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

Have no fear, if you are visiting Denver from the east, or have always longed to see the Cyclone up close and personal- we have one here.

Lakeside Amusement Park is the proud home of The Cyclone roller coaster- built in the honor of the original in New York. It is tall, intimidating, and- true to form- wooden. There are people who travel the world over to ride on wooden roller coasters and in all of these groups Lakeside’s Cyclone is on the list. I have ridden both of these roller coasters and they are indeed worth the thrill. Lakeside’s Cyclone was an experience from my youth and I remember being quite taken a back by its rickety-ness and very obvious weathered wood. It was just a few years ago that I rode Coney Island’s Cyclone and I was so scared I couldn’t scream.

Go for it thrill seekers, why not let the western version of the Cyclone take you away.

Lakeside Amusement Park is located at 4601 Sheridan Boulevard , just off of I-70 and Sheridan. You can’t miss it! They can be reached by telephone at 303-477-1621, and are open every weekday at 6pm, with all major rides operating by 7 and by noon on weekends. The Kiddie Playland opens at 1 pm every day, so bring the little ones along! It’s just 2.50 per person to get inside!

[Photos- SXC 1 2 ]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Mark your calendars for the next three Thursdays and head on over to Denver Pavilions. The Hot Sounds Concert Series is presented to benefit LoDoNa and Urban Peak.

July 24th-
5pm Terry Black Band
7pm Dotsero

July 31st-
5pm Message in a Bottle
7pm Under a Blood Red Sky

August 7th-
5pm Homeslice
7pm Opie Gone Bad

Denver Pavilions is located at 500 16th Street – Between Welton Street and Glenarm Place

[photo - SXC]

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

Right on the edge of town, where Speer Blvd crosses Colfax Avenue is a diner befittingly named, The Denver Diner. It sits across the street from the downtown Fire Station and above Cherry Creek which runs just below street level along Speer Blvd. A good sized neon sign alerts you to its presence and the four sided wall to wall windows allow you to see the heartbeat of action inside.

The Denver Diner is open 24 hours a day, this fact alone makes it quite a commodity in the Mile High City. There are old school vinyl booths and steel topped tables – all with a view to the street outside so you can watch the city wander by. The coffee is always ready and there is pie for dessert- even if the only meal you had planned was dessert.

As Diners go, the menu is pretty good and varied enough to offer something for everyone. Whether you are in need of a traditional breakfast, a quick business lunch, a fun dinner before you head home or an after show munchies attack- the menu will not let you down. Alicia and I went the other night and she had the catfish which came with jalapeno hush puppies. I could have made a meal of those hush puppies alone. When you are in the mood for a diner, to feel a slice of home or to prolong a great day, the Denver Diner will not let you down. The service is excellent, with friendly and attentive staff to help you find exactly what it is you are looking for. Try the Rocky Mountain Trout, or the delicious array of pies, or the Lemon Herbed chicken. I can’t vouch for fish or the chicken as a vegetarian, but Alicia says they are delicious! I can tell you that the green beans are just like Mom used to make at home, and that’s something!

Located on the south east corner of Speer and Colfax with a good sized parking lot and hours you cannot beat- 24/7. The Denver Diner has what you need.

740 West Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
303-825-5443

[All Photos-©2008 Alicia T.]

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

The 16th Street Mall

Spanning the expanse of Downtown, The 16th Street Mall is one of the most convenient and accessible places Denver has to offer. Pick an end of Denver, either Civic Center at Broadway and Colfax, or Market Street Station- the 16th and Market side or hop on one of the FREE 16th Street Mall Shuttles and ride the Mall from start to finish.

The Shuttle Buses run every few minutes and the Shuttle stops are on every block on both sides of the street. They are free, handicap accessible and you can bring your bike on with you. Many residents and tourists utilize the readily available shuttle buses to get to all points in Downtown Denver. This works fantastically as 16th Street is fairly central, so once you get to the block you need it is only a few blocks walk to where you are going!

One can truly use the 16th Street Mall as an epi-center and its Shuttle to navigate all of your Downtown Viewing or Business. Take it to Civic Center and you are across the street from the Capitol, The City and County Building, The Central Library, The Courthouses and the Basilica. Hop off at Arapahoe Street and you are two blocks away from The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, The California stop brings you within two blocks of The Convention Center. The possibilities are endless!

16th Street Mall has something to offer everyone with plenty of shopping, a plethora of restaurants for your every taste and craving, and Civic Parks for relaxing in the shade. There are many hotels either on the mall itself or within walking distance so that you may stay in the heart of the action, and businesses that cater to anything you could think you might need – including barbers, drugstores, knick knack shops and sundries. Don’t miss the Street Vendors, buskers, game tables, the public art installations, and so much more!! And don’t forget – transportation up and down the mall is free with the shuttle, but if you must drive, the parking meters are free on Sundays!

If people watching is your sport of choice- plan a visit around lunch time and the 16th Street Mall will delight your senses even more as the business folk mingle with the teens who are mingling with the performers who will no doubt mingle with you!

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Water World!
Spanning 64 acres of landscaped hills and valleys- all leading to slides and pools and wave machines, Water World is a day trip that will cool you down while heating up your sense of fun.

Located about half an hour north of Downtown Denver in Federal Heights, Colorado, Water World opened its doors 26 years ago and has been gaining force and adding attractions ever since; 42 to date, including the most tube rides than any other water park in America. It features Wally World for the younger kids and Journey to the Center of the Earth for the entire family. Picnic sites on grassy areas and covered pavilions.

Pricing ranges from free (for the tots) up to $33.95 depending on age and height and what time of a day you chose to enjoy the park. There are specials for admission after 2pm and residents of Hyland Hills and Westminster. They accept credit cards and cash. All in all it is worth the price. Parking is vast and free.

Why not give it a splash?!

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