Here’s my list of a dozen enjoyable, relaxing, and fun things to do in the Mile High City: 

1. Visit the Denver Art Museum (south end of the Civic Center on 14th Avenue Parkway).  Its facade of glass tiles makes the building itself a work of art (in photo above).
2. Visit Colorado’s State Capitol building (between East 14th and East Colfax).  Go up the steps at the west entrance, and stand on the 13th step.  You’ll be one mile above sea level – enjoying the Mile High City.
3. Visit Larimer Square (1400 Larimer Street) to see Civil War-era buildings revitalized into a historical downtown shopping area, restaurant district, and entertainment center.
4. Make a mint, or at least watch the process of coins being made, at the U.S Mint (320 West Colfax).
5. Take a stroll through the Museum of Outdoor Arts in the Englewood Civic Center.  Over 100 pieces of art are on display throughout the Civic Center and the Greenwood Plaza Business Park.  Maps can be picked up at the museum’s indoor gallery on floor two of the Civic Center (1000 Englewood Parkway, Suite 2-230).
6. Go to back to college with a visit to one of several campuses, including the University of Denver (2199 South University Boulevard) and a branch of the University of Colorado Denver (downtown at Speer Boulevard and Auraria Parkway).
7. Commune with nature at the Denver Botanic Gardens (1005 York Street), as you discover and appreciate the flora of the Rocky Mountain State.
8. Relax in City Park in photo right), enjoying Duck Lake as well as the gardens, fountains and monuments in the park (between 17th and 23rd Avenue and York Street and Colorado Boulevard).
9. Kid around with mountain goats and other creatures at the Denver Zoo (2300 Steele Street, located in City Park.
10. Celebrate the American spirit with a visit to the home of the political activist, the“Unsinkable” Molly Brown, now the Molly Brown House Museum (1340 Pennsylvania Street).  This item is my only nod to the politics of the week.
11. (Visit some real sharks at the Downtown Aquarium (700 Water Street in Qwest Park).
12. Pretend you are in Venice, with a gondola-style boat ride on the South Platte River.  Boats leave from Larimer Street, between 14th Street and Speer Boulevard.

Please add you favorite Denver escape to the list! 

Photo credit:  Denver Art Museum; City Park

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Post from: The Denver Traveler

The Cow Parade was in Denver the very first time I visited this awesome city. This particular cow was shot by Flickr user GISuser.

I saw a cow painted in Broncos colors, and another one in the park! After the cows were “rounded up”, they were all auctioned off for charity. I’m pretty lucky, because I also saw the Cow Parade when it came through Las Vegas, where I’m from.

[photo - Flickr]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

The following is a list of what happened, just over the weekend! Imagine if you spent a whole week here:

The People’s Fair

The Colorado Rockies Played at Coors Field

La Piazza Dell ‘Arte: The Sidewalk Chalk Festival

Lisa Williams from ‘Life With the Dead’ came to town

Empire Lyrics performed Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore

6th Annual Denver Brain Tumor Walk

10th Annual Art Walk in the Greater Estes Valley

‘Catch Me If You Can’ premiered at The Denver Victorian Playhouse

Smash Mouth kicked off the Summer Concert Series at Elitch’s

Arvada Celebrates its Trails Day

The Otone Brass Band had a CD Release Party

Mark your calendars for a trip to Denver soon so you won’t miss a thing!

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Every third Thursday- The Bug Theatre offers a glimpse into Emerging Filmmakers. This series was founded in May of 2002 and since then has expanded to offer workshops in addition to the monthly Screenings and Talk back events.

Participation is open to all Colorado filmmakers. The length of your entry must not exceed 60 minutes- though they will consider an excerpt of a feature production. Formats may be submitted in either DVD or VHS NTSC. Guidelines and Entry forms here.

To take part as an audience member- just show up every third Thursday of the month with 5 bucks in tow- and you are in!

[photo - SXC]

Post from: The Denver Traveler

Blossoms of Light have sprouted an electric wonderland at The Denver Botanic Gardens. Whether you fancy roses or ferns, orchids or dragon’s moss- be your favorite foliage or twinkling snowflakes, Blossoms of Light delivers! Throw a scarf around your neck, grab a walking stick to feel rustic and head on over to 1005 York Street in Denver, CO 80206. This year the Gardens have added a new gate to speed up and ease the crowds through the entryway.

As a bonus, Chapunga- The Great African Sculpture Exhibit is still on view and many sculptures will also be lighted. There will also be many a seasonal event or concert happening during the run of Blossoms of Light- the schedule of events is available online.

Nightly from 6:00pm to 9:00pm (last tickets sold at 8:30pm)
Admission is $9.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors over 65, $6.00 for kids between 4 and 15
Three and under are Free! Members save a little bit more as well. And groups of ten are only $6.50 each and no reservation is required- so gather up a group or make friends with the folks in line, we’ll never tell.

Post from: The Denver Traveler