The Denver Broncos as shot by Flickr user Jeffery Beall. They lost this game to the San Diego Chargers.

[photo-Flickr]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

I am a Colorado Native. I was born in Denver. I am a red head with fair skin. I share this information with you so that you will understand the severity of our suggestion for this week’s Traveler’s Tip…

Wear White!

I love the feel of the sun, yet learned early on that I lived too close to it, to abandon attention to my attire. I suffered blisters on my shoulders from running around the little league fields of my early childhood before my New England mom discovered the benefits of the white t-shirt for her burned to a crisp little girl. Since then, when the sun is in the sky- which is over 300 days a year in Colorado – I wear some sort of a white cover.

This is especially important in the water. So, if you are planning on cooling off in an outdoor pool or at a water park while visiting or surviving the summer in Denver please wear your sunscreen and if you are still feeling a burn- put on a white shirt. Do not worry about it not looking hip or fashionable, you will thank us when you can wear your tube top or a-line shirt at night without being red, shiny, burnt and/or blistered.

[photo-SXC]

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

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

While there are so many 4th of July celebrations happening all over the Mile High City, we- at The Denver Traveler have narrowed the search for you down to two of the best!

#1: City Park

Start your celebration a day early at the only park worthy of being named after Denver itself, City Park! Pack a picnic dinner and find a great comfortable spot to basque for the evening. The Colorado Symphony will be performing under the vast Colorado sky as fireworks explode above the tree lined park.

At 7:00pm Michael Butterman will conduct the Symphony through The Independence Day Celebration concert with such American classics as The National Anthem, Battle Hymn of The Republic, America the Beautiful, 1812 Overture, International Dixieland Jamboree and so many more!

Fresh Air, a Free Concert & Fireworks- what better way to kick off your all American holiday in true Denver style!

Thursday July 3rd 7:00pm
City Park: A rectangle framed by York Street, 17th Ave., Colorado Blvd., and 23rd Ave.

#2: Denver Outlaws

If you like a little more action with your fresh air and fire works- head on over to Invesco Field at Mile High to watch the Denver Outlaws take on the San Francisco Dragons. After the excitement that a good Lacrosse Game promises, a full fireworks display will be set off to further delight your independent spirit!

Channel 93.3, KTCL on your fm dial, is sponsoring this Fourth of July game with unbelievable offers. If you are an Area 93.3 member you may have already won free tickets! Go to their website to find out how! In addition to the Freeloader special, the first 93 Area 93.3 members who show their card at the game get a free pair of tickets! The give away starts at 6:00pm at Invesco Field at Mile High with the game starting at 7:00pm and the close proximity 10,000 rounds of fireworks will commence at the conclusion of the game.

If you do have to pay- it is only $15 a ticket.

Friday July 4th 6:00pm
Invesco Field : 1177 Race Street Denver, CO 80201

[photos - SXC - Photo 1, Photo 2]

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

Denver is a town that is serious about ecological standards and biking! Many residents bike to work on a regular basis in Denver, especially throughout the summer months. There are many bike lots and even some that are like lockers that you can fit your entire bike inside. Bikes are allowed on the Light Rails and every RTD bus has a bike rack on the front. Denver has many bike trails, though in reality- every pathway is a bike trail for Denverites.

So it is no wonder that over 20,000 people participated in Bike to Work Day. The Denver Regional Council of Governments offered prizes such as: gift certificates, concert tickets, and memberships to athletic clubs for those who kept their cars parked and spun their bicycle wheels instead. There were also breakfast stations posted all around the city, and many employers allowed a tardy variance to allow their workers to participate.

The benefits of biking versus driving are immense! The soaring cost of fuel prices alone has been moving folks to the pedal instead of the metal. This, in turn, lets off less exhaust, and therefore not contributing to the brown cloud that plagues our Valley here in Denver. Biking builds up your health and stamina. And one of the best reasons Denver has adapted so well to biking is that so many great things are here to be seen- off the beaten path where cars can’t go.

When visiting Denver- be aware that Bikes rule out over cars- often yielding in all traffic regulations to the side of the biker. Consider renting a bike or bringing yours along- a great way to experience Denver just like the natives!

Post from: The Denver Traveler

The Denver Broncos are having their annual Broncos Fan Fair this weekend, June 7th and 8th. If you’ve never attended a Fan Fair and you’re a die hard Blue and Orange fan, you don’t know what you’re missing!!

Head on out to Invesco Field at Mile High and meet the current players, coaches and staff, as well as notable alumni and the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders! (Yes kids, Miles the Bronco Mascot will be there too!)

There will be four autograph stations and two photo opportunity areas for fans to connect with their favorite players (or get to know someone new!), as well as a special Kids Zone on the field itself with a special KIDS ONLY autograph area!

Tickets are available online or at the stadium box office. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Denver Broncos Charities. Event times are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. A limited number of “family five packs” with tickets for five people to enjoy the entire weekend cost just $50. Individual weekend passes cost $25 for adults and $15 for children ages two to 12, while children under two get in free.

Post from: The Denver Traveler

The answer is- All Summer Long!

Have you got children that are more like tad poles, mermaids, otters or dolphins?
What we are really trying to ask is- do your kids love to swim?

Don’t worry about getting a hotel with a pool for your stay in Denver this summer; our Mayor, Mr. Hickenlooper, has decreed that the city of Denver waive all the admission fees for children to the 29 Recreation Centers throughout the Denver Parks and Recreation Department. Thirteen facilities have indoor pools and eleven facilities have outdoor pools.

No matter where you are staying in Denver, a Recreation Center is within your reach. All of them are on bus routes, or you could rent a bike, you may even be able to walk- they are that accessible.

The Pools are open from June 2nd through August 16th.

[photo - SXC]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

All of these Wows take place this Saturday May 17th!

6:30am- Road to Victory Bicycle Classic Ride for Parkinson’s

8:00am- Cherry Creek Fresh Market Opens!

11:00am Palestinian Celebration & Remembrance at the Capitol Building.

Noon- Baby Loves Disco at The Oriental Theater

1:00pm- Weekly Peace Vigil at University Boulevard and East First Avenue.

1:30pm- “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” at Heritage Square Music Hall

4:00pm- CHASSA Boys State Lacrosse Championship at Invesco Field

7:30pm- Almost Denver- The Songs & Failures of Jim Aurora at The Avenue Theater

7:30pm- Colorado Symphony plays Carmina Burana at Boettcher Concert Hall

9:00pm- Tapes n’ Tapes at The Bluebird Theatre.

Midnight- The Big Lebowski on the Big Screen at The Esquire!

Hope you had a Great (Satur)Day!

[photo-SXC]

Post from: The Denver Traveler