Longer Days, Closer Community
June in Denver feels like everyone is finally coming back to life.
After months of weird weather, surprise snowstorms, and cold mornings that make you rethink your plans, something changes. The air softens. The days stretch out. People start spending time outside again-not because they have to, but because they want to. Parks fill up, patios get busy, bikes come back out, and neighbors who haven't talked in months stop to catch up on the sidewalk.
That's what makes this time of year feel different. It's not just the sunshine. It's the energy of the city waking up together.
For this year's Gentlemen's Issue, that feeling feels especially relevant. June has a way of bringing people back to the things that matter: good conversation, time outside, community, personal style, and the routines that make life feel full again. It's a season that encourages people to slow down just enough to appreciate where they are and who they're sharing it with.
Farmers markets return with fresh produce and familiar faces. Friends linger longer over dinner outside. Live music drifts through neighborhoods on warm evenings. Local shops and small businesses feel especially alive this time of year, and people actually want to enjoy them instead of rushing past.
And of course, there are the mountains. In June, they feel close in the best way. People head west for a hike, a day trip, or just a break from routine, then come back a little dusty, sun-tired, and happier than when they left. That balance between city life and the outdoors is part of what makes Denver feel grounded.
What really stands out, though, are the small everyday moments-the coffee shop employee who already knows your order, the neighbor who brings your package inside, the vendor at the farmers market who remembers you from last weekend. Those interactions may seem small, but together they create the feeling that people here genuinely care about where they live and about each other.
Denver doesn't just look better in June. It feels more connected.
NATE THOMAS, PUBLISHER
@MILEHIGHCITYLIFESTYLE_MAGAZINE
June 2026
PUBLISHER
Nate Thomas | nate.thomas@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Anne Hebert | anne.hebert@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Valerie Bianculli, Anne Hebert, Meredith Cole, Christina Williamson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Michael Ryno
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle Proverbs 3:5-6
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: The CPBA Happy Hour held at Denver Village on May 7, 2026, brought together members and guests for an evening of networking, conversation, and community building in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships while enjoying refreshments and the vibrant setting of Denver Village. The event highlighted CPBA’s continued commitment to fostering meaningful connections among its members and creating spaces where collaboration and camaraderie can thrive.
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business monthly
Avenues at Northfield Redevelopment Underway
The Shops at Northfield are being transformed into Avenues at Northfield through a major redevelopment project. The 1.1-million-square-foot lifestyle center is adding upgraded amenities, redesigned public spaces, and a stronger focus on family-friendly experiences. Developers hope the changes will create a more vibrant community destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Renovations are currently underway, with the project expected to be completed before the 2026 holiday season.
Olive & Finch Opens New Golden Triangle Café
Olive & Finch has officially opened its new Golden Triangle location at 1140 Bannock St, bringing its popular lineup of fresh pastries, artisan coffee, and allday breakfast favorites to the neighborhood. The café adds a welcoming new gathering spot near Denver’s cultural district, offering locals, downtown workers, and visitors another convenient destination for casual breakfasts, lunch meetings, and house-made baked goods.
All Inn Hotel Opens on East Colfax
The All Inn Hotel has officially opened on East Colfax, transforming the former All Inn Motel into a modern boutique destination while preserving its retro charm. The renovated property now features updated guest rooms, dining spaces, and social areas designed to attract visitors and locals alike. City leaders and developers view the project as a major step in revitalizing the Colfax corridor and supporting continued growth and investment in the surrounding neighborhood.
the CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Best Bar
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
Death & Co
https://www.deathandcompany.com/location/death-and-company-denver/ 720.330.2660
Lady Jane https://www.ladyjanedenver.com/
The Family Jones https://thefamilyjones.co/ | 303.481.8185
Trellis Wine Bar https://www.trelliswinebar.com/ | 303.285.9463
Mystic Lounge https://www.mysticloungedenver.com/ | 303.468.0598
Best Barbecue
Riot BBQ
https://riotbbqcompany.com/ | 303.872.6862
Post Oak Barbecue http://www.postoakdenver.com/ | 303.458.1555
Pit Fiend Barbecue http://pitfiendbbq.com/ | 303.955.7810
Smokin Yard's BBQ https://www.smokinyards.com/ | 303.284.3349
Mama Jo's Chicken, Biscuits, BBQ http://mamajobiscuits.com/ | 303.333.7627
rooted in care
Life in the Trees with Ben Howard of Howard Tree Care
In Denver, we talk a lot about restaurants, real estate, and the mountains, but rarely about the people caring for the trees that frame it all. For Ben Howard, owner of Howard Tree Care, that work is more than a job. It’s a hands-on profession blending endurance, technical skill, and respect for the landscape we live in.
Howard’s path into arboriculture wasn’t linear. During a stint at Harlequin's Gardens, he met longtime arborist Mikl—“I just didn’t know that was a job,” Howard admits. “I didn’t know that was a way you could make a living, getting to be outside and interacting with nature.” At the same time, the uncertainty of the COVID era forced a pivot. With his background as a rock climber—“I was pretty familiar with working at heights and rope work”—the pieces fell into place.
A friend with a tree company needed help, and Howard stepped in. As a contractor, he had to incorporate and carry insurance. He began taking on his own jobs. “I’d gotten the skills, I’d gotten a lot of the equipment. It just kind of snowballed from there.” What started as contract climbing evolved into a full-service company grounded in education and long-term care.
ARTICLE BY VALERIE BIANCULLI PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMUEL VICKREY
Ask Howard what keeps him motivated, and his answer is immediate: variety. “As a small company, I’m learning how to run a business and understand marketing, but I get to work with clients and meet interesting people.” Then there’s the physicality. “It’s a very rewarding job. You can see the fruits of your labor.”
And then, more quietly, the deeper pull. “Without getting too hippie on you,” he says with a laugh, “it’s a great way to connect with the world around us.”
That educational piece is especially critical in Denver. “We’re in the high desert, people forget that,” Howard explains. Limited rainfall and poor soils challenge non-native species. “Fifty, sixty years ago, people planted a bunch of maples because they’re beautiful. But they've outgrown their water source, and the nutrients they need aren’t common in our soil. People think there are quick fixes, but real solutions take effort.
One of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have? “That it’s an all-or-nothing escapade,” he says. “They think it’s tens of thousands of dollars for a removal.” In reality, early intervention can prevent major decline. “Usually a little bit goes a long way in terms of education and management.”
Howard’s client base ranges from devoted gardeners to budget-conscious property managers. His approach remains consistent. “We’ll work within their constraints, but we still do right by the tree.” That means proper cuts that allow a tree to compartmentalize wounds. “Trees don’t necessarily heal,” he notes, “but they recover more appropriately if you make the right cut.”
Looking ahead, Howard is expanding into plant health care, earning his pesticide license and investing in equipment for fertilization and pest monitoring. “If we can monitor earlier, we can treat cheaper, faster, more successfully."
When asked about the risks of tree work he notes that safety and longevity matter in a profession that can be dangerous. “Climbing trees is not easy. Everybody we work with wants to be doing it as long as they can.” Howard and his team ensure safety is top of mind every step of the way.
At its core, the legacy he hopes to build is simple: care. “Care for ourselves, for the homeowner, for the property, and for the tree.”
“There have been times at the top of an elm or cottonwood where you can see over the city and the mountains,” he says. “You recognize how lucky you are. You pause, take a breath, and look at the world around you.”
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CENTRAL PARK ORTHODONTICS OFFERS LEADING EDGE ORTHODONTIC CARE.
CREATING BEAUTIFUL SMILES
Whether you’re considering Invisalign, clear ceramic braces, or traditional braces to enhance your healthy smile, Dr. Spencer Schneider and his team at Central Park Orthodontics offer state-of-the-art treatment. With flexible scheduling, affordable payment plans, and insurance billing, they make it easier and more convenient to commit to a treatment program.
Park Hill resident and owner of Central Park Orthodontics, Dr. Schneider, earned his undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Illinois. He knew he wanted to pursue a career in dentistry, and completed dental school at the University of Illinois at Chicago. After graduating, he was accepted to a two-year residency program at the University of Colorado where he earned a Masters in Dentistry and attained his board certification. Though his formal education is complete, Dr. Schneider regularly attends relevant continuing education courses in current trends and technology in the field of orthodontics.
ARTICLE BY ANNE HEBERT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL RYNO
Dr. Schneider and his wife, Julie, moved to Denver from Chicago a few years ago and quickly fell in love with Colorado. After the addition of two daughters and a dog named Frederick, the entire family has learned to embrace an outdoor lifestyle that includes, hiking and camping in the summertime and skiing in the winter. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to practice in the community I call home,” says Schneider.
Orthodontic problems can affect anyone. In fact, teeth are almost never naturally perfect. A bad bite, or malocclusion can be genetic or caused by thumb sucking, dental disease, accidents, birth defects, or other medical conditions. Education about an orthodontic problem is one of the first steps in correcting it. Treatment aims to improve the functionality of the bite and the appearance of a smile.
“Safety and comfort are of the utmost importance in our practice,” says Dr. Schneider. “We deliver the highest standard of sterilization in dentistry giving our patients the most comprehensive level of protection.” Dr. Schneider and his team work closely with your general dental provider, encouraging routine dental care and good oral hygiene practices at home.
The first step to a beautiful smile is to schedule a complimentary consultation. That process can be initiated by visiting the website and completing and submitting a new patient form. Consultations are done in-person in the office, or virtually to best suit the schedule of a prospective patient. If a treatment plan is appropriate, Dr. Schneider will conduct a thorough clinical orthodontic examination and explain all aspects of the plan himself.
Excellent communication with patients is a key component to treatment success. Dr. Schneider and his staff are always happy to take the time to answer questions at any point before, during and after treatment.
Giving back to the community is also a priority of Dr. Schneider’s. When not at his office, he volunteers at the Rocky Mountain Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Center as a member of their team of specialists. His role is to advise patients of all ages and their families about how orthodontics will be a part of their long-term treatment plan, and he helps coordinate that treatment with various other members of the team.
Whether a patient requires early treatment, adolescent care, or adult orthodontics, Central Park Orthodontics will serve you with expertise, professionalism and compassion. Extensive training and meticulous attention to detail lay the foundation for a new, radiant smile.
To take an online office tour, or to schedule a free consultation, please visit their website, centralparkorthosontics.com , or call the office at (303) 316-7846.
ARTICLE BY MEREDITH COLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL RYNO
more than a train station
How Union Station became one of Denver’s most enduring public spaces
If you spend enough time in Denver, you eventually end up at Union Station.
It's where people meet friends downtown, grab coffee between errands, wait out the weather, or sit in the Great Hall with nowhere urgent to be. On any given afternoon, the station fills with commuters, tourists, office workers, hotel guests, families, and travelers trying to stretch a little more time before heading somewhere else.
Union Station has become one of Denver's few true shared spaces - a place that still feels open to everyone in a city often divided by neighborhood, routine, or lifestyle. Whatever else is happening in Denver, people eventually pass through here.
There's been some confusion recently about whether Union Station itself is celebrating a 150th anniversary. Not exactly. Colorado turns 150 in 2026, and because the station is so tied to Denver's growth, the timelines blur together. The original depot opened in the 1880s, and after a fire damaged much of the structure, the current station was rebuilt in 1914.
Still, most people's connection to Union Station has very little to do with dates.
What makes the station work is that it still feels genuinely lived in. That sounds obvious for a train station, but it's surprisingly uncommon. In many cities, historic
stations become polished attractions that people admire more than they actually use. Union Station avoided that fate.
The architecture still carries the grandeur of the railroad era - soaring ceilings, tall arched windows, chandeliers, terrazzo floors, and the glowing "Travel by Train" sign facing Wynkoop Street. But that formality is balanced by something looser and more everyday. Suitcases clatter across the floor at all hours. Someone is always lingering over coffee longer than intended. Travelers fall asleep in chairs while waiting for delayed departures. Groups stop mid-conversation trying to figure out where they're supposed to go next.
The 2014 redevelopment transformed the surrounding neighborhood, bringing hotels, restaurants, offices, and new apartment buildings into what became one of Denver's busiest districts. But Union Station itself never crossed into feeling overly exclusive or carefully curated. You don't need a reservation, a train ticket, or even much of a reason to spend time there. It works equally well as a meeting place, workspace, shortcut through downtown, or temporary shelter from rain and snow.
In a city changing as quickly as Denver, that kind of consistency stands out.
Union Station has become one of Denver’s few true shared spaces - a place that still feels open to everyone in a city often divided by neighborhood, routine, or lifestyle.
Maybe that’s also why Union Station feels so appropriate for this issue. There’s a certain timelessness to the space — the kind that comes from craftsmanship, routine, and quiet confidence rather than trend. The architecture still carries the elegance of the railroad era, but the station never feels frozen in it. Coffee cups collect on tables. Suitcases scrape across terrazzo floors. Travelers fall asleep beneath chandeliers while tailored coats and leather bags move through the Great Hall.
Like the modern gentleman aesthetic itself, Union Station balances refinement with practicality. It values permanence over spectacle, character over performance, and carries itself with a kind of understated confidence that feels increasingly rare in modern cities. That sense of identity may be part of why the station still feels so grounded while the city around it continues to change.
How to Protect and Build Your Skin in Denver
SKINCARE IN THE MILE HIGH CITY
ARTICLE BY CHRISTINA WILLIAMSON | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SELECTIVE AESTHETICS
Q: IS
THE SUN REALLY STRONGER IN DENVER?
A: Absolutely! Depending on the season, the sun is 20-35% stronger in Denver than at sea level. That number goes even higher when you're in the mountains (higher elevation) or in reflective water or snow. This makes it even more important to apply sunscreen first thing in the morning, and to reapply every 80 minutes.
Q: WHAT’S THE #1 MISTAKE YOU SEE?
A: The number one mistake I see is people waiting too long to start stimulating collagen production. By the time you notice sagging or deeper wrinkles, you’ve already lost a significant amount of collagen and elastin.
Starting earlier with medical-grade skincare, microneedling, and deeper collagen stimulation treatments like Sculptra or Radiesse can make a big difference. The sooner you begin, the longer you can maintain skin that feels soft, supple, and resilient.
Q: CAN YOU STILL GET INJECTABLES IN THE SUMMER?
A: Injectables are absolutely safe in the summer. It's actually a really wonderful time to take advantage of doing Sculptra and/
or Radiesse since you typically take the summer off from doing light based lasers with more sun exposure. This will build up your collagen stores and keep you glowing all year long.
Q: WHAT’S YOUR ‘NON-NEGOTIABLE’ FOR DENVER SKIN?
A: Non-Negotiable in Denver: Sunscreen. No way around it. My favorite is Alastin Hydratint- no pilling, and I wear it as my makeup. It even works on darker or lighter skin tones. https://alastin.com/collections/welcome?designate-location=30234
Christina Williamson, a former pediatric ICU nurse turned med spa founder, is the owner of Selective Aesthetics in Denver. A Park Hill resident and mom, she stepped away from hospital life during COVID to care for her kids and ultimately set out to create the kind of med spa experience she felt was missing: curated, personal, and grounded in medical expertise, not a revolving door. She’s passionate about helping women age on their own terms and prioritizes education around sun protection and UV damage, especially living in Colorado. From medical-grade skincare to treatments that address and help reverse sun exposure, she’s focused on making skin health feel approachable and empowering. https://www.selectiveaestheticsdenver.com/
S TRETCH INGYOU R
DOLLAR
Investing in Your Wardrobe Without Compromising Your Style
ARTICLE BY LISA WOLF
1.
IT’S POSSIBLE TO SHOW YOUR UNIQUE STYLE WITH NICE CLOTHES WHILE ALSO STRETCHING YOUR DOLLAR
One’s wardrobe says a lot about a person and it is important to dress to the occasion whether it be work or play while still expressing yourself. Building a wardrobe can be a costly expense but it’s possible to show your unique style with nice clothes while also stretching your dollar.
2.
A FUN, SUSTAINABLE WAY TO BUILD A HIGH-QUALITY AND STYLISH WARDROBE
Second-hand and vintage-style clothes are a fun, sustainable way to build a high-quality and stylish wardrobe without breaking the bank. Buying handmade and second-hand also reduces the demand for new clothing production, which helps reduce waste and the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
SIMPLE, WILD, CLASSIC, COLORFUL; DON’T BE AFRAID TO SHOW YOUR STYLE
The best way to keep your wardrobe fresh is to look for either trendy or classic new pieces and match them with your favorite vintage or second-hand pieces, like a new dress with your grandma’s old leather jacket or a recently purchased foundation piece with a skirt made from vintage fabrics. Simple, wild, classic, colorful; don’t be afraid to show your style and your financial fashion savvy at the same time.
Some pieces are simply better when they are second-hand like worn denim and lived-in boots or leather that’s softened over time. Get creative and add touches to your old favorites with patches, embroidery, and even natural flower colors transferred to fabric. Grab your old t-shirts, family vintage fabrics, or lace, and pull it all together into something new and memorable.
SOME PIECES ARE SIMPLY BETTER WHEN THEY ARE SECOND-HAND 4.
“Grab your old t-shirts, family vintage fabrics, or lace, and pull it all together into something new and memorable.” 3.
My sister, Haley, used an 1800s petticoat and blouse, salvaged Edwardian style Christening gowns and a tablecloth, and other fabrics to create the most amazing vintage-style wedding dress. It was so perfectly her and absolutely gorgeous. IT WAS SO PERFECTLY HER AND ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS
AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST
Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short
Creative Director: Jen Birn
Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill
Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX
MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.
Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?
A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When in all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”
THE QUIET STANDARD:
MIKE JOHNSON
“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”
— Mike Johnson
Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?
A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”
Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?
A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”
This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
MIKE JOHNSON
ARTICLE BY NICCI LAVINE
The bluegrass state of Kentucky with the Appalachian Mountains is indisputably known as the Mecca of bourbon and the location of America’s only Bourbon Trail.
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail, established in 1999, is dotted with a total of 37 distilleries scattered throughout the regions of Louisville, Western Kentucky, Bardstown, Lexington and North Kentucky.
For bourbon aficionados and road trip lovers alike, the trail promises scenic country drives, historic architecture, and an abundance of restaurants and tasting rooms with some distilleries spanning more than 100 miles apart.
The most popular bourbon distillery locations one might expect to see along the trail are: Angel’s Envy, Maker’s Mark, Michter’s, Wild Turkey, Heaven Hill, Lux Row, Old Forester, Four Roses, Evan Williams, Bulleit, and Jim Beam.
Within each distillery and on its grounds, bourbon lovers can expect to find a variety of bourbon price points, flavor profiles, distilling and aging techniques, and historical points of interest. Each location offers a variety of tour options: some focusing on the chemistry of bourbon distillation, the art of tasting, the barrel charring process, or the rich (and checkered) history of bourbon’s origins.
A TOUR OF AMERICA'S ONLY BOURBON TRAIL
TOASTING
One constant seems to remain—most Kentucky distilleries cannot broach the topic of their favorite drink without also offering a glimpse of its history. The name “bourbon” hails from the original Bourbon County, which was a region carved from a portion of the Fayette County of Virginia in 1785. The county, which belonged to the then-brand-new state of Kentucky, was named in honor of the French House of Bourbon to show gratitude to King Louis XVI for his vital assistance during the American Revolutionary War.
Prior to its exodus from the region, loads of white oak barrels cut from the forests of Arkansas were first branded with the Bourbon County label. The county logo branded on the barrels soon gave way to its shorthand references: Bourbon. The rest is, quite literally, history.
THE
The oldest operational distillery in Kentucky is Maker’s Mark, which began distilling in 1805 and has since been recognized as a National Historic Landmark. In 1964, a Congressional Resolution declared bourbon to be an indigenous product of the United States. This distinction renders bourbon as the official American Spirit. To be recognized as a bourbon, a spirit must meet specific and strict requirements set forth by law. In fact, bourbon distillation marks one of America’s very first examples of a consumer protection law with the establishment of the “Bottled-in-Bond” Act in 1897 (The Bottled-in-Bond designation have bourbon standards which supersede those of single-malt Scotch).
All bourbon starts as what distillers refer to as White Lightning—an uncolored, unaged, and unflavored whiskey. During the distillation process, the liquid must not supersede a proof of 160, and must not supersede a proof of 125 at the time it’s poured into barrels to begin the aging process. All bourbon must be aged in new, charred, white oak barrels for a minimum of two years before it is finally bottled at 80 proof or higher. No other dyes or flavors may be introduced into the distilling or aging process if a bourbon is to retain its namesake.
Even though 95% of bourbon is distilled in Kentucky, bourbon does not need to be distilled in the state to be considered authentic. Most bourbon was historically made in Kentucky due to its geography. The rich source of limestone in Kentucky earth acts as a natural aquifer, purifying the water and removing the more peaty flavors one would find in spirits distilled with earthier water quality, such as Scotch. The varied temperatures, humidity levels, and weather patterns in the Kentucky region cause the white oak barrels to contrast and swell. This unique aging process gives bourbon its signature amber hue as well as its sweet and dynamic flavor.
While the tour itinerary is flexible enough to have many starting points, the official “start” of the trail can be found at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center located at the Frazier Museum on Historic Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville. The destinations along the trail can be planned a number of ways: by distillery, by region, or by organized tour itinerary. Some distillery locations are packed as tightly as an 8-mile radius, with the average tour lasting about 90 minutes.
For those who want to travel off the beaten path, several famous distilleries in the area do not appear on the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail list. One of the more famous of these is the Buffalo Trace Distillery, responsible for distilling bourbon of that name as well as the more rare and sought-after bottles of Blanton’s and E.H. Taylor. The Buffalo Trace distillery is located on a national landmark and offers free tastings, as well as Ghost tours for those who are interested in a different kind of spirit.
For a complete list of distilleries, tour schedules, tour booking details, and frequently asked questions, visit KYBourbonTrail.com
JUNE 2026
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
JUNE 1ST - 21ST
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Buell Theatre in the Denver Performing Arts Complex 1400 Curtis St. Denver, CO 80202 | 7:00 PM
The award-winning stage hit Harry Potter and the Cursed Child arrives in Denver, starring Nick Dillenburg as Harry Potter. When Albus befriends Draco Malfoy’s son, a dangerous, time-bending adventure begins—filled with spectacular magic, thrilling twists, and a story that reshapes past and future.
JUNE 3RD - 7TH
Denver Fringe Festival
RiNo/Five Points | 6:00 PM
The Denver Fringe Festival showcases dozens of original, boundary-pushing performances across theater, comedy, dance, and more, highlighting diverse artistic voices in an open, unjuried environment. Spread across venues in RiNo and Five Points, the event emphasizes accessibility and creativity, offering audiences an affordable way to experience bold, experimental live art from local and national performers.
JUNE 5TH
Tennyson
St Art Walk
Tennyson St 38th Ave-44th Ave | 5:00 PM
The Tennyson Street First Friday Art Walk is a lively celebration in Denver’s Tennyson Street Cultural District, where galleries, shops, and pop-ups showcase local art. Visitors can enjoy live music, street performances, and food vendors while exploring a vibrant, walkable neighborhood and connecting with artists in a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere.
JUNE 6TH & 7TH
Denver Chalk Festival
Golden Triangle Creative District
The Denver Chalk Art Festival transforms the Golden Triangle Creative District into a vivid open-air gallery where over 200 artists create stunning chalk masterpieces on the streets. This free, family-friendly event blends live art, music, and food, inviting visitors to watch creativity unfold in real time while celebrating community, color, and artistic expression.
JUNE 6TH
Summer Sessions
Riverfront Park | 2:00 PM
Summer Sessions in Denver gathers people at Riverfront Park for a relaxed, open-air celebration of the season, blending live music with a social, riverside atmosphere. Attendees can enjoy performances, drinks, and the buzz of a crowd soaking up warm weather together, making it a lively yet laid-back way to experience the city’s summer spirit.
JUNE 20TH
Juneteenth Music Festival
Five Points Plaza | 6:00 PM
Denver’s Juneteenth Music Festival on June 20, 2026, brings vibrant energy to the historic Five Points neighborhood with a parade, live music, art, and community celebration. As one of the nation’s largest Juneteenth events, it honors freedom and Black culture through performances, local vendors, and family-friendly activities that unite thousands in a powerful, joyful tribute.
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