by Mark Smiley | Apr 17, 2026 | Uncategorized
by Mark Smiley
With spring sports heating up, Glendale and Cherry Creek-area residents don’t have to travel far to find one of Colorado’s biggest game-day viewing experiences.
Just a short drive from Glendale, the Gaylord Rockies Resort is spotlighting its Mountain Pass Sports Bar, now featuring a 75-foot flat panel television, billed as the largest indoor viewing screen in the state, for fans looking to catch the season’s biggest matchups.
The venue is positioning itself as a regional destination for sports enthusiasts, offering a stadium-style atmosphere with expansive seating, elevated sightlines, and a high-energy setting designed for group viewing.
For Glendale residents accustomed to neighborhood sports bars, Mountain Pass offers a distinctly unique alternative. The space combines the feel of a traditional sports bar with resort-level amenities, making it an option for everything from casual watch parties to special occasions.
To complement the viewing experience, the resort has introduced a limited-time, game-day menu built around shareable comfort food. Highlights include the “Colorado Gold Sandwich” with slow-cooked pork and Carolina gold barbecue sauce, a “Slam Dunk” platter of chicken tenders and wings with multiple sauce options, and the “Buzzer Beater,” a sampler of popular bar appetizers. A duo of dips, tinga chicken, and chorizo queso, rounds out the offerings.
The resort is also making a direct appeal to local residents, including those in Glendale and Cherry Creek, through its Local Resident Card program. The free program provides a 10% discount on dining and spa services, along with up to four hours of complimentary self-parking, a perk that helps offset the drive for nearby visitors.
Beyond game day, Gaylord Rockies continues to market itself as a quick getaway option for metro-area residents. The property includes more than 10 dining outlets, the Relâche Spa, and the year-round Arapahoe Springs Water Park, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides, and a lazy river.
With major sporting events drawing crowds throughout the spring, the resort’s expanded viewing experience could give Glendale-area fans a new destination to consider, one that trades the neighborhood bar for a big-screen spectacle just minutes away.
For more information, visit GaylordRockies.com.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 17, 2026 | Uncategorized
by Mark Smiley
This summer, the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center is transforming into a destination for comic book fans and families alike, as DC Super Heroes take center stage in a new immersive seasonal experience.
“Super Hero Summer,” a partnership between Gaylord Hotels and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, will run from Memorial Day weekend through Sept. 7, offering a wide range of themed attractions, entertainment, and activities inspired by iconic DC characters.
The event brings interactive programming throughout the resort, from live shows and character dining, to scavenger hunts and poolside movie nights. Organizers say the goal is to create an experience that blends entertainment with hands-on activities for guests of all ages.
At the center of the experience is the resort’s Arapahoe Springs Water Park, which will host DC-themed events throughout the summer, including “Super Hero Splash” activities, trivia, and live entertainment. The indoor-outdoor water park, featuring heated pools, waterslides, and a 720-foot lazy river, will serve as a hub for many of the festivities.
Guests can also take part in the “DC Super Hero Academy Live Show,” an interactive performance that invites participants to solve puzzles and engage in storytelling adventures, along with character appearances from familiar heroes. Dining experiences will include a Justice League-themed breakfast where guests can meet characters while enjoying themed menu offerings.
Additional attractions include a resort- wide scavenger hunt based on The Riddler, craft stations for children, and spontaneous “super hero sightings” throughout the property. Poolside movie nights featuring DC films and specialty food and drink menus will round out the entertainment lineup.
The resort is also offering overnight packages tied to the event, including options geared toward families that bundle activities, themed merchandise, and resort credits.
For Colorado residents, Gaylord Rockies will continue its Local Resident Card program, which provides discounts on dining and spa services, along with limited complimentary parking.
Located just outside Denver in Aurora, the Gaylord Rockies Resort has become a regional destination for large-scale seasonal programming. With its proximity to both Denver International Airport and downtown Denver, the resort regularly draws visitors from across the metro area, including Glendale and Cherry Creek.
Organizers say the Super Hero Summer experience is designed to appeal to both overnight guests and local visitors looking for a day trip or special outing.
More information, including tickets and package details, is available through the resort’s website at www.gaylordrockies.com.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 17, 2026 | Uncategorized
by Mark Smiley
Elitch Gardens: A colorful skyline of thrills at Elitch Gardens, where twisting water slides, towering coasters, and classic rides set the stage for another season of summer fun in Denver.
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park opened its gates for the 2026 season on Saturday, April 18, marking 136 years as one of Colorado’s most enduring entertainment destinations.
This year’s opening carries added significance, aligning with two major milestones: the 250th anniversary of the United States, and Colorado’s 150th year of statehood. Park officials say the season will blend that sense of history with an expanded lineup of attractions and events designed to draw both longtime visitors and new guests.
“As we celebrate 136 years of Elitch Gardens alongside these incredible national and state milestones, we’re reminded of how deeply rooted this park is in our community,” said Rick Howarth, general manager of Elitch Gardens. “This season is about honoring our legacy while continuing to raise the bar.”
The 2026 season is expected to be the park’s longest yet, featuring more operating days and an increase in special events. In addition to its signature roller coasters, KiddieLand attractions, and water park, Elitch Gardens plans to introduce three new festival weekends, along with drone shows, Dive-In Movies at the wave pool, and adults-only water park events.
Seasonal favorites will also return later in the year. Fright Fest, the park’s popular Halloween celebration, will run for six consecutive weekends in the fall with expanded daytime and nighttime experiences. During the winter season, Elitch Holidays will transform the park into a festive destination with millions of lights, holiday entertainment, and select rides.
For more than a century, Elitch Gardens has remained a staple of the Denver area, drawing generations of families. Park leaders say the 2026 season is focused on continuing that tradition while offering new reasons for repeat visits.
Season passes, priced at $84.99, are currently available and include unlimited visits through the holiday season, along with perks such as free parking and access to special events. A limited-time opening sale runs through April 17.
More information is available at ElitchGardens.com.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 17, 2026 | Uncategorized
By Mark Smiley
Walmart is doubling down on its investment in Colorado, announcing plans to remodel 18 stores across the state in 2026 as part of a broader effort to modernize its shopping experience and expand services for customers.
The initiative is part of a nationwide plan to upgrade more than 650 Walmart Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets this year. In Colorado alone, the company says it has already invested more than $449 million in store improvements over the past five years.
The remodels will focus on enhancing both in-store and digital experiences, with updated layouts, improved technology, and expanded services designed to make shopping faster and more convenient. Walmart officials say many customers will benefit from delivery options as fast as one hour.
“We’re continuing to invest in Colorado with a focus on how we can better serve communities across the state,” said Jay Cordray, senior vice president of Walmart’s West Business Unit. “By modernizing our stores, we’re making everyday shopping more convenient and creating a more connected experience.”
Two of the planned remodels are in Denver, including locations on South Parker Road and Chambers Road, both within close proximity to the Glendale and Cherry Creek areas. Residents can expect noticeable upgrades, including improved navigation through Walmart’s mobile app, expanded Auto Care Center scheduling, and new product displays featuring national brands.
The remodeled stores will also expand services such as free pharmacy delivery for Walmart+ members, including medications like GLP-1s, and upgraded Vision Centers offering greater privacy along with eyewear brands such as Nike, Calvin Klein, and DKNY.
Walmart says the upgrades are not just about convenience, but also about economic impact. Each remodel project is expected to generate construction jobs while supporting long-term employment in retail, pharmacy, and store management.
Beyond store improvements, the company highlighted its broader role in Colorado communities. Over the past year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation donated more than $28 million to local nonprofits and provided 13.8 million pounds of food to help address hunger. The company recently launched its annual “Fight Hunger, Spark Change” campaign to further support food banks across the state.
The planned remodels will roll out throughout 2026 in a phased approach, with locations spanning from the Front Range to rural communities.
As Walmart continues to evolve its stores, local shoppers in the Glendale and Cherry Creek area can expect a more streamlined and tech-enabled retail experience—one aimed at meeting customers where they are, whether in-store, online, or somewhere in between.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 17, 2026 | Main Articles
by Mark Smiley
Family Owned: The Conoco at the corner of University Blvd. and Exposition in the Bonnie Brae neighborhood is for sale. The Wilson family has owned the station since 1942 and the land since the late 1970s.
A familiar fixture in one of Denver’s most charming neighborhoods may soon be changing hands. The Bonnie Brae Conoco, long a staple at the corner of University Boulevard and East Ohio Avenue, is officially up for sale, raising questions about the future of the site and sparking conversation among residents.
For decades, the small gas station has served as more than just a place to fill up. Nestled at the entrance to the Bonnie Brae neighborhood, the Conoco has been a recognizable landmark for locals commuting through the area or stopping in for a quick snack, coffee, or last minute essentials.
For Sale: The sign on the Conoco station at 724 S. University Blvd. has the words “For Sale” below the gas prices. Ken Wilson and his two sisters signed with a real estate agency in February. The Wilson family has owned the gas station since 1942.
A Neighborhood Touchstone
Bonnie Brae is known for its tree lined streets, historic homes, and tight knit community feel. Within that setting, the Conoco has played a quiet but consistent role, providing convenience while becoming part of the neighborhood’s identity.
“It’s one of those places you don’t think much about until you realize it’s always been there,” said a longtime resident. “You pass it every day. It’s part of the rhythm of the neighborhood.”
Its location at a prominent intersection has made it both highly visible and strategically valuable, factors that are likely to attract strong interest from potential buyers.
Prime Real Estate, Uncertain Future
With Denver’s continued growth and rising property values, small parcels like the
Bonnie Brae Conoco site have become increasingly attractive for redevelopment. The listing has fueled speculation about what could come next, whether the property remains a gas station, transitions to a different retail concept, or is redeveloped entirely.
Real estate observers note that corner lots in established neighborhoods often draw interest for mixed use or boutique commercial projects, particularly in areas with strong foot traffic and nearby residential density.
Still, no official plans for the site have been announced.
Community Reaction
News of the sale has prompted a mix of curiosity and concern among neighbors. While some welcome the possibility of new investment, others worry about losing a familiar piece of the neighborhood fabric.
“There’s always a balance,” another resident said. “You want to see the area thrive, but you also don’t want to lose the little things that make it feel like home.”
Old School: The Wilson family-owned gas station also features an old-school auto service garage, where oil changes, tires, and repairs have kept cars, and a neighborhood, running for generations.
The conversation echoes broader trends across Denver, where redevelopment has brought both revitalization and debate about preserving neighborhood character.
What Comes Next
As the property enters the market, all eyes will be on who steps forward and what vision they bring. Whether the Bonnie Brae Conoco continues in its current role or evolves into something new, its next chapter will likely reflect the ongoing transformation of Denver’s neighborhoods.
For Glendale and Cherry Creek readers, the story serves as a reminder that even the most familiar corners of the city are not immune to change, and that community voices will play an important role in shaping what comes next.
