by Mark Smiley | Jun 20, 2024 | Main Articles
Largest Creek Development In History Set To Begin; To Cut Traffic, Slash Structure Size, Use, And Heights
by Wayne New & David Steel
Wayne New is a former Denver City Councilman. David Steel is the former CEO of Western Development.
Traffic Terror: 1st Ave., University, Steele, and Cherry Creek South Drive already have terrible traffic. Cherry Creek West project will add 10,000 vehicles per day.
Have you recently driven down Alameda, University, Steele, 1st Ave., or Cherry Creek South Drive and experienced the incredible traffic and congestion in the Cherry Creek area? Have you tried to cross 1st Ave. and feared that you could be hit by a car? You are not alone.
We believe in smart, well-designed development, but we all know that the unintended consequence of too much density without concurrent transportation planning is uncontrolled traffic. However, a Denver Moves Cherry Creek statement from City Planning and the Department of Transportation & Infrastructure reads: “DMCC recommends that an increase in density in Cherry Creek is needed to support higher frequency/more reliable transit, and allow for more local trips within Cherry Creek to be taken by walking/bicycling.”
They are putting the cart before the horse!
Choking Cherry Creek
What’s driving this large increase in Cherry Creek traffic? The problem begins with the Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District’s (BID) 10-year, 150% density growth plan.
Additional causes are:
Safe Cross Streets: Major Cherry Creek North arterial streets — particularly 1st Ave. — have scarcity of safe pedestrian crossings despite shopping popularity.
- Underutilized BID underground parking and limited on-street parking is creating parking and traffic problems in the neighborhoods;
- Increased Leetsdale/Colorado cut through traffic on 1st Ave. to downtown. At least 50% of 1st. Ave. traffic is from cars originating from Leetsdale, Colorado Blvd., and University;
- Reduced RTD bus services/limited routes — limited service reduces employee transportation;
- Lack of planned transit implementation on major arterial corridors — the 2012 Cherry Creek Area Plan stated “Cherry Creek has highest regional traffic volume” and called for transit services. The City has estimated that it will take 10 to 20 years to implement transit;
- Limited use of City transportation demand management strategies to reduce traffic — City strategies to reduce traffic have not been emphasized or enforced;
- Maximum Intersection Capacities — 10 of the 13 major Cherry Creek area intersections exceed the maximum traffic of 36,000 cars per day.
Adding Obstacles
Even with all of the above, the City will be allowing the rezoning of the largest development in Cherry Creek history. This Cherry Creek West Project development on the west side of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center poses the following issues which will have to be addressed:
- Scale: The approximate 1,600,000-sq. ft. (SF) development will be 45% greater in SF compared to the present Shopping Center;
- Building Height: Three (3) of the seven (7) buildings will be 13 stories in height and one building will be 11 stories. The average height of all buildings will be 10.5 stories;
- Vehicle Traffic: According to the developer, the number of vehicle trips onto 1st Ave. and University will increase traffic by 1,000 vehicle trips per PM Peak Hour or 10,000 per day;
- Traffic Flow: The flow of traffic will be difficult with the property having only four (4) entrances/exits that are: two (2) one-way only and 2 two-way with lights. The existing Shopping Center, which is 45% smaller, has seven (7) entrances/exits with four (4) two-way with lights;
- Construction Difficulties: The entire 13-acre property will require two (2) to three (3) story-depth underground for project infrastructure construction and parking. Those 10 years of project construction will create continuous 1st Ave. traffic issues.
What To Do Now
What can immediately be done to reduce traffic, since transit is 10 to 20 years in the future?
Establish a 75% residential use ratio for new development for next five years since residential construction creates the lowest level of new vehicle trips; Expand RTD route services to Cherry Creek; Implement specific Transportation Demand Management measures for all existing and new building developments, which will have the potential of reducing Cherry Creek traffic by 2,500 vehicle trips per PM Hour:
More: a) Require RTD Eco-Pass programs to increase bus usage; b) Require hourly parking or unbundled parking for all building users, including employees; c) Implement bicycle support amenities for all buildings.
Structure Size, Height
Implement and fund shuttle services from Cherry Creek to University / I-25, the Colorado Blvd / I-25, and Colorado / I-70 light rail stations to expedite service to the present transit network.
Propose to the City a Development Impact Fee Program to help fund Cherry Creek improvements — a plan which has created millions of dollars from developers in other cities.
Even with these Cherry Creek options and recommendations, the easiest and most effective solution for immediate traffic reduction is to address new building use, size, and heights. Therefore, reducing the total CCW new development square feet and height to eight (8) stories will have a significant reduction in vehicle trips.
Crosstown Bugs: Cherry Creek Dr. South has become a major thoroughfare for drivers crossing in either direction between University Ave. and Colorado Blvd.
Resident Support
What can residents do to help? Implementation of any of these recommendations falls under the purview of the various registered neighborhood organizations (RNO) and their respective Councilperson.
Each RNO should send a Position Statement to the City & County of Denver (Councilperson). If a Position Statement is not sent, then, in effect, the RNO is endorsing the CCW Project as submitted. Written resident comments can also be sent to your Councilperson.
All concerned organizations and residents should attend Planning Board and the City Council meetings to express their opinions. Approval of the submitted CCW rezoning will create traffic and congestion for the foreseeable future. RNOs and business organizations are the ones with the stature to make a formal submittal of objection.
About The Authors
If you have questions, please contact Wayne New at wayneindenver@gmail.com or David Steel at steelyard@msn.com.
by Mark Smiley | Jun 20, 2024 | Main Articles
by Mark Smiley
Connecting: Two Pals & A Pup has had good traffic during the first month of the Glendale Farmers Market. They have also made good connections with other vendors. Visit www.twopalsandapup.com for more information.
Saucy: Saucy Chops Food Truck is a Colorado born Food Truck that provides everyone’s classic favorites such as a chicken parmesan sandwich doused with scratch made sauces. Visit www.saucychops5280.com for more information.
Inaugural Year: The new Glendale Farmers Market has attracted a crowd of enthusiasts each weekend and it will run every Saturday through August 31, 2024.
The Hispanic Restaurant Association, in cooperation with the City of Glendale and the Greater Glendale Chamber of Commerce, started a farmers market in Glendale and the first month was a huge hit.
The farmers market is located at 4601 E. Kentucky Avenue in Glendale (the P1 parking lot near Infinity Park). It runs every Saturday through August 31 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market is touted as an experiential farmers market, catered by the Hispanic Restaurant Association’s own chefs and different from the usual farmers markets around the area.
Hot Sauce: Mamas Peri Peri Hot Sauce is one of the vendors at the Glendale Farmers Market each Saturday. The sauce is an ancient family recipe carefully blended in a time-honored tradition of Portuguese culinary excellence. Learn more at www.mamasperiperi.com.
“The Glendale Farmers Market is fabulous,” said Kim Umbarger, Glendale City Councilmember. “It has a lot of variety. I am a farmers market enthusiast so I was expecting it to be tiny. But it had all the things. You have all of the really good produce, fruits, and there were games for my kids which I was not expecting. And there was music. I didn’t realize but the hill is shaded so you can sit on the grass and eat your snacks. I highly recommend it. It is a great market.”
The Glendale Farmers Market features multiple chef demonstrations, a Taylor Swift booth for the kids to dance, plenty of locally sourced sauces, vegetables, and more. The vendors are also pleased with the Saturday market. “We are pleased to be part of this farmers market in its inaugural year,” said Stacey Bennett, co-owner of Two Pals & A Pup. “We have had good traffic at our booth each weekend and we are appreciative for the opportunity the Glendale Chamber and the Hispanic Restaurant Association provided us. We look forward to the rest of the summer.”
Since USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service began tracking farmers’ markets in 1994, the number of markets in the United States has grown to 8,720, an increase of about 7.07 percent from 2013. Total annual sales at U.S. farmers’ markets are estimated at $1 billion. On an average market day, 916 households shopped across markets in the U.S. and spent $14,547 per farmers market. The Hispanic Restaurant Association is well positioned to make the Glendale Farmers Market one of the most popular and unique in the Cherry Creek Valley.
Visit www.glendalefarmersmarket.com for more information and to explore the vendors lined up for the summer.
by Jessica Hughes | May 20, 2024 | Main Articles
by Jessica Hughes
The Hispanic Restaurant Association, or HRA, will be hosting its first farmers market in the parking lot of Infinity Park in Glendale on Saturdays starting May 25.
What better way to savor summer in the Cherry Creek Valley area than by visiting a local farmers market? The thriving farmers market scene has become a beloved summer tradition for locals and visitors alike. With an abundance of markets scattered throughout the area, these organic gatherings offer a unique opportunity to connect with local producers, savor the flavors of the region, and immerse oneself in the community.
A primary reason for the popularity of farmers markets is the access they provide to fresh, locally grown produce. Colorado’s rich agricultural heritage and diverse microclimates allow for a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to flourish, from juicy cherries and peaches in Palisade to crisp corn from Olathe and sweet melons from Rocky Ford. By purchasing directly from the farmers, consumers can not only enjoy the fresh taste and nutritional value of these harvested goods but also support the local economy and sustainable farming practices.
Beyond the abundance of produce, farmers markets offer a unique shopping experience that caters to a variety of tastes and interests. Artisanal baked goods, locally raised meats, handcrafted goods, and even fashion trucks and pop-up boutiques can be found at many
of these markets, creating a one-stop-shop for those seeking a curated and authentic shopping experience.
From the long-running Metro Denver Farmers’ Market, which has been operating for over 40 years, to newer additions like the People + Produce at Belleview Station and the Glendale Farmers Market, these events have become integral parts of the community fabric.
Moreover, these markets provide a platform for local chefs and culinary enthusiasts to showcase their talents. Many markets feature chef demonstrations, interactive cooking classes, and on-site food trucks, offering visitors a chance to learn from the experts and sample the flavors of the region transformed into delicious dishes.
Mark your calendars and prepare to fill your reusable bags at these can’t-miss farmers markets.
Glendale Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, May 25 – August 31,
8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: Infinity Park, 4601 E Kentucky Ave., Glendale
New this year, discover Colorado’s vibrant culinary scene at the Glendale Farmers Market. In partnership with the Hispanic Restaurant Association, the City of Glendale, and the Greater Glendale Chamber of Commerce, this flavorful market features a unique fusion of locally sourced agriculture and culinary excellence. Discover fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and meats alongside Chef Pablo’s Kitchen and an interactive Chef’s Table, where you can savor the bounty of Colorado transformed into exquisite dishes.
Colorado Fresh Markets (Cherry Creek)
When: Saturdays, May 4 – Oct. 12, 2024, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: New this year, the market is on the east side of Cherry Creek Shopping Center, along South Steele Street near Macy’s
Located in the heart of Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood, the Colorado Fresh Markets mixes both fashion and farms. With local vendors selling homegrown produce and goods, plus fashion trucks and pop-up boutiques, it’s the perfect chance to stock up on seasonal fruits and veggies, plus the latest in fashion trends. Enjoy free parking when you get your ticket validated at the market. coloradofreshmarkets.com.
Urban Market at Denver Union Station
When: Five summer weekends starting June 1 – August 18, 2024, 12 – 6 p.m.
Where: Denver Union Station
(1701 Wynkoop St, Denver, CO 80202)
Spend your summer weekends in the heart of downtown Denver at the Urban Market, in Denver Union Station. Less of a farmers market and more of an artisan market, shoppers will find local arts and crafts sold directly by the artists, clothing, jewelry, antiques, and furniture, with some local produce mixed throughout.
Metro Denver Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, May 4 – Oct. 26, 2024,
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: The southeast parking lot at
Wadsworth Boulevard and
West Bowles Avenue, Littleton
What began over 40 years ago as a small market in downtown Denver in an Auraria campus parking lot, the Metro Denver Farmers Market is now Denver’s longest-running market and a favorite for shopping the freshest, local foods. Each week over 30 vendors offer a mix of produce from local generational farms, prepared foods from local food makers, and craft vendors.
City Park Esplanade Fresh Market
When: Saturdays, May 4 – Oct. 26, 2024,
from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: 2551 E Colfax Ave., Denver
Working with local farmers and growers, the City Park Farmers Market recaptures the tradition of selling local produce and goods that are good for you and the economy. The family-friendly market brings live entertainment and a festive vibe all while enjoying breakfast, lunch, and brunch-prepared food options. Plus, with monthly chef demos by some of Denver’s favorite chefs, you’ll never run out of at-home meal ideas. cityparkfarmersmarket.com.
South Pearl Street Farmers Market
When: Sundays, May 5 – Nov. 10, 2024,
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: South Pearl Street, between Arkansas and Iowa, in Denver
The South Pearl Street Farmers Market sets up shop along the quaint South Pearl Street — home to Denver food favorites; Kaos Pizzeria and Sushi Den. Every Sunday from May to November, the street (between the 1400 and 1500 blocks) becomes an eclectic mix of local produce stands, handmade goods crafted by local artisans, food trucks, and live music for the entire family. southpearlstreet.com
University Hills Farmers Market
When: Saturdays, May 11 – Oct. 26, 2024,
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: University Hills Plaza,
2500 S. Colorado Blvd.
While smaller in size, the University Hills Farmers Market offers plenty of fresh finds and free parking for its shoppers. A prime shopping location in Denver since 1955, the University Hills Plaza hosts the weekly market featuring a variety of local produce, handmade goods, flowers and more. uhpla za.com.
Highlands Square Farmers Market
When: Sundays, May 19 – Oct. 13, 2024,
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: 32nd Ave & Lowell Blvd, Denver
The Highlands Square Farmers Market, one of Denver’s newest markets, offers a trendy twist with its market bar. Shoppers can enjoy a crafty concoction while shopping Colorado-grown produce, flowers, baked goods, and a variety of ready-to-eat foods, all while vibing to the sound of live music. highlandssquarefarmersmarket.com.
People + Produce at Belleview Station
When: Sundays, June 2 – Oct. 13, 2024,
9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Belleview Station, at the corner of I-25 and East Belleview Avenue, DTC
The People + Produce market is Denver’s newest farmers market serving Southeast Denver, Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village, and the DTC. The market will feature 50+ vendors each week, selling everything from farm fresh produce and baked goods to locally crafted artisan goods. Plus, with food trucks, fashion trucks, live music and a beer garden, it’s sure to be a fun time. Peopleandproducebvs.com.
Farmers markets are a great place to find fresh, locally sourced foods from Colorado farmers.
In addition to locally grown produce, many farmers markets sell other items such as fresh flowers.
City Park Farmers Market photos
The Cherry Creek Valley is home to a variety of farmers markets throughout the city.
by Valley Gadfly | May 20, 2024 | Main Articles
by Glen Richardson
A political website called “RINO Watch Colorado” (www.rinowatchco.com) has turned the political media world upside down in Colorado. The website was mentioned in last month’s lead story (As Colorado Becomes A One-Party State The Main Parties Fracture). RINO Watch bills itself as “the voice of grassroots Republicans” where “it exposes RINOs (Republicans In Name Only)” and “supports grassroots Patriots” while “cutting through the Establishment and liberal spin.”
The grassroots believe they represent about 70% of the Republican Party in Colorado. But the Republican billionaires who donate in Colorado (Phil Anschutz. Paul Singer, and Charles Koch), as well as all the media, oppose and demonize the grassroots and now, of course, RINO Watch.
RINO Watch, an upstart website, was attacked relentlessly by virtually every media outlet in the state of Colorado. It was repeatedly attacked by moderate Republican columnist and political consultant Dick Wadhams. He published entire columns about RINO Watch in the Denver Gazette, Colorado Springs Gazette, Colorado Politics, and Complete Colorado — all owned or controlled by billionaire Phil Anschutz. Jimmy Sengenberger, another columnist in those publications wrote another whole set of columns denigrating RINO Watch.
Jon Caldara
Mandy Connell
Jimmy Sengenberger
Dick Wadhams
The Denver Post had Republican opinion writer Krista Kafer attack RINO Watch along with a full-sized cartoon by the writer. Jon Caldara, president of the Independence Institute, and Sherrie Peif, a reporter for Complete Colorado, separately penned articles letting RINO Watch have it in the Institute’s quarterly bulletin. Democrat Ann Marie Swan, the Opinion Editor for the Durango Herald and The Journal in Cortez, Colorado, wrote her lead editorial attacking RINO Watch for trying to shame Republicans she liked because they were always losing to her Democrats.
The radio world is equally and universally vicious. Jimmy Sengenberger, before quitting in a huff, had a Saturday morning show where he repeatedly went after RINO Watch on his and Peter Boyles shows. He was replaced on 710 KNUS on Saturday mornings with Jon Caldara who kept up the attacks slamming RINO Watch.
Perhaps the site’s greatest critic on radio has been Mandy Connell who has a radio show on 850 KOA weekday afternoons. Connell invited contributors of RINO Watch, including a marketing representative of the Chronicle, to come to the KOA studio to discuss the website. In what appeared to be an incredible display of ill temper, she began yelling and berating them only to embarrass herself as they, according to listeners, calmly out debated her.
Republican billionaire opponents of Colorado grassroot Republicans. Above, Phil Anschutz
Paul Singer
Charles Koch
RINO Watch discovered that Connell had lied during the show about her best friend, Republican Consultant Kelly Maher, who claimed she had nothing to do with Bob Beauprez’s Colorado Pioneer Action, an entity fined the greatest amount ever for campaign violations in the history of Colorado. Matt Arnold, of Campaign Integrity Watchdog, who brought the action against Colorado Pioneer Action, was listening and had in his files the checks from Colorado Pioneer Action for the benefit of Kelly Maher, appearing to prove that Mandy Connell was lying and knew it.
According to it’s website, RINO Watch minds the crescendo of criticism as the huge amount of press converted the once obscure website into a behemoth with more clicks and reads than any other political site in Colorado.
But what exactly does RINO Watch do? It appears to identify Republicans who it believes are moderates but claim to be strong conservatives. It then places them on a fictional Wall of Shame, sometimes with colorful language. In turn, it identifies people it believes are real conservatives and places them on a fictional Patriot Hall of Fame.
The outrage goes to the fact that moderate Republicans, who go along with the Democrat agenda, are never criticized in the Colorado media but lionized as “rock ribbed” conservatives. A previously unknown website that disagrees with this analysis becomes an enormous threat to the Establishment, not dissimilar to the little boy who states that the emperor has no clothes on.
But failing to destroy the website, the Colorado media has made a must-read site for tens of thousands of Coloradans. Unfortunately for the Colorado media they can not put the genie back in the bottle and RINO Watch is anticipated to continue to grow.
by Valley Gadfly | May 20, 2024 | Main Articles
A Block By Block Comeback Is Planned By Denver; Will Costly Makeover Craft A 21st Century Street Or Stumble?
by Glen Richardson
Demolition Derby: PCL Construction crews work to complete the 16th Street Mall makeover. Street was initially slated for completion by year’s end.
Launched in April of 2022 with a $90-$130 million cost estimate, completion of downtown Denver’s 16th Street Mall was slated for wrap-up by the end of this year at a cost of $149 million. As the deadline draws near, City Council has approved (7 to 3) a $1,150,000 contract — between the city and the Downtown Denver Partnership — to continue redesigning and reactivating the strip. The cost is now estimated at $172.5 million.
Completion is now probable “for the fall of 2025.” Workers hope to have fences down on half of the blocks under construction and open to the public at the end of 2024. Those blocks, however, will still need small-scale finishing touches.
Once home to more than 300 stores and 50 restaurants, businesses along the 1.2-mile corridor between Wazee St. and Broadway are open and accessible, but struggling. Sales are down 25-30% or more. T.J. Maxx and McDonald’s are among those driven out. The 16th Street Mall Business Support program has awarded 177 grants to 103 businesses for more than $1 million. The first to use a grant, closed a few months later due to crime and their windows shot out. Even businesses that were receiving free rent have gone.
Unique To Simulated
When opened the 16th Street Mall was among the most iconic places in Denver, recognized for its high-quality design, enduring materials, and value as a civic space. It was selected for the National Register of Historic Places due to the exceptional caliber of its design and designers, including I.M. Pei, Henry Cobb, and Laurie Olin. The Urban Land Institute called it “public art of the highest international quality.”
Shady Spaces: Rendering of shade structures being designed to hopefully make the reactivated mall desirable and engaging.
The unique is now being replicated by today’s overseers. Some of the original elements will remain, including light fixtures, trees in linear rows, and use of granite. Nonetheless, much of the project is being heavily altered. Promises were made, for example, to recreate the original granite paver-pattern, inspired by Navajo rugs and a snake skin belt. Sadly, plans shifted late in the design-build process, with PCL Construction using smaller pavers than the original, and laying them differently in the transit and pedestrian lanes. As a result, it breaks-up the unity and cohesion of the intricate and elegant design.
The intent of today’s design team — the City of Denver, the Downtown Denver Partnership and RTD — was to honor and recreate elements of the original design. However, the mall is being transformed, resulting in such significant loss of integrity that it will no longer be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
Current Construction
Tree Lined Treat: The 1.25-mile-long 16th Street runs from Union Station at Wewatta St. to Civic Center Station at Broadway.
The Road Ahead: Department of Transportation & Infrastructure rendering of what the 16th Street Mall will look like when finished in the fall of 2025.
Potholing — drilling holes to confirm underground utility locations — may still require lane and sidewalk closures on the 16th Street Mall and on cross-streets. Identifying existing water-sewer pipes, and electrical conduit lines, continues to reduce the chance of them being encountered during construction. Signage is being used to help pedestrians and motorists navigate any new closures.
Intersection renewal includes adding shallow utilities, such as electric, traffic signal, and lighting infrastructure. Plus pouring concrete pavement, painting traffic and pedestrian striping continues. Trees for the project were grown and acclimated at tree nurseries. Those trees have now been planted in blocks one and two along16th Street.
Craftsmen laid the pavers by hand along the center transitway during Phase One of the project. Texture of the new granite pavers — PCL Construction and city officials claim — will provide more traction, thus improving safety for the next generation of mall pedestrians.
Moments Of Joy
The new mall will feature elements designed to hopefully make 16th Street desirable, and engaging. Site furnishings, play features, and moments of joy are being distributed up and down the street. They include tables, chairs, benches, shade structures, and planters. The play features are designed to engage kids along the street. Lastly, there will be “Moments of Joy” to bring a bit of delight to the street; make you smile, pause for a moment, or snap a photo to share.
Magic Memories: Horse drawn carriage rides along the 16th Street Mall were for years a memorable experience for couples, kids, and families.
Distribution of the elements are being arranged along the corridor accordingly: Local Link from Market to Curtis; Press Play, Curtis to California St.; Experience 16, California to Tremont; and Jump Start from Tremont to Broadway. Arrangement of the features are designed to create attractions. But they will also provide moments of relaxation and fun for families, residents, visitors, and workers visiting downtown’s core.
Site furnishings are being organized into three basic room types: feast, lounge, and arrow. Feast rooms were created with food in mind. They will be spaces to share lunch with a friend or eat solo and catch up on emails The lounge rooms are spaces to allow you to slow down and stay for a bit. Visitors can take a moment to plan their next step. The space will allow downtown employees a place to pause in the shade between meetings, plus providing a site where residents can enjoy people watching. Arrow rooms will give visitors an accurate, vivid look at downtown.
Final Impact
Prior to the 16th Street overhaul launch, city officials said the investment would, “be well worth the price.” They reasoned it would improve or solve safety and infrastructure deficiencies. Replacement of a water line dating from the 1880s is expected to help drainage. The project also adds more surface friction on the walkways to improve pedestrian safety.
Denver Destination: Opening to the public in 1982, the 16th Street Mall was Denver’s most visited tourist destination for more than 30 years.
Moreover, removing the existing median and shifting the paths of the two bus lanes will add 10 ft. of dedicated, unobstructed sidewalk space on each side of the mall. In addition to more space for pedestrians, the project provides an opportunity to add amenities, while also being able to present additional community events.
More importantly, the city believes the project will play a key role in downtown Denver’s post-pandemic economic turnaround. Admittedly skittish about using the figure today, city leaders said prior to the launch it would increase downtown’s gross regional product — a version of the national gross domestic product, or GDP. How much? By a whopping $3.7 billion!
by Valley Gadfly | Apr 19, 2024 | Main Articles
by Glen Richardson
Mom Romp: Annual City Park Mother’s Day 5K run-walk starts at 9 a.m. Flippin’ Flapjacks serves a pancake-sausage breakfast with OJ.
This is the month when we celebrate your first best friend and the person you turn to when you need advice. In 1914 Congress and a Presidential Proclamation established the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
A day to honor mothers has existed for as long as, well, there have been mothers. They are like glue. Even when you can’t see them, they’re still holding the family together.
Here’s the Chronicle’s guide for showing your mother, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, and friends how special they are:
Beach Break
Beach Beckons: For pier to plate dining, take mom to Denver’s only lakeside venue for a special Mother’s Day brunch at The Lake House at Pelican Bay, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Take Mom to Denver’s only lakeside venue for a special brunch at The Lake House at Pelican Bay. In Cherry Creek State Park, this one-of-a-kind location offers breathtaking views, an expansive sandy carpet, and classic brunch choices with champagne, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information: 303-220-5253.
Home Tour
Home Outing: This modern farm house built in 2015 is among homes being shown at the Wash Park Home Tour & Market Street Fair May 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Get mom in a merry mood for Mother’s Day by taking her to the Wash Park Home Tour & Market Street Fair May 11, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mom and the family can tour homes at their leisure while also enjoying local artisans, vendors, and entertainment at the Market Street Fair located on the 100 block of S. Humboldt St. (between Cedar & Bayaud).
The home tour is in the 100 and 200 blocks of East Wash Park, north of Alameda and east of Downing. Tour home locations are: 138 S. Downing; 140 S. Lafayette; 216 S. Humboldt; 190 S. Humboldt; and 193 S. Franklin.
Hosted by Steele Elementary’s PTA, funds raised directly support programs and services that make Wash Park’s neighborhood DPS elementary school special. Additionally, a percentage of funds raised this year will also benefit families in need through the LOVVE Project, by providing fresh food, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies to Virginia Village neighbors in partnership with Ellis Elementary.
Jazz Jam
Jazz Brunch: Pianist Adam Bodine tickles the ivories at swinging, groovy Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch at Dazzle Denver, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Enjoy a kid-friendly Mother’s Day brunch at Dazzle Denver, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event features a special daytime performance by Freddy Rodriguez Jr. and The Jazz Connection, which blends Latin, funk, and jazz. Freddy continues the legacy
of Denver’s legendary jazz club El Chapultepec. Information: 303-839-5100.
Railroad Mom
Treat mom to the Royal Gorge Route Railroad Mother’s Day Brunch train trip May 11 or 12, departing at 12:30 p.m. Two-hour excursion is in elegant dining car as you enjoy special brunch, spectacular views. Trip runs from the Santa Fe Depot in Canon City, chugs through the Royal Gorge. Information: 719-276-4000.
Runaway With Mom
Race to City Park for a run-walk with mom during the Mother’s Day 5k May 12, 9 a.m. You’ll be cheered by enthusiastic volunteers and spectators, creating a festive and supportive atmosphere that is sure to make the day unforgettable. A pan
Tea Time: Cherry Creek’s Halcyon Hotel hosts this Mother’s Day Tea in the Arbor Room from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
cake-sausage breakfast with OJ is provided by Flippin’ Flapjacks. Information: denvermothers day5k.com.
Take Tea Time
Delight mom at Mother’s Day Tea in the Arbor Room at Cherry Creek’s Halcyon Hotel, May 12. Menu includes baked ham and cheddar sandwiches, deviled eggs, and smoked salmon toast points. The more than half-dozen tea choices come with chocolate Hazelnut macarons, lemon blueberry cake, plus selection of scones. Information: 720-772-5000.
Or, give her a tour of the Molly Brown House plus a high tea with fruit, scones, tea sandwiches, desserts on Mother’s Day, 10:20 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Information: 303-832-4092, ext. 13.
Mom’s Day Dining Ideas
Here are restaurants serving on May 12 to pamper and delight mom and family with fine cuisine on Mother’s Day:
Bon Ami: Quaint little Wash Park French gem on the corner of Alameda & S. Pennsylvania St. serves classic French dishes plus savory and sweet crepes. Information: 303-862-4959.
Edge Restaurant & Bar: Located in downtown’s Four Seasons Hotel, eatery will host a brunch buffet from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Information: 303-389-3050.
Fire Restaurant & Lounge: Serving seafood selections, including a whole salmon carving station, plus omelet station. Danish, scones, more choices served. Information: 720-709-4431.
Guard and Grace: California St. steakhouse has appetizers, raw bar, & brunch items. Menu includes Filet Flight, Black Cod, and a burger, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Information: 303-293-8500.
Le Bilboquet: Cherry Creek French eatery is serving a three-course prix fixe brunch. Brunch is from 11:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner is from 5 to 7 p.m. Information: 303-835-9999.
Local Jones: Signature eatery in Cherry Creek’s Halcyon Hotel is hosting a brunch from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner service is from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Information: 720-772-5000.
Monaco Inn Restaurant: Lamb Shank, Lamb Chops & Grilled Shrimp, New York Steak & Fried Shrimp, or Grilled Salmon are specials, noon to 8 p.m. Moms get their choice of a glass of Prosecco or dessert of the day. Information: 303-320-1104.
Panzano: Eatery’s Buffet in the Hotel Monaco has cold-hot bar, plus prime rib-ham carving station, and a “Kid-O” menu. Serving 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Information: 303-296-3525.
Toro Latin Kitchen & Lounge: In addition to standard brunch menu, restaurant in Cherry Creek’s Clio Hotel plans specials, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Information: 303-253-3000.