by Jessica Hughes | Nov 15, 2024 | Glendale City News
by Jessica Hughes
Hotel Clio in Cherry Creek North makes the perfect staycation this holiday season. Photo by Hotel Clio
Cherry Creek North Lights Up as Colorado’s largest free lights display. Photo provided by Cherry Creek North
Cherry Creek North illuminates the Mile High City with this year’s Winter Wanderland and Holiday Market. The experience begins with the Million Light Plug-in event that lights up the entire 16-block area of Cherry Creek North with a million twinkling lights — making it Colorado’s largest free lights display.
Soon to follow will be the opening of the Holiday Market on Fillmore Plaza, plus a whole host of festive events and activities to round out the holiday season.
“This holiday season we are excited to offer our local community and visitors alike, a full and festive holiday experience that captures the season’s essence,” said Lisa Voss, Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District’s VP of Marketing. “Whether it’s shopping locally during Small Business Weekend, staying in one of our award-winning hotels, strolling during Saturday Night Lights, having a festive dinner with friends, or giving back to the community, there is something for everyone in Cherry Creek North to enjoy this holiday season.”
The Cherry Creek Holiday Market returns for a fifth season, from November 21 through December 24. The market features 40+ rotating vendor booths lining Fillmore Plaza, with a curated selection of Colorado-based companies and artisans. Check everyone off your list while enjoying live entertainment and sipping on your favorite cup of hot cocoa.
Four holiday-giving machines will be available at the entrance to the Holiday Market. Photo provided by Cherry Creek North
The best way to shop local is during the three-day Small Business Weekend, November 24 – 26, with giveaways and deals from 175+ local businesses. It’s the perfect chance to shop small and support local businesses during the holiday season.
The Holiday Market isn’t just about shopping, it’s also about enjoying the sights and sounds of the holiday season. So, this year the market brings back the Mistletoe Lounge. Located next door to the market in Fillmore Plaza, the upgraded two-story holiday pop-up bar features a highly decorated atmosphere, a themed seasonal drink menu, and live music from local acts.
Cherry Creek North Holiday Market celebrates its fifth year. Photo by: Fetch Concepts
Also returning this year are the Giving Machines. The pop-up features 30 donation options for five local and two international charities. It’s an easy way to tap into the true meaning of the season and give back to your community.
Mark your calendars for December 7, 14, and 21 when Cherry Creek North comes alive with Saturday Night Lights. Cozy up with a cup of complimentary hot chocolate and tasty treats while wandering under one million dazzling lights throughout Cherry Creek North. Beyond the lights, dance on a light-up dance floor with live DJs and stroll through a 40-foot tunnel of lights for an immersive holiday experience.
Snow or sun, the Holiday Market is the place to be this holiday season. Photo by: Fetch Concepts
You’ll also have a chance to return to the classics with ice skating at the Halcyon Hotel. Returning for its second year as a completely revamped experience in the clouds, Halcyon on Ice is the quintessential holiday experience. During the holiday season, the hotel’s rooftop lounge transforms into a dreamy winter wonderland with an ice skating rink, cozy holiday cocktails, a specialty food and drink menu, and beautiful city-to-mountain views. This year, Halcyon on Ice is free to attend, and food, drinks, and ice skate rentals are available for purchase.
Make it a staycation and book an overnight at one of Cherry Creek’s award-winning hotels; the Hotel Clio. Recently named, as one of the top 15 hotels in Colorado by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, Hotel Clio is a hospitality highlight in Cherry Creek. And this holiday season, Hotel Clio gets festive with its wreath-making class and carolers throughout the month of December. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy all the festivities right from your doorstep with its location next to Fillmore Plaza.
by Mark Smiley | Oct 18, 2024 | Glendale City News
Popular Event: Over 1,710 guests came to enjoy the perfect day for Trunk or Treat complete with a bouncy castle, haunted house, and food trucks.
Dedicated Performer: Lynn Taylor, Experience Director for the Glendale Sports Center, performed as Taylor Swift for the entire two hours.
The annual Trunk or Treat hosted by the City of Glendale and Glendale Sports Center was held on the festival plaza of Infinity Park for the second time on Monday, October 14, 2024. Denver Public Schools and Cherry Creek Schools children were on Fall break so there was a record turnout for this event. Plus, the weather was perfect as attendees were able to wander the plaza in comfort. Over 1,710 kids came to trick or treat and acquire over 37,000 pieces of candy, bounced in the bouncy castle, and walked through the haunted house.
“Trunk or Treat was a gigantic success with a new record breaking number thanks to the hard work of City of Glendale staff, YMCA staff, volunteers, and vendors,” said Kelly Legler, Program Manager, Glendale Sports Center. “The successful event exceeded our expectations and we’re excited to offer more fun opportunities in the future.”
In years past, the event was held in the P1 parking lot of Infinity Park. Again this year, the City of Glendale offered the festival plaza and played the movie Halloween Town on the big screen inside the rugby stadium to add extra flare to the event. “The event was a huge success thanks to the partnership between the YMCA, City of Glendale, and community partners,” said Legler.
One of those community partners was the Greater Glendale Chamber of Commerce. Barret O’Brien and Mark Smiley from the Greater Glendale Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors volunteered for the event. “The turnout was outstanding,” said Barret O’Brien, Chamber Board Member. “It’s great to see the community get so involved. I have volunteered for this event the last seven years and this is the most interactive and lively one to date.”
Attendees voted for the best decorated trunk as they went through the lines. There were eleven to choose from and the winning trunk was decorated by Infinity Park Event Center Facilities department with a Cars theme. For more information on the Glendale Sports Center, visit www.sportscenterglendale.com.
by Mark Smiley | Aug 23, 2024 | Glendale City News
by Mark Smiley
Glendale Mayor Mike Dunafon (left), and Central Street Capital President Isiah Salazar proudly display the shovel that officially broke ground on the Four Mile District. Photo courtesy of Iris Miceli Photography
On July 25, 2024, Glendale officials and Central Street Capital break ground on Glendale’s new Four Mile District. Photo courtesy of Iris Miceli Photography
The much-anticipated groundbreaking ceremony for the Four Mile District was held on July 25, 2024, for a 10-acre entertainment district in Glendale. With a few stops and starts and obstacles over the last decade, forward progress is happening, and the $150 million project is underway.
In 2020, it appeared that Lincoln Property Company, a Dallas based international real estate firm, would develop the district and plans seemed to be moving forward on what was then known as Glendale 180.
The project is now being developed by Central Street Capital, a family office founded by health care entrepreneur Rob Salazar. Central Street Capital has been investing in projects for 25 years including the Assembly Student Living on the Auraria Campus.
The Four Mile District is a nod to the Four Mile Historic Park, which is home to one of Colorado’s oldest standing structures, the Four Mile House Museum. The development site is along Glendale’s popular Virginia Avenue which many know it as home to the nation’s busiest Target and the popular gentleman’s club, Shotgun Willie’s.
In order to make room for the 10-acre entertainment district, the wastewater treatment facility, was decommissioned and demolished in 2006. The land and office building formerly occupied by Gamma Construction was purchased by the City of Glendale and also demolished.
One confirmed tenant, Alamo Drafthouse, a movie theatre, will have nine screens and consume approximately 40,000 square feet. A groundbreaking is scheduled for next year with an anticipated grand opening
of late 2026 or early 2027.
The rest of the space will be occupied by retail, restaurants, parking garages, and outdoor plazas. There are also plans for a hotel but it is unclear how that will co-exist with Staybridge Suites which is already next to the yet to be built district.
This district will be classified as a common consumption area, allowing visitors to walk around with alcoholic beverages, and bars to serve until 4 a.m. The City of Glendale owns the land where the entertainment district will be built. However, a 2021 development agreement that Central Street and the city reached allows Central Street to purchase it for $1 when a certain amount of progress is completed.
Mayor Mike Dunafon called Glendale “the Vatica
n of liberty and Luxemburg of freedom,” and said Glendale “had the No. 1 entertainment district in Colorado before LoDo” while addressing the attendees at the groundbreaking ceremony. Dunafon indicated it was undone by state regulation, but Four Mile District will hopefully return Glendale to the entertainment hub it once was.
During the 1960s and 1970s, the city was home to a variety of now well-known establishments that attracted visitors from across metro Denver. Colorado Mine Company (home of the “Fool’s Gold” which was Elvis’ favorite sandwich), Cork ’N Cleaver, Celebrity Sports Center (owned by Disney), Cooper Theater, The Riviera (The Riv), Soda Straw, Sportspage, The Lift, and Tommy Wong’s Island are long gone but fondly remembered. Additionally, Andy’s Smorgasbord became Shotgun Willie’s Country Western Bar which is now Shotgun Willie’s Show Club and, almost five decades later, Bull & Bush Brewery is still a favorite.
The start of the construction will be the not so glamourous improvements to 7-acres of the property. It will include the creation of a private road, and stormwater and power infrastructure. The parking garage will be the next item to construct and work on that will begin November 2024.
With a fence surrounding the former Creekside Park and markers placed all over the property, it appears the project is moving full steam ahead. More updates in this publication will be forthcoming.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 18, 2024 | Glendale City News
by Mark Smiley
Priority e-Classic Plus: It’s lightweight and is designed for what most people like to ride bikes for in Denver.
In past editions of this publication, we have reviewed electric bikes manufactured and sold by Hey Bike. Those bikes have a lot to offer and are still a viable option if you are in the market. However, not everyone needs what they feature which is a full throttle system and fat tires. If you are in the market for a more lightweight, sleek, and less powerful electric bike, consider the Priority e-Classic Plus, an electric bike first designed 10 years ago.
The Priority e-Classic Plus’s top speed is lower since it offers three gears of pedal assist. The top speed is 20 mph which we found to be ample. It takes a bit to get to that speed but it technically can achieve it.
The e-Classic Plus is also lightweight and it’s designed for what most people like to ride bikes for in Denver. It’s a nice bike to ride with family, head to the grocery store or work, or just take a cruise around the neighborhood. It provides a subtle energy boost without the maintenance and heft of other e-bikes. It weighs in at a total of 49 pounds which is at least 20 pounds lighter than some competitors. Plus, the aluminum frame is strong and rust resistant.
Maintenance Free: The signature feature of all Priority models is the rust/grease-free Gates Carbon Drive belt.
The signature feature of all Priority models is the rust/grease-free Gates Carbon Drive belt. Utilizing technology derived from motorsports, the carbon fiber tensile cords that reinforce the belt help it last two to three times longer than a standard chain, and the bike-specific tooth profile of the belt and sprockets help it feel smooth in all riding conditions. While a chain requires frequent lubrication and maintenance, the belt stays clean and efficient.
The e-Classic Plus features a 250W motor with a removable 374Wh battery integrated into the donwntube. The integrated battery and front hub motor gives the bike a balanced weight distribution, so it’s easy to ride on-power or off-power with virtually no drag. The battery is removable with a key and will charge both in and out of the frame.
The hydraulic disc brakes are also reliable and require little maintenance. They come with a 180mm front rotor and 160mm rear. They performed well in our tests in different riding conditions. It always felt like a smooth and controlled stop. This is an electric bike you can feel comfortable having your kids ride. Another reason to feel comfortable letting any member of the family ride are the safety features. The built-in lights feature a brake sensing function and the hydraulic disc brakes feature a motor cut-off function. So, when you grab the brakes, it signals the motor to shut off and the rear light gets brighter like it does on a car when you hit the brakes.
The e-Classic Plus resembles a regular bicycle more than any other we have reviewed. The e-Classic Plus features an upright frame geometry with a padded seat, 38mm wide tires, composite fenders, built-in front and rear lights, mounts for accessories like a rack-mounted child seat, and backswept handlebars that are fully adjustable so you can dial in personalized comfort. It is available in step-over (diamond) frame and a climb step-through frame.
Overall, if you are in the market for an electric bike that is lightweight and safe and you don’t need to travel at speeds exceeding 28 mph through town, consider the Priority e-Classic Plus. The maintenance free features and little extra boost while riding will be more than adequate for most riders.
The Priority e-Classic Plus retails at $1,699. To learn more about this bike, visit www.prioritybicycles.com/products/eclassicplus.
by Mark Smiley | Jun 20, 2024 | Glendale City News
Resort’s Summer Festivities Continue Through September 2
by Mark Smiley
Lazy River: Gaylord Rockies features a 720-foot-long lazy river with waterfalls, water jets, and bubblers.
Event Space: The addition of an event lawn with 10,000-square-feet of artificial turf area, four fire pits, and two natural boulder fire features, were part of a $22 million exterior enhancement project. Adjacent to the Grand Lodge lawn is a games lawn featuring artificial turf, family-friendly games such as bocce ball, corn hole, and giant chess, as well as three firepits where guests can roast s’mores.
Gaylord Rockies Resort is in the midst of their fifth annual summer celebration that continues through September 2, 2024. The itinerary of summer entertainment also includes the resort’s exclusive waterpark Arapahoe Springs, with slides and a 720-foot winding lazy river, 10,000-square-foot Grand Lodge Lawn and Games Lawn, a wide variety of culinary cuisine, and experiential classes, and relaxation in a full-service spa.
Dining
Throughout the resort, there are dining options, including steaks and an impressive wine list at Old Hickory Steakhouse, casual American fare in front of a 75-foot flat-panel TV at Mountain Pass Sports Bar, and experiential and new dining options, including: Old Hickory Master Cocktail Classes and Master French Wine Classes, British Beer Tastings, as well as the launch of two new outlets, The Fortunate Prospector and Embers Lodge Bar.
The Old Hickory Master French Wine Class ($50 per person) is a new offering at the resort. During t
Resort: Gaylord Rockies is a resort that features 1,501 rooms, a 720-foot winding lazy river, and a 10,000-square-foot grand lodge lawn and games lawn.
his one-hour adults-only experience, wine experts at the resort will guide guests as they explore a variety of wines paired with cheese. They are available on the following Saturdays: July 13, July 27, August 10, August 24 at 3 p.m.
Another new offering is the British Beer Tasting ($25 per person). Guests will sample three classic British-inspired beer cocktails — Half and Half, Snake Bite, and Shandy — and learn the history of these unique British drinks. These are offered on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; 4-5 p.m.
The Old Hickory Master Cocktail Class ($50 per person) is a one hour tour of expert guidance delving into the world of mixology capped off by crafting two cocktails alongside master bartenders. These are offered on select Saturdays; July 6, July 20, August 3, August 17, August 31 at 3 p.m.
Activities
One of the newest activities at the Gaylord Rockies Resort is the Topgolf Suite. The Topgolf Swing Suite features two simulator bays and a variety of virtual games — including signature Topgolf target games, Zombie Dodgeball, Hockey, Baseball, Football, Carnival games, and more — paired with comfortable lounge seating, HDTVs, and food and beverage service.
“As Colorado’s largest combined resort and convention center, we are experts in providing extraordinary spaces for gatherings. Our partnership with Topgolf allows us to offer another fun and unique experience for quests,” said Suzy Hart, general manager of the 1,501-room resort. “Since Full Swing simulators come with games tailored for both novices and experienced golfers, all participants can enjoy themselves.”
Up to eight people can play, eat, drink, and hang out in each bay. The space will be available to rent for business and social gatherings, including birthday and bachelorette/bachelor parties, team building events, corporate meetings, and more.
Also new this year is a hidden treasure hunt for the kids. Guests can join the Gaylord Hotels Adventure Kids on an interactive quest to fin
Room: The Deluxe Family Suite features a separate area with bunk beds along with a king-sized bed in the other room.
d a lost treasure map using detective skills to uncover hidden gems.
The resort also features some complimentary activities, including a virtual safari at the resort , animal encounters, sunrise yoga, live music in the evenings, and campfire & s’mores.
Thrills
An exclusive amenity for overnight guests, Arapahoe Springs Water Park features both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, water slides, lap pool, outdoor hot tub, and a 720-foot-long lazy river with waterfalls, water jets, and bubblers. Guests can reserve private poolside cabanas.
Relaxation
Guests visiting Relâche Spa can enjoy a full array of summer massage, facial, and nail treatments. July features Desert Revival and Prickly Pear inspired services, with anti-aging and detoxing benefits, while August showcases cooling and hydrating Avocado treatments.
Reservations at Relâche Spa grant access to Arapahoe Springs Water Park, free parking, the resort’s full-service gym, and spa amenities.
To book rooms, packages, spa treatments, and buy event tickets, visit GaylordRockies.com.
by Valley Gadfly | May 20, 2024 | Glendale City News
You Knead To Know Denver Is No Longer In A Pizza Rut; Mile High Scores 82 Out Of 100, 14% Higher Than The Average City
by Glen Richardson
Top In Town: Angelo’s Taverna on E. 6th Ave. is city’s longtime favorite pizza eatery. Google rates it 4.6 stars on 2,983 reviews. Yelp ranks Larimer Square’s Osteria Marco best restaurant.
Step aside, New York and Chicago. Denver is the best pizza city in America. Pizza restaurants in Denver are among the highest rated on Yelp, and pizza prices here are more affordable than most metros. Moreover, demand for pizza is so strong that pizza prices are rising faster than overall inflation — 4.0% compared to 3.5%.
Denver ranked 7th last year. Furthermore, five years ago people coming to Denver from Pizza meccas (New York, Chicago, or Connecticut) couldn’t find anything tolerable in Denver. “Residents didn’t know. . . or had ever tasted good pizza,” locals recall.
Today, pizza restaurants in the Mile High City average 4.05 stars out of 5 on Yelp — one of the highest averages in the country. Buying a cheese pizza each week for a year in Denver requires 1.03% of the median annual income — 30% less that the income required in the average city reviewed (1.47%). Denver beat out popular pizza cities — including New York, Chicago, and Detroit — in part because of lower prices, but just as important, due to far better pizzeria reviews!
Top At 4.05 Stars
Pizza Popularity: Denver is the best pizza city in America. Pizzerias — including Redeemer Pizza on Larimer, shown, are among the highest rated on Yelp.
Clever Real Estate ranks the country’s 50 largest metros in the nation. They use data-driven metrics, based on the quality of pizza restaurants per capita: Google search trends, Yelp reviews, plus two surveys of 1,000 Americans, and multiple affordability metrics. Here’s how Denver’s pizza scene surpassed the competition:
Denver pizza restaurants averaged 4.05 out of 5 stars on Yelp — better than the average city’s 3.89 stars and New York’s 3.93 stars. Plus, Denver pizza is more affordable. Based on local prices and incomes, buying one large cheese pizza each week for a year would cost the typical resident 1.03% of their annual income. Nationally, the figure is 1.47%, and in New York, it’s 1.77%.
Giles Flanagin admits change in the local pizza scene has been dramatic in the past few years. Cofounder in 2015 of Denver-based Blue Pan Pizza, he says countless top pizzerias have opened since. Eateries he defines as “small businesses with a passion for pizza, dough, fermentation and quality.” Denver residents, he adds, are supporting high-quality products with high-quality ingredients. Thus, growth has been very rapid, featuring a lot of different pizza styles all done very, very well.
Denver Diversity
Denver’s pizza diversity — as discussed by Flanagin — can easily be found on a local pizza map. Mile High pizzerias offer New York-style thin-crust pizza, Chicago-style deep-dish pizzas, Sicilian pies; and even Connecticut’s signature New Haven-style pie.
But, but that’s just the beginning: Once known as “cow town,” pizzerias in the Queen City of the Plains now feature eclectic offerings like breakfast pizza, plus exotic toppings like Guinness cheese, Sichuan sauerkraut, crème fraiche, limoncello-marinated chicken, and pistachio pesto.
The creativity never stops: Consider a Middle Eastern lamb pizza, a sweet potato, goat’s cheese & pine nut pizza, or a Tandoori chicken pizza. Or, maybe a veggie supreme or dessert pizza.
Top Restaurants
Delightful Duo: Being the epicenter of the west’s beer culture enhances Denver’s pizza popularity. Pizza and beer make a classic pair, bringing out the best of each other’s complementary flavors.
Yelp ranks Osteria Marco on Larimer Square as Denver’s top pizza restaurant. It is known for hand-tossed pizzas such as Artisan, Fig & Gorgonzola, and Carne. The cozy basement eatery also serves Italian plates. Information: 303-534-9855. They also list Marc’s Coal Fire — an Italian eatery-bar by Coors Field — that serves Neapolitan and New York-style pizza with choice of toppings. Information: 303-396-7000.
Many residents and the Chronicle rate Angelo’s Taverna on E. 6th Ave. as the Mile High’s top pizza restaurant. Google ranks it 4.7 stars based on 2,532 reviews; Yelp gives it 4.5 for 1,501 reviews. Information: 303-744-3366. Esters Neighborhood Pub on S. Holly in Virginia Village — albeit not strictly a pizza restaurant — also has seriously delicious pizza in a welcoming atmosphere. Information: 303-955-4904.
Among local pizza spots, some of the most popular newcomers are Dough Counter on S. Colorado Blvd. that specializes in New York and Sicilian-style pies. Information: 303-997-8977; and funky pizza joint Blue Pan — with a location on E. 12th Ave. — that brought the crispy pan pizza style to the Mile High City. Information: 720-519-0944. Furthermore, new dough spots keep popping up: Rolling Pin Pizza is among the latest, opened in early April at 1514 York St., followed by Eat’Ya Pizza on the 16th Steet Mall in early May.
Pizza Passion
Denver scored 14% higher than the average city based on pizza passion. The city’s score was 82 out of 100, compared to the average city’s score of 72. The ranking includes placing No.1 out of 50 cities for
Passion For Pizza: Blue Pan Pizza that opened here in 2015 is in the forefront of Denver’s pizza revolution. Due to technique and quality, their Detroit-style pizza remains a crowd favorite.
online search interest in pan pizza. The metric measures how often locals are searching Google for pizza, and pizza-related terminology.
The abundance of options ranges from Neapolitan and Detroit-style, to square-cut tavern pies of the Midwest, to the New Haven-inspired wood-fired pies.
With 72 breweries, Denver is the epicenter of beer culture in the West, enhancing the popularity of local pizza. Pizza and beer make a classic pair, because they bring out the best of each other’s complementary flavors. The fresh crisp flavor of beer cuts through the creamy cheese, enhancing the herbs in the pizza sauce, and balancing the acidity.
Mile High Mozzarella
Shape Of Taste: Photos show square Detroit pizza, top, and a Chicago-style round deep-dish pizza. City also has rectangular Sicilian pies, New York circular shape; plus, oblong New Haven pies.
The Mile High City’s pizza popularity isn’t due to Denver’s Italian community. Less than 5% of the city’s 2024 population of 708,948 are of Italian descent. Most of today’s local pizza aficionados, moreover, are unaware that a Denver-based company is the world’s top mozzarella pizza producer.
Leprino Foods — headquartered in a three-story building on West 38th Ave. at Quivas St. — sells more than a billion pounds of cheese a year. It is the same site where, in 1950, Italian immigrant Mike Leprino Sr. started making small batches of cheese by hand from the back of his neighborhood grocery store. Mike’s 73-year-old son, chairman, and chief executive Jim Leprino ($2.3 billion 2024 net worth), runs the company.
In 1958, after chain grocery stores forced the local Leprino food market to close, the Leprino cheese empire was started with $615. Today, Leprino uses up to 7% of the nation’s total milk supply. The company controls as much as 85% of the market for pizza cheese, while selling to Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Papa John’s, and Little Caesars. Able to invest in technology that dairy farmers can’t afford, the company has more than 50 patents, plus an estimated 7% net margin.
