Mountain Secrets Blog

Festivals are like family reunions, a time when we see our friends and neighbors and all are gathered for the same purpose: to enjoy a spirit of camaraderie. ~Curt Kovener

Our mountain events are where we get to show off who we are and what is important to us. They reflect the uniqueness of our communities, the personality of its residents and its history, and they help support our area nonprofits who use them to fundraise for the services they provide. It's an opportunity to gather, have fun, get the kids out of the house, connect with neighbors, make new memories, and deepen bonds of friendship and community camaraderie.

Without further ado, here is the list of community events happening in the Foothills this year (bear in mind, this is a work in progress as more events will be added to our Community Calendar as organizations finalize details and publish them). You'll find details for the events below by clicking their link to go to their Calendar listing. You can also search our Community Calendar by date, category, or keywords. Please feel free to share with friends and family, and invite them to come have some fun!

"We were thinking this is just going to be a unique season in the high country, but the more we thought about it, they are all unique. Every season offers up its own particular experience. Every day has its own personal gift for the adventurer."

  "A roll of toilet paper seems to go for a while until it gets near the end and then it goes really fast."

  "Trail life is full of oohs and awes, but they are also filled with sighs, four letter words and pain"

 This week on Exploring 285 we visited The Chill Squirrel above the coffee shack in Bailey off Hwy 285 & Rosalie. They have tons of gifts and treasures, so check them out and meet Chill, the squirrel. They are a new business, lets support them and remember SHOP LOCAL! Click Read More to see the store and watch the video :)

​Summer: warm days, outside fun, and eager anticipation for fresh fruit, vegetables and artisan gifts at local Farmer's Markets! We are lucky to have several to choose from throughout the season. You'll find local artists and artisans, jewelry, canned goods, home decor, and so much more.

Details on all of these can be found on our Community Calendar under 'Sales'.

Thank you for Shopping Locally!

This week on #exploring285 we visited Unleashed Pet Foods & Unleashed Energy LLC . They offer natural pet foods, supplies, accessories & more! The store also offers wellness checks, bio-resonance & food testing for your pets. Check them out and #shoplocal ! My Mountain Town 285 Tourism #coniferpetstore #dogs #naturalfood 

Click continue reading to watch the video!

Anna Williams took over the CRAVE Consignment boutique in Bergen Park a year and a half ago.

I was in the fitting room trying on some fresh duds when I overheard (not intentionally eavesdropping, but the fitting room is right there) Anna talking about the "2-Buck" bin to a customer and how the proceeds benefit Mountain Peace Shelter.  I knew right then I wanted to get to know her more!

I'm always on the hunt for a good deal on fashion.  This place definitely fits the bill!  

You're RECYCLING clothing and it's really kind of about the hunt. So you never know what you're gonna find and it makes everyone happy!

by Lynnda Upton, Sales Associate at CRAVE 

Click "continue reading" for the full video interview!

The Colorado Trail is the perfect culmination of all we have been doing to keep ourselves active and will certainly challenge us across the board, a challenge we gladly accept and look forward to completing. 

Are you looking for a furry family member? On April 6th @2pm Intermountain Humane Society will be Mad Jack's Mountain Brewery for the Pet Adoption Event @ https://www.facebook.com/events/362461037813587/ . Come see their adoptable animals, get some puppy kisses or donate to help support IMHS ! Hope to see you there! 

Meet the duo behind Colorado Serenity Magazine. You know, the monthly magazine you get in the mail... the one with the large glossy pages!

Be sure to sign up for their email list so you can be a guest at their upcoming Schmoozer event which will be a great networking opportunity on April 17th at the Wild Game in Evergreen. It's free to the public!

I actually got the greatest compliment a few months ago. A woman came up to me who had just moved here from Michigan. And she thanked me and said that this was her "Bible" for getting involved in the community. So she was able to pick her lawyer, her doctor, her dentist, all these different things based on the information in Serenity.

by Doug Kinzy, Publisher of Colorado Serenity

Click "continue reading" for the full video interview!  

"For the through hiker of the Colorado Trail the 285 corridor and its many wonderful towns are an oasis to the traveler in search of lodging, gear, food and many other services."

Her mentor once said, "When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. When you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their soul."

Sue Kaltenbach is a local photographer who focuses on capturing more than what meets the eye. She captures the story behind the subject through her black and white fine art photography. The idea is to focus on the elemental, essential nature of a portrait. Less becomes more.

She specializes in relationship photos -- couples, families and kids, babies, etc., but her true passion is to photograph those who need special consideration when it comes to portrait photography, as well as people 50 and older, as they tend to have rich stories.

Sue and her husband will lovingly handprint your photos so that they can last multiple generations.

Photographing rich stories really lends itself to black and white because you don't want distractions, you want the elemental nature of that person, that story.

by Sue Kaltenbach Ryan of Skalte Images

Click "continue reading" for the full video interview! 

Bailey MOPS is a mothers' support group that embraces the journey of motherhood and recognizes the challenges faced with raising children. Come connect with other moms, be inspired and mentored, engage in honest conversation and relevant teaching, enjoy delicious food and savor a break while your children are in good hands having fun!

I personally know that being a new mom in the mountains can get lonely and was so excited when I heard about this group. Co-Coordinators Michelle Peiffer and Fressia Alexander welcome you with open arms and encourage you to try your first meeting for free!

Even if you're nervous about coming into a group of women, just come as you are. We have people waiting at the door to greet you and to show you around. I was scared the first time I came. I didn't know what to expect with this huge group of women or if I would fit in. But this group is awesome. We are loving, and you have a place, and we are saving your seat.

Michelle Peiffer, Co-Coordinator of Bailey MOPS

Click "continue reading" for the full video interview!

With the holiday season in full swing, some of you might already be thinking about that dreaded New Year's Resolution! A bit cliche, and certainly overdramatized, but certainly worth noting as we indulge in the season's endless enticing treats.

 This week on #exploring285 we visited Fun & Funky Art Galleries and Gifts in Bailey! They have 2 convenient locations & tons of local art, home decor, jewelry & photography! See you around town!

This week on Exploring 285 we visited Coney Island Boardwalk in Bailey! The hot dog has a lot of history in our community and is a great place for a mid-day lunch, enjoying a shake & enjoying the river! Check it out, see you around town!

This holiday season shop local! The 285 Corridor has so many great local shops for unique gifts. Check out our local towns and retail shops for your gift needs & support our local businesses!

Here are some local shops that have been featured on Exploring 285. I have tried to showcase them all but I have a ways to go. Either way check out the great shops in our area! Featured here are a Borgata, Blue Spruce Toys, Evergreen Mountain Sports, Fun & Funky Art Galleries, Knit Knook, Native Vibrations, Platte River Outfitters, and The Sasquatch Outpost but there are so many great retailers in our area! SHOP LOCAL AND STAY UP THE HILL!