About ten minutes east of downtown Denver are 23 acres of gardens and plants that will make you feel like your much further away from the concrete of the city.  The Denver Botanic Gardens (1005 York Street, Denver) contain 45 gardens and over 32,000 plants.  (I discovered the York Street gardens while on a shopping expedition; they are very near the Cherry Creek Mall.)

The gardens represent a wide range of gardening styles and plant collections, covering diverse parts of the world.  It’s an interesting blend or culture with flora and fauna.  And, because this is the mile high city, there’s some focus on high altitude climate and how that can impact a garden.

While it’s hard to believe that a botanical garden can be even “greener," Denver seems to have done it with the city’s first green roof.  It’s a real-life example of how green roofs can be used for individual building owners, and for larger communities, in creating an eco-friendly urban environment.  Green roofs provide habitat for a variety of creatures, and help reduce pollution and decrease noise.  They’re economically friendly too, as green roofs help reduce heating and cooling costs as well as help extend the life of the roof.

The Denver Botanic Gardens are open year round.  Summer hours are Saturday – Tuesday, 9 am – 8 pm; Wednesday – Friday, 9 am – 5 pm.  The rest of the year the gardens are open 9 am – 5 pm daily.

Admission is $10.50 for adults; $7.50 for seniors (65+) and military; $6 for youth (4-15) and students; and FREE for children 3 and under.

There are also three satellite locations, each offering a distinct experience:

• Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield
• Mount Goliath
• Centennial Gardens

While it’s tempting to think of the gardens as a summer destination, each seasons brings a new experience.  So go back often!  It will be a new experience every time.

Photo credit:  flickr

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Post from: The Denver Traveler

When your time is up, your time is up. And it has come to pass that The Denver Traveler’s time is up. This is the last post for The Denver Traveler and it is with mixed emotions that we post it. Alicia and I have been so glad to have this time with all of you. We hope you found some topics helpful and others interesting. We did our best to bring you the best of Denver and the truth about traveling through, staying for a bit, or settling down in our town.

Denver may not be a major metropolis or a hot vacation spot, but it has us and charms unique and universal. Its standard of living is good, its economic overview is fair, and it is not a bad place to raise your kids. The sun shines over 300 days a year and the snow melts almost as fast as it falls. There are sports and arts and a tremendous amount of outdoor activities, no matter the weather.

Thank you so much for stopping by during your web surfing adventures. It has been our pleasure to hear from you and meet some of our fellow bloggers. If you feel a void in your daily reading without The Denver Traveler- why not stop by Sirened, The Las Vegas Adventurer, The Hawaii Traveler or The Geeky Traveller, and be sure to tell them we sent you.

Alicia and I may be found in cyber land as well at:
TheBlackFrame.com the best stop for great photography!
Anklevine.com a whimsical spot with a little bit of everything!

Don’t be strangers, there is plenty of room for everyone in The Mile High City and on The World Wide Web.

Thank You & Good Bye,
Alicia and Shawn Marie

[photo-Flickr]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Want a place that makes you feel at home? Need a spot where they’d scream your name in greeting if they knew it? Tired of going out late to find no grill open?

Shelby’s is the place for you! Shelby’s Bar and Grill- where the locals have been gathering since 1906. Located at 18th and Glenarm, Shelby’s is the last free standing bar in Denver. The building started as a private home and even did a stint as a mortuary! Now, however, it is an unassuming and delightful treat of an establishment. Dark green booths and wooden tables, a small back room with books lining the walls with publication dates that ring back to the 1880’s. Drink specials and a menu that has something for everyone, whether you are craving bar food or something more substantial. The drinks are the tried and true kind, nothing frue frue or blended, but something that will pack a punch and make you say, “Cheers!” with abandon.

Open Monday through Saturday from 11:00am to 2:00am.
Shelby’s also hosts two separate Happy Hours:
4:00pm to 6:30pm
11:00pm to 1:00am

519 18th Street
Denver, CO 80202
303-295-9597

[photo-SXC]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

As part of the Daniels and Fisher department store, the D & F tower became the tallest structure in Denver. You may have heard or have a memory of May D & F, this is because in 1957 the May Company bought Daniels and Fisher department store and merged their names. The tower remained intact and held the honor of the tallest building in Denver until that same year when it was succeeded by a building at 621 17th Street. In 1971, the remaining building from the original Daniels & Fisher department store was demolished. The tower was saved from the wrecking ball and was turned into lofts and offices.

The D & F Tower is situated comfortably on the 16th Street Mall at the cross street of Arapahoe. It has maintained its old world charm and it is most definitely a highlight in the skyline of Denver. There are four clocks atop the tower, one on each side, and a nostalgic steeple points to the clouds.

Many businesses have taken up residence in the tower over the years. Currently the most exciting new tenant is in the basement: Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret! Established by local Denver celebrity, Lannie Garret, The Clocktower Cabaret adds swing and pizzazz to an evening any night of the week.

Day or Night- The Daniels and Fisher Tower is a sight to be seen!

[photo-Flickr]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Red Rocks reputation is solid in its splendor and lore. U2 recorded Under a Blood Red Sky Red Rocks. The Dave Matthews Band recorded Live at Red Rocks there as well. Red Rocks is also the first concert venue that The Beatles did not sell out! In my youth I saw Depeche Mode and Howard Jones at Red Rocks. In my sappy early thirties, I spent a night on the Rocks with my great friend Janelle and the late Dan Fogelberg who was one of the 10 initial inductees into the Red Rocks Hall of Fame.

Colorado translates to the color red and there is no misunderstanding of our state’s name when you see Red Rocks. Plan a picnic, wear a hat and walk through the park- it is beautiful. If there is no concert scheduled you can walk through the amphitheatre as well! Be careful and bring lots of water as you will be in the foothills which means thinner air and higher altitude. Climbing the stairs from the bottom of the concert venue to the top is a feat for the healthiest among us, so take your time and take lots of breaks to see every inch along the way. If you get a chance to see a concert or a film at Red Rocks, you will regret it if you pass up the opportunity. It is an experience that memories aspire to be.

This past weekend, 28 of Red Rocks original redwood benches were auctioned off to the highest, and no doubt sentimental, bidders. The Benches have been in the natural amphitheatre since it was constructed and the weather has finally gotten to them. Now 28 bidders claim them as their own slice of history. How nice to lay down upon one of these benches whenever you want. I would close my eyes and press my ear into the wood and relive concert after concert.

It is no wonder that Red Rocks was originally known as The Garden of Angels. It is a magical place that could possibly move an atheist to pray. Get yourself up there and breathe in the majestic site of Red Rocks.

[Photos- SXC 1 2]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Denver’s Union Station hearkens back to the days of old with a futuristic appeal. The tall wooden benches are surprisingly comfortable and cool. The vast tall ceiling leaves lots of room to imagine where you might want a train to take you. The old tiled destination markers click and spin as one may see in a reminiscent movie.

Walk down the cool corridors and let them take you back. Breathe in and you can feel the hectic passage ways fill up around you in memory of Victorian Bustles and Overalls, all clamoring to get into the promise of the city. Take a break on the darker benches of the hallways and let the years and the history sink in. Gaze at the photos that line the walls, look into the eyes of the pioneering travelers, pick one that mirrors your spirit and introduce yourself.

Head on back to the counters and pick a destination. From Denver’s Union Station you can go to practically any point on the map after first boarding the California Zephyr Route. Treat yourself and travel in the luxurious atmosphere of a train, where you can see the land unfold before your eyes and get up to walk around at anytime. No need to worry about the seat back in front of you ending up in your lap!

Daytrips up into the mountains are a fantastic idea as well. Hop a train up to Winter Park in the summer to hike or to take a hay ride. In the winter, ride the Ski Train to the slopes. In any season it is the perfect solution to beating traffic and giving yourself a break.

Making Union Station a destination on its own is highly recommended. Step through where the Mizpah Arch used to be, look up at the sign, browse through the main station and down the dark hallways. Lift yourself up onto the platforms and gaze down the tracks. Listen for the trains and watch them come and go. The trains and the tracks are strong enough for whatever you may dream and Union Station will hold the memory for a lifetime.

Union Station is on what feels like the bottom of downtown, yet it is actually on the northern end. 1701 Wynkoop Street at 17th Avenue. Union Station is open from 5am to 10pm seven days a week. The ticket counter and baggage check are open from 6am to 10pm seven days a week. The 16th Street Shuttle stops at Market Street Station- only two blocks away.

[photo-SXC]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Ironically, Margaret Tobin was from Missouri and did not ever go by the name Molly in her lifetime. She did come west with her brother to be near her sister in Leadville, Colorado amid the gold rush frenzy. She worked, learned to read & write and met Johnny ‘J. J.’ Brown. Johnny was a mining engineer and a mountain man through and through. The two wed, had two children, Johnny helped find the gold in the Little Johnny Mine, and The Brown’s moved to Denver and into The Lion’s House.

That Victorian House still stands exactly where it was built on the posh Pennsylvania Avenue of their time and it is this Monday’s Must See! What better than a slice of history to round out your visit to Denver, and for those of you who live here- why not revisit an authentic piece of our legacy. Tell the cab driver or chauffer to let you off at 1340 Pennsylvania Avenue, or take the #15 bus to Pennsylvania and walk down two blocks until you see the lions on the banisters welcoming you.

The Molly Brown House Museum has been preserved to give the actual feel of visiting the Brown’s for Dinner anytime during open hours, which change seasonally. Regardless of the hours the last tour is at 3:30pm. The Museum also hosts occasion high teas and lectures. Admission to the House is $4.00 to $7.00 and tea packages start at $15.00 per person.

Now, please be advised, if you are thinking of Molly Brown’s House as it was gloriously portrayed in The MGM musical, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, the view you will see in reality is not quite as technocoloricious. The House was grand in its day, as all the neighboring houses would have been. However, over the years the neighborhood has changed many times and at present it has eclectic Houses and Apartment Buildings and even Office Buildings surrounding Molly Brown’s House. In the same sense of honesty, we shall reveal that as people have grown bigger- so has our taste in what we call luxurious and grand. However, none of this makes a trip to Molly Brown’s House any less enjoyable- simply take it all in through the eyes of an aspiring socialite of the 1800’s.

If you are coming to Denver for DNC 2008- The Molly Brown House Museum is offering a free lecture about the 1908 Convention on August 13th. Or, if that seems too far away- why not head over for Brunch on July 19th to celebrate Molly’s Birthday! Please note that NO PHOTOGRAPHS are allowed inside the house, so bring your best photographic memory! Outside pictures are allowed, of course.

As the house is located in the middle of the hectic and popular Capitol Hill Neighborhood of today, parking might be an issue. Beyond that- nothing should stand in your way of enjoying this little treasure Denver has preserved in honor of one of its most famous and notorious chosen citizens. See for yourself how and where this self educated activist, suffragist, relief worker, mother, wife, daughter, reporter and philanthropist lived. Don’t forget to raise your pinky from your teacup, curtsy or tip your hat to Our Gal Molly and the house of her dreams.

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Street Name Pronunciations

If you take our advice to ride along the 16th Street Shuttle- you may notice that one of the stops is Tremont Street. Now, I am certain that The Boston Traveler and Boston residents alike will say- “Oh we have a Tremont Street!” And indeed they do, a Treh-munt Street, whereas we here in Denver have a Tree Mont Street. There is no rhyme or reason, it is just the way we westerners say it here.

If you are out and about and you see Galapago Street- you may feel smart and reminiscent of The Galapagos Islands and want to say the street name out loud just they way you have always heard it said, GahLahPahgo! Try not to say it too loud in front of a resident for we know that street here as GaLaPAYgo as it is a Street named after an influential resident who had that name and that pronunciation.

There is no doubt that you may happen onto a somewhat busy Street named Zuni. Images of Native Americans may flood your consciousness and make you feel confident to speak the name out loud as Zunee after the famous tribe. And you would be right, everywhere else but here. In Denver it is known as Zoo-NI with a long I.

Have no fear, we are a friendly lot and will not only help with directions but also may not even point out that you have pronounced the name of any street wrong. Or if we do offer its colloquialism correction it will be with a smile and in a kind and helpful way. Don’t worry- most of the streets may be pronounced just as they should be: Sherman, Curtis, California, Broadway, Blake, Wazee. Yet, we wouldn’t be a little wild west town if we didn’t through a few lassos, I mean loop holes at ya!

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Henry Cordes Brown, who was originally from Ohio, brought his family to Denver and homesteaded on the 160 acres that is now known as Capitol Hill. Over the years he built up the neighborhood into one of the most swank in Denver at the time. Unfortunately he lost his fortune in economic crisis of 1877 and was forced to sell his estate. not one to be kept down long, he was back in the flush by 1880. Several years later when he was refused entrance into Denver’s fanciest Hotel, The Windsor, because he was wearing his cowboy clothes he set out to make a Hotel just right for his kind.

In 1892 The Brown Palace opened its doors for the first time- and in no time at all surpassed any grandeur that preceded it. Built in the Italian Renaissance out of Colorado Red Granite and boasting 26 hand carved medallions of Rocky Mountain animals, the lobby inside is adorned with imported Onyx and Marble and was the first atrium lobby in a Hotel surrounded by balconies up to eight floors! The Hotel was soon known as the best in town and settled in for that reputation to remain alive for over century. Located on the unique corner of 17th and Broadway, The Brown Palace has a triangular shape that accommodates the odd converging of those streets. In its early days the food was provided by its own farm, water was from its own artesian well, generated its own electricity and had its own incineration facility. The furnishings were the finest money could buy inside the rooms and throughout the entire hotel.

Legend has it that tunnels ran under the Brown Palace and under the streets to The Navarre Building where there was a Gambling House and a Brothel. The tunnels supposedly hid the statesmen and famous guests from being exposed while using the amenities across the street. Also, on May 24, 1911 one of Denver’s most notorious murders took place in The Brown Palace- the tragic outcome of a love triangle.

There have been many reports of ghost sightings. The Hotel itself offers a haunted tour! If you fancy yourself a ghost hunter make a reservation for room 904. Once inside unplug the phone and bring some friends in to tell them the story of a socialite who lived in room 904 from 1940 to 1955 and suffered a love loss so severe she never recovered. Then go downstairs and ask the front desk if there have been any calls from room 904. Yes, this has been known to happen- so frequently that the story has been removed from being mentioned on the haunted tour. There is a great recap of this tour over at a neighbor blog of ours, LiveDowntownDenver.

And be sure to check out The Brown Palace when you are next in downtown Denver. It started as a place for one man to feel at home and has become one of our Must Sees!

Post from: The Denver Traveler

The Colorado Renaissance Festival has opened for the season! Featuring artisans showcasing their hand made crafts (everything from swords and knives to clothing and jewelry) and plenty of great food, the Renaissance Festival is open every weekend from June 14th to August 3rd! Located just 30 minutes from Denver in Larkspur, Colorado, it’s a short day trip that is sure to be full of fun for the entire family! Check out their suggestions for a more “scenic route” from Denver if you’d like to avoid the sometimes heavy traffic on I-25. Colorado is beautiful, and if you have an adventurous spirit, the detour will be right up your alley. I know I love taking back roads and little used highways to get somewhere because sometimes you see the most interesting things off the beaten path.

The Festival features Theme Weekends, including an Ale Festival, Celtic Fling, Children’s Festival, and Wine Revelry. Each weekend the fair is open will feature a different Theme, so if you’re into something particular you might want to plan your trip down to Larkspur accordingly. The crafts and food offered won’t change, however, so if you’re just going for the atmosphere and to see a little jousting, have no fear, you can go any weekend you choose! The last weekend, August 2nd and 3rd, is a birthday party for King Henry (his 517th!) which is sure to be a rollicking good time for all attending.

Tickets are available online, or at the gate, or at King Sooper’s locations, and you can get discount coupons at local Wendy’s restaurants. Until July 11th, tickets are sold at a discount, so get them early, even if you don’t plan on going until later in the month!! If you’re thinking of tying the knot as a Knight and Lady, well, they can accommodate that too! There is plenty of Entertainment for the whole family, including roaming jesters and musicians as well as featured performers including a tribal circus, ventriloquists, and “washing wenches”. A map of the festival is available here (Adobe Acrobat required), and at the entrance gates to help you get around the festival proper.

Don’t let the Festival pass you by! Head on down to Larkspur and jump into the past! It’s a weekend you won’t soon forget!

[All Photos - SXC - Fairy, Jousting]

Post from: The Denver Traveler