more than summer concerts at Denver Botanic Gardens

Last night I had the pleasure of attending an indoor "concert" at the Denver Botanic Gardens and realized that I maybe should have mentioned that possibility in my Moon Denver guidebook. The outdoor summer concerts are very popular--I think they built the new two-story parking lot just to accommodate those crowds--but it's good to know that when the gardens are decorated for Blossoms of Light, there is still a lot on offer at the gardens in the chilly weather.

Find Denver on Facebook

Since I wrote my Moon Denver guidebook in 2008, it seems like social networking has really boomed (or maybe i just joined the boom?). Now there are many ways to "follow" Mile High City events and deals on Twitter and Facebook. One that's been handy lately is on Facebook, Winter Holidays in Denver, and if you become a fan then you'll receive regular (but not too often) status updates about fun activities around Denver.

Udi's Cafe is Denver original

When I walked into the Udi's Cafe at Stapleton this morning I realized that I had made a big mistake--in not including this wonderful place in my Moon Denver guidebook! Oops. I confess, some places got overlooked. I love the story behind Udi's--a real person, an immigrant actually who became a entrepreneur with a sandwich delivery business then bakery and now restaurants. Go to http://udisfood.com/cafes.php to find a location, see menus...go in to smell fresh baked bread, try their signature line of granola or sip freshly-squeezed juice. I will be adding Udi's to the next edition of my Moon Denver guidebook.

Denver's Artisan Center popular!

Wow, I was out doing some holiday shopping in Denver's Cherry Creek North neighborhood yesterday and the action was at the Artisan Center. In my Moon Denver guidebook I wrote about how this shop is busy yearround, but ridiculous! It was a gorgeous sunny Colorado day and there were at least 4 men sitting outside waiting while (maybe) their wives shopped inside. I could already turn around in there. Exciting to see enthusiastic shopping in this troubled economy.

bye-bye Chez Jose

Another favorite place in Denver's Cherry Creek neighborhood is going out of business in 2009...this time it's restaurant Chez Jose, which I wrote about on page 62 of my Moon Denver guidebook. I read about it in the Denver Post this morning:

http://www.denverpost.com/husted/ci_13974360?source=rsshomecol

Sure, there are plenty of burrito places nowadays, but Chez Jose was an original that will be missed.

Denver's ski gear deals

I was in REI the other day--the flagship store that I wrote about on page 141 of my Moon Denver guidebook--and discovered that in the basement where you pick up rentals (as well as online orders with free shipping direct to the store), there are bargains! Kind of like when the rental car company sells off the fleet, here they have rental gear for sale as-is. I saw skis and boots at significant markdowns. Just another place to look for deals here in the Mile High City.

LoHi Steakbar details

A couple of months ago I wrote about the LoHi Steakbar on this blog and I do intend to add this new restaurant and bar to the next edition of my Moon Denver guidebook. For now, get more details on the place from this Denver Post article:

http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_13818153

Denver's 2010 Art Biennial

I referenced the upcoming and first ever Denver Art Biennial in the Arts & Leisure chapter of my Moon Denver guidebook, and here is a Denver Post article with a little more on what to expect, maybe:

http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_13802178

Denver's Union Station

In my Moon Denver guidebook I talked about Denver's Union Station as the anchor of the LoDo neighborhood. I also referenced the history behind this architectural gem, which has been greatly reduced since its heyday. Here's a local news item about how one of my favorite local preservationists, Dana Crawford, is trying to restore some of the grandeur:

http://www.denverpost.com/pennyparker/ci_13775850?source=rsshomecol

Wicked at Denver's Buell: lottery tickets

Just got this exciting news of affordable way to catch "Wicked" in Denver this fall:

Day-of-performance lottery for a limited number of orchestra seats will be held before each performance of WICKED, which will be performing October 7 – November 15 at The Buell Theatre, presented by Denver Center Attractions. 2½ hours prior to each performance, people who present themselves at The Buell Theatre Box Office will have their names placed in a lottery drum. Thirty minutes later, names will be drawn for a limited number of orchestra seats at $25 each, cash only. This lottery is available only in-person at the box office, with a limit of two tickets per person.

WICKED begins performances at The Buell Theatre October 7. Regular single tickets start at just $35. To charge by phone, call Denver Center Ticket Services at 303.893.4100. Buy and print online at www.denvercenter.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the Denver Center Ticket Office, located at the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex Lobby, or at TicketsWest outlets, located in all King Soopers stores. TTY (for Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons):303.893.9582. Groups of 15 or more, please call 303.446.4829.

The Buell Theatre is included in the Arts & Leisure chapter of my Denver guidebook.