Number 10 in my 1001 Things to Do in Colorado is to attend a concert at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Some of my favorite memories include concerts at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. There is something about listening to great music under the stars. We used to arrive at dawn with our coolers and visit all day with the other crazy fans. Now things have reverted to a more traditional “seating begins an hour and a half before the show”. I miss the days of watching the entertainers do their sound checks and interact with the crowds. While those things have changed, the most important ones remain the same. It’s hard to describe what a concert is like at this amazing place. The sound is incredible and while I’ve seen great concerts elsewhere, they just don’t match the intensity.

Denver bought the property back in 1927 for $54,133 and developed it into the amazing outdoor concert space it is with the foundation laid by nature. The amphitheatre has a wonderful history and is a geological treasure in its own right. The Beatles, U2, Rolling Stones and Grateful Dead are just a few of the incredible bands that have played in this outdoor paradise and numerous songs and albums have actually been recorded here. After Pollstar magazine named Red Rocks the best small outdoor venue for the 11th time, they decided just to name it the Red Rocks Award. The ninth season of the Amazing Race actually started and ended at Red Rocks.

If you aren’t able to make it during one of the concerts, Red Rocks has other options. Just visiting and walking around the theatre is great. There are hiking trails and some nights feature “Film on the Rocks”. I have to admit, this is one of my all time favorite places in Colorado. Thanks radakat on You Tube for giving us a glimpse. Enjoy!

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I don’t know about you, but I’ve been glued to the television since last Friday, except for the brief time the television was off due to the large storm. The Summer Olympics have arrived. I would be remiss if I didn’t include a visit to the U. S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs as one of my 1001 Things to do in Colorado.

The center opened in Colorado Springs thirty years ago and includes centers for Sports Medicine, Sports Science, Aquatics, Sports and Shooting along with an Olympic Hall of Fame. I’m sure Michael Phelps, Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin have spent plenty of time training here in our state.

Guided tours are available Monday-Saturday, but if you happen to hit on Sunday, you can still self direct your tour. The Visitor Center is open seven days a week. Click here for more tour information.

I really admire our athletes who’ve not only been representing us in Beijing, but have also been working hard over the last four years to get there. Watching Kerry Walsh and Misty May Treanor competing in volleyball in their bikinis inspires me to head to the gym. Thank goodness the gym has plenty of televisions so I can keep watching as I sweat myself towards my one piece swim suit. There is hope yet.

Go Team USA!

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Number 8 in the 1001 Things to do in Colorado is to visit the Denver Zoo.

Visit Elliot, the new baby Grevy’s Zebra at the Denver zoo. Elliot was born on June 27th to Topaz and Punda. I’m not sure what he weighed at birth, but he is already a whopping 85 pounds.

I visit the zoo at least once every year. I head over with my niece and nephews for a fun-filled day eating ice cream and watching the polar bears play in their large pool. It’s amazing that an animal so terrifying on land is such a ham in the water.

If the polar bears don’t entice you and your family, maybe one of the other 700 species is the ticket. The zoo has almost 4,000 animals and is one of the most popular zoos in the country.

Located at Denver’s City Park, at about E. 23rd Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, it is a wonderful place to spend the day. Memberships are available for those of us who want to watch baby Elliot grow up. Plan your trip to the zoo. You won’t be disappointed. I think I can hear the peacocks already……

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As we here in Denver are preparing for the Democratic National Convention, I got to thinking about poor Senator Barack Obama. This man is running for President of the United States. Why would I be feeling bad for him?

1. He has to live in Washington D. C. I know Washington D. C. is a beautiful city, as a matter of fact, I’ve visited a couple of times and would love to go back. But, it is not Denver. (Here is where the disclosure comes in. I’m a Colorado native so I may be a bit biased.)

2. If Mr. Obama ends up living in the White House, he has an amazing lawn and will host large picnics, but it still isn’t Washington Park. Denver has a number of premier parks, but Washington Park has always been one of my favorites with it’s diverse and fun-loving crowd of people. Up for a volleyball game? I’m not sure they host volleyball games on the White House Lawn. Just let us know Mr. Obama if you’d like us to hold you a spot in one of our games.

3. While we’ve been having a warmer summer than usual this year, our weather has still been fantastic. We have more than 300 days of sunshine that melt away the snow usually within 24 hours. I’m sure with the White House driveway, someone has to be ready with the shovel when the first snowflake hits. Here, we check the next day’s weather to decide whether to shovel or not. It gives us more time for skiing instead of shoveling. How many ski slopes are within driving distance of Washington D. C.? I’m betting we have lots more.

4. No 14ers. Colorado has 54 peaks that are more than 14,000 feet in elevation. Talk about places to clear your head. These are good spots to contemplate the energy crisis, health care, social security and other key issues impacting our country. I wonder if the key leaders of our country would benefit from having to debate issues while in hiking boots at the top of mountains? Since there isn’t quite as much oxygen, it might require using fewer and more focused words to get your point across. Regardless, I know there aren’t 14ers in the Washington D. C. area. Let us know if we can schedule a trip for you while you are in town, Senator Obama. It will change your perspective.

5. You can never be alone. It is too bad in this day and age that our highest leaders require constant security. Here in Colorado, we value our solitude. There is nothing like sitting on a rock in the middle of one of our Colorado streams just enjoying the scenery. The rush of water, the mountain wildflowers and the amazing wildlife keep us balanced when life gets crazy. We have some fabulous wildflower drives if your black vehicles are 4WD.  I will  insist, though, that you open the windows so you can enjoy the view during the drive. I’ll even bring the picnic and a wonderful bottle of Colorado wine.

I’m sorry Senator Obama that you can’t just pick up and move to Colorado. We’d love to have you visit more of our beautiful state beyond just the Pepsi Center and Invesco Field at Mile High. They are definitely both wonderful Colorado venues, but you’ll still be missing the bigger Colorado picture. Give me a call after things get settled in November. I’m sure we could arrange at least a taste of what Colorado has to offer and if you are looking for a “western” White House, I’m your gal. By the way, Senator McCain, ditto!

Don’t forget to vote.

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Instead of swimming the murky real estate waters, some homeowners are choosing to renovate their current homes. If you are looking to do a major renovation, one of HGTV’s newest series, “My Amazing Renovation” is looking for you.

The series is produced by our local High Noon Entertainment and they are looking for homeowners who are transforming their current home into their dream home.

Your home may be considered if you are:

Just starting a major renovation (preferably already in demo)
Doubling the size of your home
Transforming the original space including the kitchen
Have unique design projects planned as part of the renovation
Are eager to share the experience with others
Updating the outside of your home

Homeowners who want to be considered should contact Cindy Baggish at 303–712–3093 or cbaggish@highnoonentertainment.com.

I can’t wait to see your masterpiece.

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The Denver area real estate market is showing improvement during the second quarter of 2008. In the first quarter there were no areas that we would consider Seller’s Markets. That has drastically changed over the spring. Ten areas for Single Family Homes are now seller’s markets and five areas in the Condominium/Townhome market. Things should continue to be active as we move into the third quarter. These figures are based on the absorption rates.

Considering Absorption Rate is one way to measure the health of our real estate market. Absorption Rate designates the number of months of housing supply on hand. The larger the supply, the more competition there is for sellers and the higher likelihood that prices will drop or concessions will be offered. The market has definitely improved in the last quarter.

More Months of Supply = Buyer’s Market = Possible Reduced Pricing and/or Concessions

Fewer Months of Supply = Seller’s Market = Possible Price Increases and/or Bidding Wars

The commonly accepted separation between markets is:

Based on information from Metrolist, Inc. for the period of April 1, 2008 to June 30, 2008. Note: This representation is based in whole or in part in content supplied by Metrolist, Inc. does not guarantee nor is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Content maintained by Metrolist, Inc. may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

 

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I received an email last week from the High Point community advertising an opportunity to stop by and see the model homes.  These advertisements are not unusual. But I have to admit, this one grabbed my attention. Why? Because it invited not only me, but other important members of my family, my dogs.

High Point at Grove Park is located at 64th Avenue and Tower Road. On Saturday, July 26th, from 9 am– 3 pm, they are hosting “Dog Days”. Trainers will be providing free training for puppies and mature dogs along with a Doggie Water Park. I have to admit the water park sounds like the ticket, especially on a hot summer day.

The planning for High Point includes a three acre dog park along with trails, a recreation center and town center. I haven’t seen these models yet, but I’m looking forward to it. This is a fabulous idea.

Splish! Splash! I hope they have towels.

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Number 7 in the 1001 Things to do in Colorado is to pull on your boots and start hiking on the Colorado Trail.

There are thousands of trails in Colorado including the 500 mile Colorado Trail that runs from Durango to Denver. Covering six wilderness areas and eight mountain ranges, the trail is one of our state’s most amazing accomplishments. Special thanks goes to all the visionaries and workers that made this trail a reality.

It may take years, but we can hike a segment at a time. We can also volunteer to help with maintenance by adopting a trail.

Happy hiking!

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Number 6 in the 1001 Things to do in Colorado is to visit the Annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival held today through Sunday– July 4th-6th, 2008.

If you love art of all shapes, kinds and sizes, the festival will be a palate of light, color and amazing creations. There is also a family zone where children can dabble and learn.

More than 2,400 artists compete for the privilege of being included. The judges take it seriously when they narrow that number down to about the top 10%. Those 10% get the opportunity display to over 340,000 visitors.

The Cherry Creek Arts Festival is one of my favorite annual events to attend. It’s a feast for the eyes, ears and taste buds with the art and four stages of incredible musical performances and lots of great food.

I recommend arriving a little early to get good parking. With gas prices the way they are today, it’s also a great destination for a bicycle trip if you can be creative on how to get your fabulous art purchases home.

Check out the list of artists to whet your appetite.

Have a Happy Fourth!

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“So come eat, drink, & dance like a Greek, Opa!”

That’s the theme of this year’s Denver Greek Festival being held on June 20nd-22th. If you love everything Greek, including fabulous food, this festival is the place to be.

The festival is in it’s 35th year and has become a very popular event for the early summer season. They have wonderful music and dancing along with mouth watering food and drink.

Admission is only $1.00 per day with seniors and children free.

I love the music, but the Gyros is my absolute favorite along with the sweet baklava. I hope to see you this weekend at the Helenic Community Center Greek Orthodox Church at 4610 E. Alameda Avenue in Denver. You can’t miss the gold dome. I’ll be the one sporting the ouzo!

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If you are looking for a weekend of good food, wonderful crafts and great bands, plan to attend June’s Capitol Hill People’s Fair.

Saturday June 7th from 10am-8pm
Sunday June 8th from 10am-7pm
Civic Center Park
Downtown Denver

The Fair began as a community get together in 1971 and has continued to grow into a diverse and wonderful weekend event to launch the summer season. Attendance is free, but you will be enticed to have a beer and taste the variety of food choices so bring some cash along. This is a family event for adults and kids alike. As a matter of fact, some of the best dressed attendees can be found rolling around in the many strollers.

Here is a short list of just a few of the amazing bands that will be available to serenade us during this enjoyable weekend:

Wendy Woo
Funk Shui
Colorado Storm
Six Foot Joe and the Red Hot Rhinos

There will be something for everyone in this wonderful weekend event. It has been recognized by the Rocky Mountain News as one of the best Arts and Crafts Festivals in the state.

Some of my favorite artwork hanging in my home today was purchased from some of the fabulous artists that will be at the Fair. Hmmm, looks like I still have wall space to fill.

See you there!

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Even though it is the middle of May and I’m seeing snowflakes outside my window, it is time to consider some fun things to do during the late spring and summer. One of the activities high on my list is Colorado’s Whitewater Rafting.

The water is usually very high and cold in the springtime. If you are an adventurer, you may want to consider booking your trip now. The heavy snow melt should begin in the next few weeks. Early in the season, it may be best to wear a wet suit so you and your family members stay warm. As we get through the summer and into the fall, the rafting becomes a warmer water adventure. Raft for just a few hours or a couple of days. Either way, it is a trip you won’t forget.

My last rafting trip was on the Arkansas River with a group of friends and we had a great time. There were peaceful stretches where we could relax and have a few laughs. Those were in between the times when it took everyone in the the boat rowing to keep it in the right channels of the river. It was a team effort with a great guide to keep us upright. If the river didn’t drench us, the water fights did.

I highly recommend Colorado Whitewater Rafting and that’s why I consider it to be one of the 1001 Things to do in Colorado. Lots of us are lucky to live here but visitors are definitely welcome!

Visit Colorado.com for the latest in Whitewater Rafting Adventures.

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There are no areas during the first quarter of 2008 that we would consider to be Seller’s Markets. We’ve moved into a neutral market in most residential areas, but this will change as the year moves on. Buyers will be aggressively negotiating in those areas that have increased supply on the market.

I have seen a marked increase in showings on my listings just in the last few weeks, so the spring and summer buyers are out and looking. This will change our report for next quarter possibly into more of a seller’s market in a few areas.

Considering Absorption Rate is one way to measure the health of our real estate market. Absorption Rate designates the number of months of housing supply on hand. The larger the supply, the more competition there is for sellers and the higher likelihood that prices will drop or concessions will be offered. The market has definitely slowed in the last quarter.

More Months of Supply = Buyer’s Market = Possible Reduced Pricing and/or Concessions

Fewer Months of Supply = Seller’s Market = Possible Price Increases and/or Bidding Wars

The commonly accepted separation between markets is:

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#2 The Furry Scurry– Denver

If your dogs usually take you for a walk, you may want to take the lead by signing yourself and the furry crew up for the 2008 Dumb Friends League Furry Scurry. You’ll have to get a move on since the event is this Saturday at 9:00 am at Washington Park.

The 2 mile walk and fun run helps raise money for the League in it’s mission to serve more than 25,000 homeless and abandoned animals. Their goal is to raise $850,000. They are currently at $424,293.89. It is an annual event, so if you miss it this year, plan to be there next spring.

Click here to register.

Your family members and friends can sponsor you and your dog, or you can just pay the registration fee of $50.00. Either way, it is a fun event that also raises money for a good cause. If you can’t make it, you can still donate by signing up as a Lazy Dog.

Olive and I look forward to seeing you there!

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This post is the first in a series of 1001. They are not in any particular order, just things that I have had the opportunity to do or are on my list of things not to miss in the great state of Colorado.

#1– Denver Metro Area

You’ve seen it on television during the Extreme Sports shows, but did you know we have some incredible young people locally and across the state who fly? Give them a skate board and the sky is the limit. Grab lunch, something cold to drink and a lawn chair and head to one of our local skate parks to watch these amazing athletes at play. If you are really brave, take your helmet, knee pads and your own skateboard and give it a try.

Here are just a few skate parks you may want to consider visiting.

Denver Skate Park– 2205 19th Street, Denver

Arvada Skateboard Park– 7800 Barbara Ann Drive, Arvada

Aurora Wheel Park– 2500 S. Wheel Park Circle (Approximately Iliff and Chambers), Aurora

Castle Rock Skate Park– 2240 Front Street, Castle Rock

Centennial Skate Park– Buckley and Orchard, Centennial

Commerce City Pioneer Park–  60th and Monaco, Commerce City

Green Valley Ranch– 51st and Argonne, Denver

Greenwood Village Skate Park– 6000 S. Quebec, Greenwood Village

Highlands Ranch Redstone Park– Town Center Drive and Foothills Canyon Blvd., Highlands