Denver Shred-a-thon – Big Air Competition Tearing It Up
January 23rd, 2011 categories: Life In Denver
This week, the Denver Big Air Competition hits downtown Denver. Tuesday and Wednesday, right before the Winter X Games, top competitors in skiing and snowboarding from around the world hit Denver to show their stuff.
Expect awesome tricks, loads of excitement and a “yard sale” or two. The urban skiing and riding exhibition is expected to draw attention to Denver, and to the Colorado mountains. The ramp is 106 feet tall and will launch the skiers and snowboarders over 60 feet into the Denver skyline. The cost of the ramp was over $600,000.
There is a free spectator zone across from the Main Denver Library and a paid viewing area along the front of Denver’s City and County Building. The VIP entry is at Colfax and Bannock. Prices are high at between $45 and $200, but the buzz generated will certainly help to sell tickets. Discounted tickets are available at Whole Foods stores in the metro-area for $30.
Find details at the Denver Big Air site. Look for coverage on NBC. How cool for Denver – top names in skiing and snowboarding and tons of fun!
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A Denver Thanksgiving Whine
November 24th, 2010 categories: Life In Denver
Left is Red, White is right!
Tradition.
Each year of LifeStyle Denver, I’ve made it a tradition to write about my favorite parts of the Thanksgiving meal. In 2008, I defended eating turkey, regardless of what my veggie friend thinks. Last year, pumpkin pie was open for discussion.
In 2010, I think I need to whine a bit, and also talk wine.
Whine? About what, you ask? My whining is purely self-absorbed and all about my personal taste, and I apologize. But I’m whining about bad wine. I hate it. Can’t stand it. Offer me a sticky, sweet glass of something you approximate for fine wine, and I’d rather just skip right to the pie, thank you very much.
Cheap champagne? OMG, don’t even try and I can’t believe you think it’s any good either. Veuve Clicquot? Now we’re talking. Hand me the flute, please.
My husband quickly learned that he’d better not hand me a white wine glass for the Rosso I was opening. Now, when I get lazy and reach for a white glass he tsk tsk’s me – I’m too short to reach the red wine glasses without dragging a chair to the cupboard. Everyone has their weak moments.
Having grown up in California, with discerning parents, I’ve come to appreciate the nuances of a fine wine. My friends are more educated on the hot vineyards and what the best vintages are and I love learning about new wines from them. My latest iPhone apps are Wine Steward and Cellar Rat. Two handy little resources that help pair food with wine and distinguish the good vintages from the bad.
I’m whining about bad wine and sitting in Denver, but I’ll soon heading to Sonoma. We’ll become more educated, and probably worse wine snobs.
Thanksgiving dinner will begin with a perfectly chilled glass of outstanding Champagne, and then we’ll move on to a Pinot Noir. According to Wine Steward, that will complement the turkey perfectly.
Have a terrific Thanksgiving, and I hope you didn’t forget to go to the wine store first!
Oh, and what am I thankful for this year? Friends who bring wine to dinner (good wine anyway,) my new iPhone and the cool wine apps, parents who let us tag along on a trip to Sonoma, and most of all family and the wonderful Denver Real Estate clients who make my work life so much fun on a daily basis.
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Veteran’s Day in Denver
November 11th, 2010 categories: Life In Denver
It’s Veteran’s Day today. I try to remember pause this time every year to think about the servicemen and women who believe in the ideals of the United States of America.
My father was in the Air Force and my husband was a Marine. They say there are no “ex” Marines, but he’s not “still” in service. They both had very different reasons for serving in very different eras, but they served nonetheless.
In Denver today, there are a few ways you can participate in honoring our servicemen and women:
You can thank veterans and active duty servicemen and women by signing a giant “Thank You” banner from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery, 16th and Curtis St., Denver. Sponsored by The American Red Cross, there will also be free coffee for veterans and active duty military will be provided by Starbucks Coffee.
There is an “Honoring Our Veterans” event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m hosted at The Community College of Aurora. The event will be in the Student Center Rotunda, CentreTech Campus, 16000 E. CentreTech Pkwy., Aurora.
The Highlands Ranch Veterans Monument Committee is recognizing veterans and those currently serving in the military from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Highlands Ranch Veterans Monument, 9370 Ridgeline Blvd.
There is a donation drive from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Colorado Mills Mall hosted by A Soldiers Wish List. This worthy organization prepares and sends care packages to troops serving overseas. Donations of the following items are needed: personal hygiene items, snacks, games (hand held and board), socks, underwear, digital cameras, books, pens, paper, envelopes, and Christmas and Hannukah decorations so they can decorate for the holidays. Info: contact Melinda at 303-400-9254 or meepp@comcast.net.
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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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