Omayra Acevedo, Peak to Peak. Those that know me, will easily agree that I not only work a lot, but I work hard. This also goes for my exercise routines. It’s something I take pride in. However, after 11-13 hour work days, seven days a week, I just want a break. I don’t need a vacation - though, that too would be nice – but somewhere to hang my hat for a couple of hours and enjoy a little bit of my hard-earned pennies.
Luckily, I live in one of the most beautiful places in America…The Colorado Rocky Mountains. Looking outside my windows always feels like a vacation. Nothing in this world is more relaxing and rewarding to me than living between a stand of trees and among the wild things. I’m grateful for it all. Speaking of wild, not too far from where I live, is a local hangout known as Roy’s Last Shot.
I have no doubt that many of my readers are familiar with the place. Here’s the thing about Roy’s: it’s rustic, it’s charming, intriguing and as quirky as the employees and locals you will meet there. The décor is a sight to see. Loads of artwork to peruse through and an endless number of shot glasses to count. I wonder if anyone has ever counted them? Perhaps, I should have asked. Next time…
There’s so much to do at Roy’s. There’s a jukebox, pool table, a bar, couches, a fireplace for those chilly evenings, a patio, a gift shop and an unexpected conversation with a stranger to be had. Hungry? No worries. Roy’s has got you covered there too. I’m going to recommend you try the pizza. Remember, when placing your order, that you are in the mountains. Time slows down a bit here. Good food takes time. You’re in the “middle of nowhere.” Be patient. Enjoy the scenery, the ambiance and the company you keep.
Maybe one day, I might bump into you there. I was at Roy’s Last Shot not that long ago. I shared a pizza and beer with a friend. It was great just to stay local, support a local hangout, and know that home was very close. No, I didn’t have a shot, but it won’t be my last time at Roy’s either.
Roy’s Last Shot 17268 CO-119, Black Hawk, CO, 80422, 303.642.7870
(Originally published in the July 18, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)
