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        <title>Denver Real Estate Blog</title>
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        <description>Denver real estate topics including local metro Denver community news and events.</description>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/exploring-denver-the-world-and-beyond-at-the-denver-museum-of-nature-and-science.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/exploring-denver-the-world-and-beyond-at-the-denver-museum-of-nature-and-science.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Exploring Denver, the World and Beyond at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science, which combines a museum with an IMAX theater and a Planetarium, offers an interesting day out in the Denver area which will intrigue anyone who has ever wondered about how the world works. You can learn about the stars, about the diverse species of animals that share the planet with us, or discover more about your own body.

The museum was founded in 1900. One of the founders was a naturalist called Edwin Carter, who had come to the area in order to explore the Rocky Mountains and discover more about its birds and mammals. Carter's collection of local species formed the original content of the museum, although it was soon joined by the collections of some other local scientists, the gold specimens of John Campion and the moths and butterflies of John Mason. The museum has continued to expand since this time, with new buildings and collections being added in order to fulfill Carter's dream that the museum would become one of America's great educational institutions.

Currently, the museum is undergoing a new, ten year long phase of development under the plan known as Museum 20/20. This has already led to the establishment of the permanent Expedition Health exhibition, which provides visitors with a personalized insight into how their own bodies work, and will soon lead to further new exhibits, including the Rocky Mountain Science Collections Center. This center will gather all of the museum's Rocky Mountain treasures into one place, where they will be available for both visitors and scientists who want to learn more about the local Denver area.

In addition to the exhibits in the museum itself, visitors can watch films in the IMAX theater or attend a show in the Planetarium. The films and shows change regularly, so it is a good idea to check what is on and when before you plan your visit.

Special events and activities regularly take place in the museum, many of which are geared towards families and children. These activities are most popular with Denver residents and schools, although visitors to the area are welcome too. Children can learn more about nature and science through workshops, sleep in the museum during one of the camp-ins, or join a summer camp to spend a week exploring science with the museum. Workshops are also available which are designed for parents and children to attend together. Joining in one of the organized events at the museum is the perfect way to learn more about the exhibits, and they often allow participants to see the museum in a very different way. Sitting under the night sky in the Planetarium feels very different when you know it is actually dark outside.

There are also plenty of opportunities for adult visitors in the museum to learn more about science and nature. It is possible to take a class at the museum, to attend lectures or to attend the monthly Science Lounge, where you can enjoy a combination of cocktails and science.

The museum is open every day of the year between 9 am and 5 pm, except Christmas Day. Ticket prices vary, depending on whether you want to visit the museum, the IMAX, the Planetarium or some combination of the three. It is cheaper to buy a combined ticket for two or three of these attractions rather than to pay separately, so try to decide which parts you want to visit before you get your tickets.

The Denver museum hosts many different exhibitions throughout the year, so there is often something new to see. Many locals who are regular visitors like to become members of the museum in order to benefit from free entry and discounted tickets for the IMAX and Planetarium.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:03:41 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/icons-of-the-rockies-and-other-art-at-the-denver-art-museum.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/icons-of-the-rockies-and-other-art-at-the-denver-art-museum.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Icons of the Rockies and Other Art at the Denver Art Museum</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The Denver Art Museum holds some of the most iconic images of the American West, alongside a selection of paintings, sculptures, textiles and other artwork from around the world.

The museum began as the Denver Artists' Club in the 1890s, and moved through many different venues before coming to rest in its current location in 1949. The museum has since been expanded twice in order to provide the 356,000 square feet of space that now houses the galleries, auditorium and exhibition spaces.

The museum has a huge and incredibly diverse collection of art from around the world. This includes an excellent collection of Western American art that will hold a particular interest for residents of Denver and the surrounding area, as well as anyone who takes an interest in the local history and art. One of the most important pieces in this collection is the painting &quot;Long Jakes&quot; by Charles Deas, which is considered to be the most influential icon of the Rocky Mountains. It shows a mountain man, clad in a bright red coat and mounted on a black horse, reflecting the heroic Western image of independence amid the wilderness.

In addition to the Western American collection, the museum houses large collections of artworks from the rest of the Americas. The collections of American, American Indian, Spanish Colonial and Pre-Columbian Art in the museum contain hundreds of superb artifacts and pieces of art from North, South and Central America. Denver Art Museum is the only museum in the Americas where it is possible to see work from all of the main artistic movements and centers of Latin America. There are also collections of art from Asia, Africa and Europe, and well as photography and architecture collections, so there is something to interest every art lover.

In addition to its permanent collections, the museum regularly hosts new visiting exhibitions. These usually require payment of an additional entry fee, but they often include world famous artworks and are worth the extra expense if they are based on an artist or type of art that particularly interests you.

The Denver Art Museum is a family friendly attraction that offers many ways for children to interact with the art that they see as they walk around the galleries. There are various activity packs that can be picked up and used to keep the younger members of the family entertained and engaged with the art as you tour the museum, as well as interactive hotspots around the galleries and in the Family Center. These allow children to be inspired by the museum's collections and try out their own creative and artistic skills with projects inspired by some of the museum's most interesting pieces.

As well as welcoming younger visitors on a day-by-day basis, the museum hosts a number of events, many of which are designed to inspire children with an interest in art. There are special tours for local schools, activity days, classes and camps for children, and even educational lectures, art courses and social events for adults.

Admission to the museum is free on the first Saturday of the month, and children under the age of five always enter free of charge, as do members of the museum. Many residents of the Denver area decide to join the museum in order to be able to visit as many times as they like during the year. Some people also choose to volunteer at the museum, which often needs helpers for events. The museum also periodically offers a training program for volunteers who would like to learn more about the collections and train to take other visitors on guided tours of the galleries.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:57:26 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/the-last-campfire-on-the-frontier-daniels-park-denver.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/the-last-campfire-on-the-frontier-daniels-park-denver.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>The Last Campfire on the Frontier: Daniels Park, Denver</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Daniels Park is a 1000 acre mountain park near Denver that provides a unique and intriguing insight into American history, and particularly the local history of the Denver area. It contains not only a Native American memorial and a historic ranch, but also a herd of living bison. Walking through the park is almost like stepping back into the time before Denver had grown into a major city.

A large section of the park is maintained in its natural state, offering visitors the chance to wander through the high plains habitat, complete with Bison. The 800 acre Bison preserve is one of the most unique and important features of the park. The herd was first introduced to the park in 1939 and is now a self-sustaining, breeding herd. The Plains habitat in Daniels Park is an interesting addition to the Denver mountain parks system, which mostly occupies higher ground. It offers nature lovers a chance to explore a very different habitat and look for species that are not found in the other mountain parks.

In addition to the natural beauty of the area and the Bison preserve, Daniels Park has much of historic value to offer. The old ranch house and outbuildings from the 1920s are still standing, and provide an insight into the days when this was a working ranch. Daniels Park Road, which was in existence before 1864 as an early territorial road. There is also a historic stone shelter built in 1922 to the designs of J.J.B. Benedict. The park also contains a Native American site, the Tall Bull Memorial Grounds.

Daniels Park was one of the first areas around Denver to be settled. In 1859, the wealth of timber in the vicinity caused a man called Major Oakes to set up a sawmill at Riley's Gulch, near the Pretty Woman Ranch. This ranch was a stage stop on the First Territorial Road, which linked Denver with Colorado Springs. According to local legend, Riley Hill was a favorite spot for outlaws, who would watch for the stagecoach from this spot.

It was on Riley Hill that the scout Kit Carson died as he traveled home to New Mexico. He built what he called his &quot;last campfire&quot; on the hill when he stopped there to eat a midday meal with Major Oakes, who was his friend and traveling companion. Carson's words proved to be true. He died several days later, before he was able to reach home. A monument was erected on Riley Hill in 1923 in remembrance of Carson's last campfire and the end of the frontier that was slowly dying as the period of westward expansion came to an end.

The Daniels Park area was a popular attraction for locals and visitors even before it officially became a park. During the 1920s, many people came to Daniels Park to admire the stunning views of the Rockies, although they knew the area as Wildcat Point or Auto View. The land was donated to the city by Florence Martin and named after her friends, Major William Cook Daniels and Mrs. Daniels. The first section of 40 acres was donated in 1920, with the remainder being donated in 1937.

Daniels Park today is very popular with locals living in the nearby area, including the city of Denver, but it is also a major attraction for visitors from across the Colorado region. Visitors can follow a number of trails around the park, but there are also plenty of areas where they can sit down and enjoy the spectacular views. Among these are some amazing views of the front range of the Rocky Mountains. There are a number of picnic areas, some of which have charcoal burning grills as well as a comfortable shelter house.
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            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:43:09 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/escaping-the-city-in-chatfield-state-park.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/escaping-the-city-in-chatfield-state-park.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Escaping the City in Chatfield State Park</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Chatfield is a State Park set around the Chatfield Reservoir, on the Platte River just outside of Denver. Despite its proximity to the city, the area is a haven for native wildlife as well as a beautiful place in which to relax and enjoy the fresh air.

The Chatfield reservoir and park attracts many of the local Denver residents out of the city, as well as being an attraction for visitors from further away who want to experience the magnificent natural beauty of Colorado. The park is set in the foothills to the southwest of Denver, and includes a section of the Platte River valley and the entire Chatfield reservoir.

It is the water that attracts most of the visitors who come to the park. One of the most popular activities for visitors is boating on the reservoir. There are a number of launch lanes and docks, and it is also possible to rent a slip or a boat at the marina. This is a popular choice for Denver boat owners who want to be able to come out to the park and enjoy a day on the water whenever they choose. Boating is permitted as long as the water remains unfrozen.

A selection of different trails can be followed through the park, offering routes that take in all of the most beautiful areas and views. Some of the trails are suitable for bikes, skates or horses. Picnic sites are available around the park, some of which have grills. There are also some group picnicking sites that can be reserved for special events or organized group outings. Numerous events such as wildlife walks and guided hikes are held in the park throughout the year, and special educational programs are available for groups and schools.

Chatfield State Park is the perfect place to take an active family. As well as the beautiful scenery and hills through which you can walk or hike, there are a wide range of different outdoor activities that can be enjoyed in the park, so there will be something to interest every member of the family. A day out in the park can include cycling, sailing, swimming, horseback riding, flying model airplanes or water skiing, and it is even possible to spend the night within the park, at one of the many campsites.

The four camping grounds are fully served with water and power, and offer sites suitable for a range of different tents and vehicles. There are almost 200 sites in the camping areas, but it is a good idea to reserve your spot, since camping in the park is very popular. Some camping areas are open during the winter months.

During the winter, when the conditions are right, the park is also used for cross-country skiing.

Nature lovers will find that there are many interesting species of plants and animals in the park, which they may be lucky enough to spot during their visit. Some of the larger, but often more difficult to find, creatures that inhabit the park are elk, deer and bears. Bald Eagles may also sometimes be spotted among the more than 300 different species of birds that use the park. A list of all these species is available from the park's website, and is very helpful for birdwatchers.&nbsp;
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            <pubDate>Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:03:37 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/golfing-and-celebrating-at-the-lone-tree-club-and-hotel.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/golfing-and-celebrating-at-the-lone-tree-club-and-hotel.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Golfing And Celebrating At The Lone Tree Club And Hotel</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

The Lone Tree Golf Club and Hotel has much more to offer than just a good golf course. It is a venue that has the feel of a private country club, though the golf course is open to the public, and it offers a selection of features that make it a place to which every member of the family will enjoy coming for a day out.

The main building is a large, Tudor style property that stretches across the landscape like an elegant English country estate. The hotel at the Lone Tree Gold Club has fifteen luxury suites as well as a selection of meeting and conference rooms for business use. There are also elegant reception and banqueting halls, which provide the perfect spaces for special events, parties and weddings. The club and its staff have experience with hosting weddings and can take care of all the arrangements from the wedding cake to the honeymoon suite as part of their wedding package. A free night's stay in the hotel's premier suite is included in the package. The club can also help to arrange other events, large or small, and offer the services of a Special Events Coordinator to ensure that everything is just right.

The course itself is a pleasure to play on, with 18 holes, each with four tee points. This is a Par 72 championship course that was designed by Arnold Palmer. The layout includes some gently undulating greens, bunkers and manicured, well maintained grass. The player is surrounded by spectacular views of Denver and the Rocky Mountains as they make their way around the course.

This is a challenging course, particularly when played from the most difficult tee points, but it is suitable for golfers of all levels of ability. A practice area has been set aside where players can hone their skills, of perhaps pass on their wisdom to a younger member of the family. There are practice bunkers, putting and chipping greens and a grass driving range. Professional golf instructors are also available at the club for those players who want to work on their game. Golf clinics can be arranged for groups.

Tee times can be checked online in order to book ahead, and residents of the district are eligible for discounted rates. Tournaments can be arranged on the course, either for the full course or for nine holes.

Golfers who use the course at the Lone Tree Club will have access to facilities that include lockers, showers and a golf club cleaning service. There is also room for them to store their golf clubs at the course.

The club also has its own tennis courts, so golfers can vary their game, or perhaps bring along a friend or family member who prefers tennis to golf.

The club has its own restaurant and bar, the Out of Bounds Grill, which provides a selection of food including the sort of meals that a hungry golfer can look forward to after completing their round.

The Lone Tree Golf Club and Hotel is set in South Metro Denver. It can be reached easily from anywhere in the Denver area, and has many loyal players from Highlands Ranch.

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            <pubDate>Sun, 20 Jun 2010 06:59:04 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/the-hudson-gardens-and-event-center.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/the-hudson-gardens-and-event-center.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>The Hudson Gardens and Event Center</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

The land on which the gardens stand was once owned by Colonel King Hudson and his wife, Evelyn Leigh Hudson. The Hudsons ran a restaurant, The Country Kitchen, from the site of what is now The Inn, but they also took great care of their property, ensuring that the riverbank lost none of its natural beauty, and even extending their land from the original five acres. The Country Kitchen was opened in 1942, and it remained open until 1962. They then leased the property to The North Woods Inn, which continued to operate a restaurant on the site until 1997. By this time, the Hudsons had become even more active in ensuring that the neighborhood was kept beautiful and that the environment was protected. After King Hudson died in 1984, his wife set up the foundation that would ensure their dream would continue. Evelyn was the first president of the foundation, which was intended to promote beauty and the ecological benefits with which it is associated. Evelyn dies in 1988, but the foundation she had started lived on. In 1996, the gardens were first opened to the general public, and they have been a popular attraction for local families ever since.

The Hudson Gardens and Events Center is the culmination of all of the Hudsons' dreams. The gardens provide a beautiful display of all that can be accomplished in the dry Colorado area, with flourishing trees, plants and flowers that are carefully matched to their habitat. The gardens include areas of wetland along the river, which ranges up towards high prairies. The initial five acres that were bought by the Hudsons now include thirty acres of spectacular flowers, ponds and native plants. The path that leads visitors through the gardens is a mile and a quarter long. There are sculptures, hideaways and a garden railroad hidden among the plants.

The gardens are run as a non-profit organization, and they still follow the Hudsons' dream of protecting the environment and creating something beautiful. In addition to the maintaining the gardens themselves, the organization now also runs an educational program and hosts concerts and community events. This has added another aspect to the purpose of this space. It is no longer simply about beauty and nature, but about bringing the local community into the outdoors and getting them involved with the ecological and horticultural goals of the project.

The gardens are a popular attraction in the Denver area, and are often visited by local residents. One of the best ways to explore the gardens is to take the audio tour, which can be listened to on a cell phone. This will cost the same as a regular phone call of the same length, however, and it is just as much fun to wander through the gardens and see where your feet take you.

Concerts and events are held regularly in the gardens. Tickets are available online and are sold at a reduced rate to members of the Hudson Gardens. Becoming a member is a good idea for anyone who expects to attend events regularly, and is popular with many of the residents of Highlands Ranch. Membership also includes free entry to over 150 gardens across the US.

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            <pubDate>Sat, 19 Jun 2010 08:39:17 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/the-heart-of-the-highlands-ranch-community-civic-green-park.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/the-heart-of-the-highlands-ranch-community-civic-green-park.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>The Heart Of The Highlands Ranch Community: Civic Green Park</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

One of the best parts about living in Highlands Ranch is that there is plenty of green space in which to get out on a sunny day, or to take part in some of the events that are regularly held in these parks and gardens. Civic Green Park lies right at the heart of the area, and it is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll or a day out with the family.

Children are well provided for, with a range of different playthings and points of interest in the park. During the summer, there is a wading pool where many of the area's children love to come and cool off in the water. The spectacular interactive fountains are another summer specialty that are one of the park's most exciting features for the young and the young at heart. The water that is used in the park is treated to the same standards as swimming pool water, and is re-circulated between different water features in order to conserve water and help protect the environment.

The permanent play area features a range of structures for the little ones to climb over and play upon, while there is also plenty of space in which to roam freely. The park has been planted with species that thrive in the dry conditions that are experienced in the area, and they provide an excellent opportunity for gardeners from Highlands Ranch to pick up some ideas for their own planting.

Less active visitors will find that there are plenty of comfortable spaces in which they can sit back and watch the world go by. One of the most popular areas is fond near the western edge of the park, where picnic tables are sheltered under an open sided structure. There is even an electrical outlet so visitors can arrange to hold a party here, complete with music. This, or any of the other structures in the park, can be reserved for a special event or family get together.

One of the most prominent landmarks in the park is the monument, a tower that stands at the main entrance, while the amphitheatre is the venue of many of the park's cultural events. A large outdoor space, sheltered under a dramatic curving roof, the amphitheater has hosed many musical and dramatic events. &nbsp;Among the special events that have been held in the Civic Green Park are concerts, dance performances and screenings of family movies. The amphitheatre can hold an audience of up to 3000 people.

The park has not yet been completed. The Highlands Ranch Metro District is still working to create a beautiful, useful area of open space that will be available to all members of the local community. Many of the local residents have already become closely involved in the park. One element that residents of Highlands Ranch have helped to bring into being is the Veterans' Monument, which is&nbsp;built next to the park's library entrance. It&nbsp;pays tribute to all those who have served in defense of their nation. The monument&nbsp;features a water cascade and fountain in order to facilitate peaceful contemplation, as well as five rock features of native Colorado stone that&nbsp;symbolize the five branches of the armed services.

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            <pubDate>Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:20:40 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/golfing-within-sight-of-the-rockies-at-the-highlands-ranch-golf-club.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/golfing-within-sight-of-the-rockies-at-the-highlands-ranch-golf-club.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Golfing Within Sight Of The Rockies At The Highlands Ranch Golf Club</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 

Playing a round of golf at Highlands Ranch is a unique experience, not only because of the quality and design of the course, but because of the scenery that surrounds the player as they move around the course. New vistas of the Rocky Mountains open up along the horizon as they follow the course, ensuring that players can enjoy the great outdoors as they play.

Golfers will find that living in Highlands Ranch provides them with easy access to one of the best golf clubs in the area. The Highlands Ranch golf club is reputed to have one of the finest courses in the region, with immaculately maintained, expansive greens of bentgrass and a selection of programs designed to accommodate players of all levels of ability.

The course at the Highlands Ranch golf club was designed by Hale Irwin, three time champion of the US Open. It is a regulation length 18 hole championship course, but provision has been made for beginners as well as expert golfers. Each hole has multiple tee points that cater for various skill levels and allow players to choose just how much of a challenge they want to take on each time they play.

Playing at the Highlands Ranch club is an enjoyable challenge. The design has made use of the rolling hillsides to ensure that players can test their own ability if they choose to play at the most advanced level.

Professional golf instructors are on hand to provide advice and formal instruction when it is needed. Players can ask for a few pointers to help them push their game to the next level or perfect their technique, while anyone who is new to the sport can arrange a series of lessons to ensure they get the best possible start. Group clinics are available which focus on specific skills, and there is also a special program for junior golfers, including tuition and informal activities on the course. Younger players even have their own series of tournaments at the club, during which they can show off their new skills.

Tee times can be booked up to five days in advance, and are usually available through the Highlands Park golf course website. Residents of Highland Ranch benefit from discounted rates at the club, as long as they provide proof of their residency in the area. Players can also choose to become members of the club in order to claim a number of additional benefits including unlimited golf privileges, the option of booking tee times up to fourteen days before playing and the chance to enter member only tournaments.

In addition to the course itself, the golf club provides a range of facilities for its players and their guests, including the Grill bar and restaurant. The Grill offers a selection of excellent meals and has a full service bar. Diners can choose to eat indoors or to sit out on the covered patio. It is also possible to hire a private room or an outdoor pavilion for a party, wedding or other special event, or even to arrange a private tournament on the course.

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            <pubDate>Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:57:58 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/gardening-is-for-kids-too.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/gardening-is-for-kids-too.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Gardening is For Kids Too</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ Gardening is not just for adults. Kids like to grow things as well. Gardening can be fun and educational for children. In school they usually grow a bean sprout for a school grade. But children like to get out there and dig around in dirt and play with bugs and anything else that would be associated with a garden. But having them do it on their own is not feasible and you may not be able to help. So an easy thing for them to grow would be herbs. Parsley is a great herb to grow because it is used in a lot of cooking. Along with being an ornament on your plate, it is an all natural breath mint. Parsley is chock full of vitamins and minerals has numerous other uses. Parsley is a beautiful plant that can be used in so many things and can be grown in a pot. It can be kept in your child's room for them to watch. Once the parsley is fully grow then it can be given as a gift, from the heart, to an individual that enjoys the art of cooking. This is something that can grow all year long. With this in mind your child can have it for any occasion; Mother's Day, birthday or just because. This gift will light up both the giver and receiver. Parsley is not only a great gift, it doesn't cost much to grow. In fact, the only thing you really need to purchase are the seeds. You can just about use anything you have around the house for a planter. Things like butter tubs, sour cream containers or even plastic cups. First thing you will want to do is ensure containers are completely cleaned out. Then, ask your parents to cut holes in the bottom. This is for water drainage. Now grab some potting soil and put it in your container. With your fingers or a stick poke little holes in the dirt to place the seeds in. Once this is done pour water in the container until it starts coming out of the holes in the bottom. After all this is done, place container on lid or something to catch the water and place on a sunny window ledge. It will take some time to grow, but once the parsley is full and the leaves are curly the gift is ready to light up someones life. ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 09 May 2010 07:27:35 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/ten-things-to-do-in-denver.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.denversrealestate.com/blog/ten-things-to-do-in-denver.html</link>
            <author>bruce@bruceswedal.com (Bruce Swedal)</author>
            <title>Ten Things To Do In Denver</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Vacations are an important time in people's lives.&nbsp; They often are the only chance many people get to get away from their job or hometown.&nbsp; Choosing the best destination though is vitally important.&nbsp; Deciding on a vacation destination is by far the most important decision for anyone looking to travel.&nbsp; A great choice for almost anyone is to select the city of Denver, or the entire Rocky Mountain region, as their next vacation destination.&nbsp; The area offers a great many chances to experience the outdoors, but the city of Denver itself is also a world class city that has more than enough attractions to entertain and interest even the pickiest of travelers.

A visit to Denver is often described as a visit to a really big small town.&nbsp; The people are overall friendly and the community is organized in a way that welcomes visitors from all over the world.&nbsp; Whether a visitor to Denver is coming on a business trip, a trip with their significant other, or bringing their entire family, they will find a great many options for entertainment available to them.&nbsp;

Here is a look at ten things to do in&nbsp;Denver:

Denver ZooOne of the best zoos in the United States, the Denver Zoo is popular with both locals and visitors to the city alike.&nbsp; The Denver Zoo is home to over 4,000 different animals and a number of interesting habitats.&nbsp; A stroll through the zoo offers visitors the chance to experience replications of various ecological systems from around the world.&nbsp; There are also a number of hands-on exhibits and programs that give visitors the chance to see and sometimes touch various animals themselves.

Tiny TownA great attraction in Denver for families with small children is Tiny Town.&nbsp; This miniature community is perfectly sized for curious kids who are even allowed to crawl inside some of the structures and peek out the windows.&nbsp; The highlight for most kids is the ride on the miniature train that tours most of the park.

Professional SportsDenver is completely outfitted with all of the professional sports teams it takes to entertain almost any traveler.&nbsp; Hockey fans can watch the NHL's Colorado Avalanche, baseball fans can watch Major League Baseball's Colorado Rockies, the NFL's Denver Broncos are a favorite for football fans, and basketball fans can view the NBA's Denver Nuggets.&nbsp; There are also a variety of lower level, or second tier, professional sports too including indoor football, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and more.

United States MintThe United States Mint in Denver offers free tours every day, Monday through Friday.&nbsp; While many people may think that the tour is only interesting to those with an interest in coin collecting, it proves popular with other visitors as well.&nbsp; Taking part in the tour allows visitors to see the process of money making nearly from start to finish.&nbsp; There is also a great deal of history to be learned too during the short tour, both from the knowledgeable guides and the exhibits housed in the building.

Platte River GreenwayDenver residents are extremely lucky to have a unique and well kept area like the Platte River Greenway at their disposal.&nbsp; This is also a valuable resource for travelers coming to Denver too as it allows them a chance to get out and enjoy the outdoors and escape the more hectic world of shopping areas and tourist attractions.&nbsp; The greenway is home to miles of trails where visitors and residents alike can walk, jog, run, rollerblade, or even bike to their heart's content.&nbsp; It also acts as an effective and pleasant way to get from one area of Denver to another.

Denver Museum of Nature &amp; ScienceFrom the &ldquo;Hall of Life&rdquo; to the &ldquo;Prehistoric Journey&rdquo;, the Denver Museum of Nature &amp; Science is a great place to learn about all things living.&nbsp; The museum is routinely rated as one of the better science museums in America's west and it offers a number of creative and innovative ways to learn.&nbsp; There are a number of subjects covered in the museum, from space and nature to Native Americans and local history, and the museum covers them all well.&nbsp; The Denver Museum of Nature &amp; Science is particularly appealing towards kids who show an interest in learning.

Lakeside Amusement ParkOne of the nicer smaller amusement parks in the country, Lakeside Amusement Park is also one of the last remaining family owned amusement parks in the nation.&nbsp; The rides are fun and aimed at a wide variety of age groups, and the park itself is also a wonderful location for a fun picnic lunch.&nbsp; Visitors to Lakeside Amusement Park will notice one thing immediately, the lack of the long unbearable lines that greet visitors to more nationally recognized amusement parks.&nbsp; There is a bit of a nostalgic feel at the park as many of the rides were more popular in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s.&nbsp; Parents appreciate that this is an extremely affordable way to spend the day for even a large family.

Colorado State CapitolWith a beautiful setting, a great deal of accessible history, and free tours for all who come, it is easy to see why the Colorado State Capitol building is one of the more popular attractions in Denver.&nbsp; The tour has become quite popular, so it is advised that those interested reserve a spot ahead of time, especially if they are visiting at a time when school children may also be visiting.&nbsp; There are actually two tours available, one that tours the bulk of the capitol and one that tours just the gold bell shaped dome, and both are extremely worthwhile.&nbsp; A tour of the Colorado State Capitol is a great way to see wonderful architecture and a historical site at the same time.

Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and ToysThe Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys is one of the more unique museums in the nation.&nbsp; It is dedicated to all sorts of toys related to dolls, doll houses, and action figures.&nbsp; There are many examples of rare and collectible toys on display as well as some of the most detailed handmade doll houses known to exist anywhere.&nbsp; The nice think about the Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys is that it really does appeal to both adults and children.

16th Street MallOne of the best shopping areas in all of Denver, the 16th Street Mall offers great experiences and great stores to the visitors that choose to shop there.&nbsp; This is an outdoor mall that runs approximately one and a quarter miles in length.&nbsp; The mall has its own bus service with MallRide shuttle buses offering visitors the chance to get from one area to the other without walking.&nbsp; A good deal of urban landscaping has been added and the area is popular with those looking to enjoy a quick bite to eat outside.&nbsp; Shoppers will find a nice mix of national chain stores and local boutiques and shops too.&nbsp; The mall is not just a destination for shoppers as there are a number of fine eateries located there, as well as a regular supply of street musicians too that can be enjoyed as well.

A visit to Denver is a great choice that anyone can make should they be looking for a fun destination to head to.&nbsp; Denver offers a wide variety of activities and attractions, and has been entertaining visitors for more than one hundred years.&nbsp; It shouldn't be too much of a problem for anyone with any interest to find something to do in the city of Denver.&nbsp; The area is particularly inviting for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors or learning about history from America's westward expansion and old west days.
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