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

If you are visiting our fine town you may not even notice the traffic as you can meander during the off peak times when the roads are clear and manageable. This is a viable solution. Though, here in Denver there is even a better choice for visitors and residents alike.

The Light Rail started its life here in Denver over a decade ago and has been building steam ever since. Its incarnation took some doing, for residents along the planned routes thought it would be too noisy and fought its being built for quite some time. Luckily, other neighborhoods were excited for it to be put in place and the rest is as they say- history.

It not only helps you beat the traffic, it helps the environment and many people’s sanity as well. No more driving, way more reading, or listening to music, or people watching. Even the short walks to and from the stations are beneficial to your health.

The fare ranges from $1.75 to $4.00 depending on how many zones you travel through. Bikes are allowed on board, and many routes let off near some great bike paths. Don’t worry, the Light Rail’s Routes all point to downtown so it is a great option for commuters, not just for the recreational riders.

Catching the Light Rail is simple- there are many stops throughout Downtown. Each stop has a ticket station with easy to follow instructions. Buy a ticket, get on board, and take the Light Rail to Union Station, to The University of Denver, Invesco Field, Littleton, all the way out to County Line Road! DNC 2008 participants- it even goes to The Pepsi Center. With 6 lines to choose from- the destinations are plentiful.

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

Denver is a fantastic town, however- it is also a starting point for many other travel adventures throughout Colorful Colorado. Therefore, we at The Denver Traveler, are launching a new feature entitled: “Detour at Denver” where we will highlight some of the finest destinations a short way away from Denver. For our first installment we present- Estes Park!

A mere hour and a half drive from Denver, right smack dab in the middle of Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest is glorious Estes Park, Colorado. Ignore the television and movie pronunciations of “East-Teas” Park and wow the natives by verbalizing “Eh-stus” Park as you tell folks where you are headed. Chances are you will receive smiles and votes of jealousy, for Estes Park is a bit of a natural wonderland.

A cool climate in the summer, a picturesque setting in the winter, makes Estes Park a destination for any time of the year. The mountain scenery will take your breathe away. The wildlife will make your heart skip a beat for joy and find you gasping in surprise. Bear Lake is luminous and Bear Lake Road, chock full of scenic wonders, are worth the trip alone. Estes Park gives you the opportunity to dazzle your friends and family back home by telling them how you hiked over the Continental Divide and stood a few feet away from a wild elk.

Lodging is affordable, believe it or not, at The Y.M.C.A of the Rockies. A gem in the wilderness that helps provide low cost respites. The Estes Park Center of the Y.M.C.A. of the Rockies can accommodate 3,500 people throughout its lodges and family cabins. There are two conference centers as well- perfect for company retreats and family reunions.

You’ve made it to Denver- keep on going, for a day or longer- on up to Estes Park. Keep your eyes open during the drive as many treasures are to be seen along the way: Nature doing what it does best, Farms and Farmhouses, and even a Cathedral!

All of the sights along the way are quaint, full of character and bond to make great memories all on their own. Estes Park will be the icing on the sightseeing cake!

[All Photos - SXC - Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Just a short drive out of the town of Denver, Central City offers a cool breeze and refreshing view packed with quaint surroundings and rich history. It is a spot not to be missed and should be added to everyone’s travel itinerary. A lovely walk, a reminiscent lunch and some good honest gambling can be had by all. And to top it off- A Night at The Opera!

Central City Opera will be offering the following shows:

The Rape of Lucretia- performances from June 6th to June 20th
This is a special season opener to celebrate the National Performing Arts Convention, NPAC happening in Denver!

Susanah- performances throughout July and August.

West Side Story- one performance in June and then several throughout July and August.

Curlew River / Dido Aeneas- Two One Act Operas presented together on Aug. 6th and 8th.

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Telluride, Colorado is not only a part time home to Oprah, Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes, Christie Brinkley, and Oliver Stone- it is also one of Colorado’s hottest spots to visit, even when it is so very cold!

The weather isn’t something to get in the way of Telluride’s rhythm in the least. When the sun shines you can go rafting, hiking, rock climbing, fly-fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding or take a 4 X 4 tour. When the snow comes you can go skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sleigh riding, and (believe it or not) fly-fishing!

Telluride is also home to one of the nation’s most talked about and influential Film Festivals. The Telluride Film Festival began in the early 70’s and has been going strong ever since. This years festival is August 29th to September 1st. Plan your trip to encompass this weekend and you will have the gorgeous natural surround of Telluride as your playground and the thought provoking independent films hob-knobbing with Hollywood’s elite to dazzle your brain.

Located 6 hours south east of Denver by way of highway 285 to 24 to 50 and ending at 62. The drive is gorgeous for the scenery and the road stops can be breath taking. Telluride has an airport- though it closes frequently due to bad weather and it is very small. The airport in Montrose, which is only an hour and a half away, is bigger and can handle more traffic.

Another T town to consider is Trinidad, Colorado - the third on the list of True West Magazine’s Top Ten Western Towns. Trinidad is known as the jewel of southern Colorado and for many reasons- You can camp, hunt, fish, and skateboard all within the town limits. The architecture of the town offers a preserved view into the past, replete with over 40 historical buildings maintained and operating for you to enjoy.

Trinidad is a quick three hour drive, just under 200 miles, from Denver and a direct shot down I-25; A route that passes by The Garden of The Gods, The Cave of the Winds as well as the towns of Manitou and Colorado Springs. Why, you could make a day of the drive to take in all the sights along the way.

Coincidentally, Trinidad is also the Sex Change Capital of the World. It is fitting- in a place that honors individuality and the spirit of the Wild West, that Transsexuals have found refuge to embrace their gender and face the world as they see themselves.

However you view the world, or yourself, give Trinidad a view- you will not be disappointed!

[photo-SXC]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Brunch at The Botanic Gardens for Mom! There are two times to choose from: 9:30 am and 12:00 noon on Sunday May 11th- Mother’s Day! Brunch space is limited to 400 people per listed times.
We are sharing this information now because of the limited space and also the tickets take a few weeks to arrive in the mail.

Garden admission is free for members- the brunch is an additional cost:
$29.95 per adult
$19.95 per senior over 65 and kids aged 4 to 12. 3 year olds and under are free.

The price is for an all you can eat buffet of salmon mousse, crepes, Belgian waffles and more.
All served on fine china and linen tablecloths. The deadline to make reservations is 5pm May 1st.

There will also be live entertainment in the amphitheater from 10 am to 2 pm.

Non members who pay park admission and members not wishing to indulge in the brunch are welcome to enjoy the garden and even bring a picnic brunch of their own- no alcohol is allowed- but all kinds of foods are welcome.

Post from: The Denver Traveler

The Travel, Cruise and Golf Expo will be at The Colorado Convention Center, in Korbel Hall this Saturday and Sunday- March 15th and 16th from 10am to 6pm. This expo is open to the public and is offering a swelling list of prizes; from a BBQ Grill, shopping sprees, 3 day golf school, and a cruise to Baja or the Bahamas.

The Colorado Convention Center is located in Denver at 700 14th Street. Look for the Big Blue Bear!

[photo - SXC]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Today marks the 162nd birthday of none other than William “Buffalo Bill” Cody. Creator of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show and a wild west legend, Buffalo Bill lived a life of danger and excitement. PBS recently featured him on their American Experience series, airing Monday nights.

What most people may not know is that Buffalo Bill’s final resting place is right here in Colorado, just a few miles outside of Denver, in Golden.

Buffalo Bill’s grave sits atop Lookout Mountain, and has a museum dedicated to him located near by. Even this tranquil place is not without controversy, as there was rumored to be a will where he asked to be buried in Cody, Wyoming, but that some unscrupulous people tricked his wife, Louisa, into having him buried in Colorado:

Despite his request to be buried in Cody, Wyoming, in an early will, it was superseded by a later will which left his burial arrangements up to his wife Louisa. To this day there is controversy as to where Cody should have been buried. According to the writer Larry McMurtry, Harry Tammen and Frederick Gilmer Bonfils of the Denver Post, who had strong-armed Cody into appearing in their Sells-Floto Circus, either “bullied or bamboozled the grieving Louisa” and had Cody buried in Colorado. This is consistent with an account by Gene Fowler, who wrote Cody’s obituary for the Post under direction from Tammen and Bonfils

Shawn Marie and I visited his grave a little over a year ago. We did not get to see much of the museum, as we arrived just before they closed. We did, however, get to see the grave itself, and the spectacular view from the mountaintop. It’s worth the drive, and a great opportunity to introduce your kids to a part of the American West.

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Friday-
Disco Biscuits play at The Fillmore

Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular at The Paramount

African Bazaar at The Chapunga Gallery & Sculpture Park in Loveland

Saturday-
Colorado Symphony Orchestra performs the Music of Leroy Anderson

Animal Rescue in New Orleans Photo Exhibit

Final Cut Pro Workshop with Denver Open Media

Sunday-
Lupe Fiasco hip hops through The Gothic

20 Questions for the Dalai Lama at The Brooks Center Arts

Blossoms of Light at The Botanic Gardens- Last Night

Monday-
50 % Off Sale at ARC Thrift Stores!!!

Madeleine Albright book signing and discussion at Tattered Cover Lodo

Martin Luther King Jr. African American Rodeo at The Coliseum

Post from: The Denver Traveler