Nearly two decades later, the Fowlers have built a successful business in the former mining town. Golden Hayride has been operating for nine years, taking guests on drinking tours of the town's hot spots and cultural hubs. The endeavor has led to strong connections with the local restaurants and bars around town, and now Joe and Stacy have utilized that momentum to open a new venture.
Golden Outpost is a community event-focused tavern located at 17695 South Golden Road. It boasts a stunning view of snow-dusted Table Mountain and a large porch and outdoor space that the Fowlers are working on winterizing so it can be enjoyed year-round.
"I'm really into the history of Golden and keeping the spirit of the West alive. In fact, that's kind of what this place is," Stacy says.
"Bottom line, we consider this a gathering place, a social gathering place," adds Joe. 'We know owners, management, GMs of pretty much every restaurant and pub around, and we have their support."
The tavern has been in soft-opening mode and has already hosted a variety of events, from baby showers to a farmers' market that took place every Saturday over the summer. "Our first customers were all friends. That showed the support they gave us. But now we're getting a lot of people here," notes Joe.
The tavern's cocktail list is an homage to Golden's historical icons, with options such as the Jolly Rancher Margarita, the Buffalo Bill Bloody, the Chief Colorow Cherry Bourbon Sour and Gregory's Gold Rush. Outpost also features some winter drinks, including the George West, made with hot apple cider and whiskey.
"Coach knows mixed drinks," Joe notes, lovingly referencing Stacy's background in physical education. "I'm more of a beer guy, and I thought it was very important when we opened up to have a tap and to have draft beer."
The tavern also brings in food trucks on Fridays and Sundays; its most frequent food vendor is Mac Nation, which serves a wide range of mac and cheese varieties such as chicken, cheesesteak, pork belly and green chile. Golden Outpost is also stocked with snacks like Pop-Tarts, Hot Pockets and a local favorite, Bonfire Burritos. Guests are welcome to bring in food from neighboring restaurants, such as Blue Pan Pizza, as well.
On Friday nights, the tavern hosts local country bands.
The Golden Outpost mural depicting the Golden Hayride as well as images of Golden's history.
Stephanie Paz
"They say that our place was an Indian reservation area, and we love that, too. We embrace the past of Golden, and we include Chief Colorow among the icons of Golden," notes Joe.
The Fowlers are not only committed to honoring the history of Golden, but the future, as well. They've made it a priority to partner with a range of local artisans and businesses, including the longstanding Heinie's Market, a family farm that has been in Wheat Ridge for seven decades. One of the Fowlers' closest partners is Victoria Ross Patti, who runs a hat-making business called the Olde Town Hatter. "I'm telling you, she is unbelievable," says Joe. Victoria is in the tavern almost every Friday and personalizes hats with branding, metal work and more.
"I'm a little bit of a hat freak, Joe will tell you," says Stacy as she models one of her many intricately designed cowboy hats. "I needed a tavern to go along with my hats."
Joe and Stacy know the Golden community inside and out and are thrilled to be using that knowledge to open up a hayride headquarters and a way to expand community outreach. "We're so darn excited," Joe concludes.
The Golden Outpost is located at 17695 South Golden Road in Golden and is open from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 2 to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m Sunday. For more information, visit goldenoutpost.com.
