Memorial Day 2010
May 31st, 2010 categories: Life In Denver
This year, I pause to honor the men and women of our armed forces who have sacrificed their lives protecting our nation.
Take a few minutes and put yourself in their places, their families’ and friends’ too. Shopping the sales is an American tradition, but let’s not forget our servicemen and women while we hunt for a bargain or grill the first summer meal.
Private property rights and the mortgage interest deduction are uniquely American and are the cornerstone of the dream of home ownership. I am particularly thankful for these, as I see the benefits daily in the practice of real estate.
It’s a day to remember and be thankful. It’s a day to enjoy the beginning of summer, and it’s a day to never forget.
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Denver Farmers’ Markets in 2010
May 18th, 2010 categories: Life In Denver
Have you been to a Farmer’s Market in Denver? The local markets are every weekend in the spring and Summer with amazing produce, florals, specialty items and a great vibe.
Here’s a list of the local Farmers’ Markets in 2010:
- Cherry Creek ~ First Ave and University ~ Saturdays 8 am - 1 pm and Wednesdays 9 am - 1 pm
- City Park ~ Colfax and Columbine ~ Sundays 9 am - 1 pm
- Old South Pearl ~ 1500 S. block of Pearl ~ Sundays 9 am - 1 pm
- Tamarac ~ Tamarac and Hampden ~ Mondays 11 am - 3 pm
- Stapleton ~ 29th Ave and Roslyn ~ Sundays 8:30 - 12:30
- Belmar ~ Alaska Dr and Teller St, Lakewood ~ Sundays 10 am - 2 pm
- Wheat Ridge ~ 4260 Wadsworth Blvd ~ Thursdays 11 am - 3 pm
- Golden ~ 10th Street and Illinois ~ Saturdays 8 am - 1 pm
- Highlands Ranch ~ 9288 Dorchester Street ~ Sundays 10 am - 2 pm
- Southwest Plaza ~ mall SE parking lot ~ Saturdays 8 am - 2 pm
- Littleton ~ Aspen Grove Shopping Center ~ Wednesdays 11 am - 3pm
- Aurora ~ 1470 S. Havana ~ Tuesdays 11 am - 3 pm
Look for me on my pink cruiser bike! I’ll be filling my basket with organic veggies and flowers for my table.
I’m not ready to show houses on my bike, but who knows? Could I still write off the miles?
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Denver Spa Tops in Service - elements is Elegant
April 18th, 2010 categories: Life In Denver
My friend recently received a gift certificate for a massage from her brother. She doesn’t like massage. I, however, love to get the kinks in my neck pounded out. So we traded - her massage for my facial gift certificate.
I’d never been to elements. This is a small storefront on 6th Avenue in Denver, and I’ve probably driven by 1,000 times.
Last week, I stopped in. Actually, I made a reservation, and then stopped in.
I was greeted by a nice young woman who explained the spa services I would receive while offering me a glass of cucumber water with the paperwork. The masseuse was Chris, who listened with care to my neck and back issues, and took the information into consideration during the massage.
I left feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and with a cute little baggie of Epsom salts and instructions to soak out the toxins on a regular basis.
Elements is worth a visit. If you enjoy massage, and would like to relax at a local Denver spa, try them out. And tell them Gretchen Faber sent you!
Once you’re relaxed and ready to look for your next house, send me an email or search on my Denver real estate web site. 
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Art and Landscape Beautifully Combined in Denver
March 7th, 2010 categories: Life In Denver
Nature and art came together today - with a glorious early-spring afternoon at the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Denver is on the map for our vibrant and growing art scene, our wonderous natural landscape and our unbeatable weather. Today was the perfect convergence of all three.
Henry Moore sought inspiration for his sculpture from the natural landscape, and what better place to exhibit 20 Moore sculptures than at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The pieces are very organic, and while the themes are human, the works feel like they could be natural rock formations or downed trees. The play of light and landscape create a humbling feeling next to these massive pieces.
The Henry Moore exhibit will be at the Gardens until January 2011, offering visitors the chance to see the sculpture during varied seasons and at different times of the day. We plan to visit often, and joined as members so we can drop by for a few minutes or hours any time we feel the desire for sculpture and landscape.
Oh - and the crocus are up too!
Today was an unbeatable Denver day - capped off with a walk around the lake at Washington Park with Duke. Spring is literally in the air!
Gretchen Faber writes LifestyleDenver, offering real estate advice and Denver lifestyle comments. Search for your next Denver home at www.GretchensDenver.com, Gretchen Faber’s comprehensive real estate web site.
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Cherry Creek North Parking - Quarters Not Required
January 31st, 2010 categories: Life In Denver
The Cherry Creek North neighborhood - Denver’s “Gold Coast” - added a call-in parking alternative in November.
This seems like a great alternative to saving quarters, or trying to keep the parking machines from tearing up your credit card. So far, though, the buzz is that people aren’t taking to the phone-in alternative.
Setting up an account is easy, but thinking about it ahead of time is probably part of the problem. Shoppers don’t usually plan in advance. Diners in the neighborhood rarely make a reservation, and more often just troll the restaurants looking for an available table.
This is a great solution for Cherry Creek regulars or workers.
If you’d like to try the phone-in option for Cherry Creek parking you can call 888-480-7275 or go to www.paybyphone.com.
Once you sign up for the service, you’ll call the toll-free number and enter your location number. Your credit card will be charged and you’ll get the added bonus of a text message reminder before your parking time expires. Another convenience is that you can add to your time (up to the 3 hour limit) without having to walk back to your car to do it.
The Denver Public Works Department is trying this new system for a 6 month trial. If it doesn’t catch on, they may eliminate it. If it does, they’ll look at expanding the program to other areas of the city.
I have plenty of quarters, but when I run out, I may try this system. If you want to look for houses in the Cherry Creek area, let me know - I’ll cover the parking!
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Top 5 Things to Do at Denver’s Stock Show
January 11th, 2010 categories: Life In Denver
Having grown up in Southern California, I was more a beach bum than a horsey person when I relocated to Denver nearly 28 years ago.
In fact, one thing I completely rejected about my new hometown was anything to do with western wear, western culture or cows.
My boots were ski boots, and my jeans were definitely not boot cut. I attended the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo a couple of times, and while it was somewhat fun to watch the little kids chase pigs and the high school girls proudly carry flags on their horses, I couldn’t stand the smell. The odor of cows, pigs, horses and fried food definitely got me down.
About three years ago, I got a new attitude. I went to the stock show twice that year and once the next year and had a blast. I embraced my “new” hometown’s culture and even bought cowboy (or girl) boots. I love them! It’s true what they say, those boots are comfortable!
So from a novice’s perspective, here are the top 5 things you should see or do at this year’s Stock Show. It runs two more weeks, until Sunday, January 24th at the Denver Coliseum. Just follow your nose and you’ll find it.
1. The Rodeo: Bareback riding is an awesome feat. Watching those guys ride their bucking broncos gives new meaning to buns of steel. The barrel racing is an exacting sport of speed and finesse. The rodeo is an inspiring ode to Americana and regardless of the smell, something everyone should see.
2. The Horse Show: The horse shows feature many styles of riding and breeds of horses - hunters and jumpers, Arabians, American Saddlebreds, Appaloosas, Morgans and equitation classes. A fun show for anyone who’s ever ridden a horse or would like to. This is what we would aspire to.
3. The Shopping: This should probably be number 1 coming from me. In the concourse of the Expo Hall there are hundreds of fun and unique booths. This is where I got my boots. You’ll also find hats, leather goods, beautiful artisan pieces, fun clothes and crazy things like cedar furniture, bobcats (for driving around your farm) and beer bottle nightlights.
4. The Exhibit Halls: Bring your children and wander through the exhibit halls. You’ll find many beautiful and interesting animals. Calves, sheep, chickens, lambs and more varieties of cow than I knew existed. Remember your hand sanitizer, last year a few children got sick after visiting the petting zoo.
5. The Junk Food: I’m not a junk food junkie. We stay away from all that and lean more toward brown rice and salad. However, you can’t visit the stock show without eating something fried. Fried anything. Grab a snack or a meal, find a table in the concourse and get back out to the show!
Have a great time at Denver’s Stock Show 2010!
And if 2010 includes the prospect of a new “ranch” for you, contact me for help in buying the new one or selling the old!
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This Store Has Gone to the Dogs
December 29th, 2009 categories: Life In Denver
On Christmas Eve, I ran one last errand in Cherry Creek North to the tailor. As I came out to the car I saw a very excited Golden Retriever running down the block with his owner behind saying, “That’s right boy! Go see your friends!”
I looked across the parking lot to see where the pooch was headed, and there was a store called Two Pals & A Pup.
“Duke needs a stocking gift!” I thought. So I hurried over to run one last errand.
Inside I found a warm and inviting shop filled with everything dog. Home made treats in the bakery case, toys, collars and lots of love for the doggie and human customers.
If you have a dog in your life, stop over to Cherry Creek and check out this adorable new addition to the neighborhood.
And if you’re in the market for a tailor - I highly recommend Cherry Creek Tailoring. I’ve been a customer of Hamdi and Kiraz Sahin for over 24 years - I discovered them when I was an undergraduate at the University of Denver and needed a formal altered. They are fabulous tailors and lovely people. Customer service is very important to them, and I wouldn’t go to any other tailor in Denver.
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Top 4 Colorado Places to Chop Your Own Christmas Tree
December 1st, 2009 categories: Life In Denver
Have you ever hiked into the woods in early December, trudging through several feet of snow to chop down your own Christmas tree?
Have you ever done it in tennis shoes?
I have, and my former father-in-law never failed to remind me that girls from California should seek footwear advice from a local before heading to the Rockies to chop down a tree in December. (Ex-father in law, you see.) He took great enjoyment from reminding me of that little faux pas.
Which is sort of like my father asking me if I remembered to turn on the oven whenever I’m cooking a turkey. Ha ha!
Colorado offers some lovely places to chop down your own tree. I’ve chosen the top 4 closest to Denver. Most are less than 2 hours away, many even closer. It’s really a treat to hike out into the forest, find just the right tree and haul it back to the car - only to discover that it’s actually 12 feet tall and your ceilings are 8 feet. Beware - the trees look a lot smaller in the forest than they do in your living room.
We went into the national forest at Red Feather Lakes to get our tree. That was fun, good for thinning the forests, and you get a really natural organic tree. Plus, the price is right! Typically $10 for a permit.
1. State and national forests:
Christmas tree permits, which allow you to cut your own Christmas tree on public lands, are now on sale at National Forest/BLM offices and some retail outlets. Permits come with a brochure, which explains regulations and offers helpful tips. National Forest/BLM offices also sell maps and offer free advice on the best areas for tree harvesting, and the best species of tree to cut.
- Denver & Front Range Areas: Four primary cutting areas along the Front Range in the Arapaho, Pike and Roosevelt National Forests serve metro Denver and surrounding communities. See their website for more information on permits, etc.
- Permits: $10 each. One tree per permit. Limit 5 permits per person. All sales are final.
Area Entry Hours: 8:30 am to 2:30 pm - For your safety, no entry is allowed before or after these hours.
2. Colorado state forests:
Christmas tree cutting permits at Golden Gate State Park - A limited number of permits are usually available for the Golden Gate Canyon State Park, just 30 minutes outside of the Denver metro area. This usually takes place over 1 weekend. Areas for both four-wheel and two-wheel drive vehicles will be available, with some hiking required. The tree permits will be available at the Golden Gate Canyon State Park Visitor Center located at 92 Crawford Gulch Road, 15 miles west of Golden. To reach the Visitor Center, turn west on Golden Gate Canyon Road, off of Highway 93. Permits will be sold from 9 am to 4 pm daily, while supplies last. Permits may also be purchased over the phone with a credit card by calling 303-582-3707. Visitors must pick up their permits at the Visitor Center prior to cutting. A detailed map with additional information is provided with each permit. The 2008 permit cost was $20. Permits were discounted to $10 for those with a State Parks Pass.
3. Christmas Tree Acres:
This tree farm has been selling cut-your-own trees since 1986, and the owners are there to help. They point out that a fresh tree will last much longer than trees that were chopped down weeks ago and trucked in from a different climate.
For prices and directions call: 970-284-6061
23003 County Road 39, La Salle.
4. U Cut Tree Farm
This 80-acre lot offers several varieties of trees, including Scotch Pine, Douglas Fir and Blue Spruce. You can ask the owners about the pros and cons of each, but here’s a description from the US Forest Service site.
At U Cut, you’ll drive up for directions and then you can take your car out into the lot to find your perfect tree.
For prices and directions call: 303-660-477011200 Colorado 83, Franktown.
Best wishes from my family to yours for a fun and safe holiday season. Enjoy your Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s. Remember that for your 2010 Denver Real Estate needs, I’m just a click away.
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Be Thankful - A Denver Thanksgiving
November 26th, 2009 categories: Life In Denver
Holy pumpkin pie, Batman! A year has gone by since my rumination on tofu turkey.
This year, I’m thinking about store-bought pumpkin pie. I have gourmet friends, and friends who can’t cook to save their lives. I even have a friend who owns her own catering company - she’s a handy friend to have! Some will prepare pies, others will pick them up from Safeway.
One person will turn her nose up at “store-bought” another doesn’t really care.
I’m just thankful that there’s such a thing as pumpkin pie at all. Who could possibly stomach pumpkin without all the sugar, cream and crust anyway?
Here’s what else I’m thankful for this year:
- My husband’s love and support. He says, “you look nice today” every single day when I’m leaving the house!
- A loving and supportive extended family.
- Terrific, fun and funny girlfriends.
- A fabulous company, The Kentwood Company, with wonderful colleagues and ownership dedicated to making our company the best.
- Denver Real Estate - my career and life.
- My eyes - I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t read.
- My son isn’t behind the wheel yet - but I only have two more weeks to be thankful for that…
- The bounty we enjoy and sometimes forget to recognize.
Enjoy your pie, pumpkin or not, your turkey, your potatoes and all the fixins’ on this 2009 Thanksgiving Day! It’s 65 degrees and sunny here in Denver - aren’t we lucky?
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Whole Foods Denver - Cherry Creek is Busy!
November 25th, 2009 categories: Life In Denver
Shopping at Whole Foods in Cherry Creek can be an exercise in frustration. Trying to pick up a few last minute items there on Thanksgiving Eve is completely insane.
The store has lovely displays, great produce, hormone-free meats and amazing cheeses. It also has parking issues and high prices. Nonetheless, I find myself there at least twice a month picking up a few things that Safeway or King Soopers don’t carry.
I was there this evening. Next year, I need to plan ahead better. The time it took to get into and out of the parking lot was more time than it took to do the shopping.
I did manage to find a beautiful bouquet of flowers and picked up my favorite tuna salad with cranberries.
If you need a few quick items, you may prefer the Whole Foods on Colorado Boulevard or on Hampden Avenue - fewer parking issues. If you want to pick up some information on Denver Real Estate - read the latest article in the Denver Post. I was quoted about yesterday’s Case Shiller report and what the trends bode for our local real estate market.
Real estate sales in Denver are up from last month, prices are down just a little. The price reduction is most likely due the change in seasons from summer to fall. It’s also a reflection of what specific properties have sold.
Enjoy your holiday and stay away from the crowds on Friday!
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