I love Doors Open Denver Unique experiences everywhere…read more I took the tour of the Evans School that is being renovated by the Eber family...what a work of love! I tip my hat to them for their efforts to renovate this beautiful building I even climbed up to the cupola!

The ability to visit properties not usually open to the general public has been very interesting…read moreover the past 22 years, but I feel like the project has run out of steam by now. Most of the spots on the list are repeats from previous years and more than half are architecture firms. I don't find touring architects' offices entertaining or informative. They are all pretty much the same: a few drawings, pictures, or models of projects planned or completed and lots of desks with computers. I don't think the turnout was all that great this year (2026). I noticed that even the signage at each location was minimal compared to the past. Perhaps this program should be given a rest for awhile and the energy to arrange it redirected elsewhere.

We had the pleasure of getting to ride this trolley this summer. A great activity for kids! My 3…read moredefinitely enjoyed it. The tracks go alongside the river, so we saw plenty of ducks and geese on our ride. This trolley starts at the REI and stops at the aquarium, the children's museum, meow wolf, and during certain times of year the football stadium. I'd also recommend checking out the REI while you are in the area. That location I believe is the biggest in the country. P.S. Check with your local library for free tickets. That is where I got mine! A fun activity specifically for children.

Quick, short trolley ride. One way toward the aquarium and children's museum and then back. Get on…read morethe trolley right by REI. Twenty five minute ride. A little history along the way.

With family in the area, I've been going to Old Town Arvada for as long as I can remember. It's…read morebeen the neighborhood for countless happy hours, dinners, get-togethers, brunches, farmers' markets visits and more! The little neighborhood is filled with brightly painted murals, lined with bars, restaurants and shops which create the cutest of vibes and environments! Sure, parking can be a bit tricky, but park on the outskirts and walk the streets or simply take the lightrail, as the train now pulls directly up to Old Town! With the influx of Christmas events, local shopping and delicious eats, I know I'll be back!

Reasons why Historic Olde Town Arvada needs to be on everyone's "must see/visit" list:…read more 1) Everything is walkable! We picked a central area to park and made our way around the area with ease. Be careful to abide by the parking signage during your visit. Certain areas appear to be significantly more restrictive than others! 2) Why even deal with parking? Currently under testing, the G-line will feature an oh so convenient Olde Town Arvada commuter rail stop. 3) There's a little bit of everything! Restaurants? Yep! Breweries? You got it! Toy stores? Sure! Plus lots more to find and discover! 4) Sooo many events are held here! During my visit this past weekend my friends and I stumbled across the cutest farmers market! 5) Tons of great unique local businesses! We checked out The Cereal Box, New Image Brewing, The Bluegrass, and Denver Beer Co! Loved them all and there is even more on my list to see!! 6) Everyone was super friendly! 7) I totally dig the reclaimed spaces! Historic Olde Town Arvada def exudes that Colorado "vibe" we all seek! Go check it out for yourself - I know I'll be back!

Sparkopolis is an annual "Anythink Style Party" and fundraiser type event. This was my first year…read moreattending and it was amazing! The library was turned into a gala of sorts with music (performed by The Fever), an art gallery, food and drinks. My taste buds were not disappointed. I tried the Infinite Monkey Theorem Syrah wine, Oskar Blues Old Chub on tap and a Mai-tai. From the drinks to the food the theme of using liquid nitrogen was a great choice. They took boring popcorn into an amazing snack! The popcorn literally shattered in your mouth. The ice cream bar was also amazing. The choke cherry and strawberry were excellent and using peanut butter pop rocks as a topping was a real treat. The tamales were delicious as were the hors d'oeuvres (spicy chicken wanton tacos and trout stuffed mushrooms, ohhhh soooo good!) There was so much to try I couldn't possibly mention it all. On top of the food there was a photo booth and dancing. The decorations were beautiful with lights everywhere and a disco ball in the grand entry. It was truly something I have never experienced before and I look forward to going again next year. Oh Bonus! We had to park across the street and they had a couple guys on bicycle carts shuttling people to and from the building. They didn't skimp on a thing and it saved me a walk in my heels!

This is a review for a pull off in the canyon. Leisurely drive down from Ned and I was itching to…read moresit by the river, crawl out on a rock and eat my lunch. So glad I stopped and found this sweet little spot!

Got a mountain bike? Ride this path west from the Creek Path. I start at Eben Fine Park. The trail…read moregoes alongside the highway and Boulder Creek, eventually passes under the highway and turns to gravel on the other side. It continues up to the junction with Fourmile Canyon. It is a difficult ride for a casual rider, but I see younger and more fit types passing me regularly. So figure out what is realistic for you and have some fun. I'd give it more stars if there were less trucks on the highway, but there is a decent barrier in the stretch near the road. The gravel part of the trail is much more protected.

Uptown features a plethora of intriguing and much talked about restaurants that for some reason or…read moreanother, I never make it to. Which is why I was thrilled to take part in the 21st annual Uptown Sampler. Overall, the event was well executed. Unlike the Feast on the Fax, lines in each of the restaurants were minimal and many places offered quality samples - which resulted in me being uncomfortably full at the end of the evening. Here are my findings: Jonsey's EatBar - Yum and double yum! Talk about putting your best foot forward. My first stop left a great impression by offering some of their best appetizers from their menu. Mac & cheese, truffle fries, shredded lamb sliders and thin crust pizza. I'm not talking little dinky Dixie cup sized samples either - they had some full portions out - self serve. I was tempted to part it here and load up on sliders all night, but alas, other options were waiting. Uptown Square - You know that big, new apartment complex? Me neither. Anyways, the apartment complex got the tenant businesses to contribute to a little mixer in the Uptown courtyard patio. Wine samples from Above the Rim, iced coffee from Fluid, cheese samples from...Safeway? According to the hostess, an employee from the complex, the cheese and crackers came from Safeway. Huh? What happened to Chedd's Gormet Grilled Cheese? I feel shafted! Steuben's - Steuben's was nice enough to reserve the entire take out section of the restaurant for Uptown Sampler. Yep. All 150 square feet. Cramped space aside, the food was good, despite their wartime-like rationing of portions. The gazpacho had a beautiful southern spiciness to it, while their deviled eggs were simply classic. Tavern Uptown - I drive by this place everyday...I had no idea that they have such a huge patio. It was gi-normous. Their food was comforting - though I'm hazy on the details. There was a calzone-like thing with Italian sausage and a Philly cheesesteak. I decline to state an opinion on the cheesesteak b/c some Philadelphian will undoubtedly berate me with comments on how I don't know anything about a Philly cheesesteak b/c I am from California (I liked it!). The calzone thingy was primo - sausage gives everything a boost. Hamburger Mary's - Once again, I had no idea they had such a nice big patio. These places need signs that say "Hey, we've got a big-ass patio here!" Bravo to HM for not being cheap on the samples. Three different types of gutbusting sliders available at a self-serve bar. Knowing that I no longer have the powerful stomach I once took for granted when I was 18, I opted to try just one item, the bleu cheese bacon burger. Kudos on thick (but not nasty) tomato slices. Good burgers - wish they didn't possess so many calories. Avenue Grill - We were greeted by a somewhat snooty staff that gave us an eyeballing that said, "God! What a bunch of freeloaders." I couldn't eat their food it sucked. Their New England clam chowder tasted like Rocky Mountain oyster chowder. The other food only left an impression of butt. I won't be coming back to this place. Tastes Wine Bar - A complete 180 from the last experience. The staff was kind, charming and helpful. The atmosphere was relaxing and comfortable. This is the kind of place that I would like to hang out at - sporting a colorful room with whimsical art mounted all over the walls. The food was okay - nothing head spinning. A creative African peanut soup, an interesting chunky chili, a sweet crepe with chocolate, olive tapenade brushetta, and a wonderfully refreshing pineapple meatball w/ curry sauce. With such a great atmosphere, we decided to chill for a bit and sample all of the beers on tap - all were great. I will come back to this place after work to have a drink and snack. Las Margaritas - Winner of the 2008 Least Appetizing Buffet Line! I couldn't bring bring myself to try the mystery food that awaited underneath 2 inches of melted cheese. I did try their corn cakes and chips & salsa. Those were okay. Pasquinis - I am not a huge fan of doughy pizza. Pasquinis makes doughy pizza. I am not a fan of ice cold pizza. Pizza, when left to sit outside in the cold, gets cold. I took two bites. It tasted like pizza and I was losing steam fast. Strings - Worst in show. They had two items: cream of broccoli soup and an ity bitty bite of something they claimed was a curried pickled scallop. Their host seemed a little hurt that I did not want to try their soup. Hey, I had a full belly and I was expecting something a little more exciting than a cream of broccoli soup. The scallop was lame - I was sure if I was eating a scallop or a booger rolled onto a toothpick. If you don't want make any effort, don't participate. D Bar Desserts - They just got their liquor license and decided to celebrate by giving out wine samples to accompany their bomblicious chocolately dessert cup.

I was extremely disappointed in the Uptown Sampler this year. The majority of the restaurants had…read morevery limited variety of food compared to previous years, with Las Margaritas and Hamburger Mary's being the exception. I think this event is dying. One of the restaurants that opt'd out this year on 17th told me the previous years have been a complete waste with no real return on business. As a 7 year resident of the area, it's sad to see an event with such potential suck so bad. :( We did have a fun time. It pretty much turned into a bar crawl! The new Dessert bar on 17th looked really nice. They are supposed to be getting the liquor license soon, so it could potentially be a cool little Sunday brunch place.

This a really cool event, great food from visiting Japanese chefs and wonderful music and…read morebeverages. Great couples event and just as good for single ladies! Highly recommend this once a year event.

It's the best rooftop party annually. Lots of good, drinks and good vibes and some live music. Best…read moreof all ? The money is going to a good cause or causes.

Cafe Sci always is the highlight of my week! I am a huge geek, and love hanging out at the Wynkoop,…read morehaving a beer, and learning about something new and interesting. I have often dragged along my non-science friends and they enjoy it just as much. While there is some jargon thrown around, for the most part if the speaker sounds interesting to you, he/she probably will be and you'll be able to keep up. It is too bad that they meet in the Mercantile room though. I went once when it was downstairs at Wynkoop in the Impulse theatre...it was so much bigger and had a much better layout. But if you get there early (around six) you won't have a trouble finding a seat either way.

These are drinking socials for the uber-intellectual. Once a month, (on a Tuesday night), there is…read morea distinguished speaker, usually from one of our local universities, that presents on an interesting and relevant topic. The Mercantile room at the Wynkoop has more eggheads per square inch than can possibly be healthy. There's a diner and most everybody has a beer in hand. I have heard some really fascinating talks there. The Wynkoop is awesome. The only real negative that I can comment on is that the setting isn't big enough for the huge crowd that this attracts. It is standing room only by the time the speaker takes the mic. If you get there early you can stake claim to a chair at one of the tables. If you get there maybe 15 minutes before then there is still some carpet space for you to sit at. If you get there on time, you're gonna stand the whole time. Do SomeThing Good, C