Meet Desiree Root | Community Connector, Creative Entrepreneur & Realtor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Desiree Root and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Desiree, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
As the founder of a local blog, called Evergreen and Beyond, my mission has always been rooted in connection and community. I started this blog to shine a light on the incredible small businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs who make our mountain town so special. As someone who’s lived in Evergreen for over 25 years, I’ve seen firsthand how much heart and hustle goes into running a local business—and I wanted to create a space that celebrates that.

Through storytelling, interviews, and community spotlights, Evergreen and Beyond helps elevate others’ voices, drive support to local businesses, and remind people to shop small and love where they live. It’s about making sure the people behind the storefronts, the musicians behind the stage, and the creators behind the craft get the recognition they deserve.

This project has evolved into something much bigger than a blog—it’s a way to uplift others, foster real connection, and strengthen the fabric of our community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been a winding journey filled with creativity, community, and a whole lot of heart. I’ve worked in design, bartending, and jewelry making before landing in real estate—and every step taught me something valuable. As a Certified Mountain Area Specialist and Realtor with Keller Williams Foothills, I help people find not just houses, but homes in the mountain town I’ve loved for over 25 years.

What really lights me up is building connection. I founded Evergreen and Beyond to spotlight the incredible small businesses, artists, and events that make this community so vibrant. It’s my way of giving back—through storytelling, support, and celebration. Whether I’m writing, staging homes, or hosting social events, I always lead with creativity and a genuine love for people and place.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend a designer’s eye with a community-builder’s heart. It wasn’t always easy getting here, but embracing the twists and challenges has only made me more passionate about what I do.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting Evergreen for a week, I’d want to give them the full local experience—gorgeous views, good food, live music, and plenty of mountain magic. Here’s how I’d show them around:

Day 1: Settle In & Sip Creekside
We’d start with brunch and mimosas at Cactus Jack’s Saloon, right next to the creek. Nothing beats that relaxed, live-music vibe. Afterward, a walk around Evergreen Lake to take in the beauty and get grounded in the pace of mountain life. We’d end the day with wine and a charcuterie board on the patio at Creekside Cellars.

Day 2: Shop Local & Snack Often
We’d wander downtown Evergreen—popping into local gems like The Evergreen Gallery, Sweet Hayden Boutique, and Boone Mountain Sports. Coffee and something sweet at Java Groove Café would keep us going. Dinner? Bistro Del Lago—cozy, flavorful, and full of charm.

Day 3: Hike & Cheers
We’d start the day hiking Three Sisters for those iconic views, then refuel at Lariat Lodge Brewing with lunch and local brews. That evening, we’d catch some live music—there’s always something happening in town, especially in the summer.

Day 4: Road Trip to Morrison
We’d head down to Lair o’ the Bear for a relaxing walk and dip our toes in the creek—a true Colorado moment. Then off to Morrison for lunch or dinner at Tony Rigatoni’s, where we’d fill up on pasta and people-watching. If there’s a show at Red Rocks, that’s where we’d end the night.

Day 5: Art & Wine Kind of Day
We’d stop by Center for the Arts Evergreen, then settle in for a long, late lunch at Evermore Wine Café. Their outdoor patio is perfect for bites, bubbles, and catching up under the trees.

Day 6: Hidden Gems & Mountain Charm
We’d check out a local market or community event and keep the day flexible—Evergreen is full of fun surprises. For dinner, we’d head to Willow Creek overlooking the lake for an unforgettable meal to match the views.

Day 7: Sunday Funday Send-Off
One last slow morning with brunch at The Wildflower Café, followed by a paddle on Evergreen Lake or lounging under the pines. We’d end the trip with live music at a local venue—because around here, Sundays were made for that kind of magic.

What makes Evergreen so special isn’t just the views—it’s the people, the rhythm of the seasons, and the way everyone shows up for each other. It’s a place that feels like home, even if you’re only here for a week.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Eric Martinez, Owner of Java Groove Cafe in Evergreen, Colorado.

Website: https://evergreenandbeyond.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desiree.root.506649

Image Credits
These are all my photos