Weekend in the Mile High City — Life Is Better On The Road

Denver is a city that has something for just about everyone. Sports, food, beer culture, outdoor activities, art museums, colleges and universities and the awe inspiring Red Rocks Amphitheater. Our whirlwind visit included a visit to the annual Denver Christkindl Market. The booths offered locally made German inspired baked goods, food, mulled wine as well as crafts and gifts, and music. Although the latkes looked and smelled wonderful, and the salmon was smoked right in front of you, we opted for lunch at a restaurant nearby, mainly because the dining tent was packed to overflowing! Rioja on historic Larimer Street was a great choice. Elegantly designed and seasonally decorated, with inspired cocktails. Given that it was a weekend, they were serving Brunch instead of Lunch. The special was a chicken fried steak smothered in green chile and a broccoli hash, with 2 sunny side up eggs and a potato galette. I couldn’t eat it all, but it was delicious. Chris enjoyed his breakfast sandwich with scrambled eggs, bacon, avocado and cheese along with homemade chips.

As luck would have it, there was a show playing at Red Rocks Amphitheater. The concert season is May through October, given the outdoor location and Denver weather. We were fortunate to attend a local band night at the more intimate and inside venue. For $50 a ticket we enjoyed a first and final set by Elder Grown, as well as an intermediate set by Mike Heuer, as well as a full buffet dinner! The food was very good, and we were seated at a table with all tourists, and other than one couple from Cleveland, all from Northern, CA.

Elder Grown, a 5 member , 3 of whom are brothers, band from Durango Colorado has been playing together for more than 10 years. They have a unique style and their original songs go between rock, hip hop, pop and even rap. The band members often switch from guitar to bass to keyboard, depending on the song. We enjoyed the show tremendously, based on the music alone. However, we also had the pleasure of meeting the mother of the saxophone player, as well as the parents of the three brothers. There were also several cousins and other relatives cheering them on.

If it weren’t for the winters, I think I could live in Denver!