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Month: August 2024

Farmers Markets & Local Produce in Southwest Colorado: A Summer Bounty

August 23, 2024

Image: durangoherald.com

As August unfolds in Southwest Colorado, residents at Glacier are lucky to have an abundance of fresh, local produce at their fingertips. Nestled between downtown Durango and Purgatory Ski Resort, our community is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the region’s agricultural bounty. Let’s explore the vibrant farmers markets in our area and discover the delicious, seasonal ingredients that can elevate your end-of-summer meals.

Durango Farmers Market 

Saturdays, 8am-12pm

The largest and most diverse market in our area, the Durango Farmers Market is a weekend tradition for many. Here, you’ll find a wide array of August treasures:

  1. Peaches: Colorado’s famous Palisade peaches are at their peak. Try them in a refreshing peach and arugula salad with goat cheese and a honey vinaigrette.
  2. Heirloom Tomatoes: These colorful gems are perfect for a classic Caprese salad or a rustic tomato tart.
  3. Sweet Corn: Nothing beats corn on the cob, but for a twist, try a Southwest corn and black bean salad with lime dressing.

Twin Buttes Farm Stand 

Tuesdays, 3–6:30pm

This charming farm stand in Durango offers a more intimate shopping experience with a focus on hyperlocal produce:

  1. Summer Squash: Abundant and versatile, try grilling them with herbs or spiralizing for a low-carb “pasta” option.
  2. Fresh Herbs: Stock up on basil, cilantro, and dill. Make a big batch of pesto to freeze for later use.
  3. Garlic: Local garlic is more pungent and flavorful than store-bought. Roast whole bulbs for a mellow, spreadable treat.

7 Rivers Farmers Market 

Tuesdays, 12-3pm

Located at La Plata Fairgrounds, this weekly market showcases the diversity of our local agricultural community:

  1. Chilies: From mild to wild, August brings a variety of peppers. Roast them for sandwiches or blend into a vibrant salsa.
  2. Melons: Juicy cantaloupe and watermelon are perfect for a cool, refreshing snack. Try a melon and prosciutto appetizer for your next gathering.
  3. Wildflower Honey: Support local beekeepers and enjoy this liquid gold. Use it to sweeten iced tea or drizzle over grilled fruits for dessert.

Summer Recipe: Southwest Colorado Summer Salad

Ingredients:

  • Mixed greens from local farms
  • Diced Palisade peaches
  • Grilled corn kernels
  • Crumbled local goat cheese
  • Toasted pine nuts
  • Herb vinaigrette (using fresh herbs from Twin Buttes)

Directions:

  1. Wash and dry mixed greens, place in a large bowl.
  2. Dice peaches and grill corn, then remove kernels from cob.
  3. Add peaches, corn, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted pine nuts to the greens.
  4. For the vinaigrette, whisk together 3 parts olive oil, 1 part vinegar (white wine or apple cider), chopped fresh herbs (basil, parsley, chives), and salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
  6. Toss gently and serve immediately.

As residents of Glacier, we’re fortunate to have access to such high-quality, locally grown produce. Supporting our local farmers not only provides us with the freshest ingredients but also strengthens our community bonds. Whether you’re an avid home chef or simply appreciate good food, we encourage you to explore these markets and incorporate the flavors of Southwest Colorado into your summer meals.

Stargazing at Glacier: Best Spots and Tips for Night-Sky Viewing

August 9, 2024

At Glacier, the combination of high elevation, clear skies, and minimal light pollution creates optimal conditions for stargazing. The mountain air is crisp, and the Milky Way often appears as a bright band stretching across the sky, offering a spectacle that few places can match. With each season, the sky reveals different constellations, making every stargazing session a unique experience. Here’s your guide to the best spots and tips for night-sky viewing at Glacier.

Best Spots for Stargazing at Glacier

The Summit: Located at the northernmost point in the Glacier community, The Summit provides an unobstructed 360-degree view of the night sky. Perched at a high elevation, this spot allows you to see deep into the night, where the stars seem close enough to touch. Bring a blanket and a thermos of hot cocoa, and settle in for an unforgettable night.

The Mountain & Valley Golf Courses: Resting at 7,400 feet amid the San Juan Range, Glacier’s award-winning Mountain and Valley golf courses are not just for daytime recreation—they also provide excellent stargazing spots once the sun sets. The Mountain Course, with its majestic peaks, offers a dramatic backdrop for stargazing, while the Valley Course, with its varied terrain, gives you wide-open spaces to marvel at the night sky. 

Glacier Cliff: Perched atop a dramatic clifftop overlooking Glacier’s Mountain and Valley golf courses, Glacier Cliff is an ideal spot for stargazing. The elevated, open setting provides unobstructed views of the night sky, making it a perfect location to immerse yourself in the beauty of the cosmos. With minimal light interference and expansive horizons, Glacier Cliff allows you to see stars in all their brilliance.

Tips for an Unforgettable Stargazing Experience

1. Check the Weather: Clear skies are essential for stargazing, so be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out. Crisp, cool nights often provide the best visibility.

2. Let Your Eyes Adjust: It takes about 20 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the darkness. Avoid looking at bright lights or using your phone, as it can take away from your night vision. Red-tinted flashlights are great for maintaining your ability to see the stars.

3. Bring the Right Gear: A good pair of binoculars can enhance your stargazing experience, but even without them, the night sky at Glacier is stunning. Bring a star map or use an app to help you identify constellations and planets.

4. Dress Warmly: Nights in the mountains can get chilly, even in the summer. Dress in layers and bring blankets to stay warm and comfortable while you enjoy the night sky.

5. Plan Around Lunar Phases: A full moon can wash out the stars, so for the best stargazing, plan your outing during a new moon when the sky is at its darkest.

6. Stay Patient: Stargazing is all about patience. The longer you look, the more you’ll see. Take your time and let the stars reveal themselves to you.

Seasonal Stargazing Highlights

Summer: The summer months at Glacier are perfect for viewing the Milky Way, which arches across the sky from horizon to horizon. The constellations Sagittarius and Scorpius are prominent, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Perseid meteor shower from August 11-13. 

Autumn: As the nights grow longer, autumn brings clear, cool skies ideal for stargazing. Look for the Andromeda Galaxy, the closest spiral galaxy to our own, and the constellation Pegasus.

Winter: Winter offers some of the clearest skies of the year, with Orion the Hunter dominating the night. The winter months are also the best time to spot the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters.

Spring: Spring is galaxy season at Glacier. The Virgo Cluster of galaxies becomes visible, and you can also see the constellations Leo and Virgo, along with the bright star Arcturus.

Grab your blankets, head to one of our prime stargazing spots, and prepare to be mesmerized by the infinite wonders above. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, stargazing at Glacier is an experience you won’t soon forget.