July Nightlife: Denver, CO

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Below are Jim's July picks for Denver, Colorado.

by Jim Guttau
gay.com Xavier_Jagger
www.guttaupr.com

Mountain Excursion

Royal Gorge Railroad - Daily departures

One of my most memorable trips in Colorado has been the Royal Gorge Railroad. The Royal Gorge is known as the "Grand Canyon of the Arkansas River," as the river cuts through a high plateau of rocks creating a gorge over a thousand feet deep. Passengers on the train can enjoy the breathtaking vistas and watch the adventurous whitewater rafters below. My family chose the wine tasting option-a flight of four wines paired with specialty cheeses and appetizers in a dining or "vista dome" car.

www.royalgorgeroute.com

Theater

Film on the Rocks - Each week June 16-August 18

Film on the Rocks, a film series now in its tenth year, is a perfect way to view a nostalgic movie while enjoying a beautiful Colorado summer sunset at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. I suggest bringing a picnic dinner and for only ten dollars, watch a film and band hosted by comedians. In July, the series features the movies Jaws, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Office Space, and Talladega Nights.

www.denverfilm.org

Breakfast/Lunch

Hi*Rise

Hi*Rise, a new bakery/cafe featuring fresh baked breads, opened March 2009 in Denver's Historic Ballpark Neighborhood. Owner Doug Anderson had a vision for a restaurant that offered "high end" street food made from scratch. With hallmarks such as Cajun Po' Boy, muffuletta, rosemary yam focaccia, and award winning cupcakes, Hi*Rise has only begun to amaze and win over its customers. Grab some French baguette, rustic Pugliese, or real boiled bagels to go.

www.hirisedenver.com

Bar

Hamburger Mary's Denver

While most members of the GLBT community are familiar with the Hamburger Mary's brand, Hamburger Mary's Denver stands out from the rest. What put this kitschy locale on the map is the massive patio, adorned in what I call "delightfully tacky" design elements, including stained glass windows, zebra wall coverings, and a gargantuan granite bar. Mary's is the perfect place to get your night started right in Uptown Denver, especially with the creative drink list and numerous drink specials.

www.hamburgermarysdenver.com

Hotel

Hotel Monaco

The sophisticated Hotel Monaco is a top pick for boutique hotels in Downtown Denver. Enter the lobby and find daring, bold interiors. What's best is your four-legged friends receive four-star accommodations-a "Pampered Pet" welcome basket, four hours of dog sitting, and in-room pet bowls and beds. Don't have a furry companion but want some extra company? Hotel Monaco will deliver a complimentary goldfish to your room. The staff will even feed and care for the fish.

www.monaco-denver.com

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