What a lovely way to spend the morning and support small local businesses. I was able to get some…read moreholiday shopping done and get a little something for myself! Fabulous event!

What a great day! My husband and I just love local art, and supporting these artists. I hadn't…read moreheard of the Jackalope Arts festival, which apparently appears every year just up the street from me in Olde Arvada. We went out on this sunny and warm October day, glad to enjoy some time outdoors in the sun. We were greeted, as well, with an enjoyable stroll through local venue booths sporting everything from beeswax products to locally mixed spices to jewelry made from local stones (think petrified wood and Marble's marble, among many others). I was drawn to the designs at a T-shirt shop, and when I couldn't find my size in the design I wanted, they assured me that I could email them and they would make it for me and send it along to my home. The jewelry maker at Waystone (mywaystone.com) promised that if I could bring her a piece of petrified wood that I had discovered in my backyard, she would make it into something special to display in my home. While she accepts items through mail, since she is just down I-70 just east of Denver, I mean to bring it right to her. I was excited to visit this arts fair, and came away with some nice items, along with the cards of some artisans to whom I will reach out for some custom items. What a great way to spend a glorious fall day outside!

Beautiful trail. Great views. There is a trail area and an off leash dog park area. Parking lot is…read moresmall.

Amazing classic view of Boulder, as you arrive by car from Denver metro area. It can be beautiful…read moreon a blue sky day but you can also see to the continental divide. Today the high winds up there swirled snow and clouds almost vertically. To the right in this view is Longs Peak in RMNP. To the left is the Indian Peaks Wilderness area due west of Boulder. You might not use this this approach to Boulder on a weekday commute in when it will likely be bumper to bumper going very slow for several miles. And a bit dangerous with snow and ice and high winds at ground level. But on a beautiful clear dry winter day, it is classic and how so many people see Boulder for the very first time.

What a gem in the heart of downtown Denver! We came here on a spectacular weather day and…read morethroughly enjoyed watching an NFL game in the big screen in the Adirondack chairs while drinking a beer or High Noon. The service was great and there were several beers on tap to choose from. I like they offered a water station and clean port o potties. The rooftop umbrellas are so fun for pics! We did try out the putt putt course and loved the themed Denver holes but found it to not be in great shape- wrinkles in the mats but it was free!

Such a cute store of local items. They carry items by local artists and souvenir items. Colorado…read moremountains are featured and other local scenic points. I really liked the pottery and artwork. Also the stickers and magnets featuring Blucifer and the Blue Bear. I wanted to buy all of the items. And some of the tshirts were so soft. Pricing was on the high side so we didn't buy anything. Associate was nice.

Located at second floor of Denver Pavilion, this store has quality souvenir items from mugs,…read moreshirts, magnets, pins, postcards, pictures, and more. They have a decent variety of items but they are on the pricier side.

You will find this little nugget right outside of the Residence Inn, in a small alcove. It is the…read morework of Sean O'Meallie who did the sculpture in 2008. It is starting to show signs of wear and is a bit weathered. It also has some graffiti on it. It is 20 feet tall, weighs about 3,000 pounds, and is made from bronze and acrylic paint. It is rumored to have chosen the Residence Inn as the site of the sculpture because the hotel had hosted has a Pajama Party fundraiser benefiting Denver's Road Home program in the past. It is an interesting piece that depicts a cowboy holding up two side arms. The cowboy has heart shaped balloon hat and what looks like a magnet for legs. It is all on a platform. As I mentioned, it is abstract AF. You have to stare at it for a little while to decipher what it is, a cowboy in pajamas. Anyway, as with most sculptures that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a very long stop. I was there less than 5 minutes. Even though I passed it a few times since I was staying at the hotel next door. I recommend making this stop part of a larger itinerary or checking it out if you are in the area and/or on your way somewhere else, to maximize your time.

Unless you know the precise location of this sculpture, you can easily drive right past it! You…read morecan find it on Champa St. between 17th & 18th Streets. It is set next to the Hotel Registration sign leading to the Residence Inn. Drive by viewing! I couldn't find parking, so luckily, traffic came to a stop and I snapped a quick pic. This is definitely a whimsical piece! It's also a sort of abstract since there's basically only a pair of pants and an odd shaped abdomen with a belt in between. What might be perceived at first as arms are actually pistols. There's no face, arms, hands, nor feet. In summary, this is a cowboy with its guns drawn. Cowboy Pajamas is a solid work made from bronze, weighing three tons! It stands at over 20 feet tall. The sculptor is Sean O'Meallie. It was installed in 2008. Why is this sculpture in front of a hotel? This hotel, the Residence Inn at this address, hosts an Annual Pajama Party fundraiser. The fundraiser benefits and raises awareness for the homeless.

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.

I liked the various activities, origami, jewelry making etc. I liked the Denver ice pops ( lime…read morecoconut). We were not impressed with the food. Face printing was skillfully executed. Sadly the race didn't start till 11am and it was too hot & left.

It's so fun to cheer on your friends who are racing. And also cheer on any team. Such a great…read moreevent. And so many performances on the different stages. Vendors with cool merchandise and crafting stations. A bungee jump for the kids. And of course the food trucks. I went straight for Tum Yumz as I've been stalking them and this is the location I could visit on a day I had off. Then Mukja because this is another great food truck. After that I was full. Wandered around and checked out the different AANHPI organizations to learn about them and their work. There's organizations promoting their business and recruiting people. I had fun. It was slightly overcast so not as hot. Love the free water filling stations. Restrooms a little confusing as there are porta potties belonging to the park which aren't open but no signage. Luckily I checked out the map but other attendees didn't so they were not happy. Free to attend so definitely come check them out. Parking can be difficult so ride share or pickup transportation is best. Or car pool.

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!

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.