REFRAMING LUXURY
EMERALD VALLEY RANCH AT THE BROADMOOR
Find Inspiration Where Magnificence Meets Nature
Nestled within the lush beauty of Pike National Forest, The Ranch at Emerald Valley is The Broadmoor's ultimate Western family escape. Experience an unrivaled, all-inclusive getaway, where your stay includes luxurious accommodations, seamless transportation, gourmet meals, unlimited beverages, exciting daily activities for all, and exclusive amenities—at one exceptional rate. Amid pristine lakes, rolling lawns, and cascading waterfalls, guests are invited to step into the timeless beauty of nature, embrace the adventurous spirit of Colorado, and create memories that will last for your lifetime and theirs.
42
Earth Day, Every Day
Coloradans embrace environmentalism as a lifestyle, not just a day in April.
From early conservation efforts that helped establish Rocky Mountain National Park in 1915, to the state’s current-day sustainability efforts, environmentalism has long been a civic priority of Colorado.
By Dylah Ray
10 12 16 18 22 28 32 36 50 54 50 58
setting the stage
ROOTED AND RENEWING
By
Heather Shoning
local flavors
PLANT-FORWARD DINING ON THE RISE
Local restaurants prove that vegetable-forward dining can be indulgent
By Jay McKinney
healthy living
THE ART OF CALM
Q&A with professional organizer Keli Jakel
ELEVATE YOUR GAME
Women’s golf clinics across Colorado
By Heather Shoning
stylish living
THE CLUB CONNECTION
Find community and kinship at Valley Country Club
By Jay McKinney
UPSCALE RESALE
Local boutiques give fashion items a second life while reducing carbon footprint
By Amanda Lacey
IT’S A PEACH!
From the slopes to the soccer field, the Hyundai Palisade offers a luxe ride
By Isaac Bouchard
ELEVATED ENCLAVES
Coveted communities pair custom estates with protected open space, wildlife, and miles of trails
By Brittany Anas
wayfarers
BIKE-FRIENDLY ’BURBS
Skip the traffic and explore the southern suburbs’ connected trail network
By Brittany Anas
society & culture
THE ART OF MOVEMENT
How CMDance brings cultural tradition into Colorado classrooms
By Kastle Waserman
can’t-miss events
ON THE AGENDA
Taste of Vail, BIFF, Rocky Mountain Train Show, Earth Day, and more
WE ARE COLORADO
With over 120 years of trusted banking experience, Central Bank is here to help make your financial goals a reality. We’re expanding our footprint in Colorado and can’t wait to meet you.
Stop by and see how you can Dream Bigger. Bank Better.
GREENWOOD
VILLAGE | WESTMINSTER | COLORADO SPRINGS | DURANGO | LITTLETON
OPENING SOON: Downtown Littleton Branch
Our 5th Colorado location is opening soon in the heart of Downtown Littleton! Stop by once we open to explore all Central Bank has to offer.
TEAM MEET OUR COLORADO
Denise Walsh, SVP
Commercial Lending
Denise grew up in Lakewood, graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder, and obtained her MBA from Regis University. She’s been banking along the Front Range for 22 years and proudly joined Central
Bank in 2024. Denise spends her weekends on the sidelines of her kids’ sports, golfing, hiking, and enjoying all things Colorado!
Keely Leuenberger, Private Banking Specialist
Keely is a Colorado native, originally from Englewood. She joined Central Bank in 2024 and loves how the bank feels like a
big family. Keely takes wonderful care of our clients, who love to see her smiling face when they visit our DTC office. In her free time, Keely can be found in the mountains snowboarding or hiking with her dog.
PRESIDENT/GROUP PUBLISHER
Allen J. Walters
SALES, MARKETING & ADVERTISING VP OF SALES & MARKETING
Lori Perry
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Brad Butler
Minda Carmann
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Chris DeConna
VP OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AND GOLF OPERATIONS
Michael T. Colander
ART & EDITORIAL
EDITOR
Heather Shoning
ART DIRECTOR
Michelle M. Gutierrez
COLORADO AVIDGOLFER EDITOR
Jim Bebbington
DIGITAL MARKETING ASSISTANT
Carson Griggs
ADMINISTRATION
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Nikki Bell
MEMBER FDIC
CONTRIBUTORS
Brittany Anas S Isaac Bouchard
Amanda Lacey
Lexi Marshall
Jay McKinney
Dylah Ray
Kastle Waserman
Kristen West
CONTACT
Advertising Inquiries: allen@coloradoavidgolfer.com
Editorial
TALK OF THE TOWN
KNOW SOMEONE who should be featured in AvidLifestyle?
Tell me about them at heather@avidlifestyle.com
John Pavlakovich
NMLSR ID: 801982
Executive Mortgage Consultant
Cell: 720-308-2507
John.Pavlakovich@phmloans.com
JohnPavlakovich.phmloans.com
215 Saint Paul St, Denver, CO 80206
ROOTED AND RENEWING
APRIL FEELS LIKE Colorado’s reset button. Snow still dusts the peaks, but trailheads grow muddy with promise. Patios fill. Bikes come down from garage hooks. We remember—again— that where we live isn’t just a backdrop. It’s an active participant in how we eat, move, gather, and build. That spirit runs through this issue.
Our feature, Earth Day, Every Day (page 42), traces the state’s environmental legacy—from the early conservation efforts that helped establish Rocky Mountain National Park in 1915 to the everyday sustainability choices shaping Colorado now. Here, environmentalism isn’t a slogan. It’s embedded in civic identity.
You’ll see that same mindset in unexpected places. Local restaurants are proving that plant-forward dining can be indulgent rather than austere (page 12). Boutiques are redefining luxury through resale, giving beautiful pieces a second life while shrinking fashion’s footprint (page 28). And in coveted communities where custom estates are intentionally paired with protected open space and miles of trails, access to nature isn’t an afterthought—it’s the point (page 36).
Movement, too, takes center stage. From women’s golf clinics across the state (page 18) to connected trail systems in the southern suburbs that make it easier to skip traffic and ride (page 50), the through line is simple: wellness here is active and communal. Even the arts reflect that vitality. At Valley Country Club, a home away from home, family connection matters as much as amenities (page 22). Even the vehicles we choose reflect a desire to move through the landscape with intention and comfort (page 32).
Spring in Colorado is rarely tidy. It’s snow and sunshine in the same afternoon. But maybe that’s the point. Renewal isn’t a single day circled on a calendar. It’s a series of small, consistent choices— what we support, how we move, what we protect, and how we show up for one another.
As this issue lands in your mailbox, I hope you feel that familiar pull outdoors. Open a window. Turn your commute into a biking adventure. Notice what’s blooming—and what’s worth preserving. Happy reading. Heather
Shoning
AvidLifestyle is a lifestyle magazine serving Denver’s south suburbs. And we’re excited to add new, experienced writers to our growing list of contributors. Do you have magazine writing experience? Do you know Denver’s south suburbs? Can you dig deep for the unique story about the people, places, and events that make our community special? If so, we want you! Please email heather@avidlifestyle.com with basic info about yourself and at least three published clips (links are fine).
PHOTO:
75 YEARS OF HOLISTIC HOSPITALITY
Celebrate our legacy and bright future of wellness at Garden of the Gods Resort & Club. Join us during our 75th Anniversary Weekend, June 12th-14th for special programming, events and more. Save 15-20% when you book in advance.
Plant-Forward DINING ON THE RISE
YaYa’s Euro Bistro
Local restaurants
prove
that vegetable-forward dining can be as indulgent as any steakhouse experience
By Jay McKinney
WHETHER IT’S a dry-aged ribeye or chicken wings lacquered in a fiery glaze, meat has long anchored most restaurant menus. Yet for the 10 percent of Americans who maintain a plantbased diet—and for the many more diners simply seeking a lighter, vegetable-forward option—an increasing number of restaurants are delivering thoughtfully composed dishes that feel every bit as indulgent as their carnivorous counterparts.
At YaYa’s Euro Bistro in Greenwood Village, an upscale setting meets a menu that embraces European classics with quiet confidence. Natural light filters across polished surfaces, the open kitchen hums with activity, and the patio overlooks a serene pond and fountain— an atmosphere that feels transportive without trying too hard. The menu is expansive, with a strong selection of plant-based offerings woven seamlessly among its traditional fare. Begin with bruschetta, hummus with warm pita, or a mezze plate layered with baba ghanoush, tzatziki, vegetable crudité, and crostini. Paired with a well-chosen glass of wine, even these starters can feel complete—but saving room for the mushroom pappardelle or angel hair pomodoro is a wise decision. Several Italian standards, including carbonara and gnocchi, can be modified for vegetarian diners, while the truffle mushroom and margherita pizzas remain perennial favorites.
“Our staff has a real love for what we do and for the community we serve, and we want everyone to be able to enjoy an amazing meal,” says assistant manager Andrea Fountain.
A short drive away at The Landmark, Jing offers a sleek counterpoint with its globally inspired Asian cuisine. With additional locations in Aspen, Scottsdale, and Las Vegas, the restaurant is known for polished interiors and a menu designed to accommodate a range of dietary preferences. For the table, edamame is a classic starter, while the honeywhipped feta—finished with toasted pistachios, hot honey, and crisp bao buns—strikes a sophisticated balance of sweet and savory. Among the entrees, salads and bowls shine. The Evil Jungle Salad layers noodles, peanuts, fresh herbs, cucumber, mango, carrot, tomato, avocado, and chili vinaigrette into a zesty, textural dish that satisfies without excess.
In Castle Rock, Manna—located within AdventHealth Hospital—reimagines what hospital-adjacent dining can be. Rather than functioning as a conventional cafeteria, Manna positions itself as a proactive extension of
YaYa’s Euro Bistro
community wellness, offering thoughtfully prepared meals built around fresh, seasonal ingredients. Under the direction of operations manager Dan Skay and executive chef Adam Freisem, the kitchen consistently integrates gluten-free and vegan options into a rotating menu that prioritizes flavor. The beet Reuben— layered with corned beet, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and caraway cream cheese on rye— reinterprets a deli classic with surprising depth.
For those seeking a fully vegan experience, Englewood is home to two compelling destinations: V Revolution and Fellow Traveler, each with a distinct point of view.
V Revolution centers its mission on reducing the environmental impact of livestock production—one thoughtfully prepared dish at a time. The fully vegan menu prioritizes bold flavor and satisfying textures. The spicy Korean bowl, featuring tofu, kimchi, bean sprouts, scallions, carrots, zucchini, and sesame seeds, is a standout—hearty, layered, and unapologetically vibrant.
Fellow Traveler pairs inventive vegan cuisine with a lively bar program and a welcoming, design-forward space. Signature dishes include tom kha cauliflower, panang fried rice, and the Buffalo of the Sea sandwich—fried oyster mushrooms tossed in buffalo sauce and layered with lettuce, tomato, onion, dill-pickled celery, and remoulade on a soft roll. It’s a playful, wellexecuted reinterpretation of the New Orleans po’ boy, proving that indulgence and plantbased dining are not mutually exclusive.
Across the region, these restaurants demonstrate that vegetarian cuisine no longer lives in the margins of a menu. When handled with intention and culinary skill, it commands the spotlight.
FELLOW TRAVELER
3487 S. Broadway
Englewood
303.635.6621
ftbar.com
JING
5370 Greenwood Plaza Blvd.
Greenwood Village
303.779.6888
jingrestaurant.com
MANNA 2350 Meadows Blvd. Castle Rock
720.455.3664
mannasbounty.com
V REVOLUTION
3570 S. Logan St. Englewood
303.781.2296
vrevolutionusa.com
YAYA’S EURO BISTRO
8310 E. Belleview Ave.
Greenwood Village
303.741.1110
yayaseurobistrodenver.com
V Revolution
AURORA
Globally Inspired. Locally Served.
The Aurora Eats guide invites you to explore over 500 authentic, specialty restaurants and markets in Colorado’s most diverse city. Every stop offers a new flavor, a new culture, and a connection to the stories that shape this vibrant community. Discover Aurora and see why it’s proudly known as The World in a City.
THE ART OF CALM
Serenity has less to do with perfection and more to do with reducing friction
WHEN A HOME feels unsettled, the problem is rarely clutter alone. It’s the quiet accumulation of stalled decisions and daily friction. Professional organizer Keli Jakel explains how to reset the atmosphere without overhauling everything.
Q:WHEN MOST PEOPLE SAY THEY WANT A CALMER HOME, WHAT THEY ACTUALLY MEAN IS…
A: They are rarely talking about the house itself. They are talking about how they feel inside it. Calm is not really about matching bins or perfectly styled shelves. It is about walking into a space and feeling like your nervous system can exhale. What people usually want is relief. Less visual noise. Fewer unfinished decisions. A sense that their home is supporting them instead of quietly nagging them.
Q:WHAT’S THE SMALLEST CHANGE SOMEONE CAN MAKE TODAY THAT WOULD CREATE AN IMMEDIATE SENSE OF CALM?
A: Clear one visible surface that you see constantly. A kitchen counter, the bathroom vanity, the entry table. Not the whole room. Just one contained area that your eyes land on every day. Our brains are highly reactive to visual input, so even a small pocket of order can change how a space feels. It creates a psychological reset point. Five focused minutes can shift the tone of an entire room.
Q:WHERE DO YOU SEE PEOPLE UNINTENTIONALLY CREATING STRESS IN THEIR HOMES?
A: Stress tends to build up around friction. Piles that require decisions. Storage that is too complicated. Systems that look good but are hard to maintain. I often see people create beautiful but unrealistic setups that do not match how they actually live. When everyday actions require extra effort, the home begins to generate low-level stress signals. The environment should reduce effort, not increase it.
Q:FOR BUSY FAMILIES, WHAT SYSTEMS MAKE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE WITH THE LEAST EFFORT?
A: Anything that reduces repeated decision-making. Simple drop zones. Clearly defined homes for daily items. Fewer steps between use and return. The most effective systems are almost boring in their simplicity. Open containers, not lids. Broad categories, not hyper-detailed sorting. When a system is easy enough to use on a rushed Tuesday morning, it will work long term.
Q:WHAT DO PEOPLE USUALLY GET WRONG ABOUT ORGANIZING OR SIMPLIFYING THEIR SPACE?
A: Many people think organizing is about perfection or aesthetics. It is actually about function and energy. A perfectly arranged drawer that nobody can maintain is not organized. Simplifying is not about getting rid of everything. It is about removing what creates friction and keeping what supports your life. Good organizing is invisible. It quietly makes daily life easier.
Q:WHAT’S ONE ORGANIZING TREND OR RULE YOU THINK PEOPLE SHOULD IGNORE COMPLETELY?
A: Any rule that makes people feel like they are failing at their own home. Organizing should reduce stress, not create it. If a trend makes you feel like you need to live differently just to maintain it, it is probably the wrong trend for you.
ORGANIZED BY KELI 720.637.4020 organizedbykeli.com
Elevate Your Game
Women across Colorado are stepping onto the course with greater intention
By Heather Shoning
ON A BLUEBIRD Colorado morning, there is a particular kind of confidence that steps onto the first tee. It’s the quiet assurance of a woman who knows she belongs on the course—and who has decided her game deserves attention.
For many women, golf begins as a social invitation. A friend’s nudge. A company outing. A partner’s hobby. But it evolves into a test of patience, precision, and mental strength. And increasingly, women are no longer content to simply play. They want to improve. To refine. To up their game. That
is where structured instruction changes everything.
Across Colorado, women’s clinics taught by PGA and LPGA professionals are creating spaces where ambition and camaraderie coexist. These are not casual hit-a-few-balls gatherings. They are thoughtfully designed days built around focused stations—putting, chipping, full swing on the driving range, and even the often-mystifying world of rules.
The structure is deliberate. Participants rotate through each station, working with
different instructors throughout the day. The result is exposure to varied teaching styles, fresh drills, and multiple perspectives—tools women can take back to their own practice sessions and league play. It’s an efficient way to accelerate improvement while discovering which techniques resonate most.
Equally important is the intentional grouping by skill level. Beginners might explore grip variations and foundational posture, while more experienced players dive into swing mechanics or nuanced rule interpretations tailored to the formats they regularly play. It’s individualized attention within a collective experience—an elevated approach that respects both time and aspiration. Friendships are honored, too. Pairing requests are accommodated because progress feels even better when shared.
For women who have long felt unsure in traditional golf culture, this format removes pressure without lowering the standard. You are expected to learn. You are supported throughout the process.
There is legacy at play as well. These clinics have been running for more than a decade, continuing a long tradition of organized women’s golf in the state. That continuity speaks to sustained demand—and sustained results. What truly elevates these events, however, is the atmosphere. Golf has always been a social ritual—hours of conversation punctuated by competition. Business relationships are
Confidence in golf isn’t built overnight—it’s built one swing, one lesson, and one small victory at a time.
shaped between drives. Friendships deepen over shared fairways.
And here, growth is communal. Conversations unfold between swings. Small victories are noticed and celebrated. Questions that might feel intimidating on the first tee are answered with clarity and expertise. By the time lunch is served and door prizes are distributed, confidence has shifted. Not the kind that arrives overnight, but the kind built through repetition and informed feedback. Through finally understanding why your chip shots run long—or why your driver fades right. Through knowing the rule instead of guessing at it. Through feeling the clean compression of a well-struck iron.
For women balancing careers, families, and full calendars, investing in your golf game can feel indulgent. It is anything but. Golf is a language of leadership and leisure. It is played in boardrooms and backyard foursomes alike.
Improving your game is about expanding your comfort zone in both.
The next time you stand over the ball, consider what it would mean to swing with greater intention. To understand your mechanics. To trust your reads on the green. To play not just socially, but strategically. Golf rewards commitment. And for women ready to elevate their game, the opportunity is waiting—one station, one swing, one confident step at a time.
Plans are underway for the 2026 women’s clinic schedule. Check coloradogolf.org for more information.
THE CLUB CONNECTION
Find community and kinship at Valley Country Club
By Jay McKinney
IT COULD BE a friend’s house, a favorite restaurant, or even the gym after a long day at work, but everyone deserves a home away from home—a third place. For members at Valley Country Club, that choice is clear. The club opened in 1956, and 70 years later, it is still a haven for its members seeking an assortment of amenities, fine dining, and lasting relationships.
While there are numerous world-class country clubs in the Denver metropolitan area, Valley Country Club prides itself on a high-quality club experience balanced with a welcoming family-oriented culture.
Over the summer months, the club is buzzing with excitement. One of the main attractions is the golf course, which is kept in pristine condition and offers a challenging, yet playable layout for all skill levels. The club provides instructional opportunities for beginners who may never have swung a golf club or experienced players looking to level up their game. There are also active men’s, women’s, and junior programs that initiate some friendly competition. As an additional perk, members wishing to play a different course for a change of scenery are rewarded with access to all Troon-managed golf properties.
After a round of golf on a hot summer day, nothing beats cooling off in the swimming pool. Paired with a refreshing beverage, golfers can reminisce about the birdies and pars made while trying to take their minds off the bogeys and doubles. In 2024, the pool complex reopened after being part of a major renovation at the club, and it’s the perfect place to unwind.
The renovation also included a new fitness center and a secondary dining pavilion called the Bird’s Nest. It offers a more casual culinary experience, with favorites like wings, pizza, and wraps, along with a walk-up bar and two golf simulators for some post-round swing adjustments.
Without
Expert care. Advanced treatments. Proven results — from Colorado’s largest privately owned orthopedic group.
Colorado’s seasons don’t transition — they overlap. Spring skiing in the morning. Mountain biking by afternoon. At Orthopedic Centers of Colorado, we understand that an active life doesn’t pause for recovery. Our nationally recognized physicians — named the #1 in Orthopedic Care in Colorado by Castle Connolly — combine advanced surgical expertise with leading non-surgical care to help you move with strength and confidence. Whether you’re pushing limits or simply enjoying the ride, OCC keeps you moving.
Greenside is the other dining room, offering a traditional country club setting. The kitchen and wait staff proudly serve high-quality seasonal entrees along with mouthwatering steaks and an assortment of delicious cocktails and wines by the glass. It’s a dining experience that makes every visit feel like a special occasion.
As for the other amenities at Valley Country Club, there are plenty of ways to stay active when tee times are full or the weather is unfavorable. The fitness program at the club includes both group classes and personal training, and both are great ways to build connections and stay healthy year-round. “Some of our instructors have been working with our members for up to ten years, so the bonds are deep,” says membership director Saige DiBella.
Between the golf, tennis, pickleball, and the fitness center, an active lifestyle is easily attainable at Valley Country Club. But with community connection being a central focus of the club, members also stay involved by attending comedy shows, skill-based classes, card clubs, holiday events, and more. It truly is a home away from home.
VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB
14601 Country Club Dr. Centennial 303.690.6373
valleycountryclub.org
UPSCALE RESALE
Local boutiques give fashion items a second life while reducing carbon footprint
LUXURY IS EVOLVING. It is no longer defined solely by price point or exclusivity, but by discernment—by the quiet confidence of choosing pieces with longevity, integrity, and intention. In that shift, consignment has moved from niche to notable, offering a sophisticated alternative to fast fashion while preserving the pleasure of discovery.
Roughly 65 percent of clothing produced ends up in landfills within a year of purchase. Against that backdrop, resale boutiques are not merely retail spaces—they are curators of continuity. They extend the life of garments, elevate craftsmanship, and reframe consumption
Rags Consignments
By Amanda Lacey
as something thoughtful rather than impulsive. At boutiques such as Kit’s Boutique in Greenwood Village, the emphasis is unapologetically on quality. “From a fashion as well as a moral consumption perspective, we focus on quality over quantity, bringing in exquisite pieces that stand the test of time. We encourage the individual to say goodbye to disposable, fast-fashion trends and embrace the enduring allure of quality and elegance,” says Kit Demko, owner of Kit’s Boutique. The appeal is not simply environmental. It is aesthetic. Consignment allows for a wardrobe layered with nuance—heritage designers
alongside contemporary labels, structured tailoring next to soft, modern silhouettes. It invites personal style to take precedence over trend cycles. Rather than chasing what is momentarily relevant, shoppers are free to curate something enduring and entirely their own. Resale also offers a pragmatic elegance. Many of us have invested in a statement piece for a single occasion—an exquisite pair of heels, a beautifully tailored blazer, a handbag that deserved more outings than it received. In the luxury sector, especially, those pieces retain value and deserve a second chapter. “We’ve been trained to be consumers—so
Consignment, at its best, is not about thrift. It is about refinement.
many of us have things that we want to get rid of—and this is a responsible way to say goodbye to your gently used clothing without putting it in a landfill,” notes Brianne Worley of Rags Consignments.
The modern resale landscape is not limited to couture. Boutiques like Rags Consignments blend high and low with intention, offering everything from luxury labels to everyday favorites such as Lululemon, Anthropologie, and Agolde. The result is a wardrobe built with range—investment pieces paired effortlessly with elevated staples.
In Colorado, where environmental awareness runs deep, this model resonates. In 2025 alone, more than half of U.S. consumers shopped for secondhand apparel, with reports indicating up to 93 percent purchased a secondhand item in the past year. The numbers signal more than a trend—they reflect a recalibration in how fashion is valued.
Holland Moss at Common Threads underscores the communal aspect of the movement, reminding shoppers that participation means contributing to a broader effort to keep garments out of landfills. Pieces that do not sell are often donated to organizations supporting women’s shelters or underprivileged youth, including the Assistance League Denver, reinforcing a truly circular approach to style.
Consignment, at its best, is not about thrift. It is about refinement. It is about recognizing that the most compelling wardrobes are rarely assembled overnight—and that true style, like true luxury, is built to last.
KIT’S BOUTIQUE
5940 S. Holly St. Greenwood Village 303.955.0799
kitsboutique.com
RAGS CONSIGNMENTS 201 University Blvd., #120 Denver 720.508.3181
ragsconsignments.com
COMMON THREADS 1575 S. Pearl St. Denver
720.379.4598
shopcommonthreads.com
Common Threads
Kit’s Boutique
CGA MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:
Official USGA Handicap® and GHIN Mobile App
GPS 10,000+ Courses
Post Scores & Track Stats
On-course Games
Smart Watch Sync AND THERE’S MORE!
• Member Play Days at top Colorado courses
• Women’s Clinics for beginners or experienced players
• Exclusive discounts on products and services from CGA partners
• Member news, features and educational content
• Ability to compete in state championships for all levels coloradogolf.org
IT’S A PEACH!
From the slopes to the soccer field, the Hyundai Palisade offers a luxe ride
By S Isaac Bouchard
EACH GENERATION has a defining family vehicle; think Vista Cruiser and Country Squire wagons in the ’60s and ’70s. Along came the minivan in the ’80s—a better way to haul everything, but the antithesis of cool. Early SUVs like the Cherokee and Explorer delivered on the adventurous vibe, but they didn’t offer the room inside or the refinement people really craved. A perfect solution often sticks, as in the case of the crossover era—a high-riding minivan alternative that has almost the same cargo capacity but maxes out the cool factor.
Of today’s models, the clear leader is the 2026 Hyundai Palisade, especially in its
hybrid form. The look is bold, with frosted lighting elements that artfully tie into the sloping roof pillars and chamfered body panels that signal upward mobility. And if the Palisade’s style isn’t for you, the ’27 Kia Telluride is its mechanical twin.
Hyundai’s top trim level, Calligraphy, elevates the interior far above Honda, Mazda, Toyota, and even Lexus. Material quality is excellent, and the mid-mod aesthetic, with rounded corners, contrasting colors, matte wood-look trim, and the copious use of textiles and softtouch plastics, is sybaritic. The Palisade’s standard configuration is three rows, with the center being a bench. Upper
models have luxurious, power captain’s chairs with heating and ventilation. The upside is reduced sibling squabbling for those privileged to sit in these middle seats. However, the motors are slow to move these heavy chairs, meaning Bond-esque ejecting of the kids isn’t in the cards.
The third row is actually comfortable, and there are vents and USB ports seemingly everywhere. Hyundai’s tech is amongst the best, with easy-to-fathom menus, clear screens that respond quickly, and plenty of good ol’-fashioned buttons and knobs to poke and twist for commonly adjusted settings like audio and HVAC.
Find relief from joint pain
Your spine and joints hold you up, help you move, and give you strength and agility. When pain slows down your life, you need expert orthopedic care. Whether you’re experiencing chronic pain or recovering from an injury or surgery, AdventHealth’s orthopedic specialists are here to fully support you with treatments ranging from total knee and hip replacements to sports medicine and physical therapy. It’s the care you need to move toward renewal — so you can feel whole again.
The Palisade veers heavily to the luxurious end of the driving dynamic spectrum as well. Ride quality is sumptuous, with better control of how the wheels recover from sharp impacts like potholes and broken pavement than competitors, near-silent progress at high speeds, and a refinement to the powertrain that eludes most others in the class. No, it doesn’t carve corners like a Mazda CX-90, but who does that with the family onboard anyway? What the Hyundai does do is coddle and cosset.
It’s also fast and efficient. The hybrid system has a big battery and powerful
electric motors, ably abetting the 2.5-liter, turbocharged gasoline engine. Combined with a smooth-shifting 6-speed transmission, it hits the benchmark 60 mph from a start in 6.6 seconds, faster than most, and is unaffected by altitude, unlike the non-hybrid version, whose V6 engine loses steam at a mile high. The Palisade gets great fuel economy ratings from the EPA, and in the real world, it’s easy to average almost 30 mpg in daily use, astonishing for something this big. And it never needs to be plugged in. One caveat is that the hybrid is rated to tow only 4,000 pounds, well below some others in the class. But in almost all other respects,
the Hyundai resets the bar for what a modern midsize crossover can and should do.
2026 HYUNDAI PALISADE HYBRID CALLIGRAPHY
EPA Ratings: 29/30/29 mpg
Horsepower/torque: 329 hp/339 lb-ft
0–60 mph: 6.6sec
Price as tested: $60,625
Rating: 5 Stars
S Isaac Bouchard, owner of Bespoke Autos in Lakewood, has been an auto broker for 35 years and writing about cars for 22.
ELEVATED ENCLAVES
Coveted communities pair custom estates and gated amenities with protected open space, wildlife, and miles of trails
By Brittany Anas
The Village at Castle Pines
IN DENVER’S south suburbs, luxury living not only comes with country clubs and golf courses, but also trails, wildlife, and wide open spaces. From pine-dotted enclaves in Castle Pines to conservation-minded communities in Highlands Ranch and Sedalia, the region’s most sought-after neighborhoods are redefining upscale living with an immersive connection to nature, along with custom homes and gated security. Here, we explore five next-level neighborhoods that help define Colorado living.
THE VILLAGE AT CASTLE PINES IN DOUGLAS COUNTY
Residents enjoy the epitome of Colorado living here: A herd of elk and frequent wildlife sightings, a neighborhood braided with 13 miles of trails, plus sweeping mountain views. All of it feels tucked away from I-25 yet remains close to metro hubs like Castle Rock and the Denver Tech Center.
“Being nestled among the trees, with rock outcroppings, rolling hills, and golf courses
winding through the landscape—not to mention the mountain views and easy access to amenities and travel—makes The Village a standout,” says Susan Thayer, a Castle Rock Realtor with The Thayer Group.
The Village at Castle Pines, a gated community with 24-hour security, features two Jack Nicklaus–designed golf courses set among towering pines, along with resortstyle pools, tennis and pickleball courts, a fitness center, and parks and playgrounds.
THE KEEP IN SEDALIA
The Keep is one of the region’s most intriguing new developments. In 1861, the land now comprising the neighborhood was offered to settlers in quarter-section parcels, requiring homesteaders to build homes and cultivate the land. After five years, they could purchase the land for $1.25 per acre.
Today, the exclusive gated community features just 64 estates set within a 1,110-acre reserve, including 745 acres of protected open space. It’s sited on the only portion of Tweet Kimball’s legendary 4,500-acre Cherokee Ranch entrusted for residential development.
The Village at Castle Pines
The Village at Castle Pines
The Keep
The Keep
With sweeping Front Range vistas and generous spacing between homes, residents live among ponderosa pines and wildflower meadows, sharing the landscape with elk and deer. More than 200 birdhouses are spread across the reserve, supporting an ongoing bluebird nesting project.
Perhaps the most remarkable amenity is the on-site Cherokee Ranch Castle, with its design inspired by 15th-century Scottish architecture. Filled with art, antiques, and rare books, it serves as a unique gathering place, hosting everything from concerts to high tea.
GLENMOOR COUNTRY CLUB
IN CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE
Find classic country club living at Glenmoor, built around a recently renovated Pete Dye championship course and anchored by a grand clubhouse. The community features large-lot homes, with many built in the 1980s and 1990s and recently updated, according to Andrew Fortune, Realtor and brokerage owner at Great Colorado Homes. Multi-million-dollar
properties rarely come on the market in this gated enclave of about 200 homes.
“The mature landscaping gives it a settled, established feel that newer communities can’t replicate,” Fortune says.
It also sits across from the High Line Canal, a scenic 71-mile trail system, and feeds into the top-rated Cherry Creek School District, with private school options like Kent Denver and St. Mary’s Academy.
This is a natural fit for buyers who truly want the traditional club lifestyle with exceptional golf, pool days, and swim meets in the summer, racquet sports on shaded courts, and shared meals and social events at the 50,000-square-foot clubhouse, which will debut its renovation in summer 2026.
BACKCOUNTRY IN HIGHLANDS RANCH
BackCountry is a luxury, gated neighborhood that attracts active residents, thanks to direct access to ponds, parks, trails, and 467 acres of the 8,200-acre Backcountry Wilderness
Area. This protected conservation space doubles as a wildlife sanctuary, where residents love to hike, bike, snowshoe, and spot wildlife year-round.
“BackCountry remains one of the most desirable communities in the south Denver metro area because it delivers something buyers consistently prioritize today: lifestyle,” says real estate broker Nick Schossow with The Schossow Group at Compass, whose team has represented buyers and sellers in the neighborhood. “Surrounded by protected open space, the neighborhood offers mountain views, extensive trail systems, and a true Colorado feel, while still being close to everyday conveniences.”
Sundial serves as the neighborhood’s social hub, featuring a restaurant, pub, and pool. Distinctive amenities include a cozy coffee shop overlooking a pond and an outdoor amphitheater with natural stone seating, which hosts yoga classes, family movie nights, and live concerts.
PRADERA IN PARKER
Pradera is another neighborhood centered on a golf club lifestyle, and this community—which boasts a Jim Engh–designed Irish-style links golf course with mountain views—prides itself on being prestigious without the pretense. The club also hosts community events to bring neighbors together, from Easter egg hunts on the greens to poker nights.
Beyond golf, the neighborhood offers a pool and a spray play area for kids, along with sports courts, scenic trails for hiking and biking, and plenty of parks and playgrounds.
“In Pradera, the appeal centers around space and golf course living,” Schossow says. “Larger homesites, custom architecture, and a quieter atmosphere draw buyers looking for an estatestyle setting with room to grow, while still being close to Parker’s amenities and schools.”
Hundreds of Arvada High School students bicycled and marched to school on the first Earth Day to demonstrate concern about environmental pollution.
EARTH EVERY
DAY DAY
Coloradans embrace environmentalism as a lifestyle, not just a day in April
By Dylah Ray
ON CLEAR APRIL MORNINGS along the Front Range, it’s easy to understand why environmentalism took root in Colorado long before it became a national movement. Snow clings to distant peaks, cyclists trace greenbelts through suburban neighborhoods, and there’s a promise of sunny skies. From early conservation efforts that helped establish Rocky Mountain National Park in 1915, to the state’s current-day sustainability efforts, environmentalism has long been a civic priority of Colorado.
In 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin spearheaded the first Earth Day, intending “to get a nationwide demonstration of concern for the environment so large that it would shake the political establishment out of its lethargy.” This sentiment was increasingly supported in public opinion across the country. According to Gallup polling at the time, concern about air and water pollution rose from tenth place in the summer of 1969 to fifth place by the summer of 1970. Separate White House polling conducted by Opinion Research of Princeton found that in May 1969 just one percent of Americans identified environmental protection as a top concern. By May 1971, that number had risen to 25 percent.
Denver streets weren’t exactly free of automobiles on April 22, 1970, but the campaign to ride bicycles on Earth Day wasn’t exactly a flop, as attested to by the dozens of bikes that were parked in front of Currigan Hall during the day’s marathon teach-in there. Students from campuses at Boulder, Greeley, and Fort Collins rode their bikes to Denver for the series of discussions about the environment.
Earth Day didn’t introduce environmental awareness to Colorado—it amplified a conversation the state was already having and transformed it into concrete social action.
While Colorado wasn’t the birthplace of Earth Day, the state was deeply embedded in the movement’s first wave. Senator Nelson spent the first Earth Day in Colorado at a twelvehour teach-in at the old Currigan Hall in Denver. Denver Mayor William McNichols and Colorado Governor John A. Love also attended, signaling early bipartisan support for the newly minted Earth Day. The Rocky Mountain News described the attendees the next day as “a crowd of up to 3,500 young people from junior high school age on up, with a goodly share of adults sprinkled in … who
listened attentively to the more than two dozen speakers and panelists.”
Rallies and educational events brought ecological issues into everyday conversation. College campuses hosted additional teach-ins, local organizers planned cleanup efforts, and residents gathered to talk about air quality, water conservation, and the future of public lands. Earth Day didn’t introduce environmental awareness to Colorado—it amplified a conversation the state was already having and transformed it into concrete social action.
COLORADO CULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTALISM
Colorado has a distinct brand of environmentalism: ideological but practical, closely tied to a quality of life sustained by the environment. Colorado’s lifestyle-driven approach to addressing environmental concerns has helped establish Earth Day as more than a one-day event. It is an ongoing commitment to sustainability and preservation year-round. As Governor Polis says often during annual Earth Day events, “every day is Earth Day” in Colorado.
Through the 1980s and ’90s, Colorado voters approved open space funding measures, municipalities expanded water conservation programs, and renewable energy conversations began moving from the margins to the mainstream. Denver’s air quality, once a defining
concern, gradually improved. Efforts to reduce emissions and invest in cleaner transportation reflected national trends, but Colorado’s geography made improvements people could see. On clear days, the mountains felt closer, which was a visual reminder that environmental decisions carried local consequences.
Denver’s south suburbs increasingly embraced sustainability through design. Mixed-use developments expanded bike paths, and thoughtfully planned neighborhood parks reflected a growing awareness that suburban living could coexist with environmental responsibility. Earth Day celebrations in these communities evolved accordingly, shifting towards tree plantings along creek corridors, local cleanup events, and sustainability fairs.
Above: Students at Denver’s East High School staged a trash pickup around the school grounds in preparation for the first Earth Day, when students consolidated autonomous local activities into a nationwide appeal for a better quality of life in America.
Ski resorts also introduced sustainability initiatives, hiking groups championed Leave No Trace principles, and local nonprofits organized volunteer days focused on trail restoration and habitat protection.
Youth engagement played a central role in sustaining the momentum. Schools across the metro area incorporated environmental education into science programs, often pairing classroom lessons with outdoor experiences. Students learned not just about ecosystems, but about stewardship—fusing education with community involvement.
CONSERVATION MEETS GROWTH
The conflict between expansion and preservation has defined Colorado’s environmental story for decades. Coloradans have wrestled with the tension between growth, resource extraction, and preservation. Oil and gas development, mining, and water management continue to spark debate. Denver’s skyline has risen steadily, and the environmental costs of industrial expansion have become increasingly visible.
Suburban growth has collided with a desire to preserve open space, and suburban neighborhoods are at the forefront of the balancing act. Over time, open space initiatives gained voter support. Wetland restoration projects, trail expansions, and outdoor education programs translated environmental values into tangible neighborhood improvements.
Conversations about growth frequently intersect with questions of sustainability. How dense should new developments be? How should water resources be managed in a semi-arid climate? And how can communities
preserve open space while welcoming new residents? Their experiences reflect a broader Colorado reality that environmentalism here unfolds as a negotiation between economic opportunity and long-term preservation.
POLICY MEETS LOCAL ACTION
The state has increasingly prioritized sustainable environmental policy. On Earth Day in 2025, Governor Polis signed an executive order furthering the state’s goals to invest in clean energy and decrease the use of fossil fuels. Signed in Cherry Creek State Park, the order includes reducing emissions in state operations by 50 percent by 2034 and reducing water consumption by at least 20 percent across agencies.
Jill Hunsaker Ryan, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment executive director, echoed the governor’s emphasis on the state’s ongoing efforts in environmental policy. “From protecting our air quality, to enhancing sustainability, to ensuring everyone has a healthy community to thrive in, we continue to lead the nation in supporting the health and well-being of all Coloradans, our communities, and our environment,” Ryan said in a press release issued by the CDPHE last year.
Public and private sector initiatives have also continued to grow and shift. Renewable energy expos, electric-vehicle showcases, and community sustainability workshops now share space with traditional cleanups and tree-planting events. Solar installations dot suburban rooftops, urban agriculture projects bring food production closer to home, and regional climate initiatives encourage collective action.
In parks and civic spaces around Denver, families gather for festivals that blend education with recreation. Children plant seedlings while volunteers restore native grasses, and local organizations offer practical resources on water conservation, composting, and reducing waste.
LOOKING AHEAD:
A STATE DEFINING STEWARDSHIP
Despite the initiatives and progress, it is hard to ignore the effect of climate change in the state. Colorado is experiencing a severe snow drought, with mountain snowpack levels at their lowest since at least 1987, and Denver is tracking toward one of its warmest winters on record. The unusually warm winter has been a major topic of concern for locals and officials. Attorney General Phil Weiser spoke at a Colorado Water Congress conference in early February, saying, “all of us are watching the unseasonable weather, the lack of snowpack, and are scared for what is headed our way.”
Although there are significant environmental challenges ahead, more than five decades after the first Earth Day, Colorado continues to redefine what environmental responsibility looks like in a rapidly changing landscape. Traces of Earth Day’s original spirit linger in everyday choices, from trail preservation efforts along suburban greenbelts to ambitious renewable energy goals that position the state as a national leader in sustainability.
Environmentalism here lives in the rhythm of seasons, open space, snow-capped mountains, and in ongoing efforts to preserve the landscape that defines us as Coloradans.
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Bike-Friendly
WAYFARERS // colorado getaway
’Burbs
Skip
the traffic and explore the southern suburbs’ connected trail network
By Brittany Anas
SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK, no matter the time of year, Bryan Vogel makes the 17-mile commute from his home in Parker to Pedal, a full-service bike shop in Littleton where he’s the general manager. A network of trails makes his two-wheel commute feel seamless, linking the C-470 Bikeway with the Lee Gulch and High Line Canal trails and the Mary Carter Greenway Trail, which winds along the South Platte River.
“I don’t have to ride on a road if I don’t want to,” says Vogel, whose preferred mode of transportation is a gravel bike.
Colorado may be known for its epic mountain biking and demanding cycling routes that climb scenic byways. But the southern burbs also offer a fantastic network of paved and gravel trails suited to everything from commuting to weekend excursions, family-friendly outings, and casual recreational rides.
The experts at Pedal especially love the Mary Carter Greenway that threads through Littleton because you can easily duck into local businesses, like Born2Bake, for coffee, tea, and sweet and savory pastries ranging from churro donuts to hash brown croissants.
More riders are regularly taking to the southern suburbs’ trail network for both daily commutes and fun rides, in part due to e-bikes.
E-bikes have surged in popularity as Coloradans seek greener ways to commute while embracing the fun factor of self-powered bikes. Although Colorado’s statewide e-bike tax credit dropped from approximately $450 to $225 starting January 1 of this year, it’s still fueling interest, Vogel says, and it’s making bike riding more accessible to a broader group of people.
Ahead, three trails in the southern suburbs worth exploring by bike.
MARY CARTER GREENWAY TRAIL: CRUISE A RIVERFRONT FAVORITE
Spanning about 8.5 miles, Mary Carter Greenway follows the South Platte River from Chatfield State Park to Englewood.
Cruise the paved path and shape a fun, flexible itinerary: Grab a pizza at Angelo’s Taverna, sip a cold pint at the Farm House at Breckenridge Brewery, wander the blooms at The Hudson Gardens, or veer into downtown Littleton to
browse the shops. Further north, park your bike and practice your golf swing at Aqua Golf, a water-based driving range with a mini-golf course.
Named for Mary Carter, who championed the South Suburban Park Foundation in the 1980s, this lively greenway buzzes year-round and ranks among the metro’s busiest trails, logging more than 300,000 users annually in South Platte Park alone.
HIGH LINE CANAL TRAIL:
A HISTORIC PATH PACKED WITH SCENERY
Constructed in the 1880s to deliver water from the South Platte River to farmers and Gold Rush settlers, the High Line Canal began as a purely practical irrigation project. Today, the 71-mile route has taken on a new identity as a popular recreational trail.
The scenic path draws more than a million visitors each year, stretching through 11 jurisdictions, including many southern suburbs, and linking more than 8,000 acres of green space.
Bring binoculars on your next bike ride: More than 200 bird species call the trail home, from flitting hummingbirds to Great Horned Owls. Notable landmarks include mile 6 near the Denver Polo Club, where there’s a good chance you’ll spot horses, and the photo-worthy oversized wagon bench just after mile 26.
COLORADO FRONT RANGE TRAIL:
A GROWING REGIONAL CONNECTOR
Castle Rock features 15 miles of paved trail that form a key segment of The Colorado Front Range Trail
(CFRT)—an ambitious regional corridor that, when fully completed, will extend 876 miles from Wyoming to New Mexico. About 300 miles have been finished to date, including the Castle Rock section, which was completed in 2023 with support from a Great Outdoors Colorado Connect Initiative grant of just over $2 million funded by lottery proceeds.
Over the past two decades, Castle Rock’s trail planners have focused on linking trails to meaningful destinations. CFRT is a strong example, connecting a broader network of paths that link neighborhoods to downtown, making it easy to stop for coffee or visit the farmers market, while also tying into major routes like the Cherry Creek Regional Trail to Denver.
17
M iles of Vogel’s commute
8+
M iles of Mary Carter Greenway
300K+
A nnual users in South Platte Park 71 miles of High Line Canal Trail
1M+ A nnual High Line Canal visitors
8K
Acres of green space linked by High Line Canal
200+
B ird species
15
Castle Rock miles of CFRT
876 planned miles of CFRT
300
M iles of CFRT completed to date
$2M+ GOCO grant for CFRT
$225 Current e-bike tax credit
Mary Carter Greenway Trail
The Art of Movement
How CMDance brings discipline, community, and cultural tradition into Colorado classrooms
By Kastle Waserman
DANCE, AT ITS HIGHEST level, is discipline disguised as joy. It is history carried in rhythm, etiquette communicated without words, and confidence built one measured step at a time. For Caryn Carrasco, that power was never abstract. In 1999, she founded CMDance with a clear conviction that culturally rich, socially rooted dance traditions belonged not only on professional stages, but in classrooms across the Denver metro area. What began as an effort to introduce internationally recognized performers to Colorado has evolved into a nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering structured dance education— rooted in vernacular jazz, Latin traditions, hip-hop, and social partner forms—directly to students and communities.
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“At the time, performers were doing ‘street dances,’ like Argentine tango and Lindy Hop in different parts of the world,” Carrasco says. “I saw the need to bring these artists to Denver. We set up events and brought in renowned couples that people in Denver could learn from.”
Today, while dance is more visible than ever through online platforms like YouTube and TikTok, Carrasco maintains that screens cannot replace shared space. “There’s a need
for community. The benefits of learning from someone right in front of you haven’t changed,” she says.
CMDance offers social, partner, and historical dance forms to pre-K to high school students, as well as adults. Rather than operating from a single studio location, the organization integrates directly into schools and community settings—meeting students where they are. Programs are tailored to each school’s needs,
funding realities, and grade levels. Some partnerships span the full academic year; others are designed as shorter intensives. The organization also provides performance training and custom choreography when requested. Adult programming and ticketed events support the sustainability of schoolbased initiatives.
Behind every program is careful orchestration. “You talk to people, see what they like, and
integrate that with your vision. Then figure out where it’s going to be, how it’s going to be funded. You need creative people who can make an impact in a classroom. It’s truly an art form,” Carrasco says.
She has observed the layered benefits of structured dance education. Physical movement supports health and coordination. Partner work cultivates communication and mutual awareness. Performance builds composure.
“First of all, physical movement helps with health. Then, being able to communicate and interact with others gets you out of your head. It gives you common ground to communicate with others. We’ve had a lot of people with rigid, set ways of performing their jobs. Dance allows them to let go,” she says.
That belief in long-term impact led CMDance to formalize its mission as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, ensuring both sustainability and access. For Carrasco, the inspiration is deeply personal.
“My parents met dancing in the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago,” she says. “I saw what social dancing brought to their lives. It gave them somewhere to go other than just sitting and eating. They always had friends and were in good physical condition. They were really my inspiration to bring dance to Denver.”
For students, the transformation often begins quietly.
“I never believed I was capable of dancing,
but I’ve realized that it’s possible,” says Benny Duong, a senior and dance club president at College View High School. “Being a part of the dance club and having the opportunity to take dance classes drove me to intern with CMDance, where I developed grant-writing skills that I now use on my college applications.”
Moments like these reflect the organization’s broader mission. “I’ve seen it transform lives and personalities,” Carrasco says. “Our mission is to make sure—from the time they walk in to
when they leave—they feel better. They’re able to accomplish something. They were able to forget about everything else, to move and learn, and feel like they could connect.”
Through CMDance, movement becomes more than recreation. It becomes cultural literacy— an art form with staying power through shared experience, and structured self-expression. For more information, visit cmdance.org.
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APRIL
April 4 COLLABORATION FEST
Collaboration Fest is the original collaboration-focused craft beer festival that highlights the spirit of camaraderie and innovation that makes Colorado’s craft beer community truly distinctive. More than 160 craft breweries will be pouring 120+ beer collaborations from 2–6 p.m. at The Westin Westminster. Some of the notable collaborations include one from Westbound & Down, River North, and Cannonball Creek, all of which received Brewery of the Year honors at GABF last year. Look out for the West Coast IPA, which will be the welcome beer at Collaboration Fest. WESTMINSTER, collaborationbeerfest.com
Save the Date!
YOGA ON THE ROCKS
Experience one of the most awe-inspiring venues in the world from a different perspective: downward dog. Yoga on the Rocks at Red Rocks is back this summer, complete with live music. But these events commonly sell out, so check online for tickets right away. Full schedule to be announced on April 20th. RED ROCKS, redrocksonline.com
Ongoing
FIDDLER’S GREEN CONCERTS
The 2026 season schedule is posted for Fiddler’s Green, so check it out and get your tickets early, since many events sell out. The calendar, which begins in early April, includes Lord Huron (June 11), The Black Crowes & Whiskey Myers (August 2), and Dave Matthews Band (August 28 and 29).
FIDDLER’S GREEN, fiddlersgreenamp.com
April 1–4
TASTE OF VAIL
Make sure your palate is ready for the 35th annual Taste of Vail. The festival is dubbed one of the best spring food-and-wine-tasting events in the country, so you shouldn’t skip this exciting gathering. Taste of Vail highlights the evergrowing Vail lifestyle, mirrored via its food and wine. You will get a chance to sample food from tons of Vail’s finest chefs and taste wine from different winemakers from various parts of the country. VAIL VILLAGE , tasteofvail.com
April 2
NEIL BERG’S 50 YEARS OF ROCK ‘N ROLL
From the progenitors of rock and roll in the 1940s, to the glory years of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, through the pop emergence of the early ’80s, “Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock & Roll” uses fascinating stories and groundbreaking music to pay homage to such important and iconic rock legends as Chuck Berry, The Beach Boys, Janis Joplin, and more. PACE CENTER, parkerarts.org
April 3–May 3
NEXT TO NORMAL
On the surface, Diana has it all—a house in the suburbs, a successful architect husband, and two sharp-witted teens. But beneath this perfect facade is a nuclear family on the verge of exploding, doing everything they can to make it through another day in one piece. Propelled by an unforgettable pop-rock score, this is an honest and unflinching ride through the complexities of mental health and unconditional love. This groundbreaking musical is a story of love and resilience that hits close to home, making you laugh, cry, and reflect on the struggles that shape us along the way. WOLF THEATRE , denvercenter.org
April 7–11
ASPEN SHORTSFEST
Short-film fanatics often make the yearly trek up to gorgeous Aspen for this weeklong festival, showcasing dozens of short films from around the
April 4
EASTER EGG HUNT
Time to hop on over for an Easter celebration the whole family will love. This event kicks off at 10 a.m., with the Easter Egg Hunt running every half-hour. Don’t forget to bring your baskets and your best egg-hunting skills. Plus, the Easter Bunny will be there for pictures, so make sure to snap a photo before you head out. Crafts and activities will be available, and there will also be vendors selling home décor, gift items, packaged foods, and more. WESTRIDGE , hrcaonline.org
world. The event also includes panels, workshops, and other programs that spotlight the art and craft of making shorts. ASPEN, aspenfilm.org
April 9–12
BOULDER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The 22nd annual Boulder International Film Festival will bring films and filmmakers to Boulder and Longmont for a four-day celebration of the art of cinema. BIFF showcases the best films by new and emerging filmmakers, as well as some of our industry’s most talented directors, producers, and actors. Adding to the BIFF experience are events featuring nationally renowned chefs, filmmaker talkbacks, legendary parties, talented musicians, screenings at the Adventure Film Program venue, and much more. The main venue for BIFF 2026 will again be the historic Boulder Theater in downtown Boulder. Full schedule with all locations available online.
BOULDER, biff1.com
April 9–19
STEEL MAGNOLIAS
Before the iconic 1989 film broke box office records nationwide, Louisiana salon owner Truvy first set up shop on the stage. The colorful cast of regulars and employees that frequent her establishment includes a mother-daughter duo planning a wedding, a woman who’s “been in a bad mood for 40 years,” and a mysterious newcomer. Through laughter, tears, and a thick fog of hairspray, these women face trials and triumphs armed with their greatest strength: each other. LONE TREE ARTS CENTER, lonetreeartscenter.org
April 10–12
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV + GABRIELA MONTERO
The spirit of adventure is calling as your Colorado Symphony and beloved Conductor Laureate Marin Alsop present RimskyKorsakov’s Scheherazade, an exhilarating journey through love, intrigue, and suspense. This poignant adaptation of the classic Arabian Nights tale casts the violin as the cunning Scheherazade, who outwits her murderous Sultan husband through the telling of enchanting stories. Rimsky-Korsakov’s score is filled with dynamic emotion and riveting melodies that will instantly transport you into a fairytale world. BOETTCHER CONCERT HALL , coloradosymphony.org
April 11
SLOW ART DAY
Celebrated worldwide, Slow Art Day encourages us to look slowly and experience the transformative power of art. Consider spending 5–10 minutes looking closely at artworks on view at the museum, where specially trained docents will facilitate discussions of selected artworks every half hour. DENVER, denverartmuseum.org
April 11–12
ROCKY MOUNTAIN TRAIN SHOW
This big annual expo showcases everything there is to know and see in the world of model railroading. You’ll be amazed at the massive— and very detailed—layouts, and if you need supplies for your own layout at home, you’ll find everything you need at the dozens of vendor booths. Free parking and kids under 12 get
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in free. NATIONAL WESTERN COMPLEX, rockymountaintrainshow.com
April 17
BROOKER SINGS BUBLÉ WITH COLORADO JAZZ REPERTORY ORCHESTRA
Prepare for an evening of world-class jazz with members of the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra at Southridge Recreation Center. This 90-minute concert will feature your favorite jazz standards—from “All of Me” and “Misty” to “Feeling Good” and “Georgia on My Mind.” Alongside four musicians, featured artist Matt Brooker is a genre-blending vocalist who brings Michael Bublé–style charm to a sound that fuses jazz with pop favorites, nostalgic oldies, and smooth 2000s throwbacks. His performances move effortlessly across styles, creating a relaxed, feel-good evening that connects easily with audiences. HIGHLANDS RANCH, hrcaonline.org
April 18
EARTH DAY WILLOW HARVEST AND PLANTING
Celebrate Earth Day by restoring riparian habitat along East Plum Creek by planting native willows around the recent channel and floodplain improvements on East Plum Creek north of Wolfensberger Road. This hands-on conservation project is a great opportunity to learn about habitat restoration and make a positive impact on the environment. This project is ideal for scout groups working toward conservation badges, as well as anyone interested in protecting our natural resources. CASTLE ROCK , crgov.com
April 19
VIVA FLAMENCO!
Flamenco has been an appreciated dance and musical art form enjoyed at Cherokee Ranch since Tweet Kimball hosted parties there. Now it’s time to welcome an exceptional troupe for an afternoon celebration of flamenco. Presented by Jeanette TrujilloLucero, known as “La Muneca,” the program features Jeanette and dancers, Salli Gutierrez, Gina Martinez, and Arturo Curiel. They’ll be accompanied by Steve Mullins on guitar with the percussion sounds of Rudy Monterosso on cajon. Your afternoon includes time to explore the castle with friendly docents, a cash bar, and complimentary tapas and savories to satisfy your taste buds as an afternoon pick-me-up. CHEROKEE RANCH & CASTLE , cherokeeranch.org
April 20–May 3
CAÑON CITY MUSIC & BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
This all-around festival features music, parades, craft fairs, and a beauty pageant. The Cañon City Music & Blossom Festival was first celebrated as “Fruit Day,” which was the community’s way of celebrating everyone and their bountiful harvest. The festival will celebrate its 88th year in Cañon City, and it’ll be one for the books. Also on the festival schedule is the Royal Gorge Rodeo, Colorado’s longest continuous rodeo since 1872. CAÑON
Thursday, September 17, 2026 5:30 – 9:30 PM
New Venue: The Franciscan Event Center thefranciscaneventcenter.com Get your tickets today! coloradoavidgolfer.com/events/wheels-of-dreams-2026
AvidLifestyle and Colorado AvidGolfer invite you to one of Denver’s most anticipated luxury charity events of the year, with this year’s live entertainment provided by That Eighties Band, a Denver favorite known for its high-energy performances and devoted local following. Proceeds from the evening benefit FullCircle, which supports young people and families facing mental health and addiction challenges. Exotic cars. Gourmet cuisine. Craft cocktails. Live entertainment.
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