WalletHub Study: Denver Ranks in the Top 15 Best Places for Valentine’s Day

 

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner and America’s sweethearts having spent $21.8 billion on the holiday last year, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2022's Best Places for Valentine’s Day as well as accompanying videos. It also released its nationally representative 2022 Valentine’s Day Spending Survey, which found that 70 million Americans expect their partner to spend less this year compared to last year.

To determine the most romantic yet affordable cities for celebrating the Day of Hearts, WalletHub compared 100 of the largest U.S. cities across 27 key metrics, ranging from florists per capita to forecasted precipitation to the cost of a three-course meal for two.

Celebrating the Day of Hearts in Denver (1=Best, 50=Avg.):

• 21^st – Restaurants per Capita
• 44^th – Cost of Three-Course Meal for Two*
• 21^st – Chocolate Shops per Capita
• 11^th – Percentage of Residents Who Are Fully Vaccinated
• 15^th – Jewelry Stores per Capita
• 17^th – Florists per Capita
• 24^th – Avg. Beverage Price*
• 25^th – Greeting-Card Stores & Gift Shops per Capita

*Cost data adjusted for the median household income of the city.

Valentine’s Day Spending Survey – Key Stats

• Some People Prioritize Financial Stability. Almost a third of people say money matters more to them in a relationship now than it did before COVID.
   
• Bad Credit Might Keep You Single. Compared to last year, 37% more Americans say they wouldn’t marry someone with bad credit.
   
• People Are Less Inclined to Go Into Debt This Year. 17% fewer Americans think a Valentine’s Day gift is worth going into credit card debt this year compared to last year.
   
• More Men Say V-Day Debt is Worth it: Men are 29% more likely than women to think a Valentine’s Day gift is worth going into credit card debt.
   
• Financial Infidelity Hurts: Over half (53%) of Americans feel that financial infidelity can be worse than cheating.
   
• Keeping Secrets About Money Hurts Relationships: 30% of people say financial secrets are the worst relationship problem in 2022.

 Valentine’s Day Facts

• $23.9 Billion: Total Valentine’s Day spending projected for 2022 ($175.41 per person celebrating).
   
• $235 vs. $119: Men will spend almost twice as much as women, on average, for Valentine’s Day 2022. 
   
• $10.7 Billion: Amount Americans will spend on jewelry ($6.2B), flowers ($2.3B) and candy ($2.2B).
   
• 26%: Share of marriages that begin online.
   
• 33%: Overall online dating activity increase across the U.S. between February 1 and February 14.
   
• 58%: Share of Americans who say that romantic gestures are more important to them now than they were pre-pandemic.

Nice To See StevieB: Do You Voodoo?

By StevieB
 
It's been awhile since the Voodoo Doughnuts opened in our town. There was this amazing vibe around the idea the Denver had a hip and alternative doughnut shop, like exotic Portland, Oregon. Like our version our ancestors seeing an Oriental vase. Now, cheap and only sold in junk shops inside of the Aurora Mall.

I over heard someone awhile back, bragging how many times they have gone to pick up a pick box of glazed doughnuts in recent history. How can that impress anyone?

I had this thought as I sat at a light in front of the popular business. A line ran out the front door. The best part; however, was the small assembled groups of citizens trapesing away with their stacked pink boxes. The look of devotion upon their faces. It reminded me of another group which made a recent pilgrimage.

One of the five pillars of Islam, is to make a pilgrimage to Makkah. This means, to be a devout follower of Islam, one must make a trip within ones lifetime to the holiest of all shrines. Annually, two million people make this holy trip. I am positive that the look on their faces after walking around the sacred shrines is one of utter happiness and contentment.

Yet, the visitors of Voodoo doughnuts have the same look? Over fat filled baked goods. I will state that I have made my own hajj to Voodoo. They didn't seem any different. I guess it all in how you market a mecca.

This post originally appeared on Steven Bennet's website Nice to See StevieB. Republished with permission.

Say Hello To Summer Over Memorial Day Weekend in Denver!

Denver Day of Rock (a free music festival in downtown Denver) is the centerpiece of the long weekend, with art, pro sports and great hotel deals adding to the fun.

Take a New Look at the Old West in Denver; Where to Eat, Drink and Sleep in the Historic Mile High City

Denver’s history may be short, but it is certainly colorful. In 1857, not a single person was living in the Colorado Territory at the confluence of the South Platte River and Cherry Creek. Then gold was discovered. In just three years, more than 100,000 men and women passed through the boom town called Denver, seeking their fortune in the great "Pikes Peak or Bust" gold rush. 

The railroads came next. In the 2,000 miles of wilderness between St. Louis and California, the two most opulent railroad stops became Denver and San Francisco.

In this golden age, Denver was a city of dreams filled with cattle barons and overnight gold-rich millionaires – the “Queen City of the Plains.” The wealth of the mountains was poured into parks filled with lakes and flower gardens and linked by 17 tree-lined boulevards. Colorado marble and granite was used to construct banks, hotels, and mansions and Denver boasted the highest building and the first elevator west of the Mississippi River.

Today, at nearly the same pace of the gold rush, these wonderful old structures are being restored or transformed into hip breweries, chef-owned restaurants, bakeries, cafes, museums, and trendy boutiques.

Here's where to take a new look at the Old West in Denver.

Denver Versus Seattle: Comparing Super Bowl Cities' Stats

Their geographic locations could not be more different.  Denver is located 5,280 feet above sea level on high rolling plains at the base of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.  Seattle is located in one of the most spectacular natural harbors of the world. But despite these physical differences, Denver and Seattle actually share much in common.

Denver                                                                        Seattle

•Founded in 1858 as gold mining camp            • Founded in 1851 as logging and fishing

                                                                                    center

•2012 population:   634,264, 23^rd largest in                 •2012 population:  634,535, 22^nd largest in

U.S.                                                                                    U.S.

•When bypassed by the transcontinental railroad,            •When bypassed by the transcontinental

Denver built its own connecting railroad                        railroad, Seattle forced its own connecting

in 1869                                                                        railroad in 1883

•Was rescued from a deep depression by                        •Was rescued from a deep depression by

the discovery of gold nearby in Cripple                        the discovery of gold nearby along the

Creek in 1890                                                                        Klondike River in Canada in 1897

•Has a history of boom & bust economies                         •Has a history of boom & bust economies

and is currently booming with eight new                         and is currently booming with aerospace,

downtown skyscrapers, 1,500 hotel rooms                         computer software, biotech, e-commerce,

and a rail line from downtown to Denver                        and international trade

International Airport all under construction

                                                  

 

•From the late 19^th to mid 20^th Century,                         •From the late 19^th to mid 20^th Century

Denver was known as “The Queen City                        Seattle was known as “The Queen City”

of the Plains”

•Has a skyline view of mountains, including                        •Has a skyline view of mountains, including

three 14,000-foot peaks (Pikes, Evans and                        one 14,000-foot peak (Rainier)

Longs)

•Has a national reputation for beer, including                        •Has a national reputation for beer, including

Coors, Great Divide, Breckenridge, Wynkoop            Red Hook, Pike and Pyramid

Has spawned many national musicians and                         Has spawned many national music groups

groups including Judy Collins, the Lumineers,              including Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, Pearl Jam

The Fray, One Republic, and the Flobots            and Macklemore

•Has an REI Flagship store and is known as                        •Has an REI Flagship store and is known as

an outdoor center for hiking, biking, fishing                        an outdoor center for hiking, biking, fishing,

kayaking, climbing and camping                                    kayaking, climbing and camping

•The cartoon South Park takes place near                        •The comic strip Doonesbury takes place

Denver and frequently features Denver                        in Seattle and frequently features Seattle

landmarks                                                                        landmarks

•Denver is home to first Chipotle and the             •Seattle is home to the first Starbucks,

first Quiznos, both of which started here            Nordstrom, Boeing and Amazon.com, which started here

                                                                                   

•Favorite city movie titles:                                                •Favorite city movie titles:

Things To Do In Denver When You’re Dead                        Sleepless in Seattle

•Actors from Denver:                                                            •Actors from Seattle

Amy Adams, Don Cheadle, Keri Russell,                        Anna Farris, Raine Wilson, Tom Skerritt,

AnnaSophia Robb, Matt Stone, Trey Parker                        Bruce Lee 

                                   

•Seattle and Denver Both Placed in the Top 10 cities

in the Travel + Leisure 2013 Survey of Cities for:

Athletic/active

Intelligent

Tech-savvy

Pet-friendly

Wine bars

Micro-brew beer

Environmentally friendly

Public Parks

10 Reasons to Visit Denver in 2014: Chihuly, Cartier, Maya and more

The Mile High City will host a dazzling array of international art shows, one-of-a-kind exhibits and premiere sporting events in 2014, including a worldwide exclusive showing of Cartier jewels, the largest exhibit of Maya artifacts in American history and the World Lacrosse Championships.

Check out ten exciting reasons to explore Denver in 2014 after the break.

Check Out The Wildest, Wackiest Events in Colorado!

From a “Run Like a Headless Chicken” 5k race and a fruitcake toss, to a festival fully dedicated to bacon and coffin races, 2014 in Colorado gives plenty of opportunity to have fun and get a little wacky at events and festivals all year long. Below is a sampling of ways to let your hair down this year throughout the state.

40th Annual Cowboy Downhill, Steamboat Springs (January 20, 2014) – Over 100 ProRodeo cowboys from the National Western Stock Show will be headed to Steamboat to compete at the 40th Annual Cowboy Downhill on January 20. This unique ski rodeo will contain a full day of skiing for the cowboys to see if they are as good on skis as they are on a horse. After the race, enjoy a free concert as part of the Bud Light Rocks the Boat Concert Series.

Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival, Leadville (February 28-March 2, 2014) - Ski joring is a timed competition where a skier is pulled down a snowy road by a horse and rider. The racecourse features gates, jumps and rings. Penalties are assessed by missing gates or jumps, and by missing or dropping any of the rings. A children’s parade, Nordic and winter mountain bike races are just some of the activities happening during the event.

Frozen Dead Guy Days, Nederland (March 7-9, 2014) – October isn’t the only time of year to get spooky when March offers the Frozen Dead Guy Days. This festival celebrates Grandpa Bredo, a man who in 1989 was frozen after he died in Norway and ended up in the hills above Nederland where his daughter was located. He has remained there ever since and has become an international legend. Hearse parade floats, coffin race teams and costume polar plunging make this a not to be missed wacky event.

Flauschink, Crested Butte (April 2-6, 2014) – End the ski season and welcome spring on April 2-6 at the 46th Annual Flauschink. A historical slide show, coronation ball, polka dancing and a ski-slope salute to the king and queen (longtime residents loved by the locals) of Flauschink are all part of this wacky event. Meet previous Flauschink royalty or see the past and present royalty during the Flauschink parade!

Tulip Fairy & Elf Parade, Boulder (April 27, 2014) – Dress up and get ready to use your imagination at the Tulip Fairy & Elf Parade on April 27. Dress the little girls up like fairies or the little boys up as elves to watch the other stars of the event become tulips blooming along Pearl Street.

Mike the Headless Chicken Festival, Fruita (May 16-17, 2014) – In honor of the brave, young rooster who survived his destiny of becoming dinner, the town of Fruita will host the Mike the Headless Chicken Festival May 16-17. To celebrate Mike, there will be a Chicken Dance Contest, a Car Show, a “Run Like a Headless Chicken” 5k and more.

Oh Heck Yeah, Denver (June 7-July 26, 2014) – The brand new Oh Heck Yeah event will transform Champa Street, from 16th Street Mall to 14th Street, every Thursday and Saturday, from June 7 through July 26 into an arcade. LED screens and projections will be used throughout the Theater District for vintage, interactive games to play with those passing by.

Blue Ribbon Bacon Tour, Keystone (June 21-22, 2014) – For those who can’t get enough bacon, Keystone is the place to be June 21-22 for the Blue Ribbon Bacon Tour. Sample the best of Iowa and Colorado bacon, and find out everything there is to know about bacon education in order to receive an All About Bacon Diploma. This year, the festival has added Colorado’s Biggest Bacon Bloody Mary Bar.

Cruise-a-Thong, Pagosa Springs (July 12-13, 2014) – For those who wouldn’t consider themselves a hardcore athlete but still love to compete, the Cruise-a-Thong takes place in Pagosa Springs. The event starts out on July 12 in Town Park with the Average Joe Race. The triathlon race starts out on cruiser bikes, then continues on foot over the Pagosa Springs River Walk, while wearing thongs (flip-flops), and ends with tubing down the San Juan River. Continue the event on the 13th with the “Hair of the Dog” disc-golf tournament.

Tour de Fat, Fort Collins (August 30, 2014) - Colorado’s own New Belgium Brewery brings their annual Tour de Fat festival to their hometown of Fort Collins on August 30. To properly kick-start the festival, Tour de Fat begins with a giant bicycle parade where bike decorations and costumes are encouraged. For the rest of the afternoon, stages heat up with world-class acts and bikes, music, dancing and a lot of good beer can be enjoyed by all.

Emma Crawford Coffin Races, Manitou Springs (October 25, 2014) - Legend has it that 19th-century local Emma Crawford was buried on Red Mountain. But when her coffin was found after a storm sent her remains racing down the mountain in 1929, there was no body to be found, causing many to believe she still haunts the mountain. The legend continues on October 25 when 50 different teams compete in the Emma Crawford Coffin Races in Manitou Springs. Costumed pallbearers push creatively decorated coffins on wheels through the streets for the race.

October in Denver: Zombies, Gorillas and Beer…Oh My!

Denverites love any excuse to put on a costume, so October is a busy month, filled with a series of wacky events that keep the Guinness World Record people busy. In just 30 days, Denver will host the world’s largest Zombie Crawl, the world’s largest Gorilla Run and the world’s largest beer festival. 

25 Things To Do In Denver During Memorial Day Weekend

Denver celebrates the start of the summer season with a long weekend packed with events, including a free, day-long music festival in downtown Denver, thrilling pro sports and outdoor adventure.

This is just the beginning of summer in The Mile High City. Start planning now and take advantage of great hotel deals and packages starting as low as $99.

1. Honor our military heroes at the Memorial Day Parade and Tribute Ceremony, May 25
Denver commemorates those who lost their lives while serving our country during this stirring event, starting at 11:30 a.m. in Civic Center Park. The Veterans Memorial Day Tribute at the Veterans Monument follows the parade.

2. Rock out all day long at Denver Day of Rock, May 25
For the fifth year in a row, downtown Denver’s 16th Street pedestrian mall will be transformed into a massive block party with 25 free rock concerts performed on five stages throughout the day for the annual Denver Day of Rock. Visitors can enjoy rock star status at some of Denver’s best hotels with exclusive Denver Day of Rock packages.

3. Shake things up at ArtStir, May 24-27
Local creatives get crafty at the first ArtStir Denver, a weekend-long market at the Denver Pavilions exclusively showcasing Colorado art, music and fashion.

4. Wander through Colorado’s best art at The Downtown Denver Arts Festival, May 24-26
Mix and mingle with thousands of fellow fine art lovers at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, during the 15th Annual event that features more than 150 of Colorado’s best artists.

5. Experience major league soccer thrills with the Colorado Rapids, May 25
At Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, the Rapids take on Chivas USA in what is sure to be an exciting match-up.

6. Take a date to Sense and Sensibility The Musical, through May 26
It’s your last chance to see this critically-acclaimed musical premiere in Denver – a crowd-pleasing adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel – at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

7. Remember with The Denver Brass, May 25-26
Join The Denver Brass at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts as they honor the heroes, past and present, with a powerful concert of patriotic favorites.

8. Sing along with Les Misérables, May 22-26
Due to overwhelming demand, Cameron Mackintosh’s Les Misérables returns to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts for one week only, with glorious new staging, dazzlingly re-imagined scenery, and the songs you know and love.

9. Catch a concert under the stars at Red Rock Park and Amphitheatre with the Randy Rogers Band and the Casey Donahew Band, May 26
Enjoy an Americana-filled evening with two hot country bands at one of the world’s most famous outdoor venues – a spot on every music lover’s “bucket list.”

10. Ride roller coasters AND water slides at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park
There’s something at Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park for everyone! The nation’s ONLY downtown theme and water park has more than 45 thrilling rides, plus a splash-filled, 10-acre Water Park, musical stages, stunt shows, arcades and the StarToon Studios (a kiddie area with pint-sized fun).

11. Celebrate The Rite of Spring with the Colorado Symphony, May 24-26
Written for the Ballet Russes’s 1913 Paris season and now 100 years after its debut, Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring is still creating a sensation. Colorado Symphony Artistic Advisor Andrew Litton will conduct this musical masterpiece in the Masterworks season finale at the Boettcher Concert Hall.

12. Encounter Mammoths & Mastodons at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, through May 27
It’s the last weekend to experience this astonishing exhibit, where you will encounter some of Earth’s most awe-inspiring mammals, roam among saber-toothed cats and giant bears, and discover the prehistoric treasures discovered at the Snowmass Dig in Colorado.

13. Peruse Thomas Jefferson’s Bible at the History Colorado Center, through May 27
Don’t miss this rare showing of Jefferson’s Bible: The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth, which Thomas Jefferson assembled in 1820 to tell a chronological version of Jesus’ life and distill his moral teachings.

14. Splash into Water World’s opening weekend, May 25-27
Celebrate opening weekend at Denver's 67-acre water park (one of the biggest water parks in the world!), home to more than 65 wet ‘n’ wild attractions for the whole family.

15. Get creative at Huevos Revueltos at MCA Denver, through May 31
Throughout the month of May, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Denver showcases leading creative work from Mexico in music, food and contemporary art. During “Revueltos Weekends” throughout May, admission to the museum is just $1.

16. Get inspired at the Denver Art Museum’s Spun, through September 22
The Denver Art Museum takes a wide-ranging look at textiles from pre-Columbian weavings to modern fiber art, Navajo blankets to an examination of clothing in art and photography in the campus-wide exhibition Spun: Adventures in Textiles.

17. Get to know the private side of Edgar Degas, through June 30
Don't miss your chance to see rarely viewed works by one of the world's most famous artists. Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist at the Foothills Art Center in Golden features a unique selection of drawings, prints and photographs by the illustrious French artist.

18. Stroll through Catalyst: Colorado Sculpture, through January 14, 2014
See the Denver Botanic Gardens in a brand new way at Catalyst: Colorado Sculpture, as 12 Colorado sculptors create beautiful, thought-provoking, 3-D work in the Gardens’ lush landscape.

19. Meet Denver’s five-ton locals at Toyota Elephant Passage
At this new, $50 million addition to the Denver Zoo, watch majestic Asian elephants splashing in pools, Indian one-horned rhinos cooling off in a shallow stream, acrobatic gibbons swinging overhead from tree to tree and fishing cats diving for their next meal – all from the center of an Asian village.

20. Head for the hills to experience Denver’s Mountain Parks
Denver maintains 14,000 acres of parks in the nearby foothills of the Rocky Mountains – an immense mountain park system that covers an area almost the size of Manhattan.

21. Have a two-wheeled adventure on Denver B-cycle
Denver B-cycle is the perfect way to explore The Mile High City’s 850 miles of paved, off-road bike trails, while enjoying the city’s 300 days of sunshine. Bikes can be checked out at one of more than 80 stations – located conveniently near major attractions and neighborhoods – and returned to any other station for an affordable daily rate of just $8.

22. Explore the natural wonders of Rocky Mountain National Park
One of the top outdoor and adventure destinations in the world is just an hour and a half from Denver. Take a day and explore this magnificent natural gem, including 359 miles of hiking trails, 150 lakes, 60 mountains taller than 12,000 feet, and the opportunity to see elk, bighorn sheep and moose.

23. Drink local on a Denver Brewery Tour
Discover why Denver is the center of the “Brew-niverse” on a guided microbrewery tour. The Denver Microbrew Tour is a two-hour guided walking tour in downtown Denver’s historic LoDo (Lower downtown) area, including stops at Wynkoop, Great Divide and Breckenridge breweries. Or, be driven from brewpub to microbrewery, with VIP treatment at every turn on the Denver Brews Cruise.

24. Ride the rails through the Rockies on the Georgetown Loop Railroad
The Georgetown Loop will take you on a journey back in time and introduce you to awe-inspiring views of the gorgeous Rocky Mountains.

25. Drive to the top of the continent on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway
The Mount Evans Scenic Byway, just 60 miles west of Denver, is the highest paved road in North America. A day trip to the top is a journey that climbs to the 14,264-foot summit of Mount Evans – one of 54 peaks in Colorado that soar to 14,000 feet and above – the famous “fourteeners.”

Denver is Cycle Town, USA: The Mile High City Defeats Portland, OR, Minneapolis, MN and Washington, D.C. in REI’s Cycle Town Showdown

The people have spoken – and Denver has emerged triumphant in REI’s hotly contested Cycle Town Showdown, which pitted several U.S. cities against each other in a battle to see which city was the most bike-friendly.

Of course the outcome was no surprise to anyone who has enjoyed The Mile High City’s 850 miles of paved, off-road bike paths, scenic beauty, and more than 300 days of sunshine every year.

It’s not just for locals, either. Visitors can experience this two-wheel paradise for themselves by using the pioneering bike share system, Denver B-cycle, which was introduced in 2010. The first widespread bike share program in a major U.S. city, B-cycle features 56 B-stations located in convenient spots near downtown hotels, on the 16th Street Mall, by museums, at the Colorado Convention Center, in parks – including City Park – and at shopping centers. The innovative program will increase to 86 stations by the end of 2013, connecting many of Denver’s most unique and fun neighborhoods.

All B-cyclists have to do is purchase a pass (online or at a station), pick a bike and start exploring. Daily passes are just $8. When they’re done, they can drop it off at any station. Download the Denver B-cycle app or learn more about the program at denver.bcycle.com.

Cherry Creek Trail: Shop, Cycle and See the Sights

Pick Up A Bike At: 2900 Cherry Creek N. Drive (Cherry Creek Shopping Center)

Where To Go: After shopping at the upscale Cherry Creek Shopping District, roll onto the Cherry Creek Trail for an off-road ride. Bikers can follow the (mostly downhill) trail six miles all the way to the Riverfront neighborhood, home to such attractions as The Downtown Aquarium, The Children’s Museum of Denver, REI Flagship Store and Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park. 

Drop Off Your Bike At: 1416 Platte St. (REI)

City Park: Explore Denver’s Very Own Central Park

Pick Up A Bike At: 2001 Colorado Blvd. (Denver Museum of Nature & Science)

Where To Go: Cycle east on E. 21st Ave. towards the enormous City Park, a perfect place for a two-wheel adventure. Ride around Ferril Lake and be treated to sweeping views of the Denver skyline. During summer nights, the Prismatic Electric Fountain in Ferril Lake wows with columns of water colored red, white and blue. Visit the Denver Zoo or the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Drop Off Your Bike At: 2300 Steele St. (Denver Zoo)

Washington Park: Take A Lakeside Spin

Pick Up A Bike At: 1280 S. Washington St. (Louisiana/Pearl Light Rail Station)

Where To Go: Ride east on E. Louisiana Ave. to Washington Park (Wash Park to locals), where you can coast around two lakes and kick back amidst flower gardens, big green lawns and fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Take Exposition Ave. east out of the park to Old South Gaylord St., a small but vibrant neighborhood with shops, art galleries, cafés, restaurants and taverns.

Drop Off Your Bike At: 1280 S. Washington St. (Louisiana/Pearl Light Rail Station)

Golden Triangle Museum District: Discover Arts & Culture On Two Wheels

Pick Up A Bike At: 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway (Denver Public Library)

Where To Go: View the architecturally stunning Denver Art Museum from every possible angle. Take a spin around Civic Center Park, with the gold-domed Colorado State Capitol Building on one side and Denver City & County Building on the other. Head east on 13th Ave. to the Kirkland Museum or the Molly Brown House Museum to explore two of the city’s most interesting hidden gem museums.

Drop Off Your Bike At: 1291 Pearl St.

16th Street Mall & LoDo: Cycle Your Way Through Downtown Denver

Pick Up A Bike At: 1550 Glenarm St. (Denver Pavilions)

Where To Go: (Note: Bikes are only allowed on the 16th St. Mall on Sundays) Head northwest on the mile-long 16th St. Pedestrian Mall, passing the iconic Daniels & Fisher Tower and Skyline Park.  Explore LoDo (lower downtown), home to the Tattered Cover Bookstore, Coors Field and the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA), not to mention dozens of cafes, restaurants and bars.

Drop Off Your Bike At: 15th & Delgany (MCA Denver)

How To Get A B-cycle

Denver B-cycle charges a fee for access to the system for the duration of your chosen period, as well as a time-based usage fee that varies according to how long you keep the bike on each ride. You can purchase a pass for 24 hours ($8), 7 days ($20), 30 days ($30) or one year memberships ($80). All passes and memberships can be purchased at denver.bcycle.com, and 24-hour passes can also be purchased at the kiosk that is part of all 56 Denver B-stations. With your pass, the first 30 minutes of every B-cycle ride is no charge! After 30 minutes, there is a small usage charge for each additional 30 minutes you have the B-cycle checked out. As a member, you can check out a B-cycle multiple times within your pass period.

Passport Magazine available on iPad

PASSPORT Magazine, America's only gay and lesbian travel magazine, announced today that it is now available internationally on the iPad.

"When it comes to travel, PASSPORT Magazine is the insider's guide to the best gay-friendly destinations, accommodations, and cultural events in the world!" added Robert Adams, Editorial Director. "Our goal is to make exciting travel information as easily accessible to people as possible, wherever they are. To make PASSPORT even more useful, we provide active links to every venue mentioned in the magazine! On average that equals over 330 links, providing the most comprehensive information available to travelers who own an iPad."

And just in case you missed it the first time around,  Passport did a really great piece on Denver's gay community recently complete with a mention of MileHighGayGuy.com! Thanks, Passport!

New Year's Eve 2011: Fireworks over Downtown Denver!

The sky will once again sparkle over the 16^th Street Mall at the close of 2010 with Downtown's New Year’s Eve Fireworks.  The two spectacular fireworks shows will occur at 9 p.m. and midnight. For the best viewpoints, stand along the 16^th Street Mall.

Costumed entertainers will interact with crowds between shows, including magicians, mascots, balloon artists, stilt walkers, comedians and more.

Everyone rides free on Denver's public transportation from 7 p.m. on New Year's Eve to 6 a.m. on New Year's Day. Get more info at www.rtd-denver.com.

Please note, between 8 p.m. and 1 a.m., RTD Light Rail trains will not cross the 16^th Street Mall and mall ride shuttles will stop temporarily during the two fireworks shows.

Be safe! If you are celebrating with alcohol this holiday season, plan ahead before you party.  Park your car in an overnight lot, take a cab or public transportation or designate a sober driver before anyone takes a sip.

Denver makes list of 'Gayest Cities in America'

Lucky number 13, baby!

Denver was named the 13th Gayest City in America in a list from Daily Beast earlier this year.

Yeaaaah!

Mile High Holidays

Denver is the perfect place for a holiday getaway or a romantic rendezvous. There are as many fun things to do as there are majestic peaks that overlook the city.

Visit the Denver Convention and Visitor's Bureau's Mile High Holidays website to find out more.

Mayor Hickenlooper sez: Buy Local (Week)!

In advance of Denver's upcoming Buy Local Week, Mayor John Hickenlooper explains what it means to the community and why it's a good idea.

Denver: The Year in Review

2008 was quite an exciting year for Denver and for the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs. Check out a review of highlights and discover exciting upcoming Denver developments in DOCA's 2008 Report to the Community.

Photo from Midimacman's Flickr photostream

Welcome to Denver, fifth manliest city in the USA

If you like your men manly then Denver is the city for you.

Who says Denver isn't 'fun'?

According to The Wall Street Journal, employees of the Federal government are being steered away from 'fun cities' like Las Vegas and Orlando to more "buttoned-down" places like Denver and St. Louis for conferences.

Rude.

Denver is fun!

Downtown Denver is a 'Walker's Paradise'

Just found out about www.walkscore.com over at Kenneth in the 212 and had to plug in good old Downtown Denver to see what kind of a walkability score we'd get. Looks like a totally awesome 97 out of 100 - which is considered a 'Walker's Paradise' - and I'd have to agree.

Spent some time walking the streets last week and food, shopping, and entertainment are never more than a few steps in any direction.

Although, I'd have to take issue with Walkscore's designation of Romantix as a Movie Theater.

And points of gay interest on your walking tour of downtown Denver would have to include the Denver Wrangler, Hamburger Mary's, Charlie's and JR's.

Hey, walking's thirsty work.

Check out your neighborhood here.

Denver's on sale for $52.80

This summer, Denver is offering amazing deals of $52.80 at hotels*, attractions, restaurants, retail, festivals and sports events - all found at www.Denver5280Deals.com.

Don't miss out on this great opportunity to experience the Mile High City at bargain prices and through exclusive packages. The www.Denver5280Deals.com site will be updated weekly with new great $52.80 deals Denver is offering throughout the summer months.** From the Colorado Rapids to performances at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts to exclusive deals on the Denver Post Underground Music Showcase, expect bargain prices for the city's top attractions and summer events. You'll also find hotels rooms starting at $79*, and in some cases, second-night rates at just $52.80*. Need to grab some grub? The site also has information on where to eat in Denver on a budget. So what are you waiting for? Whether you're a longtime local or visiting Denver for the first time, the Mile High City is the place to be this summer.