by Mark Smiley | Jul 18, 2024 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Bacon: The Keystone Bacon and Bourbon Festival celebrated its 13th year in June, 2024.
The 2024 Keystone Bacon and Bourbon Festival brought a dozen different food vendors, alongside four bacon companies, and 15 bourbon and spirits attendees to the mountains. Pairing with all this bourbon and bacon, guests were treated to an impressive band line-up. Twelve rock bands played over the festival weekend including Summit’s own CB3 and O’Connor Brothers Band, the world’s premier KISS Tribute Band STRUTTER, and the Bacon and Bourbon Festival staple AC/DC tribute band Hell’s Belles. In total there were three festival stages placed throughout River Run Village.
This year, the festival featured more bacon, bourbon, and beer than in years previous. More partners joined the bourbon tour tradition with 15 bourbon suppliers showcasing numerous brands for Hungry Hog ticket purchasers to enjoy. Local mountain man, Bacon Bill, made his debut heading up the event’s kid-centric Camp Bacon.
“After 13 years of a festival you’d think it may be tough coming up with new ideas.” says Maja Russer, Director of Events and Marketing for the Keystone Neighbourhood Company. “The highly creative events and marketing team at the Keystone Neighbourhood Company sat in a room and threw every idea at the wall. The new Harley the Hog mechanical pig, as well as a revamped Camp Bacon were just two of the many items that will make the weekend all about the bacon. A 2023 Festival guest provided feedback in a survey saying, quote: “Draw in the crazies, draw in the committed. Blow me away with bacon.” We are doing our best to fulfill this guest’s and many more enthusiasts’ visions.”
Hell’s Belles: The all-female AC/DC tribute band Hell’s Belles closed the fest with an over 90 minute show that had the crowd dancing and singing the entire time.
The 13th Bacon and Bourbon Festival supports the Colorado mountain community by featuring local businesses, restaurants, and supporting the non-profit Friends of the Dillon Ranger District, the Festival’s beneficiary. For 2024, organizers are working with another prominent community partner, Climax Molybdenum, who this year is helping to power the entire summer festival series volunteer base.
Upcoming festivals in River Run Village include Bluegrass & Beer, August 3-4, 2024; Mountain Town Music Fest, August 17, 2024; and Oktoberfest, August 31, 2024. Visit www.keystonefestivals.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
Photos from KNC Events
by Mark Smiley | Jun 20, 2024 | Travel
2024 Summer Events Calendar Packed With Events
by Mark Smiley
Kickoff Event: Caroline Matz enjoyed the kickoff party for the Cherry Creek North In Bloom summer season on the rooftop of the Jacquard Hotel.
Cherry Creek North unveiled a calendar of events for the 2024 Cherry Creek In Bloom summer season. This year, Cherry Creek North In Bloom offers a destination for a summer filled with more than 70 days of music, arts, and culture.
“Cherry Creek North’s summer line-up will bring together local musicians and performers on our tree-lined streets,” said Lisa Voss, VP of Marketing, Cherry Creek North. “Visitors look forward to our summer events as a way to connect with the Colorado art and culture scene with their friends and families. This year we are excited to host Bastille Day, a three-day festival July 12-14th, that embraces and celebrates French culture, along with a long-time favorite, the Cherry Creek Arts Festival.”
Cherry Creek North is bringing back some long-time favorites this year, including the popular Cherry Creek Sidewalk Sale, now in its 53rd year. Additional events scheduled include:
Smash Fine Arts Festival
The summer Smash Fine Arts Festival returns for two weekends this summer, June 8-9, and again on August 10-11, on Cherry Creek North’s Fillmore Plaza. This festival features top national artists as well as live violin, piano, and guitar music.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival
The annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival takes place Friday, July 5 – Sunday, July 7. This free festival features 250 national and international juried artists, 13 performing artists, Creation Station with children’s activities, food, and interactive art experiences throughout the district. The Cherry Creek Arts Festival is one of the country’s largest and most respected arts shows.
Bastille Day
Cocktails: The cocktail menu at the Jacquard Hotel is impressive.
Bastille Day is a free three-day festival the weekend of July 12-14 that celebrates French culture. With 40-50 local vendors offering the “la creme de la creme” of French and French-themed products, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Cherry Creek North Sidewalk Sale
On Thursday, July 18, to Sunday, July 21, Cherry Creek North’s famous boutiques bring their racks to the sidewalks for CCN’s 54th annual Sidewalk Sale. With over 16 blocks of discounted high-end fashion, style has never felt so good.
Top Of The Town
5280 magazine’s annual, all-inclusive bash celebrating the best in and around Denver is back at Cherry Creek North on Thursday, July 18, from 6-9 p.m. This will be an evening filled with tasty menus from Top of the Town. Tickets allow all-inclusive access to the event, including the food vendors, bars, spirit sampling stations, enter-to-win giveaways stations, photo activations, and more.
Photos courtesy of Cherry Creek North
by Jessica Hughes | May 20, 2024 | Travel
by Jessica Hughes
With the rising cost of living and the grip of inflation on monthly budgets, coupled with the potential loss of Social Security, affording retirement is becoming an increasingly distant prospect for aging Baby Boomers and Millennials alike. Compounding this challenge is the continued escalation in the cost of assisted living facilities, and the dwindling number of such facilities accepting Medicaid. This combination makes finding a quality, yet affordable, assisted living facility for seniors an ever-growing challenge, underscoring the immense value and significance of places like The Argyle in Denver.
The Argyle is a well-known non-profit senior living facility in Denver that works to provide affordable, high-quality living accommodations and services to low- and moderate-income seniors in Denver. This long-time legend in senior assisted living just celebrated its 150th anniversary last month.
Coinciding with this historic occasion, the facility unveiled its latest renovations, a promising indicator that it will continue serving the community for years to come. With an unprecedented demand for assisted living care on the horizon — statistics suggest that 7 out of 10 individuals will require such services in their lifetime — and projections estimating an additional one million beds will be needed by 2040 to accommodate the growing elderly population, establishments like The Argyle take on heightened significance in meeting the escalating need for quality care.
Over the years, the Argyle has maintained its non-profit status, which Executive Director of the Argyle, Tom Carlson, explains is why they can offer affordable, high-quality living accommodations and services to its seniors.
Renovated dining room at The Argyle.
“We are a non-profit. We don’t have a large corporation or investment company that we need to make large payments to every month like most other Senior living communities do. We have been in this location since 1900 and to my knowledge, we don’t have a mortgage,” says Carlson. “We have a board of nine members who are non-paid volunteers, some of which are in the accounting field. They oversee us to make sure we are being good stewards of our money.”
As a non-profit senior living facility, the Argyle offers high-quality care for lower to moderate-income seniors at an affordable monthly rate. Current monthly costs for assisted living residents of The Argyle start at $2,800, while the median cost of a private, single-bedroom unit in an assisted living facility in the U.S. is $4,803 per month.
“A non-profit is not sending money to an investment company or a large corporation. Non-profits are just that, non-profits; they have to use their money by putting it back into the community, their staff, or their residents,” says Carlson. “As a result, non-profits usually pay their staff higher, ensuring they have better more qualified staff resulting in, my opinion, better care.”
Renovated lobby at The Argyle.
The facility’s mission to offer quality care for moderate-income seniors is a “tradition” that extends back to its original roots in 1874 when two women, Mrs. Ann Figg and Mrs. Vincent, met with their friends at Trinity Methodist Church in Denver to address the growing homeless population, affecting mostly women. They came together to create an inclusive retirement community that felt like home, regardless of financial circumstances. So, in 1875, The Old Ladies Home opened its doors to elderly women in Denver.
“In the 1870s, this was a very revolutionary idea. Things were very different then and women were not given the same opportunities as men, especially older women. And the thought of caring for seniors who are not your loved ones during that time was unheard of,” says Carlson. “They saw a need and brought it to the community to help this underserved population.”
By 1900, the facility relocated to its current location in the Berkeley/Highlands neighborhood, inspiring its name change to the Argyle. Beyond its name change, the Argyle evolved into assisted living for all seniors in need, not just women.
“In 1984 we started letting men live here,” says Carlson. “We have also reached out to our other underserved populations including the black community, the Hispanic community, and the LGBTQ community to let them all know they are welcome here and will be treated with dignity and respect while keeping our core mission of serving seniors.”
The Argyle in 1979
In 1988, the original building was demolished and in 1990, a new building was constructed to enhance the quality of the facility while providing more rooms for residents. Carlson explains the much-needed renovations kept the old-world charm but gave the facility a fresh look. The historic front facade was saved, returning the building to its original design, and more than 200 pieces of furniture and artwork were restored.
Beyond its restored aesthetics, the Argyle offers a wellness center with trained physical therapists on staff who create a personal one-on-one training session for each resident who wants one. “This is free to all, no insurance is billed. This is just one example of the many benefits of The Argyle,” says Carlson. “We have many activities and outings, including Rockies games and shows at the Buell Theater.”
But for aging Baby Boomers and Millennials, the cost for high-quality assisted living will have to come down to affordable retirement in facilities similar to the Argyle. “I see the Baby Boomers and Millennials wanting to move to senior communities when they are at the right age. Maintenance-free lifestyle, someone to make your meals, do your laundry and have a full activities calendar of things to do with your peers,” says Carlson. “The issue is going to be the cost. It is said that the boomers have far less in savings at this stage in their life than the prior generation and with millennials, the verdict is still out if they will be able to afford senior living.”
Photos provided by The Argyle
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 | 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.
