Holiday Gift Guide 2022

Keep It local This Season

SHOP.EAT.SUPPORT OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

BY PAM MOORE HOLIDAY GUIDE

The days are growing shorter, Halloween candy is on super sale, and your neighborhood barista’s special latte is more likely to be gingerbread than pumpkin spice…. which can only mean one thing the holiday season is upon us. Before you snuggle up with your softest blanket and your laptop to do your holiday

shopping online, consider supporting local businesses this year instead.

Community investment

Not sure if it’s worth getting out of your jammies and leaving the house? “Keeping your dollars in your local community is important all the time,” says Colin Argys, Longmont Downtown Development Authority Marketing Specialist. “In general, spending $100 with a local small business generates roughly an additional $68 of additional economic impact in our community. And it puts money directly into the pockets of small business owners who live, shop and dine in our community,

rather in the pockets of corporate executives and shareholders.”

On the other hand, research shows that of the $100 you spend at a non-local business, only $43 remains in the local economy Thinking about a gift for your favorite bookworm? Know that every purchase you make at an independent bookstore generates more than four times the benefits to your local economy, as opposed to an Amazon purchase of the same dollar amount.

Every time you support a local business, you’re generating sales tax dollars that go directly back to your community. They fund programs and services including

(Photo courtesy : Downtown Boulder)

your police and fire departments, libraries, recreation centers, parks and arts programs. Plus, you’re helping to create and keep jobs in your municipality.

The fun factor

“By sacrificing the convenience of online shopping, you get to experience human interactions, and you have the opportunity to connect with others,’ says Terri TakataSmith, Downtown Boulder’s Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “Small business owners are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the products they sell,” she explains. “They’re also our neighbors, friends and family They care immensely about the community they’ve chosen to open a business in."

Not only do you get to chat with your local small business proprietors, but inperson shopping is also oftentimes just more fun. Who wouldn’t want to inhale the dreamy scent of a candle or feel the softness of the perfect cashmere sweater before shipping it to a loved one? When you shop locally, “you also get to have tactile experiences that are not possible shopping online,” says Takata-Smith.

Meanwhile, supporting local businesses means the chance to invite serendipity into your shopping experience. “You are more likely to stumble across the perfect gift or item by perusing rather than going online

with a targeted purpose or intent,” says Takata-Smith. “Window shopping can be inspirational and bring out creative ideas you didn’t even know you had.”

More than gifts

Shopping locally means snagging one-of a-kind gifts, artisan goods and artwork, says Argys. And remember that when it comes to shopping locally, the more the merrier. “Turn shopping into a memorable

“Small business owners are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the products they sell.They’re also our neighbors,friends and family.They care immensely about the communitythey’ve chosen to open a business in.

experience by going with your friends and family,” says Takata-Smith. While you’re at it, “share the message of shopping local with your neighbors and via social media channels. Take a minute to leave a positive review about an experience you had shopping or dining locally,” she suggests.

If your shopping list is short, not to worry — there are plenty of ways to support the local economy. Argys suggests treating yourself this winter. “Make time during this hectic season for some self-care with local health, wellness and beauty services,” he says. Or consider purchasing a gift card (for yourself or as a gift) to use in the future.

(Photo courtesy : Downtown Boulder).

(Photo courtesy : Downtown Boulder).

(Photo courtesy : Twenty Ninth Street)

Trend: Shoppers are Heading Back to Malls

BY BRITTANY ANAS HOLIDAY GUIDE

From posing with Santa for photos to the festive holiday displays that decorate store windows, malls almost feel like they’re local branches of the North Pole this time of year. Plus, for those with extra long nice lists, there’s a good deal of convenience that comes with having a one stop shop to find gifts for everyone because, as we all know, the most wonderful time of year is also the busiest.

Mall traffic everywhere plummeted during the pandemic, with many shoppers turning to online retailers to fulfill their holiday orders amid stay at home orders and social distancing measures But analysts say the mall is back, and shopping centers have done a good job focusing on the in person customer experience by providing entertainment options and great places to dine.

Take, for instance, Twenty Ninth Street, where you can pop in to BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse after a day of shopping and order a seasonal Grand Cru beer spiced with orange peel and coriander. Or, at FlatIron Crossing, take a break from shopping to check out the holiday cookie selection at Mary’s Mountain Cookies.

Plus, for those who are in the giving spirit, both Twenty Ninth Street and

FlatIron Crossing are hosting special events and opportunities for shoppers to share their holiday spirit to support St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. The organization cares for children experiencing cancer and other life threatening illnesses.

Here’s how to knock out your shopping and simultaneously get in the holiday spirit and give back at Boulder area malls this year.

Twenty Ninth Street

Shoppers will notice some new storefronts in Twenty Ninth Street this holiday season, like Nike by Boulder which is stocked with gifts fit for the runners, yogis and other athletes on your list The 5,870 square foot store offers a seamless hybrid shopping experience for those who want to compare in store inventory with what’s online via the Nike app

Meanwhile, Parachute is a modern home store with soft and snuggly giftable items like robes and blankets and Roark sells clothings, bags and accessories fit for the stylish and discerning travelers on your list.

Also, beloved New York ice cream shop Van Leeuwen opened a scoop shop in Boulder, serving decadent French style ice cream that’s extra creamy thanks to a recipe that calls for double the amount of egg yolks as standard ice cream. Be on the lookout for holiday flavors like a

peppermint stick ice cream available in December and others like browned butter chai latte and vegan gingerbread available throughout the winter.

Twenty Ninth Street will also have extended center hours (both early and late) and many stores are offering options like curbside pickup, dining takeout and buying online and picking up in store.

FlatIron Crossing

Santa is back in Broomfield and families can pre book their photos with Santa this year. There’s also several Santa centric events and sessions at the mall, including pet nights with Santa, a sensory Santa and story times with Santa.

“FlatIron Crossing is excited to deliver outstanding in person holiday experiences for shoppers this year,” says Heather Drake, senior marketing manager. “From getting up close and personal with Santa to enjoying live, on site musical performances through our Sights & Sounds of the Season we believe people are hungry for the classic, in person holiday experiences they’ve missed these past couple of years ”

The mall has popular gift shops like Build A Bear Workshop, Dick’s Sporting Goods, GameStop, John Antencio, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, My Colorado Store and more.

FlatIron Crossing is also giving shoppers the opportunity to fulfill children’s gift wishes by partnering with A Precious Child on their Precious Gift program.

The mall also has extended hours leading up to the holidays.

Village at the Peaks

In Longmont, the Village at the Peaks is a shopping and entertainment hub with plenty of dining options plus a 12 screen Regal Cinemas, where you can catch a new release or a classic holiday movie.

Shoppers here have the added bonus of being able to stock up on everything they need for holiday parties, whether that’s bottles of wine and winter beers from Wyatt’s Wet Goods, decor from Party City and grocery hauls from Sam’s Club or Whole Foods.

The mall will host a tree lighting ceremony from 4 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 3, with Santa making his grand entrance. In addition to lighting up the tree, the evening will include cameos by Santa and his elves, live music and plenty of photo opportunities

Discover What Matters

tranquil winter and spring, Chautauqua makes for an ideal staycation or overflow lodging for visiting family and friends. The park houses 60 abodes, ranging from studios to three bedroom cottages and larger lodges for bigger groups. With the Flatirons on the doorstep, 40 miles of trails, and easy on site dining, concerts and shopping, a stay at Chautauqua feels worlds away even for locals.

Every Chautauqua cottage features a full kitchen and porch, and many are pet friendly.

More Chautauqua favorites

WITH AVISITTO CHAUTAUQUA

THIS SEASON

BY JULIE KAILUS HOLIDAY GUIDE

From family fun to winter getaways, Boulder’s iconic Chautauqua — a National Historic Landmark offers something for everyone this holiday season. Here’s your guide to experiencing all the best of this backyard sanctuary. And it all starts with WinterFest, Dec. 9 through 11.

WinterFest kickoff

WinterFest weekend is jam packed with festivities, starting with a holiday children’s concert led by popular local entertainers Jeff and Paige on Friday, followed by the lighting of Chautauqua’s majestic evergreens.

A WinterFest Day pass (also available as a family four pack) covers a spectrum of nostalgic activities, including horse drawn carriage rides, Santa’s cottage, a keepsake Polaroid, a cyber scavenger hunt, and festive craft and cookie making. All WinterFest weekend enjoy delicious

food offerings, from a sit down meal at Chautauqua’s dining hall to pastries from the onsite general store. Take in stunning foothills views from the new Chautauqua Café or sample bites from food trucks and DIY s’mores stations.

You can even get your holiday shopping done at WinterFest. Chautauqua General Store is filled with artisanal gifts, Chautauqua branded merchandise, and gift certificates for lodging, concerts, shopping and dining (If you prefer to shop from your couch, look out for a new online store at Chautauqua.com.)

WinterFest is also packed with free gems ranging from guided hikes and history tours to the WinterFest Market of local artisans and the decorated bears of Art In The Park. The famous bears make their first 2022 appearance at WinterFest but will bask at Chautauqua until April 16.

Staying at Chautauqua

During WinterFest or at any time over the

Year-round entertainment: Give yourself an unexpected evening out with some Chautauqua style entertainment and culture. Check the upcoming events section of the website regularly for a diverse year round lineup of performers and speakers.

Cottagetours: Curious about Chautauqua’s cottages? Get a peek inside with a Historic Cottage Tour ticket, which includes the beautiful and sustainably restored Mary H. Galey Cottage this year.

Online auction: Stroll Chautauqua’s delightful gardens during Art In The Park. Pick your favorite artist decorated fiberglass bear then bid to own one in the online auction which supports Chautauqua, artists and nonprofit partners.

Retreats: Chautauqua runs all inclusive retreats for women and men throughout 2023 If you own or work for a business, Chautauqua can also help design custom retreats to energize and bond your whole team.

Whether you visit Chautauqua for WinterFest, a retreat, a concert, a vacation, or a hike, tis’ the season to celebrate this vast community treasure.

Memberships & donations: Do your part to keep this nonprofit doing its valued community and preservation work with a membership, donation or commemorative brick celebrating someone special. All are available at Chautauqua.com. Members get discounts on tickets (including WinterFest) as well as many other benefits throughout the year.

(Photos courtesy : Chautauqua)

Hygiene, CO

Boulder Star on Flagstaff

Celebrate the Spirit of the Season

BY ADAM GOLDSTEIN HOLIDAY GUIDE

As the season of joy, goodwill and commerce looms, it’s easy to get stuck in a shopping rut. But even as the demands of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s may tempt some to celebrate in long lines in chain stores, it’s important to remember that there are locally sourced options to check all the items off your gift list.

Whether it’s an expo featuring some of the most impressive gems and minerals from Colorado, a craft show at a local church or a neighborhood railroad club’s annual showcase, Boulder County offers plenty of options. What’s more, the area abounds in ways to celebrate the season that have nothing to do with

shopping, from meeting Saint Nicholas to parades and holiday lightings.

The Flatirons Mineral Club is a Boulder-based nonprofit that celebrates all facets of earth science, including collecting and selling a wide array of gems, rocks, minerals, fossils and other fascinating items.

From Nov. 25 to 27 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds Exhibit Building, the club will spotlight some of these items at its annual gem and mineral show. This showcase allows attendees to peruse and buy impressive items presented by club members, even as it features some science-based fun for kids and adults alike.

Exhibits will include items from dealers and museums, and a special “fluorescent room” will put gems and minerals in a compelling light – literally. Kids will enjoy grab bags, a

Mountain. (Photo: Timothy Seibert/Flatirons Pro Media).

game wheel, a staged dig site and “panning by the Rocky Mountain Prospectors and Treasure Hunters Club,” according to organizers. It’s the perfect chance to tackle holiday shopping in a novel way that benefits a local nonprofit dedicated to science and education. For more information, visit flatironsmineralclub.org. Similarly, the Boulder Model Railroad Club (bouldermodelrailroadclub.org) offers gift options that stray from the soulless options at big box stores and malls. As its name suggests, the club is the “premier model railroad club” for Boulder, Broomfield, Adams and Jefferson Counties, a status it’s proud to show off at its 45th Annual Train Expo slated for Dec. 9 to 11 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. Just as the Flatirons club

will spotlight earth science at their event, the Railroad Club will take the weekend to show off all manner of train-related memorabilia, from miniature models to exhibits to layouts and loops.

“Since guests (particularly young ones) like to run trains, we often have a loop or two of track for them,” member Jeff MacDonald said of past expos. “Members bring models to display in our showcases and put on various clinics to demonstrate specific modeling skills. Lots of vendors set up tables of interesting and unique prototype and model railroading items for sale, just in time for gift-giving.”

For those shoppers looking for a personal touch, the Rinn United Methodist Church annual craft features merchandise hand-crafted by parishioners. The church at

3783 Bella Rosa Parkway in Frederick has long been active in its community, and the daylong fair slated for Dec. 3 gives its members the chance to share homemade goods, from clothing to pottery to lovingly prepared food.

Of course, the holiday season isn’t just about gifts, no matter how quirky or quaint. Boulder County offers plenty of chances to celebrate the holidays with ceremony, fun and community. The coming weeks will see plenty of events in downtown Boulder (boulderdowntown.com), including the Light of December Parade scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on Dec. 3 on the Pearl Street Mall. In addition, the mall will host Santa Claus for “St. Nick on the Bricks” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25, and Saturdays from Nov. 26 to

Dec. 24. For those looking for a more high-tech approach to holiday fun, the mall will also host “Snow Much Fun,” a virtual, self-guided AR tour of the area featuring animations available on smartphones.

Elsewhere in Boulder County, the holiday lights and fun abound. Downtown Longmont features its own parades, lighting ceremonies and Santa visits through the end of November and December (downtownlongmont.com). Broomfield, Erie, Lafayette, Louisville and Superior will also ring in the holidays with local lights, Santa visits and other expressions of goodwill that have nothing to do with any big box store.

FasHion & Wear GiftLocal Ideas ‘T

FROM AREA MERCHANTS

is the season to restock the wardrobe. Boulder County offers a wealth of gift options for hip clothes, from luxury items to casual outfits.

HAFLINGER

WOOL CLOGS

Give the gift of comfort and warmth this holiday season with a pair of Haflinger clogs. These cozy wool slip-ons are a classic – perfect to wear around the house or around the block. Choose from a variety of colors and styles in store and online $134.95. Pedestrian Sh 1425 Pearl St., Boulder, comfortableshoes.com

WINE TOTES

a

SLEEPWEAR

Opening presents on Christmas morning is best done in comfortable PJs, and Christina’s Luxuries has the most elegant sleepwear around. From a GISELE long-sleeve PJ set to short-sleeve pocket teeshirts, Christina’s has the best way to stay comfy and classy in sleepwear. Prices vary, Christina’s Luxuries, 2425 Canyon Blvd. # 100, Boulder, 303.443.2421, christinasluxuries.com

Wine Wear at Barbara & Company: Trust Johnny Was to offer these gorgeous "one of a kind" wine totes for your favorite bottle. Made from plush fabric in a variety of patterns with pom pom pulls, it’s the perfect stylish, reusable gift. Choose from florals, geometric and bohemian patterns to complement your outfit! (Or a friend’s, if you can part with it.) $30. Barbara & Company, 1505 Pearl St., #102, Boulder, 303.443.2565, barbaraandcompany.net

MARUCA DESIGN

Maruca Pocket Bag. Great for travel! Made in Colorado. $75.99. SNOW Apparel LLC., 520 Main St., #B1, Longmont, snowapparel.us

THREE BIRDS ON A PEBBLE

The three birds are hand cut from Sterling silver. Seven silver wires are soldered to the back of the birds and branches. Seven holes were drilled into the pebble so the wires and birds could be riveted on to the pebble. This is how they are attached into a bezel set. A parrot feather that is bezel set with a glass cabochon over it and is hanging from the bottom. $425. Heartfelt Jewelry, 4644 MacArthur Lane, Boulder, heartfeltjewelry.shop

SIMPLE PLEASURES COTTON PAJAMAS

Simple Pleasure Cotton Pajamas, proudly made in the USA from American grown cotton! $189.99. SNOW Apparel LLC., 520 Main St., #B1, Longmont, snowapparel.us.

JADE PENDANT

This polished Jade Pendant is set in sterling silver. Jade is a protective stone and is thought to bring good luck to those who wear it. Shop in-store or online. $90. Crystal Joys, 1631 Pearl St., Boulder, crystaljoys.com.

BOHEMIAN CRYSTAL NECKLACE

This single stone bohemianstyle necklace also comes in multiple stones and variations. Each is crafted with an oil-rubbed bronze finish and an accompanied chain that is about 18” in length. $25. Crystal Joys, 1631 Pearl St., Boulder, crystaljoys.com.

SOLMATE SOCKS

Proudly crafted with care in the USA from recycled fibers at our family-owned mill. Mismatched with LOVE. $21.99. SNOW Apparel LLC., 520 Main St., #B1, Longmont, snowapparel.us.

for the HOME + Garden

The holiday season is a perfect chance to help your loved ones boost the charm of their homes. These selections from local merchants make ideal stocking stuffers, secret Santa gifts or casual presents to ring in the holiday and create some domestic flair.

TINY TREASURE BOXES

These beautiful, unique, tiny boxes are handmade in the USA from recycled material. Wild Birds Unlimited has a unique collection of these boxes featuring nature scenes, animals and birds. They come in two sizes to fit your needs to store your tiny treasures. Makes a great stocking stuffer!!

Wild Birds Unlimited Longmont, 1520 South Hover St., Suite D, Longmont, wbu com/longmont

BUTTONS THE SNOWMAN SEED CHARACTER

Buttons the Snowman is a great way to get the birds into the holiday spirit. He is a mix of seeds, nuts and fruit and he's only available at Wild Birds Unlimited. Come in and meet all our seed characters like Preston the Penguin, Rascal the Raccoon, and Olive the Owl. These make a fun gift and are a wonderful addition to any backyard. What a simple way to enter the bird feeding hobby They are sure to be a holiday delight for the birds as well as nature enthusiasts Shop now for a unique mix of bird food, feeders, and nature-inspired gifts! Wild Birds Unlimited Longmont, 1520 South Hover St., Suite D, Longmont, wbu.com/ longmont

LUCUMA GOURD OWLS

These cute little gourd owl ornaments are made with exquisite craftsmanship, have a natural appeal and showcase creativity. These Fair Trade ornaments are designed in collaboration with, and handcrafted by Peruvian master gourd artists who love their craft. Through artistic collaboration, superb craftsmanship, sustainable design and amazing teamwork, Lucuma Designs' collections spread beauty and cheer to consumers and artists alike! By building win-win partnerships for the long run, they create opportunities that empower Peruvian artists to help themselves and their communities. Lucuma Designs has been a proud member of the Fair Trade Federation since 1999 and One Percent for the Planet since 2018. $13.99. Wild Birds Unlimited Longmont, 1520 South Hover St., Suite D, Longmont, wbu.com/longmont

LAPIDARY, JEWELRY, MINERAL HOBBY SUPPLIES, KIDS AREA MODEL RR SUPPLIES, MODEL RR LAYOUTS

Flatirons Mineral Club and the Boulder Model Railroad Club's annual railroad and mineral show,“Rocks and Rails“, will take place Fri., Dec. 9 through Sun., Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road in Longmont. The show features lapidary, gems, fossils, children's activities, mineral identification, equipment and mineral hobby supplies from 26 dealers. In addition, the Model Railroad Show brings a smile to faces of all ages with railroad displays, operating layouts and 18 supply vendors. Admission for the combined-shows is $8 each day, free for ages 12 and under with paying adult. $8. Flatirons Mineral Club and Boulder Model Railroad Club, 285 Seminole Drive, Boulder, flatironsmineralclub.org, bouldermodelrailroadclub.org.

CHANUKAH MENORAHS AND CANDLES

Huge Selection of Chanukah Menorahs, Candles, Dreidels, Gelt and more! Fun gifts for kids too! Tree of Life Menorah picture is $38. Har HaShem Gift Shop, 3950 Baseline Road, Boulder, harhashem.org

AGATE SLICE INCENSE BURNER

This Agate Slice Incense Burner is part of the gemstone home décor collection of Crystal Joys. This authentic slice of agate is the perfect gift and can be purchased with chakra incense. $25. Crystal Joys, 1631 Pearl St., Boulder, crystaljoys.com.

GEMSTONE TREE

Beautiful wrapped Gemstone Trees on Wooden Bases. These lovely trees stand 11 inches tall and come in various stones. Crystal Joys also carries many variations of gemstone trees in many sizes and stone bases. $40. Crystal Joys, 1631 Pearl St., Boulder, crystaljoys.com.

HANDMADE POTTERY & GIFTS

Searching for the perfect local, handmade gift? Studio Arts Boulder has you covered. Come shop their annual Holiday Ceramics Sale to find beautiful pottery and gifts, all crafted by local artists. A wide selection of tableware, décor, and service pieces will be available. Or purchase a gift certificate for the artist in your life to enjoy a pottery class, start a ceramics membership, or even secure their own private art studio. The sale is at Studio Arts Boulder’s new membership space on Sterling Circle. If you’re looking to give the gift of creativity this year, stop by to check it out! December 10th & 11th from 10am to 5pm. Studio Arts Boulder, 3063 Sterling Circle, Boulder, studioartsboulder.org.

AMETHYST LAMP

This Amethyst Crystal Cluster Lamp is one of many gemstone lamp variations sold at Crystal Joys. This item is a statement piece and is a perfect home decor gift for anyone. Shop in-store or online at crystaljoys.com. $128. Crystal Joys, 1631 Pearl St., Boulder, crystaljoys.com.

AVENTURINE POLISHED PILLARS

These green aventurine pillars are sure to enhance the holiday spirit. Used in meditation or simply as a beautiful statement piece, these pillars are a wonderful home décor gift. $65. Crystal Joys, 1631 Pearl St., Boulder, crystaljoys.com.

From The hEart

The holidays are the perfect time to connect with loved ones in a special way. Whether it’s family, friends or that special someone, these gift ideas are sure to tug on the heartstrings in the most genuine way.

4 WEEKS OF UNLIMITED YOGA FOR $40

Introductory Offer, 4 week of unlimted yoga for $40 at Yoga Pod Boulder

Longmont. Yoga Pod, 633 S. Broadway, Unit N, Boulder, yogapodboulderlongmont.com

Local Libations for Holiday Merrymaking

DARREN THORNBERRY HOLIDAY GUIDE

For your holiday party, fireside warmer, or family feast, we’ve got you covered with some amazing suggestions for local or nearly local beer, wine, spirits and other fun gifts. This time of year, we all want to make an impression with excellent drink offerings and do up the holidays in style. If you’re scratching your head about what’s new and different, or what’s local that you can support, Hazel’s Beverage World weighs in here with suggestions that will get everyone singing Auld Lang Syne and making emotional toasts!

Claire Dowaschinski, marketing manager at Hazel’s Beverage World (1955 28th St., Boulder), recommends Haykin Family Cidery (Aurora) and Primitive Beer (Longmont) both great options for any beer/cider

lover this season. Bookcliff Vineyards, a Boulder winery, releases its Boulder Star wine around the holiday season. Who knew: Each year the beautiful label is recreated with new artwork of the Boulder Star! “It’s a great local gift and some of the proceeds go to the maintenance of the star ($21.98),” Dowaschinski says She also recommends OAX Original Wild Agave Mezcal in beautiful ceramic bottles for mezcal lovers, priced as follows: Arroqueno $129.98. Tobala $149.98, and Tepeztate $184.98. “Other gift ideas we have are handcrafted hammered mugs made in Colorado Springs from recycled copper

and Hazel’s beer and wine passports,” Dowaschinski says.

The passport is very cool. It’s a 12 month subscription, so every month you pick up a 6 pack or a bottle of wine. Hazel’s has gift cards, too, available by email, text, or actual old school physical card. It doesn’t seem possible that someone reading this hasn’t been to Hazel’s, but just in case: It’s a 35,000 square foot store with BoCo’s largest selection of beer, wine, spirits, cigars, specialty foods and other gifts Their people are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to make awesome suggestions

(Photo courtesy: Hazel's)

Stock up on these wines and mules at Wyatt’s Wet Goods, 1250 S. Hover St., Unit C, for all your festivities. This family business has a huge selection of beer, wine and spirits and a team that is all too delighted to share ideas that will go down smooth.

AMERICAN HERITAGE

3 of the best from wineries here at home! $44.99. Wyatt's Wet Goods Wine and Spirits,1250 S. Hover St. Suite 100, Longmont. store wyattswetgoods com/ shop?ch-query=gift%20 packs.

NATALE VERGA

3 bottles of red from one of our favorites in Italy, Natale Verga. $29.99. Wyatt's Wet Goods Wine and Spirits, 1250 S. Hover St. Suite 100, Longmont, store wyattswetgoods.com/ shop?ch-query=gift%20 packs.

SPANISH WONDERS

3 red wines from the 2nd biggest wine producing county in the world! $29.99.

Wyatt's Wet Goods Wine and Spirits, 1250 S. Hover St. Suite 100, Longmont, store.wyattswetgoods.com/ shop?ch-query=gift%20 packs.

HOLIDAY MULE BASKET

An easy vodka mule pack, includes copper mugs, ginger beer and vodka! $44.99. Wyatt's Wet Goods Wine and Spirits, 1250 S. Hover St. Suite 100, Longmont, store.wyattswetgoods.com/ shop?ch-query=gift%20packs.

VIVA ITALIANO

Visit Italy with 4 great Italian wines! A $24 savings! $34.99. Wyatt's Wet Goods Wine and Spirits, 1250 S. Hover St. Suite 100, Longmont, store. wyattswetgoods.com/ shop?ch-query=gift%20 packs.

FANCY YOUR REDS BORDEAUX PACK

Four fantastic french favorites! $49.99

Wyatt's Wet Goods Wine and Spirits, 1250 S. Hover St. Suite 100, Longmont, store.wyattswetgoods.com/ shop?ch-query=gift%20packs.

WORLD WIDE FUN PACK

Travel the world with 4 imported wines! $71.99. Wyatt's Wet Goods Wine and Spirits, 1250 S. Hover St. Suite 100, Longmont, store.wyattswetgoods.com/ shop?ch-query=gift%20 packs.

GERMAN DELIGHTS

3 deliciously sweet Rieslings from Germany. $32.99. Wyatt's Wet Goods Wine and Spirits, 1250 S. Hover St. Suite 100, Longmont, store.wyattswetgoods.com/ shop?ch-query=german%20 delights.

Food & drinK

THANK GOODNESS FOOD QUICHES

Did you know that Meals on Wheels of Boulder has been offering savory whole quiches to the Boulder community for more than 20 years? Each is a generous 10 inches in size and ready to bake. There are seven flavors to choose from including Ham and Cheese, Italiano (Italian Sausage), Florentine, Spicy Chorizo Mexicana, Mediterranean (Vegetarian), Mexicana (Vegetarian), Margherita (Vegetarian). Already a classic for breakfast or brunch, these gourmet quiches are also a hit at lunch, dinner, as appetizers, side dishes and more. They’re perfect for holiday meals, fundraisers, potlucks, wedding & baby showers, family parties, neighborhood get-togethers, etc. And every slice of goodness helps Meals on Wheels of Boulder. 100% of the proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels of Boulder. $15.00. Meals on Wheels of Boulder, 3701 Canfield St., boulder.mowboulder.org/boulder-corner niche-market/quiche.

HOLIDAY TEA GIFT BOX

Holiday teas to bring you holiday chee you will find 2 oz each of the six most leaf holiday teas from Ku Cha - Chocolat Tea, Holiday Apple Frost Green Tea, Hot Cinnamon Black Tea, Vanilla Rooibos, Organic Winter and our seasonal Winter Wonderland Fruit Tea. Cheers to love and happiness 2022! $49.95 Ku Cha House of Tea, 1211 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.443.3612, kuchatea.com.

Organic Winter

FAMILY FEATURES

Whether your festivities include immediate family or bring together relatives from around the country, the holidays are about making memories with loved ones. From the first days of the season to the last, many families spend their precious time together with favorite activities and the best foods the holidays have to offer.

This year, you can change things up and start new traditions with a fresh ingredient like Envy apples, which provide an easy way to update classics due to their sweet taste and availability. The sweet, sophisticated flavor; uplifting,

fresh aroma; delightfully satisfying crunch; beautiful appearance; and naturally white flesh that doesn’t brown as quickly as other apples all lend themselves to shareable recipes like Roasted Apple Macaroni and Cheese, perfect for holiday parties.

Because cherished memories are made with sweet ingredients, you can turn cozy movie nights into festive and memorable events year after year by pairing Hallmark Channel’s popular “Countdown to Christmas” holiday movies with delicious desserts like Apple Custard Sponge Trifle.

Find more memory making recipes at EnvyApple.com.

APPLE CUSTARD SPONGE TRIFLE

Servings: 8 10

6 Envy apples

2 tablespoons golden caster sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, water

1 tablespoon corn flour

1 large plain sponge cake

2 cups vanilla bean custard

1/2 cup caramel or butterscotch sauce, plus additional for garnish, divided 1/2 cup cream

fresh apple slices

fresh strawberry slices

Peel, core and dice apples; place in a large saucepan. Add caster sugar, cinnamon and 1/2 cup water. Simmer apples 5-8 minutes until tender. Combine corn flour and remaining water Stir corn flour mixture into apples until apples are syrupy

Cut sponge cake into 2-centimeter diced pieces Arrange 1/3 of sponge pieces in base of serving bowl. Add half of cinnamon apple pieces, including syrupy juices Add 1 cup custard and drizzle with 1/4 cup caramel sauce

ROASTED APPLE MACARONI AND CHEESE

Salted water

1 pound macaroni noodles

4 tablespoons butter

1 Envy apple, peeled and diced

4 tablespoons flour

2 cups heavy cream

2 cups milk

3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup Romano cheese, grated

1 cup gruyere cheese, grated

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon Worcestershire

Topping:

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Roasted

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil Add noodles and cook until just tender Drain and set aside.

In a large pot over high heat, melt butter then saute diced apple until caramelized and tender Sprinkle in flour and stir Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently

Whisk in heavy cream and milk; bring to boil, whisking frequently so milk doesn’t burn

Once boiling, turn heat to low and whisk in cheddar cheese, Romano cheese, gruyere cheese, salt and Worcestershire Continue whisking until the cheese is melted thoroughly.

Carefully pour mixture into a large blender and blend on high until smooth Pour cheese sauce over noodles and stir

Pour macaroni and cheese into a 9 by 13 inch pan and spread evenly.

Heat oven to broil

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Local seniors share beloved holiday memories

HOLIDAYTRADITIONS CONNECTTHE PAST TO THE FUTURE

BY SARAH HUBER Holiday Guide

For Merri Brown, a resident at Life Care Center in Longmont, the holidays have always been about connecting generations around shared values. She recalled, “We always tried our best to get together during Christmas, the whole kit and kaboodle at least one day out of the year.” Even now, with some of her grandchildren and great grandchildren living out of state, Brown

keeps family on her mind throughout the holidays: “The best part for me is looking forward to my family coming through the door”

Brown credits her parents for keeping Christmas centered around faith and time with family and friends. “I’m a preacher’s kid, an Oakie,” she said. “My father would take a dwindling church and work with it until it was a good church, and then we’d move on, but most of our Christmases were in Oklahoma. Money was tight, but my mother, oh my, she was an excellent cook, and she’d bring everyone in. Her brother was at Bible school and would come home with a group of friends, and everyone said it was the best food they had ever eaten.”

Each Christmas Brown and her siblings would receive one special gift. “The year we got a chenille bathrobe, well, I thought it was the most wonderful gift I had ever had,” she said. “I was about seven, but I thought I looked so grown up.”

Tight funds meant that the family couldn’t afford a nativity set until Brown was out of elementary school.

“I can still picture it right there under the edge of the tree. How we loved it,” she said. Brown and her siblings crafted ornaments “and kept the precious ones from year to year.” She added, “We always had a star, that was the big thing.”

Brown passed her mother’s joy in the kitchen to her own children. “My mother was always sending me off with a cake or a stack of cookies to give to someone,” she said.

Merri Brown

(Photo courtesy: Life Care of Longmont)

“Then every year I baked cookies with my children, and I still remember when chocolate chips came out. We were thrilled to make such good cookies.” Now she anticipates gathering with new friends at Life Care Center and her children and grandchildren at the center’s holiday events, such as the annual ladies’ tea and cocoa and cookies with family.

Life Care Center marks a handful of fall and winter holidays “to make everyone feel welcome and loved,” explained recreation and volunteer coordinator Julie Wilson. This year they kicked off the festivities by welcoming preschoolers to trick or treat from room to room –“something we very much missed during COVID,” she said. “We put up our thankful tree for Thanksgiving, and we worked together to decorate, making scarecrows and decorating pumpkins Then we’ll always put up the menorah, and our chaplain will do special services through Advent and have a carol service on Christmas.”

Jay Feldsher, another resident at Life Care Center, said the center’s Hanukkah celebrations “make this place feel like

home.” He grew up lighting the menorah with his parents and three sisters in Connecticut; at the center he helps lead prayer during the eight days of Hanukkah.

“My mother would make latkes – she was such a good cook – and the other traditional foods. My parents were very conscious of the faith. They wanted us

to know why we were doing what we were doing,” he said. Nonetheless, “I did learn to appreciate Christmas. I think the Christmas songs might be the best of all.” Today Feldsher gathers with his daughter and her family on the first day of Hanukkah. Feldsher said he hopes “to pass down that you can’t live your life without religion, without knowing there is a being over you. And you need to be around good people.”

Wilson said that while the holidays are a valuable time for reminiscing, it’s crucial to Life Care Center to offer opportunities for connections throughout the year. “I love to listen to their stories and to bring in others who will bring them joy.” She encourages friends and families to share holiday photos with loved ones and to ask residents about their childhood traditions, from the foods they savored to a favorite gift or holiday activity.

Churches and local groups of carolers are scheduled to stop by Life Care Center throughout the season, and a “giving tree” in the entrance includes gift ideas for anyone who would like to brighten the holidays for a Life Care Center resident.

Gem and mineral dealers, exhibits, grab bags, rocks, children’s activities andgames, dig site, fossils, meteorites, tools, jewelry, fluorescent mineral display, and more!

Bring your treasures for free mineral identification

Demonstrations include polishing rocks using lapidary equipment

flatironsmineralclub org

Model Railroad Exposition

Come one, come all, and enjoy the Boulder Model Railroad Club (BMRC) Exposition where you can see different Model Train Layouts for the young and old alike The show will also have many displays of Model Train related items to both teach and entertain everyone. This includes many vendor tables where you can purchase railroad related items just in time for the Holidays

bouldermodelrailroadclub.org

Boulder Model Railroad Club

Merri Brown. (Photo courtesy: Life Care of Longmont).

HARMONICA SELECTIONS

HB Woodsongs carries harmonicas from beginner to professional in a variety of keys and brands! Prices range from $5 to $60. HB Woodsongs, 3101 28th St., Boulder, hbwoodsongs.com

Gifts of music

FG800 YAMAHA GUITAR

Yamaha's standard acoustic model, with simple and traditional looks and outstanding quality, at an affordable price. A solid-top guitar with authentic sound that is well balanced without sacrificing its robust strength, thanks to the newly developed scalloped bracing design. Can be confidently recommended to all beginner guitarists. $219. HB Woodsongs, 3101 28th St., Boulder, hbwoodsongs.com

OHANA SOPRANO UKULELE

This Ohana beginner soprano ukulele is a wood instrument and comes in a variety of colors. Comes with geared tuners and Aquila strings. $69

Gift Ideas That Save Energy

(And Do A World Of Good)

(BPT) Whether you’re shopping for a shiny new appliance or gadgets to make someone’s life easier, here’s how your gift can do a world of good: look for products that have earned the ENERGY STAR label. To inspire you, here are a few holiday shopping list ideas: Cool savings on the hottest electronic devices: Did you know the average household owns 24 consumer electronics products? The more you invest in items designed to save energy, the more the savings will rack up. For catching up on favorite shows, tablets use four times less energy than streaming to a laptop and 15 times less than a desktop computer An energy efficient sound bar offers a sleek solution to achieving that rich stereo effect, but uses 70% less energy than a conventional model.

A smarter solution to save heating costs: Families are still spending more time at home and energy bills have skyrocketed

Smart thermostats take the guesswork out of maximizing energy efficiency, and choosing an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat means savings you can trust. Plus, they make great gifts. Were everyone to make the switch, we’d save 56 trillion BTUs of energy and $740 million a year, offsetting 13 billion pounds of annual greenhouse gas emissions.

Appliances with noticeable cost savings: Even when the purchase price is nice, don’t overlook this hidden cost of owning appliances: the cost of operating the product. So, if you’re eyeing a new washer/dryer set as the perfect holiday gift, make sure it’s energy efficient You’ll feel good helping your loved one realize more than 20% savings on their electric bill while using one third less water compared to the standard models.

A bright idea for stocking stuffers: Here’s a small gift that can light up their lives and save some serious bucks Just one energy efficient,

LED light bulb can save more than $50 in electricity costs over its lifetime If each American home replaced just a single bulb with one that earned the ENERGY STAR certification, we’d prevent more than 7 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.

A charger to go with that new electric car: And if big gifts are part of your holiday plan, remember to check out electric vehicles (EVs) and an ENERGY STAR certified charger. EVs are the future of driving and you (or your loved one) can save an average of $800 to $1,000 a year on fuel and an average of $4,600 on maintenance over the lifetime of the vehicle Be sure to check for federal tax credits and utility rebates to sweeten the deal. Still looking for a great gift that is both innovative and energy efficient? Check out energystar.gov/holiday for everything you need to help your loved ones save money and protect the climate all year long

Find Holiday Shopping Success for Everyone on Your List at Christina’s

BY EMMA CASTLEBERRY HOLIDAY GUIDE

Christina’s Luxuries will provide you with the best online and in-store shopping experience this season. With free gift wrapping in store and free shipping on orders over $60, simplify your holiday shopping experience with guaranteed success at Christina’s.

With the season of holiday parties in mind, you might consider a new dress or blouse to surprise your loved one. Clothes shopping for a special woman in your life – whether it’s mom, spouse, daughter or friend – can seem like a daunting task, but you really can’t go wrong when selecting from the winter collection at Christina’s Luxuries. “Our winter collection is full of easy separates and dresses made from lustrous, silkblend velvet and luxe silk satins,” says owner Barbara Wilson. “New bold tones are easy to dress up or down.”

The multi-colored KODIE Satin Blouse is a statement piece worthy of the ambitious, artistic woman in your life. Or, for something more understated, the LONA Turtleneck Sweater comes in a sweet, gentle blue and is stylish enough to wear out but comfortable enough to wear curled up by the fire. With soft, opulent fabrics and colors that will flatter anyone,

the recipient is sure to feel elegant and sophisticated in their new outfit. Combine the gift of beauty and functionality with warm, stylish outerwear from Christina’s. “We have lots of cozy sweaters and coats to wear right now for holidays and chilly nights,” says Wilson. The fuchsia MELANI Sherpa Jacket is perfect for a daughter heading back to college – she’ll make a splash at all the new year parties with this bold, brightly colored coat. The HARRIS Jean Jacket in an earthy fern color offers a

more casual option that will serve as a staple closet item well into spring.

“Stocking stuffers,” says Wilson. “Where to even begin? Bras, panties, jewelry, socks, scarves. And for the men, our men’s SAXX underwear, which were voted the most comfortable and healthiest men’s underwear by Men’s Health Magazine.” Also at Christina’s Luxuries, scented candles, pampering body products for men and women, and high-quality perfumes, all great for stuffing stockings.

Lounging is an activity all its own during the holidays. Whether the person on your list has one day off of work, or a whole week of vacation to relax, be sure they’re making the most of their chill time with the right loungewear. “Our pajamas and robes are the softest, coziest ever,” says Wilson

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be a chore. Come into the Christina’s Luxuries store at 2425 Canyon Boulevard, Suite 100, Boulder for a streamlined, allinclusive shopping experience. Or, buy from the comfort of your own home online at christinasluxuries.com. With sizes XS to XL and affordable pricing, you can check off everyone on your list with the gift of luxury from Christina’s Luxuries. However you shop at Christina’s, you can rest assured that your gift recipient will feel like royalty.

Cashmere Sweater. (Photo courtesy: Christina's)

The Holidays Await You! The Shops at Table Mesa

Visit The Shops at Table Mesa for all of your holiday needs this season. The Table Mesa shopping center has been the one stop shop for the South Boulder neighborhood since 1961 providing residents and guests with dining, retail, services and more!

601-693 S Broadway, Boulder // tablemesaboulder com

BOULDER PACKAGING CENTER

This year’s pro tip from Boulder Packaging Center? Same as always: Ship early! When you start sooner, they can help you take advantage of more affordable options And if you’re shipping international, or have a large volume of packages, it’s a good idea to make an appointment Call 303 499 7147 to schedule

PLAY IT AGAIN

SPORTS

Outfitting athletes since 1990, Play It Again Sports sells quality new and used equipment for winter sports, hockey, baseball, lacrosse, golf, soccer, cycling, fitness and more! Their friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you find the right gear at a great price.

SWEET RUCKUS

Sweet Ruckus is South Boulder’s Award-Winning gift and paper goods boutique. Offering a thoughtfully curated selection of dazzling gifts, phenomenal greeting cards and holiday ephemera, Sweet Ruckus has the perfect gift for anyone on your list this holiday season!

TABLE MESA HARDWARE

Locally owned and independent, Table Mesa Hardware has been South Boulder’s DIY destination for more than 45 years. With thousands of items from household to hardware and specialty products between, it’s a good chance you’ll find what you are looking for!

Don’t forget about Table Mesa’s Christmas trees! Stop by, call in or order online for holiday gifting ideas this season!

TINKER ART STUDIO

Join Tinker in the studio for art making and community! Tinker offers a wide variety of classes for toddlers, children, teens and adults. Come check out its shop full of art supplies, kits and more – Tues. through Thurs.,10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Fri., Noon to 6 p.m. –perfect for gifting and shopping local! Visit tinkerartstudio.com for more info and to register

YOGA POD

At Yoga Pod Boulder + Longmont, it believes yoga has the power to calm your mind, change your body, help you build meaningful connections with others, and bring you a total sense of health and wellbeing. The friendly staff considers the big details (and the tiny ones) so you can fully unwind. A wide range of class times and class types make yoga accessible to all — from beginners to experienced yogis.

Photo:

BANKING

Elevations

Chase Wells Fargo (ATM)

DINING

Abo’s Pizza

Caffe Sole Kim & Jakes Cakes

Moe’s Bagels

Murphy’s South Southern Sun

Snarf’s at the Table

Sweet Cow

Tandoori Grill

Tsing Tao

Under the Sun Walnut Café

EDUCATION

Auguste

Directory of Shops

Play It Again Sports Runners Roost

GROCERY & PHARMACY

RETAIL

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Great Clips Hair Rage International Hennepin Barbers Highline Aesthetics Isolate Flotation Center MBL Tattooing Perfect Teeth Poshe Nail Studio Total Fitness Kickboxing Yoga Loft

SERVICES

Art Cleaners

Boulder's Natural Animal + Hospital Boulder Packaging Flatirons, Inc

Front Range Laundry H&R Block

Orange Theory Fitness Peak Form Medical Clinic Roadmasters Auto & Tire Center

Managed By:

Best Ways to Keep Your Car Clean This Winter

BY KATHLEEN DUFF HOLIDAY GUIDE

Winter is tough on vehicles Whether you drive a rugged four wheel drive truck or a trusted passenger sedan, the season ’ s ice, snow and sludge can do plenty of damage

Ignoring a vehicle in the winter can be costly, leading to chipped paint and corrosion that need to be repaired. If not addressed, those issues can decrease the usable life and the resale value of cars and trucks.

“The question I get all the time is, ‘Should I wash my vehicle in the winter?’” said Wade Keith, brand manager and part owner of Breeze Thru Car Wash. “My answer is absolutely. In fact, I’d say wash it more often.”

Keith said magnesium chloride and other substances applied to Colorado’s highways to foster ice melt can stick to a vehicle If left unchecked, the chemicals, along with abrasives such as dirt and sand, can damage a vehicle’s paint.

“It cakes on your car, creating chipped areas; it can erode parts of your car faster,” he said.

Pressure washing is particularly important Breeze Thru offers various package options, including an Unlimited Wash Pass, in which customers can wash their vehicles as many times as they want for one monthly price.

“A one pass will get your car cleaner, but if you wash more frequently, the more you do it, the better,” Keith said. “A lot of folks, if they buy the retail wash, will wait until the roads are dry before they clean their vehicle But the

benefit of having a wash membership pass is to go through the wash multiple times while the weather is bad to keep it clean longer.”

That practice is particularly important for the undercarriage of a vehicle. Often neglected because it is out of sight, the undercarriage is where corrosives can cause the most damage.

“Again, a pressure washer is your best option. If you do a lot of winter driving, especially in the mountains, it’s important to clean that out. ”

To reduce wear, the car wash industry has introduced a new type of wax called ceramics, Keith explained.

“We’ve introduced the ceramic in our top package called the Premium Shine. You can see the difference; it provides a lot better protection. The good thing is that it adds an extra layer against bugs, and bugs are hard to remove, ” he said. “I wax my car before snowstorms to protect the exterior ”

And that’s just the outside. Cold weather can be equally damaging to the inside of vehicles. Keith recommends all weather mats that can be removed and washed.

“They are really a good idea if you have kids and dogs,” he said.

Winter car care tips

• Use a product such as Windex on windows to ensure that snow and ice slide off more completely.

• Check windshield wiper levels prior to traveling.

• Consider packing a car care kit for the winter, including extra windshield wiper fluid, soft cloths, a bag of kitty litter to provide traction beneath stuck tires, flashlight, blankets and jumper cables

• Don’t forget to winterize boats and other recreational equipment. Wash them thoroughly before storing them for the winter.

• Clean interiors after every trip or event. Vacuum often. Try running a damp cloth across upholstery where dogs or cats have been to remove short hairs.

BREEZE THRU CAR WASH, 1213 KEN PRATT BLVD., LONGMONT, 303.834.8387; 2025 MAIN STREET, LONGMONT, 720.491.3727, BREEZETHRUCARWASH.COM

WASHED UP CAR WASH, 1876 HOVER ST., LONGMONT, 303.532.4365, WASHEDUPCARWASH COM

'Tis The Season

EXCITING NEW 2023 VEHICLES THAT SHOULD BE ON YOUR LIST

BY ANDY STONEHOUSE HOLIDAY GUIDE

The arrival of a new year brings with it a new generation of cars and SUVs that embody the efficiency, technology and performance that come with ongoing development in the automotive world. Here’s an overview of 2023 models you should keep your eye on.

Volkswagen ID.4 and Taos

According to Wade Seymour, general manager at Emich VW of Boulder, Volkswagen’s ID.4 electric vehicle has found a big local audience, with a starting price of $46,295 and an EPA-estimated range of 255 miles, as well as optional allwheel drive.

“It will do 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds, and with heated front seats, a heated windshield and custom configurable drive modes, it makes it uniquely ideal for Colorado temperatures and terrain,” Seymour says. “We have ID.4 models in stock and ready for immediate delivery. That vehicle is our bread and butter.”

Consumers may also be interested in the new Taos compact SUV, which comes in four trim levels and now features standard forward safety assist and blind spot monitors, 18-inch wheels and standard allwheel drive on the SEL model. An efficient

1.5-liter turbo engine also makes it fun to drive. Prices begin at just $24,155.

at this year’s L.A. Auto Show, but the company’s most cutting-edge option is still its 2023 Solterra, its first electric vehicle. The compact Solterra, which is priced from $44,995 and up, offers an approximately 228-mile range from its 215 horsepower electric motor and battery combination. Like its other family members, symmetrical all-wheel drive is included, and 8.3 inches of clearance means it will have versatility on the trail and on snowy roads.

Subaru Impreza, Solterra, Ascent, Outback and legacy

One of Colorado’s long-favorite brands is gradually finding an audience with drivers across the entire country, and Subaru has responded with an evolving range still suited for all-weather motoring.

An all-new 2024 Impreza debuted

The 2023 Subaru Ascent has been given refreshed looks and an updated version of the acclaimed EyeSight safety system, as well as a 360-degree around-view camera and updated onboard multimedia, including a system to allow you to talk to your third-row passengers. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, as well.

The 2023 Outback and Legacy models also received new looks, with redesigned

body cladding on the Outback and two available engine options on the top-ofthe-line Onyx Edition – as well as many of Ascent’s in-cabin tech updates. The 2023 Legacy takes on many of those tech updates and redesigned LED headlamps, plus a 2.4-liter Boxer engine is now the standard choice on the Legacy Sport.

$41,450, Ioniq can also be outfitted with all-wheel drive and boasts up to 320 horsepower, allowing it to fly along. The vehicle was also named Motor Trend magazine’s SUV of the year.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Hyundai’s move to an electrified lineup picks up speed with the 2024 Ioniq 5, a 303-mile range EV that features free charging for owners through the many Electrify America stations in the Front Range and mountain resorts. Priced at

Nissan Frontier

Entirely redesigned last year, the Nissan Frontier is now a healthy competitor to other small pickups such as the Toyota Tacoma and the Ford Ranger. With prices starting at $29,190, Frontier offers an impressive 310-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine producing up to 24 mpg, and can also tow up to 6,720 pounds. You can also confidently take it off the road with an around-view monitor or opt for the dedicated PRO-4X model.

Toyota GR Corolla

The year’s most unexpected development is a virtual race car edition of the longstanding Corolla model, a 300-horsepower, all-wheel-drive rally machine that’s designed to outpace similar models such as the Subaru WRX STI. The $35,900 GR Corolla squeezes all of that out of 1.6-liter three-cylinder turbo engine.