Spoke + Blossom

22/08/2024

Portland offers a captivating blend of historic charm and contemporary vitality. This maritime gem invites travelers to wander through its cobblestone streets, explore the vibrant arts scene and indulge in the culinary delights that have garnered national acclaim.

Read more about this costal town with tips from a local + long time visitor! Full article available at the 🔗 below!

📷 + ✍: Kim Fuller ) + Laura Mills (.millsy)

I grew up visiting the Maine Midcoast every summer, and the handful of times we stopped in Portland’s Old Port District before embarking on the rest of “Vacationland” was definitely memorable, and I always wanted to stay longer.

09/08/2024

Eagle County-based climber David Becker recently achieved the kind of athletic milestone that won’t ever get the recognition that it deserves. Unlike endurance sports such as running and cycling, where even those who don’t have insider knowledge will understand the value of placing well in a race, outdoor climbing doesn’t have the same relatability. There are no competitions to earn notoriety, no medals to wear, no podium to stand on. Most of the time, it’s just a couple people taking turns pulling on minuscule edges and dimples of rock with nothing but a phone camera on a makeshift tripod to capture the moment.

This Eagle local completed his first V12 boulder this past year. In case that number doesn’t mean anything to you, it’s a standard that less than 1% of climbers will reach in the sport. The fact that he’s far from a full-time athlete and lives in a town smothered by snow for half the year makes the accomplishment all the more remarkable.

If you'd like to read more about Becker and his advancements in his climbing career, read the full article at the 🔗 below!

✍: Lucie Rathbun ()
📷: David Becker ()

Eagle County-based climber David Becker recently achieved the kind of athletic milestone that won’t ever get the recognition that it deserves. Unlike endurance sports such as running and cycling, where even those who don’t have insider knowledge will understand the value of placing well in a rac...

08/08/2024

Summer is the height of cycling season in Colorado and a great time to test your legs and mettle in the mountains. And while our beautiful state has numerous mountain passes to climb, three routes are especially challenging, according to an international rating standard known as the FIETS index.

These climbs are Pikes Peak, Mount Blue Sky and Grand Mesa North. And while the south side of Grand Mesa doesn’t make the top three, it is ranked fifth most difficult, behind Trail Ridge Road.

The climb up the Grand Mesa, from either side, is stunning. Local cyclist Will Hays describes the ride as “incredible,” noting that it “starts out with a pretty steady grade in the desert environment. Then as you climb up the Mesa, it gets steeper — long, straight and steep. The switchbacks are long and steep, and at the top, it’s an alpine setting, a different world.”

Interested in learning more about how to prepare for and execute these trails? Read the full article at the 🔗 below!

✍: Kristen Lummis
📷: Courtesy of Visit Grand Junction ()

Summer is the height of cycling season in Colorado and a great time to test your legs and mettle in the mountains. And while our beautiful state has numerous mountain passes to climb, three routes are especially challenging, according to an international rating standard known as the FIETS index. T

06/08/2024

If you are up for a challenging but unforgettable hike, Yule Creek Trail #2083 is a lightly-traveled 10-mile out-and-back trail encompassing everything on one’s “epic” checklist. The trail follows Yule Creek, located in the Raggeds Wilderness, which covers 65,443 acres spanning the Gunnison and White River National Forests. The elevation gain is 2,700 feet, from 9,000 to 11,700.

It is recommend hiking Yule Creek Trail late July/early August if you want to take advantage of the spectacular wildflower extravaganza lining the trail and blanketing the valley. Now is the perfect time to explore this landscape!

Interested in reading more about this stunning hike? Read the full article at the 🔗 below!

✍+📷: Melanie Wiseman

If you are up for a challenging but unforgettable hike, Yule Creek Trail #2083 is a lightly-traveled 10-mile out-and-back trail encompassing everything on one’s “epic” checklist.

02/08/2024

As vibrant, energetic beings, humans share a profound connection with the Earth and its life-giving bounty, which fuels our own growth and vitality. When you think of nourishment, what springs to mind? Is it the satisfying sustenance of food; perhaps a particular dish that fills you with energy? Or is it the profound sense of fullness that comes from nurturing others on their paths to fulfillment? Nourishment encompasses not only the physical fuel we consume but also the energetic exchange that sustains us and those around us.

Read the full article about the relationship with food and proper nourishment at the 🔗 below!

✍: Chloe Wasserstrom ()
📷: Courtesy of CommonSpirit Health

As vibrant, energetic beings, we as humans share a profound connection with the Earth and its life-giving bounty, which fuels our own growth and vitality. When you think of nourishment, what springs to mind? Is it the satisfying sustenance of food; perhaps a particular dish that fills you with energ

31/07/2024

Transitioning into motherhood is one of the most significant changes a woman will experience. As she enters a new existence, her whole world shifts and is reordered.

“Matrescence is the beautiful, refining and sacred process into motherhood,” Hannah Schweitzer, a seasoned postpartum doula based in Grand Junction, explains. Matrescence, the process of becoming a mother, is a sacred period that invites women to embark on a journey of self-discovery, navigating physical, psychological, social and emotional changes while tending to their postpartum bodies during a time of profound healing. It’s crucial to remember that self-care, including proper nutrition, is not a luxury but a necessity during this time.

Drawing from ancient wisdom rooted in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, the postpartum period is a time to replenish a woman’s vitality after childbirth, using food as medicine.

Interested in learning more about healing from postpartum from within? Read the full article at the 🔗 below!

✍: Jennifer Weintraub (.outdoorista)
📷: Hannah Schweitzer

Transitioning into motherhood is one of the most significant changes a woman will experience. As she enters a new existence, her whole world shifts and is reordered.

30/07/2024

In theory, training for peak athletic performance is simple: show up, work hard, recover, repeat on a consistent basis and watch the progress accumulate. But in practice, the process is much more nuanced — especially when it comes to steps one and two. There’s a fine line between working hard enough to impart productive stress on your body and working too hard for your body to actually get anything out of the effort.

“Stress is a good thing,” says Sarah Strong, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) therapist and United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy-certified running coach. “Stressing the body and allowing it to adapt to those stressors is the core of athletic development.” That’s why athletes push themselves past the point of comfort in training, so that their bodies can adapt to that level of challenge and turn it into a new baseline from which the next level of growth evolves. So goes the cycle of improvement.

“But too much stress is a problem,” Strong continues. “Imagine your capacity for stress as a bucket. Every stressor adds to the bucket and too many stressors will make it overflow.” When this happens, athletes lose their ability to recover from their training and adapt to the challenge. Stress only accumulates, never dissipates.

Interested in reading more about the topic of overtraining? Read the full article at the 🔗 below!

✍+📷: Lucie Rathbun ()

There’s a fine line between working hard enough to impart productive stress on your body and working too hard for your body to actually get anything out of the effort.

28/07/2024

Since moving to Colorado in 1976, Kevin Molick has been a devoted woodworker for nearly five decades. From building custom furniture to renovating Denver homes to founding Timberleaf Trailers, Molick has been dedicated to the precision and quality of his craft since the beginning of his woodworking journey.

Read more about this local maker and how he found this calling at the 🔗 below!

✍: Chloe Mayer
📷: Kevin Molick

Since moving to Colorado in 1976, Kevin Molick has been a devoted woodworker for nearly five decades. From building custom furniture to renovating Denver homes to founding Timberleaf Trailers, Molick has been dedicated to the precision and quality of his craft since the beginning of his woodworking

27/07/2024

With summer’s arrival, Colorado’s unique style emerges, embracing the intersection of outdoor adventure and laidback charm. From the lively streets of Grand Junction to the scenic landscapes of Telluride, navigating the realm of summer fashion along the West Slope is essential for both comfort and aesthetic appeal.

Delve into tips and tricks to elevate your summer wardrobe, ensuring you’re ready to embrace Western Colorado’s sun-soaked season in style!

Read the full article at the 🔗 below ✨

✍: Lexi Reich ()
📷: Zephyr () + Two Skirts Telluride ()

With summer’s arrival, Colorado’s unique style emerges, embracing the intersection of outdoor adventure and laidback charm. From the lively streets of Grand Junction to the scenic landscapes of Telluride, navigating the realm of summer fashion along the West Slope is essential for both comfort ...

26/07/2024

Endurance is something we are all familiar with in Colorado. Big efforts, long rides and a hunger for the next big effort.

Dive into this Book + Beverage pairing with Kelly Ashford’s Endurance: Extreme Survival in the Colorado Rocky Mountain Wilderness and Durango-owned Tailwind Nutrition () Rapid Hydration. Happy adventuring!

Read the full article at the 🔗 on our profile!

Kelly Ashford’s story is one of resilience, survival and the indomitable human spirit. A 14th generation Colorado native, Ashford’s love for the outdoors runs deep. As an energy healer for the past 15 years, she understands the earth’s profound healing power and the importance of spiritual pra...

25/07/2024

Grab your swimsuits and sunscreen for two full days of fun activities and water sports at the annual FUNC (Fun on the Uncompahgre) Fest in Montrose!

Friday, August 9 and Satuday, August 10, 2024, will be packed with something exhilarating for everyone. “This event is for all community members who love water, music and the Western Slope. There are different age groups for each water competition ranging from ages 12 to 112,” says Katie Schroer, pavilion and community events manager with the City of Montrose.

Live music will take center stage this year, with Heavy Diamond Ring opening at 6 p.m. on August 9 at the Montrose Rotary Amphitheater, followed by Desert Child headlining at 7:30 p.m. Then on August 10 at the Water Sports Park, D&G Railroad has a set at 6 p.m. with Cousin Curtiss headlining at 7:30 p.m.

Interested in learning more about FUNC Fest?! Keep reading the full Spotlight Article at the 🔗 on our profile!

Grab your swimsuits and sunscreen for two full days of fun activities and water sports at the annual FUNC (Fun on the Uncompahgre) Fest in Montrose!

23/07/2024

Living Journeys is a nonprofit, community-centered organization, supporting those affected by cancer physically and philosophically in Gunnison County. Join Living Journeys on their annual Crested Butte summit hike on July 27th to support and remember those impacted by cancer.

The event is incredibly family-friendly, where participants choose their own adventure. Whether you decide to hike or run from the base (9.9 miles round trip), ride the Silver Queen chairlift to the summit (2 miles round trip) or enjoy the breathtaking views from the lift, everyone is putting one foot in front of the other for those who can’t or couldn’t at one point.

If this event interests you, read the full Spotlight Article at the 🔗 below!

✍: Chloe Wasserstrom ()
📷: Courtesy of Living Journeys ()

Saturday, July 27, 2024 is a day to not only celebrate people like Larson, but also support and remember loved ones impacted by cancer.

20/07/2024

Sometimes, timing is everything. Such is the case with Jojo’s Dinette, which opened recently in downtown Grand Junction.

The original concept, JoJo’s Superette, was to be located in the FARM (Fruita Arts Recreation Marketplace). Josh Niernberg, chef and owner of Bin 707 and Taco Party and his partner and wife, Jodi, hoped to add a playful culinary bar/provisions/stopover amenity.

Expanding on the Bin 707 lunch menu, Jojo’s Dinette will offer one menu throughout the day in a casual French Bistro-like setting. Niernberg is determined for Jojo’s to be fun and accessible for all, offering new ways to experience dishes and inexpensive price point beer, wine, spirits and cocktails.

Keep reading about this new spot to snack at the 🔗 below!

✍: Melanie Wiseman
📷: Adam Evarts ()

Sometimes, timing is everything. Such is the case with Jojo’s Dinette, which opened recently in downtown Grand Junction.

19/07/2024

Rum is a multiplicitous thing. While “just” the result of distilling sugar, water and yeast, the breadth of the spirit is massive. Regional variations abound and sugars come in a wide range of forms, to say nothing of degrees of quality.

It’s probably one of the reasons that rum is so divisive. While the proponents are vocal, the disdain for bad rum is palpable in just about any bar.

Since 2008, Montanya Distillers has been trying to dispel any preconceived notions about what rum is — or should be.

Montanya’s rum takes many cues from traditional Guatemalan and Colombian rum production. “These regions are renowned for their artisanal approach to rum production, like taking the rums made into the mountains to age,” says owner and head distiller Renee Newton. Located in Crested Butte (and previously in Silverton), Colorado, not only is the distillation and fermentation informed by traditional method, but the altitude plays a role in the craft.

If you'd like to read more about Montanya Rum, you can find the full article at the 🔗 below!

✍+📷: Nickolas Paullus (.aaron.paul)

Rum is a multiplicitous thing. While “just” the result of distilling sugar, water and yeast, the breadth of the spirit is massive. Regional variations abound and sugars come in a wide range of forms, to say nothing of degrees of quality. It’s probably one of the reasons that rum is so divisive...

18/07/2024

You can find them in a canyon, in a silo, in a parking garage or in someone’s home. While this sounds a bit like a clue in a clever riddle, these are among the many diverse places the Grand Junction Flute Circle gathers. On any given Tuesday throughout the year, they meet to share music, art, friendship and personal creativity.

Learn more about this collective of individuals who gather to share their love of music. Full article 🔗'd below!

✍: Kristen Lummis
📷: Courtesy of Grand Junction Flute Circle

On any given Tuesday throughout the year, the Grand Junction Flute Circle meets to share music, art, friendship and personal creativity.

17/07/2024

Anyone who loves the great outdoors knows the struggle: you're deep into a backpacking trip, surrounded by nature's beauty, when nature calls. For women, this can turn into a tricky situation. Unlike men, who can easily find a spot and quickly take care of business, women often have to contend with more complicated and uncomfortable maneuvers. Trying to find privacy, balancing awkwardly and struggling with layers of clothing in inclement weather can turn a simple bathroom break into a major hassle.

Enter the Gnara Go There Pants, a game-changing solution for female adventurers. These all-season, multi-functional pants feature the innovative GoFly zipper technology, designed to make bathroom breaks in the wild as effortless as possible.

Interested in exploring the freedom that comes with the Gnara Go There Pants? Read the full review at the 🔗 below!

✍: Lexi Reich ()
📷: Gnara ()

Anyone who loves the great outdoors knows the struggle: you're deep into a backpacking trip, surrounded by nature's beauty, when nature calls. For women, this can turn into a tricky situation. Unlike men, who can easily find a spot and quickly take care of business, women often have to contend with

16/07/2024

There are many rewards to experience in Colorado mountain summer nights. Cool breezes, lingering sunsets, soulful silences, star gazing and other spectacular celestial events. It’s always welcoming to spot Orion the Hunter hovering above, a familiar anchor in our ever shifting world.

One of the most dramatic performances on nature’s playlist is the annual Perseid meteor shower. The Perseids are visible across the high country, mid-July through August. The event is a regular must-see for seasoned meteor experts and enthusiasts, but is it on your radar?

Read more about this meteor shower that's taking place mid-August! You won't want to miss it. Full article 🔗'd below!

✍: Sandy Ferguson Fuller
📷: Rick Spitzer

One of the most dramatic performances on nature’s playlist is the annual Perseid meteor shower. The Perseids are visible across the high country, mid-July through August.

05/07/2024

With a population of about 1,200 people, and an area of just under 2 square miles, Ridgway is tight-knit.

“Ridgway was kind of a small ag town when I was young,” reflects long-time local and Tacos Del Gnar owner Joe Ouellette, “and even when I opened up the Gnar there wasn’t much happening.”

10 years later, however, a lot is happening in the Ridgway food scene. Keep reading for more info on where to get the best bites in town!

✍+📷: Nickolas Paullus (.aaron.paul)

Editor’s note: Sadly, Provisions Cafe, mentioned in this article, has closed it’s doors. The local cafe made a lasting impression and will be missed.

03/07/2024

"Don’t fret — if these recipes intimidate you, it was my first time, too. I second-guessed putting mayo with avocado in the chicken salad, and I was thoroughly prepared for the pavlovas to fail. I don’t have a great history with whipped egg whites. Both of these recipes are my attempt to replicate things I’ve eaten at restaurants. I’m not a trained chef, so though I was willing to try, I was pretty skeptical."

Have you been wanting to test your skills, try a new recipe or just play in the kitchen? Keep reading this article for the full recipes and inspiration for some culinary experimentation!

Full read is 🔗'd below, enjoy! 🍽

✍: Maureen McGuire
📷: Cat Mayer

Recipes for summer in Western Colorado and lessons learned along the way.

02/07/2024

"Energy, the theme of this summer issue. At first, I wanted to create a cocktail that encapsulated and encouraged the expenditure of energy. Think: a jolted, caffeine-laced espresso martini or an invigorating, matcha-forward drink. Instead, I created a cocktail that focused upon the conservation of energy. The reverence. The resourcefulness. The reserve."

If you're interested in reading the full recipe of this delicious beverage, follow the 🔗 below!

✍+📷: Jayme Henderson ()

For this recipe, I went with a classic sour cocktail ratio: two parts spirits, one part sour, 3/4 parts sweet. There’s a little twist, however.

28/06/2024

Summer is in full swing! Whether the singletrack is your favorite place to be or you’re lover of the river — we’ve put together all of our favorite items for the summer season.

Read the full round up at the 🔗 below!

We've collected our favorite gear picks for summer in western Colorado! Keep reading to find out what we're using summer 2024!

26/06/2024

The Grand Valley Outdoor Recreation Coalition (GVORC) enters a new chapter as it becomes a 501c3 organization, solidifying its role in advancing the outdoor industry in Mesa County.

As one of 13 coalitions in Colorado, GVORC will collaborate closely with state offices and support regional initiatives to enhance outdoor experiences across Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties.

Read more about GVORC and their growth at the 🔗 below!

✍+📷: Roschelle Bulda

The Grand Valley Outdoor Recreation Coalition (GVORC) enters a new chapter as it becomes a 501c3 organization, solidifying its role in advancing the outdoor industry in Mesa County.

22/06/2024

We asked three Western Colorado locals what ENERGY means to them — here’s what they shared with us!

We asked Western Colorado locals to weigh in on the topic of energy — here's what they had to say.

21/06/2024

This summer, the Grand Junction Sports Commission (GJSC) is excited to announce a partnership with the World Wake Association (WWA) to bring the brand-new Colorado State Championships to Fruita’s Imondi Wake Zone. From June 28-30, 2024, an expected 200 athletes from around the country will participate in one day of practice and two days of competition across seven wakesport disciplines.

Developed by riders — for riders — the WWA () has been dedicated to promoting and growing competitive wakesports around the world. By supporting riders, setting competitive standards and organizing events for all skill levels, it has become the world’s leading wakeboard organization and governing body of the sport.

If you'd like to learn more about the details of this event, head to the 🔗 below for the full article!

✍: Chloe Mayer
📷: Courtesy of Grand Junction Sports Commission ()

This summer, the Grand Junction Sports Commission (GJSC) is excited to announce a partnership with the World Wake Association (WWA) to bring the brand-new Colorado State Championships to Fruita’s Imondi Wake Zone.

20/06/2024

Montrose is gearing up for an unforgettable 4th of July, promising a rollout of festivities that highlight the town’s charm and community spirit. The historic downtown and picturesque amphitheater set the stage for a celebration filled with patriotic fun.

For 2024, the excitement ramps up with the Montrose Anthems Under the Stars, a three-day musical extravaganza in partnership with the Welcome Home Alliance and Montrose Summer Music Series. Starting Wednesday, July 3, the Montrose Rotary Amphitheater will host live performances, headlined on the 4th of July by the talented Jordan Rainer.

“She has a really unique story, and her music is fantastic,” shares Katie Schroer, manager for Montrose Pavilion and community events. “It is the perfect soundtrack for a Montrose 4th of July.”

Attendees can also enjoy food trucks, vendors and various activities throughout the event.

Read the full Spotlight Feature with Visit Montrose at the 🔗 below!

Montrose is gearing up for an unforgettable 4th of July, promising a rollout of festivities that highlight the town’s charm and community spirit.

19/06/2024

Summer in the Mountain West is all about making memorable plans, diving into adventure + savoring experiences. The Spoke+Blossom Adventure + Experience Guide is here to lead you through an unforgettable summer!

Each of these companies and events are focused on enjoying what makes this region truly incredible. If you’re interested in learning more about their offerings, head to the 🔗 below or DM us for the full guide!

Grand Valley Climbing Gym
Visit Rangely, CO
West Elk Challenge Trail Marathon
Vail Recreation District Summer Race Series
PJ's Fine Bamboo Rods
Holiday River Expeditions
Adventure Travel Guides International
Ouray International Film Festival
Western Slope SUP
Palisade Cycle Rentals + Palisade Plunge Shuttles
The Ride Collective
Hotel Palomino

Colorado's Western Slope Adventure + Experience Guide for summer 2024.

06/06/2024

Growing up in Hawaii, Kelly Kawachi enjoyed cooking with her grandma and auntie. “They were a big influence on why I like cooking,” she says. So when Kawachi moved to Grand Junction for college at Colorado Mesa University (then Mesa State College), she first thought about nursing, before trying her hand at culinary school. “I gave it a go and never looked back. It was so much fun taking classes and being in that environment. I felt like this is what I should be doing,” she shares.

Kawachi had found her path, and in 2023, this path led her to the summit of the culinary world as the first-ever MICHELIN Guide Colorado Culinary Professional Award Winner presented by Rémy Martin. In addition, Boulder’s Blackbelly Market, where Kawachi is head butcher, was also honored with a MICHELIN Green Star for sustainability.

It's no secret Kawachi is making an impact! Read the full article at the 🔗 below to learn more.

✍: Kristen Lummis
📷: Joni Schrantz

Kelly Kawachi had found her path, and in 2023, this path led her to the summit of the culinary world as the first-ever MICHELIN Guide Colorado Culinary Professional Award Winner presented by Rémy Martin.

31/05/2024

Feeling adventuresome and tired of highly treaded trails? Then it’s time to explore The Wedge area, also known as Utah’s Little Grand Canyon. Immense and remote but easy to get to, The Wedge is a dream for those looking for sweeping canyon views and hikes off the beaten path.

Learn more about this hike and the Swell (the area around it!) by following the 🔗 below. Happy trails!

✍+📷: Melanie Wiseman

The Wedge area, also known as Utah’s Little Grand Canyon is mmense and remote but easy to get to, The Wedge is a dream for those looking for sweeping canyon views and hikes off the beaten path.

31/05/2024

The vibrant season of summer is about to shine in full force, and with it we bring you the bright + beautiful ENERGY issue of Spoke + Blossom! ☀️

Order your copy or subscribe: spokeandblossom.com/store

📷: Melanie Wiseman

30/05/2024

The Wattbike Atom is an indoor bike trainer geared toward athletes with enough intrinsic motivation to power them through a lifetime of training. We don’t need the classes, loud music and cliché inspirational lingo that plague every other platform. We need data that points to quality, intentionality and growth. That’s exactly what you get from the Wattbike, starting with your first ride.

Read the full review of Wattbike by following the 🔗 below!

✍: Lucie Hanes ()
📷: Courtesy of Wattbike ()

The Wattbike Atom is an indoor bike trainer that’s geared toward athletes who already have enough intrinsic motivation to power them through a lifetime of training.