I’ve worn many hats over the course of my career, from starting out as a high school P.E. teacher and coach to my current venture, owner of The Golden Hayride Outpost, a family business that launched in 2015. In the years in between, I’ve been a certified personal trainer, president of the Colorado Governor’s Council for Physical Fitness, emcee and keynote speaker, and health and fitness host for Radio Disney and KUSA’s Colorado & Company. The Golden Hayride Outpost has grown in leaps and bounds, having become an iconic venue in Golden. In fact, we’re hard at work creating a community gathering space in South Golden — a space that will feature food trucks, venders, and an old-fashioned Western drinking hole. We have many exciting experiences in store, so make sure to follow The Golden Hayride on Facebook and Instagram to see what’s going on.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career/accomplishments. What do you love most about what you do?
Creating experiences on The Golden Hayride and at our new tavern, The Outpost, excites my creative juices. When you love what you do, it really isn’t work, right? I LOVE it when we’re driving The Hayride through town and people point and say, “Look — there’s our Golden Hayride.”
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants or breweries in our community?
It’d be hard to make the wrong decision when choosing a place to eat and drink in Golden. Two of my favorite brews are at Golden City Brewery and Barrels & Bottles at Camp George West. For live music, it’s Goosetown Station. For historic ambience, it’s Buffalo Rose or Old Capital Grille. For margaritas, it’s Table Mountain Inn. For a fancy night on the town, it’s Indulge Bistro and Wine Bar. For something casual and lively, it’s The Golden Mill. For unique cocktails and atmosphere, it is The Golden Moon Speakeasy. My latest food crush is Cheese Ranch. Hint: Try the cheese curds. And the greatest pizza and staff on the face of the earth, you know this, Woody’s Pizza, of course.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My husband Joe Fowler and I decided to plant our family roots in 1996 when we discovered the charming City of Golden, a magical and picturesque mountain community, and the perfect place to raise our daughter, Presley. It was one of the best decisions of our lives.
Q: What is one of your favorite hiking or biking trails?
You can’t beat the beauty and convenience of our very own Clear Creek Trail for biking or walking. This trek is pure eye candy.
Q: What advice would you give to yourself 10 years ago?
I was multi-tasking 10years ago — as a personal trainer and Golden Hayride event maker. I was afraid to let go of the training, because it was my past love. But that prevented me from devoting my creative juices to my current love, the Hayride. I should have told myself that it’s okay to let go and that my fitness career would always be a part of me.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Without question, my favorite landmark in the city is the “Howdy Folks, Welcome to Golden” arch above Washington Street. The minute I saw that sign in 1995, I told Joe, “This is home!”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Golden has the small-town feel, but it’s packed full of good shopping, food, drinks, and quaint seasonal events. AND, it’s a place where you’ll always run into someone you know.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was in the forefront of the national and Colorado fitness industry for over 25 years. Prior to moving to Golden, I was a “trainer to the stars,” a highly sought after celebrity fitness trainer in Beverly Hills, California. I also was featured on “Good Morning America,” and in “Shape Magazine,” “Prevention,” and “Ladies Home Journal.”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My daughter, Presley, certainly inspires me to be the best I can be, as a role model to her. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how my colleagues in Golden Women in Business inspire me on a daily basis, in their creativity, community support, and empowerment.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
“Home is where you hang your hat.” Whether I’m at home, or visiting family, or catching up with dear friends, I just hang one of my MANY hats and call it home.
