excellent!

Vortex, insent.

Denver Airport was constructed to mimic the Rocky Mountains and has a special (AKA fuckin’ frightening) sculpture of a Blue Mustang out front (the thing killed its creator). Flights are usually reasonably priced. A SuperShuttle ride to downtown Denver in a shared van runs $19 each way. There are other transportation options into downtown, but this is the most reasonably priced that I found. Depending on arrival times, Nicole and I may be able to assist with rides from the airport to downtown.

Weather in Denver is always fun. During the summer, the temps can rise, but as a recent resident, I can say I haven’t been uncomfortably hot very often. As they say, it is a dry heat. Summer thunderstorms are not uncommon in the late afternoon. In looking at historical averages, Mid-June through August can top out in the high 80’s - low 90s. The vast majority of buildings have good air conditioning. On the other hand, I’ve heard of, but never experienced, snow in June.

I have stayed at a couple of the downtown Denver hotels and found the prices to be reasonable. I think we could get a good rate for a group. Further investigation on hotels to follow. Potentials include the Sheraton, Crown Plaza, The Curtis, Hyatt Regency, and Hotel Monaco Denver-a Kimpton Hotel. Obviously some of these would likely be on the pricier end but worth checking out.

This part of downtown Denver is near the convention center with its Blue Bear, the performing arts center, museums, and the 16th St Mall. The 16th St Mall is a 16 block, open air, pedestrian shopping and dining area. There are a lot of good restaurants along with the usual chain eateries. There is a free shuttle (the only motorized vehicle allowed) that runs the length of the Mall. Also in the area - Elitch Gardens an Amusement and Water Park, Coors Field home of the Rockies, Invesco Field home of the Broncos, Denver Art Museum, Denver Firefighters Museum, Molly Brown House Museum, Colorado History Museum, the Denver Zoo, a small aquarium and so much more. Activities, such as horseback riding are not far away. Commercial guided tours are available, including Banjo Billy’s Bus Tour.

I’ll let Nicole chime in with the local beer scene.

Public transportation options include the free shuttle noted above, the Light Rail system which is reasonably priced, and the RTD bus system.

Further out, probably requiring a rental car, are the Rockies. Red Rocks Amphitheater is absolutely amazing and open to the public when not in use. It is approximately 30 minutes away (depending on traffic). There are also lots of other potential Day Trips.

I live about a half hour south of Denver and Nicole is not far from me. I don’t know if Kelly will be with me over the summer, I may have one or two empty beds available. As much as I’d love to invite y’all to my place, my apartment is fairly small with no yard, just a small patio. Though, squeezing everyone in here would be fun all on its own. Nicole has a guest room and a couple of couches. Must like cats, though (we both have the furry critters).

On the other hand, I’ve heard of, but never experienced, snow in June

I have experienced it, but it was little flakes that melts really quickly. Same with the July snow.

Denver! Awesome pimpage, Suzi.

Although I feel everyone must be warned that She Who Must Not Be Named also resides there ...

Hush, Amy, hush. Maybe they have all forgotten about her.

Nicole - I busted her face once. I don't want to do it again, so keep her under lock and key please.

Come to Denver y'all.

feel everyone must be warned that She Who Must Not Be Named also resides there ...

I read this and went "...CalGal? I didn't know you had a hate on..." HAH. No, the much more nefarious doll-creature-thing!

the much more nefarious doll-creature-thing!

Oh OK. I thought we were talking about a human.

I went to the Barb evil lady place.

I thought it was CalGal too!!!