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

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

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

There are six United States Mint facilities across this country, each of them devoted to a certain division of minting all of that glorious money. Physical tours are available in only two cities and Denver is one of them!

You have to make a reservation, but the process is simple and absolutely free. Go online or walk up to the Reservations Booth at The Mint itself which is located on the east side of the building on Cherokee Street between 14th Avenue and Colfax Avenue. There is a list of do’s and don’ts- as it is a federal building, but they spell it all out nicely and nothing is unmanageable. Unless, of course, you were just dying to take photos of money being made – cameras are not allowed inside the Mint.

The Denver Mint- located at 320 Colfax Avenue- really takes up a full city block. The outside of the building is stunning in its forbidden nature. The grey building is unassuming with its old world architecture peeking out from the secure rod iron bars that surround it. It is built a level up from the street- using the small flight of stairs one must walk up to enter as another opposing factor. All of this may have worked back when it was built in 1862 to keep people away, but today it sort of adds to its charm.

The Denver Mint is the largest producer coins in the world. This alone is a reason to stop by and say hi to the money before it becomes money. However, there are plenty of other reasons to visit The Mint and some of them have nothing to do with money. The interior of the lobby and walkways are gorgeous. Marble columns and brass plated entryways, an elevator in the middle of a spiral staircase with an old guard post above it (they have a “guard” in there on duty at all times – he’s a mannequin now, but there once was a human being in that small space!). There are displays of coins from the earliest form of trade and all around the world, as well as the old machinery that made these coins. Naturally, you will see the up to date technology used to make the coins of today and the future with all the workers in full view. Much of the original interior is intact from the first days of the Mint, save of course the updates to technology. It really has to be seen to be believed, and unfortunately we cannot show you photos so you’ll have to see it for yourself!Just outside of the Tours Information Booth is the U.S. Mint gift shop, where you can purchase coins that have never been in circulation (in “mint condition”, if you will), sheets of uncut dollar bills, and other items such as books and collectibles. If it has to do with U.S. Currency, the Gift Shop will have it! Even if you don’t buy anything, it is still worth a look around, as they have rare coins on display also.

Come on out to Denver and The Denver Mint to get down and dirty with money- we promise, you won’t have buyer’s remorse.

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

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

You can take self guided tours, sign up for expert tours, embark on an urban adventure which entail self guided tours based on a theme. Get inside information about The Barth Hotel, The Castle Marne Bed and Breakfast, Berkeley Park, 16th Street Mall, Decker Branch Library, Denver Union Station, Elitch Theatre, Malo Mansion, Oxford Hotel, The Spectrum Building, Zang Mansion and so many other fascinating architectural sites that make up our fine city. Click here for a list of participating sites.

Post from: The Denver Traveler

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has a glittering new exhibit! Gold: Wealth, Power, Beauty opened on February 15th and runs until June 8th. It is the largest collection of gold ever to be exhibited, it includes the second largest nugget ever found, various jewelery and coins from around the world, and interactive areas where kids and adults alike can learn more about this precious metal.

From the museum’s website:

More than 600 extraordinary geological specimens and cultural objects in the exhibition trace the path of gold from the depths of Earth to glittering jewelry and artifacts that have captivated civilizations for centuries. Gold also has played a starring role in Colorado’s history. The allure of gold—and the chance to strike it rich—brought thousands of people to Colorado in the late 1800s. The Denver Museum of Nature & Science houses a top-notch collection of crystalline gold, including the famous Tom’s Baby, the largest single mass of crystalline gold ever found in Colorado.

The Museum has developed special enhancements to the GOLD exhibition that showcase gold from its own collections and bring Colorado’s colorful past to life. Visitors will see more than 80 natural specimens, 170 cultural objects, 400 coins and gold bars, and a spectacular 300-square-foot room with walls and ceiling completely covered in just three ounces of gold, flattened to exquisite thinness.

It’s no secret that many miners were drawn to beautiful Colorado in search of gold, and that many people still pan for gold today. Some of the gold on display is from mines right here in Colorado, including the Campion Gold, which served as a founding collection for the Museum when it was founded in 1900.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for kids, and they include access to the rest of the large museum. They can be purchased online or at the Museum’s ticket counter at the North entrance. Hours are from 9 am to 5 PM, 7 days a week.

[photo - SXC]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

The Zoo, while being open year round, has dimmed its lights.

Artisans and Kings have exited the Denver Art Museum.

The Denver Nuggets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 118 to 107.

The Botanic Gardens had a free day.

First Friday Art Walk graced the Sante Fe Art District.

Bugs Bunny on Broadway jazzed up the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.

The Colorado Avalanche defeated the New York Islanders 2 to 1.

Snow covered the high lands- while we in Denver saw the sun!

Post from: The Denver Traveler

If you can’t get enough lights during the holiday season, be sure to check out the Zoo Lights at the Denver Zoo! 38 acres of lights (mostly LED, so they are Earth friendly) and over 150 moving animal sculptures make Zoo Lights a fun family excursion for all.

It may be snowy, but don’t worry! There are plenty of exhibits that are indoors and warming stations throughout the zoo to keep everyone toasty. On Monday, December 31, the Zoo is presenting Zoo Year’s Eve, complete with activities and an early count down to the new year so that the Little Ones in your family can join in the New Year fun! Activities are free with admission to Zoo Lights.

Zoo Lights is open from 5-9 PM. Tickets are $8 for adults (12-64), $6 for kids (3-11) and $4 for seniors (65+) for Non-Members. They are available at the front gates or online through the Denver Zoo website. Zoo Lights runs until January 6th, so get going!!

Post from: The Denver Traveler