Westin Westminster goes SOLAR

I was invited to a cocktail reception at the Westin Westminster earlier this month. I included this hotel in my Moon Denver guidebook as the perfect halfway place for an overnight stay because it is between Denver and Boulder. Such stunning views--even from the patio--and delicious food, but the big news of the evening was the hotel's new plans to add solar panels making more than 5 percent of their 369 guest rooms solar powered.

Go to www.westindenverboulder.com to find out about upcoming deals and nearby attractions.

Free Denver Parks & Recreation AGAIN

In my Moon Denver guidebook I mentioned that Denver teamed up with Kaiser to provide FREE access to Denver Parks and Recreation facilities--especially those with swimming pools--during summer for youth under 17. It's happening again and with this being the 3rd year in a row, seems to be a regular thing. Go to www.denvergov.org/parksandrecreation to find a location.

Denver Cupcake Truck

When writing my Moon Denver guidebook I had a special box in the "Restaurants" chapter devoted solely to cupcake shops. During the editing this got pulled out and the various cupcake shops were mixed in with the neighborhood restaurants. I still stand by my first call to highlight cupcakes because this town loves 'em! There is now a Denver Cupcake Truck, and if you go on Facebook and join their page you can find out where it will be on any given day. It's cute--like an ice cream truck with no worries about melting.

Denver economics

This article in today's Denver Post starts out lamenting the loss of Fortune 500 companies in Denver, but ends on a more positive note about the many companies that have relocated to the metro area.

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_14953969

Denver bicycle program

Earth Day in Denver kicked off the Mile High City's new bicycle rental program. The rainy weather wasn't much help, but it's just a beginning. The cute red bikes with handy baskets on front are awaiting riders at stations all over town--my daughter keeps pointing them out, "More bikes, Mama!" Go to www.denver.bcycle.com. The next edition of my Moon Denver guidebook will be sure to have additional details on the rent-a-bike locations and progress.

Doors Open Denver

I'm baffled that this annual event, Doors Open Denver, is not in the Arts & Leisure chapter of my Moon Denver guidebook. I could have sworn that I included it. Well, I certainly will do so in the next edition. Basically, Doors Open Denver, is a chance for the general public to visit select locations around the city for one weekend--the lineup changes each year too--for guided and self-guided tours. Yesterday my daughter and I waited in a very, very long line in Union Station to see the Platte Valley Model Railroad that is housed in the basement and typically only open at night when she's in bed. A big sign says that it's the oldest of it's kind in the U.S.--since 1933. My daughter was not thrilled that she could not touch the toy trains, but such is the world of model trains. From what I heard from other people in line, the other tour sites--particularly the D & F tower--also had long lines. My tip: go early!!!

Be a Denver insider

I am feeling pretty cool. I have discovered something new in Denver that I don't think many people know about. First, oops! A little oversight in my Moon Denver guidebook "Shops" chapter. I should have certainly included Eron Johnson Antiques on N. Broadway as it is a rather grand antique store with a stellar reputation. The other night though I went to a CD release party, www.davidrynhart.com, at the Eron Johnson Antiques warehouse. The fact that I got completely lost trying to find the warehouse made it seem all that much more special! I went to www.eronjohnsonantiques.com later and scrolled down to "Events" where I learned that they do hose the occasional random event there. These seem to be events that you might only know about if you were invited by the group speaking/performing, but I don't think they are closed to the general public. Worth checking from time to time for an unexpected night out.

Denver souvenir t-shirts

The other day my sister-in-law was in town and wanted to get her kids a souvenir t-shirt from Denver. First stop was Little Man Ice Cream, where of course the kids had eaten within hours of arriving in the Mile High City. Unfortunately, the cute styles and colors only have the business name but do not actually say "Denver, CO" anywhere on them. My sister-in-law's t-shirt criteria is that is have the name of the city, and not just business. This put us on a mission in a very short period of time.

We started with Rockmount Ranch Wear, where I usually suggest people get souvenir tees. But, no! Only some adult men's t-shirts actually say "Denver, CO." Still, I recommend them.
Moving on, we hit a souvenir shop on the 16th Street Mall and left empty-handed because the styles were so dull--not feminine or--can I say this about a souvenir t-shirt?--or sophisticated. Just white and boxy crew neck tees. Next up was the Denver Art Museum, which also was rejected on style.
Success!!! At the Denver Zoo of all places. Very cute. I mean, if they were adult and maybe didn't say Denver Zoo, I would have bought one for me.

I'll be on the hunt for more souvenir t-shirts and maybe it's detail I can include in my next Moon Denver guidebook.

Denver's best lingerie store

I admit to an oversight in the "Shops" chapter of my Moon Denver guidebook. I should have included Le Soutien, www.lesoutien.com, for women in need of quality undergarments and fabulous retail service. Over in the Cherry Creek North neighborhood, I wandered in to Le Soutien recently and within seconds the saleswoman had me literally sized up and, like a NASCAR pit crew, suddenly changed into the bra of my dreams. All I had to do was decide on color. It's like finding the world's best hairdresser, I swear. Count on Le Soutien being not only listed but highlighted in the next edition of Moon Denver.

Award-winning pies at Denver's Bang!

OK, I must be hungry with back-to-back food posts! I've been meaning to share the exciting news that one of my fave Denver restaurants, Bang!, recently won a pie contest! I believe the apple pie came in first and the new black-bottom pie came in second. Either way, you cannot go wrong. I've had both and cannot complain. Check out the latest menu and expanded hours at www.bangdenver.com, or get their address and phone in my handy Moon Denver guidebook--of course!

New: Denver Biscuit Company

If you like Southern food like I do, make a stop at the new Denver Biscuit Company on E. Colfax Ave. One day I was driving down the street when a bus stop ad caught my eye with the word biscuits. Yum! I was there within two weeks or less and loved the not-too-sweet strawberry shortcake. Everything on the menu is under $10 and it's a mix of sweet and savory dishes made with biscuits. I will be adding this restaurant to the next edition of my Moon Denver guidebook, but here is the link to find out the hours and other details: www.denbisco.com.

New name: Denver Chalk Art Festival

Hmmm. I just learned that the annual La Piazza dell'Arte event held in Larimer Sqaure has changed its name to the Denver Chalk Art Festival. I did include La Piazza dell'Arte in the "Arts & Leisure" chapter of my Moon Denver guidebook and I do think it's a very unique event for the Mile High City. I have no idea why the name was changed though. Their talks about the Italian tradition of chalk art...less wine and Italian food at this year's event?

The Eggshell has moved

On page 60 of my Moon Denver guidebook I wrote about a favorite Denver breakfast spot, The Eggshell, in the Cherry Creek North neighborhood. They recently moved to 235 Fillmore St., just a few blocks from their previous location. Otherwise, it seems about the same as before with dependably good breakfast and brunch fare.

Bye-bye Stylelicious

I just got an email the other day that the fashionable kids clothing store Stylelicious of Denver's Cherry Creek North neighborhood is closing. I went to their website for details, but they don't mention on there if they are going to just have an online presence or if there is a closing date. I hope to swing by later this week for details. We have bought some really cute clothes there and will miss them. I wrote about Stylelicious in my Moon Denver guidebook "Shops" chapter and I have to say that the Cherry Creek North shopping district seems to be going through a contraction still with so many independent businesses closing. Too bad. I'm curious to see what types of businesses appear next.

UPDATE: We hit the sale yesterday and apparently the owners of Stylelicious are moving to So. Cal. where they may reopen. I think Denver needs more hip children's clothing boutiques than So. Cal., but it's not up to me.

Secret dining out in Denver

I just learned about this on Facebook and look forward to attending a dinner soon:

http://www.hushdenver.com/

The concept reminds of Cuban "restaurants" in a way, where places open up temporarily and then shutter. In this case, one night only with a very limited schedule. Like indoor farm dinners? Not sure, but can't wait to find out. I think if I were visiting Denver, or planning a trip here, it's the kind of thing that would make me feel like an insider.

Dog parks in Denver

I don't know if it's just Denver or everywhere nowadays, but people do love their dogs in the Mile High City. I even wrote about the dog love in my Moon Denver guidebook and now there is more to tell: more off-leash dog parks are coming to town! This Denver Post article has the details about how city officials are trying to give man's best friend more places to roam freely:

http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_14760911

more hikes to recommend in Rocky Mountain National Park

It's a little embarrassing how easy it is to forget that there is an amazing national park practically in my backyard! I did of course write about Rocky Mountain National Park in my Moon Denver guidebook Excursions chapter. We just spent a few days up there over Spring Break. On the plus side, no crowds or traffic to contend with at all. Then again, BRRRR! Still perfect snowshoes conditions up there. I'm going to be adding Cub Lake and The Pool hikes to the next edition of my Moon Denver guidebook--especially for families and novices. And I'm so curious to learn more about intrepid traveler Isabella Bird...

Eldora Nordic

I included the Eldora Mountain Resort in my Moon Denver guidebook and I'd like to add a few details. For one thing, kids under 5 pay only $8 for lift tickets! Woo-hoo! Loving a bargain and my daughter sure likes the chairlift. Also, I am excited to get better at cross-country skiing and had a blast in a lesson there with my 4-year old recently. However, there isn't much flat land for us beginners on those trails. Maybe better for snowshoes and intermediates. Either way, I highly recommend the twice daily nordic classes offered--such a kind and patient instructor.

Meanwhile, down in Nederland....we're looking forward to the Carousel of Happiness opening this spring and seeing if it will be worthy of inclusion in the next edition of my Moon Denver guidebook.

night out at Dazzle

I wrote about Dazzle Restaurant and Lounge on page 68 of my Moon Denver guidebook and last night had a lovely time there with a friend. I will definitely be going back. Last night we were there for Gabrielle Louise, a local folk musician, who also invited David Rynhart on stage. I admit that I'm not well-versed in local music, but I just needed this little sample to get excited about the local talent in Denver. Google them to find out their latest schedules and shows around town--maybe I'll see you there!