Here’s Your Leap Year Formula For Finding Fun, Friendship, And Love In Unexpected Places
by Glen Richardson
Canine Companion: Snoopy, the pet dog of the hapless Peanuts character in the Charlie Brown comic-strip, is the most beloved character in the history of comics.
Valentine’s Day is the holiday to express your love, whether with your significant other, best friend, your kids, or anyone else. Begin the month preparing to celebrate the most romantic day of the year, February 14th — Valentine’s Day!
In case you hadn’t noticed, 2024 is a leap year. Oh yeah, baby, one extra day on February 29th! Leap Year has a rich history with romance.
Folklore suggests the tradition began in Ireland in the 5th century, with a deal brokered between St. Brigid of Kildare and St. Patrick. Or maybe it was in 13th Century Scotland, when Queen Mary established a law that women could propose to any man they liked during a leap year, with refusal being allowed only if the man was already engaged.
Regardless of its origin, it’s a big deal in Denver nowadays. To fan the feelings of your buddy, beau, sidekick, or soulmate here’s the Chronicle’s V-Day guide to loving things to do:
Love Menagerie
This February the Denver Zoo is going wild, celebrating Valentine’s from February 3 to 14, by offering a limited number of half-off daytime admission tickets and showering the Zoo with love …including exclusive Animal Experiences plus themed Valentine’s Day treats.
Long Lasting Love: Take your love to this year’s Denver Botanic Garden’s Orchid Showcase. A symbol of love, luxury, and beauty, it’s perfect way to celebrate the holiday.
On Valentine’s Day, there’s a Singles’ Safari — the first ever — with yard games and tons of swipe-right snacks. Animal Experiences, a photo station, seasonal craft cocktails, and à la carte eats are featured.
Also offered on the 14th is a four-course dinner in the Komodo Room of Tropical Discovery, the Zoo’s indoor rainforest. Attendees will enjoy a prix fixe meal of four chef-crafted courses, including exclusive Wild at Heart Animal Encounters. Information: 720-337-1400.
Grow Your Love
Worth more than a carnation, more elegant than a rose, and symbolic of life, love, and happiness, treat your love to the Denver Botanic Garden’s annual Orchid Showcase now through Feb. 19. Symbolizing romantic feelings and passionate relationships, it is the picture-perfect way to express your love. You’ll see hundreds of exotic blooms, including rare orchids. Open in the Orangery from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the Showcase is included with admission. More: Supplies of Fantasy O
Perfect Pairing: A little red wine makes the ultimate Valentine’s Day beverage. Try a rose sparkler for added panache, the acidity keeps the mood uplifting and flirty.
rchids will be on sale Feb. 3, 10, and 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
You can also celebrate the month of love by joining the Botanic Garden’s captivating Love Potions from the Vine Tour, Feb. 11-14. Escape the winter chill in the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory with this tour of purported aphrodisiacs and learn the secret romantic lives of tropical plants.
Finally, flowers and plants are used year-round to send messages of love, happiness, and joy. Children and families can decorate a Valentine display to share with loved ones this month during the Garden’s Make & Take Garden Valentines. You’ll learn how using a variety of dried natural plant parts and crafting items. Space for children and grownups to create together is provided along with supplies. You and your family provide the ideas and creativity. Information: 720-865-3500.
Lyrics Of Love
Music Magic: Music is an ideal Valentine’s Day option this year. Among the toe-tapping options is Swallow Hill’s annual Dakota Blonde Valentine’s Day Show, Feb. 10. Photo by Sandy Reay
Music doesn’t stimulate lovey-dovey feelings in everyone, but it can sure make you swoon. Every couple has a song. Love and music are two lights of one candle. Music portrays feeling through melodies, rhythms, tunes, and lyrics. Here’s the Chronicle’s playlist of Valentine concerts, shows, singing, comedy, and dances:
For an upbeat, rhythms & blues start to the month, swing to the beat of the Motown Valentine’s Day Concert with the three MoMezzos at Dazzle Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m. The powerhouse trio feature music from Motown and beyond and take guests on a musical journey through favorite love songs. Information: 303-839-5100.
For toe-tapping, up-tempo entertainment, don’t miss Swallow Hill’s annual Dakota Blonde Valentine’s Day Show in Daniels Hall Feb. 10, 8 p.m. Part bluegrass, part acoustic rock, their musical sound, humor, and stage presence will have you falling in love. Information: 303-777-1003.
Piano-Violin duo perform a Romeo & Juliet candlelight concert at Trinity United Methodist Church on Broadway Feb. 9, 6:30 & 9 p.m. Information: 303-839-1493.
Head Over Heels: A love affair between taste and tradition, the Monaco Inn Restaurant is offering three specials with dessert or glass of Prosecco on Valentine’s Day, 5-9 p.m.
Chicago jazz singer Elaine Dame entertains on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at Dazzle with the Annie Booth Trio, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
To see an unforgettable comedy sing-along, take your love to dinner during the V-Day Dueling Piano Show at Fortissimo Feb. 14, 7 p.m. Information: 720-789-5280.
For a romantic musical show, attend the Feb. 14 Candlelight Concert at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 6:30 & 9:15 p.m. Information: 303-360-5360.
To spice up your life, see the burlesque, aerial acts, singing, and comedy at Clocktower Cabaret’s Feb. 14 Cupid’s Delight, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-293-0075.
Dance the night away to live music during the Shroomski Valentine’s event at Ironworks on Larimer St. Feb. 15, 7-11:30 p.m. Information:720-946-7721.
Or, consider sending a singing telegram to your love at home or a Valentine’s dinner. Orange Peel Moses delivers awesome performances. Information: 303-931-8466.
Love Of Food
Flaming Foster: Jimmy’s Jersey Street Café, a cozy Mayfair gem, is an ideal V-Day dining spot. The piece de resistance is the Bananas Foster for two, flamed table side.
To wine and dine your darling this Valentine’s Day, the Mile High City’s best choices remain resolutely local at heart. Slick chain eateries in new developments may bring crowds, but neighborhood restaurants foster a sense of togetherness featuring incredible cuisine in unique and distinctive spaces with cozy character. Tuck into one of the Chronicle’s three top choices:
Jimmy’s Jersey Street Café — a quaint neighborhood eatery in the Mayfair neighborhood at 932 Jersey St., eatery serves tasty Italian fare and seasonal entrees. A little gem of a restaurant with an exceptional menu and beautifully presented food. If you like Italian food, great service, and being treated like you are appreciated, go to Jimmy’s
for Valentine’s Day. The piece de resistance is the Bananas Foster for two, flamed tableside. Information: 720-328-9481.
Monaco Inn Restaurant has been serving in the Monaco Square at 862 S. Monaco St. Parkway in the Washington Virginia Vale neighborhood for more than 30 years. Owned and run by Emmanuel Tsikoudakis and Chef Terry Vaidis, the restaurant of-
fers both Greek & American cuisine. Long known for its holiday service, Valentine Specials are offered Feb. 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. Choices include New York Steak with Deep Fried Shrimp, Lamb Chops with Grilled Shrimp, or Grilled Salmon. Choice of Dessert or Glass of Prosecco included. Regular menu is also available. Information: 303-321-1104.
Shells & Sauce is a jazzy little trattoria serving classic-creative Italian-American fare in the heart of Congress Park. The cozy neighborhood restaurant at 2600 E. 12th Ave. serves a variety of home-made lasagna, meat, and fish, plus other entrees. Boasting an extensive wine list to pair with anything you and your Valentine choose, there are delicious dessert options to top off your special evening. Whether you sit on the rooftop or in the main dining room. the service is great. Information: 303-377-2091.
Runaway-Love
If running is your love language, race to this year’s Valentine’s Day 4 Mile at Washington Park Feb. 11, 9 to 11 a.m. Information: 720-838-6185.