The Best Ways to De-Stress After the Holidays

The holidays are a wonderful time for spending time with the people closest to you and giving back to those who are less fortunate. However, it can be such a busy time of year that it can also be a stressful time for most people. It seems like there is never a free minute to just relax and unwind. After all of the festivities have died down and you finally have a minute to yourself, these tips for de-stressing at The Amaranth after the holidays will help you get back to feeling like your best self!

Exercise
Exercise is one of the best ways to de-stress and also a great way to counteract all of those holidays meals and goodies you might have overindulged on. Thankfully, you have access to our state-of-the-art fitness center to get in a great workout without having to leave home. Also, if you prefer yoga, head to our separate yoga space so you can enjoy some quiet meditation and yoga to find your zen. There are also separate spaces for spinning and Fitness On Demand. There is no better amenity to utilize after this holiday season comes to an end.

Alone Time
Nothing can beat good old fashion alone time to help you relax and de-stress. The main level lounge is the best place to curl up by the fireplace. You could bring a blanket and a book and sit on the wraparound patio, or listening to some music and just gaze out at the beautiful scenery. Or, head to our rooftop lounge and kick your feet up by the fireplace and watch your favorite show on the big-screen television. Afterward, take some time to look out at the incredible views. You will be amazed at how serene you will feel after soaking in the mountain and garden views!

The Amaranth has the best amenities around so why not take advantage of them? Start off the New Year in the best way possible -- refreshed and relaxed! Share with us your favorite amenities at the Amaranth and how you plan to refresh yourself for the New Year.

Best Local Spots for a Cup of Coffee this Winter

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Even the biggest winter lover needs some relief from the cold! One of the best ways to warm up this wintertime is by stopping in for a cup of joe! Thankfully, there are plenty of amazing coffee spots with incredible coffee and tea, that are right around the bend. You won’t have to travel far from your home at the Amaranth to enjoy these local shops. Check out our list and see if your favorite place made the cut!

Aviano Coffee
Aviano Coffee is an upscale coffee shop located in Cherry Creek and only six minutes away from the Amaranth! Locals can’t get enough of the fresh brews and modern, sleek atmosphere. If you go once, you’re guaranteed to make a habit of it! Order a professionally brewed coffee or tea and see what you’ve been missing. Try the Angeleno or their macchiato espresso.

Ink! Coffee
Ink! Coffee is a short five minutes away and is popular with locals for obvious reasons: they provide great quality coffee at a reasonable price. Your beverage will also be delivered to you with spectacular service. Once you warm up with a delicious Americano or your other favorite hot beverage, you can fill up with a Chunky Chicken Salad Sandwich or any of their other delicious sandwich options.

Dazbog Coffee
Another option that is less than 10 minutes away, is Dazbog Coffee. They roast gourmet coffee each day. Each batch is brewed with patience and expertise, and is customized. This is the perfect shop for anyone who is picky when it comes to their cup of joe and appreciates the true flavors of different coffee beans.

No matter what you’re looking for in a coffee shop this winter, there are plenty of incredible places to choose from that are less than 10 minutes away from your home at the Amaranth. Keep warm and give these places a try this winter! Let us know which is your favorite, or how they compare to your favorite coffee spot nearby! It’s never a bad time for hot coffee during cold weather! Keep these places in mind the next time you’re searching for a break from the cold!

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science

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The Amaranth has such a spectacular location. It is close to so many great attractions in Denver, one of which being the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. This museum has so much to offer, and is enjoyed by anyone who stops by to participate in one of its many events. The fact that it is only a short 10-minute drive away is just the icing on the cake. Check out a few of their upcoming events and explore all it has to offer!

Galapagos 3D: Nature’s Wonderland

Sit back and relax during a screening of Galapagos 3D: Nature’s Wonderland. Learn about evolution as you follow a cast of plants and animals living on an isolated island. Stay after the screening to hear Scott Sampson and Chris Pague from the Nature Conservancy discuss what we understand about evolution in general and even the evolution of animals that are right here in Colorado. This event is held in the Phipps IMAX Theater on Tuesday December 8th at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 for members of the museum or the Nature Conservancy, and $15 for nonmembers.

The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes
The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes is guaranteed to be one of the best times you’ll have at the beginning of 2016. This event is for adults only and is a night of mystery. Enjoy delicious food and cocktails while you attempt to solve the mystery of the exhibition. The event is held on January 15, 2016 from 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. and includes one drink, appetizers, and access to the exhibition. This is one event you won’t want to miss!

Anyone with even the slightest interest or curiosity about nature and science will enjoy heading to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. There are always exciting and educational events being held. Also, the fact that it is only a 10-minute drive from your home at the Amaranth makes attending an event irresistible. Have you ever attended an event at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science? Share with us your past experiences or any events you plan to attend in the future!

Denver Botanic Gardens

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When you think of the Denver Botanic Gardens, you probably imagine walking through the beautiful gardens. However, it isn’t just the perfect place for you to see breathtaking nature. The Denver Botanic Gardens has many other activities to offer, such as classes and lectures! Also, you can’t beat the best feature: it is less than a 5-minute walk from your home at the Amaranth! Don’t miss out on all that the Denver Botanic Gardens has to offer. There’s something for everyone to enjoy and learn, even for the children in your life!

Classes and Lectures

The Denver Botanic Gardens has incredible classes and lectures that you may not have heard about. The wide variety of options means that there is sure to be something to spark your interest! You can learn how to make your own all natural skin care products, or you can get your workout in by joining a yoga class. There’s also classes to commemorate the season, such as learning easy and elegant holiday entertaining tips, or DIY holiday herbal gifts. If you want to express your artsy side, take a class in watercolor painting. You can even join a book club. All of these activities and more are offered at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Family Fun

If you have little ones in your life, Botanic Gardens has fun experiences that you all can enjoy. Take a gingerbread family workshop together this holiday season, or enjoy the winter fairies workshop, where you can create a little garden to take home. It is sure to be a fun and educational experience for everyone involved.

The Denver Botanic Gardens has more to offer than what you’d expect. The possibilities are endless when you think about how you can participate in all of the great classes and lectures, and only minutes away from the Amaranth. Whether you’re interested in learning something new, or trying out some fun for the whole family, the Denver Botanic Gardens has it all. Have you done something at the Denver Botanic Gardens that we missed? Share with us your favorite class or lecture you’ve discovered during your visit.

Best Golf Courses in Denver

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Golfing in the summer is great, but there are so many benefits to golfing during the fall! Some golf courses have reduced rates for the off season, and golfing is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the fall weather! Enjoy the season and visit these best golf courses in Denver!

Fossil Trace Golf Club

Fossil Trace Golf Club is located in Golden, Colorado and is one of the best golf experiences in the Denver area. The most enjoyable aspect of the club is that there are several historic structures and architecture from the early 20th century. Another perk is that their off-season rates have recently started.

Arrowhead Golf Club

Arrowhead Golf Club has some of the most incredible views in Denver. Because of its location in Roxborough Park, guests get to experience spectacular foothill views while they challenge themselves to the elevation changes and surroundings of the course. 

Wellshire Golf Course 

Wellshire Golf Course provides the high end atmosphere one expects from a country club, but with a reasonable price for its guests. The course is lined with beautiful trees which are even more beautiful now that fall has arrived. Challenges await you on holes 12 and 14. This course is never boring and always relaxing. 

West Woods Golf Course

The West Woods Golf Course will have you coming back for more than just one visit. West Woods is unique in the fact that it is actually three different 9-hole courses in one. The first two courses were built in 1994 by a well-known Colorado architect, Richard M. Phelps. The third 9-hole course was designed by his son. Each course has its own personality and challenges. This makes it extremely interesting, because each day you can only play a certain combination of the courses. 

Golfing is a great way to get outside and to enjoy the changes of fall. Whether you’re an advanced golfer, or a novice, you’re sure to enjoy the amenities that these Colorado courses have to offer so close to your home at the Amaranth! Did we miss your favorite golf course you plan to enjoy this fall season? Share with us where you like to play and why!

The Best Places In Denver For Happy Hour

When looking for the perfect happy hour spot, you search for the best deals on food and drinks, a great atmosphere, and good friends to enjoy it with. However with so many options, it can be a daunting task to ensure that you’re getting the best of all three! To help you in your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best places in Denver for happy hour. Check out these spots next time you need to stop and unwind on your way back home to Amaranth Denver.

Billy’s Inn
The first thing to know about Billy’s is that their happy hour runs all day on Mondays. That alone could get them on the list, but their specials are also a BIG plus. The most noteworthy are the discounted appetizers, $2 Bud Light and PBR drafts, and $3.75 original margaritas. What do you say - Are you ready to enjoy a cold one with some munchables?

The British Bulldog
If you’re a fan of British brews and soccer, this is the happy hour spot for you! Featuring Pakistani fare, The British Bulldog offers half-off on wells, drafts and wine during their happy hour. Bottoms up!

Charlie Brown’s
Besides having a great name, Charlie Brown’s also offers exciting specials and fun atmosphere. Enjoy 2-for-1 first round on wells, calls, house wine, and macrobrews.

Chophouse and Brewery
If food appeals to you more than drinks in your search for a good happy hour, Chophouse and Brewery might be your new favorite after-work place. You get half-price on the entire bar menu. Don’t worry, you can also get a few good drink deals with $3 beers and half-price wines.

Dazzle
Dazzle is the place for jazz fans. If you like to enjoy your food and beverage to some smooth jazz in a classy atmosphere, you can’t won’t find anything better than happy hour at Dazzle. They offer $2 bottled beers, $3 drafts, $4 premium well drinks, $5 premium wine, and $5.15 for food that’s tasty and actually fills you up.

McCormick & Schmick’s
Some say that McCormick & Schmick’s has the best happy hour deals in town. They offer drink specials that include $3.95 for PBR draft and $6.95 for a Caribbean martini, but what really puts them at the top of the competition is the food specials that range from $1.95 - $4.95. When a place has been around for 20 years, it’s a good guess that they’re doing something right.

Next time you’re looking to relax after work, explore something new instead of visiting the same old spots. Who knows - you might just find something that makes your time after work a truly “happy” hour.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month - The Best Events in Denver

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! To support those afflicted, take a look at these Breast Cancer Awareness events in Denver! There’s always a way to lend your time and talents to these charities that are joining survivors in the fight. Find an event that speaks to you and then invite your neighbors from The Amaranth Denver to get involved, as well!

Bright Pink October Outreach

On October 20th, join Bright Pink for their pumpkin carving Outreach. Bright Pink focuses their efforts on prevention. For this event, all you need is a pumpkin, some carving tools, and some goodies to get carving and share with the group.

Pink Tie Affair

If you enjoy getting dressed up, this event for the well-known Susan G. Komen organization is perfect for you. It is a fancy affair that’s perfect for those who enjoy a black tie affair every now and then. You can expect the event to include dinner, drinks, a silent auction, dancing, and casino games. You can also expect to have a great time for a great cause.

Glamour Bar - Pink with a Purpose

All throughout October, Glamour Bar will donate $3 to Sense of Security for every pink Giella custom lipstick or lipgloss sold. Sense of Security works to ensure that breast cancer patients going through treatment have the best quality of life possible. This is the best idea for anyone who wants to participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but is struggling to fit an event, or volunteer hours into his or her busy schedule.

Volunteer

October isn’t the only month you should get involved! If your schedule is tight this month, consider attending an event at a later date by volunteering! Any of these organizations need a lot of help planning these events and ensuring they run smoothly year-after-year. Volunteering is also a great choice for people who are on a tight budget and don’t have extra money to donate at the time.

From breast cancer research, to helping the people who are currently undergoing treatment, there are many fronts that need support in the fight against breast cancer. Take action this October and participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Best Pizza Places in Denver

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It is Pizza Month! In order to celebrate, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to get pizza in Denver. Whether you go for the best flavor, the biggest bang for your buck, or the best atmosphere, we’ve got the perfect places to keep you coming back for more.

Marco's Coal-Fired Pizzeria

Marco's Coal-Fired Pizzeria strives to give you the best pizza experience from the very first bite. Customers can’t get enough of the crust and authentic taste they get to experience. Overall, Marco’s is a must try for anyone in the Denver area. The biggest perk might be that it’s less than 10 minutes away from the Amaranth by car.

Hops & Pie

Hops & Pie has a great location, a great craft beer selection, and of course amazing pizza. They always offer a unique “Artisan Pie of the Month” like the shaved ribeye, mashed yukon golds, gruyere, and sauteed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. If you stop in on a Wednesday, you can take advantage of their $2.00 craft beer cans. Nothing compares to cheap drinks and original pizza!

Sexy Pizza

Anyone who looks for the best local deals needs to stop into Sexy Pizza on Wednesdays. It is the best place to get great pizza for a great deal. On Wednesdays you can get cheese or pepperoni slices for just $1.00 each.

Buenos Aires Pizzeria

Buenos Aires Pizzeria has incredible pizza, customer service, and atmosphere. Besides the pizza, customers rave about the empanadas. Buenos Aires will have you coming back again and again.

Slices Pizza

Slices Pizza is one of the most innovative pizza places in Denver. This is because of its incorporation of a drive thru. They have great pizza, and gluten free options for people who have a restricted diet. 

October isn’t just for Halloween anymore. Don’t miss out on the October fun! When your pizza cravings hit, it’s always better to order a local pizza instead of from a chain. Celebrate Pizza Month by giving these places a try and find your new favorite pizza place!

The Best Bars in Denver to Watch the Broncos

Looking for the best places to enjoy the Broncos game this football season? We’ve compiled the best bars in Denver to watch the game. Find the perfect spot for your game day fun, and don’t forget to invite your neighbors!

Highland Tap and Burger

Highland Tap and Burger is the perfect place to be around other lively Broncos fans! Chow down on some perfect game-time meals like burgers, pulled pork, or chicken wings while you bond with your fellow football lovers.

The Cherry Cricket

If you need a mind-blowing burger on game day, there is nowhere else for you but the Cherry Cricket. The burgers are raved about by anyone who has ever had the pleasure to order one. Add some mac and cheese wedges on the side and you’ll think you’re in heaven.

Stoney’s Bar and Grill

If you like living on the healthier side or want a restaurant that is environmentally friendly, choose Stoney’s Bar and Grill for your game day festivities. The quinoa balls and the fish tacos

are sure to please and the regular crowd is always electric on game day.

Yard House

If you hear “football” and immediately think “beer,” head to Yard House. Good food, great customer service, and the capacity to hold up to 5,000 gallons of beer at a time means plenty of selection on tap. Another great perk is that it’s only 6 minutes away from the Amaranth.

Bull & Bush Pub And Brewery

Bull & Bush Pub and Brewery is an English style pub. If fish and chips is your favorite meal, this will be your favorite place. It has a great atmosphere to watch the game, many great beers, and the other menu items won't let you down.

Fire on the Mountain

This is the place for people who like their game day to be a little quieter. People who enjoy watching the game here aren’t as die-hard as the fans you’ll find at other bars, but that’s part of the charm. Fire on the Mountain also has great food, so this could be the perfect compromise when you go out with someone who isn’t necessarily interested in watching the game.  

Game day just isn’t the same when you don’t have people to enjoy it with, but finding the best bar for you can be tricky! Give these a chance and you’ll be sure to find your favorite football hangout.

The Best Halloween Events in Denver

It’s that time of year! The weather’s getting colder and the buzz of Halloween excitement is in the air. Maybe it’s because of their love of all things scary, but Halloween is considered by some to be the best celebration of the year. Because of the thrills chilling events can bring, the month of October is filled with incredible events to enjoy. Check out our list of some of the best events in Denver to decide what attractions are going on your “Can’t Miss” list.

Elitch Gardens Fright Fest

Elitch Gardens provides the ultimate Halloween experience by hosting two separate events - one by day and one by night. The daytime includes family-friendly Halloween fun, but when the sun goes down, be prepared to endure some fright! The events are open Friday - Sunday from October 2nd to November 1st. Will you make the 20 minute drive from The Amaranth Apartments to check out this spooky attraction?

Scream Scram Halloween 5K Run/Walk

Don your creative, sparkly, spooky or gruesome costume and get running at the Scream Scram Halloween 5K! Whether you take a stroll or make a run for it, the trail through Denver’s Wash Park is packed with beautiful scenery and sure to delight your senses this time of year. At the finish line, you’ll get to celebrate by enjoying a few seasonal treats The event takes place on October 16th at 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., but be sure to register before you run!

Victorian Horrors XXII at the Molly Brown House Museum

We all love to shiver while we read scary stories this time of year. But now is your opportunity to take your terror to the next level! This year, explore the Molly Brown House Museum while listening to authors read tales of horror. Be aware that this event might not be suitable for children under a certain age. Tickets are available for October 16th - 17th and the 23rd - 24th at 6:00 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Papa Legba’s Voodoo Bash

This Halloween take your party spirit to the next level at this New Orleans-themed event! Look your best and most festive while you enjoy musical acts, burlesque dancers, jugglers, snake charmers, and fortune tellers. The party starts at 9:00 p.m. on Friday October 30th and lasts until 2 a.m.  Also, it takes place at the Denver Mart, which is only about a 10 minutes drive from The Amaranth!

How will you make sure you experience the right amount of spook this Halloween season? Stop by one, or ALL, of these seasonally appropriate events

Tour de Fat is Back

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This weekend, one of Denver's most exciting annual events will "ride" back into town - the New Belgium Tour de Fat! The traveling cycling tour, which originated in Fort Collins, aims to foster a bike friendly mentality, both as a form of transportation and as a classic American rite of passage. The 2015 Tour de Fat will take place this Saturday, September 12 at City Park (along E. 17th Ave.), and involves a fun day of beer, bikes and live music!

If this is your first time attending a Tour de Fat, here is what you can expect. The day begins with a costumed bike parade through the city, which is scheduled to begin at 11 A.M. (10 A.M. if you would like to register and participate in the parade). Musical performances are interspersed throughout the day, and include Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, In the Whale, Bud Bronson and the Good Timers, Eldren, and Wild High and the Jekylls. With all this music, you'll surely want to do a little dancing, so participate in the 1,000 Person Dance Contest, which is scheduled for 3:10 P.M. The winner of the contest will receive a New Belgium Cruiser.

The highlight of the Tour de Fat is the Car-for-Bike Trade, where individuals who would like to commit to cycling as a main method of transportation will hand over their car keys! If you would like to be a car for bike trader, you can apply on the Tour de Fat website.

This event is family-friendly! Aside from the previously mentioned activities, guests will also enjoy puppet comedy and the Marnie Sams Muffin Show children's show! The adults will enjoy an array of New Belgium beers, including Cocoa Mole, Slow Ride and Snapshot.

The trip for your home at The Amaranth over to City Park is just a 9-minute car trip, but since this is a cycling event, consider taking your bike! The ride is only 12 minutes! Our neighborhood has a bike score of 90 (out of 100), meaning that our area is a "biker's paradise"with excellent bike lanes!

Do any of our residents plan to bike to the Tour de Fat on Saturday? Let us know on The Amaranth's Facebook and Twitter pages!

Additional sources consulted:
Hey Reverb

Labor Day Weekend Guide

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As much as we love the Summer weather, the time has come to put away the white pants and sandals, and unpack the sweaters. Although Fall doesn't officially start until September 23, Labor Day weekend has come to signify Summer's send-off. If you are searching for some fun ways to end your Summer, these are some events and ideas in the Denver area this weekend!

Taste of Colorado | Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday
Head Downtown to Civic Center Park at some point this weekend for a Taste of Colorado! Throughout the weekend, more than 500,000 people will enjoy 50 restaurants, 275 vendors, and 6 stages in this end of the summer community celebration! Tomorrow the festivities last from 11:30 A.M. through 10 P.M., Saturday and Sunday from 10: 30 A.M. through 10 P.M., and Monday from 10:30 A.M. through 8 P.M. Civic Center park is only a 9-minute drive from The Amaranth, or about a 20-minute walk!

Colorado's State Fair | Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday
It's the last weekend of Colorado's State Fair, which began on August 28, and is held in Pueblo. Events over the holiday weekend include America's Got Talent ventriloquist Terry Fator, LEGO sculptures, livestock shows, Demolition Derby, Los Lonely Boys and much more! Visit the fair website to view a complete schedule of events by day.

Colorado Rockies Game | Friday, Saturday, Sunday
The Colorado Rockies take on the World Champion San Francisco Giants at home at Coors Field! Enjoy one of America's favorite past times with friends and family over the weekend. Visit the official Rockies site for more ticket and promotional information.

Enjoy The Amaranth | Any Day
Maybe you would rather spend your long weekend at home at The Amaranth - and there's nothing wrong with that! Invite some friends over for a barbecue on the patio, talk a walk through Denver Botanic Gardens now that the Corpse Flower crowds are gone, do some yoga or go for a bike ride!

What are your holiday weekend plans? Are you staying in town or are you traveling to another city? Share your plans with us on The Amaranth' Facebook and Twitter pages! Enjoy your holiday weekend!

Additional sources consulted:
5280 Magazine
Denver.org

Dog-Friendly Denver

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As you may recall, or maybe you noticed from all of the dog pictures on your Facebook NewsFeed, yesterday was National Dog Day! If you are a newer resident of The Amaranth, or are new to Denver in general, you may not realize what a dog-friendly area we live in, both within The Amaranth's walls and beyond!

At The Amaranth
We love to see the dogs of The Amaranth in and around the property. In fact, we consider pets members of the family, and our amenities reflect this. If you love to explore the outdoors with your pet, you can pamper and bathe them in our on-site dog washing station. There is also plenty of green areas for your dog to play. While we do have certain breed and age restrictions, we do allow up to 2 pets per home. If you have additional questions regarding our pet policy, just give our offices a call!

In case you missed it, we are running a photo contest on our Facebook page in celebration of National Dog Day! Simply upload a photo of your dog to Facebook, using the hashtag #DogsOfTheAmaranth. The photo with the most "likes" by noon on Wednesday, September 2 (CMT) will receive a $100 VISA gift card to take your award-winning pup on a shopping spree!

Local Dog Parks
Before the weather turns cold, take your dog on a field trip to one our area's many dog parks for some socializing! Parks close to The Amaranth include Stapleton Off Leash Dog Park, Lowry Dog Park and Railyard Dog Park. If you've never taken your dog to a park before, make sure to bring supplies to clean up waste and be sure that your dog is properly immunized.

Dog-Friendly Patios
When you think of Denver, you likely think of beer, and many Denver bars and restaurants will allow your dog to accompany you on their outdoor patios. While the weather is still warm, take the dogs along with you on your social outings! Jakes Food & Spirits, Black Pearl Restaurant, LoHi Steakbar, and The Watering Bowl all allow pets in their outdoor seating areas, according to Visit Denver.

Aside from the places we have listed above, The Amaranth's walkable neighborhood with tree-lined streets and close proximity to Cheesman Park offer beautiful spaces for a scenic walk with your dog. You and your pet will feel right at home at The Amaranth and throughout our neighborhood!

Laugh Out Loud at High Plains Comedy Festival

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"LOL" is an acronym you likely use in everyday life, whether it's through text or via email, and often times we aren't actually "laughing out loud" when we type it. If you need a really good, genuine laugh, you will not want to miss this weekend's High Plains Comedy Festival, which kicks off today and lasts through Saturday, August 22!

Now in its third year, the festival aims to highlight both national and local comics. Who can you look forward to seeing at this year's festival? The big headliner for this year is comedian Anthony Jeselnik, who you may have seen on Comedy Central roasts or on his show "The Jeselnik Offensive." Other performers include Nikki Glaser, Dan St. Germain, Rory Scovel and nearly 70 others. While the festival's events will be held at venues along South Broadway, the festival's headliner will be performing at Paramount Theater in Downtown Denver. Please note, most of the festival's other venues are 21+ since they are mostly bar environments. The festival is meant to be walkable, so venues are all fairly close to one another. Take advantage of their close proximity and enjoy as many shows as you can possibly cram into 72 hours!

Tickets and passes for the festival may be purchased on the official website. Guests may purchase tickets for individual shows or passes for the entire weekend. Ticket prices for individual shows range from $10-$39.50, while festival passes cost $125. Guests who purchase festival passes will also eligible to attend the headlining show and will receive a limited edition T-shirt! According to 5280 Magazine, if you haven't attended the festival in year's past, "you've been missing out."

Enjoy Denver's stand-up comedy friendly environment and watch new and emerging comedic talent! You just may end up seeing some of these performers on "Last Comic Standing," which headliner Anthony Jeselnik hosts!

The events of the High Plains Comedy Festival are easily accessible from your home at The Amaranth. The Paramount Theater is a quick 10-minute drive away, as are most of the festival's additional venues.

Have you attended the High Plains Comedy Festival in years past, or do you plan to attend this year's event? Share which performances you'll be seeing on The Amaranth's Facebook and Twitter pages!

Additional sources consulted:
Denver.org

USA Pro Cycling Challenge Prep

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The greater Denver area is certainly no stranger to the annual USA Pro Cycling Challenge. While the 2015 race kicks off on Monday, August 17, the race will not make its way through Denver until the final day of the race, Sunday, August 23. As the race winds its way up Lookout Mountain, through Golden, and into the streets of Denver, you will need to know not only the best places to be to view the race, but also which areas of Denver will be affected by road closures. 

Stage 7 of the race, the Golden to Denver route, will affect quite a few major highways from approximately 1:10 p.m. until 4 p.m. on August 23. These include: SH 93, U.S. 40, SH 121, SH 95 and U.S 40-287. You can receive daily road closure information by dialing 511 or by visiting the CDOT website. The estimated finish time of the race is at 3:45 p.m.

If you would like to watch the competition for yourself, the race route will run four laps around Civic Center Park, City Park and 17th Street. According to a 2014 article from 5280 Magazine, the closer you get to Colfax Street, the more crowded it gets. The magazine also recommends that if you want the best view possible, to arrive close to the finish line early! While the finish line is reserved for VIPs, if you get there early enough, you should be able to stake out a good spot! A more unconventional viewing location is Speer Boulevard.

To celebrate the Denver leg of the race, the "Stage 7 Finish Festival" will commence at Civic Center Park at 11 a.m. on race day, and will last through 5 p.m. The festival will feature vendors, food trucks, drinks, awards ceremony and more! 

If you are interested in doing more than watching the race, volunteers are needed! Interested parties can fill out a volunteer form on the USA Pro Challenge site. Opportunities are available in hospitality, check-in, set-up/tear-down and more!

 

Start doing your Pro Cycling Challenge planning now! Civic Center Park is less than 2 miles away from your home at The Amaranth! 

Additional sources consulted:

Denver.org

FOX 31 Denver

What's that Smell? A Rare Opportunity Awaits at Denver Botanic Gardens

Photo courtesy Denver Botanic Garden Facebook

If you are currently a resident at The Amaranth, you know just how easy it is to make a trip across the street to visit the Denver Botanic Gardens. However, in the next couple of weeks, a truly rare, possibly even a once in a lifetime, opportunity awaits. While this opportunity may not smell all that enticing, you have to experience it to believe it. Intrigued yet? This rare sight and experience is none other than the Corpse Flower.

The Corpse Flower, otherwise known as the Titum Arum, is named for the foul smell it emits in order to attract pollinators. The flower is predicted to bloom within the next couple of weeks, with a current predicted date of August 16. Once it begins to bloom, the flower will only continue to do so for approximately 48 hours. This will mark the very first time the Corpse Flower at Denver Botanic Gardens has blossomed, and this is the only Corpse Flower to be found in the Rocky Mountain Region!

While the rotting flesh-like smell emitted by the plant may deter you from wanting to visit it in-person, with all odors aside, the flower is a beautiful sight when it blossoms. Upon blooming, the flower displays gorgeous purple and yellow petals. It can take up to 20 years after it is planted for the flower to bloom, and there may be up to a 10 year gap between blossoms. The flower at the Gardens is from Sumatra and is 15 years old.

Are you interested in seeing (and smelling) this unique flower for yourself? Be sure to follow Denver Botanic Gardens on social media (here are links to their Facebook and Twitter pages) for up-to-date news, or search using the hashtag #StinkyDBG! Last month in Berkeley, California, the Corpse Flower at UC Berkeley drew approximately 2,000 visitors when it bloomed! The Botanic Gardens does plan to extend its hours while the flower blooms to accommodate more visitors. Good thing we live right across the street, because in the next couple of weeks, all eyes will be on the Denver Botanic Garden's Corpse Flower!

Additional sources consulted:
ABC News 7 Denver
9 News

Events, Entertainment and Exhibits: It's the Denver County Fair

Image courtesy Pixabay

Since we reside in Denver, of course we love the aspects of city life. However, that doesn't meant that we don't like a dose of country living every now and then. This weekend, enjoy a uniquely Denver event that combines aspects of both city and suburban life at the Denver County Fair, which begins tomorrow and runs through August 2.

As stated in The Denver Post, the Denver County has "a reputation of being one of the craziest fairs in the country." What makes this so? Sure, there are livestock events and competitions, but how many county fairs do you know of that have a "Community Cat Show," including categories like "Grumpiest Cat?" Speaking of cats, one very important guest of this year's event is feline internet sensation Lil Bub! If cat-themed events aren't "out of the box" enough for you, get your photo taken with "Uniclyde," a Clydesdale unicorn. Seriously!

If you're in search of events on the more traditional side of the spectrum, visit the carnival rides and go for a spin on the Ferris Wheel! The concerts are also something that every fair visitor can enjoy. Performers at the main stage concert event include Everclear, Toadies, Fuel, American Hi-Fi! The concert will take place on Saturday, August 1. If you're a fan of The Who, you'll definitely want to see cover band The Substitutes, also on Saturday, at 2 p.m.

This is just a glimpse into what you will find at the 2015 Denver County Fair. If you're interested in attending the wacky or traditional festivities, here is some important information you need to have. The county fair is held at the National Western Complex, along Humboldt Street. Advanced tickets cost $10 and parking costs $8 per day. All tickets for the fair are weekend passes, too! For carnival rides, guests can purchase an unlimited pass for $20 per day. Since the fair is only a short 15 minute drive away from your home at The Amaranth, you can certainly make use of those weekend passes! Hours for the fair are as follows: tomorrow from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Enjoy one of Denver's oddest and most fun events of the year! See you at the fair!

Cheesman Park Art Fest

Image courtesy Pixabay

While we have mentioned this before, one aspect of our neighborhood that we will never tire of is our close proximity to historic Cheesman Park! While the park typically provides a place to walk, jog or picnic, this upcoming weekend brings something special to the park. If you are in search of something to do that involves arts and the outdoors, look no further - this weekend the park will host the 3rd Annual Cheesman Park Art Festival! Clear some space on your calendars for July 25-July 26 to enjoy art, food and fun, just steps away from your home at The Amaranth!

More than 100 juried artists and merchants from throughout the country will converge upon Capital Hill's, and our neighborhood's own, Cheesman Park this weekend for the festival. Guests will encounter any and all types of art imaginable, including pottery, jewelry, glass art, paintings and more. The two-day, outdoor show will take place along the park's tree-lined greenscape, off of 8th Ave. Hours for the festival are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. 

Completing the artistic atmosphere will be local musicians, food trucks, demonstrations and kid's activities. Participating food trucks include: El Toro the Tot, Tacos La Tapatia, Deer Creek Pizza, Cilantro Truck and more. Visitors are encouraged to take public transportation, walk, or bike to the event, which will be simple for Amaranth residents to do! However, if you need to travel by car to the event, parking will be available along 8th Ave. This event is free to attend! 

One important (non) factor is the weather - the forecast looks mostly sunny for the weekend with temperatures in upper 80s! Walk over to the festival, cool off with some ice cream, and take a look at the works of art! If you wanted to make a day out of the event, pack up a picnic basket or blanket to lay out and enjoy the scenery before or after the festival. 

It's close to home, it's free and it's fun - what else could you want from a local event? Visit the park this weekend and enjoy all that Amaranth living has to offer!

Cherry Creek North Sidewalk Sale

Image courtesy Pixabay

As a kid, probably the only fun part about preparing to go back to school was getting to go shopping for new clothing, new shoes and other supplies. However, just because we may not be in school anymore, that doesn't mean we can't use the summertime as an excuse to treat ourselves to a little shopping spree! This weekend, the stores at Cherry Creek North give us the perfect opportunity to shop until we drop! For the 45th year, the store are taking their merchandise to the sidewalks for its annual sidewalk sale!

Consider July 16 through July 19, the dates of the sidewalk sale, as Christmas in July! Nearly 80 stores will be participating in the event, including clothing, gifts and jewelry stores, and even spas. According to 5280 [The Denver Magazine], this event requires some planning before hitting the sale. The magazine recommends making a list of which stores are participating in the sale, taking stock of what is missing or needs replaced in your closet, and asking store managers for specific details about the sale (for example, will the discounts increase throughout the sale?). Some of the stores taking part are SOL Store of Lingerie, Deja Blue Boutique, White House Black Market, West Elm and Sur La Table. To view a full list of stores, click here. Whether you're in search of something for your closet, a gift, home decor, or some pampering, the sidewalk sale is sure to provide you with plenty of desirable options! If this sale is considered "Christmas in July," you may even want to consider upcoming birthdays and holidays that you could shop for now! 

Luckily, your apartment home at The Amaranth is less than 10 minutes away from the shops at Cherry Creek North, so you can easily make multiple trips to the sidewalk sale to get the best deals! Store hours are Thursday through Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM. Let us know about the amazing deals you scored at the sale on The Amaranth's Facebook and Twitter pages! Shoppers, on your mark, get set, SHOP!

Leasing Luxury at The Amaranth

The Amaranth Overlooking the Gardens is a brand new apartment community located in Denver's Cheesman Park neighborhood. Our studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartment homes are perfectly planned to fit your needs, whether it's a modern, refined studio or a larger living space with both communal and private areas.

Our Neighborhood
The Amaranth is located adjacent to Denver Botanic Gardens, down the street from Cheesman Park, and only minutes from Cherry Creek's fine shopping and dining. Our charming neighborhood is filled with tree-lined streets, tucked away from the noise of downtown, but still close to the city's action. Our neighborhood is perfect for those who enjoy the benefits of city living, but enjoy retiring to a quiet space at the end of the evening. Our neighborhood is also very bike-friendly, as we boast a score of 90, and a walk score of 77.

Community Amenities
The Amaranth's modern amenities are what sets our community apart from the typical Denver apartment homes. You will be proud to invite guests to your new living space here. Residents may entertain guests on our rooftop lounge, complete with a fireplace, gas grill and entertainment kitchen, in addition to providing stunning views of the Denver Botanic Gardens and surrounding mountain landscape.

Residents also enjoy our main level community lounge, with a fireplace and wraparound patio, our fitness lounge with yoga and spinning capabilities, bike and ski repair area, and even a dog washing station to keep your canine companions clean after a day of hiking. Our apartment homes are the perfect place to unwind after a day of outdoor adventures.

Have we piqued your interest? We want to invite YOU to The Amaranth's Grand Opening tomorrow, Thursday, July 9, starting at 6 PM! At our event, prospective residents will have the opportunity to view our apartments up close and personal, ask any questions of our leasing staff, and mix and mingle with current residents! If you are unable to attend tomorrow's event, you may schedule a tour by appointment here. View our website to take a look at our floor plans and photos, or visit us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram!

July 4th Festivities

Image courtesy Pixabay

This Saturday, July 4th, the United States of America will celebrate its 239th birthday! Because we live in such a large city, there is certainly no shortage of ways to celebrate this Independence Day in the Denver area. With an extra long weekend ahead, get ready to get out of the apartment and do some American celebrating!

Fireworks
What would a Fourth of July celebration be without cozying up to watch fireworks dazzle the night skies? There are numerous fireworks displays scheduled throughout Denver area, but within the city the main shows are Independence Eve at Civic Center Park on July 3, and Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park on July 4. The fireworks at Elitch Park are free with regular admission. Both shows are scheduled to begin at dusk.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival
Just minutes away from your apartment home at The Amaranth lies Cherry Creek, which plans to celebrate its 25th annual Arts Festival over the holiday weekend. This three-day event begins Friday, July 3 and ends on Sunday the 5th. Festival hours are Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Admission to the arts festival is free. Music, arts, activities, food and much more await arts festival visitors!

Liberty Run 4 Mile
If running in a race is an annual July 4th tradition for you, the Liberty Run 4 Mile race, which supports the Fetal Health Foundation takes place at 8:30 AM. Runners are encouraged to wear their red, white and blue attire, as prizes will be awarded for the most patriotic. The run will be held in Washington Park.

Of course, if you prefer to stay at home at The Amaranth, that is certainly an option too! Enjoy the views from our rooftop, take a walk to Cheesman Park, or bake an old-fashioned apple pie! What are your plans for the holiday? Whether it's fireworks, the arts festival, running or anything in between, we want to know! Share your plans with The Amaranth on our Facebook and Twitter pages! Have a safe and happy holiday! Happy Independence Day!

Additional sources consulted:
5280 [The Denver Magazine]
9News
The Denver Post
Thrillist

Bike to Work Day Denver

Image courtesy Pixabay

Denver is home to the second largest Bike to Work day celebration, so Happy Bike to Work Day, fellow Denverites! According to a March 2015 CBS 4 report, Denver bike commuting increased by 43% when compared to the previous year. Were you among the 20, 067 people who registered to "bike to work" today? If so, you may have taken advantage of free breakfast or other freebies, but just because you may have forgotten to register or ride, that doesn't mean you have completely missed out on the bike to work incentives. Here are some of the benefits of biking to work, from the official Bike to Work Day website.

• Exercise and commute combined - we're all busy, so why not multi-task?
• Save money - from filling up the gas tank to car insurance, driving adds up, and so does bus fare.
• Environmentally-friendly - riding a bike does not add pollutants to the air! 

If you cannot take part in any of this year's festivities, but would still like to consider biking to work as a transportation option, here are some things to consider:

• Map out a plan: Plan your route to work ahead of time, taking things like bike lanes and heavily congested vehicle traffic areas into consideration. It may be helpful to plot your route on Google maps and keep your smartphone handy as you ride (safely, of course).
• Check the weather: Nobody wants to arrive at work dripping in sweat or soaked to the bone from the rain. Perhaps bring a change of clothing and shoes.
• For additional tips on a smooth driving to biking transition, read this recent article from The Denver Post.

Another thing you can do to increase your involvement in biking is to register for an upcoming ride! Bike Denver is a useful resource on upcoming biking races and rides.

The Amaranth's location has a Bike Score of 90, meaning "flat as a pancake, excellent bike lanes!" Cheeseman Park, located just down the street, is a great location to practice biking if it has been a while since you have ridden. So, what are you waiting for! Summer is the perfect season to not only hit the trails, but hit the streets and refresh your methods of transportation!

Breckenridge Brewery's Littleton Opening

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If you have grown up or lived in Colorado for a significant amount of time, you have surely been raised to or have morphed into a lover of craft beer. Whether you love craft beer or have been desperately searching for the perfect Father's Day gift for Dad (yes, it's this Sunday, June 21), this ought to pique your interest - This Sunday the Littleton location of Breckenridge Brewery is celebrating its grand opening!

Tours of the new brewery begin on Sunday, and the brewery will continue to host four tour groups per day, Wednesday through Monday. The Littleton campus location is 12 acres and consists of three different buildings. What does a tour of the facility entail for guests? Tours begin in a tasting room, where you and your guests will enjoy a sample of delicious craft beer,  and views of the brewery mezzanine, barrelhouse and packaging areas. At the conclusion of the tour, guests will enjoy a flight of beer. Tours cost $3 for those 21 and over. Guests under 21 years of age may also participate in tours, minus the sampling, of course. Breckenridge Brewery currently produces more than 65,000 barrels of beer each and every day, making it the largest craft beer producer in the Denver/Littleton area.

In addition to the beginning of tours, the brewery will also open its beer garden, complete with bocce ball courts, to the public on Sunday. Guests may also choose to dine at the on-site Farm House Restaurant, which features delicious "Colorado fresh" fare.

Are you interested in taking a tour of this brand new local Denver attraction? Book your tour reservations through the brewery's website, or by calling the brewery or Farm House restaurant directly. The Littleton campus of Breckenridge Brewery is located just south of Denver, off of Highway 85, so it's easy for you and your guests to get there. From your apartment home at The Amaranth to the brewery is approximately a half-hour drive.

Do you prefer to buy dad a gift or an experience for Father's Day? Do you plan to tour the Breckenridge Brewery Littleton campus? Share your thoughts with us on The Amaranth's Facebook and Twitter pages!

Additional sources consulted:

Westword