Tag: things to do

Exploring Denver’s Trails While Leaving No Trace

Written by Marybeth Heckler on . Posted in Denver.

Many of us intentionally moved to the Denver, Colorado, area because of the natural beauty that is so readily available. But, if we aren’t careful, this beauty may not be here much longer.

With so many people heading outdoors after being cooped up because of COVID-19, the increased traffic is starting to take its toll on Denver’s hiking trails and natural parks. We don’t blame people for wanting to get out and enjoy the beauty of nature. But there are some things that people need to remember to protect those trails.

Keep these in mind when enjoying Denver’s natural parks and hiking trails:

  1. Stay on the Path — The trails have been created to provide you with a safe path to follow through the landscape. If you decide to walk off the trail, you will be destroying plants and animal habitats. The easy way to leave no trace is to stay on the trail. If you come across mud or a large puddle in the path, walk through it. Even stepping around can cause the path to widen over time and destroy a small portion of the natural habitat.

 

  1. Don’t Bother the Animals — One of the best parts of exploring these trails is the chance to see wildlife. Now, we know most people aren’t crazy enough to try to bother a wild bear, mountain lion, or rattlesnake. But we are talking about the “cute” animals that are out there. This is not a petting zoo. If you see baby animals, know that they haven’t been abandoned by their mothers. The full-grown ones are nearby, and if you bother the babies, they may either defend them or they will abandon them. Just look and take pictures.

 

  1. And, Don’t Mess with the Plants — Yes, there is some gorgeous foliage in these areas. But leave them alone so that others can enjoy them. You may come across some beautiful mountain flowers. Hold back on your instinct to pick them. Let them grow naturally and, if you have to have a physical memento, take a picture.

 

  1. Pack It In, Pack It Out — If you bring something on the trail with you, make sure you take it back out when you are done. This means everything from food wrappers and bottles to food scraps. Yes, fruit rinds and banana peels are biodegradable. But you should take these with you as well. Also, if you see any trash along the trail, be considerate and pick it up.

There’s an old saying amongst hikers: “Take nothing but memories. Leave nothing but footprints.” If you want to help keep our natural hiking trails lasting for years to come in the Denver area, it is imperative that you follow these rules to maintain the beauty of the area.

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Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or building your dream home, I’m here to help you explore the many financing options available. Ensuring that you make the right choice for you and your family is my ultimate goal. I am committed to providing my customers with mortgage services that exceed their expectations. Find out more by visiting my website.

Hosting Your Own Outdoor Movie Night

Written by Marybeth Heckler on . Posted in Motherhood.

Summer has always been when the best blockbuster movie hits would come to a theater near you. Escape the heat and watch superheroes or villains on screen, what else could be better, right?  Especially when you’re looking for activities to do with your family.

This summer, everything is just a bit different. Seeing movies in a theater is no exception. But what’s the next best thing? Seeing a movie in your own backyard!

This is a great way to enjoy the weather and get out of the house. It’s a fun activity for the family to enjoy and if you’re careful about social distancing, you could invite a friend or two over.

So, what is needed to have a backyard movie night? Here are a few things to consider:

Equipment – You will need special equipment to accomplish a fun night out watching movies. First, you’ll want a projector. These come in a variety of quality and prices with the cheapest being around $100.

Next, you’ll need a screen to show the movie on. You can find different types just for this purpose online. Some are inflatable while others have poles to put together similar to a tent. These range in price as well with the cheapest being about $100. Depending on your backyard arrangement, you might get away with a sheet draped over a wall or the fencing or use the wall/fencing itself.

You’ll want to be able to hear the movie and that means you need speakers. You can find a variety of loud outdoor speakers online. Some are even waterproof. Prices range from over $100 to much more than that.

Comfort Items – Since this is your home and you want to enjoy it comfortably, you want to think about what you have on hand to help minimize cost. You can use towels or beach/lawn blankets for sitting on the lawn. If getting up and down from the ground is not your style, you could consider an outdoor lounger or use an existing camping chair.

It’s not the movies without popcorn and something fun to drink. So you may want to stock up on popcorn and popcorn boxes as well as your favorite soda or fruit drink. Having a cooler outside with ice will keep you from having to keep going inside to refill empty cups.

Summer Movie Fun at Home Is Possible

Having a fun time with your family is possible this summer. You’ll always remember watching movies with your kids making memories together.

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Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or building your dream home, I’m here to help you explore the many financing options available. Ensuring that you make the right choice for you and your family is my ultimate goal. I am committed to providing my customers with mortgage services that exceed their expectations. Find out more by visiting my website.

Gardens & Nurseries to Visit in Denver This Holiday Season

Written by Marybeth Heckler on . Posted in Denver, Holidays.

Winter in Colorado conjures up images of snow-capped mountains and evergreen trees. The last thing most people think of is flowers and vegetation. But there are actually a number of botanical gardens and nurseries that thrive during this time of year.

As part of your holiday activities, here are some of the best gardens that Denver has to offer for you and your family:

  • Denver Botanic Gardens – This public garden is known for its beauty and the holidays are no exception. Stop by to check out their Winter Gift Market. Here, local artisans can help you find unique gifts for your friends and family. Local craft booths include jewelry, pottery, specialty foods, clothes, antiques, and bath supplies.

 

  • Tagawa Gardens – This nursery is known for celebrating the holidays in style with a variety of plants for your home. Of special interest for many people will be the array of poinsettias they have for sale. Tagawa has experts who specifically choose plants that will thrive in Denver’s homes so you know your plant will last with a little TLC.

 

They’re also the official garden center for the Denver Broncos, so you can be sure to find plenty of orange and blue poinsettias for you football fans. For those who are looking for holiday gifts, you might want to consider an amaryllis, azalea, or even a Christmas cactus, all of which will thrive in the local environment.

 

  • The Hudson Gardens and Events Center – This location offers beautiful self-guided nature walks that don’t stop just because the temperatures drop. For the adventurous, you can still walk through gorgeous landscapes to get in touch with nature. But Hudson Gardens also offers A Hudson Christmas.

 

Here, the landscape is transformed into a winter wonderland with lights adorning the trees and special displays set up to delight the kids. While you are there enjoying the lights, you can also warm up with hot chocolate and snacks. For the young (or young at heart) you can visit with Santa. Be sure to bring your camera to catch memories of this holiday festival.

 

  • Nick’s Garden Center and Farm Market – This great local nursery, Nick’s hosts a holiday open house on November 23rd and 24th to kick off the season. But if you can’t make that, they still have a multitude of holiday plants and a Christmas tree lot to help you bring the beauty of the outdoors into your home.

For the holidays, Denver can truly be an awe-inspiring place. But the natural beauty of this area isn’t confined to the mountains and forests. These gardens and nurseries can also entrance you with delight this holiday season.

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Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or building your dream home, I’m here to help you explore the many financing options available. Ensuring that you make the right choice for you and your family is my ultimate goal. I am committed to providing my customers with mortgage services that exceed their expectations. Find out more by visiting my website.

Fourth of July Activities Around Denver This Week

Written by Marybeth Heckler on . Posted in Denver.

Summer has arrived, and as those temperatures start to climb all over the Denver area, it’s time to start planning for the biggest event of the summer—Fourth of July!

This year, there are plenty of activities going on during the week leading up to the big day as well as the weekend to follow. Here’s a sampling of what’s on deck so that you can go ahead and make plans for you and your family:

  1. Fireworks—The biggest and most traditional of these events is, of course, the local fireworks celebration. This year, the Independence Eve Celebration will take place on July 3 in Civic Center Park. Besides the fireworks finale, which is always spectacular, the program also features a patriotic concert and light show on the Denver City and County Building. If you are planning to attend, be sure to get there early to get a spot on the lawn as it is first-come, first-served and it tends to fill up fast. There are no reserved “seats” so bring your own lawn chair, beach blanket, and plenty of bottled water. Also, consider using public transportation as parking will be at a premium for this big event.
  2. Sports—If you like a little bit of action with your entertainment, then there are two sports events to look forward to. The first is America’s favorite pastime—baseball. The Colorado Rockies will be hosting the Houston Astros on July 2nd and 3rd. On the 2nd, the team will be giving out handheld American flags as a promotion, and both the 2nd and 3rd will feature post-game fireworks displays. This is a great option if you don’t want to have to fight for a spot at the public fireworks display. But if you want something a little different, now is the perfect time to check out the Denver professional lacrosse team, the Outlaws. They will be playing the Chesapeake Bayhawks at Broncos Stadium on July 4th.
  3. History and Literature—If you prefer your history less American Revolution and more War of the Roses, then you might want to check out the Colorado Renaissance Festival which will be running from June 15th to August 4th in Larkspur. Or, you can also enjoy a Shakespeare in the Park experience which will perform the bard’s comedy As You Like It on July 6th and 7th at the University of Colorado Boulder Theater.
  4. Music—Every year, there are plenty of musical acts that come to the Denver area. For the week of the Fourth of July, Red Rocks will host Zeds Dead, Blues Traveler, and a three-night set from the Avett Brothers. Other concerts coming to the area include Shawn Mendes (July 2nd), Santana and the Doobie Brothers (July 3rd), Melissa Etheridge (July 7th) and City Park Jazz (June 30th and July 7th). There’s definitely something for almost every musical taste in your family.

From traditional events like fireworks and baseball to some unusual choices like jousts and lacrosse, there’s definitely something for everyone this year during Fourth of July week in Denver.

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Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or building your dream home, I’m here to help you explore the many financing options available. Ensuring that you make the right choice for you and your family is my ultimate goal. I am committed to providing my customers with mortgage services that exceed their expectations. Find out more by visiting my website.

Top Parks for Families in Denver

Written by Marybeth Heckler on . Posted in Denver.

Summer is upon us and if you are like me, you are dreading the prospect of being packed away in the house with kids whining about having “nothing to do.” I always like to have a backup plan on hand for a fun day activity that will let the kids run themselves ragged and get rid of all that crazy energy that they seem so full of.

Here are some of the top parks in Denver that you can take your family to this summer for a fun-filled day:

  1. Central Park (Stapleton)—I’ve got to put this one at the top of my list for the sheer joy of the place and the beautiful, vibrant colors. Central Park has purple trees and colorful foam mountains that serve as the backdrop for family fun. Alongside this creative décor, they also have activities for all kids including rock-climbing and traditional playground equipment. There is also a fountain and sandcastle area for those who miss getting to do this at the beach. Finally, you absolutely must check out the “sensory sound garden” that allows kids to experiment with chimes and drums.
  2. Westminster Center Park (Westminster)—One of my favorite children’s tales is Peter Pan, so it should come as no surprise that this one is highly recommended. Westminster Center Park is also affectionately called Peter Pan Park because it is built around creating a miniature Neverland for kids to explore. The park boasts playground equipment built around a pirate ship, as well as tunnels, rocks, logs, and bridges that will fire up their imagination.
  3. Discovery Park (Wheat Ridge)—This one gets high marks for the sheer variety of the activities at the park. Besides having traditional playgrounds for little kids and older ones as well, you can also enjoy sandcastle building in the sandpit and cool down at the splash pad. This one also sets itself apart from other parks by its natural beauty (a creek runs right through it) and the skate park which allows your adventurous older kids to enjoy themselves.
  4. Downtown Children’s Playground (Denver)—No list of parks could be complete without this perennial favorite. The only thing that might detract from this one is that it is too well-located. Because it is in the heart of downtown, it gets larger crowds, especially on the weekends or during major family events. But if you do find yourself in the area and want the kids to run off steam, this park not only has traditional playground features, but it also includes a rubberized cushioning that will protect the little ones if they take a tumble.

No matter what part of Denver you are in, check out the local parks and playgrounds in your area. Spend some time during the day or early evening running off that energy and your kids may even wear themselves out and sleep well that night.

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Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or building your dream home, I’m here to help you explore the many financing options available. Ensuring that you make the right choice for you and your family is my ultimate goal. I am committed to providing my customers with mortgage services that exceed their expectations. Find out more by visiting my website.

Beautiful Public Gardens in Denver

Written by Marybeth Heckler on . Posted in Denver.

Spring is in the air and that means that the flowers are blooming all across the greater Denver area. If you like to get outside and experience nature’s varied beauty, then there are several locations you and your family absolutely must check out.

These public gardens are the perfect locales for communing with nature and getting some fresh air:

  • Denver Botanic Gardens: York Street —The first of Denver Botanic Gardens’ beautiful locations sits on 24 acres and features beautiful plants and flowers from all over the world. These plants and flowers have been specifically cultivated to thrive in the high-altitude climate of Denver. The York Street branch features seventeen separate gardens showcasing plants that thrive in arid Western areas.Additionally, there are international gardens that include a bonsai pavilion, a teahouse garden, and other exotic plants from Asia as well as South Africa. There are also seventeen other ornamental gardens that are decked out every spring with special flowers.

    The Mordecai Children’s Garden features plants from six different climates including alpine, subalpine forest, montane forest, plains and grassland, riparian, and montane shrubland. All of these provide beauty and educational experience in the pristine Denver surroundings.

  • Denver Botanic Gardens: Chatfield Farms —Located just a quick drive out to Littleton, this branch of the botanic gardens is a 700-acre working farm that allows locals to see some of the native glory of the local plant-life. This farm features a cut flower garden, an iris garden, a lavender garden, and a prairie garden. The farm also features a butterfly pavilion that contains plants grown specifically to attract hundreds of beautiful butterflies to the area.
  • Chester M. Alter Arboretum —Located on the campus of the University of Denver, this garden is meant to beautify the campus with 2,100 trees and more than 400 different species of plants. As a special addition to the gardens, the arboretum features nine “Champion and Notable trees” that are among some of the oldest in the state and also feature special plants from around the world.
  • Hudson Gardens & Event Center – On the west side of town, you can experience this wonderful garden for free most days of the year. Hudson Gardens makes their income off of throwing events on their beautiful property and by doing a light show during the holidays, allowing guests free admission year-round to see the beautiful flowers, gardens, trees, and mini-lake. A favorite of bikers, because of their extensive trails, the gardens also raise their own bees, own their own greenhouse, and frequently run a model train through part of an exhibit.

If you’re looking for something fun and educational to do in Denver now that the weather isn’t freezing, then these three garden locations offer you a chance to experience the natural beauty of Denver’s foliage along with international plants and flowers.

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Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or building your dream home, I’m here to help you explore the many financing options available. Ensuring that you make the right choice for you and your family is my ultimate goal. I am committed to providing my customers with mortgage services that exceed their expectations. Find out more by visiting my website.