HyperLocal News for Lakewood, Colorado

Arvada Center: Setting the stage for performances, exhibits and educationThe Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities claims to the largest multidisciplinary arts center in the country. It features a spectrum of amateur and professional music, dance and theater opportunities, art exhibitions and educational programs for all ages, and special events held at an outdoor amphitheatre and two indoor stages. With the number and variety of programs and participants here, its multi-use label is entirely accurate.

History and elegance highlight governor's mansion toursThe Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion was originally built in 1908 as home of the Cheesman-Evans family and became a true Denver showpiece. Claude Boettcher purchased it in 1923, and he and wife Edna traveled the world adding treasures to the home until their deaths. Edna bequeathed the house and land to the state of Colorado for use as the governor’s residence, but inexplicably the offer was declined for two years. In 1959, Gov. Stephen McNichols stepped forward to accept.

Denver B-Cycle: Promoting pedal powerWhen Denver hosted the Democratic National Convention in 2008, delegates were delighted to learn that hundreds of bicycles were available to them for downtown hops. The program was such a hit, the idea turned into a permanent city fixture beginning on Earth Day 2010. The initial effort supplied 500 bikes for almost 50 stations located downtown, in Cherry Creek and around the University of Denver. What’s red and white…and “green” all over? Two-wheelers in the Denver B-Cycle bicycle sharing system

Float on with Venice on the Creek's summer boat ridesVenice on the Creek doesn’t technically take its passengers along Cherry Creek in gondolas. The boats are British punts. So when the organization began offering downtown float trips in 1996, the rides were called “Punt the Creek.” In football-crazed Denver, that meant only one thing—a summer camp for kickers. Today, the name more closely conveys the experience: transporting passengers past downtown scenery with accompanying history vignettes…and candlelight excursions full of romance.

Tickle the ivories at downtown's "Your Keys to the City" projectIn November 2009, Denver downtowners began noticing upright pianos placed somewhat randomly about the 16th Street Mall area. Each one was painted with vibrant colors and diverse themes, and promoted as public art. Better yet, the pianos were fully functional. Anyone could play them at no charge…and did. The pianos were such a hit during their holiday run that they were brought back as a permanent series of constantly changing displays.

Coors Field: Colorado Rockies baseball with altitudePure and simple, Coors Field was built for baseball—a grand slam for Colorado Rockies players and fans since its ceremonial first pitch in 1995. Original plans called for 43,800 seats, but the team attracted amazing attendance numbers during its inaugural year at Mile High Stadium and seating was increased to 50,000-plus. Coors Field hosted its first World Series in 2007 and when tickets went on sale online, the system crashed in the first hour from sheer demand.

Pepsi Center bubbles over with sports, concerts and special eventsIn 2008, the Pepsi Center served as main hub for the Democratic National Convention and was the site of Barack Obama's nomination for president of the United States. The pressure was on to be excellent and problem-free, and Denver’s favorite indoor event arena delivered. It was just another day at the office for a venue that utilizes 1,000 employees at most of its 200 events each year.

Stroll and sample at MillerCoors Brewery toursOne of the most popular Denver area attractions won’t have you reaching for your wallet unless you decide to purchase a souvenir. If you’re a beerdrinker, head to the foothills of Golden for a MillerCoors Brewery tour. Indeed, some of the best things in life are free.

Colorado Convention Center: Clean and "green," with a big blue bearIn 1990, the Colorado Convention Center opened amid hoopla and high hopes of energizing tourism in downtown Denver. The gorgeous, sleek design was unanimously admired. But when out-of-state meeting planners visited, they voiced concern about more space and the lack of a nearby, convention-sized hotel…then took their business elsewhere. Denver listened. In 2004, a $310 million expansion doubled the venue—followed by a super-sized hotel across the street and more than 8,000 rooms just a walk away.

Molly Brown House is unsinkable in DenverMargaret Tobin Brown might not ring a bell with most people, but mention “Unsinkable Molly Brown” and they will probably flash back to her heroics on the Titantic...or at least the movie that bears her name. As Molly’s legend grew through the years, so did poetic license and subsequent discrepancies about her life. For instance, she never actually went by the name Molly. To get the real story, you might read a carefully researched historical account—or you can visit her house in Denver.

Hoop it up with big games and tasty chow at Chopper's in Cherry CreekNamed for beloved Denver Nuggets trainer Robert “Chopper” Traviglini (1932-1999), Cherry Creek’s favorite sports bar continues to carry on his name with gusto and class. Here, hardcore fans get rowdy, business folks entertain clients over lunch and casual dates won’t break the bank. A ton of TVs, all-star food and drinks, and a friendly staff that rallies during busy times has made Chopper’s Sports Grill an award-winning neighborhood mecca, as well as a slam dunk for sports.

Party till the cows come home at Grizzly RoseSince it opened in 1989, The Grizzly Rose has been known as Denver’s authentic destination country-western hangout—it’s even gotten kudos from the Country Music Association. Cold beer and some serious two-steppin' accompany live music six nights a week, and pool tables plus a mechanical bull just add to the fun.

La Rumba keeps the beat going strong in DenverLa Rumba, in the Golden Triangle south of downtown Denver, attracts two very different crowds during its three nights of operation each week — but it offers a great dance experience to both.

Patrick's nightclub: a great place for ... everything!At Patrick's, probably Aurora's best nightclub, there's something doing every night of the week.Long-appreciated as a draw for national and local music talent, Patrick's is also a great place to enjoy everything from poker and pool to karaoke.

Denver hosts Biennial of the Americas cultural celebration July 1-31Experience the art, ideas and culture of the Western Hemisphere and never leave town as Denver hosts the inaugural Biennial of the Americas through July 31. More than 80 dignitaries join forces with artists, musicians, singers and dancers in multicultural exhibits, performances and panels at 24 venues across the city. Savor the flavor at Biennial-designated restaurants featuring specials from countries that run, organizers say, “…from the tip of the Tierra del Fuego to the Northern Hudson Bay."

King Tut's golden treasures shine in Denver from June 29, 2010-Jan. 9, 2011On Nov. 4, 1922, when British explorer Howard Carter opened the last door guarding the tomb of King Tut, someone asked, “Can you see anything?” Carter replied, “Yes, wonderful things.” With treasures from Howard’s discovery combined with more from additional ancient sites, Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs runs from June 29, 2010-Jan. 9, 2011 at the Denver Art Museum. It’s the only showing in the Rocky Mountain region, and the first time King Tut artifacts have been seen

You've gotta have heart: Body Worlds extends its run to Aug. 15Enter a room lit in a deep red glow and you immediately hear the rhythmic pounding of a massive heartbeat. With a combination of science, artistry and education—along with a dash of controversy—traveling marvel “Body Worlds & The Story of the Heart” pumps up visitors at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science through July 18.

Holiday fireworks light up Denver skies July 2-4Denver definitely loves fireworks. Some escape to the mountains for Independence Day celebrations, but those who stay in town know the sky's the limit. Coors Field, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and Invesco Field traditionally offer pro baseball, soccer and lacrosse post-game extravaganzas. You’ll hear many “biggest and best fireworks” claims, but shows are generally similar so you can factor in accompanying activities and costs...and the potential number of brake lights in front of you when exitin

Downtown Denver Arts Festival highlights Memorial Day weekend activitiesThe Denver Pavilions continues a Memorial Day weekend tradition, serving as host for the works of more than 125 Colorado artists during the 12th annual Downtown Denver Arts Festival. In 2009, the art show attracted 150,000 art lovers who purchased artwork at an estimated total of $500,000. This year's festival, just one of a number of downtown holiday events, runs from Friday, May 28 through Monday, May 31.

Cinco in the Park: Mexican culture appealing to allIn 1987, Denver’s celebration of Cinco de Mayo began with a small neighborhood fair: arts and crafts booths, some live bands and dancers, and absolutely stellar Mexican food. Maybe a couple thousand attended. Today, in its expansive Civic Center Park home, the festival has continually grown with the addition of rides, games and new activities -- to the point where almost 400,000 head downtown for the festivities.

Senior PGA Championship tees off in Parker May 22-23In a week full of compelling stories, the 2010 Masters Golf Tournament showcased outstanding performances by “oldtimers” Tom Watson and Fred Couples. Golf fans, schedule time off from work and grab your tickets now. Both Watson and Couples are scheduled to be among the competitors at the 71st Senior PGA Championship held May 25-30 at Colorado Golf Club in Parker.

Bands on the Bricks: free summer concert seriesWhen the free concert series called Bands on the Bricks gets going each summer on Boulder’s beautiful Pearl Street Mall, people by the hundreds get moving and shaking to some of the best bands in the area.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival an Independence Day tradition in DenverThe Cherry Creek Arts Festival comes to Denver in the heat of the summer just as surely as fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Boulder Creek Festival: all it's quacked up to beFood, art, live music, dance — and rubber ducks. What more could you want from a Memorial Day weekend? The Boulder Creek Festival offers all that and more.

Lowry neighborhood: From Air Force base to urban oasisA planned mixed-usage area with distinct boundaries, the Lowry neighborhood has garnered awards and plenty of attention since it broke ground in 1996. With retail, education and recreation opportunities, corporate and residential real estate, plus parks and open space all within its three square miles, Lowry is a complete community. The centralized East Denver-West Aurora location is an easy commute to all points in the metro area. Its borders? They’re defined by the previous, gated venue: Lowry

Upbeat, offbeat Capitol Hill embraces diversityYou might think Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood is all about politicians and legislation, lobbyists and fundraisers. It all definitely happens in and around the State Capitol Building. But take a walking tour around the area and you’ll see funky restaurants, second-hand shops, students, street people, small-business owners, dogwalkers, bicycle riders and alternative lifestyles…all in one of the most densely populated areas in town. Like diversity? Visit Capitol Hill.

The Perfect Landing: High-flying dining at Centennial AirportTo pilots, the perfect landing is all about an aircraft making smooth, balanced wheel contact with the runway as the engines throttle down—the ideal ending to a flight. At Centennial Airport in south Denver, The Perfect Landing revolves around a complete restaurant experience of delicious food and beverages served alongside windows offering superb views of nearby runways…ending with a departure that’s rarely final.

WaterCourse Foods: All-veggie, all the timeVegetarians who go out to eat with carnivore friends generally must scan a typical restaurant menu and choose a salad, a cheese-focused meatless entrée (or appetizer), and dessert. But roles are reversed for veggie-lovers at WaterCourse Foods. The entire menu is dedicated to vegetarian, vegan and even some gluten-free options, and wine and beer add to the bliss. Meat-loving companions are happy too…some even become converts.

Marlowe's: Iconic menus, martinisOn warm-weather days, the patio at Marlowe’s overflows with happy, animated customers who relish its 16th Street Mall location. The restaurant is arguably the best place to enjoy downtown people-watching. What happens when the snow flies? It’s still filled with vibrant patrons who settle into the casually upscale atmosphere with martini-focused bar. No matter what the weather, diners continually savor a myriad of crowd-pleasing selections.

The Corner Office Restaurant + Martini Bar: Executive-level fare for allThe Corner Office Restaurant + Martini Bar has the ultimate location in Denver—just a crosswalk away from the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and two blocks from the 16th Street Mall. Invesco Field, the Pepsi Center and Coors Field are all easily accessible. But you don’t get to the top of the corporate ladder relying on location alone. TCO offers a fun "no work, all play" mindset with global comfort food, handcrafted martinis and a retro-cool vibe.

Savor the fine art of delectable dining at PalettesExpectations for a restaurant at the Denver Art Museum might center around creative cuisine and intriguing flavors that complement artful presentations. With the influence of iconic restaurateur Kevin Taylor, Palettes succeeds on all counts and diners are treated to a multisensory experience for lunch and dinner. Here, carefully crafted food is as flavorful as it is visually appealing.

Sam Taylor's Bar-B-Q fires up downhome specialtiesSam Taylor’s Bar-B-Q has used the slogan “one bone is all it takes” for years. It fits. When Beyonce is in town, she calls for chow. Elected officials are frequent visitors. Pro athletes too. This isn’t a place with a chi-chi atmosphere…far from it. You can’t call it a dive, but the décor is spare—bare bones, so to speak. What’s the draw? It’s the food, y’all. Fall-off-the-bone tender meats, freshly prepared sides and a signature barbecue sauce so good it’s the only one on the menu.

Life is sweet at D Bar DessertsPeople rhapsodize about desserts—memorable creations seem to conjure up feelings of pure indulgence. Since 2008, Food Network host Keegan Gerhard and wife Lisa Bailey have run a wish-fulfillment haven for sugar-focused foodies in Denver. At D Bar Desserts, treats reign supreme and savory dishes are tasty accompaniments. By day, it’s a chic bakery with nosh-worthy bites. But in the evening, it becomes an all-out dessert-and-wine fest.

Fresh ingredients fuel Northern Italian fare at PanzanoExecutive chef Elise Wiggins has cooked in kitchens from the American South to South America, and likes her food to be bold, multi-layered and unexpected. So it’s only natural that her Northern Italian menu at Panzano features fresh takes on classic entrées. She uses seasonal, locally grown ingredients—including buying cattle and lambs from area farms. Despite a firm “waste not, want not” mindset, don’t expect her to add Rocky Mountain oysters to the menu. It’s a personal palate thing.

Head to the Buckhorn Exchange...if you're gameNo doubt about it, the Buckhorn Exchange gets its share of tourist traffic. Founded in 1893, it has authentic Old West roots and is home of Colorado’s very first liquor license. Menus feature assorted game not readily found in most restaurants--you don't nosh on ostrich, rattlesnake and 'gator every day. Locals may be past the curiosity factor, but can still appreciate weekday happy hours, live music and a friendly, Western atmosphere that is a refreshing break from urban bustle.

Shanahan's scores with fresh basics prepared in winning waysIf you picture NFL coach Mike Shanahan's Denver restaurant with gargantuan slabs of meat and blaring TVs tuned to sports, remember the man behind the name. At Shanahan's, you’ll find impeccable steaks, seafood and cocktails prepared with creative twists and turns in a striking dining area. But Mike Shanahan's roots aren't forgotten. Kids receive toy footballs, plasma screens broadcast the best games at the bar…and yes, there's an understated display of Super Bowl memorabilia inside the entrance.