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subject: Partying On In Denver, Colorado [print this page]


If you are visiting Denver, Colorado, there are plenty of fun things to do and check out. All you need is a little creativity, a positive attitude, and a few fun days.

A century ago, Denver was on the verge of cultural transformation. Having weathered the mining bust and come into its own as a thriving agricultural hub, the city was intent on emerging as a "Paris on the Platte."

Under the visionary leadership of Mayor Robert Speer (1895-1918), business boomed, the arts flourished, vast tracts of land were set aside as parks, and 100,000 newly planted shade trees took root and began to grow. Denver had stepped into the golden slippers Speer had set out for it, and now she was stepping out.

Then the dust bowl sent Colorado's farm-based economy into a tailspin, and once again Denver had to roll up its sleeves, pull itself up by the bootstraps, and persevere. Since then, Denver has survived a series of booms and busts, reinventing itself time and time again around a variety of industries, from mining to agriculture to oil to high-tech.

Today, the cultural landscape continues to change. We still love our cowboys, our skiing, and our sports, but we also value, nurture, and savor a vast array of other cultural attractions and experiences.

First, check out the Plains Conservation Center. Explore the wild, untamed beauty of the native prairie of eastern Colorado by the light of a full moon at Plains Conservation Center in Aurora.

Each guided full-moon walk is a colorful lesson in the natural and cultural history of the prairie, and each bears a unique theme: Grass Moon in June, Thunder Moon in July, Heat Moon in August, Falling Leaf Moon in September, and Harvest Moon in October. Reservations are required.

Don't forget to see Mount Goliath. For a striking contrast, experience the full glory of a mountain meadow in the morning on a guided wildflower hike at Mt. Goliath, Botanic Gardens' mountain peak section of Mt. Evans.

Starting at twelve thousand feet, you will be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Divide peaks as you wind your way down the 1.5-mile M. Walter Pesman Trail learning about the life cycles and lore of the area. Guided hikes are generally from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from mid-June through early August and some Saturdays.

Reservations are required. You do not want to miss out on this scenic beauty.

If you want to enjoy more beauty, check out the Denver Botanic Gardens. Discover the multifaceted art of gardening in the most inspirational of settings at Denver Botanic Gardens.

Select from a full catalog of summer courses in everything from water-smart gardening to botanical illustration to the ancient art of the Japanese tea ceremony. For a delightfully exotic and invigorating way to start your day, transport yourself to Asia with an early morning t'ai chi class every Tuesday in the gardens.

Nothing is better than getting in shape in the beauty of nature. Well, maybe listening to music in nature!

From classical to jazz to reggae to rock, Denver is alive with the sound of music all summer long. Take your pick from an outstanding lineup of summer music festivals and outdoor concerts in a wide variety of venues, from the city streets, grassy parks, and glorious gardens of Denver to the grandeur of the surrounding foothills.

Last, check out a movie under the stars! There are several different places which offer this fun activity on a weekend night.

Pack a picnic, grab a blanket or folding chair, kick back, and enjoy a leisurely evening of outdoor cinema. A new twist on the drive-in and a vast improvement over renting a DVD at home, this is a pleasant way to see some of your favorite old movies in a unique outdoor setting.

If you like dancing, Denver's hot for Salsa dancing. So why not tap into the city's Latin roots by exploring its longstanding salsero scene?

Singles and couples alike will find several dance studios and nightclubs in the Denver area offering classes. An excellent one-stop source for everything salsa is Salsa Central, which you can find online.

Last, check out a book at the library. If you're looking to beat the heat, escape to Denver Public Library's Urban Oasis, featuring films, demonstrations, and workshops on everything from cooking to gardening to architecture as part of the Fresh City Life series. On select summer evenings, enjoy a leisurely Mid-Summer Night Picnic in a true urban oasis, Denver Botanic Gardens, while listening to the tales, anecdotes, and writings of regional authors.

Check out Denver today. You may find a vacation retreat you never knew about!

by: Terry Daniels




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