We sat down with Marble Distilling Co.'s CEO and head distiller Connie Baker to talk all things Carbondale. From favorite seasons to happy hour drinks, Baker reveals her top picks around town.
Sitting under Mount Sopris, this town boasts everchanging colors and a one-of-a-kind art scene.
Just 30 miles downvalley sits Carbondale, a mountain town overflowing with an exemplary culinary and entertainment scene, topped off with a view to match. Sitting at 12,953 feet, this mountain town earns its title with Mount Sopris (aka “mother mountain”) looking over the locals.
Taking it back, the valley’s original inhabitants were the Ute Indians, who were eventually displaced by settlers and miners searching for gold and silver near Aspen in the late 1800s. Soon after, hunters and farmers made this town home and “hit gold” in the late 1880s when potato farming took off. This was Carbondale’s economic mainstay crop for more than 50 years, and in honor and celebration of the prosperity of the crop and town, Carbondale’s Potato Day holds the record for the longest-standing annual community event.
Home to Carbondale’s Creative District—one of 23 in the state and the only one in the valley—the town boasts more than 200 creative organizations and businesses, shining the spotlight on its local artists and creatives. For inspiration, check out the Studio for Arts and Works and other creative entrepreneurs on Dolores Way.
Don’t worry, adventure junkies, Carbondale has just the thing for you too. Brave the waters for an unbelievable adventure of whitewater rafting on the Crystal River, or keep it casual with one of the numerous hiking trails Carbondale has to offer.
For Carbondale’s main event, make sure to make it down in the summer for Mountain Fair, which features over 145 vendors from across the country, live music, performing arts, creative children’s activities, local food, pie-baking competitions and more.
This perfect mix of adventure and culture is something Carbondale has perfected over many years, and there is truly nothing in the Roaring Fork Valley quite like it.
CARBONDALE INSIDER
CONNIE BAKER
Marble Distilling Co.
CEO and head distiller
Connie Baker
With over 20 years of branded marketing experience and business leadership under her belt, Marble Distilling Co.’s CEO and head distiller Connie Baker knows a thing or two about mixing it up. After graduating from the Dry Fly Distilling Institute in 2011, Baker stepped into the world of premium spirits with her manufacturing knowledge on the production of quality and quantity distilled spirits. With her impressive leadership skills, she now leads Marble Distilling Co. in a sustainable fashion. The brand has built the first-of-its-kind water energy thermal system to capture and reuse both water and heat generated through the distilling process. Here, we chat with the savvy self-starter about her favorite happy hour sips, ways to beat stress and business mantras.
What is your mantra when it comes to your business?
I love making spirits but won’t destroy the planet to do so.
What inspired you to open Marble Distilling?
My love of vodka and fascination that you can make it out of anything.
What do you love most about working in Carbondale?
The vibe—it’s ‘messy vitality.’
What is your favorite part about your job?
Wearing galoshes every day.
Are there any upcoming projects that you can buzz?
Marble has a selection of five-year bourbons and whiskies coming out for the fall—they are delicious! We will also release our (only) second cask of Paonia peach brandy aged in a Gingercello Reserve cask.
What is your favorite season in Carbondale?
Summer—feels so free.
What is your go-to happy hour drink?
Marble Vodka—straight, on the rocks, in a chair.
It’s been a long week and you’re looking for some R&R... where are you headed?
Marble. Slow Groovin BBQ and sitting by the Crystal River.
What’s a locals’ favorite way to beat the stress?
Head down Main Street for a Frozee on the patio at Beer Works. Beats the heat and stress.
A little-known fact about Carbondale that you recently learned?
The Powers Art Center has a nearly complete oeuvre of Jasper Johns.
Photography by: From Top, Photos: PHOTO BY MICHAEL ROBILLARD/UNSPLASH; PHOTO BY: RACHEL MAYORAL;
