October Nightlife: Denver, CO

Mountain Excursion

Manitou Springs

Located in a "box" canyon at the base of Pikes Peak, Manitou Springs became famous in the late 1800s for the health benefits of the famous waters that are contained deep underground. Several of the grand hotels built in that era still stand, like the regal Barker House.

On a recent visit, my family and I chose two bed and breakfast inns-The Avenue Hotel and Eastholme in the Rockies. The Avenue Hotel, a boarding house built in 1886, is located in the heart of Manitou's historic district. Recently renovated back to its Victorian splendor, the B&B offers seven guest rooms. Another former boarding house built in 1885, Eastholme is a short drive away in the miniscule town of Cascade.

While strolling on Manitou Avenue, stop in and sample wine at Swirl, a wine emporium, and then head uphill to Coquette Creperie. Coquette was by far the best choice of all restaurants in town, in my opinion, as Owner Turu Fleites and her team have assembled a tremendous menu, chock full of organic ingredients. I was impressed to find Crested Butte gluten and hormone free sausage as an ingredient, so I opted for the Bada Bing-loaded with the delightful protein, fresh basil, pine nuts, and ricotta.
www.avenuehotelbandb.com
www.eastholme.com
www.swirlwineemporium.com
www.coquettecreperie.com
Photos of Manitou:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ellenceleste/2733050027/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/msweeney/2573445711/

Event

A Night in Old Union Station October 15

Still a transportation hub today, Denver's Union Station was first built in 1881 and underwent many transformations over the years. The Mizpah Arch welcomed guests to the Mile High City starting in 1906 and was torn down in 1931 when it was deemed a traffic hazard-with the advent of automobiles.

However, Union Station Advocates, a 501(c)(3) citizens group, will host a fundraising party entitled "A Night in Old Union Station" on Thursday, October 15 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Funds raised from the event will help resurrect a replica of the historic Mizpah Arch.

The event festivities will utilize many parts of the historic station with a corporate sponsor "raw bar" repast on the mezzanine, a speakeasy in the train departure tunnel, and conductor tickets being assigned to the Great Hall.

The celebration will culminate in the Great Hall historic reception room at the end of the evening; the hall's 65 foot high ceiling will provide for a spectacular conclusion.

For tickets, visit www.blacktie-colorado.com and visit the Denver event calendar.
www.denverunionstation.org
Union Station Photos

Fashion

Fall 2009 Fashion Presentation: Nordstrom October 14, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Nordstrom Cherry Creek Shopping Center
Join Nordstrom and the Denver Gay Professionals organization for an informal presentation of the Fall 2009 Hugo Boss Collection for men and women. Hosted by special guest Carson Kressley, guests will enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, live music, and of course, shopping.
www.denvergayprofessionals.com
www.nordstrom.com

Nightclub

Tracks

Halloween weekend can't get any more horrifying (in a good way) than at Tracks Nightclub. On Friday, October 30, the venue features Drama Drag, starring Nina Flowers, the Ru Paul's Drag Race finalist. On Halloween eve, Bacardi presents Beetlejuice's Halloween Weekend 09 with special guest DJ Alyson Calagna; the first prize winner for best costume rakes in $2,000.
www.tracksdenver.com

Hotel

Magnolia Hotel

Formerly the American National Bank Building, this 13-story hotel has 246 guestrooms and suites and received an impressive $7 million makeover in 2008. Located near the 16th Street Mall, the Magnolia is the perfect launching pad for a spectacular evening; start out at the very retro Harry's Bar-right inside the hotel.
www.magnoliahoteldenver.com
Photos: http://www2.magnoliahotels.com/photos/Denver/index.html