There's something about nature that brings the best out of people. When you are completely and constantly surrounded by the beauty of nature, one cannot help but absorb its serenity and pass it on to one's fellow man.
Dolores CO is a very small town tucked in the middle of the Rockies nestled in a forest with the beautiful Dolores river running by the town. The burbling river coupled with the verdant landscape makes for a place where one can fully relax and appreciate what life is really all about. It is the perfect environment to let go of the stresses of life and treat each other with kindness, respect and genuine care.
This was self evident when we met Jami, the young lady who checked us in at the Dolores Mountain Inn in the center of town. She graduated from Dolores High School a few years back and was very proud of her little town. She knew (and generally liked) everyone in town and told us where to go for breakfast, lunch or dinner and things to do around the town. When asked "If we were all going to go out for dinner and a night on the town, where would be go?", she said without hesitation, "The Dolores River Brewery".
The Dolores River Brewery is a most remarkable place. It is a microbrewery that makes some of the best beer I've ever tasted. They also make fantastic pizza. When Jaine and I first entered the place, a genuinely kind and friendly young man came up to us and asked if he could help in any way. Turns out he was the Assistant Brewmaster of the Brewery and would serve as our waiter if we liked. I mentioned in a low breath to him that "Everybody knows that the Assistant Brewmaster does all the work!" and we both laughed as he walked away to get us a beer.
About 2 minutes the Head Brewmaster and owner, Mark, slid into our booth and said "I heard someone mention me!" and for the next 45 minutes Jaine and I had one of the most enjoyable and educational conversations of our trip so far. Mark really knows beer. He started making beer in high school but got away from it for about 18 years before he had the opportunity to get back into brewing seriously. For over 20 years he's been making beer and his brewery recently celebrated its 13 anniversary. His philosophy is not just about making beer...he is deeply committed to supporting the community and feels it's very important to provide a place where people can relax, have a beer, eat good food and visit with each other. He also sponsors musical entertainment on a weekly basis.
Mark tending his craft The Brewery and Community Haven
When we left one of his workers gave us a bunch of stickers that says it all:
The whole place had an atmosphere where we felt truly relaxed and at home with friendly, interesting people. Check out his website at
http://www.doloresriverbrewery.com/index.html
More on Dolores on my next blog....
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