Ask me one of my go-to spots to grab a beer in Boulder – I’d say the Rayback Collective every time, and not just because of Mountain Monday’s (All Upslopes=$4). Not only does it have 30 taps, but you are flooded with good vibes the second you enter the park.

Known as Boulder’s Backyard, the Rayback is an old warehouse converted into a bar, which opens up into a food truck park. The park is a quick bike ride for North Boulderites, just off the Goose Creek bike path. The food trucks are on a rotating schedule, but they keep you updated @therayback. Sounds pretty amazing, doesn’t it? Well, it only gets better.

The park was kick started in 2014, when Marion Arthur Rayback, owner of the Rayback Plumbing Supply, sadly passed away. He was dedicated to serving his community, and lived a long life doing so in Boulder. After Marion passed away, Hank Grant, Matt Patrick, Justin Riley, and Corbin Grant co-founded the Rayback Collective, breathing new life into the idea of serving Boulder’s community. Not only did the co-founders want to create a sense of belonging, but a place to unwind and invoke meaningful experiences.

After the wheels were put in motion, the Rayback evolved into something bigger, a representation of Boulder. It’s pet/kid friendly, has dozens of games (including cornhole), embraces the outdoors, and has live music—not to mention it’s a great event space. Sounds pretty Boulder, right?

The Rayback Collective is a place where people can congregate, while celebrating some of their favorite qualities about Boulder—“music, food, beer, and community.” Marion Arthur Rayback would have been proud to see this second life of his warehouse, embodying everything he epitomized.

“Boulder needs this place” –Marion Arthur Rayback

Bronwen Kalmes

Fresh to Boulder, Bronwen made the trek from the East Coast this past June. The decision to move westward came to her after exploring our magnificent country for two wonderful months on the road. Before moving to CO, Bronwen attended Roger Williams University, where she jumped at the chance to study abroad in Perugia, Italy for 4 months at the Umbra Institute. Her passion for the world didn’t begin there, but when she caught the travel bug on her first trip to Italy while attending Kent School. Now, she’s loving her new life in Boulder! Since the big move, she’s been taking advantage of every second of sunshine our beautiful city has to offer. Whether it’s pushing her limits on a hike or practicing yoga in her backyard, she thrives in the outdoors. Aside from traveling and enjoying nature, Bronwen is a huge movie buff, especially when it comes to LOTR and Batman. You can always find her photographing and writing about her adventures!