The frenzy of fall has subsided. Pull out your cozy sweaters and take a deep breath of crisp air before pulling on your mask and settling into November. It’s a holiday month and there’s always something to be thankful for. Hopefully, for starters, November morns will no longer hide in the smoke and haze we had through summer and fall.
With the pandemic still affecting how we gather, the celebrated Thanksgiving holiday will bring a more intimate experience that’s, well, a little forced upon us.
Here are our Covid-style Thanksgiving choices for shopping, dining and entertainment as we sit socially distanced, careful not to do anything coronavirusy:
3 Enjoy city’s vibrant cultural scene during Denver Arts Week(end), Nov. 6-8. You’ll enjoy hundreds of in-person and virtual events from visual arts to music, museums and drama. Information: Denver.org-arts-week.
3 Don’t miss Veterans Day speaker Lisette Celmons at the Lowry Speaker Series in Eisenhower Chapel Nov. 11, 7 p.m. Information: 303-344-9471.
3 Catch National Bohemians playing in remodeled Benchmark Theatre with social distance seating, Nov. 13-15 & 20-22. Information: 303-275-3430.
3 Support DCPA by viewing singer-actress Laura Benanti in a virtual concert transmitted live Nov. 13, 6 p.m. Information: denvercenter.org.
3 Embrace the season by enjoying the warmth and abundance of Autumn Chai Teas from Ku Cha House of Tea on E. 3rd Ave. in Cherry Creek North. Open from noon to 5 p.m. daily. Information: 303-322-0183.
3 As the holidays approach shop for vintage and modern timepieces as gifts for family and friends from Cherry Creek Watch Co. nestled in the heart of Cherry Creek North at 231 Milwaukee St. Information: 720-770-2223.
3 Get in the holiday spirit as Denver lights up the City & County Bldg. and downtown light displays on Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 27-Jan. 1.
3 View art by Tony Ortega on display in the Freyer-Newman Center at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Nov. 21-Feb. 28. Information: 720-865-2500.
3 Shop for holiday gifts during Junior League of Denver’s annual Mile High Holiday Mart with strict attendee limits in the venue, Nov. 13-15. Event is at the Denver Marriott South Fri. 3-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun. to 4 p.m. Ticket holders can sign up for an entry time. Entry time reservations are not required, but attendees may need to wait in line during peak hours. Parking is free at the venue. Information: 303-692-0270,
For many, kitchens, living rooms and hallways that are usually flooded with family members and friends will be a bit quieter. We get it: It will seem a bit somber to go from having large crowds gather at home or at a restaurant to hosting intimate gathering of three or four, even if the turkey is plump and your tummy’s full.
But you can flip this fall’s script: As you downscale plans for the upcoming holidays, it is the perfect time to create new memories and long-lasting traditions.
Most of us can be thankful that our family and friends haven’t contracted the coronavirus and we’ve managed to stay healthy. In a year bombarded by the pandemic, Thanksgiving can be a day to remember all of the things, big and small, we have to be thankful for. Have an enjoyable Thanksgiving as you gobble ’til you wobble.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.