 The Stock Show is in town and there's lots to see and do! This year, parking is free at the National Western lots. We parked at Coors field and took the free shuttle. (Enter parking lot off of Park Ave. and Wazee St.) The free shuttle drops you off outside the South Box Office at the Coliseum. The Stock Show leaves town next Sunday, January 26 but that day is Guest Appreciation Day. Grounds Admission tickets are $12 for adults, children 3-11 years old are $4, and children 2 and under are FREE. Here's a link to the Stock Show Schedule of Events: https://nationalwestern.com/schedule/ In addition, Mile High on the Cheap posted an article called "5 Ways to Save on National Western Stock Show Tickets". Here's the link to that: https://www.milehighonthecheap.com/ways-to-save-on-national-western-stock-show-tickets/
0 Comments
 303Magazine recently published this wonderful article about 100 Things To Do in Colorado in 2019.
"Sure, it’s nice to have our incredible state highlighted by national publications like USA Today (who just named Winter Park the best ski town in North America) or Vogue (who wrote about the Denver restaurant, bar and street art scene) — but when it comes down to it, we don’t need non-Coloradans telling us why our state is simply the best. From the mountains to the plains, from north to the south and everywhere in between, Colorado has an adventure at every mile marker. Whether you want to travel for art or the outdoors, see the sights in Denver or spend a few nights in a picturesque setting, there is never a dull moment — especially when you have a list of 100 things to do in Colorado in 2019. Some of these are special to the year — as in, you won’t see them in 2020 — and some are the tried-and-true Centennial State bucket list items. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or just arrived, check off all these activities and thank us later." To see the entire list and to read the article, please click here: https://303magazine.com/2018/12/100-things-to-do-in-colorado-in-2019/?fbclid=IwAR1gTGaVAfLt3DmgmViUuxESEzU54NyEYTDN-JqUUjU_CWk9xkQ3kgKfS1w Did You Know the Longest Functioning Pilates Studio in Denver is Located in This Neighborhood?4/29/2018  Article written by Kristin Kleimann If you’ve ever noticed the building located at 1776 S. Jackson Street, just off Colorado Boulevard and Mexico Avenue, you might have assumed it was an apartment building. In actuality, the Executive Club office building happens to house the longest functioning pilates studio in Denver, Pilates Esstentia: in business since the 1980s and in this location since 1991. In 2015, Peace of Mind Pilates moved to share the same space. Sabra Blacklock of Pilates Essentia, and Marisa Oldefest of Peace of Mind Pilates, are the two women business owners behind the cooperating pilates studios. Marisa and Sabra first worked together several years ago when Marisa taught at Sabra’s Pilates Essentia studio. After a break for Marisa to raise her family and begin the Peace of Mind Pilates home studio, the two joined forces to work again collaboratively in one convenient location. The shared studio houses a varied range of pilates equipment including two Cadillacs, three chairs, five reformers, five spine corrector barrels and one high carrel. The back of the studio includes space for mat classes. Of course, it is these caring and passionate women business owners, Sabra and Marisa, who are key to the longevity, success, and devoted client following behind the boutique studio. Sabra Blacklock “Sabra is a master teacher who is able to not only teach the fundamentals, but can also address specific issues. She is AWESOME.” - Client Testimonial Sabra Blacklock has over 27 years of pilates experience. She was trained in the Fletcher Pilates Method by Ron Fletcher and studied and worked at his studio in Los Angeles as a pilates apprentice. She is a certified Pilates Method Alliance Certified Pilates Teacher and Senior Professional Fletcher Pilates Teacher. She was also a part of a trio of women who put together the original teacher training for the Fletcher Pilates Company. Sabra combines pilates with neurological and pain management elements with a goal to help clients get back to living life free of chronic pain. As she explains, “Our focus is around the education piece: how your body is supposed to be functioning, how it IS functioning, and bridging the gap to get clients to an optimal place.” Marisa Oldefest “I have taken Pilates with Marisa for over 11 years. When I first started, I had no idea what Pilates was, much less the benefits that would be gained. I was only looking for help for my balance and health. With Marisa's patient teaching and guidance, I have knees that keep working and balance to my body. Even though I am facing knee replacement surgery, my knees have gone on working better than the doctors have believed. I know that having Pilates has helped me build up my knees for the surgery and it will help in a quick recovery.”- Client Testimonial Marisa is a Pilates Method Alliance Certified Pilates Teacher, Qualified Fletcher Pilates Teacher, Certified Massage Therapist, Certified Aroma Touch Technique Practitioner and a trained ballet and modern dancer. She has been teaching Pilates for over 20 years. Her focus is making pilates accessible to all age ranges (from teens to seniors) as well as pilates for pain management. As Marisa explains, “While we offer classes for all ages and fitness levels, our specialty really is working with injured clients and helping them get back to their fitness goals in a safe way. Our clients tend to stick around, and that speaks for itself.” Classes and Staff The boutique studio offers the best in Fletcher Pilates Method instruction. Classes run for 55 minutes and you can choose between mat or equipment classes. They also offer groups classes, duet classes, and private sessions. “In 10 sessions you will feel the difference. In 20 you will see the difference. And in 30 you will be on your way to having a whole new body.” -Joseph Pilates The studio staff are very experienced and combined, offer nearly 90 years of pilates experience. Special Events On the third Thursdays of the month the studio hosts a “Pilates and Pinot” event where you can come participate in pilates and enjoy a glass of pinot after. Once the weather warms, the studio will be hosting a “Pilates in the Park” event which will be a pop-up mat class in either Observatory Park or Dinosaur Park on Mondays at 12:30pm. Sabra and Marisa look forward to helping you use pilates to change your body, mind, and spirit! Contact Information Website: Check www.peaceofmindpilates.com for exact dates and times and to schedule a session. They are currently offering specials for new clients. Location: 1776 S. Jackson Street, Unit 100. Denver, CO 80210 Phone: 303.525.7491  801 Chophouse is located in the Cherry Creek Mall near the valet entrance. It is locally owned and the owner lives in the Cherry Creek neighborhood. The restaurant specializes in USDA Prime Grade beef, jet fresh seafood, personable service and features “Live Maine lobster, innovative side dishes, small batch bourbons and scotches, and an award-winning wine selection.” 801 Chophouse also offers private and semi-private dining rooms for events. In addition, the restaurant offers discounted valet and garage parking. 801 Chophouse hosts a Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 3pm until 6:30 in the bar. This is a great opportunity to sample appetizers such as shrimp cocktail and filet sliders as well as specialty cocktails, wine, and beer at discounted prices. On Sundays, they offer a fixed price Supper Menu that includes a salad, entrée, and dessert for $36. As General Manager, Lindsay Anderson said: “Please come visit us for an amazing experience, as we love to meet our new neighbors.” This article was written by Kristin Kleimann and will be appearing in a future issue of "Life in the Park" magazine.  Have you ever been surrounded by hundreds of magical and colorful butterflies? You can be at the Butterfly Pavilion! The Butterfly Pavilion is located about 15 minutes North of Denver in Westminster, Colorado. It is a 30,000 square foot facility that is located on an 11 acre campus. The vision of the Butterfly Pavilion is to teach an appreciation of the environment and of all living thing. It is considered an invertebrate zoo and hosts over 5,000 animals. There are five different exhibit areas (four indoor, and the garden and nature trail outside). The exhibit areas include: Crawl-a-See-Em, Water’s Edge, Wings of the Tropics, and Invertebrate World. For our visit, my 4 year old son particularly enjoyed holding Rosie the resident tarantula and touching a starfish. We were also lucky enough to have a butterfly land on our clothing as we were exploring the tropical rainforest area. What a great way to spend a Saturday! The Details: Cost: Adults $11, Seniors $9, Children 2-12 $7, Children under 2 FREE (reduced prices for Westminster Residents) Hours: 9-5pm daily, 7 days a week Contact: 303.469.5441 Address: 6252 W. 104th Avenue, Westminster CO 80020  Ivy at the Glenn Restaurant at the Streets at Southglenn in Centennial is a seasonal, contemporary restaurant that changes out its menu and wine list four times per year. The restaurant is beautiful inside with its gorgeous wood feature wall, indoor/outdoor fireplace, contemporary and natural décor, and outdoor patio. The restaurant uses local and area purveyors for fresh fish and produce and its menu highlights small plates with different flavor profiles. This fall, you can try Fried Brussel Sprouts with with a garlic, bacon, lemon and balsamic reduction as well as an Ahi Tuna Carpaccio in a ginger soy reduction sauce with edamame and wonton chips. Ivy on the Glenn is a neighborhood restaurant and offers wine tastings, a $40 3-course dinner special, and hosts a big Oscar night, and several Holiday parties. The restaurant was founded five years ago by Jimmy Lambatos, a 40-year veteran of the Denver Restaurant scene. In the 1970s Jimmy arrived in Colorado from New York to attend school at the University of Colorado. He started working at the (infamous) Colorado Mining Company Restaurant in Glendale where he ultimately became the executive chef. In the early 1980s he partnered to open the iconic Footers Restaurant and Catering Company in Capitol Hill. (Jimmy’s son now runs the award winning catering company!) He then partnered to open a small, fast, casual sandwich company you may have heard of---Quiznos. With its 2003 Superbowl ad, Jimmy (or Chef Jimmy), became the face of Quiznos and spent the following year promoting Quiznos nationally, getting to meet many famous people, such as Cameron Diaz, and even appearing on Jay Leno. In addition, from 2008-2011, Jimmy opened and operated Baur’s Ristorante near the Denver Performing Arts Center in Downtown Denver. Chef Jimmy certainly has the experience to guarantee you great food and impeccable service. He looks forward to welcoming you to his latest restaurant endeavor. "Please let me know when you're coming over so I can welcome you to my house. I am always looking forward to meeting and serving new friends and family." –Jimmy Lambatos Ivy at the Glenn 6955 South York Street Centennial, Colorado 80122 303.730.7200 Ivy at the Glenn is open Monday through Friday from 11am until close. Saturday and Sunday brunch is offered from 9am-2pm. Lunch is offered daily from 11am to 4pm. Dinner is offered daily from 5pm till close. This article was written by Kristin Kleimann and will be appearing in a future issue of "Life in the Park" magazine.  Picture yourself relaxing in a calm, cool, beautifully decorated, French country blue room with the smell of lavender wafting through the air. The experience is rejuvenating, calming, transformative, and also one that almost anyone in your family will enjoy. Ivy McClure is a Denver native and a graduate of our neighborhood South High School. Her aesthetician experience includes graduating from the School of Botanical and Medical Aesthetics and serving as their Assistant Director of Aesthetics. She founded Skin & Tonic in 2013 to create a business and career that aligns her passion for fusing the best in medical, corrective skincare techniques and natural and botanical skincare approaches. As Ivy said, I came across a quote once: ‘Beauty is self confidence applied directly to the face.’ Over the years, I've learned that what really matters most, is how my clients see themselves. We can be so hard on ourselves, especially women. My focus is to address whatever concerns I can, then build up that confidence. Beautiful skin really does begin with a commitment to yourself. I can't tell you how much I love hearing ‘I got a compliment on how my skin was glowing today’ or ‘I get so many compliments on my lashes!’ That's why I do what I do---Build that confidence! (Ivy McClure, owner and founder) Ivy uses Naturopathica skin products that are holistic, plant based, soothing, and smell heavenly. (Try the Gotu Kola Healing Balm and the Lavender Protective Moisturizer!) In addition to customized and reasonably priced skin treatments, she also offers waxing and eyelash extension and tinting services, as well as specialized services for men and teenagers. Ivy is extremely personable, knowledgeable, and has built a following of dedicated clients through her expertise and results. She has several mother and daughter and husband and wife clients who come to her as a bonding experience and as a shared interest in taking care of themselves. As one pair of mother and daughter clients summed, Ivy has all of the qualities you want in an aesthetician. She's gentle, easy going, not at all intimidating, and you leave feeling beautiful. On top of this, she offers a teenybopper facial for my 14-year old daughter. What's not to love? (Bess Scully, mom) I love going to see Ivy! She is a great aesthetician who uses natural products (which is rare)! My mom gets her eyelashes done with Ivy, and I get regular teenybopper facials (which use more sensitive products). Ivy offers a great range of services for mothers, daughters, fathers, and sons alike… (LuLu Scully, daughter) Finally, Skin & Tonic also offers two different Membership Plans where for a reasonable flat monthly fee you receive specific services (skincare or eyelash) and discounts on other services and products. Treat yourself or a family member to a restorative and relaxing treatment today! Skin & Tonic Contact Information: Email: [email protected] Phone: 303.868.6344 Website: www.skin-tonic-skincare.com Facebook: facebook.com/skinandtonicskincare/ Address: Located inside “The Workshops” 4340 E. Kentucky Ave., Suite 315 Glendale, CO 80246 This article was written by Kristin Kleimann and will be appearing in the August 2016 issue of "Life in the Park" magazine.  “Esters is our way of using craft beer, great food, and atmosphere to build community” –Esters website Originally from Buffalo, New York, Paul Sullivan moved to Colorado in 2002 to work first for a beer distributor and then for New Belgium Brewing, all the while planning to move back to New York. Fast forward to 2016 and guess who’s still here? In 2004, Paul bought a home in the nearby Krisana neighborhood yet always felt the neighborhood was lacking a gathering place. Recently, opportunity finally knocked when “Easy Pickens,” an old dive bar, came up for sale. Paul put together a business plan and found the right team to make the dream a reality. Paul’s wife, Emily, is currently a Commercial Flooring Account Manager and spent many years as a commercial Interior Designer. The architect who designed Esters is friend of the family, Adam Harding, who works for Roth Sheppard Architects. “Emily helped with a lot of details and had a lot of the original vision, but Adam came up with the design. They both are incredibly talented and they really made the idea come to life,” said Paul. Esters will celebrate their one-year anniversary in June 2016. All of the food at Esters is made from scratch and Paul says Esters tries to use and purchase local ingredients and support other local businesses. For example, Esters uses Bull & Bush (beer), Tender Belly (meat), Infinite Monkey Theorem (wine), and Bonnie Brae Flowers (flower arrangements). When asked what his goal is for Esters, Paul said, "I have always enjoyed being a part of this neighborhood and hope that Esters can help make it even a better place to live." According to neighbors who attended the community night on March 28, 2016, Paul and Esters have succeeded... Just had a wonderful meal at Esters. It is a cute place (bigger than it looks from the outside) located at Holly and Atlantic (just a couple blocks north of Evans.) Fantastic food. It's basically a pizza place, but the flavors are really interesting and wonderful. Great wine and beer list, good apps, salads and a fun Smores riff dessert. Definitely will go back. Highly recommend. Just moved into the neighborhood in December and was so happy to discover Esters. [It’s] perfect for everything from brunch to watching the Super Bowl to just having a drink with my lady or friends. For those of us with little ones it's a great place for families, and nothing better than sitting on the patio now that snow has turned to rain! Some of the best pizza I've had in a long time [Fee Pizza]. Great flavor and crust. I would come back for it. Favorite local spots: When the Sullivan family has a chance to sneak out outside of Esters they like to visit The Kitchen Next Door or Jax in the CitySet Center in Glendale. Paul also enjoys The Bull and Bush for a steak and one of their beers brewed on site. When the family has a couple of days together they try to go to either Frisco, Colorado, camping, or somewhere to play in the mountains. Fun Facts about Esters:
Things to Remember about Esters:
Contact: Paul Sullivan Address: 1950 South Holly St. Denver, Co 80222 Telephone: 303.955.4904 Website: www.estersdenver.com Hours: Open weekdays at 11am, 10am on weekends This article was written by Kristin Kleimann and will be appearing in the July 2016 issue of "Life in the Park" magazine.  How fortunate are we to live in an urban community that has a world class historical telescope, housed in an architecturally beautiful and historic building, available to the public on a regular basis? Visit and answer for yourself… What’s the history? Construction on the Romanesque style Chamberlin Observatory, located at 2930 East Warren Avenue, in Observatory Park, Denver, began in 1890 after a generous donation by Humphrey Barker Chamberlin, a real estate businessman, in 1888. Chamberlin was one of Denver’s wealthiest citizens and believed in sharing his wealth and giving back to his community. Robert S. Roeschlaub designed the building itself and the astronomical functions were designed by Herbert Alonzo Howe, who was the very first professor of astronomy at the University of Denver and first director of the Observatory. The refracting telescope has a 20-inch aperture lens that was made by Alvan Clark and Sons of Massachusetts who were world renowned lens makers. The telescope is very large, at 28 feet long. The telescope became operational in 1894. The Observatory is currently owned and operated by the University of Denver and is considered priceless. Did you know these fun facts about Chamberlin Observatory?
Visiting Chamberlin Observatory On April 12, 2016, we visited the Chamberlin Observatory for one of the public nights. Even though the night started off cloudy and rainy, we were lucky enough to have the skies clear enough to be able to view Jupiter and its red spot. Here’s some more information about how you can visit. The Observatory, through the Denver Astronomical Society (DAS), offers both public nights and open house nights throughout the year. Events are appropriate for the cosmically-curious non-astronomer (or burgeoning astronomer) and are family-friendly. Public Nights: Each public night event begins with a 45-minute educational presentation by a DAS lecturer. Afterwards, and weather permitting, guests are invited to tour the Observatory and view the moon, stars, planets, galaxies, and other celestial wonders through the 28-foot long, 20-inch aperture Alvan Clark-Saegmuller refracting telescope. If the weather is not good for viewing guests can still tour the building itself. When: Each Tuesday and Thursday beginning at 8:30pm. How: Make reservations online in advance (nights do sell out) Costs: $4.00 for adults/ $3.00 for children (via PayPal online). http://www.denverastro.org/das/chamberlin-observatory/ Note: Children need to be at least 41” tall to be able to use the ladder to view. Open House Nights: Open House nights are for those who are interested in learning more about telescopes, cosmically curious children, parents, or teachers, or someone who is interested in learning something new. Denver Astronomical Society members are available to share information and views from personal telescopes on the Observatory ground, and to answer questions about astronomy or telescopes. Members can also help guests learn how to operate a personal telescope. When: Saturday of each month nearest the first quarter moon at dusk (varies by season- Winter, around 5:30 or 6pm, Spring and Fall, around 6:30 or 7:30pm, Summer, around 8 or 9pm) until 10pm. The remaining schedule for 2016 is as follows: June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10, October 8, November 5, and December 3. How: Make reservations online in advance (nights do sell out) Costs: $3.00 per person/ $5.00 per family (via PayPal online) to view through the Observatory telescope. There is no charge for only viewing through DAS member telescopes. http://www.denverastro.org/das/chamberlin-observatory/ Note: Children need to be at least 41” tall to be able to use the ladder to view. Contact Information: 2930 East Warren Avenue Denver, Colorado 80210 Information line: 303-871-5172 Website for information about public and open house nights and observation conditions: http://www.denverastro.org/das/chamberlin-observatory/ Thank you to the websites of the University Park Community Council, Denver Astronomical Society, University of Denver, and Rosemary Stoffel for information relating to this article. This article was written by Kristin Kleimann and will be appearing in the June 2016 issue of "Life in the Park" magazine.  |
