of rest. To fully enjoy holiday celebrations, 

both children and adults need moments of calm, too. Choose 

times of the day or set aside a day of the week for these quiet 

recharging moments. Putting on your holiday pajamas and 

reading holiday books that are meaningful to your family 

make these quiet moments extra special. 

• Welcome curiosity. The natural curiosity of children 

often makes them eager to learn about the holiday traditions 

of others and share their own traditions. Invite friends and 

neighbors to try your special holiday foods and share their 

traditions as well. Pursue activities that pique and foster 

your child’s unique interests, whether that’s making up a 

dance to their favorite holiday song or making borax-crystal 

snowflakes as a science-themed holiday craft. 

• Embrace simplicity and gratitude. The holidays can 

be an extremely stimulating time of year. When choosing 

holiday activities—especially art and craft projects— it’s 

okay to choose simple crafts over those with complicated 

instructions and to focus on one activity at a time. Making 

aromatic cinnamon dough ornaments, stringing popcorn, 

cranberries or colorful cereal O’s for garland and creating 

pomanders are great examples. Introduce children to the 

delight of giving along with receiving: volunteer together, 

try a small canned food drive in your neighborhood, or 

donate toys to a gift drive. 

• Remember proper safety and supervision. The holiday 

rush can sometimes cause us to overlook common safety 

hazards. Consider hiring babysitters during holiday parties 

and ensure that there is a supervised space for children in 

attendance to move, make noise and be silly. Secure pets. 

When crafting, be sure that hot glue guns and hot baking 

pans are supervised by an adult. 

• Get inspired by nature. Many Colorado locales—and even 

possibly your backyard—are great spaces for holiday activities, 

experiences and creations. Evergreen garland materials and 

pine cones are often right outside, and decorating in the spirit 

of the season doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money 

or storing bins of décor. Revel with your child in the joy of 

rolling down a snowy hill together and gather some of nature’s 

treasures to use in a décor activity. B 


weekend trip 

Ranch Rendezvous 

Brush Creek Ranch redefines the Wild West 

By IRENE MIDDLEMAN THOMAS 

PHOTOS BRUSH CREEK RANCH 

RUSSET, GOLD, SAGE, 

moss green, peach, purple 

and sienna, all enhanced 

with dramatic cloud 

formations and a brilliant 

blue sky. I’m a nearly lifelong Coloradan, 

and yet, my eyes welled up with 

awe from the magnificent, sweeping 

landscapes I encountered on a recent 

visit to Brush Creek Ranch. Situated in 

the North Platte River Valley, 20 miles 

from Saratoga, Wyoming, the scenery 

inspired me to paint, although I could 

never do it justice. 

Brush Creek Ranch is one of three 

all-inclusive guest ranches (along with 

the Magee Homestead and French 

Creek Sportsmen’s Club). It’s tucked 

into over 30,000 very secluded acres, 

between the Sierra Madres and the 

PHOTOS BARRY BROWN 


PHOTO IRENE MIDDLEMAN THOMAS 

gorgeous Medicine Bow National 

Forest. ‘The Farm’ at Brush Creek 

offers immersive, sublime seed-totable 

dining at its Cheyenne Club, 

more likely to be found in New York or 

Paris than in rural Wyoming. 

From the tantalizing single bite 

amuse bouche to the next course of 

grilled house-made halloumi cheese 

served with fig and port conserves, 

greenhouse relish and grilled 

sourdough, I was truly entranced 

by the cuisine. Seemingly a lifetime 

away from city life, and yet, guests 

have access to just about any luxury 

to which they are accustomed, and 

perhaps, even more. 

Think of a wine cellar with 30,000+ 

bottles (one of the top ten largest in the 

world), providing a 72-page wine list, 

along with on-property features such as 

an award-winning distillery, creamery, 

bakery, a private herd of Emperors 

Breed Wagyu cattle and Wyoming’s 

largest hydroponic greenhouses with 

an astonishing variety of produce. 

The ranch includes a 600-acre private 

ski mountain, top-rated fly fishing on 

rivers, creeks and lakes, full-service 

spas (at Magee Homestead and French 

Creek) and so much more. 

Brush Creek Ranch is most easily 

reached by private air into Saratoga 

Jet Center, landing guests just 13 miles 

away. Driving takes approximately one 

hour from the Laramie Regional Airport 

or about 3 ½ hours from Boulder. 

My mornings started out with 

steaming lattes and an array of treats 

such as cinnamon rolls baked in cast 

iron pans, or in my case, a scrumptious 

Nutella and banana muffin. I sipped 

away while admiring horses galloping 

freely through the picture windows of 

the rustic, yet so luxurious lodge. A 

glossy black horse stood alone, framed 

by the bright yellow cottonwood trees. 

The meadow shone with a bit of frost, 

and as the sun slowly rose over, 

everything glowed. My enthusiastic 

server, Jesse, arrived with a smoothie. 

“Since you ordered the muffin, I 

thought you should also try the 

Nutella smoothie.” At an all-inclusive, 

he added, calories don’t count! 

The ranch’s activity selection is vast, 

including the usual, such as horseback 


weekend trip 

riding along with the quite unusual, 

such as goat yoga, mixology classes, 

greenhouse tours, cheesemaking 

and my choice, just added this year, 

trekking with llamas. Austin Griffith 

and Anthony Natale run this program 

and will tailor needs and wants to the 

client. On our trek, we walked a sixmile 

Encampment River trail. Austin 

served us a surprisingly gourmet 

lunch, replete with the best cowboy 

cookies ever, in a peaceful clearing. My 

llama, Jerry, had an underbite which 

I thought caused his rather ceaseless 

humming as we strode along. On the 

return trip, however, the hum did 

cease, so apparently, Jerry just wanted 

to go home! A honeymoon couple from 

Tennessee told me that the deciding 

factor in their choosing Brush Creek 

for their special trip was the Llama 

Trek, which they reported exceeded 

their expectations. 

Dining and wining are stellar at 

Brush Creek, and for many guests, 

essential priorities for choosing this 

property over other ranches. As Head 

Sommelier, Judy Donahoe told me 

while touring the enormous wine 

cellar, “Wines are a passion of our 

owners. I love the epicurean lifestyle 

experience here.” Indeed, Donahoe 

relocated to Brush Creek from her 

previous position in Napa because of 

that passion. Here, her enthusiasm 

and warm, unpretentious manner 

made our wine and cheese tasting a 

delight, as well as so educational. “I 

like to call myself a ‘wine guide,’” she 

said modestly. 

The in-house distillery offers free 

tastings of its vodka, gin, bourbon and 

rye and always has a few specialty 

projects in the works. The spirits are 

made with herbs and plants from the 

onsite hydroponic greenhouse. I was 

struck by the tasty gin (so good I drank 

it straight) that Dawson Mitchell, 

Director of Hospitality served us. “It’s a 

sipping gin, made with grapefruit and 

orange peel, juniper, sweet cinnamon 

and coriander.” 

However, my go-to at the Ranch 

was the Brush Creek Old Fashioned, 


consisting of the Distillery’s Brush 

Creek Bourbon, vanilla Demerara and 

black walnut bitters. Not too sweet, 

just rich and flavor-popping. Almost all 

cocktails and beers are included in the 

stay, however, many wines are at an 

additional cost, as are some dishes, such 

as caviar and some of the cuts of meat. 

At the fine dining Cheyenne Club, 

dinner is an event, not a meal. 

Brennan, our superb server, told me 

the Heirloom Tomato Brulee was her 

favorite, and I relished every bit of 

the divine creation, made with the 

ranch’s goat cheese espuma, crispy 

quinoa and basil crystals. (I must find 

basil crystals—an incredible product!) 

Not a meat eater typically, I decided 

that Brush Creek was the place to 

indulge. Triple Seared Wagyu Strip 

with horseradish whipped potato, 

mushroom bordelaise and black 

garlic was sublime, even for a sort-of 

vegetarian like me. 

The more casual, yet still gourmet 

Pioneer Kitchen has its own array of 

culinary delights, such as Colorado 

lamb chops with herb marinade, crispy 

sunchoke and huckleberry jus. 

Also part of the all-inclusive 

experience, the oh-so-western Saloon 

offers bourbon, rye, gin and vodka 

from Brush Creek Distillery, as well as 

additional select wine and spirits served 

every afternoon and evening. On warm 

days, guests can sit in the Adirondack 

chairs outside and sip away. 

Brush Creek is the perfect ranch 

for those who want the majesty of 

the Western experience with all 

the comforts of home…and more! 

brushcreekranch.com B 


Dazzle in 

Decadence 

Wrap yourself in opulence and 

embrace the season’s splendor 

On Her: Eribe Scottish 

wool fair isle sweater, 

Driftwood embroidered 

cuff jeans, Common 

Hat Australia; at Little 

Bird, Niwot. On Him: 

Helly Hansen, Boulder 

as seen on pg. 75. 

Shoes: Cougar-Vanetta 

boots; Clarks Alt Walker 

in black Nobuck; at 

Brown’s Shoe Fit, 

Longmont. 


Faux wrap dress with long 

sleeves and gold accent 

buttons. All items curated 

by Snow; at SNOW 

Apparel, Longmont. 

Photographer and Stylist: CARY JOBE 

Assistant: NICHOLE GREENLEY 

Models: MARINA KOYEN and DAVID HUGHES with nxt|MODEL 

Location: Special thanks to The Kitchen American Bistro, Boulder. 


TiMo sequin dress; at 

Beatrice the Divine, Boulder. 


Kitz half-zip wool sweater 

2.0, Holmen 5 pocket pant; 

at Helly Hansen, Boulder. 


Rhinestone Maxi skirt + 

matching Halter Neck; at 

The Ritz, Boulder. 


Go Silk bias cut velvet dress, 

Swarovski crystal stacking 

bracelets; at Barbara & 

Company, Boulder. 


Dolcezza jacket, Orange 

bamboo tank top, French 

Dressing black pants; at 

Alpaca Connection, Boulder. 


Handing Out Hope for the Holidays 

Just a handful of the organizations building a better Boulder County 

By MATT MAENPAA 

PHOTO COMMUNITY CYCLES 

THE HOLIDAY SEASON HAS BECOME SYNONYMOUS WITH A SEASON OF GIVING, 

but that can go beyond presents under a tree or stockings stuffed by the fireplace. Still, with more 

than 2,000 registered nonprofits in the Boulder County area, the spirit of charitable giving can be a 

daunting thing to consider. We at Boulder Magazine have chosen just a handful of those organizations 

whose work deserves to be noticed and wishlists fulfilled. 


Community Cycles 

In 2005, a Boulder high school student started a bike 

recycling program that would eventually incorporate to 

become Community Cycles, a nonprofit bike shop with a focus 

on community education, workshops, bike repair and more. 

“Community Cycles has a vision for Boulder,” says 

program manager Sandee Cirian. “What if cycling was 

everyone’s top choice to get around? If choosing to ride 

instead of drive wasn’t a revolutionary act, but just what we 

do? We’d spend less time boxed in, and more time living out. 

We’d nod to our neighbors as we pass. We’d move with our 

community, instead of just through it.” 

That’s the impetus for the organization and its ongoing 

work to make high-quality cycling equipment accessible to 

everyone in the community. Building on that with education, 

workshops and programs to help riders of every age and 

experience level find growth and community. They reinforce 

all of that with advocacy and research to make Boulder a 

safer and more cycle-friendly city. 

“Everyone deserves to experience the freedom, joy and 

connection that comes from cycling,” Cirian says. “So, we’re 

dedicated to overcoming the barriers that prevent people 

from riding.” 

This holiday season, Cirian hopes that community 

members can find some way to contribute to their goals. 

Volunteers are always needed, she says, particularly in 

areas of community advocacy and skilled bike mechanics. 

For those looking to make more physical donations, 

Community Cycles welcomes all things bike-related. 

“Your old and unwanted bikes will be refurbished and 

put back where they belong,” Cirian says. “On the road with 

someone in need of a bike.” 

Community Cycles takes in all bikes and parts, using 

and refurbishing what they can and recycling the rest to 

keep them out of landfills. A large portion of those bikes 

also get donated in the organization’s annual Kid’s Holiday 

Bike Giveaway, where more than 350 bikes are given away 

to low-income children each December. 

COMMUNITY CYCLES STATISTICS: 

• 2,493 bikes donated 

• 969 bikes sold 

• 1,683 bikes recycled 

• 3,640 pounds of tires recycled 

• 1,527 volunteer hours 

• 1,589 member hours 

• 5,481 workshop hours 

A Community Cycles 

volunteer works with a 

young community member. 

PHOTO COMMUNITY CYCLES 


Performance of “Matilda.” 

Cast members of “The 

Addams Family.” 

The inchworm in “James 

and the Giant Peach.” 

PHOTOS THE SPARK 

The Spark 

Seeking to inspire, educate and empower the creative 

community through Boulder County, The Spark was 

initially founded to fill the need for more collaborative and 

performing arts spaces in the area. Their location serves 

both as a venue for public use and a space for their working 

theater company. 

“We had seen and heard from so many local Boulder 

artists that there was a lack of space to do their work,” says 

The Spark co-founder Dillon Kenyon. 

In addition, Kenyon explains, they wanted to create a 

unique theater company that incorporated both youth 

and adults. 

“We saw a lack of a ‘bridge’ between youth theater 

companies and the professionals in the Front Range,” she 

says. “We created a company that filled that gap. It has 

since become much more than a ‘bridge,’ but an experience 

that is completely unique to the state.” 

The Spark is home to a 10,000-square-foot space that 

incorporates performance venues, rehearsal and event 

space that is safe, accessible and affordable for everyone in 


Attendees view the program 

of the Homeward Bound 

benefit event. 

the community. This allows them to host and collaborate 

with dozens upon dozens of other arts organizations in the 

community, hopefully mitigating the funding issues that 

plague arts communities around the country. 

From the inspiration and incorporation in 2018, The 

Spark is now a venue for more than a half-dozen full-scale 

theater productions each year. Inspiring others, The Spark 

also hosts events from Boulder Performing Arts Company, 

CU Department of Music, Samba Colorado, Maputo Mensah 

African Drumming, Boulder Burlesque and more. 

For those looking to support The Spark, Kenyon says 

volunteers are always needed and welcome. 

“We have community work days where folks can help us 

prepare for upcoming events,” she says. “We offer free tickets 

to folks who want to volunteer for front-of-the-house jobs at 

our shows and community members are always welcome to 

join the organization as a performer!” 

For those more inclined toward monetary donations, 

Kenyon says that The Spark is in the process of fundraising 

for an outdoor sign and marquee to highlight the myriad of 

performances and events in the space. 

“We want everyone who uses our space to be seen, and 

having this outside signage is key.” 

THE SPARK STATISTICS: 

• Performances: 5-8 per year 

• Cast: 15-30 performers of all ages 

• Attendees: 2,700 people in 2022 

• Employees: 3 dedicated humans 

Community members 

walk animals from LHS. 

Longmont Humane Society 

For many people, their furry and four-legged companions 

are fundamental parts of their family, but just as many of 

those animals wind up abandoned or on their own. Humane 

Societies around the country are vital to keeping our animal 

friends cared for, and Boulder County is fortunate to have two. 

“Our official mission statement is: caring, serving and 

educating to improve the lives of companion animals,” 

says Emmy Delis, community outreach manager at the 

Longmont Humane Society, or LHS. 

“I would say that we are working hard to combat the 

misconception that we are just a ‘pound’ that’s a depressing 

place to send pets to,” Delis adds. “I see hope everywhere at 

LHS, from our caring and talented staff to our staunchly 

supportive foster family network, pets have excellent help 

and encouragement in finding their forever homes when 

they come to us.” 

The care that LHS provides extends to animals from out of 

state, Delis explains. Because there is no time limit on care 

for the animals, high-kill shelters often transfer unadopted 

pets to Longmont when they need space. Additionally, LHS 

boasts the only cat behavior team in Colorado, helping 

hundreds of cats per year that would typically be considered 

too wild for adoption find their new homes. 

PHOTOS LONGMONT HUMANE SOCIETY 


“Build Day” for the Veterans 

Community Project. 

PHOTOS VETERANS COMMUNITY PROJECT - LONGMONT 

In addition to constant needs like pet supplies and food 

for their furry charges, LHS has a steady need for help from 

animal-loving community members. This includes the vital 

foster program that helps get our furry friends adapted to 

life outside the shelter, as well as important things like 

taking dogs for walks once or twice a week. 

“Volunteering an hour a week to walk dogs is a huge 

help too,” Delis says. “We strive to give each dog three 

walks per day, to get all the sniffs, fresh air and treats for 

good behavior.” 

LONGMONT HUMANE SOCIETY STATISTICS: 

• Sheltered animals: 3,736 

• New adoptions: 2,017 

• Spay/neuter procedures: 3,488 

• Average cost per animal: $565 

• Pets reunited: 573 

• Volunteer hours: 20,485 

Veterans Community Project - Longmont 

It is no secret that those who have chosen to serve in the 

military don’t always have the easiest transition to civilian 

life. Fortunately, there are organizations like Veterans 

Community Project, or VCP, to serve those who have served 

us—regardless of discharge status or type of service. 

Originally founded in Kansas City, Missouri, VCP 

expanded its reach to Longmont in 2020, first with an 

office space and outreach center near downtown, and then 


The Veterans Village in 

western Longmont. 

The interior of a Veterans 

Village tiny home. 

the initial funding would have been more than enough to 

complete the project based on projections in 2019, Wallis 

says, rising inflation post-COVID impacts the project and 

supply chain issues have put a halt to the build-out. Still, 

the organization perseveres in its mission. 

“Knowing the impact we’ve had on veterans’ lives in our 

community and being able to provide such direct support 

during the most stressful times in their lives makes me 

excited to come to work every day,” Wallis says. “I can’t 

wait to see what we’ll be able to do for our Veterans in the 

coming years.” 

VETERANS COMMUNITY PROJECT - LONGMONT STATISTICS: 

• Over 300 Veterans served 

• 85 veterans housed with VCP support 

• 4 homes completed in VCP Village 

• 22 homes left to complete 

• $1 million in capital needed to complete 

the Veteran Village 

breaking ground on a planned 26-home Veterans Village in 

western Longmont. VCP hopes to not only address the gaps 

in care for those veterans who struggle with homelessness 

and addiction but also those whose discharge prohibits 

them from care by Veterans Affairs. 

Ash Wallis, VCP’s director of veteran support and herself 

an Army veteran, started with the organization as a case 

manager but has seen the struggles herself. 

“As a veteran who was very close to needing VCP’s service 

myself, it’s an honor to work with an organization that goes 

above and beyond to say ‘yes’ to at least one need of every 

veteran who walks through our doors, even it’s just being 

able to provide a cup of coffee and a referral to a local food 

bank,” Wallis explains. 

The crown jewel of VCP’s work in Longmont is the Veteran 

Village, a collection of tiny homes built with a veteran’s 

needs in mind, including sound-dampened walls and a 

community center for ready access to services. Though 

I Have a Dream Foundation 

of Boulder County 

In 1981, in Harlem, philanthropist Eugene Lang founded 

the original I Have a Dream Foundation, or IHDF, 

mentoring students from elementary to high school and 

providing scholarships to encourage those youth to pursue 

higher education. 

In 1990, dismayed by a 35% graduation rate in lowincome 

youth in Boulder County, local philanthropists 

established IHDF in Boulder, modeling their organization 

off the work of Lang and the national nonprofit. In that 

time, the Boulder County nonprofit has served more than 

1,000 local Dreamers and expanded its local reach to 

provide community support, mental health aid and a more 

nuanced approach to post-secondary education for the youth 

and families of Boulder County. 

“The model is to build a relationship with the student for 

as long as a student is in school and enrolling in a postsecondary 

pathway,” says IHDF executive director Dr. 

Perla Delgado. “We build this strong relationship with the 

students and their families; we do home visits. Our strength 

and our sweet spot is during that out-of-school space, 

providing social, educational and emotional support.” 

Since its formation more than 30 years ago, IHDF has 

bridged partnerships with organizations like Longmont 

Youth Center and Boulder Housing Partners to identify youth 

that would benefit from that extra support, Delgado explains. 

“That’s really evolved our mission. When it started, it was 

focused on getting them to graduate high school,” Delgado 

says. “Now we are expanding that beyond four-year colleges, 

helping our scholars thrive with two-year and certificate 

programs. Our goal has always been to align that postsecondary 

program with the strengths and passions of each 

PHOTOS VETERANS COMMUNITY PROJECT - LONGMONT 


PHOTOS I HAVE A DREAM FOUNDATION OF BOULDER COUNTY 

IHDF community members. 

of the Dreamer Scholars, in addition to awarding them with 

a $10,000 scholarship.” 

The relationships with local tech companies have only 

bolstered opportunities at IHDF, including computer 

labs and a brand-new youth robotics team, ensuring that 

the Dreamer Scholars have access to STEAM-focused 

programming they might otherwise miss out on. 

The biggest volunteer needs IHDF has, Delgado says, 

are for more adult learning partners and mentors to step 

up and work with the Dreamers. Delgado also hopes that 

community artists can come in, not just to mentor the youth, 

but to help give IHDF’s offices more personality. 

I HAVE A DREAM FOUNDATION OF BOULDER COUNTY STATISTICS: 

• 100% of youth IHDF served are experiencing income 

inequality upon entering the program 

• 91% of participants self-identify as Persons of Color, with 

85% identifying as Latin(a/o/e) 

• Participants range from age 6 to 25 

• 95% graduation rate for Dreamer Scholars 

• 91.9% of youth reported having an adult in Dreamers 

they can trust 

• 93.5% of youth reported having an adult outside of 

Dreamers they can trust 

B 


When Breaking the Rules 

Goes Exactly Right 

How an unorthodox approach led to a dream home 

By HOLLY BOWERS » Photos by HBK PHOTOGRAPHY 


Alongside Arcadea 

Architecture, Sloan 

Construction crafted 

this expansive, lightfilled 

kitchen with a 

wet bar that features 

dazzling Anne Sacks 

tile and an instant hot 

water for tea lovers or 

a delicious hot toddy! 


The two-tone walnut cabinetry 

by Artisan Shop and artwork by 

Paula Owen reflecting the four 

seasons are a centerpiece of the 

main living area. 

IN HIS 30 YEARS AS AN 

architect, David Biek has 

relied on the centuries-old 

triangle of architect-builderhomeowner. 

That’s why 

Arcadea Architecture, the 

Boulder-based firm where Biek serves 

as principal architect, doesn’t build 

the homes it designs. 

But once you know the rules, you 

can break them. When it came to 

designing a home for Hanna and Dave 

Sloan, that’s exactly what Arcadea did. 

The Sloans aren’t typical clients 

for Arcadea—they build houses for a 

living with Sloan Construction, the 

company they founded in 2008. They 

were going to be the builders and the 

homeowners in the triangle. 

When Dave and Hanna purchased 

their home in Central Boulder in 2011, 

they knew they wanted to do something 

with it. Dave didn’t even tour the 

inside. “The crawlspace access was on 

the outside, and I went down there and 

went to the foundation, looked at all 

the brick lines and everything to make 

sure it was all good,” he explained. 

“Then [I] poked my head inside and 

said, ‘We’ll take it!’” 

Nine years later, the Sloans were 

ready to remodel the 1,200-squarefoot 

ranch. By that time, they had two 

children, and Hanna’s mother had 

moved into an accessory dwelling unit 

in the backyard they built for her in 

2014. The couple approached Arcadea 

about popping the top on the home and 

doing some remodeling. 

“Once we put the design together, 

it became pretty clear that we were 

really popping the top starting at the 

first-floor plywood,” Biek remembered. 

Hanna and Dave ultimately decided 

to start from scratch, keeping nothing 

but the home’s footprint. Arcadea was 

up for the challenge. 

The Sloans hadn’t worked with 

Arcadea before, but Dave was 

impressed with the firm’s attention to 

detail and how the architects put the 

homeowner first. “Construction is one 

of the biggest team sports out there,” 

he said. “You need the architect and 

the engineer to be good teammates. 

[Arcadea was] great.” 

“We really pride ourselves on how 

much we customize each home to the 

owners and the site,” Biek explained. 

“I think our work varies a lot compared 

to most architects because of that.” 

The focus is on what the homeowner 

wants in their design, rather than a 

firm point of view. 

Arcadea also invests a lot of time to 

set their projects up for success. “We’re 

very conscientious about estimating 

and controlling construction costs and 

communicating those things to the 

owners at a very early stage in the 

project,” said Biek. 

Arcadea developed proprietary tools 


Anne Shutan’s custom 

mahogany door is 

a unique work of 

art that adds both 

warmth and life to 

the home. 


The open floor plan is 

great for entertaining, 

complemented by the 

Panoramic door and 

window that open to the 

patio. A closer look shows 

an ADU built for Grandma, 

donned with a perennial 

living roof. 

for estimating costs after recognizing 

that clients needed better estimates 

earlier in a project. They now provide 

room-by-room estimates to help owners 

see where they may be able to reduce 

costs. That’s much harder to do when 

cost estimates are given by trade (e.g., 

carpentry or electrical). 

Doing a lot with a little 

The design process was very 

collaborative. When it was time to turn 

the designs into reality, Hanna served 

as project manager and Dave as site 

supervisor. They had to work on their 

home in between jobs for other clients, 

but the effort was worth it. 

Arcadea’s thoughtful design packs 

a lot into a constrained footprint. The 

2,600-square-foot home includes three 

bedrooms and a flex room upstairs, 

plus a guest room, an office and a 

three-quarter bathroom on the main 

level. “It’s really disciplined,” Biek said 

of the design. “We made it special with 

nice details and proportions.” 

That marriage of beauty and 

minimal architectural effort is 

something the Arcadea team strives 

for in its designs. So is the integration 

of indoor-outdoor space. The windows 

above the Sloans’ kitchen counter slide 

all the way open to an outside counter 

at the same level. On top of that is a 

12-foot cantilever over the back patio 

with three six-by-nine frosted glass 

panels for the roof. 

Both Biek and Dave reference the 

cantilever as one of their favorite 

The Stûv wood stove 

offers an efficient and 

cozy back-up heat source 

for this all-electric home. 


The kiddos’ bathroom 

features colorful 

cabinetry and a 

funky tile design for a 

playful feel. 

October/November December/January 2023 2024 | 91

parts of the house. Dave remembers 

telling Biek that he only wanted one 

post to support the patio roof, but 

Biek stopped him and said, “Life is 

too short for posts.” Their structural 

engineers figured out how to make 

the cantilever work. 

To the Sloans, the cantilever 

represents the attention to detail from 

Arcadea throughout the entire project. 

As the homeowner, “You get decision 

fatigue,” said Hanna. “You think you 

get everything done at the beginning— 

you get your cabinets ordered, your 

appliances picked out. But then you 

have to decide on tile. At the very end 

it’s paint colors. By the time you get to 

cabinet hardware, you’re just over it.” 

Arcadea was there to help at every 

decision point. The Sloans worked 

with Sarah Kingdom Designs, then an 

in-house designer at Arcadea, to make 

sure all those details were perfect. The 

end result? “Magnificent,” said Dave. 

Some of their other favorite features 

include the big, open kitchen, the fully 

electrified setup and the Stȗv woodburning 

stove (“Dave’s toy in winter,” 

said Hanna). The house also has two 

green roofs where the Sloans grow 

vegetables, as well as a custom mahogany 

door designed by Anne Shutan. 

For Hanna and Dave, building their 

own home was a learning process that 

has given them more empathy for the 

homeowners they work with. “We can’t 

yell at a flower and have it bloom,” 

Dave said of the process. “You just 

have to tend the soil.” 

And as for the breaking of the 

triangle? “I didn’t see any downside to 

it at all,” Biek said. 

Architect: Arcadea Architecture, 

arcadea.com 

Builder: Sloan Construction, 

sloan.build 

Interior Design: Arcadea Architecture, 

Sarah Kingdom B 


The front of the home offers an 

inviting space to gather and chat with 

neighbors, complemented by two 

living roofs for ornamental and edible 

gardening. Hidden from street view, a 

9kW Solar PV system on the upper roofs 

helps power this all-electric home.

Path to the 

backyard and 

Granny Pad 

with a Parasoleil 

custom gate. 


Warming Up in a 

Winter Wonderland 

Your guide to must-soak-in Colorado hot springs 

By CHLOE-ANNE SWINK 


THE SPLENDOR ON OFFER IN OUR GREAT STATE 

of Colorado is boundless. The landscape alone is the gift 

that keeps on giving. You could spend a lifetime exploring 

the Centennial State and fail to run dry its bounty—from 

natural wonders to marvels both hidden and historic. 

As snow blankets the mountains in white this winter, the obvious call 

is to the ski slopes. However, you don’t want to miss out on one of the 

most magical, often unconsidered, luxuries that Colorado’s landscape 

offers: its divine natural hot springs. 

PHOTO THE SPRINGS RESORT 

The Springs Resort hot spring 

pools and mineral runoff as 

seen from the San Juan River. 


Hot Spring Highlight: 

The Springs Resort 

Looking for a hot spring experience that checks all the 

boxes? The Springs Resort in Pagosa Springs is it. Nestled 

on the banks overlooking the breathtaking San Juan River, 

less than 25 miles from Wolf Creek Ski Area, The Springs 

Resort couldn’t be more ideally located. 

For those who seek adventure and recreation, Pagosa 

is perfect for an après ski soak. If pure relaxation is your 

M.O., you’ll find your paradise here. 

Family-friendly? Check. Poolside cocktail service? 

Of course. 

The Springs Resort is no less than a world-class wellness 

destination. Its 25 hot spring pools are fed by the Mother 

Spring, which is also the world’s deepest geothermal hot 

spring. It reaches immeasurable depths beyond 1,002 feet. 

Those who stay at the resort or who purchase limited daily 

VIP access can also enjoy a quiet respite in any of the five 

pools on the adults-only relaxation terrace. 

Healing minerals abound in the waters of Pagosa’s 

hot springs. From magnesium and lithium to zinc, iron, 

manganese, sulfate and seven others, these waters are 

centuries-old medicinal treasure troves. 

After becoming one with these mystical waters, melt away 

at the resort’s spa. Treatments like the Magnesium Melt (a 

tall glass of water to nourish dry Colorado skin) leave you 

feeling like a whole new human. 

Round out this all-encompassing wellness renewal with 

menus at both resort’s restaurants, which accommodate 

a variety of diets from vegan to paleo; and each room 

features a Deep Sleep Tray, which provides the essentials 

for a restorative sleep after your meditative soak. Lavish 

in the aroma-therapeutic sleep hygiene products or spend 

the evening soaking and stargazing in this unique “dark 

sky community.” Guests at the resort get 24-hour access to 

all 25 pools. In a town known for outdoor adventure, The 

Springs Resort is a breath of pure bliss. 

Best For Luxury: 

Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort 

Picture a romantic weekend away. Snow falls softly on the rock 

formations that make up the pool around you. You and your 

favorite person are cozied up in a 104-degree natural (sulfurfree) 

hot spring built into the side of the frigid Chalk Creek. 

The natural landscape gives you the freedom to let cool 

water in as you please. Or, if you prefer it steamy, block 

the inflow of cool river water and let the 140˚ geothermal 

springs add some intensity. 

Tucked away in a scenic valley, surrounded by the majesty 

of the Collegiate Peaks—some of Colorado’s most iconic 

fourteeners—this is the dreamy experience that awaits in 

the Creekside Hot Springs at Mount Princeton Hot Springs 

Resort in Nathrop, Colorado. 

PHOTO THE SPRINGS RESORT 

A couple enjoying one 

of the infinity pools 

on the adults-only 

Relaxation Terrace at 

The Springs Resort. 


Winter at Mount Princeton 

Hot Springs Resort. 

Chalk Creek and Mount 

Princeton Hot Springs 

Resort’s historic bathhouse. 

PHOTOS MOUNT PRINCETON HOT SPRINGS RESORT 

Mt. Princeton Hot Springs offers a premium 

experience for spa and overnight guests. This includes 

access to three private cascading hot spring tubs of 

varying temperatures, a large private soaking pool and a 

guests-only clubhouse that serves fresh juices, libations 

and snacks. 

Highlights of this quintessential Colorado experience 

include a geothermally heated infinity pool. For peak 

luxury, book an elegant Creekside Suite with a bedside 

fireplace and a balcony overlooking the river. 

Best for Après Ski: 

Hot Sulphur Springs Resort 

Sometimes the most humble of places turn out to be nooks 

where your soul truly settles, where comfort can be fully 

sought. Such is the case with Hot Sulphur Springs Resort 

in Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado. 

An unassuming property in an unassuming town is home 

to truly healing hot spring waters that can be savored on a 


The lowest and coolest 

pool at the Avalanche 

Ranch hot springs with 

the onsite antique shop in 

the background. 

budget; 16 pools are available to both resort 

guests and daily visitors. 

The temperatures range drastically (from 

98˚ to 112˚), as do the layouts of the pools. With 

both Granby Ranch and Winter Park less than 

40 minutes away, Hot Sulphur Springs Resort 

is perfectly positioned for an after-slope soak. 

Mineral buildup from 

the healing minerals 

inside the water at Hot 

Sulphur Springs Resort 

PHOTO CHLOE-ANNE SWINK 

Best Day Trip: 

SunWater Spa 

Welcome to SunWater Spa in Manitou 

Springs; a place of pure relaxation. The 

offerings are all-encompassing from mineralrich 

hot spring soaks to yoga classes and 

wellness-centric spa treatments. 

The property, right off downtown Manitou 

Springs, is thoughtfully appointed with cedar 

hot tubs, an indoor saline pool and traditional 

saunas. SunWater Spa is the place this winter, 

and Manitou Springs is a charming Colorado 

town that’s not to be missed. 


PHOTO HOT SULPHUR SPRINGS RESORT

Enjoying the view from a 

rooftop cedar hot tub at 

SunWater Spa. 

PHOTO SUNWATER SPA 

December/January 2024 | | 99

The relaxing indoor saline 

pool at SunWater Spa in 

Manitou Springs, Colorado. 

PHOTO SUNWATER SPA 

Best Hidden Gem: 

Avalanche Ranch 

Hidden away in the spectacular Crystal River Valley, 

Avalanche Ranch is the epitome of a hidden gem. The 

property hosts log cabins, an eight-person ranch house and 

cozy two-person covered wagons, alongside three-tiered 

natural hot spring pools and a bucket-style pool inside of a 

barn setting. 

Day passes to the springs are available, and The Lodge is 

open to all guests with restrooms, soda machines, games, 

ping pong and DVDs. 

Amid constant progress and growth, Avalanche Ranch 

remains a nostalgic tribute to Colorado’s historic roots. The 

ranch remains family owned, and that personal touch of 

hospitality doesn’t go unnoticed. 

The property is sprinkled with endearing quirks like 

One of the primitively 

built hot spring pools at 

Rainbow Hot Springs. 

statues, a clawfoot tub cold plunge, an antique shop housed 

in a wooden barn and paddleboats for use at the pond. This is 

the place to disconnect…and reconnect to what’s important. 

The property is thoughtfully kept, the hot springs are 

peaceful and this swathe of Colorado remains largely 

untouched by modern civilization. 

Best For Adventure: 

Rainbow Hot Springs 

I’d be remiss not to mention some of Colorado’s primitive 

hot springs. They remain, aside from the handy work of 

hikers and campers, in their natural state. The payoff is 

exceedingly sweet after putting in the work to get there, 

and the experiences are that which will be remembered for 

a lifetime. 

However, I do not recommend attempting either of these 

hikes in the winter unless you’re experienced in navigating 

the backcountry in snow. Avalanche threats are present and 

trail conditions pose an extreme challenge. 

Always Leave No Trace when accessing the backcountry. 

A true diamond in the rough, Rainbow Hot Springs 

is accessed by taking West Fork Campground Road near 

Pagosa Springs to West Fork Trailhead. From here, embark 

on a 5.5-mile one-way trek through an unearthly-looking 

burn scar until you reach Rainbow Hot Springs. 

When you arrive, a few (depending on the time of year) 

natural hot spring pools harbor sweet relief from the long 

hike and cold temperatures. 

B 

PHOTO KATE SOUTH 


Before the Defrost 

Fun ways to work up a sweat this winter 

By CHRISTOPHER C. WUENSCH 

PHOTOS FREEPIK; CLIMBING PHOTO GENO KETCHUM 

A 

LITTLE COLD WEATHER DOESN’T 

prevent the people of Colorado from breaking 

a sweat during the icy winter months. 

Boulderites and beyond are just as active with 

the temperatures below freezing as they are 

with the summer sun tanning their faces. 

Boulder is a hotbed for winter sports fun. With so much to do, 

there’s something for everyone willing to brave the elements. 

Looking for some winter thrills? We start by looking up at 

the mountain, rather than down it. 

Ice Climbing 

Forget the gondolas and ski lifts. The most rewarding way up 

the mountain is by climbing it yourself! 

The members of The Ice Coop know this quite well. 

Located at 2500 47th St. in Boulder and opened in 2019, 

The Ice Coop is Colorado’s first dedicated ice-climbing facility. 

It’s here where curious beginners can climb the bouldering 

walls of this 2,000-square foot facility side-by-side with 

some of the nation’s elite climbers…and do so in a welcoming 

communal environment. 

“The great thing about The Ice Coop is the humility and the 

desire among everyone here to share the sport,” said Micah 

Day, a board member of The Ice Coop and climber with more 

than 15 years of experience under his harness. 

While The Coop is home to world class climbers competing 

on Elite, Competitive and Recreational levels, it’s also the 

perfect place for novices to discover a new passion. 

Day recommends beginners take advantage of the gym 

hours, private lessons and regular open theme nights for 

Beginners, LGBT groups and more. 

And you’ll always find several members of all skill levels 

willing to go on a weekend climb to areas such as the Vail’s 

renowned Rigid Designator area during the October to April 

climbing season. 

With The Coop, beginners walk in curious and find 

themselves hooked via carabiner for life. Give them a look at 

theicecoop.org. 

Skiing 

While ice climbing is ascending in popularity, skiing, and 

its rebellious cousin snowboarding, remain the kings of the 

mountain when it comes to working up a sweat in Colorado. 

Located roughly 20 miles from Boulder, the family-friendly 

Eldora Mountain: Colorado Ski Resort is the ideal day trip 

for beginners and intermediate skiers. 

Ice Skating 

Strap up the skates, some hot chocolate awaits after a few 

laps around the rink. Looking for that authentic outdoor iceskating 

experience? WinterSkate is a snow-swept facility 

located downtown historic Louisville, just a quick salchow 

away from Boulder. 

Closer to home and a lot less windy, the indoor Ice Rink 

found on the University of Colorado campus is Boulder’s only 

ice rink. Hockey, group skate parties and lots more are big 

here, but you will need a Rec. Center membership. 

Sledding 

There are times when sledding down the hills at Scott 

Carpenter Park will feel like you’re in hyperspace, which is 

appropriate for a facility named after a former astronaut. 

Want to go even faster? Longer than a football field and 

wider than 60 feet, Tantra Park offers a thrilling upgrade on 

one of the biggest hills in Boulder. 

Same goes for the steep inclines at Chautauqua Park…if 

you dare. After you arrive at the bottom, go find yourself a 

hot spring to rewarm your soul. B 


Return of the Pack 

How ‘Defenders of Wildlife’ are bridging 

the great divide of wolf reintroduction and 

management in Colorado 

By GRACE ADELE BOYLE 

Alpha male of the 

Canyon pack in the 

Lower Geyser Basin. 

PHOTO JIM PEACO 

102 102 | TheBoulderMag.com 

|

OF ALL THE PROPOSED METHODS FOR CONSERVING COLORADO’S ECOLOGICAL 

future, bringing wolves back to the Western Slope is one of the most contentious. While the majority 

of Colorado voted yes on Proposition 114, the ballot measure tasking Colorado Parks and Wildlife 

(CPW) with reintroducing and managing gray wolves, the margin was razor thin (50.9% for, 49.1% 

against) and fell largely along urban and rural boundaries, respectively. 

PHOTO NPS/JACOB W. FRANK 

Since most of Colorado’s landscape is rural yet most 

residents live in the urban Front Range, wolf reintroduction 

is more conceptual vs paws on the ground experiential. “I’d 

like them to be around, I just want them to leave me alone,” 

is the general consensus—and fair enough. Wolves are apex 

predators, and their presence has far-reaching impacts on 

wildlife and livestock. 

That’s exactly why the leading U.S. conservation 

organization ‘Defenders of Wildlife’ (Defenders) worked so 

hard to get Prop 114 on the ballot and passed in 2020. 

“Wolves are an incredibly important part of the overall 

ecosystem in Colorado,” explains Shawn Cantrell, VP of 

Field Conservation for Defenders. The correlation between 

Colorado’s long-term ecological health and its gray wolf 

population is indisputable. 

Wolves help maintain ungulate populations, including 

reducing disease, minimizing winter mortality and 

improving overall herd health. The presence of wolves can 

prevent ungulates from overgrazing, which is particularly 

important along riparian areas where mature shrubbery 

provides habitat for different species. Larger vegetation 

increases shade, cooling water temperatures, decreasing 

evaporation and creating a healthier habitat for fish and 

other aquatic species. “It’s a web—you take one piece out, 

particularly an apex predator at the top, and it ripples down 

through the system,” Cantrell explains. 

Because the biodiversity web doesn’t stop or start at 

Colorado’s border, the impact is sweeping. “Colorado is 

this missing piece regarding wolf recovery in the United 

States. Once wolves are reintroduced to Colorado, we will 

be reconnecting wolf populations from Mexico all the way 

up to the Arctic—that’s a big achievement that Colorado 

should be proud of,” explains Kaitie Schneider, Colorado 

Wolf Representative for Defenders. 

Gray wolves are native to Colorado but unregulated 

hunting throughout the 1800s brought their prey-base 

down to critical levels. By the early 1900s, bison had been 

eradicated from Colorado, big horn sheep were steadily 

Wolf near the entrance to 

Artist Paint Pots. 


Wolf in the road near 

Artist Paint Pots. 

Alpha male of the Canyon pack. 

Sizing up a wolf track. 

ALPHA PHOTO NEAL HERBERT 

declining, and—hard to believe—the elk population had 

dipped to just 1,000 in Colorado. All big game across the 

West had been hunted to the brink, so wolves turned to the 

increasing livestock industry for sustenance. 

In an effort to protect the livelihood of ranchers and 

farmers and rebalance the ecological scale that had been 

inadvertently tipped, the Western States overcorrected. 

Government-sponsored eradication efforts against wolves 

and other carnivores including coyotes, lynxes, bears 

and mountain lions were systematically executed. While 

individuals and communities could see the environmental 

impact of decimating so many species, it took the 

environmental movement of the ‘60s and ‘70s to push— 

of all people, President Richard Nixon—to create the 

Environmental Protection Agency and sign the Endangered 

Species Act into law. This means for nearly 50 years, 

gray wolves have been protected under a combination 

of Federal and State law, but Colorado is the first state 

to pass legislation (Prop 114) to reintroduce and manage 

gray wolves. “Wolves help control all species in the web, 

including other carnivores, making this restoration not only 

important for wolves but for the future of Colorado’s wild 

places,” Schneider explains. 

Reintroducing an apex predator back into the balance 

means elk won’t settle in one area for as long, sometimes 

making them harder to find. Because of this, some hunters 

PHOTOS NPS/JACOB W. FRANK 


A wolf chases magpies and 

ravens from an elk carcass. 


TOP PHOTO JIM PEACO 

A wolf track into 

the sunset. 

understandably consider wolves competition. Yet the reality 

illustrated through 26+ years of studies in the Northern 

Rockies around wolf reintroduction shows that the number 

of hunting trips where hunters have successfully harvested 

a deer or elk remains consistently high. 

Still, to some rural western slope communities, 

reintroduction feels like ending up where they started even 

if wolves end up where they belong. The question is not if but 

how reintroducing wolves will impact their lives and that’s 

why the ‘management’ portion of Prop 114 is so essential. 

CPW has worked diligently to create a scientifically backed 

wolf management and reintroduction plan that serves all 

of Colorado. They’ve held statewide hearings to create an 

open dialogue and build relationships between different 

viewpoints and experiences. They’ve worked with a diverse 

Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) and are coordinating 

with wolf managers from other states and science advisors to 

address the social, economic and ecological needs that arise 

with wolf reintroduction. Defenders and CPW believe the 

entire process needs the essential voices of Colorado’s diverse 

communities: conservationists, hunters, Native American 

communities, the livestock industry, agricultural producers, 

environmentalists, landowners and recreation enthusiasts. 

There is no way consensus will be reached on every issue 

and that’s the point—to have diverse values in the decisionmaking 

process instead of an intellectual monoculture. 

The plan’s goal is, “To recover and maintain a viable, selfsustaining 

wolf population in Colorado, while concurrently 

working to minimize wolf-related conflicts with domestic 

animals, other wildlife and people.” The plan also includes 

compensation for livestock lost to wolves and ideal timing 

for reintroducing 10-15 wolves per year for 3-5 years. CPW 

is on track to meet the voter-approved deadline of Dec 


31, 2023, for the first wolves to be released via helicopter 

transport on the Western Slope. 

The bottom line is that Colorado’s rural communities, who 

largely voted against wolf reintroduction, are expected to be 

impacted more than the urban Front Rangers who voted for 

Prop 114. Defenders is aware of this reality and is dedicated 

to supporting rural residents. 

“Most rural communities live on the edge, and ranchers can 

feel particularly stressed. They are facing many pressures on 

their business model: climate change, water shortages and 

rising prices. And they see wolves as potentially another 

threat to their ability to make a living. So, if we can help 

make sure that they are secure, we are hoping they will be 

supportive of wolf recovery,” Cantrell shares. 

“Most of our work in Colorado includes hosting workshops 

and directly implementing wolf conflict-minimization tools 

with ranching communities,” Schneider says. “It is not my 

place to go onto someone’s ranch and tell them to change how 

they’ve been ranching for the last 100 years—but we can 

help people develop a strategic approach to minimizing wolf 

conflicts so there’s less stress on them and their livestock.” 

Schneider and Cantrell are passionate about their work 

and grounded in their approach. They know that there’s no 

single tool to prevent every attack, but 30+ years of working 

with ranchers has proven that using these methods can 

dramatically reduce the likelihood of predation. 

Much of the success of the wolf program in Colorado will 

depend on public officials hearing from constituents over 

the next several years—repeatedly. Whatever can be said 

about a particular elected official, representatives get the 

temperature of the social waters through their outspoken 

constituents, and they do a decent job of listening. State 

representatives like Governor Jared Polis, Congressman 

Lauren Boebert, Senator Michael Bennet and your 

local county representatives need to hear from you. The 

exact wording doesn’t matter but communicating the 

sentiment, “I’m excited wolves are back, please support 

the reintroduction of wolves,” is essential. Because if they 

don’t hear from supporters, they will certainly hear the 

complainers over the next few years. Even if it’s a small 

number, if that’s all they hear, it will be impactful. 

If you want to support the wolf reintroduction efforts 

in Colorado, Defenders of Wildlife are always looking for 

advocates. “We send out action alerts when opportunities 

pop up to get involved. Anyone can sign up on our website no 

matter where you live, you’ll get notifications for your exact 

area,” Schneider shares. 

Another way you can let everyone know you’re supporting 

Colorado’s wolves is by signing up for the wolf emblazoned 

‘Born To Be Wild’ license plate in January 2024. The money 

raised goes directly to nonlethal wolf-livestock conflict 

prevention for CPW. 


Wolf portrait taken from a 

vehicle in a pullout. 


A 72-pound female 

wolf of the Minam 

Pack, after being 

radio-collared. 

A fladry line in Montana. 

PHOTO U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE; ODFW/FLICKR.COM; RUSS TALMO/DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE; DIANA HUNTER/FLICKR.COM 

Emily Hepler, a wildlife 

technician with the 

USDA, Animal and 

Plant Health Inspection 

Service’s (APHIS), Wildlife 

Services program, secures 

turbo fladry to a fence 

before it is charged with 

an electrical current. 

Low-stress Livestock Handling 

This training reduces vulnerability to predation (wolf or 

otherwise) and increases the livestock’s ability to handle 

pressure. So, if a wolf does come, the cattle don’t scatter, 

maintaining safety in the herd, and wolves lose interest and 

leave to find easier prey. 

Turbo Fladry 

“Think used car lot—it’s electrified wire with red flagging 

on it,” Schneider explains. “Wolves don’t like new and 

unknown things, so if they come to check out cattle and 

see fladry, they won’t like it and will leave. This method 

works best in rotation and in conjunction with other tools, 

so wolves don’t become accustomed to it.” 

Range Riding 

Human presence, typically on horseback. Being with the 

herd, removing sick or injured cows that could lure a wolf, 

noticing when cattle wander off and keeping them together, 

all while monitoring for signs of wolves. 

Tools Implemented by Defenders 

A range rider monitors 

cattle and wolf activity. 

RAG Box 

Radio Activated Guard (RAG) boxes are programmed 

to respond to wolf radio collars with flashing lights 

and speakers to ward them away. If a wolf wanders 

within a certain distance of the RAG box, lights start 

flashing, music begins blasting and the wolves run. 

Originally, RAG boxes were difficult to obtain until 

Defenders worked with a manufacturer to redesign a 

compact, reliable and accessible model with a notification 

system that directly lets ranchers know when their 

RAG box gets activated so they can send a range 

rider immediately. 

Fox Lights 

A portable light that flashes random patterns. “Imagine 

you’re hiking with a group of six ten-year-olds, and they all 

have their own flashlights—lights are going up to the tops 

of trees, in people’s eyes, just standing around—that’s what 

a Fox Light is like. No pattern, no logic, just chaos. And 

wolves hate it,” Cantrell explains. B 


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dining out | winter dining | in the kitchen | libations | restaurant guide 

Tea Time 

Warming up with 

The Huckleberry’s cozy 

comfort delights 

PHOTO THE HUCKLEBERRY 


dining out 

The Huckleberry 

The Louisville bakery and cafe serves local 

ingredients along with a side of history 

700 Main Street 

Louisville, CO 

303-666-8020 

thehuckleberry.com 

By LINNEA COVINGTON 

THOUGH THE STRIKING 

purple exterior walls of 

The Huckleberry bring to 

mind the flavorful fruit, 

the bakery and cafe was 

actually named after the title character 

in the book “Huckleberry Finn,” and 

as an homage to a beloved family cat 

named Finn. 

“It seemed to be a wholesome name, 

and Huckleberry Finn, being a downhome 

adventurer that’s a fun-loving 

dude, it matches with us since we aren’t 

pretentious and we try to do some good 

stuff in a casual environment,” said 

chef Lenny Martinelli, founder of Three 

Leaf Concepts, the hospitality group 

that owns The Huckleberry. “We do 

try to uplift it a bit and serve good food 

using the vegetables and pickled goods 

from our farm.” 

Today Finn the cat is long gone 

(though the Martinellis now have 

a horse named Finn), but The 

Huckleberry remains as lively as ever. 

In fact, it’s been going strong since 

2005 when the family bought the venue 

housing a restaurant originally called 

Karen’s in the Country. The building, 

which used to be an old bank and post 

office, well, it’s been steady since 1898, 

and now it’s part of the historical side of 

downtown Louisville. 

The Huckleberry was the third 

restaurant in the family’s portfolio, 

and finding the space for it proved 

simple, said Martinelli, who moved to 

Louisville over 30 years ago. As the 

story goes, his milk vendor came to 

the back door and basically asked the 

chef if he wanted to buy the building. 

Shortly after, Martinelli and his wife 

Sara went to dinner there, it was empty 

Buttermilk pancakes with 

crispy bacon. 

and perfect. They signed for the lot 

and the historical spot got revamped— 

expanded to include two buildings—and 

became the successful neighborhood 

eatery and bakery it is today. 

“It became this hometown place; and 

when kids go off to college they come 

home and say, ‘we got to go to The 

Huckleberry,” said Martinelli, adding 

there’s something about the space that 

just feels right, not just to him, but to 

the customers too. “Daily, kids come 

from school and get their milkshakes 

and the happy-face cookies we always 

had, plus we celebrate special occasions 

with multiple generations of families.” 

Even when they did take-out 

during the pandemic people came and 

supported the spot. During this time, 

the restaurant dropped dinner service, 

and right now still only does breakfast 

and lunch. Overall, the menu at The 

Huckleberry focuses on American 

classics and diner fare with a seasonal 

and funky twist. 

For example, the Scramlette, 

Martinelli’s take on an omelet and 

egg scramble. The menu boasts eight 

iterations including the Lorraine with 

bacon, Swiss cheese and scallions; 


Fried green tomatoes 

with remoulade. 

Cherry pie. 

Potato latkes with 

homemade apple 

compote and sour cream. 

A slice of apple. 

crumble pie. 

the Garden with tomatoes, peppers, 

mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, 

onions and cheddar cheese; and a 

vegan one made with tofu, tomatoes, 

green onions, zucchini, broccoli and 

mushrooms. Each is served with a 

fresh biscuit and breakfast potatoes. 

Other breakfast staples include 

different types of eggs Benedict, 

chicken fried steak, biscuits and 

gravy and freshly made apple fritters. 

“It’s really a classic breakfast menu 

with a little twisting of some classic 

things, but we try not to be pretentious,” 

said the chef. “It’s very important to us 

to have good food, good service, friendly 

people and a friendly place.” 

Lunchtime brings an array of 

sandwiches, such as the Reuben, 

French dip and the BLFGT, a take on 

the BLT featuring bacon, lettuce and 

fried green tomato on whole wheat 

toast. Other hearty fare includes halfpound 

burgers, homemade chicken 

pot pie and tomato basil soup. Salads 

showcase the fresh vegetables the 

restaurant sources from the company’s 

13-year-old Three Leaf Farm, which 

is managed by Martinelli’s son, Jax. 

In fact, 100% of the goods grown on 

that farm go to one of the five Three 

Leaf Concepts’ restaurants or its 

catering company. 

On the bakery side, one can find an 

array of colorful cakes for any occasion, 

as well as Martinelli’s favorite: pie. So 

many pies, from blueberry to apple to 

pumpkin, all with a little something 

extra to make them stand out. The 

bakery also makes vegan carrot cake 

and gluten-free multi-grain bread, 

though it needs to be ordered in advance. 

One of the most popular items found 

at both the cafe and bakery surprisingly 

isn’t solid food, it’s the RumChata Chai 

that’s been made in-house by the group 

for 30 years. Today guests can get the 

concoction bottled to-go, perfect for 

enjoying at home. 

Diners can also indulge in afternoon 

tea daily between 2 and 3 p.m. The cost 

runs $24 per person, or $15 for kids 

under 9, and includes a tiered tower 

of pastries and savory tea sandwiches, 

all baked fresh day of. Of course, a hot 

pot of tea is also provided thanks to the 

group’s Boulder Tea Company and its 

catalog of over 100 imported teas. 

The Huckleberry isn’t like any of 

the Martinellis’ other restaurants, 

the most famous being The Boulder 

Dushanbe Teahouse. Opened in 1998, 

the teahouse’s uniqueness partially 

comes from the building, which was 

built by hand without any power 

tools, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. It was 

gifted to the city of Boulder and sent 

halfway around the world in pieces to 

be rebuilt in Boulder as a symbol of 

friendship between the two cities. This 

year the teahouse was recognized and 

recommended by the Michelin Guide in 

Colorado’s inaugural award ceremony. 

Three Leaf Concepts, owned by 

Sara and Larry Martinelli as well 

as Jerry Manning, also runs other 

Boulder-based concepts including the 

historic Chautauqua Dining Hall, 

Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant and 

Zucca Italian Ristorante. The catering 

and events side of the business runs 

strong too, overseen by Martinelli’s 

daughter, Lily. 

While The Huckleberry stands out 

from the group’s other restaurants, 

it falls into the same category of 

hospitality, offering Boulder County a 

fun, comfortable and solid place to get 

a good breakfast or lunch, as well as 

birthday cake any time one is needed. B 


winter dining 

Alpine Appetites 

Where to have fun in the snow while heading to a special 

and cozy meal this cold season 

By LINNEA COVINGTON 

MAKE THE MOST OF THE MAGICAL WINTER LANDSCAPE BY WINING AND DINING AT 

spots throughout Colorado. Think cozy cabins one can snowshoe into, dining outdoors in a human-sized snow 

globe and sleigh rides with a food-focused destination in mind. These eight adventures can help solidify this 

winter in the mind and belly, showcasing the charming side of the season. 

PHOTO GRADY JAMES; BOTTOM PHOTO ISAAC DEAN 

Snowcat Dining Experience 

The winter alpenglow highlights the Needles Mountains in 

Durango as guests gaze on from an enclosed snowcat as it 

ascends the terrain. Once at the top of the summit, it’s time 

for a five-course dinner. The exclusive adults-only adventure 

happens just four time a year, December 30, January 27, 

February 24 and March 23. Diners meet at the Purgatory 

ticket office at 4:30pm, then head up for food, drinks and 

the view, returning at around 9pm. The destination may 

be dinner, but the journey adds to the magic of the evening. 

purgatory.ski/activities/snowcat-dining-excursions 

Snowcat Dining 

Experience 

serves up 

mountain-top 

eats. 


Hungry adventurers 

arrive at the Tennessee 

Pass Cookhouse. 

PHOTO TENNESSEE PASS COOKHOUSE; PHOTO LUCY BEAUGARD 

Tennessee Pass Cookhouse 

Lovingly known as “Tenn Pass,” the Leadville destination 

features some of Colorado’s favorite things-skiing, hiking, 

snowshoeing and eating. For 25 years, locals and visitors 

have trekked to the Nordic Center to explore the natural 

beauty around the area, as well as for special occasions 

and a reservation at the Cookhouse. The eatery resides 1.3 

miles into the backcountry, and it offers views of Mounts 

Elbert and Massive. The menu is inspired by the season 

with local ingredients such as elk and bison; and the wine 

list comprises all organic, biodynamic and sustainable 

vintages. While there, make sure to check out the historic 

Shishito peppers, 

sudachi aioli, 

togarashi and 

shiso at Corrida. 


winter dining 

The cozy yurt 

desination in 

Crested Butte. 

Skiers make their way 

to the Magic Meadows 

Yurt Dinners. 

and functioning 10th Mountain Division potbelly stove from 

Camp Hale. Dinner is by reservation only, and spots fill up 

fast. tennesseepass.com 

Alpenglobes at Corrida 

Enjoy chef Samuel McCandless’ Spanish-inspired chophouse 

outside this winter. That’s right, the Boulder restaurant once 

again opened up its private, heated shelters to diners who 

want to sip a glass of sparkling cava under the glittering stars, 

even when it’s below freezing outside. Each Alpenglobe seats 

six people and should be booked in advanced to guarantee 

a spot. Keep in mind there’s a minimum food and beverage 

sales for these special spots, $200 during tapas hour (3 to 

5pm) and $600 during dinner service. corridaboulder.com 

Fondue at the Melting Pot 

Not much proves cozier than a pot full of melted cheese and 

all the good things to dip it in, and lucky for Colorado there 

are two locations, one in Louisville and one in Littleton. 

This winter the Littleton location, which has operated for 

27 years, will offer horse-drawn carriage rides through 

December. Both spots have special Christmas Eve lunches 

and dinners, and a New Year’s Eve celebration too. While 

cheese fondue certainly shines, the Melting Pot also offers 

broth-based fondue with meats and vegetables, and of course, 

chocolate fondue for dessert. meltingpot.com/louisville-com 

The Magic Meadows Yurt Dinners 

Head to Crested Butte this winter, or more, right outside the 

colorful mountain town and into Slate River Valley, where a 

beautiful and heated yurt has been set up for winter dining 

wonder. Chef Tim Egelhoff creates a five-course menu of 

delights perfect for warming the soul after skiing in. Rent 

gear from the Nordic Center beforehand or catch a ride to 

dinner if skiing isn’t in the cards that night. Dinner and 

brunch are served most weekends from December to March. 

cbnordic.org 


Corrida’s cozy cocktails 

PHOTO MAGIC MEADOWS YURT DINNERS 

PHOTO LUCY BEAUGARD

The Lynn Britt 

Cabin in Snowmass. 

Grass-fed Niman 

Ranch tenderloin 

with paprika and 

leek butter at 

Corrida. 

PHOTO LUCY BEAUGARD; PHOTO UPHILL RETREAT AT LYNN BRITT CABIN 

Uphill skiers trek up 

Snowmass Mountain to 

their winter dinner. 

Golden Horseshoe Sleigh Rides and Theater 

Take a horse drawn sleigh through the White River National 

Forest in Breckenridge, go see a play and have dinner all in 

one night this winter. In fact, it’s an interactive extravaganza 

done each Saturday and Wednesday, for two hours. The event 

includes a sleigh ride, hot cocoa, cozy blankets to wrap into, 

a three-course dinner and of course, the show, which centers 

on the historic mining town. Just make sure you’re able to 

sit for a long period of time, kids and even infants, who are 

free, are also welcome. coloradosleighrides.com/sleigh-rides/ 

historical-mining-camp-experience 

The Uphill Retreat at Lynn Britt Cabin 

One of Aspen’s favorite winter pastimes, aside from downhill 

skiing and snowboarding, is uphilling, which diners on 

Snowmass Mountain can do using skis, snowshoes or a split 

board. The trek to this historic cabin can be exhilarating, 

and once at the top you’ll find it’s well worth it. First, the 

unparalleled view bathed in the alpenglow. Next, warming up 

by the fire with cocktails and appetizers before a scrumptious 

meal tailored for your party. After dinner the ski patrol 

escorts everyone down the mountain on Velvet Falls run. 

Bonus, if you can book the meal during a full moon, you’ll see 

everything the mountain has to offer, even in the middle of 

the night. aspenx.com 

Pinecreek Cookhouse 

Snowshoe to dinner in a magnificent cabin located in 

Ashcroft at the base of the Elk Mountains. The cookhouse 

used to be part of a 1960’s mountaineering school, but now 

it’s a destination pleasing locals, tourists and Aspen-dwelling 

celebrities alike. After all, what better way to showcase the 

natural beauty of winter before tucking into a mediumrare 

elk steak with a side of bone marrow bordelaise than 

by trekking in through the snow on the aforementioned 

snowshoes or a sleigh pulled by Percheron Draft horses, 

nordic skis or, for little kids, tugged along on small sleigh. 

pinecreekcookhouse.com B 


Holidays in the Kitchen 

Recipes to keep you warm and cozy all winter 

Story and photos by KAITLIN GOODING 

THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS HERE AND WE CAN QUICKLY BECOME OVERWHELMED TRYING TO FIT IN 

all of the traditions, parties, gifts, and decorations. Take one thing off your plate by not thinking about what recipes you’ll 

cook this year. Try our winter soupe au pistou—it will keep you warm and cozy all winter long even on the chilliest of nights. 

Also, don’t shy away from this savory pumpkin pie. The crust is flaky perfection and the cheesy pumpkin filling will satisfy 

all your comfort food cravings. For many families, baking in the winter is a family holiday tradition. Try shaking up those 

recipes by adding some cheddar and rosemary to those buttermilk biscuits on Christmas morning. The gingerbread bundt 

cake dripping in raspberry frosting is a showstopper, and is deceptively easy. If you’re need a jumpstart to get you in the 

Christmas spirit, sip on one of our chai martinis and you’ll be singing jingle bells in no time! 


Cheddar-Rosemary 

Biscuits 

Servings: 6-8 biscuits 

Ingredients: 

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 

2 sticks cold unsalted butter plus extra for serving 

1 cup buttermilk 

1 1/2 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary 

1 1/2 tsp salt 

4 oz grated cheddar cheese 

2 1/2 tsp baking powder 

1/4 tsp baking soda 

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl mix 

together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add 

in the cheese and rosemary and stir until well combined. 

2. Cut the cold butter and fold into the flour mixture. Slowly 

incorporate the buttermilk, kneading the dough as you go. 

3. Once the dough has come together, create a 1-inch-thick 

rectangle. Cut into four equal pieces and stack them, one 

on top of the other. Roll the rectangle out to one-inch 

thickness and use a biscuit cutter to cut them out. 

4. Place them on a baking sheet covered with parchment 

paper. Cook for 20-25 minutes until nice and golden brown. 

5. Cut the biscuit in half and add a 1/2-inch piece of butter to 

melt in the middle of each biscuit before serving while it 

is warm. 

Winter Soupe au Pistou 

Servings: 4-6 

Ingredients: 

1 cup dry pasta of your choice 

2 carrots, chopped 

1 yellow onion, chopped 

2 cloves garlic, minced 

2 russet potatoes, peeled & diced into 1/2-inch pieces 

1 (14oz) can diced tomatoes 

6 cups vegetable broth 

2 celery stalks, chopped 

1 head of broccoli, chopped 

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 

Pinch of salt & pepper 

1 (15.5 oz) can cannellini beans 

Favorite herb for garnish 

Pistou: 

1 cup basil 

1 cup spinach 

1/4 cup parmesan cheese 

2 garlic clove 

1 lemon, juiced 

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 

Pinch of salt 

Directions: 

1. In a large pot heat the olive oil and add the onions 

to cook until soft. Add the carrots, garlic, potatoes, 

broccoli, celery, and a pinch of salt & pepper. 

2. Cook the vegetables, occasionally stirring, until the 

vegetables start to soften. Add the vegetable broth, 

tomatoes, beans and pasta. 

3. Bring the broth to a boil and then take it down to 

a simmer for about 10 minutes until the pasta is al 

dente & potatoes are soft. 

4. Meanwhile, add all the ingredients for the pistou into 

a food processor and blend until the mixture runs 

smoothly. 

5. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the pistou 

before serving. Add your favorite herb on top to 

garnish and serve while it is hot. 


Christmas Chai 

Servings: 1 

Ingredients: 

3 chai tea bags 

1/4 cup half & half, frothed 

1 oz kaluhla 

1 oz vodka 

Ground cinnamon to sprinkle on top 

Star anise for garnish 

Directions: 

1. Bring a half cup of water to a boil and add chai tea bags to 

steep for five minutes. Allow the tea to cool. 

2. In a cocktail shaker add Kahlua, vodka, chai tea and ice. 

Shake and strain the drink into a glass. 

3. Froth the half & half and pour over top the cocktail. Sprinkle 

cinnamon on top and garnish with star anise. 


Savory Pumpkin Pie 

Crust: 

2 cups all-purpose flour 

2/3 cup unsalted butter 

2 eggs 

Pinch of salt 

5-6 tbsp of water 

Filling: 

1 can of pumpkin 

1/2 onion, diced 

1 tbsp olive oil 

1 tsp salt 

2 tbsp 

2 eggs 

1/2 gruyere cheese 

1/2 cup ricotta cheese 

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Start making the dough by adding flour and 

salt to a medium sized bowl. Cut the butter, working it into the flour until it is 

a coarse meal. 

2. In a small bowl, beat the eggs and then pour into the flour mix. Add the tbsp of 

cold water. Stir together until it is all mixed. 

3. Form one ball of dough, place in a covered bowl, and place in the fridge for at 

least 20 minutes. 

4. In a medium sized pan, add the onions and olive oil and cook until soft and 

golden. Add the pumpkin puree and salt/pepper. Beat the eggs and add to the 

pumpkin mix. Stir in the cheeses and mix until smooth. 

5. Roll the ball of dough out on a floured surface and transfer it to a prepared 

baking pie dsh. Press the pie crust dough onto the plate. Make holes in the 

dough with a fork. Pour the pumpkin mix into the pie crust. 

6. Bake for 35-45 minutes or until the crust is golden and the pumpkin is set. 


Gingerbread Bundt Cake with Raspberry Frosting 

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup molasses 

2 3/4 cup flour 

1 cup brown sugar 

1 tsp cinnamon 

1/2 tsp ground ginger 

1/4 cup vegetable oil 

3 eggs 

1/2 tsp ground cardamom 

Pinch of salt 

1 tsp baking powder 

1/2 tsp baking soda 

3/4 cup buttermilk 

1 cup butter 

Raspberry Glaze 

2/3 cup powdered sugar 

1 1/2 tbsp half & half, add more or less for consistency you prefer 

2 tsp raspberry jelly 

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Add the dry 

ingredients, except for the brown sugar, to a 

mixing bowl of a stand mixer and whisk until 

they are well combined. 

2. Add the eggs, brown sugar, molasses, vegetable 

oil, and butter to the bowl. Mix the ingredients 

using the paddle attachment on low speed. Add 

the buttermilk slowly and continue mixing 

until well combined. 

3. Grease and flour a bundt pan. Pour the batter 

into the pan and cook 35-45 minutes. You can 

insert a toothpick and if it comes out mostly 

clean, it’s time to take it out. Allow it to cool 

before topping it with the raspberry glaze. 

4. In a bowl whisk together the powdered sugar, 

half & half, and jelly. Pour over the cake and 

enjoy every bite. B 


SPRUCEBOULDERADO.COM 

2115 13th St. Boulder, CO 

Located Inside Hotel Boulderado 

303-442-4880 

CORNERBARBOULDERADO.COM 



303-442-4880 

LICENSE1BOULDERADO.COM 



303-442-4560 


libations 

Holiday Spirits 

Dry Land’s grain-to-glass spirits with the soul of Colorado 

By MATT MAENPAA 

THERE IS A BEAUTY 

and heartiness inherent 

in desert plants, growing 

and sustaining themselves 

through scarcity in harsh 

climates. A prickly pear has both 

blossoms and thorns adorning its pads, 

after all. One Boulder County distillery 

is taking heed of the lessons of the 

desert, using grains and plants that are 

sustainable and survivable in changing 

climates to produce beautiful libations 

that honor the land they come from. 

Dry Land Distillers, now in its fifth 

year of operation, sits in the heart of 

downtown Longmont. Founded with the 

goal of producing unique, ecologically 

sustainable spirits, the distillery is now 

known for putting farmer’s first when 

sourcing the grains that go into their 

heirloom wheat whiskeys. 

“We are one of the premier distillers 

in the West, I believe, that specifically 

selects the ingredients and the grains to 

be specific to place and to do good at the 

same time we’re making good product,” 

explains Dry Land co-founder Nels Wroe. 

To accomplish this, Wroe and his 

team go directly to the growers— 

Arnusch Farms in nearby Keenesburg 

and Family Jones in the San Luis 

Valley—to produce heirloom varieties 

of wheat that use less water and help 

improve soil health. 

“By doing this, getting more and 

more growers on board, we do see a 

path to drive change in the agricultural 

system in Colorado,” Wroe says. “That’s 

a big motivator for us.” 

That desire for locally sourced 

ingredients and environmentally ethical 

products carries over to their tasting 

room—a restored and refurbished 

historical building in Longmont that 

has been redesigned with stone and 

wood from across Colorado—and the 

ingredients in their delicious cocktails. 

Their practices include sourcing local 

rosehips to make a rosehip syrup, 

working with local apothecaries for the 

right components in their bitters and 

PHOTOS DRY LAND DISTILLERS 


finding collaborations with breweries, 

cideries and distillers throughout the 

state to build a strong community. 

In creating a community-driven, 

curated experience, the Dry Land 

team aims for both an interactive 

and educational experience for their 

guests. From the resident female-led 

distilling and cocktail series, called the 

Distilling Dames, to the annual eggnog 

competition, Dry Land aims to set a 

high standard in their tasting room. 

That standard is evidenced in their 

frequent awards and accolades, which 

includes the 2023 Good Food Award 

for their Cactus spirit and repeat 

appearances on lists in the Denver 

Post, Westword and other publications 

exalting spirits and cocktails alike. 

“We’re always looking at ways to 

celebrate the world around us,” Wroe 

says. “We’re shooting for creating 

something original, delicious and 

genuinely represents where we live.” 

The staff of Dry Land are making as 

much as they can in-house, including 

liqueurs, shrubs and bitters, to produce 

sumptuous cocktails like their mezcalinspired 

Spicy Margarita or current 

seasonal special, Autumn Campfire, a 

smoky Cactus spirit cut through with 

spiced maple syrup and apple cider. 

A cold weather favorite, the Autumn 

Campfire is simple and delicious. The 

smokiness of Dry Land’s signature 

Cactus spirit cuts through the 

sweetness of the cider and maple 

syrup. Spice sits lightly on the tongue, 

elevated by the tartness of citrus, while 

the alcohol is nigh-imperceptible until 

the flush touches your cheeks. 

Although known for their distinct 

originals like the Autumn Campfire, 

Lilac Blush, Brush Fire and other unique 

sippers, Dry Land’s twists on classics 

are worth seeking out as well. From 

The Hot Buttered Rum gift box. 

The processing of 

prickly pear cactus. 


libations 

DRY LAND RECIPES 

Dry Land Distillers Autumn Campfire 

• Small Rocks Glass 

• 2 oz Dry Land Distillers Cactus Spirit 

• 1.5 oz Apple Cider 

• ½ oz Spiced Maple Syrup 

(See Recipe Below) 

• ¾ oz Lemon Juice 

• 3 Drops Dry Land Distillers 

Apple Bitters 

Prepare a small rocks glass 

with a medium-sized ice cube. 

Combine all ingredients in a 

cocktail mixing glass. Add ice 

and stir for 15 seconds.Strain 

into glass. Garnish with a thin 

slice of fresh apple or float a 

dried apple on the top. 

Spiced Maple Syrup 

• ¾ cup Organic Maple Syrup 

• 2 6-inch Cinnamon Sticks 

• 6 Whole Cloves 

• 2 Star Anise Pods 

• 4 Allspice Berries 

Roughly crush the spices with a 

mortar and pestle. Bring the maple 

syrup and spices just to a boil. Steep, 

covered, for 30 minutes. When cool, 

strain into a bottle. 

Dry Land Distillers Hot Buttered Rum 

When the weather turns and the air gets crisp, we know it’s time to add our 

Hot Buttered Rum to the menu. This Wroe family recipe has become one of our 

most requested cocktails. 

• 2 tbsp Hot Buttered Rum Mix (see below) 

• 1 ½ ounces Rum (silver or aged) 

• Heavy Whipping Cream (See recipe notes). 

• Cinnamon or Nutmeg (for the garnish on the top) 

Spruce needles used 

to craft the gin. 

the Bee’s Knees and Clover Club made 

with their own gin, itself distilled with 

botanicals only native to Colorado, to 

the variety of Old-Fashioneds available 

on request, the choices are endless. 

Of course, one can’t go wrong with a 

winter classic either, and Dry Land’s 

Hot Buttered Rum is sure to please the 

most discerning palate with a creamy 

texture and luxurious blend of spices 

and sweetness. 

Visit Dry Land’s tasting room at 519 

Main Street in Longmont to sample these 

sustainably delicious spirits for yourself. B 

Prep your cream by whisking just until it is slightly thickened but still 

pourable. Fill your mug in advance with hot water for a preheat. When your 

mug is nice and hot, dump out the water and refill about 2/3 full of boiling 

water. Add 2 tablespoons of hot buttered rum mix to the mug and stir until 

mix is dissolved. Add your choice of rum (gold and/or silver) and stir gently 

to mix. Top with heavy cream (~1-2 tbsp) by pouring the cream over the back 

of a spoon and floating it on the top of the drink. Dust with grated nutmeg or 

cinnamon. Note: Preheating your mug and using boiling hot water is the key to 

this recipe! 

Hot Buttered Rum Mix 

We like to make the base mix and freeze it in silicon molds that hold about 1 

tablespoon each. Use two molds per mug (depending on mug size). We use 8 to 

10 oz mugs, so if you use a larger mug, adjust your recipe accordingly. 

• 1.5 lb. Butter 

• 2 cups Dark Brown Sugar 

• ½ tsp. Freshly Grated Nutmeg 

• ½ tsp. Ground Cinnamon 

• ½ tsp. Ground Cloves 

• 2 dashes of Salt 

Using a mixer with wire beaters, whip the butter and brown sugar until 

fluffy/light. Add the spices by sprinkling them on the mixture; whip with 

mixer until fully incorporated. Chill; keep in the refrigerator until use (up to 2 

weeks) or freeze in silicon molds or Tupperware (or recycled yogurt containers, 

which seems to fill our freezer). 


Make Every Day 

A Powder Day 

® 

28th Street and Pearl, Boulder Hazelsboulder.com 

Download the Hazel’s app 


Find Spices in Bulk 

for your Holiday Baking 

SIMPLY BULK MARKET 

find us @simplybulkmarket on social media 

Ready to Eat? 

Use our restaurant listings to find the best 

eating and drinking in Boulder County 

HOURS 

M-F 9-6 

Sa 9-5 

Su 10-4 

303.678.7069 

418 Main St. 

Longmont, CO 80501 

* We offer curbside and contactless delivery options 

Open 7 days a week ✽ Walk-ins welcome 

La Belle Nail Salon 

Professional Nail Care 

for Ladies & Gentlemen 

1962 13th St. ✽ Boulder, CO 

(303) 444-3566 

1/2 block south of the Pearl Street Mall 

Locations: (B) Boulder, (E) Erie, 

(LA) Lafayette, (LG) Longmont, 

(L) Louisville, (N) Niwot, 

(NE) Nederland, (S) Superior 

AMERICAN 

24 Carrot Bistro (E) 578 Briggs 

St, 303-828-1392. Seasonal New 

American farm to table cuisine and 

craft cocktails in a refined, opentimbered 

dining room. Lunch Tue-Fri, 

dinner Tue-Sun and brunch Sat-Sun. 

95a Bistro & Co. (LA) 1381 Forest 

Park Cir, 303-665-3080. An eclectic 

eatery serving creative, seasonally 

inspired American cuisine, like tapas 

dishes, ruby red trout and handcrafted 

cocktails. Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner 

nightly, brunch Sat-Sun. 

740 Front (L) 740 Front St, 

720-519-1972. A traditional American 

dining saloon with a quaint ambiance, 

serving beef and bison steaks, seafood 

and cocktails. Dinner Tue-Sat. 

1914 House (N) 121 2nd Ave, 

303-834-9751. Cozy and sophisticated 

historic home serving scratchmade 

New American cuisine using 

sustainably grown ingredients. Opens 

4pm Wed-Sun. 

Bartaco (B) 1048 Pearl St, 

719-249-8226. Enjoy upscale street 

food and specialty cocktails in a rustic 

setting. An eclectic menu of tacos, rice 

bowls and more. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Birdhouse (E) 526 Briggs St, 

303-997-9630. A relaxed eatery serving 

traditional tacos like lemongrass pork, 

ramen dishes and rum-based cocktails. 

Lunch Fri-Sun, dinner nightly. 

Blackbelly (B) 1606 Conestoga St, 

303-247-1000. A farmhouse-chic 

eatery and butcher shop serving 

local ingredients and pasture raised 

animals. Roasted beet salad, lamb 

radiatore and koji cured pork round out 

the menu. Dinner nightly. 

Black Cat Bistro (B) 1964 13th 

St, 303-444-9110. An elegant bistro 

serving farm to table New American 

dishes that are sourced locally. Enjoy 

alfresco dining with beautiful gardens 

and mountain views. Dinner nightly. 

Bramble and Hare (B) 1970 13th St, 

303-444-9110. Eclectic seasonal fare 

served in a lively, warm atmosphere. 

Features a 3-course prix fixe menu and 

hand-crafted cocktails. Dinner Tue-Sat. 

Chautauqua Dining Hall (B) 900 

Baseline Rd, 303-440-3776. A tradition 

since 1898 offering Flatiron views 

from a wraparound porch, and serving 

farm-to-table American bistro cuisine. 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 

Community Supper Club (LA) 206 

S Public Rd, 720-890-3793. A casual 

neighborhood eatery featuring eclectic 

fare like housemade pastas, slowroasted 

birria, sandwiches, craft beers 

and house cocktails. Dinner nightly, 

brunch Sat-Sun. 


RESERVATIONS ONLINE: 

OR BRASSERIETENTEN.COM 

1011 WALNUT . BOULDER . 303-998-1010 

BRUNCH 

LUNCH 

HAPPY HOUR 

DINNER 

SATURDAY & SUNDAY 

TUESDAY - FRIDAY 

TUESDAY - SUNDAY 

TUESDAY - SUNDAY 

10AM - 2:30PM 

11:30AM - 2:30PM 

2:30PM - 5:30PM 

4PM - 9PM 


DJ’s Watering Hole (L) 988 W Dillon Rd, 

303-604-6000. A casual American cuisine 

eatery, serving up burgers and sandwiches, 

BBQ, tandoor dishes, salads and apps. 

Lunch and dinner Tue-Sun. 

Oak at Fourteenth (B) 1400 Pearl St, 

303-444-3622. A stylish neighborhood 

restaurant serving upscale New 

American cuisine and cocktails. The oakroasted 

Alaskan Halibut is a favorite. 

Dinner Mon-Sat. 

Redgarden Restaurant & Brewery 

(L) 1700 Dogwood St, 303-927-6361. A 

lively hangout offering scratch-made, 

elevated pub-style food. Braised, handsliced 

banh mi, burgers, soup, apps and 

more. Lunch and dinner daily. 

River and Woods (B) 2328 Pearl St, 

303-993-6301. Serving elevated comfort 

food in a small cottage with outdoor 

seating. Try the Southwestern poutine or 

slow braised short ribs. Dinner Tue-Sun, 

Brunch Sat-Sun. 

Salt (B) 1047 Pearl St, 303-444-7258. 

Farm-to-table American eats with a 

changing menu, served in a rustic-chic 

atmosphere. Try the gnocchi Bolognese 

or a farmhouse salad. Lunch Wed-Fri, 

dinner nightly and brunch Sat-Sun. 

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery (B) 1617 Pearl 

St, 303-225-7344. A vibrant, retro eatery 

serving creative breakfast and lunch fare, 

plus cocktails. French toast, benedicts 

and more. Open daily. 

Spruce Farm & Fish (B) 2115 13th St, 

303-442-4880. A polished eatery at the 

Hotel Boulderado, serving seasonal New 

American cuisine like sea scallop crudo 

and bison strip steak Diane. Brunch and 

dinner daily. 

Sugarbeet (LG) 101 Pratt St, 

303-651-3330. A cozy and intimate bistro 

serving upscale, seasonal American 

cuisine and fine wines. Try the beet-cured 

salmon and the roasted pappardelle. 

Dinner Tue-Sat. 

Tangerine (B) 2777 Iris Ave, 303-443- 

2333; (LA) 300 S Public Rd, 303-443- 

5100; (LG) 379 Main St, 720-815-2888. 

A farm-fresh breakfast and lunch spot, 

serving innovative morning fare and 

mimosas. Open daily. 

The Kitchen Bistro (B) 1039 Pearl 

St, 303-544-5973. A stylish bistro and 

bar serving up an imaginative array 

of globally inspired shared dishes, and 

creative cocktails. Lunch Mon-Fri, dinner 

nightly and brunch Sat-Sun. 

The Melting Pot (L) 732 Main St, 

303-666-7777. A fondue restaurant 

offering several cooking styles in heated 

pots and a variety of unique entrees, 

salads and desserts. Extensive wine list. 

Dinner nightly, lunch Sat-Sun. 

The Roost (LG) 526 Main St, 

303-827-3380. A rustic-chic eatery 

and rooftop whiskey bar, serving New 

American fare and craft beer. Polenta 

bites, short rib tacos and more. Lunch 

and dinner daily. 

ASIAN 

Busaba (L) 133 S McCaslin Blvd, 

303-665-0330; (B) 4800 Baseline Rd, 

720-350-4927. Serving authentic Thai 

food with fresh local ingredients. Noodle 

dishes, curries and more. Lunch and 

dinner Mon-Sat. 

Boulder Dushanbee Teahouse (B) 

1770 13th St, 303-442-4993. Stunning 

ornate décor of this popular landmark 


1710 Pearl Street | Boulder | Colorado 

303-442-1485 | leafvegetarianrestaurant.com 

a Three Leaf Concepts Restaurant 


that was shipped from Tajikistan. 

Enjoy Asian fare from an eclectic menu 

and extensive selection of teas. Lunch, 

teatime and dinner daily. 

Chez Thuy (B) 2655 28th St, 

303-442-1700. A casual Asian eatery 

serving Vietnamese fare like Pho noodle 

soup, hot pots and stir-fry. Lunch and 

dinner Wed-Mon. 

Dragonfly Noodle (B) 2014 10th St, 

720-580-1100. Modern Asian dishes 

from the Pacific Rim, serving housemade 

ramen, bao, pho and creative cocktails. 

Lunch and dinner daily. 

Hana Japanese Bistro (L) 1148 W 

Dillon Rd, 720-328-8826. Traditional 

Japanese dishes in an intimate setting. 

Sushi, sashimi, tempura, teriyaki, 

noodles and more. Generous portions. 

Dinner nightly. 

Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar (B) 1117 

Pearl St, 303-473-4730. A modern sushi 

eatery with a creative blend of Japanese 

and Hawaiian fare and uniquely named 

rolls. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Izakaya Amu (B) 1221 Spruce St, 

303-440-0807. A tiny Japanese pub 

specializing in small plates that 

accompany sake. Try the grilled mackerel 

or fried squid legs. Dinner nightly. 

Japango (B) 1136 Pearl St, 303-938- 

0330. Inventive Japanese tapas, sushi 

and sashimi, served in a lively, modern 

atmosphere with daily happy hour. Lunch 


Little Tibet (B) 4479 N Broadway, 

720-459-8336. Authentic Tibetan and 

Indian food like hand-pulled noodles and 

fried patties stuffed with beef and onion. 

Lunch and dinner daily. 

Misaki (S) 402 Marshall Rd, 720-277- 

8600. A Japanese eatery known for great 

sushi and sashimi, along with specialties 

like ramen, tempura and kushiyaki 

skewers. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Osaka’s (B) 2460 Canyon Blvd, 

720-398-9115. A stylish Japanese 

restaurant with dining room and patio 

seating. Sushi, ramen, tempura and 

okonomiyaki. Dinner Thur-Mon. 

Zoe Ma Ma (B) 2010 10th St, 

303-545-6262. Freshly prepared Chinese 

signature dishes and delicious home 

cooking. Homemade noodles, dim sum 

and specials. Lunch and dinner daily. 

BAKERY 

Boulder Baked (B) 5290 Arapahoe Ave, 

303-444-4999. Serving a wide selection 

of baked goods like cupcakes, cookies, 

grilled sandwiches and soup. Open daily. 

Lucky’s Bakehouse (B) 3990 Broadway, 

720-596-4905. An artisan bakery featuring 

breakfast pastries and desserts and localroasted 

coffee. Open daily at 7am. 

Moxie Bread Co (L) 641 Main St, 

720-420-9616. An heirloom bakery and 

mill, featuring morning pastries, coffee, 

rustic breads and lunchtime eats. Open 

daily at 7am. 

BAR/ PUB/ TAVERN 

Acreage (LA) 1380 Horizon Ave, 

303-227-3243. An urban cider house 

experience in a tavern setting, with farmto-table 

Basque-inspired comfort food. 

Outdoor deck and cider garden. Lunch 

and dinner Wed-Sun. 

Busey Brews (NE) 70 E 1st St, 

855-633-2739. Voted best craft brewery, 

family owned Busey is the place to go 

for fresh smoked meats, tofu and house 

brewed beer. 18 taps offer a solid line- 


Kanpai! 

Enjoy a taste of modern 

Japan in the heart of beautiful 

Boulder! Whether the sun is 

shining or snow is falling, we 

have the perfect place to soak 

up the season. 

Feast alongside the jellyfish, 

sink into a lounge or take a 

seat at one of our lively bars. 

Prefer the great outdoors? 

Savor those mild winter days 

on one of our fireside patios. 

When your couch is calling, all 

your favorites are available for 

curbside pickup too. 

No matter how you choose to 

dine, you wont want to miss 

our ever-evolving specials, 

delicious seasonal cocktails 

and latest rare whiskies. We 

hope to see you soon! 

RESERVATIONS, 

CARRYOUT & GIFTCARDS 

+1 303 938 0330 

BoulderJapango.com 

HOURS & LOCATION 

11am - 10pm 

1136 Pearl St. Boulder, CO 


up, plus wine and cocktails. Vegetarian, 

vegan and gluten-free options. Open daily. 

Mike O’Shays Ale House (LG) 512 

Main St, 303-772-0252. A neighborhood 

stalwart for over 32 years, offering 

seafood, Irish fare, steaks, burgers and 

award-winning desserts. Lunch and 

dinner daily. 

Niwot Tavern (N) 7960 Niwot Rd, 303- 

652-0200. A casual American eatery 

serving classic pub fare with some Irish 

dishes and specialty cocktails. Lunch and 

dinner daily. 

The Corner Bar (B) 2115 13th St, 

303-442-4880. Located inside Hotel 

Boulderado, this bar is a favorite for 

people watching. Enjoy lunch, a lively 

happy hour or a late-night meal. Open 

daily at 11am, brunch Sat-Sun. 

The Old Mine (E) 500 Briggs St, 

303-905-0620. Housemade world-class 

hard cider, craft brews and bourbon, 

sandwiches and craft artisan pizza, 

served in a historic 1889 brick building. 

Lunch Thur-Sun, dinner Tue-Sun. 

West End Tavern (B) 926 Pearl St, 

303-444-3535. An iconic American 

FRESH 

SMOKED MEAT 

70 E 1st Street 

Nederland, CO 


tavern, serving up home-style cuisine 

like juicy burgers, tasty salads and daily 

specials. Extensive bourbon menu and 

rooftop patio. Open daily at 11:30am. 

West Side Tavern (LG) 1283 3rd Ave, 

720-526-0360. A unique gastropub in a 

restored 1915 grocery store, serving seasonal 

menus, fine wines, whiskey and crafted 

cocktails. Dinner nightly, Sun brunch. 

William Oliver’s Pub & Eatery (LA) 

201 N Public Rd, 720-509-9537. A casual 

gastropub featuring craft beer, extensive 

whiskey list and a bacon-centric menu in a 

friendly ambiance. Lunch and dinner daily. 

BARBECUE 

Lulu’s BBQ (L) 701 Main St, 720-583- 

1789. Enjoy award-winning Texas-style 

barbecue, slow smoked in Lulu’s pit. Ribs, 

brisket, pulled pork, chicken, turkey and 

sausage. Lunch and dinner daily. 

CAFÉ 

Alpine Modern Café (B) 904 College 

Ave and 1629 29th St, 303-954-0129. 

A hip café and coffeehouse with an 

elevated design, serving a variety of toast 

selections and sandwiches. Open daily. 

Boulder Social (B) 1600 38th St, 

HOUSE 

BREWED BEER 

Order Online at 

BuseyBrews.com 

Voted 

Best Craft 

Brewery 

Best of Boulder 2023 

Write-In Vote 

720-716-3345. A neighborhood hangout 

with great food, craft beer and cocktails. 

Enjoy small plates, great apps like Fig 

& Apple Burrata, sandwiches and pizza. 

Lunch and dinner daily, brunch Sat-Sun. 

Organic Sandwich Company (B) 

16th & Pearl, 720-639-3986; (L) 459 S 

McCaslin Blvd, 720-598-5931. Creating 

foods with only the purest ingredients, 

this cozy café serves gourmet sandwiches 

and breakfast items, including vegetarian 

and vegan options. Open daily. 

CREOLE 

Lucile’s Creole Café (B) 2124 14th 

St, 303-442-4743. A cozy eatery serving 

Cajun-Creole breakfast and lunch. 

Benedicts, beignets, shrimp & grits, 

gumbo and more. Open daily. 

FINE DINING 

Corrida (B) 1023 Walnut St, #400, 

303-444-1333. A sophisticated Spanishinspired 

steakhouse with a rooftop patio 

overlooking the Flatirons. An excellent wine 

list, tapas and meticulously sourced cuts of 

beef. Dinner nightly, brunch Sat-Sun. 

Flagstaff House (B) 1138 Flagstaff Rd, 

303-442-4640. Refined New American 

cuisine and a world-renowned wine list 

with breathtaking views of the Rockies. 

Dinner Tue-Sun. 

Frasca Food and Wine (B) 1738 Pearl 

St, 303-442-6966. A James Beard Award 

winning concept, steeped in traditions 

of the Friuli-centric Northern Italian 

cuisine, warm hospitality and expertly 

selected wines. Dinner Mon-Sat. 

Greenbriar Inn (B) 8735 N Foothills 

Hwy, 303-440-7979. An elegant whitetablecloth 

eatery, tavern and private 

event space, serving inventive American 

dishes and an award-winning wine cellar. 

Dinner Wed-Sun, brunch Sun. 

Jill’s Restaurant & Bisto (B) 900 

Walnut St, 720-406-9696. An elegant 

and romantic bistro inside the St. Julien 

Hotel & Spa, offering scratch-made 

American and French cuisine using 

fresh, local ingredients. Breakfast, lunch 


Martinis Bistro (LG) 543 Terry St, 

303-651-2772. A casual, fine dining 

eatery and cocktail bar serving upscale 

American cuisine crafted from fresh 

ingredients. Opens 3pm Mon-Sat. 

FRENCH 

Brasserie Boulder (B) 1235 

Pennsylvania Ave, 303-993-8131. 

Offering delicious, classic French cuisine 

for takeout or home delivery as well as 

dining in options. Wed-Fri 3-9pm, Sat-

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY! 

Seeking a unique twist on your holiday gathering? Elevate your 

celebration with Escoffier's festive culinary experience. Immerse 

your group in hands-on cooking classes led by our expert chef. Each 

theme caters to a party of 12, complete with a delightful welcome 

crudité and charcuterie spread, mocktails, a comprehensive recipe 

packet, and an apron. Escoffier provides the expertise; you bring the 

enthusiasm. For larger groups, get in touch with us for tailored 

options. 

SELECT YOUR MENU 

Pasta Pasta: $85 per person 

Classic Steak House: $95 per person 

Taste of Thailand: $85 per person 

Iron Chef Challenge: $85 per person 

COOKING 

CLASSES 

CONTACT US! 

*Holiday parties are available until Friday, December 22nd 

CONTACT: 

KRODRIGUEZ@ESCOFFIER.EDU 

720.420.7656 

WWW.ESCOFFIER.EDU/ABOUT/COOKING-CLASSES-BOULDER/ 


Sun 11am-9pm. 

Brasserie Ten Ten (B) 1011 Walnut St, 

303-998-1010. A popular French eatery 

with a vibrant and cozy setting. Freshly 

prepared seared yellowfin tuna, steaks, 

apps and more. Dinner Tue-Sat. 

Le French Café (B) 2525 Arapahoe Ave, 

303-284-2265. A casual French eatery 

serving breakfast, lunch and pastries. 

Indulge on sweet crepes or sandwiches 

made on baguettes or croissants. Open 

Wed-Sun. 

Mateo (B) 1837 Pearl St, 

303-443-7766. A bustling and trendy 

eatery serving seasonal French cuisine 

from the Provence Region and smallbatch 

French and Italian wine. Lunch 

Mon-Fri, dinner Mon-Sat. 

INTERNATIONAL 

Avanti F&B (B) 1401 Pearl St, 

720-343-7757. Explore your culinary 

options with six different restaurants in 

one collective space, plus two bars and a 

rooftop deck. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Café Aion (B) 1235 Pennsylvania Ave, 

303-993-8131. A Spanish and Moroccan 

inspired eatery, serving innovative tapas 

Stride 

into 

dishes like paella and brined whole roast 

chicken. Lunch and dinner Wed-Sun. 

Dagabi Tapas Bar (B) 3970 N Broadway, 

303-786-9004. Serving up Spanish tapas, 

pasta dishes and wood-fired pizza in a 

stylish neighborhood eatery. Dinner nightly. 

Mumtaz Mediterranean Food 

(LA) 588 US 287, 303-926-1400. A 

neighborhood restaurant offering 

traditional Mediterranean cuisine in 

a casual atmosphere. Falafels, gyros, 

kabobs, baklava and more. Lunch and 

dinner Mon-Sat. 

Piripi (E) 615 Briggs St, 720-328-0787. 

Serving up Latin and Mediterranean 

cuisine featuring 99% gluten-free menu. 

Vegetarian and vegan options. Lunch and 

dinner daily. 

Ras Kassa’s Ethiopian (LA) 802 S 

Public Rd, 303-447-2919. A long-standing 

destination serving spiced Ethiopian dishes 

like Rocky Mountain red trout, steak 

tartare and more. Opens 3pm Tue-Sun. 

Rincon Argentino (B) 2525 Arapahoe 

Ave, 303-442-4133. Authentic Argentinean 

dishes like hand-crafted empanadas or 

milanesa sandwiches using fresh, local 

(720) 406-1215 (p) ∙ www.redstonemeadery.com 

4700 Pearl Street, Ste. 2A • Boulder, CO 

(720) 406-1215 • redstonemeadery.com 

ingredients. Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat. 

Rosetta Hall (B) 1109 Walnut St. Chic 

space offering American and International 

cuisine with eight restaurants and two 

bars under one roof. Hang out in the main 

dining room, front patio or rooftop. Lunch 


Tandoori Grill (B) 619 S Broadway, 

303-543-7339. Authentic Indian dishes 

with a modern touch for the western 

palate. Traditional curry classics and 

favorites like tamarind duck and ribeye 

steak. Dinner Tue-Sun. 

ITALIAN 

Bacco Trattoria (B) 1200 Yarmouth 

Ave, 303-442-3899. Authentic Italian 

cuisine in a stylish, relaxed setting. 

Specialty cheese, pizza and traditional 

dishes like Cioppino and Saltimbocca. 

Dinner Mon-Sat. 

Basta (B) 3601 Arapahoe Ave, 

303-997-8775. Acclaimed Italian eatery 

known for wood-fired pizza and apps like 

oysters and chicken liver mousse. Dinner 

Mon-Sat. 

Carelli’s of Boulder (B) 645 30th St, 

303-938-9300. Authentic Italian cuisine 

served in a contemporary setting with 

a large fireplace and outdoor patio. 

Traditional dishes and extensive wine 

list. Dinner Mon-Sat. 

Cimmini’s (N) 300 2nd Ave, 

303-834-9522. A family-owned eatery, 

serving scratch-made authentic Italian 

cuisine, delicious desserts and crafted 

cocktails. Breakfast Sat-Sun, lunch Wed- 

Fri and dinner Wed-Sun. 

Parma Trattoria & Mozzarella Bar 

(L) 1132 W Dillon Rd, 303-284-2741. An 

authentic Italian eatery serving scratchmade 

dishes, pastas and pizza. The 

mozzarella bar offers a variety of fresh 

cheeses. Dinner nightly, lunch Mon-Sat. 

Pasta Jay’s (B) 1001 Pearl St, 

303-444-5800. A low-key Italian eatery 

serving pasta dishes made from family 

recipes, thin-crust pizza, ravioli and 

more. Dinner nightly. 

Stella’s Cucina (B) 1123 Walnut St, 

303-943-1000. Authentic old-world Italian 

cuisine in a contemporary setting. Housemade 

pastas, veal, seabass and extensive 

wine list. Dinner Wed-Sun. 

Via Toscana (L) 356 McCaslin Blvd, 

303-604-6960. Serving regional Tuscan 

trattoria dishes from family recipes using 

farm fresh ingredients. Extensive wine 

and craft beer selections. Dinner Tue-Sat. 

Zucca (L) 808 Main St, 303-666-6499. 


AN 

IMMERSIVE 

FRENCH 

CULINARY 

EXPERIENCE 

EVERY 

DAY 

7:00 am to 3:00 pm 

Kitchen open until 2:00 pm 

www.jeannotspatisserie.com 

SIMPLE | LOCAL | FARM TO TABLE 

EAST COUNTY’S 

BEST KEPT 

SECRET! 

w 

578 Briggs Street 

Erie, CO 80516 

303.828.1392 

BRUNCH 

SAT & SUN 

9AM - 2PM 

LUNCH 

TUE-FRI 

11AM-2PM 

DINNER 

TUE-SUN 

4:30PM-9PM 

RESERVATIONS 

AVAILABLE 

ONLINE 

www.24carrotbistro.com 


Only Service 

animals 

Allowed inside 

Breakfast area 

January 13, 2024 

Hot Oatmeal Breakfast 

More than 100 toppings! 

7:30-11:30 am 

Pioneer Elementary 

101 E. Baseline Rd. 

Adults—$9.00 

Ages 3-12/60+—$7.00 

Under 2-Free 

Lafayette Chamber 303-666-9555 www.lafayettecolorado.com 

OPEN 

DAILY 

Serving a broad range of Italian cuisine, 

explore the rich flavors in a cozy, relaxed 

atmosphere. Wine list from all regions of 

Italy. Dinner Tue-Sun. 

MEXICAN 

Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant (B) 

1630 63rd St, 303-440-4045; (LA) 101 

E Cleveland St, 303-666-7544. Classic 

homestyle Mexican cuisine like green 

chili, enchiladas, burritos and choose 

from 17 different margaritas. Lunch and 

dinner Tue-Sat. 

Rio Grande Mexican (B) 1101 Walnut 

St, 303-444-3690. Serving up delicious 

Tex Mex and legendary margaritas in 

a lively atmosphere. Great views from 

rooftop patio. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Santo (B) 1265 Alpine Ave, 

303-442-6100. Discover Northern New 

Mexican cuisine in a warm and rustic 

eatery serving stacked enchiladas, bluecorn 

tostadas, tacos and more. Breakfast, 

lunch and dinner daily. 

Teocalli Cocina (LA) 103 N Public 

Rd, 303-284-6597. A lively Mexican 

restaurant serving 100% gluten-free 

dishes in a modern space. Tacos, seared 

ahi tuna, enchiladas, pozole verde and 

more. Lunch and dinner daily. 

SEAFOOD & STEAKS 

Boulder Cork (B) 3295 30th St, 

303-443-9505. A warm and intimate 

setting, serving locally sourced American 

cuisine like prime rib, rainbow trout and 

teriyaki sirloin. Extensive wine list. 

Dinner nightly. 

Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar (B) 

928 Pearl St, 303-444-1811. An upscale 

seafood restaurant serving gourmet 

dishes and creative cocktails. Try the 

chargrilled oysters and sesame crusted 

yellowfin tuna. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Steakhouse No. 316 (B) 1922 13th St, 

720-729-1922. A boutique steakhouse 

serving up prime steaks in cast-iron 

skillets, delicious apps like lamb carpaccio, 

seafood and more. Dinner Wed-Sun. 

TAKE-HOME MEALS 

Cultivate Kitchen Co. (L) 640 Main 

St, 303-997-8220. Healthy chef-prepared 

meals for pick-up via preorder to fuel 

your busy lifestyle. Local fresh cuisine. 

Open daily. 

VEGETARIAN / VEGAN 

Leaf Vegetarian (B) 1710 Pearl St, 

303-442-1485. Farm-to-table vegetarian 

and vegan cuisine, using fresh, local 

ingredients to craft exceptional dishes. 

Lunch Tue-Fri, dinner Tue-Sun and 

brunch Sat-Sun. 


( 

2023 International Spirits 

) 

Competition Gold Medal Winner 

A Small Batch Distillery Inspired by 

Colorado’s Landscapes 

Visit Us for Award Winning 

Craft Cocktails and Original Spirits 

519 Main Street Longmont, CO 80501 • 720-600-4945 • drylanddistillers.com 


REAL ESTATE FORUM | Special Advertising Feature 

715 15th St 


Best home - best price! CU Football games 

are walkable! Welcome to this modern 

contemporary home on an expansive 

lot in one of Boulder’s most coveted 

neighborhoods. Blocks from Chautauqua 

Park’s hiking, dining, and recreational 

amenities. Bright and spacious open floor 

plan with a generously sized living room, 

gas fireplace and a remodeled kitchen, 

seamlessly connecting to the dining area 

and family room. 

Ann Cooper 

303.517.0447 


1211 Meadow St 

Longmont 

Welcome to this charming, 3 bedroom, 

2 bath, well-priced home in central 

Longmont. An open floor plan with a 

living room featuring a fireplace, an 

adorable dining area and an open 

kitchen concept. A remodeled half bath 

is on the main floor, and upstairs are 

three generously sized bedrooms and a 

recently remodeled bath. Step outside to 

the spacious, professionally landscaped 

yard that is fully fenced. 

Ann Cooper 

303.517.0447 


11546 Eagle Springs Trail 

Longmont | $6,500,000 

A modern masterpiece set on 11.82 acres 

awaits in Boulder County: an enduring 

sanctuary of stone and sun-filled 

windows with stunning views, flowing 

floorplan, elevated design and luxe 

finishes. The included adjoining lot offers 

unlimited possibilities for a separate 

residence or guesthouse, pool + pool 

house, equestrian center and more. 

MLS #980502 

Jennifer Fly 

303.506.0253 

jfly@milehimodern.com 

0 Bluff Street 

Boulder | $1,500,000 

7,252 sq. ft. lot tucked away in the 

Whittier neighborhood under a canopy 

of mature trees. Build your dream home 

on Sunset Hill, on a quiet, dead-end 

street and take in the views of downtown 

Boulder and the Flatirons. 

MLS #974373 

Patrick Westfall 

303.579.0469 

patrick.westfall@milehimodern.com 

3054 11th Street 

Boulder | $975,000 

This sweet cottage sits back from 11th St 

in the popular Newlands neighborhood. 

Quietly situated just a few blocks from 

NOBO park, Ideal Market, bus, schools, 

NOBO Rec. Center, coffee shops and Mt 

Sanitas hiking trails and the famous Pearl 

Street Mall. Hardwood floors throughout 

this sunny bungalow. New furnace and 

A/C. Views of the foothills! Detached 

single car garage. Washer and dryer 

included! Enjoy as it is, or update and 

expand. MLS #980877 

Eric Jacobson 

303.437.0221 

eric.jacobson@compass.com 

5406 Gunbarrel Cir. 

Longmont | $849,000 

DISTINCTIVE FLOOR PLAN! Enjoy 

neighborhood summer nights, weekend 

back yard BBQs, or cozy days by the 

fireplace in this Spacious, Sprawling, 

Remodeled Ranch home with Vaulted 

Ceilings and room for all with 5 beds/4 

baths on a 1/4 acre lot! Tons of storage 

in the oversized 2+ car garage and in big 

closets throughout. All new Sparkling 

Kitchen, Floors, Roof, Windows, High 

Efficiency Furnace & Water Heater, 

AC, Lighting, Appliances, Stair Railing, 

Washer/Dryer, Too Much to list. Recently 

Appraised at $975K! 

Barb Passalacqua 

BarbP@boulderco.com 

303-931-6673 


911 High Mountain Drive 


Spectacular Mountain Views! Custombuilt 

home on 2 acres! Expansive space 

with fireplace that leads to covered patio. 

Gourmet kitchen with walnut cabinets, 

quartz counters, and a double oven. Main 

floor owner’s suite with luxury bath. 

Rec Room with a wet bar that opens to 

a rooftop deck with panoramic views! 

MLS# 977378 

Janet Borchert 

303.263.3215 

www.911.wkre.com 

3093 Ouray Street 


Welcome to the epitome of luxury living 

in Northfield Commons! This stunning 3B 

/ 3B townhome offers an unparalleled 

living experience with exquisite features 

and amenities. The primary suite is a true 

oasis with vaulted ceilings, balcony with 

mountain views! Step outside and enjoy 

the fresh air in the fenced-in side yard, 

perfect for outdoor dining or relaxing. 

MLS #983228 

Ardee Imerman 

303.946.5458 




Every detail has been considered to 

create an ideal setting for entertaining. 

An expansive stone patio offers space to 

lounge by the fireplace, dine with friends, 

or grill in the outdoor kitchen. Inside, a 

striking limestone fireplace centers the 

living room and a gourmet kitchen with 

generous Carrera marble topped island, 

Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances and a 

butler’s pantry should please any chef. 

MLS #983330 

Liz Benson 

303.589.8957 


4528 Sprucedale Place 


Semi-custom, move-in ready w/Flatiron 

Views! This light and bright home has an 

updated chef’s kitchen, walk-in pantry, 

main floor office + 3rd floor studio w/ 

deck, hot tub and fireplace. Primary suite 

along w/3 other beds upstairs, full bath 

& laundry. Finished basement with 5th 

bedroom, 4th bath and home theater + 

a 3-car garage! Best Value in Boulder. 

MLS#980587 

445 Laramie Boulevard 


Stylish easy living in this lock and leave 

West Boulder townhouse. Steps to 

hiking and parks. Filled with sunlight 

and fresh contemporary finishes. Three 

bedrooms, four baths, attached two car 

garage. Welcoming front porch and three 

balconies. Impeccably maintained, move 

right in! 

MLS#982758 



Hidden down a private drive, magical 

setting. Traditional two story filled with 

warmth and character. Wraparound 

porch. Lush landscaping, colorful 

gardens, almost half acre. 4,700 sq ft 

with six bedrooms. Chef’s kitchen. Two 

car attached plus one car detached 

garage. Coveted location! 

MLS# 981174 

Michelle Trudgeon 

720.272.9547 


John Hoeffler 

720.564.6014 

jhoeffler@wkre.com 

John Hoeffler 

720.564.6014 

jhoeffler@wkre.com 


Skiing Hakuba 

Ski Japan 

An eastern powder eutopia 

By KATIE MCELVEEN 

MENTION THAT 

you’re traveling to 

Japan, and most 

people’s eyes will 

light up as they tell 

you that they’ve always wanted to 

take in the lights of Tokyo, the cherry 

blossoms of Kyoto and the wonders 

of a traditional tea ceremony or sumo 

match. Add that you’re headed to Japan 

on a ski vacation, and they’re just as 

likely to look at you with some curiosity. 

“When you think of Japan, the 

famous Fuji-san or beloved “sakura” 

aka cherry blossoms instantly come to 

mind. Most people don’t realize that 

Japan is also one of the world’s top 

ski destinations,” says Lauren Zelek, 

the Founder and Chief Experience 

Officer of ZI (Zelek International), 

a travel and tour company focused 

on unveiling the food, sights, culture 

and ski opportunities of Japan to its 

discerning travelers. 

“Most resorts see between 300 and 

600 inches of powder every winter—and 

this isn’t just any snow. Japan’s powder 

is super light, extraordinarily dry and 

unbelievably fun to ski or ride. On top of 

that, there’s delicious food to taste, sake 

to sip, shops to explore and thousands 

of years of customs, traditions and 

heritage to discover. Let’s not forget the 

Lauren Zelek 

world’s only snow monkeys.” 

She should know. Lauren spent a 

large part of her teen and college years 

in Tokyo and surrounding areas; her 

knowledge of the country is so deep 

that from 2018-2021 she helped serve 

as a liaison for families of athletes 

who would be competing in the 2020 

Summer Games, as well as athletes who 

competed in Asia’s first Olympics back 

in 1964. In helping with everything 

from navigating ticket purchases to 

educating them on cultural differences, 

she realized that she had a knack for not 

only guiding visitors through a new and 

unfamiliar culture but for pairing them 

with just the right kind of experiences. 

She founded ZI in 2017 as a way to 

share her love of Asia, particularly 

Japan. “ZI is a different kind of travel 

company because we focus on cultural 

sensitivity and responsible travel, 

all while providing life-changing 

experiences in Asia. The ones that truly 

last a lifetime,” says Lauren. 

HAKUBA PHOTO HAKUBA47; LAUREN PHOTO ZI 


For powderhounds, all that snow 

from the Siberian winds means you’re 

virtually guaranteed out-of-this-world 

skiing. Each one of ZI’s trips also 

offers a myriad of amazing cultural 

experiences, too. In Yudanaka Onsen, 

for instance, there’s nothing better 

than soaking in natural hot springs, 

aka “onsens,’’ after a long day on Shiga 

Kogen’s slopes. Or, feasting on ramen 

noodles and beer while marveling at 

the snow and ice sculptures at the 

Sapporo Snow Festival. 

Just like the neighborhoods of Tokyo, 

Lauren says that Japan’s ski resorts 

are remarkably varied. “Some cater 

to families or culture seekers, others 

are pure luxury and lots are go-to 

destinations for backcountry skiing,” 

she notes. “After taking the time to 

get to know you, your travel style 

and preferences, we can match your 

party with the right destination, then 

carefully curate local experiences, set 

up lodging, transportation, lessons, 

guides and rentals–really whatever 

you’re looking for.” 

Ready to ski Japan? Here are 

Lauren’s recommendations you won’t 

want to miss. 

View of Niseko from 

Park Hyatt. 

Hakuba view 

NISEKO PHOTO SNOW COUNTRY JAPAN; HAKUBA PHOTO HAKUBA47 

HOKKAIDO 

Niseko 

Often called “Asia’s Aspen,” Niseko is 

as well known for its après scene as it 

is for its skiing—dinners at Michelin 

starred restaurants are followed by late 

nights in sleek clubs. Niseko’s four ski 

resorts are all interconnected, making 

it great for a day of exploration—there 

are a whopping 70 runs—some of which 

are lit for night skiing—and 12 miles of 

backcountry skiing available on runs 

with names like Strawberry Fields and 

Super Ridge. English is widely spoken 

in Niseko; luxury lodging options 

abound and include a Ritz-Carlton 

Reserve as well as several hotels 

offering ski-in, ski-out access. Ikon 

passes are welcome, making it easy for 

Colorado skiers to hit the slopes. 

Furano 

Located about three hours from 

Sapporo, Furano is known for blue 

skies and dry snow that lasts well 

into the spring. Though the 23 runs 

offer skiing and boarding for a good 

mix of abilities, skiers can also go offpiste. 

Furano is known for its familyfriendliness; 

beyond skiing there are 

guided snowshoe tours, hot air balloon 

rides and snow tubing. The low-key, 

compact downtown area is filled with 

local restaurants serving up specialties 

like shabu shabu, a dish of vegetables 

and thinly sliced meat simmers with 

broth in a hotpot and robatayaki, which 

is cooked over an open charcoal grill. 

Rusutsu 

This high-end destination offers quiet 

runs, near-empty slopes, backcountry 

runs galore, minimal lift lines and 

extras like ski butlers, ski-in, skiout 

lodging and heli-skiing, all about 

40 minutes from Niseko. Non-skiers 

can keep busy with a huge range of 

diversions that includes snowmobiling, 

snowbiking, dog sledding, horseback 

riding and other winter fun. The resort’s 

three mountains are Epic Pass partners 

Honshu 

Hakuba 

Just three hours from Tokyo and 

set within Japan’s magnificent alps, 

Hakuba comprises so many resorts— 

nine in all—that lift lines are a rarity 

and the thick powder stays nearly trackfree 

all day long. The resort, which was 

the main venue for the 1998 Winter 


Aibiya Ryokan in Shibu Onsen 

Maju (Guide) in 

traditional kimono 

Shabu shabu 

Shinkansen 

Olympics, offers more than 200 varied 

runs, including Hakuba47, a network of 

trails that zigs and zags between resorts 

and is open to snowboarders. The area 

is also close to Tsugaike Kogen, where 

lifts provide easy access to some of the 

best tree skiing in the country. English 

is widely spoken in Hakuba, a city 

filled with Western restaurants and 

shops. Epic Pass holders receive one 

complimentary five-day ticket. 

Shiga Kogen 

Shiga Kogen gained international 

prominence when it hosted the 

women’s downhill, slalom, super G and 

snowboarding events at the Nagano 

Olympics; since then, it has grown to, 

encompasses 18 interlinked resorts— 

Japan’s largest—offering everything 

from beginner runs to long cruises, 

moguls and powder-filled bowls. It’s 

also one of the few resorts where hotels 

offer ski-in, ski-out access. A designated 

Biosphere Conservation Area, Shiga 

Kogen is home to snow monkeys, 

raccoon dogs, serows (the goat-antelope 

hybrid that is a national symbol of 

Japan) and Japanese weasels, which 

turn white during the winter. 

Nozawa Onsen 

Powder lovers with a penchant for 

speed flock to this resort, which offers 

a 3,560-foot vertical. The low-key town, 

which is known for traditional guest 

houses—called ryokans—food and the 

centuries-old Nozawa onsen, which can 

be enjoyed in one of the free bathhouses 

that dot the town. In addition to 

downhill skiing on groomed slopes, 

off-piste and through trees, the resort 

offers snowboarding on the slopes or 

half-pipes; cross-country skiing and 

snow-scooting, which involves a single 

ski outfitted with handlebars. 

Zao Onsen 

Go off the beaten path to one of the 

most unique ski resorts that has stayed 

true to its domestic roots. Home to 

the famous “Juhyo” (snow monster) 

trees, Zao Onsen is one of the most 

traditional resorts in Japan as well as 

a popular all year onsen resort village. 

There are nine different ski areas, 42 

lifts and 741 acres to enjoy, and plenty 

of different terrain to keep skiers and 

boarders of all levels entertained. 

Resources: zelekintl.com 

B 

AIBIYA PHOTO AIBIYA RYOKAN; MAJU AND SHINKANSEN PHOTOS ZI; SHABU PHOTO NISEKO TOURISM 


www.katabydesign.com 303.523.3305 

KATA by Design is a boutique residential design practice 

based in Boulder, Colorado 

Built on two decades of experience, our work seamlessly integrates architecture and interior 

design to accomplish the unique vision of each client. From ground-up new builds to renovations, 

this collaborative process-executed by our company principals-provides a more personalized 

approach to the design of your home. 


the last reflection 

Power to the Pen! 

For matters of the heart, calligraphy is there 

AS A CALLIGRAPHER, 

I am often asked if 

there is still a need 

for handwriting or 

calligraphy in this digital 

age. My reply is always an emphatic, 

“Absolutely!” Most people can’t fathom 

that this can be true in 2023. 

But here’s what I say to them: “Have 

you ever truly cherished an email and 

wanted to keep it—the actual physical 

email—forever?” 

Then they begin to understand. 

Technology is a great and efficient 

tool when it comes to drafting contracts, 

essays, and grocery lists. When the 

task is to simply deliver information, 

Times New Roman font on the LaserJet 

printed page will do the trick. 

But, when the mission is broader 

than to inform, calligraphy do more; 

it can elevate a message and evoke 

emotion. It reaches the heart as well as 

the mind, delighting our visual senses 

along the way. 

To be honest, technology has done 

the art of calligraphy a favor, allowing 

it to “retire” from its centuries-old, 

By GINNY ROGAN 

mundane use, when the literate few 

wrote everything, regardless of subject, 

in a calligraphic style. 

Today calligraphy truly stands out, 

partly because it is rare. Receiving an 

invitation or other communication that 

has been hand lettered by a professional 

calligrapher feels special and intimate, 

and it signals that someone cares 

enough to communicate in this very 

personal way. 

In 2007, Queen Elizabeth II visited 

the Commonwealth of Virginia to 

celebrate the 400th anniversary of the 

founding of Jamestown. I was honored 

to be commissioned by the office of the 

Governor of Virginia to pen the original 

design for the invitation to a reception 

for the Queen being held at the 

Executive Mansion in Richmond. The 

Governor desired a “more than ordinary 

invitation, something regal and by hand 

that would reflect such a momentous 

occasion.” The pressure was on! I had to 

not only deliver pertinent information 

about the logistics of the reception, 

but my work would be the first thing 

invitees saw about their opportunity 

to meet the Queen. No email was ever 

going to capture the desired tone of this 

once-in-a-lifetime event. 

Interestingly, calligraphy is 

experiencing a surge in popularity in the 

mental health world where people are 

practicing it as a form of meditation. 

The stimulation, concentration, and 

calmness it requires are beneficial not 

only to our brains but also our spirits. I 

dare say that the recipient of a document 

penned just for them gets a dopamine 

hit as well. 

During my ten years of teaching this 

art, I always began the first class by 

insisting that my students embrace the 

fact that they were learning to “draw” 

letters, not “write” them. I would also 

remind them that although they would 

be learning certain styles of calligraphy, 

each of them would execute that style 

with their own flare. That uniqueness is 

part of what makes calligraphy an art. 

So, bravo to a texted to-do list, a 

Microsoft Word created thesis, or an 

emailed legal agreement! 

But for matters of the heart, leave that 

power to the pen…the calligraphy pen! 

Ginny Rogan Designs 

ginnyrogandesigns.com 

B 


There’s no place 

like Niwot 

FOR THE HOLIDAYS 

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in small-town walkable Niwot 

Save the 

dates! 

12.2.23 & 12.9.23 

HO L ID A Y M ARK ETS 

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vendors, festive food & 

drink, family fun 

1.27.24 

NIWOT WINTER F E ST 

Family fun with hot cocoa, 

shopping and winter 

festivities 

2.24.24 

WINE ABOUT WINTER 

Stroll through Historic Niwot 

and sample over 30 varieties of 

wine, beer & culinary tastings 

VISIT NIWOT.COM TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR TOWN & EVENTS 

Scan for 

more info 


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Boulder Magazine Dec/Jan 2024

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