AvidLifestyle August 2022 issue

AvidLifestyle.com

AUGUST 2022

Amp up your ALFRESCO LIVING experience with a complete outdoor kitchen

Find something to REV YOUR ENGINE at the Vehicle Vault car museum

Race car driver RENÉE BRINKERHOFF fights social injustice on four wheels Don’t let summer slip away without attending these ICONIC FESTIVALS

The Ultimate Collection

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History Colorado gathers the artifacts and STORIES BEHIND THEM that define our great state

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CONTENTS

// august 2022

departments

PHOTO: CHAD CHISHOLM. MODELS: AMBER RICHARDS AND JOHN LUNDY, THE BLOCK AGENCY. LOCATION: HISTORY COLORADO CENTER.

FEATURED

42

12 14

SETTING THE STAGE

Packing in as much summer fun as possible.

By Heather Shoning

ON THE AGENDA

Colorado Wine Walk, the Summer Ball and so much more.

local flavors

24

26

SPEAKEASY STYLE, MODERN COMFORT

Provision Castle Rock provides an upscale, speakeasy-style experience.

By Lisa Truesdale

GETTING A GRIP

Denver chef Duy Pham is honing a new skill.

By John Lehndorff

dwelling well

32

38

CORRALLING COLLECTIONS

Pros’ tips for displaying your prized possessions.

By Heather Shoning

BACKYARD DREAMS

Love your at-home alfresco experience with an outdoor kitchen.

By Heather Shoning

ready to wear

56

LOVE YOUR SKIN

Turn back the clock with anti-aging treatments from top local med spas.

By Kastle Waserman

influencers

The Ultimate Collection History Colorado collects the artifacts and stories behind them that have shaped our state’s narrative … past, present and future.

By Lisa Truesdale

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62

52

Curves and Carburetors Parker’s Vehicle Vault is the vision of a young girl who loved cars, and she just keeps adding to the collection.

By Kim D. McHugh

ON THE COVER: Amber Richards and John Lundy, The Block Agency PHOTO: Chad Chisholm, LOCATION: History Colorado Center 6

august 2022 // AvidLifestyle

RACING TO BEAT THE TRAFFICKERS

Local race car driver Renée Brinkerhoff fights social injustice.

By Jon Rizzi

LUXURY TRAVEL INNOVATOR

Co-founder of Inspirato Brent Handler stays planted firmly in Denver.

By Heather Shoning

wayfarers

68

SUNSET ON SUMMER FUN

Don’t let the season slip away. Attend at least one of these iconic Colorado festivals. By Rebecca Toy

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art & editorial EDITOR Heather Shoning CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jani Duncan Smith CONTRIBUTORS E.J. Carr, Chad Chisholm, John Lehndorff, Kim D. McHugh, Erroll Perkins, Jon Rizzi, Harper Thomas, Rebecca Toy, Lisa Truesdale, Kastle Waserman sales, marketing & advertising VP OF SALES & MARKETING Lori Perry DIRECTOR OF SALES Mike Carver DIGITAL STRATEGIST Brandon Kusek BUSINESS/OPERATIONS MANAGER Matthew Hemmings EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jon Rizzi

A NEW PARKER TRADITION EST. 2020

ART DIRECTOR, Colorado AvidGolfer Michelle M. Gutierrez MARKETING/ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Brandon Ewing ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: chris@avidlifestyle.com EDITORIAL INQUIRIES AND LETTERS: heather@avidlifestyle.com CUSTOMER SERVICE: 720.493.1729 MAILING ADDRESS: 6143 S. Willow Drive, #406 Greenwood Village, CO 80111

BLACKHAUSTAVERN.COM | 303.568.9671 | 19501 EAST MAINSTREET | PARKER, CO 8

august 2022 // AvidLifestyle

AvidLifestyle (ISSN 2642-0562) is published twelve times a year

by Baker-Colorado Publishing, LLC, and printed by Publication Printers Inc. volume four, number five. 6143 S. Willow Drive, #406, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. Order your personal subscription to AvidLifestyle at avidlifestyle.com or by calling 720.493.1729.

Subscriptions are available at the rate of $12 per year. Copyright © 2022 by Baker-Colorado Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Postmaster: Send address changes to AvidLifestyle, 6143 S. Willow Drive, #406, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. The magazine welcomes editorial submissions but assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other material.

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SETTING THE STAGE

THE COLORADO

HOME LIFE STYLE Our connection begins with home.

TALK OF THE TOWN

KNOW SOMEONE who should be featured in AvidLifestyle?

Tell me about them at heather@avidlifestyle.com

PHOTO: JOSEF KANDOLL WEPPLO

DELIVERING

// editor’s letter

END OF SUMMER SCRAMBLE I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU, but I always find myself in a tizzy at this time of year. I think back to the beginning of the summer and all the things I wanted to do (hike a fourteener, attend all the farmers markets, hit the pool at least once a week, take a long weekend trip to Crested Butte …), and I panic because I realize I only checked about half the things off my list.

Of course, none of this is worth panicking over, but I still want to cram it all in by these arbitrary dates. Before school starts, but I don’t even have school-aged children. Before Labor Day. Before Thanksgiving. If you’re feeling the same sense of summer slipping away, join me in taking a breath, relaxing and concentrating on just making the most of the remaining season.

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You can start by taking this issue of AvidLifestyle to your favorite chaise or backyard hammock! You’re going to love the articles we have for you—these are just a few. As you’re relaxing in your backyard, take a look around. Could your space benefit from a complete outdoor kitchen? We show you how it can change your entertaining life (Backyard Dreams, page 38). For your indoor or outdoor kitchen, local chef Duy Pham is crafting one-of-akind custom knife handles. Learn how his career gifted him this hobby in Getting a Grip on page 26.

C ERS

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EXPERIENCED, TRUSTED ADVISOR.

We introduce you to a couple of locals using their station in life to do good for others.

Luxury travel company Inspirato’s Brent Handler stays firmly parked in Denver, where he and his company support local organizations, among others, that are special to him (Luxury Travel Innovator, page 62). And race car driver Renée Brinkerhoff uses her four-wheel platform to save women and children from sex trafficking (Racing to Beat the Traffickers, page 58).

The theme for this issue is “Collector’s Edition.” To that end, we’ve got some of the most spectacular examples. History Colorado (The Ultimate Collection, page 42) chronicles the people and events that make up our state’s storied history. And we share with you a unique passion project born from the imagination of a 12-year-old girl. Erin Hutchinson loves cars, and her collection is displayed at her family-owned Vehicle Vault car museum in Parker (Curves and Carburetors, page 52).

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Now it’s time to do some collecting: memories. Grab your loved ones, and let’s get busy packing in as much fun as possible before the leaves begin to turn. On the Agenda (page 14) has a long list of fun activities to get you through the month. And you can extend the season by attending various Colorado festivals that define the gradual transition from summer’s heat to the crisp chill of autumn (Sunset on Summer Fun, page 68). Someone once said: August is like the Sunday of summer. By my count, we’ve got 31 Sundays.

Let’s go!

Heather Shoning 12

august 2022 // AvidLifestyle

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// can’t-miss events

AUGUST

DON’T MISS THIS

August 20

August 7

WHEELS OF DREAMS Colorado AvidGolfer and AvidLifestyle present Wheels of Dreams, an annual event that raises funds for Bags of Fun, a local nonprofit that strives to deliver happiness to hospitalized children.

The 6−9 p.m. gala is at Vehicle Vault in Parker, a venue featuring a stunning private collection of vintage and exotic automobiles.

Tickets include craft cocktails, culinary creations, live music, live and silent auction and more.

August 4, 11, 18 & 25 GREENWOOD VILLAGE MOBILE CONCERT SERIES On Thursdays in August, Greenwood Village offers a free concert series that rotates each week to a different park. The lineup includes Elle Michelle and the Bluegrass Boys on August 11 at VILLAGE GREENS PARK, greenwoodvillage.com

PARKER HONEY FESTIVAL Learn everything you’ve always wanted to know about honey (and bees, of course) at this free community event for all ages. Talk with beekeepers, learn how to build your own hive, find out about pollinator-friendly plants for your garden, sample local honey and shop the vendors selling health and beauty products made with honey and beeswax. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. in downtown Parker at O’BRIEN PARK, parkerarts.org PHOTO: COURTESY CURTIS CENTER FOR THE ARTS

SCAN THE QR to learn more and buy tickets

PHOTO: COURTESY BLANCHARD FAMILY WINES

ON THE AGENDA

Through August 27 39TH ANNUAL ALL COLORADO ART SHOW This juried show in Greenwood Village showcases the works of Colorado artists working in a variety of mediums, including oils, watercolor, sculpture, paper, drawing and photography. Prizes will be awarded to three of the works. View the exhibit Monday through Saturday during regular gallery hours. CURTIS CENTER FOR THE ARTS, greenwoodvillage.com

August 7 COLORADO WINE WALK Hosted by Blanchard Family Wines, this inaugural event celebrates 12 awardwinning wineries from around the state, including Restoration Vineyards and Infinite Monkey Theorem. Tickets include unlimited samples of wine plus a glass to take home, discounts on purchases, live music and discussions with the winemakers. 1–5 p.m. at DAIRY BLOCK ALLEY, Denver, coloradowinewalk.com

August 11—28 2022 PARADE OF HOMES Gather design inspiration for your own home at this year’s annual tour including homes in Parker and Castle Rock. The tour can be taken at your own pace, either virtually or in-person. Check out the stunning lineup of homes online; you can search by location, builder, price range and more. VARIOUS LOCATIONS, paradeofhomesdenver.com

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august 2022 // AvidLifestyle

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August 12

// can’t-miss events

VINO IN THE VILLAGE This annual five-star experience sold out last year, so be sure to get your tickets early! Your ticket price gets you access to fine wines and food pairings, plus a silent auction, a wine pull, whiskey tastings, live music and the opportunity to purchase your favorite wines at a discount. Upgrade to a VIP ticket for access to a special pre-party experience. 5:30–8 p.m. VILLAGE AT CASTLE PINES, castlepineschamber.com

August 13 CENTENNIAL UNDER THE STARS It’s the biggest summer party in Centennial, a family favorite for 17 years! Centennial Under the Stars from 5–10 p.m. features local vendors, food trucks, a laser light show, a ninja warrior course and live music from the Prince tribute band Paizley Park.

CENTENNIAL CENTER PARK, centennialco.gov

PHOTO: ICE TEA ON UNSPLASH

ON THE AGENDA

August 13

August 13 CASTLE PINES PARTY IN THE PARK The city of Castle Pines hosts “the ultimate end-ofsummer party,” complete with live music, vendors, food, beer, wine and children’s activities. The event is free (except for food and drink purchases) and it runs from 5–9 p.m. ELK RIDGE PARK, castlepinesco.gov

PHOTO: COURTESY CHEROKEE RANCH & CASTLE

August 12 WHISKEY TASTING AT THE CASTLE Sample five different varieties of the “waters of life” at this event that also includes charcuterie appetizers and live bagpipe music. You’ll learn what makes the whiskies similar, and what makes them different, and you’ll discover which profiles are your favorite thanks to your guide Scott Beach, who presents his knowledge while dressed in a traditional Scottish kilt. CHEROKEE RANCH & CASTLE, cherokeeranch.org

BACKYARD BEATS & SOUTHERN STREET EATS “Get a little south in your mouth” at this event showcasing food trucks that feature foods from south of the (Colorado) border. Purchase a tasting bracelet to experience the offerings from multiple trucks. Attendees get to help determine which truck wins the grand prize.

There are activities for the kids and live music from two popular local bands. 6–9 p.m. in Lone Tree. SWEETWATER PARK, cityoflonetree.com

August 20 SUMMER BALL Castle Rock’s Daddy/Daughter Ball in the winter is so popular that they decided to host an outdoor summer version last year, too.

And then it was so popular that they’re doing it again! The evening includes dancing, a professional photographer, light refreshments, dessert and food trucks. Registration required.

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No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

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august 2022 // AvidLifestyle

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August 20

// can’t-miss events

PUNK IN DRUBLIC CRAFT BEER & MUSIC FESTIVAL This fun festival roams around the country, landing in Greenwood Village on August 20.

It features the very best in punk rock music, paired with craft brews from local breweries.

The fun starts at noon at FIDDLER’S GREEN, punkindrublicfest.com

Opens August 28 PHOTO: COURTESY DENVER ART MUSEUM

ON THE AGENDA

“OTHER PEOPLE’S PICTURES” EXHIBIT This photographic exhibit, featuring works from the Robert and Kerstin Adams Collection, invites viewers to contemplate their own personal connections to objects, people and places in their lives, and it examines the overall themes of collecting things, and the pleasure of looking at them. DENVER ART MUSEUM, denverartmuseum.org If you go to the Denver Art Museum on the 28th, check out the FUEL & IRON BAR KITCHEN TAKEOVER BY CHEF JOSE AVILA of La Diabla Pozole y Mezcal. Fuel & Iron owners Nathan Stern and Zach Cytryn are showcasing a combination of up-and-coming restaurateurs who are soon to open their first brick-and-mortar locations—as well as established chefs trying out new concepts.

Seating if first come, first served from 4–9 p.m. at 1526 Blake St., Denver

SUMMER MOVIE NIGHT There’s a magic show at 7 p.m., followed by balloon art at 7:30 p.m., then settle in for a movie under the stars at John Meade Park in Cherry Hills Village. You’ll also find snacks, ice cream and activities for the whole family. The newly refurbished park features a play area with an observation tower, a tree climber, a boardwalk through the wetlands and fishing piers at two ponds. JOHN MEADE PARK, cherryhillsvillage.com CHECK OUT MORE end-of-the-season festivals in Sunset on Summer Fun on page 68.

FOLLOW THE LINK

// what’s online

PHOTO: COURTESY HILTON DENVER INVERNESS

August 20

WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS Grab your girlfriends to take part in a new kind of happy hour! HILTON DENVER INVERNESS is putting a relaxing twist on happy hour with their newly launched Spa Happy Hour.

Through the end of September, you can enjoy 20 percent off spa services booked on Wednesdays after 2 p.m., plus a complimentary beverage. Follow the link to learn more at avidlifestyle.com/ wonderful-wednesdays

18

august 2022 // AvidLifestyle

Join Our Full Golf Membership and Pay NO DUES Until 2023!*

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Photos: Tim Gormley/tgimage.com

The Club at Ravenna Where Life Approaches Perfection...

When crossing the threshold of The Club at Ravenna, you’ll immediately sense the secluded environment of this unique private golf community.

Defined by unpretentious luxury, its warm environment reflects a commitment to providing unparalleled service, from world-class golf and fitness to wines and fine dining.

Our new clubhouse, Villa Ravenna, mirrors this philosophy with imported marble and commissioned frescoes that are reminiscent of oldworld Ravenna, Italy.

Specially-selected wines transport diners around the world without leaving tables set under the barrelvaulted ceiling of the private event space, Buona La Prima (Beautiful the First Time). The European sommelier

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pilots a private wine society with access to rare, new or unheralded vintages from near and far.

An exquisitely equipped health club offers scenic mountain views, inspiring classes and a dedicated team of trainers, pros and therapists who design and track each member’s custom fitness program.

At every turn, members find surprising and thoughtful nuances woven into a tapestry of superior quality and attention to detail.

Ravenna’s small membership cultivates the time and space necessary for a continuous, unsurpassed and personalized private club experience.

Consider the possibilities of this premier golf club set to redefine club membership — The Club at Ravenna.

Photos: Tim Gormley/tgimage.com

The Club at Ravenna ...And Golf is a Way of Life

The Club at Ravenna is about the total golf experience.

It starts with an eminently playable course for all skill levels, designed by renowned architect Jay Morrish. The par-71 course consistently ranks among the toprated golf venues in the state and the nation—partly because its natural beauty is unsurpassed. Its fluid pace of play is complemented by readily available tee times.

The experience thrives due to meticulous care by groundskeepers who use state-of-the-art tools and tactics to lessen the environmental footprint and ensure the best possible playing surface. Ravenna was also the first regional course to deploy remote

Make Ravenna your home course 303-481-0224 ravennagolf.com/contact

sensing and mapping technology to gauge moisture and grass density through visual, thermal, high- and low-infrared imaging collected by a daily drone flight.

The club’s passion for the best golf experience extends to Ravenna’s valued members with the “Fit for Golf ” program, engineered with the expert guidance of Lance Gill Performance. The six-month program concentrates on improving swing speed through a coordinated plan prepared by a trainer, golf pro and physical therapist.

As Ravenna has redefined the full meaning of golf club membership, so in turn has its staff. Schedule a visit today and experience the difference.

LOCAL FLAVORS

// behind the bar

24

august 2022 // AvidLifestyle

LOCAL FLAVORS

// behind the bar

Speakeasy Style, Modern Comfort PROVISION Castle Rock debuts new bottle lockers

By Lisa Truesdale NEXT TIME you stop for a craft cocktail at Provision in downtown Castle Rock, head toward the restrooms. Yes, they’re nicely appointed, but to be more specific, it’s the bookcase at the end of the restroom hallway that’s the real attention-getter. Because it’s not just a bookcase; it’s the entrance to a hidden room.

Like other business owners in downtown Castle Rock, Sarah Miles and John Egbert have been excited to see all the growth in the past few years, particularly along the historic stretch of Wilcox Street where their IT company, Milestone Tech, is based. So, with downtown bustling, the business partners also decided to open a bar … but not just any bar.

“We decided that our demographic would appreciate something elevated,” says Miles, “like a craft cocktail lounge, with hand-crafted drinks made with premium spirits, handsqueezed juices and house-made mixers, and of course excellent food and service.”

Provision opened in February 2022 with a 1920s vibe, reminiscent of the speakeasies of the Prohibition years. It features a long bar with comfortable stools but also a number of cozy seating areas throughout—oodles of crushed velvet, plus soft lighting, a double-sided fireplace and soothing music that’s low enough to allow for conversation. “Our goal was connection,” Miles explains, “and for things to be done right, so our guests have a consistent experience each time.”

Speakeasies—so named because you had to “speak easy” about them, to not attract unwanted attention from the authorities—were secret locations where illegal alcohol could

25

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still be found. Visitors had to know a password, or the location of a secret door, to get in. Although the main part of Provision is open to all, it’s that room hidden behind the bookcase that requires a little speakeasy-style magic for entrance. Wanting to elevate the Provision experience even higher, Miles and Egbert are soon debuting a new locker program in that room, for collectors of high-end wine and spirits.

“It’s not about bringing your own; locker owners will be able to purchase rare or vintage wine and liquor bottles through us for on-premise storage in their locker,” Miles explains. “The distributors we work with have exclusive access to special products that consumers can’t just go buy at the liquor store.” The 15 wooden lockers have see-through facings and are back-lit inside so the prized bottles can be viewed even while under lock and key, and the owner’s name will be etched on the front. Each holds two or three bottles, and locker owners will have access to Provision’s bartenders and servers (and to the bookshelf room) when they’re ready to enjoy their purchases.

Though pricing and other details about the program weren’t set at press time, Miles says they’ve already had a lot of interest in the lockers, and she expects them to sell out—and then she’ll think about adding more. In the meantime, the bookshelf room is available for private parties of up to eight guests. Provision also holds a number of special events, like food and wine pairings, whiskey tastings and other educational sessions.

PROVISION 720.617.1292; provisioncastlerock.com

LOCAL FLAVORS

// cooksʼ tools

Getting a Grip PHOTOS: JUSTIN GREAT, COURTESY CHEF DUY PHAM

Curiosity and calluses drove a Denver chef to become a master artisan of EXTRAORDINARY KNIFE HANDLES.

By John Lehndorff

DUY PHAM IS an artist whose identity changes depending on the universe in which you encounter him.

As one of Denver’s best-known chefs, he captivates diners’ taste buds at Foraged restaurant. His kitchen environment is pristine and uber-organized.

The small cottage behind his Denver home, however, isn’t quite as tidy. He apologizes for the sawdust generated by a pile of wood chunks and his drill press, belt sander, grinder and table saw. It’s in this studio that Pham grinds out the one-of-a-kind knife handles that chefs, collectors and fans across the globe revere.

How in demand are his creations? If you want to taste the chef’s French-meets-Japan fare, you need to make a reservation at least a week in advance. But if you want Pham to fashion you a knife handle that fits perfectly in your hand, you will probably not be served for a few months.

“I’m a little backed up. I’ve got 14 handles to work on,” Pham says. For his clients in the U.S., Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, Australia and Vietnam, it’s well worth the wait.

“I made a knife handle for one of the Broncos that changes from blue to orange as you move it,” he says. “I have some that I made from glowin-the-dark material.”

Pham has used woolly mammoth teeth, elk and antelope antlers, whale and camel bones, as well as pieces of meteorites and high-tech carbon fiber material … sometimes in the same knife handle.

CHEF DUY PHAM

To him, fitting a knife handle is personal.

“Everything’s about improving performance,” he explains. “The idea is to fit the tool to the chef’s hand, not the chef to the knife.”

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august 2022 // AvidLifestyle

LOCAL FLAVORS

// cooksʼ tools

Numerous Front Range knife shops purvey artisan blades from around the world, but these artisans are crafting knives in Colorado.

Elan Wenzel, ELEMENT KNIFE COMPANY, Aurora elementknife.com SPYDERCO, Golden spyderco.com

In his workshop, Pham avoids clunky European handles, specializing instead in the octagonshaped Japanese wa handle. “Some clients want a shorter, thinner or wider handle, depending on the size of their hands,” Pham says.

As in many industries, there is a universe of highly specialized kitchen tools. “The Japanese have a knife just to cut eel and one only for making vegetable garnishes,” he says.

Pham’s rise in knife prominence started only six years ago and quite unintentionally.

“I had heavy calluses and other problems from using German knives,” the 47-year-old chef remembers. “When I finally used a Japanese knife, it changed my life. They are lighter, sharper and easier on the wrists and shoulders.”

Pham eventually needed to fix the handles on his favorite knives. “I took six knives to a shop in Denver, and they wanted $150 per handle.

I thought: “That’s ridiculous. I’ll make them myself.” I had always been into woodworking.

So, I went to the hardware store, and I’ve ended up spending thousands of dollars on equipment instead,” he says with a shrug and a smile.

His early knives were forgettable, he says. “I’m a perfectionist. I’d make handles, decide they were too bulky or awkward or weighted wrong, and I just destroyed them and started over,” Pham explains.

He took it to the next level by introducing him-

Hayden Kessel, IRA HOUSEWEART METALWORKS, Hotchkiss coloradoblacksmith.com Craig and Rory May, DRAGON FORGE, Pine dragonforgeltd.com Jayden Simisky, THE SLACKSMITH, Louisville theslacksmith.com KILROY’S WORKSHOP, Colorado Springs kilroysworkshop.com self to Oregon-based Murray Carter, the great Japanese-trained master bladesmith. “He’s like the Thomas Keller of knives,” Pham says, referring to one of the top chefs in the United States.

To understand the Zen of handle-making, Pham also knocked on the door of Matt Deloso. “He’s considered the best knife handle maker in the world,” Pham says. “He introduced me to all these exotic materials.”

One of Pham’s most prized possessions is a Deloso handle incorporating 18 materials ranging from sycamore to mirror-polished steel.

“That handle cost me $500 and it was worth it.

I keep it on display. It’s the standard I want to reach,” he says.

In the beginning, the chef made handles for himself and his cooks. “I posted the ones I liked on social media, and I got more and more followers,” he shares. “People started asking me to make handles for their knives,” the chef adds proudly.

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PHOTOS: JUSTIN GREAT, COURTESY CHEF DUY PHAM

COLORADO BLADESMITHS

The process introduced Pham to the unique global metaverse of high-end knife collectors.

“They send rare Japanese blades, and I make custom handles. For some, price is no object, just quality. These knives are usually for display only,” he says.

Mostly, Pham is a re-handler. “Chefs ship me their favorite blades. They pick the materials but give me complete artistic freedom. I find that strange because I wouldn’t want to do that,” he says.

Pham grew up in Aurora and was working in kitchens as a teenager. By 22, as one of Denver’s youngest executive chefs, he delighted diners with his deft reimagining of classic French dishes at the legendary Tante Louse.

In recent years, Pham opened Parker Garage with two partners who then launched Foraged in LoDo’s Dairy Block. The name, branded as For[a]ged, suggests both foraging for rare ingredients and forging sharp blades.

On Friday and Saturday nights you can typically find Pham using his knifes at Foraged serving omakase—chef’s choice of 20 bite-sized courses—in an upstairs raw bar. Behind him is a wall lined with glass cases displaying some of his more than 200 knives, most of which are for sale. It’s the only place you can see the knives and handles outside his Instagram feed.

While Pham owns a forge, anvil and sledgehammer, he leaves the Forged in Fire blade-making to others for now. “I feel like I’m one of the elites when it comes to handles, but I’m a beginner at knife forging. There’s so much to learn,” he says.

Besides, Pham has bigger fish to fillet. “Next, I want to make my own plates for the restaurant,” he says.

The successful restaurateur admits that playing with knives is an obsession, not a career move.

“When I’m finally done, I probably make $10 an hour making handles,” he predicts. “It’s okay.

It’s what I love.”

FOR[A]GED, Denver 720.826.2147; foragedrestaurant.com

TRENDS IN DESIGN RENOVATIONS | DENVER, CO “Instead of asking what the trends are, we see people fully embracing their own sense of style and functional ideas.”

HOW TO SURVIVE A MAJOR RENO Wilkinson offers her t op t wo t ips on living t hrough t he rest ruct uring of a home.

• Build an A-TEAM: “Design works best when you have mult iple minds working t oget her for creat ivit y, and checks and balances.

The collaborat ion bet ween a t rust ing client and a full t eam of expert s is essent ial.”

SIX WALLS INTERIOR DESIGN 303-856-6610 | six-walls.com |

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To help homeowners t urn t heir “six walls” int o t he ult imat e haven unique t o t hem—t his is t he mission behind Six Walls Int erior Design. Inherent ly, it lends it self t o renovat ion. Led by founder, CEO and owner Dawn Wilkinson, t he Denver and Mercer Island-based st udio has accomplished count less successful updat es and overhauls. As of lat e, t hat has meant ret hinking t he way client s want t o live. “Families want carved-out spaces t o keep work and play separat e and organized,” Wilkinson shares. “We are also seeing more request s for sust ainable, eco-friendly mat erials and int egrat ion wit h t echnology.” Relevant , t oo, is a ret urn t o bespoke aest het ics. “More and more, we have t he opport unit y t o bring out a client ’s hist ory and personalit y wit hin t heir int erior spaces, rat her t han design somet hing t hat might be universally desirable but lacks individualit y.”

• Creat e a plan: “If moving out during const ruct ion is not an opt ion, consider advanced prep for meals t hat can be reheat ed easily using a t emporary kit chen set up in an alt ernat ive area of t he home.

Addit ionally, t akeout is never a bad idea. St art your renovat ion during t he summer mont hs when more grilling and dining alfresco can t ake place.

This will ease t he burden of no regular kit chen access.”

Above Hiding messes, prepping food, washing and cleaning are easy and out of sight in t his spacious scullery, designed by Jennifer Kowalski.

Top Wit h Urban Bonfire’s product s as a resource, one can bring t he culinary art s out doors in a beaut iful, high-end way t hat is wort hy of t he int erior. Far left & Left Urban Bonfire out door kit chens are funct ional, visually appealing and high performance. Six Walls Int erior Design is a proud dist ribut or for t he line.

Phot ography Above by Andrew Giammarco; Top, Far left & Left court esy of Urban Bonfire.

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DWELLING WELL

// on display

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DWELLING WELL

// on display

Corralling Collections Tips for highlighting your PRIZED POSSESSIONS As told to Heather Shoning IT CAN BE a design challenge to display your favorite collections in a way that’s both pleasing and highlights what you love about your items. We asked local designers to weigh in with tips for ensuring your collection is seen in its best light.

DAWN WILKINSON, Six Walls Interior Design, sixwalls.design AVIDLIFESTYLE: What displays do you often see in your interior design projects?

DAWN WILKINSON: The closet is typically the main area—at least for the women of the household—where they like to display a collection of shoes, sunglasses or handbags.

Being able to view them and see them each time you walk into your closet or dressing area is something that brings people joy. I think about things from a seasonal perspective. What you might want to display in the spring and summer would be different than what you would want to show in the winter and fall—also, make sure that the area you’re setting up for that display is well lit.

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DWELLING WELL

// on display

AL: Should someone organize handbags, for instance, by color or like a rainbow?

DW: If you’ve watched the Netflix series “The Home Edit,” you’ll find a rainbow display can be a super pleasing way to arrange things. I like the idea of showcasing vignettes of collections and grouping similar items with a color scheme together. So, you might group greens and blues, then put your warmer colors, like reds, oranges and yellows together in a different section.

AL: What’s the benefit of working with a designer to create a display instead of buying some shelves and putting out your collection?

DW: When you’re working with a designer, one of the huge benefits is he or she can help you create a detailed inventory—getting them into a document with an item photograph, the dimensions, the brand, the value. Then the designer can take those bits of information and produce a drawing or a rendering that illustrates how the collection will look in your space once all the accommodations are made for the various sizes of the items. A design professional’s value is that technology piece to help you understand what it will look like when it’s done. A designer will also have the professional background to bring together the different tradespeople to execute. It’s not going to be one person that creates this case for something to sit in. There’s probably a combination of electrical work, woodwork, glasswork, metal and possibly a locksmith.

AL: If a collection will grow over time, how do you display the collection now but then allow for that growth?

COLLECTION CONSIDERATIONS Dawn Wilkinson suggests starting with this list of things to consider before embarking on the immense task of wrangling your collection.

• Create an inventory of what you have.

• Lighting is a crucial element.

• What are the best viewing angles for the items you want to showcase? Is it from above looking down, or is it straight on?

• Is there a security need? Does this need to be behind something that has glass and is locked or mounted to a wall where it can’t be easily removed?

• Is this a growing collection, or is it static? Is it going to stay the same way?

From that perspective, does it need a dedicated area within your home, or can this collection be divided into separate areas?

• What is accessibility like? Is there only one individual that needs access to this, and is it something for guests to view, or is this something private?

• Does this collection need to be humidity or temperature controlled?

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DW: I think the main component is making sure that it’s in an area that can accept growth.

Discuss that with your design professional n7say, ‘I only have a hundred of these items now, but 10 years from now, I want my collection to double,ʼ and then have them illustrate that for you at the time that the design is put together and having additional units to contain your collection made at the same time and a mounting plan or an installation plan that shows how the collection would grow.

A Full Service Residential and Commercial Interior Design Firm Specializing in Remodeling and Custom Home Design HOME FURNISHINGS | ART | LIGHTING | BEDDING & TEXTILES | WINDOW TREATMENTS The Streets at Southglenn | carlasacd.com | 303.683.0372 | Call and Book your Consult Today!

DWELLING WELL

// on display

ADRIELE GRAHAM, House Meraki Interior Design housemeraki.design AVIDLIFESTYLE: How do you go about putting together a collection of items that are not similar in size or scale, such as pottery?

ADRIELE GRAHAM: I don’t think everything has to match, but certain things do complement each other. Look at your collection and try to group items that have a similar feeling to create what we call small vignettes. Pairing some things with a similar feel but also having contrast in height is important. Put taller items in the back with something a little shorter and a lot shorter in front.

AL: What suggestions do you have for a collection of small items?

PHOTO: COURTESY HOUSE MERKAI INTERIOR DESIGN

AG: Small things can get lost and look somewhat tchotchke-ish if they aren’t correctly displayed. Group them in a tray or a small glass box. And then instead of it looking like 15 tiny little things, the weight is really in that tray or the box. And on a different level of inspection, you then get to see each piece layered in. Our client inherited these small animal figurines about one inch by one inch. And they were lost because they were just scattered. By bringing them together and putting them on a beautiful tray, we were able to highlight them.

AL: How do you suggest putting together a display of books in a more exciting way than all standing up on a bookshelf?

AG: One client loved to travel and create picture books of all her travels, but she had all of them out, which was very overwhelming. So, when dealing with some extensive collections, it’s worth acknowledging what space you have to use for display. For her collection of those books, we did two things. We featured two front books on plate stands on a bookshelf. And we put a couple behind it, too, so they could have some weight. In addition, we put several photo books in a magazine rack. This way, she still had easy access to them. And then, the idea with the plate stands was that she would rotate out which books she wanted to feature.

AL: Are there some collection organizing rules of thumb you suggest?

AG: Vignette items—group certain items together and give them space. Many people are prone to filling the entire shelf space, which feels overwhelming. You want your items to have some room to breathe. When looking at shelf space, you should only be filling about 60 percent and leaving 40 percent to put gaps between items. This allows your eyes to be able to focus on those different vignettes.

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DWELLING WELL

// go alfresco

Ditch the indoors and go for the COMPLETE OUTDOOR LIVING EXPERIENCE by adding a kitchen to your backyard oasis.

In addition to making mealtimes easier—and containing the cleanup to one area—your outdoor kitchen can look and function just as well as the one indoors. Today’s appliances and cabinetry options ensure lasting beauty and a second kitchen you’ll love. Depending on how you structure your space, Joseph Nguyen, president of Dream Makers Landscape, says when you’re able to use the entire outdoor area for entertaining, it might not even feel like you’re outdoors.

By Heather Shoning

Your kitchen can be open-air or under the cover of a pergola or solid roof. When planning the kitchen layout, think about how you cook indoors and how you want to cook outdoors.

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PHOTO: COURTESY DREAM MAKERS LANDSCAPE

Backyard Dreams

IMAGINE YOUR SUMMERTIME and autumn entertaining taking place 100 percent outside— no running back and forth to the kitchen for meal prep and drinks. You spend your “kitchen time” outdoors with your family and guests. You don’t miss a minute of the fun and memory-making. Sound too good to be true? It’s not when you add a complete outdoor kitchen to your backyard entertaining area.

And, of course, any party leads to the group gathering in the kitchen, so why not keep the party outdoors to enjoy the beautiful Colorado weather every minute you can?

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DWELLING WELL

// go alfresco

“The structure can take on different designs and variations based on the different appliances you choose,” Nguyen says. “It’s not just about a grill anymore—there are pizza ovens, smokers and Big Green eggs. You can add a sink, refrigerator, ice maker, beverage center— anything you want.” It will all contribute to the size and layout of the space, but Nguyen assures: If you can dream it, Dream Makers can build it.

PHOTOS: COURTESY DREAM MAKERS LANDSCAPE

Today’s cabinetry is rated for outdoor use, and with granite countertops, everything can tolerate the variety of weather conditions Colorado serves up. This enables you to use the outdoor kitchen fully. Use cabinetry to store pans, serve ware, dishes and more. And just like an indoor kitchen, countertops make excellent seating arrangements in addition to a dining table and chairs.

Whether you’re just embarking on a backyard redesign or have some elements in place, Dream Makers can help you design and build a dreamy outdoor kitchen for maximum entertaining. Many of Nguyen’s clients have an indoor entertaining area that overflows into an outdoor space. This is the perfect spot to add a kitchen and outdoor living area that leads guests outdoors. Beyond that, you might have a fire feature and a pool and/or spa. “The convenience of walking outside and having everything so close,” Nguyen says, “provides value and entertainment. It allows you to bring everything outside.”

DREAM MAKERS LANDSCAPE 303.840.0505 dreammakerslandscape.com 40

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History Helps Coloradans Understand 42

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PHOTO: CHAD CHISHOLM. MODELS: AMBER RICHARDS AND JOHN LUNDY, THE BLOCK AGENCY. LOCATION: HISTORY COLORADO CENTER.

Colorado

By Lisa Truesdale

Our Past ... and Our Future

FASCINATED WITH a snow globe she received for her birthday, Rebecca Gerald became an avid collector at the young age of five. Gerald’s home in Highlands Ranch is filled with dozens of the glass figures she’s passionately collected over the past four decades.

Why do humans collect? It’s an age-old question that psychologists and neuroscientists have tried to answer, with many arriving at the same conclusion: Collecting in is our DNA, tracing back to our hunter-and-gatherer days, though we don’t just gather tangible objects.

Collections can also be of experiences— consider the music fan who follows a favorite band from city to city, or the traveler whose goal is visiting all 50 states.

The reasons people collect vary; it could be to learn more about the objects, for investment purposes, for the thrill of the hunt or just because it’s fun. For Gerald and her prized snow globes, it’s about curating a collection that tells her life story.

PHOTO: CHAD CHISHOLM. MODELS: AMBER RICHARDS AND JOHN LUNDY, THE BLOCK AGENCY. LOCATION: HISTORY COLORADO CENTER.

“My snow globe collection is like my own little history museum, since I can remember exactly where and when I acquired each one,” she says.

“But the real joy, for me, is in sharing them with others, of sharing the stories behind them—the special celebrations, the places I’ve been and the people I’ve met.”

It’s sharing the stories behind the collections where museums come in. History Colorado (HC) was established in 1879 as the State Historical Society of Colorado, just three years after Colorado became a state. Today it operates in the History Colorado Center, a four-story space in downtown Denver. As a state-funded agency, HC knows that the artifacts in the collection—totaling more than 15 million— belong to the people of Colorado, with HC as the trusted caretakers. And like with Gerald and her snow globes, HC also knows that the real value in the vast collection is not in simply placing objects on display for the public to view, but in sharing the compelling stories behind the objects … the story of Colorado.

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SkiCountryAntiques.com | 303-670-8726 114 Homestead Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439

“Our collection isn’t just ‘stuff,’” explains Alisa DiGiacomo, HC’s director of curatorial services and senior curator. “We are the stewards of the objects, but also of the important stories that go along with them.”

Case in point, History Colorado Center’s newest permanent exhibit, “Zoom In: The Centennial State in 100 Objects.” It includes 100 carefully selected artifacts from HC’s collection, representing the idea of “how Colorado became Colorado.” The 100 objects are compelling— in part, because it was surely a daunting task to choose just 100—but also in the way most of them seem like ordinary objects until you learn why they were chosen. The rustic mining pick is not just a pick, but a symbol of Joe Zanetell’s work to help improve the conditions for workers in Colorado’s coal mines in the early 1900s. The basic hammer isn’t just a tool you hit a nail with; it belonged to Charles Walden Rothwell, one of the residents of Dearfield, an African American colony in Weld County, established in 1910.

And the small wooden ballot box is also much more than it appears to be; it’s a celebration of Colorado being the first state to grant women the right to vote in 1893.

PHOTO: CHAD CHISHOLM. MODELS: AMBER RICHARDS AND JOHN LUNDY, THE BLOCK AGENCY. LOCATION: HISTORY COLORADO CENTER.

HC’s priority is encouraging access, engagement and public interaction with the collection— a challenging and exciting task with a collection that includes artifacts ranging from trains to jewelry; books and art to manuscripts, letters and maps; sound recordings to photographs and moving images, among others. “The collection’s value is expressly tied to the public’s ability to use it in meaningful ways,” DiGiacomo explains.

When adding artifacts to the collection (whether through donation or another avenue of acquisition) curators must weigh whether the objects “clarify, vitalize, humanize, personalize and symbolize Colorado’s history, and if they also function as a connector between the past and the present,” she adds.

Despite the millions of historic artifacts, though, it isn’t just about the past, says DiGiacomo: “History is happening today, too.”

HC is now focusing on more current topics like Colorado’s COVID-19 experience, community activism and protests, wildfires, LGBTQ+

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PHOTO: CHAD CHISHOLM. MODELS: AMBER RICHARDS AND JOHN LUNDY, THE BLOCK AGENCY. LOCATION: HISTORY COLORADO CENTER.

culture and “Colorado’s Entrepreneurial Spirit, 1940 to the Present.” Significant materials from research in these areas are currently being added to the collection.

“The permanent collection is the keeper of our cultural heritage,” DiGiacomo says. “It’s a rich resource containing multiple voices and perspectives. It tells stories of innovation, the land, resilience and community, but also challenges, hardship and division. Stories that show that history is complex, messy and sometimes ugly.” DiGiacomo says these stories represent the diverse voices and experiences of all Coloradans, past and present, whether their families have resided here for generations, or have recently made the Centennial State home. “That said, we acknowledge that there are missing voices, and we are continuously working to add additional voices and stories to the collection.”

HISTORY COLORADO CENTER, Denver 303.447.8679; historycolorado.org

MORE TO EXPLORE While it would be impossible to display every artifact in the permanent collection, History Colorado is intent on making as many of them accessible as they can.

In addition to the History Colorado Center downtown, HC maintains dozens of other historic sites and smaller museums throughout the state.

CENTER FOR COLORADO WOMEN’S HISTORY, Denver TRINIDAD HISTORY MUSEUM, Trinidad UTE INDIAN MUSEUM, Montrose FORT VASQUEZ (Platteville) GEORGETOWN LOOP RAILROAD, Georgetown

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PIKE STOCKADE, Conejos County “[Pike Stockade] is located along the north bank of the Conejos River,” explains DiGiacomo, “and it marks the site where, in 1807, Zebulon Pike raised the American flag over what was then Spanish territory.”

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Curves and Carburetors A woman’s affinity for cars inspires an impressive collection.

By Kim D. McHugh

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PHOTOS: COURTESY VEHICLE VAULT

BARBIE DOLLS. PEZ dispensers. Coca-Cola memorabilia. Star Wars figurines. The categories for collectibles are vast. In the case of Erin Hutchinson, it’s cars. Hutchinson, the founder and CEO of Vehicle Vault, recalls her affinity for automobiles beginning as a tween growing up in Texas.

“My parents love to tell a story that when I was about twelve, I started talking about cars. At that age, I remember dreaming about being able to drive and what my first car might be.

It’s funny because I have two girls, nine and twelve, and I’m starting to look forward to what they’ll be driving when they are sixteen,” says the automotive enthusiast.

In 2012, her interest in starting a car collection accelerated to the point where her parents, Lou and Tanis, and she began talking about procuring a small collection the three could enjoy. That idea evolved into owning a more extensive, permanent collection and construction of their facility in Parker began in earnest with the museum opening in 2014.

To start their collection, the family decided on a trio of cars—a 1969 Z-28 Chevy Camaro, a 1960 Bentley S2 and a 1970 Pontiac GTO Judge.

“The Fathom Green with white stripes Camaro was always my favorite, so it was the very first car we purchased to kick off the collection.

The Bentley is one that my mother really loves, and then we bought the GTO Judge, which we named Judge Judy,” Hutchinson adds.

PHOTOS: COURTESY VEHICLE VAULT

Of the nearly 60 vehicles in the collection now, many are named, with most having feminine monikers, a practice thought to

have begun centuries ago with sailing ships.

Hutchinson believes the origin is associated with the beauty, the curves and the sexiness of the cars, referencing Barbie the Bentley, Molly the Maserati, Ethel the Edsel, Lola the Pink Cadillac and Doris the McLaren 720S as examples in the Vehicle Vault.

Erin and her parents have acquired more than 90 percent of their cars from the January Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. Lou and Tanis have decided to take a backseat in the decisionmaking, and at the 2023 auction, Erin and her husband Nate will take over the keys to the carbuying castle.

“We’ve made decisions on what cars to get as a family for over a decade. But my parents said, ‘It’s time to pass the baton to you,’” Hutchinson says. “So now, Nate and I will go to the Barrett-Jackson in January.” She describes the experience as like nothing else, with its excitement, buzz and fastpaced structure. She’s hopeful of finding something in the staging lanes to add to the collection, like a 1958 Edsel Pacer.

Hutchinson is not alone in her enthusiasm for cars, as evidenced by the traffic the museum has enjoyed since its opening in 2014. Comprised of permanent and rotating exhibits of cars from every decade since the turn of the 20th century, the vehicles appeal to aficionados and nonchalant visitors alike.

The exhibits illustrate the historical significance of each decade, the progression of the automobile, the engineering feats achieved at that time, and how America and the world now have the technological advancements seen in today’s vehicles. A great example is the front-wheel drive capability in the 1937 Cord 812 Phaeton, a breakthrough introduced in 1929 by the then Indiana-based company in its Cord L-29.

A self-guided tour, where visitors quickly lose track of time studying the backstory of each vehicle, also reveals cars rarely seen, such as the 1954 Mercedes-Benz Gullwing 300SL and four notable convertibles—the custom “Orange Crush” 1969 Chevy Camaro, the 1954 Kaiser Fraiser 161, the custom 1962 Corvette and the 1968 Shelby GT500. On Hutchinson’s wish list for additions to the collection are a 1928 Bugatti Boattail, a 1937-39 Delahaye 135 and a 1937 Talbot-Lago T150-C SS. “One of my favorite things is sharing automotive history with visitors. We get so many people saying, ‘I’m not really a car person, I’m just here with a friend or with my dad,’” says Hutchinson.

“But those are the people I love seeing on the way out because everyone has their favorite car memories, even if they don’t realize it.”

VEHICLE VAULT, Parker 303.626.8920; vehiclevaultco.com

Nate and Erin

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READY TO WEAR

// beauty tips

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READY TO WEAR

// beauty tips

Love Your Skin Turn back time on skin changes with TRUSTED TREATMENTS FROM A PROFESSIONAL MED SPA.

By Kastle Waserman AGING IS A NATURAL process, but sometimes it’s tough to look in the mirror and see changes: sagging skin, wrinkles, dark spots. Fortunately, there are treatments to help “roll back the clock” on your face’s march of time.

Amber Lewis, certified aesthetic practitioner and founder/CEO of Luminous Medical Aesthetics, explains the treatment options.

Spa facials consist of lotions, acne extractions and steaming. She calls these “feel good” treatments, but they don’t necessarily reverse the signs of age. A plastic surgeon does surgical treatments; they remove tissue and alter the appearance of the face. Finally, med spas like Lewis’ provide non-surgical aesthetic (injectable) services under the supervision of a licensed physician.

Luminous Medical Aesthetics delivers Botox, dermal fillers, micro-needling, chemical peels and high-frequency facials. So, how do you know where to begin? She says it starts with a complimentary consultation. “It allows us to determine what you’re looking for and ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure.”

In Denver, we have issues specific to our climate.

“We see a lot of dry skin and sun damage,” says Lewis. “For that, we do skin resurfacing, which refers to modalities such as chemical peels and micro-needling using stem cells. It helps with facial sunspots and sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, as well as laxity or loss of collagen production.”

At Fountain of Youth Med Spa, where they specialize in injectables, micro-needling, intense pulsed light (IPL) laser treatments, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), among others, aesthetic nurse injector Stephani Harp says they like to treat Colorado skin issues with chemical peels.

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“That’s where we take off a couple of layers of the skin to allow it to rejuvenate itself,” says Harp. “That helps take the discoloration out.” She also recommends IPL laser treatment, which pulls out the pigment and brings it to the surface, allowing it to flake off within days. Laser treatments can sting, and pain is something people should be aware of.

The pain and downtime afterward depend on the treatment.

“It depends on the person and their pain tolerance,” Harp says. “After most treatments, you need to stay out of the sun. Your skin might peel, or it will feel like you have a sunburn.

With fillers, you might have some bruising.”

Harp’s most significant recommendation is to ask for credentials from your treatment provider. Colorado does not require board certification to do injections. “You want a registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree, nurse practitioner, physician’s associate or a physician because they will have greater knowledge,” Harp says. “I’ve had to dissolve several of my patients’ fillers and restart from scratch because someone put the wrong product in the wrong area. Patients should never be scared to ask for qualifications.”

Give your face a little pick-me-up or send your skin back in time a few years with a bit of help from your nearest med spa!

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INFLUENCERS

// saving lives

Racing to Beat the Traffickers RENÉE BRINKERHOFF drives because children’s lives depend on it.

By Jon Rizzi

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF SUMMER in Colorado Springs brought more brume than vroom to the 100th Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. With fog and snow shrouding the 4,725 feet between the starting line and the 14,115-foot summit—with few guardrails between the asphalt and steep drop-offs—this year’s tortuous 12.42-mile, 156-turn “Race to the Clouds” became even more treacherous than usual for the field’s 76 drivers.

“I wouldn’t have had it any other way,” says Renée Brinkerhoff, the 66-year-old endurance racer from Sedalia who navigated the pace car around turns called “Devil’s Playground” and “Bottomless Pit” in her ascent of “America’s Mountain.”

“I love a challenge, and this was right up my alley.”

Since 2013, when she envisioned herself racing a car, Brinkerhoff has tackled some of the roughest terrains on all seven continents. In doing so, she has raised awareness and funds to combat the global scourge of child trafficking.

Driving a vintage 1956 Porsche 356, the founder and star of the Valkyrie Racing team won her first rally, the Sport Menor class of Mexico’s perilous 2,000-mile La Carrera Panamericana. She would become the first woman to place in the iconic rally four times.

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INFLUENCERS

// saving lives

After that fourth competition, she had an epiphany more profound than the one that put her in a race car. “Because I was one of the only women competing and because of our success as a team in this race, people wanted to know who I was and what I was doing,” she remembers. “I realized we had a voice and had to use that voice every time someone put a microphone in front of my mouth. We wanted to use this car literally as a vehicle to effect change.”

“If you really want a big voice and you really want to effect change,” she says, “you need to do something out of the box.”

So, Valkyrie Racing created the nonprofit foundation Valkyrie Gives and initiated the Project 356 World Rally Tour. Brinkerhoff would compete in the Targa Tasmania in Australia, the Caminos del Inca in the Andes of Perú, the 36-day Beijing-to Paris Motor Challenge and Kenya’s East African Safari Rally.

Giving interviews on each continent, she brought attention to child trafficking. She identified, vetted and supported NGOs in eight countries that helped shelter and protect vulnerable groups. She even went undercover as an investigator to get evidence to supply to law enforcement.

PHOTOS: COURTESY VALKYRIE RACING

She knew that child trafficking, the area in which she wanted to effect change, was “a really hard topic, very difficult for people to want to hear about. And it seemed very insurmountable in so many ways.” But after a chance meeting with an FBI agent tracking down child pornography peddlers and seeing a random man on a shuttle bus consuming the smut on his smartphone, she knew the cause had found her. “Child pornography fuels child trafficking,” she explains, adding that it affects 1.2 million children annually.

“If you really want a big voice and you really want to effect change ... you need to do something out of the box.”

—Renée Brinkerhoff

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INFLUENCERS

// saving lives

“I’ve talked to traffickers—I’ve seen the girls they’re selling on their phones. I’ve sat with the young girls who are being sold,” says the mother of four who home-schooled her children. “It’s really difficult, but it’s changed my life and those of the kids who are being trafficked.”

Last December, with her race car transformed into a one-of-a-kind “Polar Porsche” (complete with steerable skis and Snow Cat-like rubber tracks replacing the tires), Brinkerhoff traversed 356 miles of Antarctic topography in five days.

Antarctica marked the completion of the Project 356 World Rally Tour, but Brinkerhoff’s drive to eliminate child trafficking remains in high gear. This year, Valkyrie Gives has dispatched more than $130,000 to five anti-trafficking NGOs. Brinkerhoff recently returned from her third deployment to Southeast Asia, where she worked undercover to combat trafficking.

PHOTOS: COURTESY VALKYRIE RACING

What may or may not have started as a lark has evolved into a crusade to combat a global crisis.

Valkyrie Gives raised more than $700,000 towards its $1 million goal. “However, we don’t plan to stop there,” Brinkerhoff says. “We are all responsible for these children.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION: valkyriegives.org

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INFLUENCERS

PHOTOS: COURTESY INSPIRATO

// rooted in giving

Luxury Travel Innovator

BRENT HANDLER is a pioneer in the luxury travel industry, but despite all the places he’s experienced, he still calls Denver home.

As told to Heather Shoning IN 2010, Brent Handler co-founded Inspirato, a luxury travel subscription business that has transformed the way people travel. The company provides its members access to a controlled portfolio of luxury properties and curated travel experiences. Despite extensive travel, Handler remains true to his Denver roots and gives back to his community in various ways.

AVIDLIFESTYLE: Between Exclusive Resorts and Inspirato, you have spent more than 20 years in this industry. What have you learned so far?

BRENT HANDLER: I have been blessed to spend most of my career in an industry that is incredibly fun, dynamic and challenging. As one of the founders of Exclusive Resorts in 2002, I learned that families really wanted better ways to be able to enjoy quality time with family and friends while on vacation. I also learned that the best way to do that was in a spacious home rather than in a cramped hotel room.

In 2010, I left Exclusive Resorts along with my co-founders and started Inspirato. One of the

first things I learned was that if you can make luxury travel more affordable, you reach a far larger audience. If you can reach a larger audience, you can offer a significantly broader portfolio. This, in turn, makes your target audience even larger and your value proposition stronger. To create that affordability, the Inspirato business model is asset-light because we lease our homes (the Exclusive Resorts model was based on buying houses).

I continue to learn new things every day, and we are a company that is constantly innovating.

Learning new things from our members and employees is what makes the job fun. I guess I will know it’s time to hang it up when I stop learning.

AL: How was Inspirato affected by the pandemic?

BH: Like all travel companies, we were hit very hard by the pandemic. We made national news by being one of the first travel companies to do broad layoffs in mid-March of 2020 and ceased all operations until early summer. As 62

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BRENT HANDLER

a subscription business with extremely loyal members, we are beyond grateful for our families who continued to support us, even in the darkest days of the pandemic.

By the time we got to the fall of 2020, it was clear that the return of travel was going to come roaring back, especially for the affluent families we serve.

While risky at the time, we doubled down on inventory acquisition in 2020, locking up incredible partners so that when travel returned, we would be ready. That decision turned out to be the right one. Our growth in 2021 and 2022 has been fueled by the amazing portfolio that we have acquired in the past few years. Of note, since the layoffs in the spring of 2020, we have more than doubled our employee size, bringing back many of the same people who were let go when the pandemic began.

AL: Are you doing anything new to prepare for a possible economic downturn, or do you not worry about that because your clientele is somewhat insulated from market fluctuations?

BH: While our clientele is somewhat insulated from market fluctuations and our product

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INFLUENCERS

// rooted in giving

PHOTOS: COURTESY BRENT HANDLER AND INSPIRATO

inherently skews towards high-net-worth families, we have to pay attention to what is happening in the world. Navigating through the pandemic was an illuminating experience, and we spent a great deal of time diversifying and updating our products to be more flexible than ever. With the addition of our newest subscription product, Inspirato Select, we continue to diversify our revenue to include corporate incentive travel. Overall, we are becoming more judicious about what real estate we add to our portfolio. That being said, we are definitely in acquisition mode right now for new and better inventory. A downturn in the economy helps us in that we can get better accommodations for our members and provide more value for their travel dollars due to our scale and buying power.

AL: After this many years, what still excites you about this business?

BH: Everything. I have the best job in the world. It is so much fun to go to work every day and spend my time ensuring that our member families can spend more and better time with the ones they love.

AL: What’s next on the horizon for Inspirato? I read that you want to bring subscription travel to more people. How will you do that?

BH: Via the newest launch of our most flexible and value-packed subscription to date, Inspirato Select, we’re offering an innovative new gifting option. This option brings Inspirato to more people than ever. Designed for both personal and business use, Inspirato Select Trips are fully transferable and can be given to family, friends and colleagues at no additional cost, widening the pool of those who are able to make use of the incredible vacation homes and trips.

Whether it’s a high-performing colleague or family member in need of a vacation, this gifting option is a seamless way to spread the amazing Inspirato experiences to many. Inspirato Select Members can choose from more than 150

AL: I know you’ve given a lot to the local golf community. Can you please tell me about your/ Inspirato’s recent charitable contributions to events or organizations in the Denver area?

destinations from a list of 500,000+ options, each better than the next. We’re proud of our options that can now be shared with more people than ever before.

AL: I understand you were born, raised and attended college here. As a man who is so welltraveled, what keeps you anchored to Denver?

BH: True. Born in southeast Denver, high school at Thomas Jefferson, college in Boulder, office in LODO. I guess I have just never found anyplace else that I like better.

AL: Tell me a little about family life. I understand you’re married with three children.

Can you share your children’s ages?

BH: Yes, married for 27 years to my wife Kirsten, and we have three kids—our two oldest, a boy and girl, both work and live in New York City.

Our youngest son is a senior in high school.

AL: What do you like to do as a family with your free time (aside from travel)?

BH: Well, with two kids living in New York, we generally see our kids around holidays or travel.

My mom and Kirsten’s parents live in Denver, so usually, when our kids are home, we do something with our extended family.

AL: What are your hobbies?

BH: I really like to golf—though I wish I were better at it. Kirsten and I also enjoy playing pickleball, skiing, biking, hiking and really any other fun outdoor Colorado activity.

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BH: As you know, golf is a passion of mine, and I’m always looking for ways to connect said passion to the local community. Recently, Inspirato made history as the new title sponsor for the Colorado Open Championships. With that, we were proud to enable the Open to offer the largest purses of any state open in the country and establish it as the first state open to offer equal purses for both the men’s and women’s championships. It’s a tremendous source of pride for our team, and we’ll continue to seek similar opportunities to be an agent of change in the Denver community.

AL: Of the many organizations you support, which are nearest and dearest to your heart and why?

BH: Our family is very proud to support a variety of local causes, including First Tee Green Valley Ranch, The Challenge Foundation, ACE Scholarships, The Special Olympics and the Inspirato Foundation. We tend to lean in on opportunities that help underprivileged youth, with a particular focus on education. In addition, through Inspirato and our giving platform, we support hundreds of additional worthy causes across North America.

AL: Many people own businesses and don’t make giving a priority. Why is it important to you?

BH: Inspirato has an extremely engaged employee base that has told our leadership in no uncertain terms that they want to be part of a company that gives back and cares for their community. In 2018, we started the Inspirato Foundation, which is dedicated to raising funds and securing charitable donations for disbursement to causes aligned with Inspirato’s values. Some charities we have supported include Food Bank of the Rockies, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rockies and Junior Achievement.

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Vehicle Vault 18301 Lincoln Meadows Parkway, Parker Complimentary valet provided by Audi Denver

Scan the QR to BUY TICKETS To learn more, please visit: coloradoavidgolfer.com/events/wheels-of-dreams

The Evening at a Glance AvidLifestyle and Colorado AvidGolfer magazines come together for an unforgettable evening benefiting Bags of Fun. Vehicle Vault, one of the most distinctive event venues in Colorado, will welcome guests to explore and enjoy a highly curated private collection of vintage and exotic automobiles, while experiencing exquisitely decorated lounges from top interior designers.

Toast the night with bespoke cocktails and culinary creations from Blue Island Oyster Bar and Seafood, Made by Hand Cakes, Mountain High Appliance, The Rogue Wine Bar, My Neighbor Felix, Ornery Olive and Uncorked Kitchen.

Enjoy an unplugged, intimate performance by Sean Kelly of The Samples, presented by Carla’s A Classic Design, as well as artist presentations, aerial performers, an interactive golf experience and much more!

An Evening to Help

One lucky lady will be taking these gorgeous diamond earrings ($2,100 value) from Trice Jewelers home as the winner of the Wheels of Dreams Champagne Diamond Giveway

Our goal is to raise awareness and money to benefit Bags of Fun. For more than 18 years, this local charity has brought joy, laughter and relief to children in the fight of their lives. Their mission is to deliver a Bag of Fun to every sick child whose health and happiness is both compromised and threatened. bagsoffun.org

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WAYFARERS

// fall festivals

Sunset on Summer Fun THE BEST OF COLORADO FALL FESTIVALS

By Rebecca Toy IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR. Summer’s heat relents, nature reveals glorious, gilded colors, and the annual debate about pumpkin spice returns. There’s no better time for fun-filled festivals, carrying on our grand traditions of thousands of years of fall harvest celebrations. For live-music chasers, families, foodies, art-lovers, beer and wine enthusiasts, and those simply looking for a good time, these Colorado festivals have you covered.

PHOTO: JAMIE FENN

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WAYFARERS

All ages are welcome at Vail Oktoberfest.

HIGHLANDS RANCH OKTOBERFEST September 17 hrcaonline.org Families don’t have to go far for Oktoberfest fun as Highlands Ranch brings the festivities to Town Center South for this free event.

The party kicks off that morning with a 5K complete with lederhosen-wearing runners.

VAIL WINE CLASSIC August 11–13 vailwineclassic.com Master winemakers from 25 wineries and spirits suppliers join wine enthusiasts at the beloved Vail Wine Classic. The weekend-long soiree showcases the best wines from around the world during an immersive wine tasting experience. “New to the Classic this year is Best of Fest,” says Kristen Slater, CMO and event director at Team Player Productions, “an intimate Friday evening event that features exclusive portfolios with 90+ point ratings, reserve bottles and high-end wines.” You can also partake in a variety of events over the course of the weekend, including those available only at the Vail Wine Classic such as paired dinners and educational seminars as well as the Grand Tasting which features a curated selection of domestic and international wines, plus premium craft beers and seltzers.

Enjoy live music and a feast of small bites along with your drinks at this epic outdoor event that benefits the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance.

Live music, dancing, German food and Paulaner biers are open to the public that afternoon. Kids can enjoy face-painting, balloons and inflatable games as often as they like but make sure to catch the annual Dachshund races. The race begins at 3:30 p.m. with prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place as well as the best-dressed Dachshund. The only thing this Oktoberfest asks is that dogs need to stay home unless your pup is a racing Dachshund.

THE GREAT AMERICAN BEER FESTIVAL October 6–8 greatamericanbeerfestival.com Beer lovers, rejoice! After two years, the internationally renowned Great American Beer Festival (GABF) brings fans back to the Colorado Convention Center in Denver.

With Vail’s Bavarian roots, it’s no surprise the town hosts one of USA Today’s top 10 Oktoberfests in America. “The commitment to the tradition of Oktoberfest is what makes it so special,” says chief operating officer Ryan Slater.

“We have authentic German dancers and performers who have been participating in the event since it began more than 25 years ago. Walking into the event you’ll see German beer steins, staff in traditional lederhosen and dirndls, Bavarian food, and you’ll be immediately drawn into the picturesque setting. Having Lionshead and Vail Village be the stage for the event really makes you feel as though you are walking through an authentic Bavarian wonderland.”

PHOTO: JON RENSICK, COURTESY VAIL OKTOBERFEST

VAIL OKTOBERFEST Lionshead Village September 9–11, Vail Village September 16–18 oktoberfestvail.com

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// fall festivals

According to representative Erin Key, with more than 10,000 entries anticipated, this year’s competition is expected to be the largest yet.

The timing is perfect. “Denver has always been home to GABF,” says Key, “and with this year marking the event’s 40th anniversary, it will be a celebration the city won’t forget. While we can’t spill all the beans just yet, beer lovers can expect delicious beer, fun activities and more.”

One thing Key can divulge is a new PAIREDonly ticket for those who want it all. “It’s a food-forward event that pairs craft brewers with acclaimed chefs.” Don’t hesitate to grab those tickets—they will sell out quickly.

PHOTO: COURTESY BREWERS ASSOCIATION

PHOTO: COURTESY VAIL WINE CLASSIC

The classic contests and Kinder Zone experiences are back with one big change.

This year, Vail Oktoberfest will accept credit cards for food and beverages and ditch festival tokens. “You’ll be able to go straight up to a bar and order an authentic stein and pour of Spaten without waiting in two lines,” says Slater.

WAYFARERS

// fall festivals

PHOTO: KRISTS LUHAERS

Other Festivals to Consider

ART & MUSIC ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOLKS FEST August 12–14 bluegrass.com/folks Three days of folk music, camping, and “Festivarian” fun return to Lyons.

FOOD & DRINKS TASTE OF COLORADO September 3–5 atasteofcolorado.com

DENVER OKTOBERFEST September 16–18 and 23–25 thedenveroktoberfest.com

Downtown Denver celebrates local food and drink with a side of music and kids’ activities.

Stein hosting, keg bowling, Dachshund racing, and a costume contest complement a beer hall and live music.

STEAMBOAT OKTOBERWEST September 10 steamboatoktoberwest.com

JAZZ ASPEN SNOWMASS September 2–4 jazzaspensnowmass.org Stevie Nicks, Chris Stapleton and Leon Bridges headline this year’s three-day music festival in Aspen.

GREAT DIVIDE ART FEST September 3–5 mountainartfestivals.com More than 100 artists, representing thirteen categories of creations, return for the 47th season of this free art festival in Breckenridge over Labor Day weekend.

More than one thousand beer enthusiasts sample over 30 breweries in Downtown Steamboat at this adults-only festival.

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WAYFARERS

PHOTO: GILLIAN LINGARD

// fall festivals

BOULDER FALL FEST September 16–18 boulderdowntown.com

FOUR MILE HISTORIC PARK PUMPKIN HARVEST FESTIVAL October 8–9 fourmilepark.org

BRING THE KIDS

Kids will enjoy an obstacle course, climbing wall, jousting and more while parents can grab a drink and take in live music and the handmade market.

WINTER PARK FALLFEST Date TBD playwinterpark.com

ESTES PARK AUTUMN GOLD September 24–25 estesparkautumngold.com

GLOW AT THE GARDENS October 18–23 botanicgardens.org

This family-focused festival offers activities, music, food and a silent auction to raise money for a local learning center.

Pair a free weekend at Rocky Mountain National Park with this festival full of kids’ games, live music, a car show, brats and beverages.

The Gardens go spooky with elaborate displays of artisan pumpkin carvings. Families can grab their own pumpkins at the Gardens’ Chatfield Farms Pumpkin Festival.

Denver’s historic farm has tractor rides, prairie games, crafts, axe-throwing, music, food, drinks and pumpkins.

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