So okay, maybe the downtown location is the *best* but have you seen the Westminster locations patio? The views of the Front Range are just stunning, which forces you to spend too much time gazing out onto the Flatirons, thus causing your food to get cold. It doesn’t get much better than this (not the cold food part). Just another reason why I love Denver.

I suppose the point of this post is to say that, I *heart* Denver. It’s taken me a few years to adjust and grow to love this area, but I know that I’ll probably never leave.

What’s brought on this confession of love, you ask? My dearest husband and I recently being held, against our will I might add, in a foreign communist country (that sounds a bit more dramatic than it really was, but still true). I kept saying to myself, GET ME HOME TO DENVER. During those few days, there was no where else I wanted to be. I just wanted to be back in safe, comfortable, loving Denver. If only I could have just tapped my sparkling red shoes together … There’s no place like home.

I am glad to finally be back in Denver. Now, who wants a drink? I hear a new Lodo’s is open.

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I think we’re in for a snowy white ‘Holiday’ this year, folks! I love it, but think I maybe alone in this love. I don’t know about you, but I just want to run outside and build a snowman. Maybe after work?

The Denver snow plows are out and I thank them for the good job that they do. Lucky kids though, with all the schools being closed. Exams cancelled?

Interesting facts about Denver and it’s history of a snowy ‘Holiday’.

If you’re in the Boulder area, on Tuesday, take the kiddies down to Pearl Street for the Munchkin Masquerade. I’ve not been before, but have heard it’s quite fun (and cute to see all the kids). A bunch of shops along Pearl Street will be open for kids ‘Trick-or-Treating’ – check out the website for a list of the open shops and event times.

Need to find someplace take the kids, that’s free? Try the Downtown Aquarium; they tout a ‘non-scary, safe place’ for scoring some candy.

You could always check out ‘Boo at the Zoo’ at the Denver Zoo. Do they dress up the animals? Humm …

The Ghost Train sounds like it could be quite fun, as well. The Ghost Train will be running October 29th from 10am to 4pm. It’s the regular admission price, but the kids will get to ‘Trick-or-Treat’ through the train cars and participate in various other activities setup by the Colorado Railroad Museum.

Fancy flying through the scary Halloween night? You’ve got the Six Flags – Elitch Gardens Fright Fest. Spooky!

As for the adults, various clubs, etc, are holding Halloween nights – DC10, Rise, Lotus and The Church.

Then there are the Radio station bashes, The Mix 100 Halloween Ball or the Alice 1059 Exotic Ball.

If you like screaming to the point of losing your voice, a haunted house could be what you need. Check out Frightmare, which has always received great reviews and I’ve heard, is the best in Denver. I’ll probably check this out, as it’s up in my area of North Denver.

All you pet owners out there, your pets want to participate in Halloween, too!

The Muttropolis shop, at the new 29th Street mall, in Boulder, is holding a ‘Howl-O-Ween Pooch Party’. They are offering out ‘treats’ and your beloved pets can get spooky photos taken. A ‘percentage of the proceeds’ will go to the Boulder Humane Society.

There is also the Broomfield Omni Interlocken Hotel ‘Howl-oween’ event for doggies and their ‘parents’. All the proceeds of this event will go to the Boulder Humane Society.

Then again, you could always just do the traditional pass-out-candy or take your kiddies around the neighborhood, ringing a thousand doorbells.

Beware of the Wednesday morning tummy aches!

Although, there has not been any new ‘real’ snow, in the last few days, it’s still snow people! With 2 trails open and 1 lift operating, I imagine it could be fairly busy. So, if you’ve nothing better to do today and feel like hauling out your ski gear, it could be a fun day up on the slope(s). It’s a shame I have to work today; otherwise I’d head up and do a few runs.

Ticket prices for today, Friday the 13th, are $43 for adults. Get ‘em while they’re cheap.

Despite all this, me being a non-smoker, I still am not sure how I feel about this ban. I mean, this really sucks for the smokers. Should they have to suffer just because non-smokers put up a better argument? After speaking to some random smokers and non-smokers, I can’t really get a good handle on the overall opinion of this ban. A few out-of-state friends have asked about it and how ‘we’ like it. I’m not really sure?

But, I’ll tell you what, I like being able to go anywhere in Denver and not smell like an ashtray at the end of the night. Sorry, smokers.

Go indoor sky diving! Don’t fancy throwing yourself out a plane and falling to the earth at a horrendously fast pace? Try this.

We headed down to Lone Tree (South Denver) and went to Sky Venture Colorado. This re-circulating 1200 HP wind tunnel, is fairly new, I believe it was finished in March of this year.

After arriving at this towering complex, we signed the usual waivers – No, we won’t sue if we die. We’ll be dead, how can we sue? If you head up to the observation area, you can see what you are about to get yourself into. I see these young teenage girls flying in the air and figure, “Hey, I can handle this”. It’s really not as scary as you would think, it’s fairly contained and you don’t have to worry about plummeting to the ground. I am starting to like this.

First time flyers are required to watch a brief video showing the various beginner hand signals – bend your knees, straighten your legs, chin up and relax. It’s so loud in the tunnel, there is no way to hear any instructions and so you must rely on the instructor hand signals. During the training, you have an opportunity to hop up on the ‘practice’ table and have the Instructor put you in the correct flying position. It feels awkward but definitely helps later on.

You are provided with all the flying gear you will need, knee and elbow pads, a jumpsuit, ear plugs, helmet and goggles. You look goofy but hey, it’s part of the experience, right? Our group age, ranged from 73 to 13 and everyone couldn’t wait to get started. At the entrance of the wind tunnel, you are instructed to tuck your hands under your chin and just sort of fall into the wind. There is an instructor inside the tunnel with you at all times. Phew! If you are able to stabilize yourself, they let go and you fly on your own. On a side note, it’s surprisingly difficult to breath inside the tunnel.

As for pricing, it’s about $50 for the flying lesson and two flights of one minute each and $90 for 4 minutes of flying time and a DVD of the session. There are many different packages you can buy and don’t forget the souvenirs! If you’re up for a good laugh later on, I’d recommend getting the DVD. It’s quite funny to see yourself struggling inside this glass wind tunnel, as the instructors make it look so easy. It’s not!

Overall, a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

“Hello, we are trying to raise money for our school band…”
“Hello, we are trying to raise money for our soccer team…”
“Hello, we are trying to raise money for our library…”
“Hello, we are trying to raise money for our underwater basket weaving class…”

“… Would you like to buy [insert any number of things] for [x amount]?”

I cannot help but support these schools, all of which are unknown to me, and buy their chocolates, magazines, cookies and whatever else is being sold. Although, shouldn’t the kids be focusing on their studies rather than seeing who can earn the most money?

Side Note – If you come to my door telling me you are from the inner city of Detroit and I ask why you left Michigan and you respond with “Oh I grew up in Detroit not Michigan”. I probably won’t buy anything from you, as your story of surviving gang fights and whatever B.S. you fed me, has just fallen apart. Now get off my porch!

I realize already, this is going to be an expensive year but bring on the World Finest Chocolate, I’m saving room.

Now, I haven’t been to that many places – this is a very recent obsession – but so far I love the Hyland Hills courses. I have done all three courses there and am wishing there were more. At Hyland Hills, in Westminster, the courses have great landscaping and atmosphere. The staff has taken good care of the courses and it shows. It is far beyond that horrible concrete wasteland feel, where it looks like someone just threw down some 2×4′s in a disorganized pattern. So far, this place is on the top of my list.

The Boulder Gateway Fun Park is probably next on my list. The course is quite fun and somewhat challenging. The prices for Adults and Children are reasonable, as well. Not to mention all the other activities that are offered – a human maze, Go Karts and batting cages. Oh, what fun, eh?

If you want something different, the Putting Edge, in Westminster, is amusing. Who can resist Glow-In-The-Dark golf?? Especially (only if an Adult, of course) you have a few drinks beforehand! Just watch out for the pesky ledges. For adults, I’d recommend going late in the evening, because this place is usually full up with kids/teenagers (no offense to the parents out there).

Next up, Boondocks Fun Center in Northglenn. I’ve avoided going here because anytime I go by, it’s packed. One thing I hate doing, is waiting for hours to get to the next hole. But, it’s time to just suck it up and go.

So, if anyone ‘out there’ knows of some other fun mini golf courses to do – let us know! I, at least, have to keep this crazy obsession going… maybe.