Denver Family Friendly Holiday Road Trips: Ride the Santa Express on the Royal Gorge Train Route12/18/2018  Written by Kristin Kleimann-Duggan Are you and your family both train and holiday enthusiasts? Do you like beautiful scenery, holiday lights, meeting Santa, and good food and drinks? Do you enjoy adventures close to Denver? If so, the Santa Express on the Royal Gorge Train Route may be just what you are looking for… Our Experience This past weekend, our family and some friends took the 2-hour roadtrip (each way) to ride the Santa Express in Canon City. We decided to stay overnight in Canon City to make the overall trip more tolerable for the young children, oh, and for us. The length of the train trip (2 hours) was perfect, the scenery and holiday lights gorgeous, the experience nostalgic, and the food and drink delicious. Once you board the train, you are provided hot chocolate and cookies to snack on. As the train starts its journey, they play Holiday music and conduct sing alongs. If it is still light out, you are treated to spectacular views of both the gorge and the Arkansas River, and possibly the sunset. There are a few open air cars that you can go to to really experience the views. Once the train reaches the “North Pole,” which is all done up with lights, Santa and the elves board. The elves come around and give each child a bell from one of Santa’s reindeer. Santa also makes his way to talk to the children and collect their wish lists. We absolutely loved the adventure and highly recommend the overall experience. The Details For 2018, trips are offered November 16th-December 30th. Trips are scheduled up to four times daily: generally, 9:30, 12:30, 4:30, and 6:30. Some dates are less expensive than others so do check their website schedule. There are several different classes of service offered including Vista Dome, Club, and Coach. The ticket price varies by class. We opted for the Vista Dome class and purchased our tickets (easily) online in advance. Vista Dome service provided us with 360-degree views, assigned seats at a table (seats are in groupings of four so we were all seated together), and table side food and drink service (food and drink are not included in the ticket price, but purchasing food in advance is an option.) Food, drinks, and the full service bar are available to all classes of service. Passengers are also permitted to visit the open air car as frequently as they’d like and at any point in the trip. One of the highlights of the tour is seeing the Royal Gorge bridge from a unique vantage point, below it! The Royal Gorge bridge is the world’s highest suspension bridge and is located at the narrowest and deepest point in the gorge. The train stops under the bridge for a few minutes for viewing and for photo opportunities. A Very Brief History of the Royal Gorge Route The Royal Gorge route opened in 1879 and cost $11,759 (about $250,000 in today’s dollars) but service eventually ended in 1967 for a variety of reasons. The Royal Gorge historic rail line was resurrected in 1999 with the goal of creating “an entirely new Colorado experience featuring excellent food, friendly service and memorable events while sharing the most spectacular scenery in the Rocky Mountain West” (Royal Gorge Route Railroad “Signal” Publication). The route is run by a private, family owned Colorado company passionate about good food and wine. Trip Tips
Visit: www.royalgorgeroute.com or call 1.888.724.5748
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Kristin Kleimann was recently named one of the "Top 15 Denver Real Estate Agents on Social Media in 2018" by PropertySpark. Kristin came in 13th in their rankings. From the article: "These Denver real estate agents are controlling the city’s real estate market after discovering the power of using social media platforms.We’ve researched hundreds of Denver real estate agents’ social media channels and went through a certain process to select the top real estate agents. First, we began by finding Denver real estate agents through different mediums. Then, we looked at objective data regarding the Denver real estate agents’ social media presence across a number of social media channels. Finally, we made sure that the Denver agent who have made it to the final 15 have great social media presence based on subjective variables. That being said, we present to you the Top 15 Denver Real Estate Agents On Social Media In 2018!..." For Kristin's section, PropertySpark wrote: "Looking for an agent who will help you navigate the complex market of Denver? Why not go with an agent like Kristin Kleimann of Colorado Real Estate [actually Edelweiss Realty Co.]. Kristin works with clients to help them understand the processes involved with buying a home but more importantly, she’s ready to help you find that perfect Denver home. Whether it’s a luxury house you are looking for, or a home with a spacious backyard, no matter your needs – Kristin is ready to help. Check out some of Kristin’s listings and tips on the Denver market via Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. You may find your next purchase in a hashtag just for you!" Thank you, PropertySpark! I am honored. Guess I won’t get off social media just yet :) To read the full article, please click on the link below. http://propertyspark.com/top-15-denver-real-estate-agents-on-social-media/?fbclid=IwAR0BpdHb3pgGq-BVVVepOrr4eNlvk-lyaPI-39py_ltIgkchPZe8wap7CxE  Congratulations to my buyers on the purchase of this 1889 Queen Anne style residence is the historic Jefferson Park Denver neighborhood. The neighborhood takes its name from the 5 acre park located in the neighborhood, a former city dump. The neighborhood is part of the original Congressional Grant of 1864 which established Denver’s first city limits, as well as part of the incorporated Town of Highlands... Congratulations! #denver #cityofdenver #highlands #denverneighborhoods#jeffersonpark #jeffersonparkdenver #denvercolorado#homesimpledenver #denverrealtor #historydenver #historicdenver#queenanne #architecture #queenannearchitecture   Can you believe that Denver was the fastest home-selling market in the country last month, with half of all homes pending sale in just six days? WOW!
Jaimes and I were lucky enough to work together AND find him a new condo in this super competitive market. Thank you for the kind review, Jaimes. "Kristin set the bar high with me. Even when I was busy at work, she was doing all of the work making sure that I was able to see every place that was in my price range and location. I knew she had my interests in mind when she would let me know if she thought certain properties were likely to appreciate, or fit my criteria. I will continue to use Kristin in all of my real estate needs, and recommend anyone looking to do so as well. Kristin is genuine, and in this market, not so easy to come by." -Jaimes  I recently got a chance to work with clients returning to Denver after decades away. Congratulations, Scott and Sheila, on putting down new roots in Lone Tree and thank you for the kind review...
"Kristin was amazing! She hustles and fights for her clients! At the same time she guides you in the right direction when it comes to what to negotiate on! Love love loved her!!!" -Sheila 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  It's always fun when you get to work with a best friend. Thank you, Christina, for the wonderful review and for trusting me (and my little assistant) to help you sell your home...Congratulations!
"I had the pleasure of working with Kristin in November 2017 to sell my property in Westminster. A true professional, she guided me through the process prepping my townhouse to go on the market, took care of the staging, coordinated a professional photo shoot and answered all my questions. She also tapped in to her knowledge and expertise of the ever-changing metro Denver real estate market to price my home appropriately, which resulted in multiple showings and several offers. To have the best experience with the least amount of hassle, I highly recommend Kristin to anyone looking to sell or buy a home in the Denver market." -Christina  If so, meet your neighbor and “Dirty Paws” owner, Becky Luke. Article written by Kristin Kleiman-Duggan Becky Luke loves animals ---- all animals. She grew up on a ranch on the Western Slope and has been around many different animals all her life. It is no surprise that in May 2017, she started “Dirty Paws,” a pet care business that allows her to combine business with her passion for animals. “We love them when you have to leave them.” -Dirty Paws Through Dirty Paws, Becky offers many services from daily pet walking to full service overnight pet sitting. As Becky points out, “Our pets prefer being in their own homes as it makes them happier and less stressed.” Becky is comfortable administering medication, including insulin and pills and caring for older pets with special needs. While Becky mainly cares for dogs and cats--and some chickens--she’s has experience with other larger animals, like horses, cows, and pigs. She says she is a “stickler for providing fresh water, to keep pets hydrated and happy.” If she stays in your home, she also can bring in your mail, shovel your walk, and water your plants. She really does mean full service. Becky provides her services to our local neighborhoods including Bonnie Brae, University and Observatory Park, Cherry Creek, Wash Park, and Cherry Hills. As a 20-year resident of Wash Park, some of Becky’s favorite places to take your canine companions on walks are in and around the neighborhood, including to Wash Park and the Highline Canal. Becky offers personalized and devoted attention to both her human and animal clients, so she does not mix different client’s animals. When she is with your pet, she is with your pet. Dirty Paws has received top reviews on Yelp, Google, and through their testimonials: Becky was so great with our babies! She house-sat for us while we went on a long weekend trip! Our girls were very happy to have her! I think she took better care of them than we do :) She sent us pictures and texts to us giving us updates on them, which is an added bonus! I highly recommend her...She loves our babies as much as we do! Becky From Dirty Paws watched our very energetic dog, Oakley, who is 2 1/2 years old recently for 5 days. She did an amazing job! We loved how she had a checklist of questions and wrote notes when she came over to meet Oakley. Every day we got different pictures of her walking Oakley. She also watered our flowers and brought in the mail. It made it so much easier to leave our crazy boy knowing she was there to take care of him. Her heart is in the right place and she is so responsible. I highly recommend Dirty Paws! What more could you or your pet ask for? To contact Becky and Dirty Paws and for more information, please visit: www.dirtypawsonline.com Dirty Paws, Becky Luke, 303.913.2544  Photos and Article by Kristin Kleimann-Duggan We finally made it to see the Ice Castles this year and it was well worth it! The Ice Castles are located in Dillon, Colorado and are open until the weather becomes too warm. Teams work to grow more than 5,000 icicles each day so they can build the castles by hand. We bought our tickets in advance (highly recommended, as they sell out quickly, especially on weekends) and chose to go around 5:30 pm because we were hoping to experience the Ice Castles in both daylight and at night. This was a good choice as it was easier to see at 5:30 and then the castles are lit up at night with LED lights. Dressing for winter was important and waterproof pants and gloves (especially for the kids) are a must if you plan to crawl around in the caves or go on the ice slides. Do not bother with a stroller, it won’t make it. Currently, hours are 4-9pm Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. On Fridays: hours are 4-10pm; Saturdays: 12pm-10pm; and Sundays: 12pm-8pm. The ice castles are closed on Tuesday. Ticket prices vary by the day and whether you buy in advance or not. Adult prices range from $15.95 to $21.00. Children (4-11) are $10.95-$16.00. Children under 3 are free. Get there soon to see the Ice Castles before the weather warms. If the Ice Castles return next year, I encourage you to see them. It’s winter magic. Please visit, www.icecastles.com for more information.  "Professional negotiation skills are a must for all real estate agents helping home buyers and sellers, especially in the current market." Kristin Kleimann has been awarded the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE®) designation from the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI). The CNE® is earned by real estate professionals after successfully completing formal negotiation training over two days. Agents who receive this certification are among the top agents in the country in negotiation skills. With professional negotiation skills, agents are able to help clients obtain better results in the sale or purchase of their home. CNE agents have a higher skill level which enables them to 1) communicate more effectively to uncover desired information, 2) help clients understand their options, 3) work collaboratively with others, and 4) resolve deadlocks. CNE agents have a thorough understanding of how to negotiate effectively to help achieve their client’s goals. The Real Estate Negotiation Institute is the leading negotiation training and coaching company in the real estate industry. Collectively, the Real Estate Negotiation Institute’s instructors have over 300 years of real estate and negotiation experience. For more information visit www.theRENI.com.  Congratulations to our latest client who recently purchased a condo in the Art Museum Residences designed by renowned architect, Daniel Libeskind. The building is located directly across from the Denver Art Museum. These modern contemporary units, built in 2006, are stunning. The 56 units are contained in an L-shaped building with seven-stories. The units boast gorgeous views, 9.5 foot ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, walk in closets, upgraded appliances and cabinetry, terraces, and building amenities including a guest suite, landscaped roof-top entertaining venue, and a separate and secure parking garage. The prime location offers convenient access to Downtown Denver. From the Studio Libeskind website project description: "The Museum Residences sit directly across the plaza from the iconic extension to the Denver Art Museum, also by Studio Libeskind. Clad in a translucent glass skin and shard-like metal panels the Residences complement the titanium-clad Museum. The syncopated rhythm of windows and loggias, and the geometric façade elements are among the qualities that earned this 127,000 square-foot residential and retail building an Award of Honor for design excellence from the American Institute of Architects (2008). The project came to be shortly after Studio Libeskind was hired for the museum commission, when the project expanded to include an above-ground parking facility directly across from the new museum. Studio Libeskind conceived of the Residences to conceal the required 1,000-car concrete parking structure by wrapping it with this seven-story residential building anchored by retail space on the ground level and enlivening the neighborhood. The top six of the seven floors of the building are residential, given over to 56 luxury apartments ranging in size from 800 to 5,000 square feet. The ground floor, providing 16,000 square feet of dedicated retail space, flanks a busy public space, the Acoma Plaza of the Arts. “These condominiums offer the ultimate amenity: an opportunity to bring—almost literally—the museum right into your home.” –Architectural Record, 2006 The Museum Residences was a joint venture between Studio Daniel Libeskind and Davis Partnership Architects in Denver. AWARDS 2008 – The American Institute of Architects Award of Honor 2008 – CNBC Americas Property Awards – Best Development category 2007 – Merit Award for Multifamily, USA" https://libeskind.com/work/denver-art-museum-residences/ Absolutely fabulous...  What a cool find! This is our family's home of more than 40 years in the University Park/ Observatory Park neighborhood of Denver. It is known to friends and family now as "The Big House." From a newspaper ad in the 1924 Boston Christian Science Monitor. Apparently there were classifieds placed by cities in other city newspapers. Ahhhh, history.   To sell your home quickly and for the best price, successful staging is key. We have beautiful accessories to get your home photo shoot ready, and sold...
 This beautiful 125+ year old historic Victorian mansion in the Potter Highlands neighborhood in North Denver is just perfect for showers, weddings, tea, brunch, wine dinners, or staycations... Visit: http://www.lumberbaron.com for more information.  Thank you for the wonderful review, Brandon!
This transaction worked out perfectly. We were under contract within two days and our clients received $35,000 over the list price. Congratulations again! I wholeheartedly give credit to the fabulous collaboration received from our clients. "Where's the 6th Star? Kristin was simply amazing to work with on the sale of my home. I threw her several challenges and she rose to the occasion every time. Despite the challenges, Kristin moved the sales process forward to the degree that we were able to close a week earlier than expected. Kristin’s engagement, patience and attention to detail sets her apart from any other real estate professional I have worked with. Cheers to Kristin!" -Brandon  Happy NEW Year! Welcome 2018!
"If you’re reading this, you already know that living in Colorado is pretty great. There’s always something to do, something to see, something to revel at— and you can drink a craft beer or smoke a joint while you’re doing most of them. Each new year signifies a new opportunity to explore the state and embrace the benefits of living here. Don’t spend your days off on the couch— make every moment worth it. To help inspire your inner adventurer, we’ve compiled a list of 88 things to do in Colorado in 2018. Check them off and thank us after another badass year in this badass state..." Click below for the 88 things to do in Colorado in 2018. How many will you do? https://303magazine.com/2017/12/bucket-list-colorado-2018/ Kristin Kleimann earns internationally recognized designation for performance in luxury real estate12/15/2017 Denver, Colorado | December 15, 2017 -- Kristin Kleimann with Edelweiss Realty Co. in Lakewood, Colorado recently earned The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing’s Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist™ (CLHMS) designation in recognition of experience, knowledge, and expertise in high-end residential properties. Ms. Kleimann joins an exclusive group of real estate professionals who have completed The Institute’s training and have a proven performance in the upper-tier market. “Agents who have earned the CLHMS designation are performing at the highest level in their community,” said Diane Hartley, president of The Institute. “The CLHMS seal is a symbol of distinction. Affluent buyers and sellers from around the world look for this symbol of luxury home knowledge and expertise when putting their trust in a real estate professional.” The specialized training and ongoing membership with The Institute provide Ms. Kleimann with the knowledge and tools to better serve clients. The CLHMS designation provides evidence of the successful commitment to service at the highest level. “I'm looking forward to sharing my additional knowledge and experience with all my clients,” said Ms. Kleimann. Ms. Kleimann has been in real estate since 2013 and specializes in residential real estate in the Denver Metro area. Education: Smith College, Northampton, MA. Additional Experience: Employing Broker's license, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS), Resident Writer for "Life in the Park" Magazine for the University Park Denver Neighborhood. Membership: National Association of Realtors (NAR), Colorado Association of Realtors (CAR), Denver Metro Association of Realtors (DMAR), Denver Architectural Foundation, The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing Awards: Broker Associates of the Month, Edelweiss Realty Co. April 2015, July 2015, and December 2015; Recipient of 38th Annual Denver Metro Association of Realtors (DMAR) 2016 Excellence Award in the Bronze Team Category; Zillow 5-Star Agent For more information about the luxury market in the Denver Metro area, contact Kristin Kleimann kristin.kleimann@gmail.com. ### Find Happy Hearts and Happy Faces at the Iliff Preschool, Kindergarten, and School-Age Summer Camp12/6/2017  Happy hearts and happy faces, Happy play in grassy places -- That was how in ancient ages, Children grew to kings and sages. (Robert Louis Stevenson) On a rare, cool, grey, school day in September, I arrived to interview Helen Andresen, the owner of Iliff Preschool, Kindergarten, and School-Age Summer Camp. I was warmly greeted and given a comprehensive tour of the homey space. I was immediately struck and thrilled by the vast amount of unique outdoor play space. Eight separate age-appropriate playgrounds reflect the overall philosophy that the outdoor classroom is just as important as the indoor classroom for learning. Nearly every classroom is immediately open to the classroom playground so children can move seamlessly between in and outdoor space to explore, discover, and learn. These spaces are referred to as Outdoor Learning Labs. A main goal is for the children to be outside as much as possible. Research indicates that children who play outside are “smarter, happier, more attentive, and less anxious” than children who spend more time indoors. Other studies related to the benefits of children being outdoors include building confidence, promoting creativity and imagination, teaching responsibility, providing different stimulation, getting children moving, making children think, and reducing stress and fatigue. (www.childmind.org) Iliff staff guide children in the Outdoor Learning Labs to use the environment as a place of learning and experimentation. The children and staff
The Iliff Preschool, Kindergarten, and Summer Camp was established in 1963. The overall educational philosophy is a blended one of play-based, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, natural influences, experiential, integrated curriculum and projects, learning by doing, whole child focused, embedded curriculum standards, and an overall “have fun” philosophy. With a low student to staff ratio and open enrollment year-round, eight different classrooms accommodate
Families love the school for many reasons including integrated instructional strategies, a focus on music, art, STEM, yoga, and dance. As Helen Andresen summed, the school was “built on love and desire for the good of the community.” When you visit the school and see all the happy hearts and happy faces; you can’t help but conclude, she has achieved and surpassed her objective. This school is magical. For more information, please visit www.iliffpreschool.com Iliff Preschool, Kindergarten, and School-Age Summer Camp 4140 E. Iliff Avenue Denver, Colorado 80222 303.757.3551 This article was written by Kristin Kleimann and was published in the December 2017 issue of "Life in the Park" magazine for the University Park, Denver neighborhood.  Ruby Hill Gem! This cute ranch style home has 2 bedrooms and a full updated bath upstairs plus 2 non-conforming bedrooms and updated 3/4 bath in the finished basement. The home boasts new interior paint, new interior doors, new front screen door, tons of storage and off street parking, a covered patio, and a shed. The beautifully landscaped lot is large and the street view is of the mountains to the west. This home would be a perfect starter, investment, or single family home. Close to Ruby Hill Park which includes beautiful city and mountain views, a terrain park, pool, playground, and the new state of the art Levitt Pavilion (50 free concerts per year!)
For more information, please click on the link below... http://www.recolorado.com/homes-for-sale/2685-W-Colorado-Avenue-Denver-CO-80219-222381713 |
