Denver Civic Theatre confusion

I wrote about the Denver Civic Theatre on page 93 of my Moon Denver guidebook, but according to an article in today's Denver Post the theatre may be closed--temporarily, we hope--until July 6 at least. It doesn't sound good with power being shut off too. So if you're headed out for a show, don't be shocked when there is no answer or updated info. on their site.

Denver's Kirkland Museum party

I love the Kirkland Museum and of course wrote about the fabulous fine & decorative arts museum on page 88 of my Moon Denver guidebook. Order your tickets now at, http://store.historicdenver.org/store/memberships/summer-of-modernism-/ , to attend their June 4 "Summer of Modernism Kick-off Party" from 5:30-7:30 p.m. I for one am curious to find out what a "vintage cocktail lecture" is all about! You can also learn more about the museum's hours and other events at www.kirklandmuseum.org.

Rediscover Denver at a better price

Colorado Governor Bill Ritter announced May would be "Rediscover Colorado" month as a way to encourage people to spend more money on going out and jump starting the economy. The incentive is BARGAINS. The Brown Palace, which was included on page 13 and page 149 of my Moon Denver guidebook is now offering room rates as low as $117 a night. Check their site, www.brownpalace.com, to find out about other deals at the hotel this spring and summer.

Guidebooks rule!

As much as I enjoy writing this blog to supplement my Moon Denver guidebook research, here is an article that reinforces the need for people to buy the actual book (or any travel book, for that matter):
http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/5/26/124445/128/travel/Technology+Gets+Smacked+Down+by+Old-School+Guidebook+in+Moscow
Granted, Denver may have more technological advances than Moscow but the part about being disconnected from those around you rings true.

Dining deals--Zengo and more!

I wrote about Denver's Restaurant Week on page 36 of my Moon Denver guidebook, but what I didn't know then and I will certainly mention in my updated edition is that you should follow them on Twitter to get tweets about the latest restaurant offers. Here is one for Zengo, http://ow.ly/9sM6, a restaurant I included on page 45 of my Moon Denver guidebook. $28 for a 5-course tasting menu?! Am I reading that correctly? Good value.

NEW!...Movies in the Parks

This program is actually in its fourth year, but I neglected to mention it in my Moon Denver guidebook. Each summer, the city of Denver hosts movies in a handful of public parks. The films start at dusk--anywhere from 8:30-9:00 pm--and you can find out the locations and lineup at www.denvergov.org. There are concessions for sale on site. I'll be adding this wonderful free event to my updated edition!

NEW!...Vail's Westin Riverfront

On page 193 of my Moon Denver guidebook I included only a couple of hotels for Vail. I promise you there will be many more selections in my next edition! For now, let me start with the stunning Westin Riverfront (which is technically in Avon, but it's all part of the Vail Valley) at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain. I know, I know, I usually emphasize locally-owned but look at that pool! And then there is the Spa Anjali with their own line of locally-made fantastic-smelling body care products. The stellar guest rooms have the Westin "Heavenly" touch as usual. To learn more or book a reservation, go to www.starwoodhotels.com/westin. The Riverfront Gondola can pick you up for a mountaintop ride right outside the front door to begin your adventure!

Memorial Day at Coors Field

Amazing! The rain stopped just long enough for us to join friends at Coors Field for a baseball game on this Memorial Day. Seats right in the purple Mile High Row too and watched the Colorado Rockies play the L.A. Dodgers. I included Coors Field on page 21 of my Moon Denver guidebook and the Colorado Rockies on page 107. One question: why are the Rockies wearing red caps? I thought the team colors were purple and black?

Denver #1 Real Estate Market

Certainly my hope was that my Moon Denver guidebook would appeal to locals, tourists and those relocating to the Mile High City. So for those relocating, here's a tip. My thanks to Elizabeth Martinez of Your Castle Real Estate who shared with me the news that the Today featured a segment declaring Denver the #1 real estate market in the country to rebound during the recession.

These were the characteristics of a city that could rebound:
1. Job growth
2. Growing population
3. Location with good weather [they don't realize what we went through last month]
4. Lots of first time home buyers
5. No overbuilding of condos or office spaces
6. Vital Downtowns where people can live without a car
7. Well educated population
8. Large numbers of foreclosures early

Watch the whole clip at:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/30825142#3082514http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/30825142#30825142

Vail summer deals

On pages 190-194 of my Moon Denver guidebook I wrote about Vail, which is barely a two-hour drive from downtown Denver. If you're reading through those pages and wondering if you can afford a visit to Vail, go straight to www.vailallthelove.com to look for special deals on lodgings and more this summer. There is a tremendous amount of development going on in this mountain town and a lot of fun, new things to try out.

Moon Denver to be on KEZW!

I'm heading out to my first live radio interview on KEZW 1430 AM today to discuss my Moon Denver guidebook! Not sure what to expect and hoping 10 minutes flies by...UPDATE: It did fly by! My thanks to Rick Crandall for his kind words about the book and making me so at ease.

NEW!...Cafe Buchi

The Highlands neighborhood has another great restaurant, Cafe Buchi! I'm told that "buchi" is Cuban slang for espresso or coffee and they serve it hot and strong here. There are pressed sandwiches--with egg for breakfast and more traditional Cuban ones for lunch. But hold on, did I mention the empanadas? Delicious! My only complaint is more flavors, please. Love the music, neighborhood folks hanging out enjoying the free Wi-fi. Cafe Buchi is on 38th Ave. at Clay St. and I'll definitely be including this eatery in my updated Moon Denver guidebook.

Boulder Creekfest

Although I wrote quite a lot about Boulder in the Excursions chapter of my Moon Denver guidebook, I neglected to include the annual Creekfest. I'm making plans to attend the 3-day festival this coming holiday weekend and am impressed to see just how big it has become with live music throughout each day, special kid and teen activities, food, crafts, it's all there. I think I read something about belly dancers even. Quite the build-up to the annual Bolder Boulder on Monday!

Expedition Health at Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Since writing my Moon Denver guidebook in 2008, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science has opened a significant new exhibit, Expedition Health. I recently had an opportunity to tour the interactive exhibit that allows visitors to choose a personal "guide" (virtual learning companion) and explore five activity areas: Core Exhibition, the BodyTrek Theater, the Summit Science Stage, Biology Base Camp and Tykes Peak. As I noted in my Moon Denver guidebook, Colorado ranks as one of the healthiest states with a low obesity rate. Unfortunately obesity is still increasing in Colorado and Expedition Health gives ordinary people a fun chance to learn about their own health by riding bikes, walking, "hiking" and more.

Moon Denver "review"

The first review of my Moon Denver guidebook was in the Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com/features/ci_12345196, and pretty nice! Short on the reviewing part but I do appreciate the kind words spread to the masses!

classes at Kazoo & Co.

In writing my Moon Denver guidebook, I neglected to mention that Kazoo & Company toystore (which is on page 144 of Moon Denver) also offers classes for different ages and interests. This spring, make a garden stone for Father's Day or this summer learn how to tye-dye a t-shirt--leave the mess at the store!--or do some tornado science. I've already signed up for one...well, I mean, I signed my daughter up!

GONE!...The Alchemist

Well, almost. She is having a fabulous "end of business" sale through the end of May, so check it out. In the brief months since I wrote about The Alchemist on page 137 of my Moon Denver guidebook, the 30-year old business was sold and is now going bye-bye. The new owner fully intended to keep it going but she is engaged and headed to marry in Nova Scotia before resettling in California. See, that is what I love about these local boutiques--I've been in there 3 times this week and heard her tell the story to customers each (that and she has it all on signs taped up to the windows and mirrors!).

GONE!...Sarah

Voted Best of by Westword and 5280 in 2008, the boutique Sarah is closing up--or maybe already has completely--after just 3 short years in business. I wrote about Sarah on page 132 of my Moon Denver guidebook and was planning a little shopping trip there soon. I'll be on the lookout for other women's boutiques to share in my next edition.

Pome moved

and just across the street! I wrote about the gift shop Pome on page 135 of my Moon Denver guidebook in the "Shops" chapter. Today I stopped by Devil's Food Bakery (page 157 in my Denver guidebook) and was surprised to see a cute stationery shop where Pome was a few months. But no worries--Pome is as cute as ever almost directly across the street. It's maybe even a little bigger and brighter.

Centennial Gardens

On page 19 of my Moon Denver guidebook I wrote about Centennial Gardens and recommended this outpost of the Denver Botanic Gardens as a worthwhile sight. I found out today that Denver Botanic Gardens no longer maintains Centennial Gardens and it is now in the hands of Denver Parks and Recreation. To find out about Centennial's hours or any updates, go to www.denvergov.org/parks instead. I do so love the concept and story behind this garden and hope it continues to be well maintained.

Studio Soma yoga

I didn't have much time for yoga during the writing of my Moon Denver guidebook last year, but since it was completed I had the chance to explore other yoga studios. Studio Soma is close to home here in the Highlands and I will add them to an updated edition of Moon Denver. The studio is surprisingly bright and large--you don't get that from the entrance--and they offer a variety of classes, with monthly specials. First class is free.

Gluten-free at Parisi

If you are concerned about eating wheat or gluten, you can still enjoy pizza. On page 55 of my Moon Denver guidebook, I wrote about Parisi Italian Market & Deli in the northwest Denver Highlands neighborhood. Earlier this year, Parisi began offering gluten-free pizzas too. Although the pizza is cooked in the same ovens as regular pizza, it is on a sheet of paper and never in contact with the same surface.

Vail's Epic Summer package deals!

On pages 190-194 of my Moon Denver guidebook, I wrote about all that Vail has to offer as an excursion from Denver. Families can sign up for four or seven day locally-guided adventure trips that include gondola rides, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, hiking and even shopping. These all-inclusive deals start at $545 for children and $695 for adults. Go to www.vailresorts.com for much more information.

Hike & Bike Tours

On page 221 of my Moon Denver guidebook I wrote about www.greenprintdenver.org, but what I neglected to mention were the "Hike & Bike Tours" that can make locals and tourists alike very green sightseers. You can simply download and print out the various maps to take the free self-guided tours around the city. And each map tells you how many steps or miles you can expect, as well as your carbon offset by not driving.

Red Trolley Happy Hour

Is there not a happy hour at an ice cream shop? Probably not. But Red Trolley Cake & Cone in the Highlands neighborhood takes it up a notch with daily Root Beer Float Happy Hour from 3-6 pm. I wrote about the Red Trolley on page 55 of my Moon Denver guidebook, but at the the time they were so new his tradition was not established. The Root Beer is made of Denver's own Wynkoop Brewing Company root beer and the ice cream is pure goodness and sweetness! Even better: $2 per float.

GONE!...Closing sale at French Flat

On page 138 of my Moon Denver guidebook I wrote about the French Flat in the Highlands neighborhood. Unfortunately May will be their final month and they are currently having a going-out-of-business sale.

Denver Botanic Gardens construction warning

On this gorgeous spring day I decided to spend my afternoon at the Denver Botanic Gardens (read more about the gardens on pages 27-28 of my Moon Denver guidebook) with my daughter. Whoa! There is a whole lot of construction going on at once there. Honestly, I never had a problem parking in the old lot and am not sure why they need an underground multi-level new parking garage--except maybe during the summer concerts. Anyway, once you get past the tractors, piles of dirt and other unsightly entrance signs, the gardens are in a full, glorious bloom with sweet scents wafting through the air. Don't be scared off by the temporary parking or construction zone uglies--it's still worth a visit.

Only $79 at the Magnolia!

Mother's Day weekend deals at the Magnolia Hotel, which I included on page 152 of my Moon Denver guidebook, with rates as low as $79/night! Enjoy complimentary cookies and milk before bed.

It's now called Visit Denver

One of my most valuable resources when working on my Moon Denver guidebook was the Denver Convention and Visitors Bureau. They have since changed (and shortened!) their name to simply, Visit Denver. Their web site is still www.denver.org, and their walk-in location on the 16th Street Mall is still there. One of the best places for a wide variety of information on the Mile High City for tourists and residents alike.

NEW!...Root Down

This east Highlands restaurant is the hottest place in town right now. The view over downtown to the east is spectacular, the menu theme is locally-sourced ingredients and the vibe is relaxed cool. This former car repair shop is now sleek, though the owners have made the most of the history of the place with staff wearing mechanic-style shirts with their names and other vintage auto touches. Awesome happy hour that can be quite crowded and reservations recommended for dinner any night of the week. They also serve brunch, just weekends I think. I recommend the veggie slider and sweet potato fries!

GONE!...Swimclub 32

After wrapping up my Moon Denver guidebook in late 2008, I bumped into the owner of Swimclub 32 at a party. He said he was drastically changing the menu at Swimclub, but that only lasted a month or so before the business was sold and completely reinvented (sorry, not a fan of the replacement just yet). Too bad to lose such a swank nightclub in the Highlands and Denver overall. I'll be in the lookout for a bar that can equal the vibe of Swimclub and be included in the next edition of Moon Denver.

First Friday!

Despite cool temps and rain, First Friday Artwalks were jampacked on this first Friday of May--Tennyson Street, Santa Fe Drive and at art galleries all around town people were out sipping wine, enjoying apps and looking at original artwork.

Don't miss Kismet...

like I did! I knew about Kismet before I wrote my Moon Denver guidebook, but somehow it slipped off my radar during writing. Well, I'll be sure to include it in the next edition. This Highlands Square accessories shop has the BEST hats. I just bought a crushable large-brimmed hat to cope with our Mile High sunshine for such a great price. They also have earrings, necklaces, handbags and other who-knew-I-needed-that stuff. Check them out at www.kismetaccessories.com or better yet in person on the corner of 32nd Ave. & Meade St.