We’ve all been in a scenario where someone didn’t believe we could accomplish something, so we proved them wrong. That’s exactly what Gerry Leary did when he founded The Unseen Bean in Boulder in 2007. The Unseen Bean strives to serve the freshest, best-tasting coffee available anywhere, and it is roasted by Leary, who has been blind since birth. Of course he was met with doubt when he traded in his work as a blind car mechanic to pursue his dream of becoming a Master Coffee Roaster. But Leary beat the odds and proved his doubters wrong. It wasn’t the easiest of paths. Leary went to every... Read More

While strolling along Pearl Street Mall, quench your thirst at Wonder Press, a juice, smoothie and coffee café. With an extensive menu of beverage options, you are sure to find something that suits your taste buds, whether it’s a cold-pressed juice, a homemade nut milk, a refreshing smoothie, or a healthy coffee drink. Wonder Press opened two years ago by Boulder natives and lifelong friends Cecily Runge, Robyn Knowlan and Brooke Jordan, commonly referred to as the “Juice Girls.” The girls noticed that juice bars were becoming the new social scene in L.A., where groups would gather over... Read More

When people think of Boulder, they might bring up Pearl Street, CU, the Flatirons, or other main attractions. However, Boulder has so much more to offer. All one has to do, is dig a little. Visit this weekly blog each Monday for fun activities and events going on throughout Boulder County. Monday, January 25, 2016 Ballet isn’t just for the professionals or little kids taking on their first sport. For adult beginners, check out the ballet class at Reverence Academy of Dance at 11:30 a.m. In order to claim your spot and become the next Black Swan, call 303-661-0719. Address: 1370 Miners Dr. Suite... Read More

Some people have the gift of putting everybody around them at ease and Z, with his easy drawl and friendly smile, is most definitely one of those people. Z is a self proclaimed “open book” and the conversation flowed effortlessly outside a coffee shop in small-town Lafayette on a crisp, clear, sunshiny day. Originally from Oklahoma, Z moved to Boulder County 10 years ago. As a kid, he spent time in Colorado each year on vacation and the draw of our great state eventually led he and his wife back here to make a home. They currently live in Lafayette where Z opened Curating the Cool a few years... Read More

On an unusually grey day, I stopped into one of Boulder County’s abundant and fantastic coffee houses and was immediately warmed by Jessica’s friendly smile. We chatted across the counter and I learned that she moved to the area from California 10 years ago with her family. Jessica’s love for Boulder is evident as she genuinely describes how friendly everyone is and how previously working on Pearl Street led her to meet so many fun and interesting people, “Everyone is just easy to talk to, people here are so friendly!” Its apparent in her demeanor that Jessica loves her job and aspires... Read More

Coffee is a deliciously warm and energizing gift to give to your loved ones this holiday season. It’s also a great way to help you get through the often stressful work weeks and sometimes hectic festivities during December. Whether you’re rewarding yourself or giving coffee to others, there are many caffeine-related present options. There’s the classic gift card or a bag of beans from a local roaster (if you’re a lazy shopper like me), as well as snazzy brewing devices and handy travel mugs (if you’re feeling a bit more thoughtful). You can also purchase a coffee gift... Read More

A group of bold women in Pakistan are fighting to desegregate public spaces, one cup of chai at a time. Roadside tea stalls or coffee shops in Pakistan—known as “dhabas”—are generally unwelcoming to female patrons. In various parts of Southern Asia, it is culturally unacceptable for women to frequent public spaces or communal spots regularly. In these painfully patriarchal rural and urban communities, women are not encouraged to socialize publicly or move around on their own freely. But Desi feminists are fighting against these sexist standards by claiming typically segregated places like... Read More

The floor level of a new residential complex, on a relatively quiet corner in Denver, is an atypical spot for a stylish specialty café. The unassuming location is just one part of the overall big charm at Black Eye Coffee’s second outpost, which opened last month in Cap Hill (the original one is located in LoHi). Situated below Moto Apartments on Sherman and 8th Ave., the ultra cool, dark-but-welcoming, and art-deco inspired coffee shop/ bar features delicious drinks, a variety of eats, and solid service from 6 in the morning till 2am. With its surprising menu selection, gorgeously sleek design,... Read More

Most people don’t think about the potential for coffee to be an art form or a competitive sport, unless they are professionals in the industry. So, an upcoming documentary about the U.S. Barista Championship (USBC) will be an informative and potentially entertaining film for most coffee layman. Barista explores the high energy and high stakes competitive coffee-making scene. The film highlights the passion and drive of several competitors as they prepare for and take part in the annual coffee spectacle known as the National Barista Championship or USBC. Check out the food competition... Read More

Despite the fun seasonal events and vacation travel opportunities, I’m still a Summer-hater. Dealing with excessive sunshine and heat, plus the inability to wear layers, is incredibly frustrating and uncomfortable for me. So I’m super excited that it is officially the first day of Fall—my favorite season—and that the weather is finally beginning to cool. But before I dig out my warm coats, cozy beanies, and knitted scarfs from the depths of my closet, I’d like to give a final farewell to the iced/cold drink season by saluting a couple of my favorite Summertime brews and caffeine-fix stops... Read More