Denver is known for its buzzing urban environment and its abundance of interesting ways to pass the time. Before the school year comes to a close and students return to their hometowns for the summer, there are a few places and events to consider checking out.
The Mercury Cafe
2199 California St.
For those who adhere to a vegan diet – or who simply appreciate local, organic suppliers – the Mercury Cafe provides the ideal meal, composed of ingredients provided by local farmers.
It is also a multifaceted community center, housing dance lessons, yoga sessions, music, poetry slams and open mic’s throughout the week.
Mondays feature belly dancing classes, while swing lessons take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and tango is offered on Fridays. There is yoga on Saturday mornings and poetry on both Friday and Sunday nights.
For specific times and information regarding other featured events, the calendar posted on their website is accessible.
Denver Botanic Gardens
1007 York St.
The Botanic Gardens showcases a widely varied collection of plants displayed in aesthetically pleasing, artistic forms. Their exhibits change with the seasons; it is never a dull experience.
Many events are held at the gardens throughout the week, and this Thursday a sunrise vinyasa yoga class will take place from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
For students, admission to the Denver Botanic Gardens is only $9.
Snooze
2262 Larimer St. and 700 Colorado Blvd.
This highly acclaimed “A.M. Eatery” is open from 6:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., so the early bird certainly does get the worm when looking to dine at Snooze – or, rather, the early riser gets to choose from an extremely unique selection of pancakes, ranging from sweet potato to “red-eye velvet” to pineapple upside down.
Snooze was voted “Best Breakfast/Brunch” by 5280 Magazine in 2007, 2008 and 2009, and has won a variety of other awards, such as the 2009 Whole Grains Challenge, Channel 7’s Best Breakfast in Denver 2008 and 2009 and the Mayor’s Design Award 2007. They also practice sustainability by composting and recycling over 90 percent of their waste.
There is a constant line lingering in the entrance to all locations, so definitely call ahead before heading this way for brunch.
The Color Run
The Color Run is a 5k run, jog or walk open to people of all ages and physical abilities.
Promoting health, fun and community, The Color Run has partnered this year with The Children’s Hospital, to which they will donate a portion of their proceeds.
All runners must adhere to a white-shirt dress code at the starting line, and each kilometer is designated to blasting a “100 percent natural and safe magical color dust” on the participants as they pass.
The website promises participants will be, “completely colored Willy Wonka goodness at the finish.”
The Color Run is this Saturday in City Park. While registration is now closed, watching the air explode with the spectrum of colors is sure to be a unique and exciting experience.
The Bolder Boulder
While Boulder is roughly a 45-minute drive from Denver, it is fairly easy to reach by bus, and the Dick’s Sporting Goods BolderBoulder next Monday is an exciting annual 10k event well worth the trip to observe, if not participating in.
It’s a celebration throughout the city, and many different street performers, vendors and activities will be set up throughout the streets of Boulder the whole Memorial Day weekend.
