Summer is my favorite time to slow down and spend more time outdoors with my family. We have more time to soak up new experiences and revisit old favorites, eat delicious food, and generally pack in as many adventures as we can before the first day of school returns in late August.

This issue is all about making the most of summer in the Grand Valley. Whether you want to try SUP or rafting for the first time, adventure to the mountains for a weekend backpacking getaway, or embark on a biking hut trip — it’s all easy to do here.

Summer means the Grand Valley comes alive with bountiful fruits and vegetables from local growers. Farmer’s markets take place most days all summer, and will make your summer suppers on the patio fresh, fast, and delicious. We have easy recipes for your next family-style gathering in this issue.

If summer means obsessing about your garden, you’ll love our piece on longtime resident Dr. Earl Young. He claims gardening is a secret to enjoying life and staying young. His beautiful grounds tells us he might be on to something.

In summer, our public-use lands see more traffic with trail runners, hikers, and bikers. Easy access to these lands are one of the main reasons people move to, and stay in, the Grand Valley. We are proud to feature local women taking the lead in this important conservation effort.

Summer evenings here are made to meet friends at any number of music venues for live performances. As the sun dips behind the Colorado National Monument, grab your favorite local brew and enjoy the sense of community that is found in camp chairs, listening to live music beneath starry skies in the Grand Valley.

Thanks for reading, and happy summer!

Cat Mayer

Publisher/Creative Director

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The Summer Slowdown