by Mark Smiley | Mar 18, 2024 | Travel
Gaylord Rockies will house a golf and interactive gaming simulator available to rent for fun, interactive social gatherings, or private practice sessions.
by Mark Smiley
Soccer: The goal is simple: You get five kicks to get the ball past the All-Star keeper and find the back of the net.
Jewel Jam: In Topgolf’s take on the classic match-three puzzle game, rack up points by matching three or more gems of the same color in a row or column. A little precision and a lot of luck could start a chain reaction that sends you to the top of the leaderboard.
Gaylord Rockies Resort opened its first Topgolf Swing Suites, housed within their Mountain Pass Sports Bar.
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.
The Topgolf Swing Suite opened at Gaylord Rockies in February 2024, taking its place as the fifth location in Colorado to host Topgolf Swing Suites. For updates, visit www.gaylordrockies.com/dining.
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 19, 2024 | Travel
Shamrocks & Shenanigans Set To Color Denver Green; Then Bunny Kisses & Easter Wishes Make Us Good Eggs
by Glen Richardson
May your heart be light and happy, may your smile be big and wide, the Mile High City is again Shamrockin’ & Rollin’ to Dublin Day in Denver.
Always celebrated with enthusiasm, with a bit of Irish blarney and a touch of magic too, St. Patrick’s Day begins at 9:30 a.m. on March 16 with the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade west of the Mississippi River and one of the largest in the U.S.
With an Irish kiss, plus a snog o’ bliss, this month is egg-stra special with Easter falling on March 31. Hallelujah! Denver ends the month bringing baskets full of spring things to do ranging from egg hunt extravaganzas and bunny bolts to scrumptious spring feasting.
Mile High March: The largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade west of the Mississippi River steps off at 9:30 a.m. on March 16.
Magic Irish March
The parade will start on Wynkoop St. at 19th Ave., turn southeast down 17th Ave. before turning northeast on Blake St. — renamed Tooley St. for St. Paddy’s Day — then continue on Blake St. until 27th Ave. For a good viewing spot, people begin arriving at 6 a.m.
As in previous years, the parade is expected to draw more than 200,000 spectators. It will feature 10,000 plus participants, including Irish step dancers, marching bands, bagpipers, and elaborate floats.
The Mile High version is renowned, drawing nearly half a million people downtown on parade day. The St. Paddy’s Day crowd is believed to be Colorado’s largest single gathering in one place.
Pub Grub
Cherry Cricket Ballpark. Both the Cherry Creek and Blake St. locations offer deals in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, but the downtown space offers close access to the parade. Enjoy beer specials all weekend — including green Coors pours — plus Irish dishes such as Irish beef stew. Information: 303-297-3644.
The Irish Rover. This S. Broadway pub with a long lineup of Celtic brews, plus outdoor and rooftop seating, is the perfect St. Paddy’s Day spot. Try the Corned Beef Reuben & Fries, Shepherd’s Pie, and Bangers & Mash. There’s a Tent party on the 17th, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Information: 303-282-4643.
Corned Beef & Cabbage: Slice of Irish- American culture is no longer served in Denver except at Monaco Inn Restaurant for St. Paddy’s. Enjoy for lunch and dinner on Monday March 18.
Monaco Inn Restaurant. Corned Beef & Cabbage originated as part of Irish-American culture, but is no longer served in Denver. A dozen years ago this South Monaco Parkway restaurant started serving the dish as the Saint Patrick’s Day special. Restaurant is closed on Sunday, but is serving on Monday, March 18, for lunch and dinner. Information: 303-320-1104.
Scruffy Murphy’s. Rustic knickknack- filled Irish bar and beer garden on Larimer St. serves up suds, Scotch & snacks, plus live music. Kitchen serves a few Irish mainstays like Shepherd’s Pie, and Bangers and Mash. Information: 303-291-6992.
Easter Ends March
Worship Services
Easter Sunrise Service: Easter begins early with the Colorado Council of Churches’ 77th Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheater at 5:30 a.m. on March 31. Gates open for services in a dramatic and spectacular setting at 4:45 a.m., pre-worship service music begins at 5:30 a.m., with services starting at 6 a.m.
Free and open to the public, seating and parking are on a first-come basis. Reserved parking-seating is sold out. The event is not collecting food donations this year.
Stunning Sunrise: The 77th Easer Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheater is March 31, 5:30 a.m. Gates open at 4:45 a.m., pre-worship music begins at 5:30 a.m.
The Blood Brothers — a six-piece band that plays rock, folk, country, blues, and worship music — will entertain. Additional details were not available as the Chronicle went to press. Information: 303-825-4910.
Cathedral Basilica: Holy week at the Basilica on the corner of Logan St. and Colfax Ave. has the church’s most beautiful liturgies. Holy Saturday Vigil is 8:15 p.m., Easter Sunday Mass is at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-831-7010.
Saint John’s Cathedral: Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado at 1350 N. Washington St. Easter Services are at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., & 11 a.m. There will be an Easter egg hunt for children following the 9 a.m. services on the East Lawn. Information: 303-831-1350.
Egg Hunts
Celtic Charm: This rare variation of the three-leaf clover, according to Irish tradition represents luck, love, faith, and hope.
Infinity Park: Get the kids excited about Easter early by taking them to the Glendale Easter Eggstravaganza at Infinity Park’s Turf Field on Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. There are three age group hunts: Ages 0-3, 4-6, and 7 to 12. Only one parent is allowed in egg hunts for children under the age of seven. No parents are allowed with children age 7+. Parking is in P1, located on the northeast corner of Kentucky & Cherry. Information: 303-639-4711.
Four Mile Park: One of the Valley’s biggest and far from conventional Easter Egg Hunts is at the 12-acre Four Mile Historic Park March 30, with events at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The event includes a search for golden eggs, each concealing special prizes.
This year the park has crafted three distinct egg scrambles catering to kids of all ages. The youngest — aged four and under — can partake in a hunt in the kiddie corral. Meanwhile, older kids — aged five-nine and up — can engage in two separate hunts.
Post-hunt includes photos with the Easter bunny, and spring-themed crafts. A kid-friendly concert by Animal Farm features Inspector Magic. There’s also a Victorian Egg Rolling contest plus Magical Egg Chairs. Delectable snacks are available from food trucks, plus shopping at the Spring Marketplace. For adults, the Four Mile Bar features mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, and a fully stocked bar. Information: 720-865-0800.
Egg-citing Eating
Egg-citing Egg Hunt: Four Mile Historic Park hosts one of the Valley’s biggest Easter Egg Hunts on March 30, at 8:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m.
Edge Restaurant: Hop over to the Edge Restaurant & Bar in the Four Seasons Hotel downtown for their annual Easter brunch. A raw bar, appetizers, salads, several entrée options, plus a carving station are usually offered. Information: 303-389-3050.
Ellyngton’s: Celebrate the holiday with breakfast and Easter brunch in the restaurant’s regal 19th-century dining room at the Brown Palace Hotel. Choices usually include waffles, pastries, omelets, salads, sushi, grilled meats, other choices. Information: 303-297-3111.
Fire Restaurant: Experience brunch at the indoor-outdoor Easter setting in the ART Hotel on Broadway. Spring omelets, much more, plus a Bunny Menu for the kids. Information: 720-709-4431.
Local Jones: For a tasty holiday morning in Cherry Creek North, do brunch at this classic bistro in the Halcyon Hotel. Always delightful. Information: 720-772-5022.
Monaco Inn Restaurant: Presenting annual Easter special from noon to 8 p.m. Restaurant is serving Colorado Spring Leg of Lamb with Greek potatoes, Greek Salad, and Avgolemono Soup. Menu also has other Greek & American specialties. Saganaki appetizer, plus homemade baklava for dessert. Information: 303-320-1104.
by Mark Smiley | Jan 19, 2024 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Ranger S: The cruiser style Ranger S from Heybike is a foldable ebike suitable for commuting to work, grocery store runs, or mountain biking.
In the December 2023 edition of this publication, we reviewed the Heybike Cityrun, an electric bike that most riders would find suitable to have in their garage. Another option to consider from the same manufacturer, Heybike, is the Ranger S.
The Ranger S has a larger motor than the Cityrun at 750W. In addition to the hydraulic brakes, it has a folding mechanism of the Ranger S for those with limited space or that want to tuck it away when not riding.
This ebike excels in urban areas as it features pedal assist to get up to speeds of 28 mph and many safety features making it a good choice for city riding. The pedal assist is a more gradual acceleration which has less of an immediate jerk forward than most ebikes.
Reviews online have touted the comfortable ride quality with its cruiser-style riding position. In our tests, the bike was a comfortable and zippy ride through town. At 72 pounds, it is not the lightest on the market but after riding, it is not something that will weigh on your mind.
Many riders expect a battery that will last. The ebike’s battery life is impressive, offering up to 55 miles on a single charge, ensuring uninterrupted long rides. Also, they expect ebikes to be in a certain price range. At time of press, this bike was listed for $1,299. This price point is c
Foldable: The Ranger S is foldable, making it convenient to store, ideal for those that live in the city.
onsidered affordable for the specs that are included with it.
Riding any bike in most cities is both convenient and sometimes dangerous. Fat tires with splash guards come standard
on this bike, and as most of Heybike’s fleet have, you’ll find large bright lights in front and rear with integrated bright turn signals to inform those around you which direction you are going and be easily seen. And, the horn is loud enough so someone inside a car can hear.
As with most bike computers, the Ranger S features a display for current speed and distance traveled, alongside which power level out of five you’re currently set to and the battery level. Consider downloading the Heybike app to have accurate readings on battery level and so forth.
The battery is removable with a key and can be charged on its own which is a nice feature if you want to only carry the battery into your office if commuting to work.
The Heybike Ranger S stands out as a feature-rich, versatile folding ebike. It balances performance, safety, and user convenience. Whether you’re navigating city streets, commuting, or embarking on mountain biking adventures, the Heybike Ranger S is a reliable, comfortable, and enjoyable ride experience.
To learn more about the Ranger S, visit www.heybike.com/products/ranger-s.
by Mark Smiley | Dec 15, 2023 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Unagi is known for their sleek and high-quality electric scooters designed for urban commuting and personal transportation. The Model One is portable and easy to use.
Electric scooters, often referred to as e-scooters, are small, two-wheeled vehicles that are powered by electric motors. They have become increasingly popular for urban transportation in recent years.
E-scooters are equipped with electric motors that provide propulsion. These motors are typically mounted in the scooter’s rear wheel. They are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The capacity of these batteries determines the scooter’s range, which is the distance it can travel on a single charge.
Many electric scooters are designed to be foldable, making them portable and easy to carry. This feature is especially convenient for users who need to combine scooter travel with walking or public transportation.
Electric scooters have handlebars with hand grips, throttle controls, and brakes. Riders stand on a platform with one foot on each side of the front wheel. Electric scooters are commonly used for short trips within urban areas. They can be a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation for commuting, running errands, or exploring a city.
Most people are familiar with the sharing services in Denver. Companies such as Lime operate fleets of electric scooters that can be rented via smartphone apps. Users can find and unlock available scooters, ride them to their destination, and then leave them for the next rider.
But, have you ever considered owning one of these products? One brand to consider is Unagi. Unagi is known for their sleek and high-quality electric scooters designed for urban commuting and personal transportation. Unagi scooters are designed with a focus on both form and function, featuring a minimalist and aesthetically pleasing design while offering impressive performance and features.
As mentioned earlier, Unagi offers a foldable design and long battery life. The scooter does not have a removable battery but charging it to 100% takes less than two hours. The Unagi Model One Classic retails for less than $1,000 and comes in your choice of five different colors.
The Levy Plus E-Scooter has a range of 20 miles and can also reach speeds over 18 mph. The triple braking system makes it one of the safest on the market.
Unagi places a strong emphasis on design aesthetics, using high-quality materials and finishes to create a premium look and feel for their scooters. The Model One is a simple scooter to ride and lasts for hours with an easy-to-read dashboard, smooth braking, and impressive speeds. In our tests, the Unagi Model One reached 18 mph which is fast enough for most users. For more information or to purchase, visit unagiscooters.com.
Another scooter to consider is the Levy Plus which has a range of 20 miles and can also reach speeds over 18 mph. It is also portable as it folds and weighs a total of 30 pounds. The Levy Plus features cruise control which is a nice feature when cruising down the street while paying attention to traffic.
The triple braking system includes a front e-brake, rear disc brake system, and a rear fender brake for backup. The LED front and rear lights allow for nighttime riding while remaining visible and safe. On our test, we were impressed with the shock absorption. It performed nicely on the streets of Denver. It also has 10 inch tires which makes it suitable to handle rougher situations — like gravel paths and dirt roads.
All Levy scooters come with a six-month warranty and this particular model retails for $729. For more information or to purchase, visit www.levyelectric.com.
by Mark Smiley | Nov 16, 2023 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Solid Ebike: The Heybike Cityrun is an ebike to consider if in the market for one. It is powerful, comfortable, and reliable.
Electric bikes have grown in popularity over the last couple of years. To meet the demand and to try to reduce the amount of vehicles on the road, the city of Denver launched a rebate program in April 2022. It has issued over 7,000 vouchers totaling $6.5 million since then and more on the way.
According to a survey conducted by the city of Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency, cyclists are replacing 3.4 vehicle trips every week with electric bike trips, which according to the office, totals 150,000 vehicle miles per week.
The vouchers are good for 60 days and can be presented at participating ebike dealers for an immediate rebate at the register. Most are good for $300 toward the purchase for a regular ebike, and $500 toward the purchase of a cargo ebike. Lower income qualified candidates may be eligible for as much as $1,200.
There are many options to consider and most good options are all over $1,000. The Heybike City Run is one to consider as it fits the bill for what most people are looking for. It retails for $1,299 at the time of press and can be purchased using a voucher at Boost Ebikes at 2344 S. Broadway in Denver.
Versatile: The Heybike Cityrun suits users of all heights and weight.
The Heybike City Run takes some time to assemble as most ebikes do, approximately 30-45 minutes. Once assembled, the learning curve is minimal. Most riders can easily fit comfortably as it has a load capacity of 350 pounds. The technology syncs with both android and IOS users with its own app. The smartphone app lets you customize and update the bike, control whether it’s locked, and track your rides. It is not meant to be anti-theft, but it does make it more difficult to steal if it turns off if the Bluetooth is not connected.
Comfortable: The Heybike Cityrun’s seat is comfortable for any user. The step through design also makes it easy to get on and off.
The 500W motor and 48V 15Ah battery make it more than suitable for long rides. In fact, you should be able to travel between 55 and 65 miles on a charge. This bike has the capability of going 21 mph depending on weight and throttle.
Heybike just launched a new commuter bike, called the Horizon. The Horizon is very similar to the City Run with a few differences. The Cityrun cannot be folded, while Horizon can be folded. Compared with battery installation, Cityrun’s battery is installed at the bottom of the frame, while Horizon’s battery is installed at the top of the frame. The minimum height of Horizon riders is higher than that of Cityrun, and the motor on Horizon is more powerful than Cityrun, Horizon is 750W and Cityrun is 500W.
The Cityrun is a bike that gets good reviews from trusted sources and as mentioned before, should fit what most people are looking for in an ebike. It’s an affordable, comfortable, and powerful ride that gets going quickly when stopped and can handle long distance travel on a charge. It also has turn signals and a brake light along with other safety features including hydraulic-disc brakes, a loud horn, an LED headlight, and hands free access.
For more information on the City of Denver’s ebike voucher program, visit energyoffice.colorado.gov/ebike-rebates. To learn more about the City Run, visit www.heybike.com/products/heybike-cityrun-electric-bike.
by Mark Smiley | Oct 12, 2023 | Travel
Bouncing Beds: Like a gaggle of young kids playing in their grandparents’ room, six artists jump on two 600-pound beds that move on rotating platforms.
Corteo: In this Cirque du Soleil a clown imagines his own funeral as a carnival of sorts, blending the ridiculous with the tragic. The show will be performed five times in January at Blue Arena in Loveland.
CORTEO In Loveland from January 25-28, 2024 at Blue Arena
By Mark Smiley
Corteo, an arena production from Cirque du Soleil is back in North America and heading to Loveland. This unique production, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, first premiered in Montreal in April 2005. Since its creation, the show has performed in front of over 10 million spectators, in 20 countries, on 4 continents. Corteo will be presented at the Blue Arena for only five shows from January 25-28, 2024.
Corteo, which means cortege in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.
The clown pictures his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels. Juxtaposing the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic and the magic of perfection with the charm of imperfection, the show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate the portion of humanity that is within each of us. The music turns lyrical and playful carrying Corteo through a timeless celebration in which illusion teases reality.
The stage has a unique setup as it will be set up in the center of the arena and audience members will be on either side with good sight views. Set Designer Jean Rabasse has divided the Grand Chapiteau and its rotating stage in two, with each half of the audience facing the other half, so they see not only the performance, but also have a performer’s eye view of the audience. There is one turntable built into the stage, which is about 41 feet long, and the track is almost 120 feet long.
The show lasts two hours and 30 minutes (with a 20-minute intermission) and is packed with death defying feats fans have come to expect from Cirque shows. Corteo was in Colorado in 2019 and is back by popular demand. Tickets for Corteo in Loveland are available online at cirquedusoleil.com/corteo.
The performance schedule is Thursday, January 25, 2024 and Friday, January 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, January 25, 2024 at 1 p.m.
