All across the state aspen groves ignite into rich bands of yellow, orange, and red. If you’re lucky enough to get out to the mountains and witness this changing of the seasons, it’s easy to become addicted to chasing these colors across the state.
To kick-off the fall season and embrace the transition from summer into autumn, Feral Mountain Co., an outdoor shop in the Berkeley neighborhood of Denver, hosts Autumn Vibes. This yearly event is held at Bread Bar in the sleepy, former mining camp of Silver Plume.
Bread Bar was once an 1800s-era bakery that now serves fine cocktails and cold beverages to travelers and locals alike. Inside it’s warm and inviting interior you’ll discover a small, yet cozy bar, befitting for the town that has a population of 200 and a main street of only dirt.
Throughout the night a local band played what could be described as bluegrass, but pulls in influences of fiddle, acoustic jazz, and classical. The vocals and the sounds of Meadow Mountain’s instruments floated through the bar and out onto the back patio, carrying the melodies of Colorado to where attendees gathered. Some were huddled around the campfire for warmth, others straddled the picnic benches, and a few were bent over, lovingly giving every dog that wandered by a pet.
For those not willing to brave the cold and occasional rain, inside offered ample space for swaying to the music and sharing conversation with everyone around. It’s also where a lucky few took home backpacks, Nalgenes, blankets, and more in the evening raffle.
As the cocktails began to take their toll and the evening threatened to approach the next morning, the fall celebration moved from Bread Bar to Dinger Park, a small plot of land down Main Street. This park is typically filled with kids on the playground and families grilling. On this particular evening it was home for those of us that made the trek out.
While at Autumn Vibes it’s guaranteed you’ll meet new faces. Some might come from a block away from your home in Denver while others come from as far as the west coast of California. Either way, by the end of the night you’ll be standing side by side with your new best friend, adventure partner, or who knows – maybe even more, with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.
When the last box of gummy bears is passed around and your feet can’t seem to retain any warmth the night ends zipped up in a sleeping bag. Even though I was exhausted, full of delicious food, and wanting the night to roll on forever, the last thought I had before drifting off to sleep next to the burbling Clear Creek, was “I’ll be back next year.”
See you then!
Make sure you don’t miss out on next year’s event by keeping up with Feral on Instagram at @feralmountainco
