Joy Overbeck
Journalist and Author

"The Insider's Guide to Taos and the High Road to Santa Fe" from Colorado Expression Magazine, June/July 2006.


Do your once-rainbow-colored days seem to be dunked in olive drab? Does your mental inbox feel horribly spammed? Well then, it's time to hit the open road to points south, to exotic Taos and the High Road to Santa Fe, where life flies bright pinata colors and folks step lively to a mariachi beat.

Just a few hours from the Denver area, Taos long ago acquired its magical aura from the intertwined exuberance of three cultures: Pueblo Indian, Hispanic and Anglo.

In 1540, the Indians’ peaceful farming life was disturbed by Conquistador Hernando de Alvarado, following the Rio Grande north. Seeing the sun shining on the adobe straw at Taos Pueblo, he thought he had found the famed Cities of Gold. Wrong.

Selected Works

please contact me to see additional samples

"The Valley's Horse Champions" from Vail Valley Magazine Summer 2011
Exploring the mysterious bond of affection and communication between local equine athletes and their loving owners.
"Remodel Citizens" from Vail-Beaver Creek Magazine Summer 2011
Revamping a used-and-abused 1980's party house proves an interesting challenge for a young Eagle-Vail family.
"Past, Present, Perfect" from Colorado Summit Magazine Winter 2011
A vintage 1870's home in Breckenridge's Historic District gives up its surprising secrets.
"A Vanishing Breed" from Vail Beaver Creek Magazine, Winter 2010
Celebrated photographer John Fielder's latest book traces the stories of Colorado's heirloom ranches as well as his own transformation from an ardent foe of cattle ranching to ranchland preservationist.
"Breaking Barriers" from Colorado Summit Magazine, Winter 2010
A mountain architectural firm known for its enviro pedigree sometimes has to smash a few government rules to build green.
***WINNER 2010 COLORADO AUTHOR'S LEAGUE BEST FEATURE AWARD*** "It's a Dog's Life" from Vail Beaver Creek Magazine, Spring 2009
The incredible working dogs of the Vail Valley help kids read, cheer hospital patients, track down lost hikers, and find avalanche victims.
"Art Aerie" from LUXE Magazine, Fall 2008
This outstanding Beaver Creek home showcases some of the most dazzling talents in modern art.
***WINNER 2009 COLORADO AUTHOR'S LEAGUE BEST FEATURE AWARD*** "Final Roundup" from 5280 Denver City Magazine, February 2008
America's horses are being slaughtered for foreigners' dinner plates; an unlikely band of rescuers is trying to save them.
"Triple Play" from LUXE Magazine, Spring 2008
The three flags flying from Rudi and Jennifer Fronk’s mountain home – flags of America, Canada, and Colorado – say it all.
"You Really Should Talk To Strangers," from Redbook, September, 1995
Sometimes trading tales with someone you've never met -- at the park, on a plane, in the cereal aisle -- leads to grand adventures... or at least sunnier days.
"Flirting: Cheating Without Really Cheating?"from Health Magazine, September, 2000
Does flirting with someone who’s not your mate damage your marriage, or enhance it?
"Land Grab" from 5280 Denver Magazine, July 2006
Should Centennial State property owners be worried about government and private developers conspiring to steal their land? It's happening right here, right now.
"The Insider's Guide to Taos and the High Road to Santa Fe" from Colorado Expression Magazine, June/July 2006
Exploring the art and history of these Southwest gems is the ultimate road trip.
"Legend of the Longhorn," from 5280 Magazine (the Denver city magazine) December, 2006
Once nearing extinction, these iconic beasts of the great Lonesome Dove cattle drives are making a Colorado comeback.
"Smith Fork Dude Ranch," from Colorado Expression Magazine, August/September 2006
For the authentic dude ranch experience with deluxe ambiance, head to Smith Fork Ranch where cowgirls never have the blues.