Go to town and simmer down, summer is almost here. You can smell the sweet, clean scent the minute you step outside. Feel at home, hang loose, knock off and laze, summer is officially here June 21. At weekend gatherings and weeknight dinners we gather on restaurant patios to eat, drink, socialize and bask in beautiful views.

As Cherry Creek Valley’s landscape begins to emerge after this year’s prolonged winter storms, we arise just a tad lackluster and unkempt to fragrances in full bloom.

Here are our warm, refreshing and revitalizing choices for shopping, dining and entertainment as we enjoy the stimulating sights, sounds, smells and tastes of summer:

3          Warm up with sizzling art as the Robert Anderson Gallery ushers in summer showcasing seven new photo artists at E. Colfax space. See a wide spectrum of new work, June 1-Aug. 31. Information:303-355-8955.

3          Feast on Cherry Creek Fresh Market’s juicy summer fruits and vegetables Wed. & Sat. at 1st Ave. and University. Information: 303-442-1847.

3          Roar into summer enjoying Classic Car Show & Poker Run on Havana Street in Aurora June 8, noon to 6 p.m. Information: 720-788-8986.

3          Swing to Arrowhead Golf Course for lunch and golf to support the Children’s Home Tournament June 10. Information: 720-881-3366.

3          Ride into summer with RTD, celebrating 50 years of moving people. With more than 170 bus routes and nine rail lines, it is very easy to hop on board to get around town. Information: rtd-denver.com.

3          Take dad, the kids and grandkids to the Monaco Inn Restaurant to celebrate Father’s Day June 16. Enjoy full menu and a Baby Back Rib Special plus cocktails, wine and beer. Information:303-320-1104.

3          See summer movies under the stars at Infinity Park Stadium’s Monday Movie Madness, June 17-Aug. 12. Information: infinityparkglendale.com.

3          Celebrate summer with sake, food and music at the Cherry Blossom Festival June 22-23, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. until 4 p.m. Information: 303-953-4486.

3          Summer is for enjoying music and family picnics outdoors. There’s no better way for family fun than the Shady Groove Picnic Series Wednesday evenings at Four Mile Park, June 5-Aug. 21, 7:30 p.m. Blues harmonica greats Clay Kirkland and Al Chesis along with the Delta Sonics open this year’s picnic series. Don’t miss out on any of the vocals and fun foot stomping Wednesday night good times. Information: 303-777-1003.

As June rolls in, we think of mountain breezes, warm weather and long days. The month of blossoms and pleasant nights. June is the sixth month of the year, the second of four months to have a length of 30 days, and the third of five months to have a length of less than 31 days. It is also summer solstice, the day with the most daylight hours.

What is so rare as a day in June. Then, if ever, comes perfect days. Al Bernstein gives us this simple rationale: “Spring being a tough act to follow, God created June.”

This is the month of summer breezes and light fluffy clouds. Hey, it’s finally summer! Be free and happy, fanciful and uninhibited. If it could only be like this always — always summer, the fruit always ripe and the nights always pleasant. However you plan to spend June, simmer down, settle back, take 10 and begin to unwind.

 — Glen Richardson The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com

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