Here’s my list of a dozen enjoyable, relaxing, and fun things to do in the Mile High City: 

1. Visit the Denver Art Museum (south end of the Civic Center on 14th Avenue Parkway).  Its facade of glass tiles makes the building itself a work of art (in photo above).
2. Visit Colorado’s State Capitol building (between East 14th and East Colfax).  Go up the steps at the west entrance, and stand on the 13th step.  You’ll be one mile above sea level – enjoying the Mile High City.
3. Visit Larimer Square (1400 Larimer Street) to see Civil War-era buildings revitalized into a historical downtown shopping area, restaurant district, and entertainment center.
4. Make a mint, or at least watch the process of coins being made, at the U.S Mint (320 West Colfax).
5. Take a stroll through the Museum of Outdoor Arts in the Englewood Civic Center.  Over 100 pieces of art are on display throughout the Civic Center and the Greenwood Plaza Business Park.  Maps can be picked up at the museum’s indoor gallery on floor two of the Civic Center (1000 Englewood Parkway, Suite 2-230).
6. Go to back to college with a visit to one of several campuses, including the University of Denver (2199 South University Boulevard) and a branch of the University of Colorado Denver (downtown at Speer Boulevard and Auraria Parkway).
7. Commune with nature at the Denver Botanic Gardens (1005 York Street), as you discover and appreciate the flora of the Rocky Mountain State.
8. Relax in City Park in photo right), enjoying Duck Lake as well as the gardens, fountains and monuments in the park (between 17th and 23rd Avenue and York Street and Colorado Boulevard).
9. Kid around with mountain goats and other creatures at the Denver Zoo (2300 Steele Street, located in City Park.
10. Celebrate the American spirit with a visit to the home of the political activist, the“Unsinkable” Molly Brown, now the Molly Brown House Museum (1340 Pennsylvania Street).  This item is my only nod to the politics of the week.
11. (Visit some real sharks at the Downtown Aquarium (700 Water Street in Qwest Park).
12. Pretend you are in Venice, with a gondola-style boat ride on the South Platte River.  Boats leave from Larimer Street, between 14th Street and Speer Boulevard.

Please add you favorite Denver escape to the list! 

Photo credit:  Denver Art Museum; City Park

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Post from: The Denver Traveler

Soundwalk is an art installation by Jim Green and was set into the northwest sidewalk of Curtis Street in 1992. If you can plan a walk down this block every day you are in town, we highly suggest it- for the sounds change and you never know what you might get to experience. When I first indulged in the pleasure of Soundwalk I was delighted to hear elephants roar and Tap Dogs tapping! When I took Alicia to Soundwalk we heard a train speed under us in succession as we passed over the grates.

The six grates produce 40 to 100 different sounds an hour from a tape recorder in a nearby building. Though I like to believe it is magic! Whether you like the wizardry of sound unveiled or prefer to remain whimsical like me- Soundwalk is a Must Hear! If you get a chance to take this walk and are intrigued by the innovative work of Denver Artist Jim Green, take a side trip to the DAM, Denver Art Museum, to witness Mr. Green’s Singing Sinks or head over to the Convention Center for his Laughing Escalator.

[Photos - SXC 1 2]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

The Cow Parade was in Denver the very first time I visited this awesome city. This particular cow was shot by Flickr user GISuser.

I saw a cow painted in Broncos colors, and another one in the park! After the cows were “rounded up”, they were all auctioned off for charity. I’m pretty lucky, because I also saw the Cow Parade when it came through Las Vegas, where I’m from.

[photo - Flickr]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Serious work began on the Cathedral in 1890 and continued until 1911, when the twin spires were capped. It was dedicated in 1921 as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and consecrated in 1921 before it was elevated to a minor basilica in 1979. A basilica is a large, important church which has been the object of special ceremonies by the Pope. In 1993, Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass at the Cathedral as part of the World Youth Day celebration which was held in Denver that year. The twin spires outside are 220 ft. tall, and have been hit by lightning twice! Once in 1912, which struck the west spire, and then again in 1993. The east spire was struck the second time lighting hit. Each time costly repairs had to be done to the Cathedral before it was re-dedicated months later in 1913 and 1998, respectively.

The Basilica is the Mother Church of the Catholic faith here in Colorado, and is a beautiful building built from limestone imported from Indiana and granite mined in Gunnison, Colorado. People of all faiths are known to seek out the Cathedral for it’s beauty, especially the stained glass that explodes with color in the sunlight. There are seventy five of them in all, made in Munich, Germany by F.X. Zetter’s Royal Bavarian Institute. They really must be seen to be believed, as the pictures do not do them justice. They depict various Biblical scenes such as the Wedding Feast at Cana, and The Last Supper, as well as portraits of apostles, the Virgin Mary, and other notable figures.

Not only is the Cathedral beautiful to see, but the staff and ministry are dedicated to helping out the surrounding neighborhood and Denver in general. The Archdiocese of Denver has set up a fund to help people in Northern Colorado who were affected by tornadoes earlier this month, and they provide over 50,000 lunches to those in need every year as well as donating food, clothing and money to those in need. The Cathedral also hosts a Catholic school for children from Kindergarten to High School. They perform marriages, baptisms (adult and infant) and funerals, of course, as well as offering classes to those who would like to become part of the Catholic faith.

Even if you are not of the Catholic faith, you should make a point to see this historic building in downtown Denver. People of all faiths are welcome to come inside and share in the beauty of the stained glass and the remarkable architecture. Sit in the pews and listen to the ethereal music of the choir (and the impressive pipe organ!) while you take in this man made wonder.

Located at 1530 Logan Street, in Denver, just a few blocks from the Capitol Building. Mass times are Saturday 4:30 p.m., Sunday at 6:30 a.m., 8:30 a.m. , 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m., with Daily Masses Monday thru Friday at 7:00 a.m., 12:10 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:00 a.m. & 12:10 p.m. You can contact the Cathedral directly at 303-831-7010 or email them at info@denvercathedral.org

Post from: The Denver Traveler

This isn’t such a bad thing- Denver International Airport has a lot to offer.

Public art was commissioned for the terminal and concourses. A fountain greets you as you embark off the escalator from the airport train and into the Main, Jeppesen, Terminal. There are many recognizable chain restaurants, a deli or two, coffee shops and even a few unique cantina’s to give you some local flavor. If you are in the mood for shopping, DIA will not let you down: Book Stores, Clothing Stores, Luggage Stores, Souvenir Shops, Newsstands, Duty Free Shops, The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and so many more.

Denver International Airport has banks, a post office, plenty of ATM’s and just about anything else you may need. Take a walk outside and look up at the airport itself, it is quite the sight! Wander through each terminal and concourse, why even while waiting in the screening line- look to your left or right and there is an aviation display that is museum worthy. The airport itself is built on a Native American burial ground. To honor that heritage, is a permanent display down Concourse A- it is walk-able and worth it. Listen close, and you can hear the sounds of our land ancestors.

If all of this exploring leaves you a little sore- A Massage Inc. is ready and waiting in the Main Terminal and down the B Concourse. A Massage is a full fledged massage spa right in the airport! No appointment necessary, only walk-ins are welcomed. One can indulge in a chair or table massage, no matter your time crunch or ailment.

If your layover is long enough to venture into the city proper- Go to level 5 and catch the Skyride. This RTD bus will take you all the way into the city (be prepared for at least a forty minute drive) and drops you off at Market Street Station. From there you can walk all around downtown or catch the free 16th Street Shuttle to travel from one end of town to the other. The return bus stop for the Skyride is at the exact same spot as the drop off. Easy as pie. Remember to pad your return trip in case there is traffic, which is inevitably the case on I-70, the highway the bus takes to and from the airport.

Denver, not such a bad place to touch down after all!

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Though it had an admirable start to mimic- it is very unique in its own right and complete with a rich individual history. It was built in the 1890’s out of Colorado white granite. The doors are embedded with copper and glass and at each entry way is a light post from the 19th century. There are stone statues that surround the Capitol depicting early life in Colorado. A brass plaque can be found on an entry way stair that depicts the exact spot where Denver is 5,280 feet above sea level- making it the Mile High City.

Step into the cool of the building and you will find painted murals that share history and vision. Gold gilded picture frames hold portraits of every President while stained glass windows provide homage to some of Colorado’s famous sons and daughters.

If you visit while Congress is in session you can watch the legislative process up close and personal! Even if the politicos have the day off- wander into the galleries and you can see what they keep on their desks and imagine them there pressing their voting buttons after a heated debate, then click here for the inside scoop on Colorado’s politics of the day.

Climb up and up and up through the sideways staircases to the spiral ones and into the dome. The Dome was plated with 24 karat gold in 1908 to commemorate Colorado’s gold rush. Over the years under our hot sun some of that gold has melted off and one ingenious janitor used to collect the hot gold in cups and cash it in! He owned up to it, but no longer works at the Capitol building.

The Capitol Building is conveniently located at 200 East Colfax Avenue and may be reached via the phone by dialing 303-866-2604. The number 15 and number 0 buses stop right in front of the Capitol. Already Downtown?- Hop onto the 16th Street Mall Shuttle and take it to the Civic Center stop, cross the street and you are there!

The Colorado State Capitol Building is open to the public Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 5:30pm.
Looking for a tour- enter through either door and make your way to the center of the lobby, a desk is right there for you to sign up.

In the mean time why not take a virtual tour provided by The State Archives of Colorado!

Post from: The Denver Traveler

All around town- performances are being hosted to honor this convention. Venues are varied and eclectic, but have in their hearts- the arts in mind. Check out the following venues for shows during the convention dates: The Mercury Café, Kim Robards Dance, Newman Center for the Performing Arts, The Arvada Center, Central City Opera, Opera Colorado, Theatre Off Broadway, The Curious Theatre Company, Denver Center Attractions, Denver Center Theatre Company, Creede Repertory Theatre, Su Teatro and many many more!

So many exciting things to view and discuss with The Indigo Girls at Chatagua summing it all up on June 15th!

Want to be a part of it all? It’s not too late, register on-line now.

NPAC 2008 is not to be missed. Don’t believe us- watch the trailer…

Post from: The Denver Traveler

The following is a list of what happened, just over the weekend! Imagine if you spent a whole week here:

The People’s Fair

The Colorado Rockies Played at Coors Field

La Piazza Dell ‘Arte: The Sidewalk Chalk Festival

Lisa Williams from ‘Life With the Dead’ came to town

Empire Lyrics performed Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore

6th Annual Denver Brain Tumor Walk

10th Annual Art Walk in the Greater Estes Valley

‘Catch Me If You Can’ premiered at The Denver Victorian Playhouse

Smash Mouth kicked off the Summer Concert Series at Elitch’s

Arvada Celebrates its Trails Day

The Otone Brass Band had a CD Release Party

Mark your calendars for a trip to Denver soon so you won’t miss a thing!

Post from: The Denver Traveler

This tour will gather in the DPAC atrium near Infinite Energy (large abstract bronze in the open area between Boettcher Concert Hall and the Bonfils Complex) fifteen minutes prior to start time.

Colorado Convention Center located at 14th and California
Tour dates/times:
• Saturday, June 14, 11:00 AM
• Saturday, July 19, 11:00 AM (tour will extend to the grounds of the Denver Performing Arts Complex)
• Saturday, September 13, 11:00 AM
• Saturday, October 11, 11:00 AM
• Saturday, November 15, 11:00 AM

Tour will include:
• Interior (works by Erick C. Johnson, Jim Green, John McEnroe, Kirk Johnson & Jan Vriesen, William Matthews, Trine Bumiller)
• Exterior (works by Lawrence Argent, Jonathan Bonner, Barbara Jo Revelle, Bernar Venet)

This tour will gather in front of I See What You Mean (a.k.a. the Big Blue Bear) fifteen minutes prior to start time.

To sign up for a FREE tour: e-mail Rudi Cerri at rudi.cerri@denvergov.org
Or you may call 720-865-4307.

With so many dates, there is no reason to not put this one of a kind opportunity on your trip’s agenda.

Post from: The Denver Traveler

The Democratic National Convention is being hosted by Denver this year and we, at The Denver Traveler, have heard of a great opportunity for the residents of the New West to get involved. America: Live and in Person is a historical presentation that will be given exhibition and performance at the convention this August 25th through the 28th.

The About Denver 2008 Host Committee would like you to know that-

“Your personal story is an important part of the great American story. Every single person in our country is affected by democracy in a different way. Whether you were born in the heartland, or moved to the U.S. from somewhere far away, we want to know what America means to you (Democrat, Republican, or Independent-everyone).”

So, tell them your story! Be it through the written word: personal stories, drama, poetry, spoken word, historical commentary or through visual arts, as well as community projects, technology or performance. Only you can tell it best.
Get busy preparing, for the submission deadline is June 15th.

[photo-SXC]

Post from: The Denver Traveler