by Mark Smiley | Jul 22, 2022 | General Featured
by Mark Smiley
Durable: The Carl Friedrik Carry-on Pro’s wheels move 360 degrees and are silent and durable. Its hard-shell makes it a nearly indestructible piece of luggage without sacrificing style.
Inside The Suitcase: Each side is an open compartment equipped with compression straps.
The Carl Friedrik Carry-on Pro, a polycarbonate carry-on suitcase, is intended for professional travelers and even the casual one that is spending a few nights away from home. This carry-on bag is one of the sturdiest on the market with its hard-shell exterior. Even with its sturdy construction, it is a stylish piece of luggage.
It features a rugged metal frame to create a sturdy and robust structure but with soft, premium Italian leather detailing. The wheels move 360 degrees, are silent and durable, and are made by Hinomoto, a company which, according to obsessive fliers, is a standard-bearer of quality caster-making.
On the outside of the bag, travelers will find a convenient pocket, making it easy to access electronics and travel documents. On a quick trip to a local resort, we used the outside pocket for a tablet but that slot is also large enough to fit a laptop computer. The bag is secured by combination locks, intended to keep valuables safe and protected when traveling.
Outside The Suitcase: On the outside of the bag, travelers will find a convenient pocket, making it easy to access electronics and travel documents.
Small in size, the Carl Friedrik Carry-on Pro meets the standard cabin restrictions for most U.S. and European carry-on dimensions. The bag also features a removable compression pad which can be used with the provided compression straps. There is a separate laptop compartment, a smaller pocket, and an area to store pens and chargers. The bag even features an optional outside USB charging port and battery to keep mobile phones and laptops running throughout the day.
Internally, each side is an open compartment equipped with compression straps. It includes one removable compression pad with a pocket, to be used in tandem with the compression straps.
For those in the market for a small carry-on suitcase that will stand the test of time and is made from quality materials, consider the Carl Friedrik Carry-on Pro. Visit www.carlfriedrik.com for more information or to purchase one of their suitcases.
by Valley Gadfly | Jun 26, 2022 | General Featured
City Hosting Jaw-Dropping Show From Infinity Park July 1; Concerts, Park Hill Parade, More Fireworks During Weekend
Fireworks From The Park: Glendale’s annual July 4th fireworks — one of region’s oldest and largest — is allowing families to view the mesmerizing show from Infinity Park stadium and turf field for the first time.
Glendale’s jaw-dropping fireworks — considered the Valley’s premier display — will once again light up the Valley. Blazing into the skies at dusk on July 1, the Glendale Independence Day celebration is for the first-time allowing families and friends to view the mesmerizing free pyrotechnics show from Infinity Park stadium, or on the turf field outside the stadium.
One of the oldest and largest fireworks shows in the region, the 2022 show is adding a new format: Gates will open at 7:30 p.m. and the fireworks show will be preceded by movie shorts and videos on the stadium’s jumbo screen, plus food trucks will be on site. Attendees may also bring food and beverages (no glass containers or grills). Changes are the result of closure of Creekside Park — the long-time launch site — to make way for construction of the new Four Mile Entertainment District.
The fireworks will flash and flicker into the sky beginning at about 9:15 p.m. The dazzling aerial display will create bright, colorful shapes that spin, spiral, whirl, whisk, spurt, spray, and splatter to outbursts of ooohs and aaahs from the close-up crowd. Information: InfinityParkat Glendale.com.
More Ways To Celebrate
Sprint Spirit: Families can get in the holiday spirit by participating in the four-mile Liberty Run-Walk in Wash Park on July 4th, 8:30-11:30 a.m. There’s also a Kids Firecracker Fun Run.
The Glendale blast off launches the biggest weekend of fireworks, concerts, art shows, and new Independence Day festivities in recent memory. From Friday through Monday July 4th, you’ll have no trouble finding fun activities to enjoy. Beyond picnics and backyard BBQs, there are baseball games, parades, musical performances, and onetime get-togethers to share with family and friends. Here’s the Chronicle’s day-by-day guide of things to do to make this the best 4th Of July holiday ever:
July 1
Concert & Fireworks: For longer than Colorado has been a state, the Denver Municipal Band has been delighting Valley audiences. Take the kids, dogs, and picnic gear and go to Cranmer Park on E. 1st Ave., 5-6:30 p.m. The free concert is followed by fireworks. Information: denvermunicipalband.org.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival: Start the holiday celebrations rolling by attending the annual Festival that opens July 1 and runs through July 3, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. to 6 p.m. The festival is returning to the streets of Cherry Creek North where you’ll enjoy art, music, and cuisine that is free to the public. Information: 303-355-2787.
Dzirae Gold Dazzles: Her sultry vocals described as “smooth as liquid gold,” soul singer is at Dazzle@Baur’s, 7 p.m., followed by jazz musicians Nostal-Jazz at 10 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Fan Expo: Activities and attractions for the entire family, event opens at the Convention Center July 1, 4 p.m.- 9 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.- 7 p.m., Sun. until 5 p.m. Fans meet their favorite superheroes, princesses, and actors. Information: 303-228-8000.
Punx Unite Festival: Known as a blend of various band and music cultures, musical experience is July 1 & 2 at the Bluebird Theater on E. Colfax Ave., 5 p.m. Information: 303-377-1666.
July 2
Four Mile 4th: The annual Independence celebration at Four Mile Historic Park will feature music, crafts, historical re-enactors, and live demonstrations July 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Four Mile Park Independence Celebration: A fun-filled day of music, crafts, historical re-enactors, and live demonstrations at Four Mile Historic Park, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Event has live music, prairie games, crafts, plus food trucks. Information: 720-865-0800.
Colorado Rockies Fireworks: Nothing says America like a baseball game and some fireworks. Watch the Rockies face the Houston Astros July 2 and 3 followed by fireworks. Information: 303-292-0200.
Super Cruise Saturday: Car lovers gather along South Golden Road to watch vintage vehicles, hot rods, and custom cars of all kinds. Sponsored by Golden VFW Post 4171, the cruise is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information: 303-279-2119.
Holiday Hit: Valley baseball fans can watch the Colorado Rockies play the Houston Astros on July 2 and 3, followed by fireworks.
Roots & Rhythm: The group that just opened for four-time Grammy singer Dianne Reeves entertains at Inga’s Alpine Tavern, 7 p.m. Information: 720-389-6203.
Broomfield 4th of July Carnival: If the kids want to go to a carnival this holiday, take them to FlatIron Crossing. Rides are from 6-9 p.m. today, Sat.-Sun. & the 4th, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Information: 720-887-9900.
July 3
Independence Eve: Enjoy the sweet sounds of the Colorado Symphony plus local artists in Civic Center Park downtown. Music starts at 6 p.m., Colorado Symphony performs at 8:15 p.m. followed by the light show on the City-County Bldg. The fireworks finale will begin about 9:30 p.m. Information: 303-861-4633.
Stars & Stripes Forever: Enjoy holiday music by the Arapahoe Philharmonic in the Farm House Restaurant at the Breckenridge Brewery in Littleton, 7 p.m. You’ll hear symphonic classics like the “1812 Overture” and “Stars and Stripes Forever” plus film-TV favorites including the theme from “The Mandalorian.” Fireworks end the evening. Information: 303-803-1380.
July 4
Patriotic Playlist: Roots & Rhythm gets residents tuned-up for the holidays at Inga’s Alpine Tavern in Glendale July 2, 7 p.m.
Park Hill 4th Of July Parade: Marching bands, floats, classic cars, and costumed characters, starting at 1:30 p.m. Denver’s largest Independence Day parade runs along 23rd Ave. for approximately one mile from Dexter St. to Krameria St. A street fair concludes the parade on the 2200 block of Kearney St. (between 22nd and 23rd Aves.), with food, music, and kids’ activities. Information: 303-918-6517.
Aurora 4th Of July Spectacular: Musical performances and food trucks on the Aurora Municipal Center’s Great Lawn beginning at 5 p.m. Entertainment is from 6-9:30 p.m., followed by fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Information: 303-739-6702.
The Dream Maker: The Denver Botanic Gardens becomes even more magical as magician and former Cirque du Soleil performer Xavier Mortimer entertains, 6 p.m. Information: 720-865-3500.
Government Glitter: The Colorado Symphony performs at Civic Center Park at 8:15 p.m., followed by a light show on the City-County Bldg. and a fireworks finale downtown on Independence eve. Photo credit: denver.org
DeadBeats Backyard Jamboree: Zeds Dead & friends, including Blunts & Blonds, and So Tuff So Cute entertain in Civic Center Park, 3-5 p.m. There’s BBQ and lawn games, plus special viewing area off main stage. Information: 303-861-4633.
Liberty Run & Kids Firecracker Fun Run: A Four Mile Run-Walk in Wash Park, 8:30-11:30 a.m. Attendees can also provide talent on the Liberty Run’s Got Talent stage. Ice cream and apple pie provided. Information: 303-522-4387.
Lindsey Giffey: Acoustic guitarist plays and sings at The Morrison Inn on Bear Creek Ave. in Morrison, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Information: 303-697-8850.
Lake Dillon Symphony Spectacular: Celebrate the stars and stripes at Lake Dillon as the Colorado Symphony plays scores from the “Armed Forces Salute,” “God Bless America” and other 4th of July favorites at the Dillon Amphitheater, 4 p.m. Information: 970-468-2403.
by Jessica Hughes | May 20, 2022 | General Featured
by Jessica Hughes
Rendering of the revamped 16th Street Mall. Rendering provided by Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure
Breaking ground on the new 16th Street Mall Project. From left: Laura Aldrete, executive director of Community Planning and Development, Kourtny Garrett, CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership, Mayor Michael B. Hancock, Fred Worthen the Assistant General Manager for Bus Operations of RTD, Adam Phipps, the Executive Director of the Department of Transportation & Infrastructure, and Councilmember Chris Hinds. Photo provided by City and County of Denver
After 40 long years, Denver’s 16th Street Mall is finally getting some love in the form of a much-needed makeover. On April 14, 2022, Mayor Michael B. Hancock gathered with downtown Denver residents and businesses for the groundbreaking ceremony on the 16th Street Mall Project. The long-awaited project serves to breathe new life into the iconic pedestrian destination.
As many Denverites know all too well, for years, downtown has been a contentious topic of conversation with its increased crime rate, rampant drug use, and the city’s continued efforts to support those who are unhoused. So, it should come as no surprise that the city finally put the plans in place for this necessary revitalization.
After years of discussions around downtown renovations, in 2019 the city received approval to move forward with the project. Funding for the $149 million project came from a mix of local, state, and federal funds, including voter approved Elevate Denver bond funds and contributions from partners including the Denver Urban Renewal Authority, Colorado Department of Transportation, and Federal Transit Administration.
“This is a truly monumental day in the life of our downtown as we kick off a project that will secure the future of the 16th Street Mall for generations to come,” Mayor Hancock said. “The 16th Street Mall reconstruction is a key part of downtown’s comeback and will set the pace of Denver’s overall equitable and sustainable economic recovery.”
The 16th Street Mall Project is the first major renovation of this vital downtown corridor since its opening in 1982. A primary driver for the project is the need to address deteriorating infrastructure, specifically the granite paver system, that results in poor drainage, frequent disruptions to the transit system, and maintenance costs of more than $1M annually.
“The 16th Street Mall is one of the city’s most important public spaces, serving millions of people each year,” said Kourtny Garrett, President and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. “This project will enhance the overall experience for residents, employees, and visitors, ensuring the Mall remains Denver’s Main Street. For now, it’s more important than ever that we rally behind the businesses that make Downtown special and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive during construction.”
To support the small businesses along the mall during construction, the City and County of Denver will issue $1M from the city’s 2022 General Fund. Plus, the city is partnering with the Downtown Denver Partnership to distribute grants and technical assistance to eligible small businesses along the mall.
The city selected PCL Construction Services as the design/build firm to carry out the 16th Street Mall Project. Visitors will begin to see improvements to infrastructure taking place along 13 blocks of the main corridor from Market Street to Broadway. Work will begin between Market and Larimer Streets, with the project wrapping up at the end of 2024.
Construction equipment with colorful balloons that will be a hallmark of the project. Photo provided by City and County of Denver
Some of the biggest changes visitors are likely to notice the most will be the wider pedestrian walkways, new designated areas for entertainment, and exciting new art that will draw visitors to the corridor. Additionally, the project will replace the Mall’s existing granite paver system with one that drains more effectively and offers greater surface friction to improve overall safety and expanding the Mall’s tree canopy for improved beautification.
The 16th Street Mall renovation is a component of Denver’s overall financial plan for an equitable and sustainable economic recovery and is anticipated to support more than 1,800 jobs, generate more than $155 million in income for workers, nearly $380 million in sales for businesses, and have a regional economic impact of as much as $4 billion throughout the duration of the project.
The RTD Free MallRide shuttle will continue to run during the 16th Street Mall project, rerouted to 15th and 17th Streets as needed. RTD will update the public on their MallRide page.
Access to all businesses will be maintained throughout the project. More information and updates about the project are available at www.denvergov.org/16th StreetMall. People can also stay connected to the project by searching “16th Street Mall Project” in the Apple or Google Play stores and downloading the mobile app.
by Luke Schmaltz | Apr 21, 2022 | General Featured
“No one is immune from addiction; it afflicts people of all ages, races, classes, and professions.”
by Luke Schmaltz
The fundamental allure of using drugs is state change. The human nervous system is a pleasure-seeking construct. In the relentless pursuit of gratification, the human brain has developed an ability to manufacture state-changing compounds such as dopamine and oxytocin.
Modern ingenuity is locked in an undying quest to replace all physical and mental exertion with painless luxury. In doing so, it has removed all effort from dealing with pain and mental unrest and created a smorgasbord of delights for every proclivity, every unique brain chemistry, and every personality.
According to the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality (nichq.org), “Over 20,000 babies are born each year dependent on illegal or prescription drugs” having inherited their mother’s addictions while in the womb. Regardless, every person in the developed world, at an early age, will be bombarded by the concept of ingesting substances that are designed to fix problems and change the way they feel. Through television, internet, streaming video, audio programming, pop culture, peer pressure, and parental behavior — most people come to understand the concept of getting “messed up” at an early age.
The pervasive inclusion of fentanyl in illegal street drugs and imitation prescription pills is increasing overdose deaths exponentially.
Those among the populace unfortunate enough to be born with certain types of brain chemistry, an addictive personality, or a wide variety of mental issues can become hooked on any number of toxic substances. These can include alcohol, tobacco, methamphetamine, heroin (opioids), cocaine, methadone, and more. Much more.
The specter of addiction hangs over Western society as a constant reminder of how capitalism is hardwired to accommodate the penchant for instant gratification. A culture of escapism and sensory overload is perfectly suited to appease the human tendency to embrace denial and avoid dealing with problems head on.
Start Prevention At An Early Age
Just as children are taught to look both ways before crossing the street and to avoid interacting with strangers on said streets, the topic of addiction should be presented and prioritized with the same immediacy. Yet, Western society, in its infinite irony, is harming kids by keeping them in the dark in an effort to protect them from life’s harsh realities. In most instances, kids simply have no concept of how easy it is to get hooked and the possible outcomes — most of which can be anywhere from unfortunate to tragic.
Education on drugs and addiction starts at home, whether it is through candid conversations between parents and kids or through parental neglect to broach the subject. The former takes the hearsay and mythos out of the equation and creates healthy dialogue between parents and kids. The latter leaves curious children to seek answers elsewhere through their peers, social media, or by observing parental behavior — all of which can be misleading. According to a 2021 report published by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), “If you talk to your kids directly and honestly, they are more likely to respect your rules and advice about alcohol and drug use. When parents talk with their children early and often about alcohol and other drugs, they can protect their children from many of the high-risk behaviors associated with using these drugs.”
The American Heart Association provides sobering insight into the harmful effects of nicotine.
The same report explains that by the age of 15, 50% of kids will have tried alcohol and the same number will have tried an illegal drug by the time they are seniors in high school. State-changing substances are pervasive and inescapable, so the ideal way to deal with them is to take the guesswork away from inquisitive children and explain, in clear language, that drugs can easily harm them, poison them, and kill them.
Escape The Vape
Nicotine is highly addictive and is now available in seemingly harmless vapor form — packaged in flavors such as bubble gum, sweet tarts, gummy bears, and chocolate — which are highly appealing to kids. Since combustion is not involved, vaping can seem like a consequence-free way of obtaining a nice buzz, but the reality of the situation is that, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), “Nicotine can harm the developing adolescent brain and the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.”
Understand The Impulses
Peer pressure can be a big contributor to what causes kids to use drugs.
A child is compelled to use nicotine for the same reasons an adult reaches for a pack of cigarettes, temporary relief from depression and anxiety. You can prevent your kids from getting hooked on nicotine (which can lead to harder drugs) by pinpointing circumstances which are causing stress in the child’s life. Confronting these issues head on and exploring healthy ways to cope such as therapy, exercise, and communication can prevent a child from developing an addictive personality, and it can also strengthen the relationship between children and their parents. Mitigating the fallout from exposure to nicotine and habitual use, according to the American Heart Association, is to establish a comprehensive nicotine-free philosophy which includes vaping, chewing tobacco, and cigarettes. If kids are smoking, it is important to start a dialogue and find out why. The AHA says, “Instead of punishment, offer understanding and help to resist the dangerous lure of tobacco use and addiction.”
Take A Hardline Approach
The defelonization of many hard drugs such as crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and the deadliest of all — fentanyl — is further increasing their availability. If a kid wants to try any one of them, the fact is they don’t have to try very hard to get their hands on some dope. Currently, the establishment’s passe’ attitude toward drug use is sending a message to kids that it’s really no big deal to get high all the time. By accommodating drug addicts with so-called “harm reduction” policies, they are making it an everyday affair for otherwise healthy kids to take drugs, get hooked and possibly overdose and die. Just as adults tell their kids not to drink bleach (poison) and swan dive off 100-foot-high cliffs, adults who want to keep their kids away from addiction should consider talking to their kids often and at great length about the clear and present danger of getting high. This is especially cru
Babies born dependent on drugs suffer from NAS (Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome), a type of opiate withdrawal.
cial with the advent of Fentanyl — a compound which, according to Colorado.edu, is “50 to 100 times more potent than heroin or morphine.”
Kill The Pills
Additionally, the undying popularity of over-the-counter drugs has created a market for counterfeit pills — most of which contain fentanyl. While the pharmaceutical industry is finally being regulated after getting millions of people hooked on their products and claiming untold amounts of human life, the monster they created has taken on a life of its own. The demand for pills that make you feel better has become part of the permaculture, and if people can’t get them legally, they will simply find another way.
The Western medicine approach to mental illness takes the path of least resistance; misdiagnose, overprescribe, and move on to the next patient. The idea of delving into an afflicted person’s unique circumstances and getting to the root of their problems has been deemed by many, both subjects and practitioners, as too time-consuming and simply too damn hard. Thus, the motto, “Take two and call me in the morning.” The idea that feeling better and getting away from your troubles is as easy as unscrewing the lid to a child-proof bottle is flat-out false and should be stricken from the narrative.
Kids should be told, in no uncertain terms, that life can and will be hard sometimes, and staying clean takes constant awareness and vigilance. Pursuing chemically-induced state-change can really screw a person up, can lead to an untimely death and a life-changing tragedy for a family. Tell them the truth, they can handle it.
by Luke Schmaltz | Mar 18, 2022 | General Featured
“Progressives want livable, walkable cities, but by allowing the continued operation of open-air drug scenes, they are making cities unlivable and unwalkable, as well as inhumane.”
by Luke Schmaltz
In his recently published 350+ page opus, author Michael Shellenberger tackles the daunting task of unwrapping a multi-layered crisis which has reached a critical state in California’s City by the Bay.
For those who may be unaware, San Francisco, CA, is a city in the grips of a social, political, and humanitarian nightmare. Decriminalization of illicit drugs and mass adoption of progressive “harm reduction” policies have backfired, plunging the city into an epidemic of addiction. One resident, business owner Adam Mesnick, is quoted as saying, “What’s happening is not even liberal. It’s not realistic. It’s fantasy land. This is a severe drug addiction crisis that needs greater intervention or everyone’s just going to die from fentanyl.”
San Franshitsco
Shellenberger describes how homelessness and rampant drug abuse are coupled with a statewide housing market that is grotesquely lopsided. This is apparent by the skyrocketing rental rates and property values which are pricing out many average citizens — even those with full-time jobs. The result is a populace with a large percentage of “unhoused” aka “homeless” people. In 2019, over 30,000 incidents of public defecation were reported in San Francisco, while California as a whole was found to account for 51% of all unhoused people in the entire United States.
Harm Induction
Shellenberger exposes “harm reduction” sites and so-called “Safe Sleeping Spaces” as the open-air drug scenes that they are. “Harm reduction” is a term used for government-approved areas which supply everything (equipment-wise) an addict needs in order to successfully inject narcotics such as methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. NGO (non-governmental organization) workers provide addicts with tourniquets, cooking kits, syringes, and needles in an effort to somehow “reduce harm.” Shellenberger calls the practice what it truly is — “harm induction.” These NGOs are key drivers of the homeless epidemic, disguising a sadistic policy of aiding addiction behind the auspices of altruism.
Housing First
Shellenberger shines a harsh light on “housing first” which is the battle cry of many homeless advocates. This line of thinking advocates the reduction of access to overnight shelters and instead, insists on housing for addicts and mentally ill people without requiring sobriety, medication, and treatment. Shellenberger presents evidence that this policy does not effectively address the core issues which cause homelessness. To the contrary, by taking treatment for mental illness and drug addiction out of the equation — the issue spins further out of control.
A Huge Industry
Shellenberger goes to superhuman lengths to uncover, document, support, and reinforce the fact that homelessness and open-air drug scenes across the state are worsening in spite of the fact that taxpayer-funded spending on the issues is at an all-time high. The Homeless Industrial Complex, as absurd as it may sound, is very real and very much as counterintuitive and dysfunctional as the title suggests. While hundreds of millions of taxpayer funds are siphoned into this system, half of the money goes to staff salaries. It does not take a genius to realize that if they fix the problem, the cash cow is essentially taken from the milking parlor and put out to pasture.
A Legislative Nightmare
San Fransicko also presents a smorgasbord of political abominations which are adding fuel to the fire. Specifically, the decriminalization of the possession and use of illegal drugs is making it easier than ever for dealers to blatantly serve their market without fear of penalties. Meanwhile, deliberate reduction of the severity of crimes such as shoplifting, burglary, trespassing, and grand larceny has created a black-market industry which favors criminal behavior which is used to support addiction.
Crazy Town
Shellenberger further demonstrates how an unaddressed mental health epidemic is not only a miscarriage of the civil duties of elected government officials, but their pawning it off onto NGOs is downright irresponsible. The simple fact of the matter is that allowing those with untreated mental illness to openly and freely obtain and inject themselves with methamphetamines, fentanyl, and heroin is in no way a solution to a very serious problem.
A Viable Solution
Shellenberger goes on to suggest a comprehensive treatment solution for the mental health crisis via a plausible institution he dubs “Cal-Psych” which would “efficiently and humanely treat the seriously mentally ill and addicts, while providing housing to the homeless on a contingency-based system. Cal-Psych’s CEO would be best-in-class and report directly to the governor. It is only in this way that the voters could hold the governor accountable for the crises on the streets.”
Whether Shellenberger will be taken up on his offer to provide a plausible solution is anyone’s guess. Regardless, if homelessness, open-air drug scenes, rising crime, and increasing danger in your city concerns you, San Fransicko is required reading.
Image by article author
Michael Shellenberger exposes the flaws of a system gripped by addiction, psychosis and inhumane conditions.
by Jessica Hughes | Mar 4, 2022 | General Featured
by Jessica Hughes
Fireplace: A fireplace is the centerpiece to the lounge where guests can mingle and enjoy social hour. Photo provided by Hotel Clio
The JW Marriott in Cherry Creek North embarked on a multi-million-dollar renovation and will make its transformation into the Hotel Clio, a Luxury Collection Hotel, on March 15, 2022.
Hotel Clio showcases a newly reimagined lobby, gathering spaces, and guest rooms and suites. The inspired urban oasis features the work of design-duo Mark Wilson and Yoko Ishihara of the California-based Wilson Ishihara, who drew on inspiration from the history of the hotel’s location.
“Hotels listed in Marriott’s luxury collection are typically rooted in the history of the area,” says Sean McNamara, the property’s director of sales and marketing. “So, while this isn’t a historical building itself, it is the first hotel in Cherry Creek and we sought to tell the story of the destination through its design.”
One such design element includes the lobby floor that is meant to resemble a riverbed glistening with flecks of gold and a marbled tile with tributary-like details. These and other unique design features combine the precise physical attributes of the confluence of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek nearby, along with the area’s history of the Gold Rush.
Rooms: Rooms with mountain views at Hotel Clio. Photo provided by Hotel Clio
The hotel features 193 luxurious rooms and six spacious suites, plus 10,000 square feet of event and meeting space. Rooms and suites feature five-piece marble bathrooms, spacious closets, pillow-top mattresses, and large picture windows for unobstructed views of the Front Range.
Inspired and connected through food and beverage, the hotel’s in-house restaurant, Toro Latin Kitchen & Lounge, replaces the long-standing Second Home restaurant. While not much of the set-up has changed the food has. In partnership with celebrity chef, Richard Sandoval, Toro is a culinary experience to be celebrated.
With menu items such as their Sweet Corn Empanadas, fresh ceviche, Bison Tiradito, and Blackened Tuna Tacos, there’s a little something for everyone. The restaurant also features a drink named the Casual Encounter, served in a stand-alone glass case complete with Laws four-grain bourbon and dry ice.
The restaurant is open for breakfast and dinner, or their Bottomless Weekend Brunch. The lobby bar allows guests to pull from their own personal stash by renting a Tequila locker where personal collections of high-end tequilas can be stored.
New Restaurant: The Toro dining room has replaced the long-standing Second Home restaurant in Denver’s Cherry Creek North. Photo provided by Hotel Clio
Clio will offer a concierge service, plus curated epicurean moments and experiences. Such experiences include happy hour mixology, guacamole demonstration, and a ceviche class at their ceviche bar (open to the public and guests for $25).
“As we transition into this new luxury hotel concept, we like to think of Hotel Clio as the Muse of Cherry Creek,” McNamara notes. “We want our guests to experience the same sense of inspiration that we all feel being connected to this incredible neighborhood.”
For more information, visit www.hotelcliocherrycreek.com.
