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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

I was in Denver for work and had to make a stop to see my girl Frida. The music, artwork display,…read moremotion, and lights were a whole vibe! Even if you aren't well versed on her life this immersive "explained" a lot about her without saying a word. It was a lot of fun to watch and I would highly recommend for anyone who appreciates art in general and Frida lovers like me.

Get ready for Frida up close and personal. Like Van Gogh, this is an all inclusive setting where…read morethe art surrounds the audience. The music was wonderfully Mexican and Frida's art is so intriguing. Frida's life is told through her photos and art in blasts of movement and color. Brian and I attended a showing last night. I was impressed by the attention to detail. I wish there had been projection on the floor too- as I remember was the case at the venue where we saw the Van Gogh immersive exhibition. Last night, we were able to sit on benches or the floor. It was not crowded which left us with an awesome view. The venue is cold. They offer coat check but you might want to hang on to your jacket. Photos and videos are allowed without flash. They offer drinks and snacks in the lobby. There is a gift shop but bring a heavy wallet. The prices are extremely high. Parking is not great. There is a dirt lot about a block away. The close-up parking is for Metro students only with a parking pass. Go for the show-not the refreshments or gift buying. The show is great!!

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.

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!

Monday night is a quieter time to go. Bring the dog or the kids…read more Wander around and enjoy the market, eat some traditional food and drink and enjoy the music and festive feeling of the holidays. Set on Auraria campus, there is plenty of space for all the friends and family to join.

Had a great time at the market. Starting at 5 pm they light up the market with lights and it's very…read morefestive. There are little wood huts where you can buy all different German type food. Brats and sauerkraut, pastries, potato cakes, savory and sweet crepes, beer, mulled wine in a cute comparative mug. Definitely go hungry and grab some tasty food. It's free to enter and all the vendors are friendly and having fun. There are also several huts to buy little gifts. Nesting dolls, knitted hats and mittens. Blown glass. There is a carousel ride and a covered beer garden. The prices are good for the food and we enjoyed a Nutella crepe and a ham and cheese crepe. Had a yummy mulled wine in the little yellow mug . Was very nice warm drink for the cold night. I think the market changes locations at times and it was nice in the Tivoli square area. Fun date night or night out with the family.