Valley Gadfly
November has arrived in the Cherry Creek Valley, bringing shorter days, colder nights, and the annual realization that Christmas decorations have appeared in stores before we’ve even finished the Halloween candy.
The Gadfly remembers when the holiday season began after Thanksgiving. Apparently, that tradition has gone the way of affordable groceries, inexpensive parking, and a quick drive through Cherry Creek.
Speaking of Cherry Creek, anyone who hasn’t visited the neighborhood in a few months might need a map to figure out what happened. New buildings continue to reshape the landscape, bringing luxury residences, hotels, restaurants, and office space to an area that once seemed perfectly content with boutiques and neighborhood watering holes.
The transformation has been remarkable. Cherry Creek has become one of Denver’s premier destinations for shopping, dining, and upscale living. The Gadfly applauds the investment while wondering whether the neighborhood will eventually require valet parking just to visit the valet parking stand.
Meanwhile, just down the road, Glendale continues maintaining its independent personality while surrounded by a metropolitan area that seems determined to become more complicated by the day.
There is something refreshing about a city where you can travel from one end to the other without packing a lunch. Glendale may be small geographically, but its restaurants, businesses, and community events give it a presence considerably larger than its footprint.
And then there’s traffic. Colorado Boulevard remains one of the region’s most reliable sources of frustration. What should be a simple trip can turn into an extended opportunity to contemplate life’s mysteries or listen to an entire podcast.
The Gadfly is particularly fascinated by modern traffic signals, which apparently have developed the ability to sense when a driver is in a hurry and immediately turn red.
Perhaps one day Denver officials will unveil a revolutionary transportation strategy called keeping traffic moving. The Gadfly suspects it would be enormously popular.
But November is also a time to appreciate what we have. Despite the traffic, construction, and rising cost of practically everything, the Cherry Creek Valley remains a remarkable place to live and work.
We enjoy beautiful parks, excellent restaurants, thriving businesses, and neighborhoods filled with people who care about their communities. We also have dedicated small business owners, volunteers, and first responders who make our corner of Colorado special.
Thanksgiving reminds us that the most important things in life generally aren’t found in a shopping mall or luxury condominium. They’re found around the dinner table with family and friends.
Of course, a properly prepared turkey, excellent stuffing, and a generous helping of mashed potatoes contribute significantly to the holiday spirit.
Before we know it, the holiday lights will be glowing throughout Cherry Creek, restaurants will be filled with seasonal celebrations, and shoppers will be searching for parking spaces with the determination of prospectors hunting for gold.
So here’s to a wonderful November, a happy Thanksgiving, and a holiday season filled with good food, good friends, and a minimum of traffic delays.
As for the Gadfly, he’ll be enjoying a second helping of pumpkin pie while wondering why the Christmas music started playing in October.
Some traditions are worth preserving. Others could stand to wait until December.
