​When it comes to all things geeky and nerdy, there has always been a push from our culture. We’ve never been quite quiet when it comes to social equality. It hit me, the other day; just how important comics and geekdom are to society, and how there has been a calling from our united nerdiness to make things equal. From the very beginning, comics were something that was not really the most popular thing around. However, their devoted fans have been growing into the billions as time has gone on. So many of us flock to comics for so many different reasons, yet we all have one common ground. We love them. Comics have changed and shaped the world just as much as any other literature. But, we’ll come back to that in a moment. Sci-Fi in general has been changing the world as we know it for decades. Take Star Trek for instance. It was here, that we saw the first interracial kiss on live television. A simple kiss between Kirk and Uhura changed the world. Whether we knew it at the time, or not, it is hard to dispute that things have been ever moving forward. We nerds are anything but passive. Well, you know what I mean.

The social issues of the times are always reflected in the writings of any literary device. Star Trek pushed the boundaries of society at a time when interracial relationships were frowned upon. Later, X-Men would tackle in-equality in their own unique way. Themes have always been a powerful force in the written world. The comic world is no different. Years later, X-Men would be the first comic to showcase an interracial mutant, gay, couple getting married on the very cover of an issue. I remember buying that comic the day I saw it, and I have never been prouder. Yes, there have been many books and comics to feature homosexual couples, but none of them had gotten married. It’s strange to think, but as we progress further and further, these movements are still happening.

That once controversial episode of Star Trek, and what it stood for are not forgotten. Instead, the nerd community is taking the same route with other media forums to fight the newest social front. As someone who doesn’t exactly fit the societal role of ‘norm’, it is important to me to see various medias I love fight the fight against inequality. While I never imagined in my fondest dreams I would one day see characters of the same gender kissing in a comic, that day has come, we moved forward, love won.

Characters such as the Black Canary on Arrow may be seen as pushy or bold, but to those who aren’t slotted in the hetero-normaty that society thinks we should fit into, she is a symbol. The whole point is to show that love is love. Love doesn’t know gender, rules, or anything like that. Love knows love. Having bi, gay, and lesbian characters in a world of straight ones is important because we all search for that common ground. Comics have been a beacon to outsiders for so long, it only seems fitting that they adapt as we change and grow.

As such, more and more shows and movies have begun to do the same thing. Paving the way to show that normal isn’t what society says, but rather to show there is no normal or we’re all normal regardless. A person’s sexual identity shouldn’t be any more of an oddity than hair color. Pushing social boundaries to the limit…most importantly, giving those of us who do not fit into a societal norm, a place to call home. Now, that is truly the most important thing about our geeky family, and why our favorite comics, shows and stories have to keep pushing forward to inspire us all to be a better people through and through.

I’ve wanted to rant about this for a while, because why not? Guys, we’re friends…probably best friends. Is that true? Yes, it is. I have determined that we here at Nerds That Geek are a community of best friends that share our thoughts openly. And if you don’t agree with me, you’re wrong. Anyway, in my writing and reading journeys I’ve always passionately loved the love story. Maybe it’s because I love, love! I do. I’m in love with love. Not all love stories are cheesy romance novels, that can be found pretty much anywhere. Granted, those little novels have their own fans, I’m not knocking them.

I prefer my love stories to have plot. Or maybe I like my stories with love? I’m not entirely sure which. One thing I do know is I hate love triangles. I’m sure there are some of you out there that like them, that’s totally cool, for me, I just…come on. It’s not realistic. The Hunger Games was a great story concept. I loved the world and struggle, and actually liked Katniss, but I couldn’t stand the love triangle between her, Peeta and Gale. There was no call for it, in my opinion. I find love triangles to be useless and speaks to the lack of character development. All right, stepping off my soap box now, let’s just talk about the various types of love stories.

I’d also like to point out, that love isn’t always romantic. Harry Potter showed us many types of love, and really, that was pretty awesome. The dynamics between characters within that realm were something I admired. Especially the love Fred and George had for one another. Sibling love, is a powerful thing. Let’s face it, many of us have siblings, and regardless of what they do, we almost always will love them. Supernatural is a great example too, as we see not just Sam and Dean’s brotherly love for one another, but they build a family. After all, not all blood is family and not all family is blood. It’s a pretty awesome message, if you ask me. Frozen, of course, brought forth the power of sisterly love. Let me say, there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for my little sister…

Of course, I really love the stories where someone meets someone else and they fall in love. Because, I’m a romantic at heart. It’s not about smut, it’s about the journey these characters take. The Fault in Our Stars is, admittedly, a sad movie. Like, hella sad. But, it’s really cute in the love story it tells. Girl meets boy, they’re both sick, they both fall for each other anyway, even though the girl is reluctant…and then sad things happen. P.S. I Love You is another favorite, because it shows the loss of love and how even after someone dies, that love stays strong.

Romantic comedies are a favorite of mine. No Strings Attached is a favorite because it has all those elements we love. Girl meets guy, they fall into a friends-with-benefits type situation, he falls for her, she’s got commitment issues, and in the non-traditional romantic comedy sense, she screws things up with him. It’s our leading lady who has to make things right for a change. Regardless of the situation, love stories aren’t for everyone. There are elements about these types of stories that not everyone likes, and it’s not always about the sex. Let’s face it, even our beloved superheroes have their love stories. Except Batman…he’s not allowed to be happy. He’s married to justice.

Within media, all types, I find it is very important to see gay, bisexual, lesbian, and transgender characters. Mostly because, well, there are gay, bisexual, lesbian, and transgender people that enjoy everything pop culture has to offer. 

The whole point of the shows we watch, the comics and books we read, and the games we play, is that we form a community of sorts. Being able to belong with other people is a rather huge part of why we are interested in the things we are interested in. Bonding over the ‘nerd’ or ‘geek’ factor is great, but for those like me, we don’t exactly fit in with the heterosexual norm.

Characters like Captain Jack Harkness on Torchwood have been paving the way and breaking down conventions. I use Jack because he is a perfect example of breaking that social norm. Jack is likable, he’s fun, flirty, brave, daring, and even a bit scary at times. A main character through and through, and above all, Jack doesn’t categorize his sexuality with any one word. He simply loves who, or what, ever he’s attracted to. 

That’s a pretty bold statement. Doctor Who, for all its nerdy purposes, has even had a lesbian, inter-species, married couple on their show from time to time. It’s not, however, often we see non-straight characters in media formats. I say this because it’s important to non-straight people to have idols and heroes too. While there’s nothing wrong with classic hero archetypes, it’s necessary to have a wide array of characters everyone can relate to on some level.

Given  many of the tragedies we have read about regarding teens committing suicide, now more than ever is it crucial to have characters like Jack Harkness. Comics especially have been breaking down social barriers with their controversial topics. Never in my lifetime did I think I would see a comic with two male characters getting married on the cover. Yet, comics (and now op have pushed from day one to not be conventional. As I explored in a previous blog.

When the slopes aren’t quite ski ready, Copper Mountain opens its doors to engage the beer thirsty and cider eager population. The Colorado Cider and Beer Circus hosted 27,000 guests with 29 breweries and cideries from local favorites to visiting Brewmasters the weekend of August 26th and 27th. Complete with a cider tasting class, a food truck, and a dog-friendly atmosphere, I, a beer lover, entered the grounds of cidery with an open mind and an open mouth (I mean, not actually because bugs, but you get what I’m saying).

Not well-versed in ciders, this festival was completely user-friendly for me. Each guest received a re-usable tasting glass and were released into the array of tents to explore various ciders. Most of the vendors had at least two ciders to sample, ranging from watermelon, to fall specialties (I had a great pumpkin cider from Wild Cider that will make any girl with a pumpkin spice addiction very happy), to high-hopped ciders (I didn’t know you could describe a cider as hoppy; I learned a lot), to jalapeño infusions, and berry varieties. Guests were encouraged to try as many ciders as possible, comparing sweetness, saltiness, floral hints, and that cider shimmer. Beer enthusiasts, eager to try new drinks, but maybe needing a palate break, were able to fall back on some favorite brews from Tivoli, Epic Brewing, High Hops, Grimm Brothers, Pikes Peak Brewing, and others. (This will be my only moment to discuss beer, so I’ll make it quick. Tivoli had their original recipe brew in addition to their Hoppy-Marzen, a collaboration beer with Thirst Colorado. What a delight to sample both of these beers! The original recipe is not a hard beer to drink: the German style golden lager is smooth, light, and crisp. Followed by the Hoppy-Marzen, the extra weight of the woodsy, Oktoberfest-style beer created a smooth transition from golden to brown. Both beers were excellent, leaving me wanting to refill my tasting glass multiple times. However, wanting a solid cider education, I resisted).

Backed by 80's music and small circus performers, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the festival. I felt encouraged and welcomed to try lots of different ciders. Learning my tastes and preferences for ciders was never easier as the tasting was judgment free. My experience in the drinking world has made me cautious to delve into new tastes and brews, as you are always on the lookout for the ever present 'beer snob.' Sometimes used as a self-defined term, interactions with beer snobs can be positive or negative. However, the cider snobs, the lesser known, just as indignant drinking population, are intimidating for me to interact with. The vendors and other guests were nothing to fear as the environment of easy drinking and sampling encouraged you to try something new just for the sake of taste exploration.

As a woman with a beer preference, my palate has been shaped to find wheats, hops, and clove flavors. Trying ciders with limited knowledge of the cider-brew process allowed me to sample beverages and experience flavors from a strictly sensorial perspective. I could rely on taste alone to discover what was good for me and what I wouldn’t try again. Some of my favorites were Bump and Rind from Boulder Beer, the Habanero Cider from Finn River, the Pumpkin from Wild Cider, and the Sangria Cider from the Portland Cider Company.

Colorado had a big alcohol weekend August 26th-27th and Coloradans had to choose between this Cider and Beer Circus, Tour de Fat in Fort Collins (a New Belgium Brewing Company hosted event exciting bike enthusiasts and craft beer lovers), the San Juan Brew Fest in Durango, Glendale’s Bruises and Brews Beerfest (engaging rugby fans), and the Steers and Beers Brew Fest in Colorado Springs (hosted at Antler’s Lodge complete with a mechanical bull. I don’t think I would mix my beers and bulls, but hey, that’s just me). No matter where you are in Colorado, beer is close at hand. I would highly recommend the Beer and Cider Circus for those already sold on ciders and those wanting to get out of their drinking comfort zone and take a whack at the cider life. Cheers!

Lately, I've been in a bit of a funk. I think we all go through these phases. Being a human can be exhausting, but we have our escapes. One of the biggest draws to comic books, novels, games, shows, movies, and anything we throw ourselves into, is that we get to escape from our problems for just a moment. Whatever they are, whatever we're feeling, gets put on hold. Adventures are abound in the nerd realm and we can't help but crave them. I've mentioned in blogs previously how X-Men, literally, changed my life, but I don't know if I've gone in depth enough with that. I'm not saying I can relate to everyone's story, but I think we've all had a common draw to the world of geek and I think it holds different meanings for all of us.

When I was little, I didn't know much about comics or nerdy things. The nerdiest I got was watching Power Rangers and wishing I could be one. Yes, I've watched the re-runs. To this day, the Black Power Ranger is my absolute favorite, though I had a crush on the Yellow Power Ranger...I was an outcast. I was always the odd one out; nobody wanted to play with the kid who couldn't even really see. No, really, outside is a bit of a hazard for me...thankfully they make custom sunglasses now! Being the only handicapped kid I really knew, I stuck to myself a lot. Then, something magical happened. When my mom married my dad, he introduced me to a brand-new world. X-Men, the '90's cartoon, was something we'd watch together as often as it was on. While I was still an outcast, I wasn't so worried about it. You had a group of people who didn't fit in. They had different powers and were literally Mutants.

Bit more background here. My visual impairment is called Achromatopsia. It's a rare genetic mutation that affects the functions of the cones and rods inside the retina. Now, at the time. We didn't know that's what I had. Without certain testing, they gave me a misdiagnosis of Conedistrophy, which meant eventually I would go completely blind. Either way, my vision is non-correctable, and it makes life kind of a pain sometimes. Being a mutant myself, it was really the coolest thing ever to see a group of ‘mutants’ fighting evil. Each had their own power and was capable of doing some of the coolest things ever. That was the draw, right there; being a mutant wasn't bad, just different. Different wasn't bad. That was the first time in my life I knew that. Different, was just how people were; especially mutants. That pivotal first show I saw of X-Men was such a defining moment in my life, I remember it clear as day. I remember my dad telling me about every different mutant in that universe and how Wolverine was his favorite. Mine will forever be Gambit, but I have a special place in my heart for Shadowcat and Storm. The draw to Gambit was his eyes. They looked as different as mine felt. The cool explosive powers and throwing cards were just a bonus. 

From there I got into more Batman and other various nerdy things. Anime was my next biggest phase, and while it all seemed fantastic, it was also getting harder to deal with life. I learned what I had at 14, and I can't tell you how big of a crushing blow it was to hear that I didn't have what they thought I had. Sure, that's good news, I'd never lose my vision. But, Achromatopsia comes with the lovely tag of no cure. No fixing it. And my vision will be the same. Despite thinking I would lose my vision someday, I have doctors and specialists telling me how there would be cures one day. How, modern medicine and science could fix everything. My biggest dream was to fly one day. My dad was in the Air Force and I thought being a Fighter Pilot would be the coolest job. I had hope. And then I was told there was nothing anyone could do. 

I think we all have low points in our lives that we can't see past at the time. I know we all struggle, even now in my adult life I find it hard. But, guys, it does get better. Truly. I had the honor of meeting Stan Lee a few years ago at Dragon Con. At the time, I wanted to tell him so many things. How his work was amazing; how much I loved Marvel; how influential those franchises are because his works saved my life.

The summer of 2003 saw some things. I was a year away from graduating high school, and the teenage angst of life was in full bloom. I'd decided one night that I was just done with it all. I think we don't talk about the darkest points in our lives, really, we brush past them and pretend they never happened. I can say that I was among those growing up in a time where being a nerd and a geek were not really acceptable. It was shameful to collect Pokémon cards and watch anime, let alone read manga and/or comics. Already sticking out for being handicapped wasn't that fair either. But, there's another aspect I haven't talked about either. I guess this blog is getting very personal, but we're all friends and I'm an open book. Comics, manga, anime, and pretty much anything geeky were amazing in so many ways because it didn't matter who or what you were. You could fall into these worlds and forget it all for a bit of time. I can say, looking back, I was going through a lot of things at the time. When you're combatting internal turmoil over something you have no control over, questioning your sexuality, and just not fitting in, things tend to build up. I wasn't being myself and I think my dad knew something was wrong. 

We've never talked about it, but that night in May, he took me to see X2. The sequel to a movie to a childhood cartoon and comic wasn't that appealing at 17. Yet, I went for my dad...and something clicked. I remembered how much this show had meant to me. How much I bonded with my dad over it and just what it meant to me. That movie reminded me of why I fell in love with geek culture and why I should celebrate being different, not hide. To this day, my dad and I have seen almost every X-Men and Marvel movies together. We've missed a couple, but we try really hard to see them together because it's just our thing. My dad isn't as nerdy as I am, but it's one of the things we love to share. 

It sounds cheesy to say that Marvel saved my life. The truth is, it did. In a way, X-Men gave me a new life path and a strive to do things. To be like the mutants who saved people and fought bad guys. Not all mutants have cool powers, I'm one of those regular ones, but we're all special. If there's anything to be learned from X-Men it's that differences should be celebrated, not shunned. Not being like everyone else isn't bad, because really, we've all got something that makes us special. Finding our own meanings in the things we love is what being a geek is all about. While, none of us are perfect, we're perfectly awesome. Geek culture, for the most part, has always been about acceptance. There are always nay-sayers and those who like to nitpick, but for the most part, we're a group of people who love the nerdiest things. Sharing those things is even better. 

I've always felt normal amongst my fellow geeks. As if I have a second home. The draw to escape into other worlds has drawn us together, but some of my deepest connections with others have been because of our common nerdy interests. I can honestly say that without stumbling blindly (this pun is intended) into the geeky world, I never would have met my best friends. I can't imagine a world without them. Who else would have lightsaber wars in the aisles of a store with me!? Who!

It's always amazed me how one simple cartoon changed my entire life. I couldn't be more thankful for X-Men or any of the other amazing shows, comics, games and so on that are out there. They've given us outcasts a place to call home. If that isn't the best thing ever, I honestly don't know what is.

From the very beginning I have always had this…’problem’ of falling for side characters. I don’t know why, I really wish I had a full answer, but there is something about the side character that has always fascinated me more than the main characters at times.

For example, Batman. I love Batman, and anyone who knows me can tell you that this obsession of mine runs far deeper than it probably should. It’s not a problem, per se, it’s just not something many people could consider a healthy habit from someone in their 30’s. To which I say, those people are boring, and if you can’t love Batman, then we can’t be friends. I’d say I’m kidding, only, I’m not kidding…I know I’m not alone in my obsession with the world of Batman; many of you out there love the franchise just as much as I do. I’m willing to bet many of you even have your own favorite characters and so on. While I do adore Batman, I do have to admit something to you guys. Because, when do I not tell you guys everything? As it turns out, I just so happen to love someone in the franchise a bit more than the caped crusader. Nightwing, also known as Dick Grayson, and the Original Robin, is my absolute favorite Batman character of all time.

I don’t know when this started, or how, or even why, it just happened. Like, I woke up one day, as a kid, and was like 'wow, Grayson is so much cooler than Wayne'. And from there I never said another word about it. I just magically…obsessed. Thankfully Nightwing has become more popular as time has gone on, which is fantastic for me. I still remember the first time I found the comics. Seriously, I spent the last of the money in my bank account at the comic store that very day buying every comic they had of his. When I obsess, I obsess hard core apparently.

Nightwing isn’t my only love, as I am a nerd and have many interests in many geek things. So, I’ll move to other examples of how I seriously adore side characters. Take the Avengers for a moment. They’re all awesome. A team of superheroes that save the world. When it comes to this group, however, it’s Hawkeye that has my attention. Why? Dude, he has no real superpowers and is an archer from the circus! How could I not love him!? Supernatural is a long time love of mine, and while everyone knows I secretly love Sam more, Gabriel and Crowley are tied for my love as well…

The art of loving a side character isn’t one I can formulate. And, this isn’t to say I don’t like main characters. I just happen to always like the side characters more. Perhaps it’s the mystery of their side of the story. We’re so focused on the main character, we often overlook the side characters. They’re used to further plot, offer character support, but we look over their own growth and development. It’s easy to see what a main character is going through, but we don’t always get the full story of the side character. What I love about much of the comic world, is characters we once thought of as just background nobodies, have gotten their own storylines, comics, and spinoffs. The best example I can give for this one? Agent Coulson from the Marvel movie franchise, getting his very own show, as the main character, on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. So really, the moral of the story today is; never count out the ‘little’ guys (or gals).

​Yesterday, I talked about the difference between nerds and geeks. I determined that there is none and we are all one giant happy family. Because, I'm Shae and I get to do magical things like that. So, today, I wanted to talk about all those shows we love and what makes them geeky. Many of the shows out there we consider to be in the geek or nerd realm fall into two categories; the popular and the obscure. Either one has their followings of nerds and non-nerds alike, but what is the difference? Mainly, what we make of it. 

Take Firefly for example. A space-cowboy adventure with monsters and oppressive governments with a ragtag crew we fell in love with. The cult following this show gained was so powerful that the canceled show was given a movie as closure to the die-hard fans. Was it the fact that the show was based heavily in science fiction? Was in the characters? Or was it the right combination of the two that solidified its place in Geekdom for all eternity? There are a plethora of science fiction shows that have woven themselves deeply into nerd culture, and it could be argued that these shows are the foundation of all things geek. After all, many a nerd thing was influenced by shows of the past. Star Trek paved the way for many geeky shows, comics, and even games. As did Flash Gordon. From the very dawn of the first comic, we have done nothing but crave more.

Nerds haven't been able to stay away from anything remotely geeky. But as I browse the net (I almost said interwebs) I am always curious to see the array of shows we consider geeky, and those we don't. Sherlock is my favorite example of this. The show isn't remotely science fiction or even really fantasy, yet it has such a huge fan following that it's considered a geeky thing. As a literary nerd, I have to admit that it's a good show and I'm proud to see this incarnation of it so popular. Yet I have to wonder what makes it so stuck in geek culture that nearly all of us have at least heard about it. 

Perhaps it is all a matter of geeky acceptance that we bring various fandoms in under the umbrella of geeky nerdom and own them. Several films that have their own cult following, like Boondock Saints, are just part of the wonderful geeky world we live in. Shows, are so widely spread and diverse that it might be possible we count anything as geeky. Some may argue against it, but I find that to be true. Archer, a cartoon meant for adults, is one of those shows that has become popular within the geek community and even outside of it. 

Whatever it is that determines whether a show is ‘geeky’ enough or not may never be known. But it is something fun to think about.

Is there really a difference between geeks and nerds? Some say yes, I say no! How can there be? After all, aren't the two names interchangeable? One would think. Yet, to this day, there seems to be this debate on which is which and what means what. While I'm hardly ever one to fact check, I will share with you my opinion on both names.

Now, growing up there wasn't really a distinction between the two names. Both meant you didn't fit in with the popular crowed, and you were shunned by the majority of your peers. Believe me, I wasn't winning any popularity contests, and it was all because I loved things like Pokémon, Sailor Moon, and Gundam. There is, oddly, such a thing as being an anime nerd. So, what's the difference between nerds and geeks? When you boil it down, nothing. We're passionate about things main stream society doesn't care for. And we show that love in any way we can. If we're to get technical, I suppose that nerds are more science based. But, wait, don't we have science geeks too?

Of course we do! I'm one of them, I'm just really not good at it. The term nerd is defined, roughly, as someone who is highly intellectual. So, I guess if you got really good grades at things and are super smart, that makes you a nerd. While geek means someone, who is strange and doesn't fit in. Modern terminology has made the two synonyms, so either word fits either case. Is that true today? Some may argue yes, some may argue no. To me, nerds like science things, were really good at studying, and were good at math. Geeks, on the other hand, played trading card games on their lunch break and had romantic relationships with fictional characters. Yet, now, I see things differently. Not all nerds have chemistry sets in their basements and not all geeks have a Pokémon card collection. Though, really, if you never collected a Pokémon card, or caught a school lab on fire, are you really living? 

Thankfully, we now live in a world where it doesn't matter which category you claim to be a part of. While we can switch the names around, they both have the same meaning of basically ‘outcast’. Now, however, in 2017, that meaning has changed entirely. We're not the outcasts, we're the envy of all. Being into comics has become cool and accepted, even admired, while movies such as Guardians of the Galaxy and The Avengers rule the box offices and have non-nerd and geeks alike clamoring for more. There are so many science documentaries on TV now, I have to choose between them, and anime is so popular it gets its own time slots. Our definitions of what wasn't cool have now changed in such a way that it's almost unacceptable to not be into a fandom.

This movement is probably in part of us growing up and spreading our awesome. Even at conventions, the nerd and geek lines are so blurred that none of us know where we belong and we all just accept that. Greater debates are to be had amongst us, I suppose, like which is better, Star Trek or Star Wars, but there is no definition of Nerd or Geek amongst us. But there are some who solidly support the older definitions. With varied interests, if you ask me, you can be both, and either, and even neither! Whatever you claim to be, though, wear that label proudly. Because we're all just a bit different, and that just makes us more awesome.

​Living in Colorado has never been easier with the well-established and ever growing beer industry. In Colorado, distance from the city does not mean distance from good beer. Steamboat Springs is one small town with a big beer taste. The three breweries in the area (Butcherknife Brewing Company, Storm Peak Brewing Company, and Mahogany Ridge Brewery) are unique, providing locals and guests alike a small town feel with big taste brews. These breweries, though, are not all the town has to offer in terms of good drinkery. The Tap House on main street Steamboat Springs in addition to the BrauHaus (located conveniently near the ski slopes) provide a multitude of drinking decisions spanning across Colorado and the world. We’ll start on tap and move toward our brewery-specific experiences whilst in Steamboat Springs. 

Upon entering the BrauHaus, guests are greeted with a four-page, front and back (to be read in Ross’ voice from Friends when describing Rachel’s extremely long letter about Ross’ need to take responsibility for what happened while the couple was ‘on a break’), stapled, columned, user-friendly guide to the impressive 45 beers on tap. Organized in an easy-to-read fashion, by beer type (wheat, lagers, ambers, fruit beers, ciders, pales, etc.) beer enthusiasts have a very helpful way to make the hard decision of what to drink. The menu is very detailed with brief descriptions of flavors and hops found in each beer. The $2 tasters make it impossible to order a beer you won’t get along with.

The Brau Haus has Colorado proud breweries (including those from Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Cedaredge, Buena Vista, Fort Collins, Longmont, Edwards, Palisade, Loveland, Eagle, Colorado Springs), nationwide breweries (including those from Illinois, California, Missouri, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware), German drafts, and international brews (including Quebec, Canada; Dublin, Ireland; and Akureyri, Iceland). Drinking around the world was made easy; the decision of what to drink was not. I hung out in the wheat section of the menu and ordered 2 beers (one from Einstock Beer Company in Akureyri, Iceland and one from my hometown Aurora, Colorado: Dry Dock Brewing Company).
​
The experience of trying a white ale was authentic and one I will not soon forget. The subtle coriander paired with orange peel and mild hops made for a refreshing beer that was super easy to drink (if you could get past the Paulander pilsner glass). Paired with a cheese soaked pretzel, the evening couldn’t get much better; that was until the German sausage platter and the Dry Dock wheat. The Aurora brewery is commonly known for its Apricot Blonde. I, myself, am not a huge fan of the brew (I would much prefer the apricot ale from Pyramid Brewery in Seattle, Washington); though it was listed on the menu, I ventured for the Sommer Weizenbock, a Colorado take on a German wheat which stimulated the taste buds and the taste buzz as the traditional banana flavor mixed well with vanilla, clove, and citrus. The 6.8% ABV will leave you a bit cloudy at an elevation of 6,700 feet. As always, when in Colorado you must hydrate while enjoying the delicious beers the state has to offer.

The breweries in Steamboat Springs did not disappoint in keeping with the ‘Colorado has the best beers’ mantra. The ‘rundown automobile repair shop’ aesthetic common in Colorado breweries extends beyond the city, over Rabbit Ears pass, to the rocky expanse of Steamboat Springs.
 
My first visit was to Storm Peak Brewing Company, located just off the main street. The single-bartended brewery was home to nine taps that evening. An atmosphere of ease and conversation was evident through the open spaced seating, the small televisions (so often we find televisions overpowering restaurants; the modest 32 inch screens were clearly not the focal point of the room), board games, and popcorn machine. Sampling a flight and a pint of their CitraLawnmower Cream Ale, I fell immediately in love with this brewery. 

The combination of citra hops and a cream ale mindset left me unprepared for the bite of the ale, followed by the cream ale smooth finish. This beer was definitely in the lighter genre, but gave you the sense of drinking something heavier through the use of these hops. A sample of their Kolsch demonstrated the craft of the brewery as this golden pilsner malt beer made famous in Germany quite contrasted the IPAs, gose, and sours brewed there. The spectrum of beers and hops used here allow a flavor for everyone in your party, including delicious cream sodas for your designated driver and/or kids.

Butcherknife Brewing Company was my next stop and the highlight of my beer experience in Steamboat Springs. Their beers are featured at Falling Rock Tap House near Coors Field in Denver and this is where I first experienced my favorite Heifenweizen. Knowing the banana goodness in store for me, I trucked the 4 miles to Butcherknife, a quaint brewery complete with patio and sliding glass garage doors; the telltale red “f” flags you from the street, and their giant chicken stands as a beacon to greet you. The brewery is a local favorite for sure (almost all guests knew the brewmaster by name and had their growlers (yes plural) filled.

A growler pour gets you a free pint while you wait, bringing locals back, giving them an opportunity to sample new beers while filling up an old favorite. With German beers in mind, I was pleasantly surprised to see Irish ideals (black and tan with Butcherknife’s Amputator and Rob’s Blonde), Denver crossovers (the Hoppen-Weizen was created by Butcherknife brewmaster Rob Swarz and Tivoli Brewmaster) with the intent of bringing the mountain town to the city and vice versa (you can find Butcherknife’s brews on tap at the Tivoli Brewery and Tap House in Denver), double IPAs, and new takes on old favorites (the Mango Heifenweizen combined my favorite banana wheat with mango juice and generated my new ‘tastes like summer’ beer set to give Leinenkugel’s summer and grapefruit shandies a run for their money).

​The brewery provides a variety of beer tasting options with flights from four to eight beers (which, considering they had nine beers on tap when I visited, you can taste their whole gamut of beer in an inexpensive fashion) served to you on endearing cleaver shaped flight trays. The well-educated bar attendants made my drinking experience richer as they informed me of their brew process which generated their various beer flavors. Various incentivizing deals make it easy to support this local brewery (if you buy a shirt or a hat, you get a free beer) and bike-to-brew promotions left you feeling proud to support a bike-friendly, eco-minded brewery. Local art was displayed with articles and summaries about the artist, completely immersing you in the craft culture of Steamboat Springs.  

I didn't make it out to Mahogany Ridge Brewing Company and Grill. Their full menu and beer list of beers ranging from honey wheat to cherry to stout make me regret not making the drive out, but it does incentivize me to return to Steamboat Springs (like I need more reasons to go back). The mountain town provides a landscape not hard to fall in love with. Immense campgrounds, pristine lakes for fishing and watersports, hiking with waterfalls, winter and summer sports (including skiing, alpine slides, and tubing), the hot springs, and great beer define this town as a must visit for Colorado natives and out-of-towners alike. Low cell service does not equate to low beer quality. Cheers! #DrinkColorado #DrinkTheBoat

With the recent rediscovery of Netflix on my part, I thought it was long overdue for another fun edition of, Guilty Pleasures! That, and hey, the Internet is a vast place with all kinds of things. Most of which I can thank YouTube for. And, well, a long list of sites. Anyway!

One of my recent guilty pleasures has come out of a Disney produced movie. Unlike the ‘straight to video’ movies we got as kids, these movies have captured my attention. I vaguely remember watching a few with my sister Jadyn as she grew up, but it wasn't until I was on Netflix the other day scrolling through that I watched these on my own. Tinkerbell was a feisty fairy from Peter Pan when I was growing up. While she's got some sass to her now, she's also got a home and a lot of fairy friends that I didn't know about. I'm not saying I watched all of the movies related to this. I'm just saying that I have a new-found appreciation for this particular series. These movies are adorable, and while they have their cheese factor, they bring a certain something that everyone can enjoy. They're set before our little blonde meets the infamous leader of the Lost Boys, and it's all about the fairies and their various jobs in Pixie Hallow. I know, I know, but listen. They're cute.

Speaking of children and childhood, does anyone else miss Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers? Because I do. They had a DVD compilation of some episodes at Target a bit ago, and it took all I had not to buy it. Well, truthfully, I would have, but I'm going to have to wait until after bills. This show was my absolute favorite. I am not even going to pretend I still wouldn't watch it obsessively, because I would watch this show obsessively if I had every episode. Gadget was a perfect role model for us kids. Can mice be role models? Yes. Yes, they can. And they are. I can remember the majority of the plot to that show still, and I really wanted to be a blonde, just like Gadget. Sadly, I didn't become a mechanic, or a mouse, but that's alright. I guess some life goals are best set for later. Also on the side of childhood shows I have been dying to see, Rocky and Bullwinkle. I think it's all the references to that show in Supernatural, but I miss this show. While I haven't seen the Sherman and Mr. Peabody film, yet, I have been searching YouTube for clips of that show. Some may argue that it was before my time, but Rocky and Bullwinkle reruns used to air when I was still a kid. The show was memorable and I geek out when references are made. Hey, my first hamster (or the first I remember) was named Rocky!

As if that doesn't make anyone feel old, another series I've been looking up is The Flintstones. This was another childhood favorite of mine, and so were The Jetsons! I still remember the crossover episode they did. That was purely monumental. Forget the Family Guy and Simpsons crossover. And The Simpsons and Futurama had NOTHING on when the Jetsons met the Flintstones. I've been hunting that down for a while now. Let's just not pay attention to the 90's live action movie that featured Fred and Barney. There were more episodes than I thought of the show, or originally saw when I was younger. I'm okay with this! It's like a new discovery! 

What lies beyond today for the new discoveries? Or old ones? Guess we'll find out together.