by Mark Smiley | Apr 17, 2026 | Uncategorized
by Mark Smiley
With spring sports heating up, Glendale and Cherry Creek-area residents don’t have to travel far to find one of Colorado’s biggest game-day viewing experiences.
Just a short drive from Glendale, the Gaylord Rockies Resort is spotlighting its Mountain Pass Sports Bar, now featuring a 75-foot flat panel television, billed as the largest indoor viewing screen in the state, for fans looking to catch the season’s biggest matchups.
The venue is positioning itself as a regional destination for sports enthusiasts, offering a stadium-style atmosphere with expansive seating, elevated sightlines, and a high-energy setting designed for group viewing.
For Glendale residents accustomed to neighborhood sports bars, Mountain Pass offers a distinctly unique alternative. The space combines the feel of a traditional sports bar with resort-level amenities, making it an option for everything from casual watch parties to special occasions.
To complement the viewing experience, the resort has introduced a limited-time, game-day menu built around shareable comfort food. Highlights include the “Colorado Gold Sandwich” with slow-cooked pork and Carolina gold barbecue sauce, a “Slam Dunk” platter of chicken tenders and wings with multiple sauce options, and the “Buzzer Beater,” a sampler of popular bar appetizers. A duo of dips, tinga chicken, and chorizo queso, rounds out the offerings.
The resort is also making a direct appeal to local residents, including those in Glendale and Cherry Creek, through its Local Resident Card program. The free program provides a 10% discount on dining and spa services, along with up to four hours of complimentary self-parking, a perk that helps offset the drive for nearby visitors.
Beyond game day, Gaylord Rockies continues to market itself as a quick getaway option for metro-area residents. The property includes more than 10 dining outlets, the Relâche Spa, and the year-round Arapahoe Springs Water Park, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides, and a lazy river.
With major sporting events drawing crowds throughout the spring, the resort’s expanded viewing experience could give Glendale-area fans a new destination to consider, one that trades the neighborhood bar for a big-screen spectacle just minutes away.
For more information, visit GaylordRockies.com.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 17, 2026 | Uncategorized
by Mark Smiley
This summer, the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center is transforming into a destination for comic book fans and families alike, as DC Super Heroes take center stage in a new immersive seasonal experience.
“Super Hero Summer,” a partnership between Gaylord Hotels and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, will run from Memorial Day weekend through Sept. 7, offering a wide range of themed attractions, entertainment, and activities inspired by iconic DC characters.
The event brings interactive programming throughout the resort, from live shows and character dining, to scavenger hunts and poolside movie nights. Organizers say the goal is to create an experience that blends entertainment with hands-on activities for guests of all ages.
At the center of the experience is the resort’s Arapahoe Springs Water Park, which will host DC-themed events throughout the summer, including “Super Hero Splash” activities, trivia, and live entertainment. The indoor-outdoor water park, featuring heated pools, waterslides, and a 720-foot lazy river, will serve as a hub for many of the festivities.
Guests can also take part in the “DC Super Hero Academy Live Show,” an interactive performance that invites participants to solve puzzles and engage in storytelling adventures, along with character appearances from familiar heroes. Dining experiences will include a Justice League-themed breakfast where guests can meet characters while enjoying themed menu offerings.
Additional attractions include a resort- wide scavenger hunt based on The Riddler, craft stations for children, and spontaneous “super hero sightings” throughout the property. Poolside movie nights featuring DC films and specialty food and drink menus will round out the entertainment lineup.
The resort is also offering overnight packages tied to the event, including options geared toward families that bundle activities, themed merchandise, and resort credits.
For Colorado residents, Gaylord Rockies will continue its Local Resident Card program, which provides discounts on dining and spa services, along with limited complimentary parking.
Located just outside Denver in Aurora, the Gaylord Rockies Resort has become a regional destination for large-scale seasonal programming. With its proximity to both Denver International Airport and downtown Denver, the resort regularly draws visitors from across the metro area, including Glendale and Cherry Creek.
Organizers say the Super Hero Summer experience is designed to appeal to both overnight guests and local visitors looking for a day trip or special outing.
More information, including tickets and package details, is available through the resort’s website at www.gaylordrockies.com.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 17, 2026 | Uncategorized
by Mark Smiley
Elitch Gardens: A colorful skyline of thrills at Elitch Gardens, where twisting water slides, towering coasters, and classic rides set the stage for another season of summer fun in Denver.
Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park opened its gates for the 2026 season on Saturday, April 18, marking 136 years as one of Colorado’s most enduring entertainment destinations.
This year’s opening carries added significance, aligning with two major milestones: the 250th anniversary of the United States, and Colorado’s 150th year of statehood. Park officials say the season will blend that sense of history with an expanded lineup of attractions and events designed to draw both longtime visitors and new guests.
“As we celebrate 136 years of Elitch Gardens alongside these incredible national and state milestones, we’re reminded of how deeply rooted this park is in our community,” said Rick Howarth, general manager of Elitch Gardens. “This season is about honoring our legacy while continuing to raise the bar.”
The 2026 season is expected to be the park’s longest yet, featuring more operating days and an increase in special events. In addition to its signature roller coasters, KiddieLand attractions, and water park, Elitch Gardens plans to introduce three new festival weekends, along with drone shows, Dive-In Movies at the wave pool, and adults-only water park events.
Seasonal favorites will also return later in the year. Fright Fest, the park’s popular Halloween celebration, will run for six consecutive weekends in the fall with expanded daytime and nighttime experiences. During the winter season, Elitch Holidays will transform the park into a festive destination with millions of lights, holiday entertainment, and select rides.
For more than a century, Elitch Gardens has remained a staple of the Denver area, drawing generations of families. Park leaders say the 2026 season is focused on continuing that tradition while offering new reasons for repeat visits.
Season passes, priced at $84.99, are currently available and include unlimited visits through the holiday season, along with perks such as free parking and access to special events. A limited-time opening sale runs through April 17.
More information is available at ElitchGardens.com.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 17, 2026 | Uncategorized
By Mark Smiley
Walmart is doubling down on its investment in Colorado, announcing plans to remodel 18 stores across the state in 2026 as part of a broader effort to modernize its shopping experience and expand services for customers.
The initiative is part of a nationwide plan to upgrade more than 650 Walmart Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets this year. In Colorado alone, the company says it has already invested more than $449 million in store improvements over the past five years.
The remodels will focus on enhancing both in-store and digital experiences, with updated layouts, improved technology, and expanded services designed to make shopping faster and more convenient. Walmart officials say many customers will benefit from delivery options as fast as one hour.
“We’re continuing to invest in Colorado with a focus on how we can better serve communities across the state,” said Jay Cordray, senior vice president of Walmart’s West Business Unit. “By modernizing our stores, we’re making everyday shopping more convenient and creating a more connected experience.”
Two of the planned remodels are in Denver, including locations on South Parker Road and Chambers Road, both within close proximity to the Glendale and Cherry Creek areas. Residents can expect noticeable upgrades, including improved navigation through Walmart’s mobile app, expanded Auto Care Center scheduling, and new product displays featuring national brands.
The remodeled stores will also expand services such as free pharmacy delivery for Walmart+ members, including medications like GLP-1s, and upgraded Vision Centers offering greater privacy along with eyewear brands such as Nike, Calvin Klein, and DKNY.
Walmart says the upgrades are not just about convenience, but also about economic impact. Each remodel project is expected to generate construction jobs while supporting long-term employment in retail, pharmacy, and store management.
Beyond store improvements, the company highlighted its broader role in Colorado communities. Over the past year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation donated more than $28 million to local nonprofits and provided 13.8 million pounds of food to help address hunger. The company recently launched its annual “Fight Hunger, Spark Change” campaign to further support food banks across the state.
The planned remodels will roll out throughout 2026 in a phased approach, with locations spanning from the Front Range to rural communities.
As Walmart continues to evolve its stores, local shoppers in the Glendale and Cherry Creek area can expect a more streamlined and tech-enabled retail experience—one aimed at meeting customers where they are, whether in-store, online, or somewhere in between.
by Valley Gadfly | Apr 1, 2026 | Uncategorized
More Homes Are Changing Hands, Even If Prices Aren’t Jumping Significantly
by Glen Richardson
Wash Park Charm: Denver’s Wash Park neighborhood is highly sought after. This York Street charmer sold for $4 million.
In February of this year (2026), the time required for a typical home to find a buyer in the Denver market fell to 33 days, down almost 38% from January. Realtors say that since the new year, they’ve been extremely busy; “almost like back to 2022 levels.”
A dip below the 6% threshold in 30-year mortgage rates is nudging homebuyers back into making offers. This is the first-time rates have dropped below 6% since 2022.
The median price of a detached home in the 11-county Denver area rose 2.44% over the past 30 days. Moreover, pending home sales rose 29.26% from January. Prices had been falling slightly during the slow months of late 2025 and at the start of 2026. Denver’s median sales price is 34% higher than the national average.
Quick, Pricey Sell: This home on Race Street in the Denver Country Club sold to a cash buyer in only nine days for $8,595,000.
Pricey Homes
According to data from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors, 5,567 properties sold for at least $1 million in 2025 in the 11-county region the association considers the Denver metro area. Those sales totaled $9.1 billion.
That represented a 5% increase in the number of properties sold and a 7% increase in the in the overall value of luxury home sales compared with 2024.
The latest numbers from Denver’s Metro Association of Realtors shows the median sales prices in the Denver area are down 2%. It’s now just under $600,000, and the actual number of homes sold was down every month in 2025 compared to 2024.
Average Price
The realtor group says the overall median home price in metro Denver sits at around $599,000. Detached single-family homes are averaging $650,000 to $666,000. Attached homes — condos and townhomes — are averaging about $390,000 to $400,000.
Luxury Builds: Classic architecture paired with tree-lined streets in popular neighborhoods attracts buyers.
Detached homes traditionally make up the majority of sales in Denver. These properties are holding their value relatively well, only seeing small seasonal fluctuations. In popular neighborhoods like Wash Park, Hilltop, and Sloan’s Lake, prices can still exceed $1 million for updated or larger homes.
Attached Homes are feeling the most downward price pressure. With increased insurance and HOA costs, plus affordability challenges, buyers are more cautious. Still, condos remain an attractive option for first-time buyers or those seeking low-maintenance living.
Above U.S. Median
The average home price in Denver in 2025 hovered around $599,000, with detached homes in the mid-$600,000 range and condos-townhomes closer to $390,000. The Denver real estate market has cooled from its pandemic highs but remains strong relative to the rest of the U.S.
Year-to-date, 2026 is lagging 2025, with sales volume down 13.17% and the median price down 2.21%. The general consensus among realtors is that home prices are likely to remain relatively flat in 2026. What is expected, however, is a higher number of closed transactions. In other words, more homes changing hands, even if prices aren’t jumping significantly.
As interest rates drop slightly, realtors are seeing the buyer pool expand. More qualified buyers are stepping back into the market, which naturally leads to more activity and competition for well-priced homes.
$1 million+ market
Humboldt Heaven: Bungalows with a covered front porch plus front and back yard attract young families.
In the $1 million+ market, month-over-month closings for detached homes between $1 million and $1.49 million climbed 35.37%, while homes between $1.5 million and $1.9 million surged 65.85%. A slight 2.13% dip in the $2 million+ tier did little to slow overall momentum, as strength in the core price brackets pushed total closing activity up an impressive 36.48%.
Despite the momentum, homes above $1 million are taking longer to sell. Median days in Multiple Listing Service (MLS) hit 26 in February, up 73.33% year-over-year.
Additionally, year-to-date sales volume in this segment was down 13.82% from 2025. Price-per-square-foot landed at $370 last month, below each of the past four years and roughly 6% below 2025 levels. Given the broad price spectrum within this segment, along with a mix of attached and detached homes, this metric likely reflects a combination of softer pricing power and shifts in sales composition, rather than a uniform drop in value.
Local Top Sellers
Highlights from February’s closed transactions include the sale of the highest-priced detached home, which was a six-bedroom, nine-bath, three-car estate at 181 Race Street in Denver Country Club.
That property was purchased by a cash buyer in only nine days, closing at $8,595,000.
The highest attached sale was located at 411 Madison Street. This four-bed, five-bath duplex in Cherry Creek also sold to a cash buyer for $2,925,000.
Home buyers love Wash Park and Cherry Creek neighborhoods because of the proximity to shopping, plus strong school options. Moreover, homes are generally more luxurious with timeless architecture. Larger lots and mature trees are an additional bonus.
Closed Transactions
Classic Choices: Denver’s inventory is growing, giving buyers more options across neighborhoods and price points.
In the seven-county Denver-metro area, the market is seeing a widening gap between buyer interest and closed transactions. While new listings rose 2.2% year over year and pending contracts jumped nearly 8%, closed sales plummeted 14.6%.
The lag suggests that while prospective buyers are engaging, the path to closing is getting increasingly difficult, real estate agents warn. The median sale price in the metro area dipped 2.7% to $550,000, and homes are sitting on the market for an average of 80 days — a 21% increase from last year.
“Homes priced realistically and presented well are still selling, agents report. Nevertheless, “listings anchored to prior-cycle expectations are encountering longer marketing timelines and greater resistance,” they warn.
by Mark Smiley | Jan 16, 2026 | Uncategorized
by Mark Smiley
When it comes to outdoor observation, binoculars are as essential as your boots or backpack, but choosing the right pair is about more than just magnification. Two models that have caught the attention of serious birders, hunters, and nature enthusiasts are the Maven B.3 and the Riton 3 Primal 10×42 HD. Both promise sharp optics and rugged durability, yet they cater to very different needs.
The Maven B.3: Small, Sleek, And Sharp
Maven’s B.3 binoculars are a compact powerhouse, available in 6×30, 8×30, and 10×30 configurations. With fully multi-coated lenses, phase-corrected prisms, and ED glass, they deliver exceptionally clear images for their size. Reviewers praise the edge-to-edge sharpness, especially in the 8×30 variant, and note that the B.3 feels surprisingly sturdy in the hand despite its compact footprint.
Weighing just over a pound and roughly the size of a large smartphone, the B.3 is ideal for hikers, travelers, and anyone who wants premium optics without the bulk. It’s waterproof, fog-proof, and comes with a lifetime unconditional warranty. The trade-off? Its 30mm objectives limit low-light performance, making dawn and dusk spotting slightly more challenging.
The Riton 3 Primal 10×42 HD: Full-Size And High Performance
For those who prioritize light-gathering ability and a more traditional binocular feel, the Riton 3 Primal 10×42 HD delivers. With a 42mm objective lens and 10× magnification, this model excels in low-light conditions. It uses HD/ED glass with fully multi-coated BaK4 prisms, offering high contrast and sharp resolution. The Riton is larger and heavier than the B.3, but its magnesium-alloy body and rubber armor ensure durability in rugged environments.
Priced lower than Maven’s premium compact, the Riton offers strong value, making it a smart choice for hunters and field observers who need dependable optics over long periods of use.
Maven’s B.3 is the winner for lightweight travel and backcountry use, easily slipping into a backpack or jacket pocket. Riton’s 10×42 is bulkier, better suited for t
hose who don’t mind carrying extra weight for superior low-light performance.
Both binoculars offer excellent sharpness, but Maven’s edge-to-edge clarity shines in compact form. Riton’s 42mm objectives excel in low-light conditions, giving it an advantage at dawn or dusk.
The Maven B.3 is ideal for birders, travelers, and anyone who values portability without sacrificing image quality. The Riton 3 Primal 10×42 HD suits hunters, wildlife observers, and those who prioritize low-light performance.
Choosing the right binocular comes down to your adventure style. If every ounce counts and you want a compact, razor-sharp optic, Maven’s B.3 is hard to beat. If you want traditional binocular heft with strong light-gathering capability at a reasonable price, the Riton 3 Primal 10×42 HD is the better bet. Either way, both models deliver exceptional optics that elevate the outdoor experience.
Visit www.mavenoptics.com and www.ritonoptics.com for more details.
