Slow shoulder seasons, a busy summer and a bustling winter. A slowly rotating group of transient “regular” customers including ski bums, outdoor enthusiasts and wandering adventurers. Occasionally, dogs. Casual, informal and somewhat expensive but not lacking in quality. In many ways, Loaded Joe’s is a microcosm for the Vail Valley itself. Nightly social events make Loaded Joe’s an integral part of the community’s night life and ensure that if you really want a decent mocha at 10 p.m. or so in this valley, you can always find one.

The Coffee: Loaded Joe’s coffee is supplied by Rococo coffee roasters. Colonel Fitzroy’s Blend is a pleasant dark roast, properly supported by good brewing equipment. Not quite as strong as one might expect from a proper dark roast, Colonel Fitzroy’s is still a good cup of coffee.

Lattes, etc.: Most of the staff at Loaded Joe’s can provide good texture and temperature, and many will add a spot of latte art (or at least a quick syrup lattice) for good measure.

Alternatives: Try the African Nectar tea. This rooibos bush tea needs no sweeteners.

Shop Hours: Seven a.m. to “Late” Daily.

Wireless Internet: Two hours complimentary with purchase. Ask your barista for a passcode.

Why to Go: It’s 7 p.m. or so any everywhere else is closed. Tuesday night Trivia. Did we mention the African Nectar tea?

Welcome back to Plunging Westward! So much has changed since this blog began about a year and a half ago that simply revising existing content is not enough. The addition of – for example, let’s say – Wireless Internet at the Red Canyon, or a new coffee supplier at Loaded Joe’s is enough to justify a new write-up. We also have entriely new shops like Fusion in Eagle and the Pantry in Minturn. Not wanting anyone to feel left out, we’ve decided to just go ahead and reboot the whole cycle. We begin next week with an updated review of Loaded Joe’s.

Past Entries: Have an old favorite from our earlier incarnation? Don’t worry. None of the blog’s past entries have been deleted. Over time some of our more stand-out entries will reappear with “Archive” in the title and entry tags, along with a lead-in summary of why the article is being re-released. Any requests? Let us know!