Internationally recognized as one of the most beautiful event locations in the world, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre offers open-air concerts under the stars in a natural amphitheater. Surrounded by towering walls of red sandstone on three sides, it is the only naturally occuring, accoustically perfect amphitheater in the world. The wall to the north is called Creation Rock (pictured here), the wall to the south is called Ship Rock, and the smaller wall to the east is where the stage is located and is called Stage Rock.
The red-rock formations were formed over 300,000,000 years ago when dinosaurs roamed the area. The fossil remains of several species of dinosaurs have been unearthed at nearby archeological sites. Anthropologists believe that the natural amphitheater was used by the Utes, a tribe of American Indians that lived in the area, for ceremonial purposes. Even though the amphitheater had always been popularly called Red Rocks, it was officially called the Garden of the Angels from the 1870s to 1906. From 1906 to 1928, its name was the Garden of the Titans, and in 1928, when it was acquired by the City of Denver, it was renamed Red Rocks.
John Brisben Walker, a local publisher and entrepreneur, noticed that the natural amphitheater is accoustically perfect, and came up with the idea of staging concerts there. He conducted concerts between 1906 and 1928 on a temporary stage. In 1928, the City of Denver acquired Red Rocks, constructed a permanent stage, and installed 9,450 seats. The designer was Denver architect Burnham Hoyt. At the same time, a 640-acre (259-hectare) park was established around the amphitheater and made part of the extensive Denver Mountain Parks system. With numerous other red-rock formations, the park is a destination in its own right for its hiking, biking, and picnicking opportunities. The park also features a visitors' center and the Ship Rock Grille restaurant.
Pollstar magazine gave Red Rocks Amphitheatre the award for best small outdoor venue a record 11 times. This led the magazine's editors to name the award the Red Rocks Award, and remove Red Rocks from further running.
Updated Jul 7, 2012
On my first trip to Colorado in 1994, it was an amazing eye opener to see all these small craft brewers making beer like I had never tasted before. I visited over 120 breweries that summer, all over the US and Colorado was certainly one of the best areas for them.
As a rule, the brewpubs were restaurants as well as breweries. Sometimes they were more restaurants than breweries but the very best of them were quite good at both. Some of the ones I visited in Colorado are: 1) Phantom Canyon at 2 E. Pike Peak Ave in Colorado Springs (a sister brewery to Walnut in Boulder!), 2) Hubcap Brewery & Kitchen at 143 East Meadows Dr in Vail (home to the award winning Vail Pale Ale), 3) Coopersmith's Pub & Brewery at 5 Old Town Square in Fort Collins, 4) Estes Park Brewery at 479 Prospect Village Dr in Estes Park (not the best beer but a great location nearly in Rocky Mountain National Park!), and 5) Oasis Brewery & Restaurant at 1095 Canyon Blvd in Boulder (one of those places specializing more in food).
Others I hit that year and returned to in 2008 are New Belgium, Mountain Sun, Walnut, and Wynkoop, all of which have complete reviews under restaurants. Avery Brewing was the new stop and what a find that was.
Dress Code: The brewpubs as a rule are laid back so casual wear is fine.
Updated Dec 24, 2009
On weekends they've got karaoke nights nearly every night and there's always a friendly face. It's like walking into your very own Cheers.
Dress Code: It's all about being comfortable. Jeans and t-shirts are great, but dressing up a little more with a nicer top never hurt anybody.
Written Mar 9, 2008
Address: 3535 N Carefree Circle, Colorado Springs, CO
Phone: (719) 572-1860
Commonly called the "Triple Crown of Cripple Creek," these three casinos are part of the same company. So far, out of all of them, the Brass Ass pays out the best, followed by JP Mcgills. I have never won at the Midnight Rose. (Midnight Rose by the way hold's Texas Hold 'em poker tournaments every night). The only other casino that pays out better is the Imperial.
I had better luck here than at the Choctaw Casino in Oklahoma. I highly recommend these 3 places if you want to try your luck.
Dress Code: Dress warmly due to the high altitude.
Written Sep 3, 2005
Address: Cripple Creek
Website: http://www.triplecrowncasinos.com
Cripple Creek is a small town located on CO HWY 67. Back in the "Old Days," Cripple Creek used to be a gold mining town. Today, it is a BIG gambling town. Don't let that get you down, though...there is also the Butte Theatre where many plays are performed, and even children can come too. There is also a train ride, and many other attractions.
WARNING TO PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM ASTHMA: Cripple Creek's elevation is 9,494 feet. Although I don't have asthma myself, my cousin had to use his inhaler when he went over 9,000 feet. You may not need it, but be sure to bring it just in case.
Updated Aug 30, 2005
Okay, it's a hockey game! Hockey is fun to watch not too mention afterwards going to the clubs on lodo...what a great night!
I hope someday the NHL will become active! SOOOOOOOOOOOOO SADDDDDDDDDDD
Dress Code: Dress Code? lol Anything casual preferably Avalanche gear if you have it... You want to think about after the game though...there are some great bars/clubs/restaurants downtown Denver!
Updated Mar 8, 2005
Address: Downtown Denver
I found this very hard to believe. Through my life, all the cities I lived in had trashy nightlife, especially downtown areas....My thinking changed when I moved to Colorado Springs. This is a happening place!! There is so much to see and do downtown!! I have yet to explore, but rest assured, when I find something worthwhile, I will post it. This picture was taken at the intersection of Platte and Tejon (In case you locals are interested).
Updated Feb 19, 2005
ok for me thats means sleep! dont get me wrong, i like to push it up in the evening but after a day on the slopes all i want to do is soak in the hot tub and do what you see my son doing here,,,,zzzzzzzzzzz
Dress Code: swim suit then pajamas!!!
Written Jan 28, 2003
Address: hot tub then bed baby!!!
Phone: 1-800-out-cold
There are so many cool cities with great nightlife in Colorado. I've spent most of my time near Dillon, Colorado.
This area has lots of awesome local breweries. Whatever atmosphere you want, you can find.
Local crowd is definately laid back. Oh yeah--most of the beer is really good!!
Dress Code: Depends on where you go. Mostly casual is what ya want.
Written Sep 7, 2002
Grand Junction Main Street - at number 405, home of the Rockslide Brew Pub Snowy Mountain Brewing (ph. 970-245-2111). A really good microbrewery, with some uncommon beers (strawberry beer!) and the possibility to taste several of them for free before choosing your favourite one: some ales were simply heavenly. They serve American food too: I remember trying the buffalo burger, and not being too impressed by it, I'm afraid.
Written Aug 26, 2002
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