by Amber Wyatt | Oct 20, 2025 | Travel
by Amber Wyatt
The Skinny Dip: A classic cocktail with a lemon twist, known as The Skinny Dip, awaits at The Bar Car, where the vintage ambiance and neighborhood camaraderie make every sip feel like home, no matter where you’re from.
Cozy Patio: The Bar Car at 819 Colorado Blvd. welcomes locals with its cozy patio, signature menu, and the promise of good times where “friends and neighbors meet.”
Neighborhood Favorite: With a lineup of craft beers, top-shelf spirits, and hearty pub fare, The Bar Car continues to be a favorite neighborhood stop for both drinks and bites.
On a stretch of Colorado Boulevard better known for fast traffic than lasting community, BarCar has carved out something rare: a true neighborhood bar that doubles as a second home. For majority owner Victor Muñiz and part-owner Andrew Callahan, the mission is clear — create a space where locals feel seen, safe, and connected.
“Working at BarCar is working at a neighborhood spot that is truly a neighborhood spot,” Callahan said. “It is for the neighborhood, by the neighborhood. Most of us live close by.” For Callahan, who has lived in the neighborhood for over a decade, the bar is both a livelihood and a love letter to the community.
That grassroots spirit is built into the very structure of the business. Unlike most establishments, BarCar is largely employee-owned. “We are a mostly employee-owned bar,” Callahan explained. “Almost all of the investors, except for I think one right now, are employees of the bar. We’ve told our entire staff that if they work with us for a couple years and want to become an investor, we’re open to that. That is a path they can take.”
This model has given the bar an unusually high level of buy-in from its team, especially from veteran bartenders who appreciate the stability and the opportunity to shape the place where they work. “Having the opportunity to become financially invested is a big plus,” Callahan noted. “Not a lot of places always offer that.”
That sense of ownership translates directly to hospitality. Muñiz, who also owns the Owl Saloon, describes BarCar as nothing short of a dream realized. “It’s my dream come true,” he said. “Everything about it — friends, family — it’s just a great place to be all the time.”
For Muñiz, the family feel isn’t a metaphor. It’s the guiding principle. “We created a community where we have your makeshift family here,” he explained. “That’s what it’s about. That’s what bars are about in my opinion.”
That philosophy manifests in everyday moments. Neighbors use BarCar as a meeting place before concerts, after games, or just to catch up on life. “A lot of people come before they do other things in life and meet up here or afterwards,” Muñiz said. “Honestly, I think that’s the best thing we do — we keep the neighbors together.”
The idea of BarCar as a community hub is reinforced by personal milestones. When Callahan married his wife, who also works in the hospitality industry, they hosted their wedding reception at another venue — then, naturally, the celebration moved to BarCar. “At around 9:30 or 10, most of the people at our wedding, who were industry workers as well, showed up here,” he recalled. “It became quite a big party to have the neighborhood people getting married, you know?”
Muñiz, who spent years as a bartender and server before stepping into ownership, says that lived experience informs his leadership. “I believe in a bartender-driven industry,” he said. “I know we could have extra staff, but at the end of the day, it’s a staff of people that care and like doing what we do.”
That tight-knit crew has weathered challenges together, particularly during the pandemic. “Coming out of COVID, we had a lot of employees that we needed, and we’re back to the hardcore seven,” Muñiz said. “That’s how we built this bar before COVID, and then we’re back to that again. It’s seven people that give a shit.”
And that’s exactly the vibe patrons notice. BarCar feels less like a business transaction and more like a gathering in someone’s living room — with better cocktails. “We want to be there for everybody that’s looking to have a good time in a cool, comfortable environment,” Muñiz said. “We’re all about being a safe place for people to come and hang out and not worry about the bullshit life has.”
The menu reflects that same spirit of neighborhood hospitality. During my visit, longtime bartender Brandy mixed me a Skinny Dip — a smooth, subtly sweet cocktail built with Deep Eddy sweet tea vodka, a squeeze of lemon, and just enough water to keep it light. It was the kind of drink made for conversation, and sure enough, I enjoyed it while chatting with Callahan and the cook, Will, who proudly shared that the kitchen rotates its cheese curd flavors. The current favorite? Dill pickle. Naturally, I had to try them. Crisp, golden, and tangy, the curds carried just enough bite to spark a round of laughter as the basket quickly disappeared among us.
That theme of comfort and camaraderie carried right into lunch. I went for a proper Chicago dog, stacked with the traditional fixings, and paired it with sidewinder fries that were as hearty as they were shareable. To balance it out, Brandy slid across the bar a Jabroni Negroni — the house’s playful take on a classic. Made with Hendrick’s gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, the cocktail leaned pleasantly bitter and sour, a bold counterpoint to the rich food and the easy banter flowing through the room.
As Callahan put it, “This neighborhood bar — we focus on just making sure everyone’s taken care of. Everyone knows each other around here. And everyone that’s new to the neighborhood, we always welcome them in.”
On Colorado Boulevard, where strip malls often outnumber handshakes, BarCar has become something enduring: a place where the beer is cold, the people are warm, and the neighborhood spirit is alive and well
by Jeff Shultz | Sep 22, 2025 | Travel
by Jeff Shultz
The South Metro Fire and Rescue will seek voter approval for a 3 mill property tax increase in hopes the increase will help the emergency agency overcome a huge anticipated budget shortfall in 2026 and beyond.
The proposed ballot question will appear on the November 4 general election ballot for voters in Arapahoe, Douglas, and Jefferson counties.
Currently the district has a property tax rate of 9.25 mills but changes in the law has created a potential budget shortfall for the fire and rescue district.
The SMFR Board of Directors discovered the budget shortfall when the board met last year to plan its 2025 budget.
“That timing followed the passage of HB 24B-1001 in the special session, which significantly reduced property tax revenues for fire protection districts like ours,” said Jim Albee, SMFR Board Chairman.
“As we reviewed our long-term financial projections, it became clear that without action, South Metro would face a $16 million shortfall by 2026 and a projected $270 million gap over the next decade.”
In addition to the budget shortfall created by HB 24B-100, SMFR would need an extra $34 million annually to maintain its level of service to communities and retain staff.
Albee has served on the SMFR Board for five years and has been the board chairman for the same amount of time.
“My commitment has been driven by a deep belief in the importance of the life-saving services we provide and a responsibility to ensure we remain financially sustainable for the future,” he said.
According to Albee, the property tax increase would provide the needed $50 million to give SMFR the needed funds to maintain its current levels of service while also giving SMFR additional funds to operate from.
Plane Crash: On Friday, August 22, 2025, South Metro Fire Rescue and the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-engine biplane crash at Centennial Airport. The pilot safely evacuated the plane.
“While a portion would cover necessary administrative functions that support public safety, the majority would go toward critical service delivery, equipment, apparatus, maintenance, and facilities to ensure we can meet our community’s expectations.”
Albee said the district’s staffing and equipment costs are the district’s two highest budget items.
“Over 80 percent of our budget is tied to personnel,” Albee said, noting that if additional funding is not secured staff reductions would be “unavoidable.”
“Reductions could impact personnel, which would directly affect response times and service delivery, and programs.”
Equipment costs and maintenance would have to be prioritized, he added
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen cost increases ranging from 40 percent to nearly 80 percent on critical gear and apparatus.”
Grass Fire: On August 12, 2025, South Metro Fire Rescue and Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a vegetation fire near 11032 Cottontail Lane in unincorporated Douglas County.
The rising costs for equipment is one of the biggest reasons for SMFR seeking additional funding. Some equipment cost increases include:
- The cost of a new fire engine has risen from approximately $725,000 in 2019 to $1.3 million today. Our fire engines, medic units, and other apparatus are replaced according to our Fleet Capital Replacement Schedule that looks at useful service life and the age of our fleet to determine the appropriate time for replacement.
- A 100-foot hose has increased from about $660 to nearly $930.
- Bunker gear, which includes a helmet, jacket, protective pants, boots, and gloves, is essential to protect our firefighters from carcinogens encountered during emergency responses.
“Each firefighter is required to have two full sets of bunker gear, and these must be replaced every five years for safety compliance,” Albee noted.
“The cost of one set has risen from $3,660 six years ago to over $5,120 today — a 40 percent increase.”
“Ensuring our teams have the proper protective equipment, reliable apparatus, and advanced medical tools is fundamental to maintaining safety for both our personnel and the public.”
House Fire: South Metro Fire Rescue and Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies recently responded to a single-family residential house fire on Eagle Valley Way in Highlands Ranch. Engine 20 arrived to find smoke coming from the roof and quickly pulled a hose line to extinguish the fire.
As part of their long-term planning, the SMFR board is identifying areas of growing populations within the district for possible new stations. “We anticipate adding two new stations over the next five to 10 years to help maintain appropriate response times and meet community needs,” Albee said.
Meanwhile, Albee says there are no expansion plans by the district. “Our immediate priority with any new revenue is to stabilize and sustain current services for the communities we serve today.
“While future expansion could always be considered, it is not in our current plans and would only be done with careful planning, ensuring we can maintain our high standards of service without compromising financial sustainability.”
Albee and the board see the property tax increase as an investment in the three counties (Arapahoe, Douglas, and Jefferson) the district serves.
Currently, the fire district’s ISO rating, which is used in determining property insurance premiums, is at its best level and passage of the property tax increase will ensure the rating to stay where it is at now.
“Our current ISO rating is Class 1, the highest possible, which reflects the strength of our operations. “Additional funding will provide the best opportunity to maintain this rating through continued investment in staffing, training, equipment, and facilities.
“Maintaining a strong ISO rating helps keep insurance costs lower for residents and businesses and reinforces our commitment to excellence.”
If the ballot measure fails this November, then the board will have some difficult decisions to face.
“Those difficult decisions could include slower response times due to fewer firefighters on crews, potential delays in station openings, and closure of some existing stations.”
Further cost cutting measures could include a reduction in specialty services such as wildfire, water rescue, hazmat, and technical rescue
photos courtesy of SMFR
by Mark Smiley | Aug 22, 2025 | Travel
Experience Thousands Of Craft Beers, Ciders, Cocktails, And More This October 9-11 In Denver
by Mark Smiley
Tickets to the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) are officially on sale. Hosted by the Brewers Association, the trade organization representing small and independent craft brewers, GABF will return to the Colorado Convention Center on October 9-11, 2025.
Following last year’s buzzworthy debut of ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs) and beyond-beer beverages, GABF is distilling even more fun in 2025. For the first time in 43 years, GABF is offering an all-new Distilling Experience, welcoming full-strength spirits to the festival floor. This designated spirits-tasting area will showcase 20 distilleries, offering .25oz pours across three GABF sessions. Festgoers can look forward to sampling smooth whiskeys, refreshing vodka variations, bright botanical gins, and much more.
Beverage makers will be grouped by themed experience areas for the second year in a row, each immersive section offering a unique blend of themed décor, specialized pours, engaging activities, and vibrant entertainment guaranteed to brew up a good time. Themed areas include Prost!, inspired by traditional German Biergartens; Score!, a sports fa
n’s haven; Fright, a timely Halloween-themed experience; Blast Off, bringing out-of-this-world flavor from beyond beer beverages and more; a Meet the Brewer section; Chill, a backyard-style space hosting singer-songwriter live music, lawn games, and unique brews; and new this year, the Mile High Stage at GABF featuring live music and other entertainment.
While craft beer remains the heart of the festival — whether trying an Italian-Style Pilsener for the first time, searching for something bold and unexpected like a barrel-aged stout, or a tried and true Juicy or Hazy IPA — there’s a beverage for every palate at the Great American Beer Festival. From spirits, cider, and hard kombucha, to hard seltzers, hard tea, and zero-proof options, GABF is an annual showcase of beverage innovation in all its forms.
Tickets are available for anyone of legal drinking age (21+) at www.greatamericanbeerfestival.com.
by Jeff Shultz | Jul 24, 2025 | Travel
by Jeff Shultz
South Metro firefighters prepare to battle a Parker Road vegetation fire on July 7, 2025. Emergency calls such as this one to SMFR have grown, placing a heavier demand on SMFR as funding for the large south Denver area fire and rescue department is in dire straits.
The organization dedicated to providing fire and rescue services to a three-county area south of Denver is sounding the alarm that a funding crisis is imminent, threatening the emergency services offered by the group. South Metro Fire Rescue (South Metro) provides a full-service firefighting and medical emergency service to portions of Arapahoe, Douglas, and Jefferson counties.
Recently the organization announced on its website that unless a new source of revenue is found by 2026 the department “will not be able to maintain the high level of fire and emergency services our residents expect and rely on.” According to South Metro, a Colorado House bill passed in 2024 signaled the beginning of South Metro’s funding woes.
House Bill 24B-1001 lowered property taxes throughout Colorado, crucially diminishing funding for fire protection districts such as South Metro. South Metro is predicting a $16 million shortfall next year and close to $270 million in revenue losses over the next 10 years.
Meanwhile, the demand for emergency resources in the South Metro service area are rising higher since 2019, the South Metro website states.
“Demand for our services has grown 20%, and it’s not slowing down,” the website alleges.
Some of the more notable past service calls include:
A revenue shortfall could mean severe reductions for fire and medical response times and a slash in staffing and capital investments such as vehicles, stations, and equipment. Other cuts could be in health prevention programs and wildfire preparedness and response times.
These cuts would affect the 571,000 residents South Metro serves, including 12 municipalities, Centennial Airport, Highlands Ranch, and the Pinery.
South Metro is eyeing three possible solutions to ward off predicted funding shortfalls.
- Cuts to Essential Services
Currently South Metro touts a world class fire and EMS service with a patient transport, 4-firefighter staffing for maximum response times, the ability to respond to all hazard emergencies, and a constant expansion of public health programs.
South Metro states the organization prioritizes public safety from the time a call comes into the dispatch center to the reply given by highly trained responders. If South Metro doesn’t find additional revenues the organization will be forced to cut important services.
“Response times for fires, medical emergencies, and accidents could be impacted,” their website says. Slower response times would be the tip of the iceberg if South Metro is forced to make budget cuts, South Metro alleges. Budget cuts would also mean a reduction in firefighting crews, compromising public safety, and patient care during emergencies.
Additionally, budget cuts would mean a reduction in wildfire, water rescue and hazardous materials responses. Funding shortfalls would also threaten airport firefighting units.
“In extreme budget scenarios, fire station closures and delays in adding new stations that would serve our growing community are possible,” South Metro alleges on their website.
- Increase in Property Taxes
South Metro is considering a ballot measure that would increase property taxes district wide by three mills. Voters, according to South Metro, haven’t been asked to approve a property tax increase in 20 years, except when some districts increased their mill levy to merge with South Metro.
South Metro says an average homeowner with a $750,000 home would have to pay $11.72 more a month if the ballot measure passes. A district wide property tax would generate approximately $50 million a year for South Metro.
- Passage of a Dedicated Sales Tax
A second possible ballot measure would be a proposed district wide half-cent sales tax to fund emergency services. Noting that for the first time state law allows fire districts to collect sales taxes to fund emergency services, a half-cent sales tax would provide approximately $50 million annually for South Metro.
SMFR Water Rescuers conduct a search of the lake at Chatfield State Park on July 7, 2025. SMFR were called to the park after a paddle-boarder had fallen off his paddleboard. The call came in just after 4 p.m. and after an extensive grid search, divers were able to recover the victim shortly after 7 p.m. Photo courtesy of SMFR
A dedicated sales tax for firefighting services is gaining popularity in other states as a funding mechanism for fire departments. In Garvin County, Oklahoma, voters in 2012 passed a county wide quarter-cent sales tax earmarked for firefighting services.
Twelve fire departments in the county receive an equal portion of the tax funds, after 4 percent of the money generated goes to the county 911 center. While Garvin County is much smaller than South Metro’s service area (26,656 population verses 571,000) the small Oklahoma county can understand South Metro’s dilemma, according to Garvin County Clerk Lori Fulks.
Prior to the passage of the sales tax all 12 fire departments were in dire straits due to funding shortfalls caused by declining city sales tax collections.
“They couldn’t purchase proper equipment and gear. A couple of fire departments were worried their trucks would break down on them on the way to a fire or, worse yet, while they were fighting a fire,” said Fulks. Since passage of the sales tax, Fulks said all 12 fire departments have purchased new fire trucks and essential gear.
According to Fulks, the quarter-cent sales tax generated over $1.2 million in 2024.
Fulks said the dedicated sales tax was the fairest solution to the funding shortfalls.
“Not only do the county residents pay the tax when they purchase goods and services in the county but also travelers when they stop to eat, get gas, or stay the night,” she added.
South Metro’s Board of Directors will decide soon whether or not to place a property tax increase or sales tax question on the November ballot.
Before then they are seeking the public’s input on the three proposals. Residents in South Metro’s service area can seek information by visiting the website Engagesouth metro.org.
Information on South Metro’s funding needs, a FAQ fact sheet, and information on public hearings being held in the district can be found on the website.
According to South Metro, representatives from the organization have presented or met with 1,820 individuals at 40-plus events or meetings since April 1.
by Mark Smiley | Jul 11, 2025 | Travel
By Mark Smiley
Katy Perry returned to Ball Arena on July 10, 2025 after her original performance date was rescheduled. Perry’s Lifetimes Tour began in Mexico City on April 23, 2025. The concert had a futuristic “video game” theme where Perry plays a half‑human/half‑machine hero battling an AI villain who’s stolen butterflies.
Similar to Taylor Swift’s Eras tour, Perry rattled through each era of her music during her two-hour performance. The 25 song setlist included all of her hits such as Roar, Teenage Dream, California Gurls, and Firework (her closing number). It also included the deep track Not Like the Movies which she hasn’t performed live since 2012. Fans experienced the full breadth of her career—from early hits to new tracks.
The stage theatrics included wire‑flying, a lightsaber duel, metallic costumes, and intergalactic visuals. The effects included over 20 screens and large props. With all of the theatrics, Perry also took time to bring five kids on stage to ask them questions and have them perform with her. She also took a phone from a fan and took selfies and videos with it.
The tour will conclude on December 7, 2025. This tour supports her seventh studio album, 143. Visit www.katyperry.com/live for more information.
by Jessica Hughes | Jun 20, 2025 | Travel
By Jessica Hughes
120 yogis attend the first guided yoga class at the UCHealth Health and Welleness Zone. Photo provided by Outside.
Lord Huron closed out the second Outside Festival and Summit in Denver. Photo by Jessica Hughes
Austin has South by Southwest — now Denver has the Outside Festival and Summit. Any lingering doubt that Colorado is the epicenter of the outdoor industry was put to rest last month, as the Outside Festival and Summit returned to downtown Denver, doubling both its attendance and presence.
Founded by Outside Interactive Inc. and presented by Capital One and REI Co-op, the Outside Festival and Summit exceeded expectations with 35,000 attendees over the weekend — far surpassing the anticipated 25,000 and nearly doubling last year’s debut turnout. The event didn’t just grow in attendance; it also expanded its footprint, with the Outside Summit taking place across two locations and offering 11 sessions and two workshops.
This year’s four-day event — two days focused on outdoor industry professionals and two days of public festival programming at Civic Center Park — kicked off with the debut of Outside Ignite, a national startup pitch competition. New to the festival, the competition drew nearly 200 applicants, from which five finalists were selected to pitch live to a panel of five judges. The grand prize, valued at $100,000, was awarded to Carbondale-based Raide Research, while Campfire Ranch took runner-up honors and won the audience-voted People’s Choice Award. “This is the Shark Tank of the outdoors,” said Jessica McGee, Director of Marketing at Outside. “These participating contestants — from hospitality to gear — are helping reshape the industry.”
Following Outside Ignite; the Outside Summit welcomed 900 attendees to 15 sessions featuring 46 speakers. Highlights included insights from Conor Hall of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office; Mary Beth Laughton, president and CEO of REI Co-op; and Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, who shared his latest vision for Powder Mountain, a project aiming to disrupt the ski industry.
The second Outside Festival doubled in attendance at Civic Center Park. Photo by Jessica Hughes
The Outside Festival took over Civic Center Park on Saturday and Su
nday with a dynamic mix of programming. Industry icons like Alex Honnold headlined presentations, while 500 climbers scaled The North Face climbing wall and over 100 walkers joined Diana Nyad and Bonnie Stoll for the EverWalk session on Sunday.
Attendees also heard “Tales from the Trails” from seasoned backpackers, sharing stories from their outdoor journeys. Between sessions, a standout lineup of 12 musical acts kept the energy high, with headliners including Trampled by Turtles, Sylvan Esso, and Lord Huron. New this year was the UCHealth Health and Wellness Zone, where 120 yogis greeted the day with sunrise salutations, and the Ultimate Basecamp where industry professionals and athletes engaged audiences in inspiring conversations about adventure and the outdoors.
“This year’s Outside Festival and Summit proves that we’re building something much bigger than an event… we’re fostering deeper connections and bringing the outdoor community together,” said Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside Interactive. “The Outside Summit rethinks the traditional outdoor trade show model and brings leaders in the industry together to discuss new ideas, successes, and challenges that top outdoor businesses are facing today. The Outside Festival is where we see huge potential for more engagements at t
he event, continuing to celebrate outdoor culture and attract fans of music, film, wellness, and adventure. We hope to keep growing this event and adding value for years to come.”
The timing of the Outside Festival feels especially significant, as Colorado’s position as a leader in the outdoor industry was called into question following the Outdoor Retailer trade show’s 2022 departure from Denver back to it roots in Salt Lake City. But with Outside Inc. relocating its headquarters from Santa Fe to Boulder, the company has forged a strong partnership with the state — paving the way for the creation of this new, uniquely Colorado event, says McGee.
Denver responded to the moment, launching a festival that not only attracts industry professionals but also directly engages outdoor enthusiasts, bridging a gap that hadn’t been crossed before.
“Outside brings a South by Southwest approach to the outdoor space,” says McGee. “We’re not trying to be another expo,” McGee adds. “We want people to come for the connections, the conversations, and the fun. Brands benefit, too connecting with both their industry peers and with consumers in one vibrant space.”
For those in the industry, McGee emphasizes the importance of building community and fostering dialogue about where the outdoor world is heading. For consumers, the mission is simple: get people outside. That’s why the festival is free for kids 12 and under — to make it as accessible as possible and inspire the next generation of outdoor lovers. “It’s all about kicking off the summer season and getting people excited about the outdoor lifestyle.”
With plans already underway for a third year — scheduled for the weekend after Memorial Day — the Outside Festival is quickly establishing itself as the unofficial launch of summer. “We’re committed to growing this event year after year,” says McGee. “The goal is to keep the momentum going and build the go-to gathering place for the entire outdoor community — professionals and consumers alike.”
