AvidLifestyle November 2022 Issue

SETTING THE STAGE

By Heather Shoning

THE AGENDA

Gives, Denver

Week, Nutcracker Highlights and more.

flavors

THE HOLIDAYS

By Amanda Lacey

well

SHOW

Rock

undergoes

By Maria LaPiana

with

FURNITURE MADE EASY MENO

introduces its

of

By Amanda Lacey

By Jessica Hughes

By Kimberly Lord Stewart

By

By

Shoning

PRESIDENT/GROUP

Allen J. Walters

Shoning

Jani Duncan

Bielenberg,

Chisholm,

Hughes,

Lacey, Maria LaPiana,

Lord Stewart, Erroll

Truesdale

Carver

Brandon Kusek

80112.

Arapahoe

$12

#210,

Postmaster: Send

Arapahoe

#210,

TALK OF THE TOWN

GETTING IN THE

I HAVE THIS FRIEND who is holiday obsessed. To be specific, she’s Christmas obsessed. I love the holidays, too, but not quite the way she does. We just chatted (on Facebook) the other day, and she mentioned that when she was looking for a new home, her priority was: Where will the Christmas trees go? Yes, that’s trees, plural. I can always count on her to post the first photo of holiday decorations going up, and—get this—in addition to December, her family also celebrates Christmas in July! With a tree!

I love her commitment to tradition and family and that she always gets a jumpstart on the holiday season, which is what we’re doing with this issue. Writer Amanda Lacey talks with a local party planner, florist and mobile cocktail service for tips on hosting the perfect party for your friends and family in Jumpstart the Holidays on page 22.

We also take you up to the high country in Magical Mountain Holidays (page 58), and if you’ve never experienced it for yourself—go. We share our ideas for a picture-perfect, memory-making holiday getaway. Writer Kimberly Lord Stewart asked Chef Frank Bonanno (On Linguini and Letting Go, page 54) about training new restaurateurs, community and how his family celebrates the season. Hint: There’s a lot of food involved.

And, of course, there’s no kickstarting the holiday season without lifting a glass. Our feature article is packed with cocktail recipes from the new book, “Colorado Cocktail Cookbook Volume 2” by Chad Chisholm. These craft cocktails come from a bevy of local mixologists, so if you don’t feel like making them at home, just head out for the evening. ¡Salud!

In addition, we share a beautiful home remodel in Castle Rock (Light Show, page 26) and a Denver-based sustainable furniture showroom (Sustainable Furniture Made Easy, page 34). We take you to a unique, experiential art exhibit you can walk to in the shadow of Pike’s Peak (Oculus, Anyone?, page 62). Oh, and if you’re already feeling the holiday stress, head for the medispa for a relaxing, rejuvenating afternoon—solo or with girlfriends (Treat Yourself, page 50). I’ll see you there!

Heather Shoning

Local,

TOPGOLF SWING SUITES AT GRAND HYATT VAIL —

Gather with friends and family to play virtual golf and other fun games at our Topgolf Swing Suites, located within Grand Hyatt Vail.

Enjoy casual food and beverage offerings while playing virtual golf or other interactive games such as soccer, zombie dodgeball, and hockey. Each Topgolf Swing Suite accommodates parties up to twelve people, with inviting lounge seating and service – great for families and for a night out with friends. Book now on open table!

Opens November 1

COLORADO GIVES DAY

The many hardworking nonprofits in Colorado appreciate support year-round, but the first Tuesday in December (the 6th this year) is set aside as Colorado Gives Day, the state’s largest 24-hour fundraising event. Because so many Coloradans choose to give on this special day each year, Colorado Gives begins “Early Giving” on Nov. 1. This allows prospective donors time to get the whole family involved, by visiting the website and searching for nonprofits by location and/or category, like education, animal-related, arts & culture, the environment and more. LEARN MORE at coloradogives.org.

DOUGLAS COUNTY COMMUNITY

FOUNDATION (DCCF) is one of the many organizations you can donate to for Colorado Gives Day—and any time of the year. DCCF establishes and manages charitable funds and provides resources to enrich the lives of those living in Douglas County. Donate by searching DCCF on coloradogives.org.

November 4–12

DENVER ARTS WEEK

This huge annual event celebrates everything arts-related throughout the Mile High City, with special music and dance performances, gallery exhibits, films, literary events and more. On Nov. 5, many of Denver’s cultural institutions will offer free admission from 5–10 p.m. See the full schedule of Arts Week events online. DENVER, denverartsweek.com

November 5

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS FESTIVAL

Celebrate Day of the Dead with live entertainment, traditional altars, public art, activities for kids, a short film competition, a vendor market and much more. Timed tickets must be purchased online before the event, and ages 15 and under are free. DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS, botanicgardens.org

Opens November 5

INSTRUCTOR SHOWCASE

The Curtis Center for the Arts presents a special exhibit showcasing the works of the center’s many talented arts instructors, including paintings, drawings, dyed silks, mixed media and more. Some of the artistinstructors will also have smaller works for sale, for holiday gift giving. The show runs through Dec. 22 at CURTIS CENTER FOR THE ARTS, greenwoodvillage.com

November 5

COLORADO SPRINGS RECORD SHOW

Still looking for that elusive LP? You just might find it at this huge record show, which features not just vinyl but also CDs, cassettes, 8-tracks and music memorabilia like posters and T-shirts. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (9 a.m. early bird admission). EMBASSY SUITES, coloradorecordshow.com/recordshow

November 6

HIDDEN’S DINING IN THE DARK (DENVER)

It’s the ultimate sensory experience! Guests eat their meals in the darkness, which heightens all of the senses and makes the meal more enjoyable. Two seatings available at 7:30 or 9:30 p.m.; adults only. Book in advance online. ROXY’S ON BROADWAY, explorehidden.com

November 12

PUMPKIN SPICE AND EVERYTHING NICE

Help support Parker Arts Education at this annual fundraiser, featuring a brunch with mimosas, a smorgasbord of pumpkin-spice treats, live guitar music and a lesson in making your own pumpkin-spice hand scrub (that you get to take home). Proceeds help fund scholarships, classes and camps at the center. 10 a.m.–noon at PACE CENTER, parkerarts.org

November 18–19

L’ESPRIT DE NOËL HOLIDAY HOME TOUR

Central City Opera’s annual holiday fundraiser is back in person this year, featuring five beautifully decorated homes in the Glenmoor Country Club neighborhood. This year, visitors on Saturday also have the option to attend a buffet lunch in the clubhouse. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. both days in CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, lesprithometour.com

November 19

CASTLE ROCK STARLIGHTING

The star on top of the Rock was first lit in 1936, and this annual celebration—billed as “a Norman Rockwell experience”—has been going strong since 1962. You’ll find strolling carolers, a kids’ zone, food trucks, adult beverages, vendor booths, visits with Santa, a chili supper and fireworks after the star is lit around 5:30 p.m. 2–6 p.m. in HISTORIC WILCOX SQUARE, castlerock.org

November 19

JAY LENO & JEFF FOXWORTHY

If you love comedy shows, you won’t want to miss a historic one, as Jay Leno, the former Tonight Show host and longtime stand-up comedian, teams up with Jeff Foxworthy, the best-selling comedy-recording artist of all time, for a rare and epic evening of laughter. 7 p.m. at BELLCO THEATRE, bellcotheatre.com

November 12–20

DENVER FASHION WEEK

Denver Fashion Week is back with a new venue and a spotlight on hairstyles! Sports Castle, with its turn-of-the-century interior style, will feature innovative runway experiences with more than 40 emerging and established designers from Denver and across the country. The event will showcase up-and-coming fashion trends enhanced by the work of talented hairstylists, makeup artists and models in categories including local couture, lifestyle, streetwear, sustainable fashion and more. DENVER, denverfashionweek.com

November 19

NUTCRACKER HIGHLIGHTS

Presented by the International Youth Ballet, this festive event features special highlights from the classic “Nutcracker,” suitable for all ages and so perfect for getting the entire family into the holiday spirit. 3 p.m. or 6 p.m. performances. SOUTHRIDGE REC CENTER, hrcaonline.org

November 24

TURKEY ROCK TROT

Get in a little exercise before the big dinner! This annual Thanksgiving Day tradition is a 5K fun run (or walk, or stroll) for the whole family, and there’s also an option to experience it virtually. Registration is limited, so sign up soon. DOUGLAS COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, runtochangelives.org

there’s more

PHOTO: COURTESY DENVERFASHION

PHOTO: KAZUO OTA

November 25–27

PARKER HOMETOWN HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE

The holiday fun in Parker begins on Nov. 25 at 5:30 p.m. with the Mayor’s Holiday Lighting of O’Brien Park and Mainstreet. The fun continues all weekend with the North Pole Experience, featuring live music, ice sculptures, and activities with Santa and his elves. Each weekend through Dec. 18, special seasonal characters will be walking around greeting visitors in downtown

November 26

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

On the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year (or, more specifically, the Saturday after Black Friday), shoppers are encouraged to patronize their favorite locally owned businesses to help give them a boost going into the holiday season. SBS has only been around since 2010, but it has gained in popularity each year. It’s the perfect time to get started on (or finish) your holiday shopping, and many stores run special promotions to bring shoppers in. American Express, the originator of the event, even offers an online map of participating small businesses; americanexpress.com

Opens November 26

GOLDEN HORSESHOE SLEIGH RIDES

Glide through an enchanted snow-covered forest in your own one-horse open sleigh! Golden Horseshoe Sleigh Rides offers a variety of sleigh adventures, including a private, romantic ride; a hot chocolate sleigh ride for the whole family; and a dinner theater sleigh ride that includes dinner and a performance at an Old West mining camp BRECKENRIDGE, coloradosleighrides.com

November 27

A ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS

Jim Curry performs holiday classics from John Denver’s many Christmas TV specials and albums, plus many of his greatest hits, like “Rocky Mountain High” and “Back Home Again.” This performance is fun for the whole family, and a great way to usher in the holiday season. 4 p.m. at PACE CENTER, parkerarts.org

W E L O V E C O L O R A D O

deserve a great deal and a truly

want to “show the love” to

Residents for

resort by offering 15% off our best room rates. With seven dining options, and the best views in Colorado

golf, tennis, pickleball, spa and salon, mindfulness &

three pools, splash pad and Kids’ Club &

resort outfitters, fitness, and more. Just

check in to confirm

Jumpstart the Holidays

PLAN YOUR ENTERTAINING with these cues from the pros

By Amanda Lacey

IF YOU LOVE THE HOLIDAYS and sharing them with friends and family, you’re no doubt itching to host a fête not to be forgotten. Deck the halls, drape the lights and garland over the mantel, and hang the wreath on the door. You’ve got the guest list and we have the tips and tricks straight from Denver’s top party profes sionals to ensure all your holiday bashes are ones for the books.

SET THE STAGE

Wondering how to make your event memorable and stand out from the rest? John Tobey of John Tobey Events says, “It’s all about personalization, so include special touches like your favorite cocktail, favorite color or customary tradition.”

Choose a color palette inspired by the holiday decor you already own. We all have an abundance of items collected from over the years, so when picking and choosing amongst your favorite pieces and family heirlooms it’s important to remember that there is such a thing as too much.

Unsure where to begin while sorting through it all? Pick a palette and spread it throughout your home. Then, add another layer to your decor using florals. Breigh Jones, owner of Black + Blossomed, says don’t be afraid to add unconventional accent colors and natural (textural) touches. “Try adding a blush pink or burnt orange for an added a pop and mix in pampas grass to your fresh floral arrangement for extra dimension,” she explains. “There’s no right or wrong, so time to get creative!” She suggests using small bud vases to carry color throughout your entire entertaining area. “Having a set palette and consistency spread throughout your space allows for everything to feel connected and seamless,” she says.

DINE & WINE

To ensure your holiday menu delights, personal chef Jeff Stoneking says it’s all in the details. “Don’t overlook, but also don’t overthink the more personal details of the event,” he says. When creating a menu, always consider your guests’ needs such as any allergies or any other accommodations they may have.

Stoneking also says offering your guests details on seating arrangements—so they know if it’s a formal seated dinner or a causal mingling event—and timing so they can plan their evening is a nice touch. “Most people will look forward to knowing what the target time is for them to be pleasantly on their way home,” he says.

Another great way to add a personal touch to your meal is by way of dinnerware. “I recommend a combination of using your own personal pieces and rentals as needed,” says Tobey. “For service platters, use this as your opportunity to add your own personal touch, but for ease of entertaining rent items like flatware and glassware.”

Speaking of glassware, think about your cocktails and decide on a signature drink for the evening, then kick it up a notch. “A pear Irish mule offers winter flavors, and a nice spin on the old fashioned is our vanilla chai old fashioned,” says Kodie Ketchbaw owner of K-Bar Events. If you want to keep the signature cocktail recipe simple, add a festive garnish for an instant ooh la la

It’s no secret that we love a good cocktail, but there’s no need to overdo it. “Limit the selections you’ll offer at your event,” Ketchbaw says. “You’re not a bar, so it’s not necessary to offer full bar service. A couple of seasonal beers; a red, a white and a sparkling wine; and a couple of signature cocktails make for a great event.”

And the best tip of all? Don’t be afraid to source help. Host an event that guests will be talking about for years to come. Leave it to the pros so every detail—no matter how big or small—is covered, and you can savor every minute.

BLACK + BLOSSOMED 720.704.1571; black-and-blossomed.com

CHEF JEFF G STONEKING 303.351.2539; chefjeffgstoneking.com

JOHN TOBEY EVENTS 303.830.0889; johntobeyevents.com

K-BAR EVENTS 720.742.7516; k-bar-events.com

PHOTO: COURTESY JOHN TOBEY EVENTS

To make the most of the transitional eat-in area between the kitchen and the dining room, Newell opted for a round table from Lamps Plus for easy circulation. Slim, modern chairs from Room & Board and a contemporary fixture from Circa Lighting add to the fresh, open feel of the room.

Light

DARK AND DATED GIVES WAY TO SUNNY AND STREAMLINED IN THIS RELAXED FAMILY HOME

By Maria LaPiana

IN MANY WAYS, this was a textbook interior design project: a mix of serendipity and trust, good timing, styles that mesh, and a rare case of everything going according to plan.

You could say the stars aligned to produce a seamless makeover of this family home in Castle Rock.

What started out as a dark and dreary home was transformed into a modern, open space with crisp, clean lines and joyful bursts of color. The project encompassed the main floor: the living room, dining room, entryway, powder room, laundry room and staircase. It was every designer’s dream.

The homeowners chanced upon the Basil + Tate interior design website and fell in love with the work of lead designer Jackie Newell. “I really didn’t know where to begin,” says Monika Wesorick. “I previewed her website and portfolio of work, and her bright and modern style resonated with me. I wanted something modern, but warm and inviting and her past projects fit that style.”

Purchased as a new build in 2006, the home was showing its age. The main level had been painted in dark tans and light browns, and most of the furniture was finished in an unfashionably dark espresso. “The decor felt dated and haphazardly put together, with no particular style,” remembers Wesorick.

PHOTO: COURTESY BASIL + TATE

Enter Newell with her team and everybody agreed the drab, broody interiors had to go. “The goal of the project was to give the main floor a makeover without doing any major construction,” says the designer. A few minor structural changes made all the difference. “There were already three archways that added a lot of character to the main floor, but we got the green light to update the TV and fireplace wall,” says Newell. “Architectural details truly make a home unique.” She credits the talented team at VIP Construction in Denver for doing an awesome job on the millwork.

A PLEASING PALETTE AND SOME SURPRISES

The client’s overall directive was that the space be functionally beautiful and familyfriendly. “To me,” says Newell, “that means choosing fabrics and materials that are easily cleaned and able to withstand day-to-day use. Monika had her heart set on a color palette that included navy and camel-colored leather. She also requested that we try to work in a sectional instead of two sofas so that the family of four (they have two sons in middle school) could curl up together to watch TV.”

Newell did all that, and more. She infused the home with a pleasing brightness using Greek Villa paint by Sherwin-Williams. She uncovered the windows and lowered the ceiling fixtures to give the open plan some breathing room. She added subtle coastal notes—shiplap in the powder room, on the fireplace wall and inside the dining room’s tray ceiling—and imbued the home with a relaxed vibe throughout.

Shiplap and color used in specific focal points like this powder bath wall, adds a fresh, clean pop to the design.

VIP Construction was an integral partner in creating the living room feature wall with the fireplace and built-in shelving. An oversized and comfortable sectional from Macy’s wraps around an ample coffee table from Pottery Barn, ensuring plenty of family time for game or movie nights. A pair of upholstered chairs from AllModern add to the coastal palette.

CHRISTMAS FLORALS PRE-LIT TREES GARLAND AND WREATHS HOLIDAY TABLE DÉCOR ORNAMENTS, TREE SKIRTS, STOCKINGS

GIFTS, GIFTS, GIFTS

THE STREETS AT SOUTHGLENN 6851 S. GAYLORD ST., SUITE 233 CENTENNIAL, CO 80122 CARLASACD.COM | 303.683.0372

Gratitude and heartfelt thanks this Holiday Season and always from our family to yours �

Comfort and texture own the day in the living room, while the gently layered dining room fea tures a navy tray ceiling and striking Meadow Blu sideboard.

It was important to find just the right artwork for every space, says the designer. She chose stylized florals for the fireplace wall: “We wanted the artwork to be simple, so it wasn’t competing with the other decor.” She opted for mountains in the dining room because they’re important to the family, and dimensional art on the oppo site side of the room to add variety and texture. A simple gallery wall of black-and-white family photos personalizes the stairway wall.

The project began in the early days of the pandemic, so Newell remembers the frustration of waiting for furniture to arrive. But the transformation was well worth the wait.

“Our favorite room is the living room,” Wesorick says. “The boys wanted a big, comfortable sectional, and Jackie delivered. We all love lounging together in there. The fireplace and TV wall remodel is one of my favorite upgrades. It feels sleek and streamlined. And I love the bold moody color behind the mounted TV; it’s such a rich deep tone that really pops against the white walls and warm walnut mantel.”

A hefty dining room table from Pottery Barn mimics the color of weather-worn wood from a coastal setting. The light fixture from Worley’s Lighting with matte black and the black chairs are a crisp contrast to the blue and white of the walls and ceiling. A nautical striped rug from Wayfair anchors the dining room space.

Both client and designer agree the home is now the perfect mix of modern and traditional. It’s also extremely adaptable for entertaining. At the end of the day, Wesorick says the makeover didn’t really change the way the family lives in the home: “That’s the best part. Our home continues to function the way it always has—but with an elevated and cohesive style.”

How pleased are the homeowners with the end result? Very. Newell says she’s in the process of finishing up the primary suite. “It feels like an extension of their beautiful main floor: shiplap ceilings, wood beams and a dreamy bed. It’s going to be great.”

Sustainable Furniture Made Easy

Clean concepts with

options and

JERRI HOBDY is likely a name you’re already familiar with, and MENO Home is about to be another. MENO Home is a design studio and showroom dedicated to home products for living with attention to waste reduction through circular product lifestyles, climatefriendly materials and lower-carbon logistics. Located in Free Market, the retail collective at Dairy Block, the showroom offers a highly curated selection of vintage furnishings handpicked by Hobdy herself. As needed, these furnishings will be restored using the highest quality products and no flame retardants or off-gassing chemicals.

In addition, MENO Home offers Hobdy’s signature line of clean candles made with 100 percent American-grown soy wax. All fragrances are 100 percent phthalate-free and free of all California Prop 65 list of cancer-causing ingredients, and they come in containers made from soda-lime glass.

To top it off, the well-established furniture designer with a robust resume—having created items for leading manufacturers—recently launched her own furniture brand. Her designled approach means beautiful furnishings

JERRI HOBDY

Aspen 970.925.8579

Crested Butte 970.349.5023

Denver 303.399.4564

Steamboat Springs 970.879.9222 Telluride 970.728.3359 Vail 970.949.5500

that delight the

thurstonkitchenandbath.com

derived from a sustainability ethos. By 2023, the company plans to provide regional delivery using an electric fleet, further reducing its environmental footprint.

A Houston native, Hobdy has a decade of furniture design under her belt. Having worked in-house for several large brands and retailers, she already has many products in the global marketplace, with 250 unique products across five countries at any given moment. She explains that MENO Home comes from a strong understanding of the business, a vision to build a more sustainable brand and the commitment to do better in the industry.

She notes the furniture industry has a lot of impacts—it takes a lot of energy, logistics and raw materials to get beautiful furniture into peo ple’s homes. “As someone who’s been on the back side of the business for about ten years, I became very familiar with that process,” Hobdy says. “It’s given me an insider’s perspective of what our biggest opportunities with MENO could be.”

Hobdy moved to Denver in 2018 to make her mark as a small, self-funded brand. “Launching here in Denver, we’re at the moment where my experience and the vision for trying to do better in my industry are finally able to emerge in a real format as a brand,” she says.

Sustainability may be a buzzword, but Hobdy confirms it’s a value and a lifestyle that’s here to stay. “We started with the intention of doing as much as possible within the furniture category so that no matter what our customer buys from us, they not only can feel like we’re doing the research and sourcing,” Hobdy explains. “But we’re also keeping the materials clean, and keeping the chemicals out,” says Hobdy.

Transparency is equally as crucial to the brand. Hobdy explains each piece of MENO’s in-house production goods will feature a furniture nutritional label. This offers more in-depth information, including which raw materials and finishes were used, providing instant relief that the product is not only beautiful but also the best version that it can be. “We’re trying to offer sustainability without any sacrifice,” she says.

MENO HOME 1801 Blake St., Denver 720.325.2098

MENO HOME SHOWROOM (by appointment only) 3475 W 1st Ave., Denver menohome.com

Signature Sips

Warm up from the inside out with these rich cocktails crafted by local mixologists

By Heather Shoning with Chad Chisholm

Nothing marks the start of the holidays season like lifting a glass with friends and family to toast the year behind and the year ahead. Whether you choose to toast at home or out on the town, the Mile High City has some superb mixologists who shared signature cocktail recipes with Chad Chisholm for his new book, “Colorado Cocktail Cookbook Volume 2.” (Tattered Cover, hardcover, $35)

We recommend you buy the book because it’s chock full of recipes for every season, but we hand-picked our favorites to warm you up on a crisp autumn eve. And, if you’re throwing a bash at home, follow the expert tips from Jumpstart the holidays on page 22, and choose one of these as your signature cocktail for the party. Cheers!

IT:

to find it:

#130,

a

a

PHOTO: CHAD CHISHOLM

CHAD CHISHOLM

PHOTO: CHAD

Dentistry with an Emphasis on Whole-Body Wellness

Vibrance Dentistry, we believe that dentistry is not “one size fits all” and that your experience should be pleasant and relaxing.

commitment to Holistic and Biological dentistry ensures that your visit will leave you feeling better, looking better and living better. Our state-of-the-art equipment and spa-like amenities allow us to offer services that transcend traditional dentistry and promote whole-body wellness.

offer a full range of dental services, from family and preventative dentistry to cosmetic dentistry including smile makeovers. Call us today at 303-770-1116 or visit vibrancedentistry.com to schedule an appointment and discover the difference!

Discover award-winning dining. Savor elevated flavors at Monarch Chophouse, a modern twist on the classic steakhouse. Choose from a fusion of Southwest spice and top-shelf tequilas at Bistro Mariposa. Satisfy your cravings for breakfast, burgers, bites, and brews at Twenty-Four 7, Black Hawk’s only 24-hour restaurant. Find all of your favorite flavors from around the world, at The Buffet.

We have something to satisfy every palate — the choice is all yours.

CHAD CHISHOLM

L F P R O F E S S I O N A L S M A K E L I F E L O N G G O L F E R S

T O L E A R N M O R E A B O U T H O W T H E C O L O R A D O P G A I S R E V A M P I N G T H E J U N I O R G O L F S C E N E A C R O S S T H E S T A T E I N 2 0 2 3 , S C A N T H E Q R C O D E B E L O W :

Treat Yourself

By Jessica Hughes

PRESENTS FOR the teachers—check. Treats for all the parties— purchased. Gifts for the kids’ favorite friends—ready to go. Adult holiday parties—in various stages of planning. Family photos, holidays cards, all the shopping and running around—enough! It’s time to take a break and recharge your batteries to get through the rest of the crazy, albeit wonderful, holiday season. Take an afternoon all to yourself and pick up gift cards for your friends or plan a girls’ day out to the medispa.

TAKE A MEDISPA BREAK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON— alone or bring along your gal pals

Imagine relaxing in a plush chaise lounge with soft background music and a warm blanket. Champagne sets the celebratory mood, followed by whatever special treatments will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and ready for the holidays. Top-rated local medispas weigh in on the best gifting treatments for those who carry the stress of the holidays and how to enjoy a relaxing day at the spa with friends. You’re going to want to go ahead and get out your calendar and book now!

At Fountain of Youth Aesthetic Spa, where they specialize in treatments such as facials, injectables and micro-needling, spa owner Steve Cox says they also focus on creating a premium unforgettable experience during treatment sessions.

“We have an elegant atmosphere that is super private,” Cox says. “We are not clinical at all. We’ve created a space for relaxation.” Premium indeed. Relaxing is easy when you wrap yourself in the beautiful, embroidered robes and slide into the soft slippers all while enjoying the plush seating areas, complimentary lattes and cappuccinos, relaxing music, and spacious treatment rooms.

For a spa treatment gift idea, he advises to keep it simple, unless someone asks for something

specific. “It can be tough because you don’t want to insult someone by buying them a bikini wax unless they specifically ask,” says Cox. He says facials, hydrofacials and Botox are the most popular giftable treatments they offer.

One of the best ways to experience these treatments, Cox suggests, is gathering a group of three or four friends, each one booking their treatment of choice at the same time and make it an exclusive party. “You can have the spa all to yourselves and enjoy our complimentary champagne and food for a relaxing and private experience with your friends.”

The staff at The Spa at Inverness suggests spa packages as the best holiday gifts because people can choose their own treatments. Whether it’s a Restorative Full Day package or the Relax & Rejuvenate Half Day package, the guest selects which treatments they would like to enjoy. Plus, this holiday season the staff suggests checking out the holiday enhancements and indulge in the optional champagne and signature cocktail pairings.

The spa’s treatments pair nicely with the tranquil environment and relaxing retreat created with natural stone and dark wood details, large windows with linen coverings, seven massage rooms, two mani/pedi stations and two facial lounges. But the ultimate indulgence is the relaxation room with its outdoor secret garden complete with a fireplace, hot tub and chaise lounges all surrounded by lush ivy hedge walls.

Does the whole family need a little break ahead of the holidays? The Hilton Denver Inverness offers so much more including its awardwinning Champagne brunch at the Garden Terrace, golf on the 18-hole championship course and the cozy fireplace at Fireside Lounge where the entire family can snuggle up and relax.

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH 8390 E. Crescent Pkwy., Suite 410 Greenwood Village 303.779.8888

thefountainofyouthmedspa.com

THE SPA AT INVERNESS 200 Inverness Drive W., Suite 100 Englewood 303.397.7808

theclubatinverness.com/spa

PHOTOS: COURTESY HILTON DENVER INVERNESS

BONANNO’S CONCEPTS

MIZUNA

The flagship Bonanno restaurant, Mizuna is an American-style eatery steeped in French tradition. 225 East 7th Ave., Denver mizunadenver.com

LUCA

Named for the eldest Bonanno son, Luca dishes up rustic, wood-fired Italian and handmade pasta.

711 Grant St., Denver lucadenver.com

OSTERIA MARCO

Named for the youngest Bonanno son, this is a lively Italian tavern and artisan pizzeria.

1453 Larimer St., Denver osteriamarco.com

GREEN RUSSELL

A chef-driven cocktail joint featuring spirit-forward and spirit-free delights.

1422 Larimer St., Denver greenrussell.com

RUSSELL’S SMOKEHOUSE

The flavors of the Colorado West inspire this low- and slow-smoked comfort food. 1422 Larimer St., Denver russellssmokehouse.com

VESPER LOUNGE

This neighborhood watering hole is for those who love tap cocktails and Mediterranean bar food. 233 East 7th Ave., Denver vesperdenver.com

SALT & GRINDER

For a quick bite, check out this New Jersey-inspired deli boasting house-cured salumi. 3609 W. 32nd Ave., Denver saltandgrinder.com

FRENCH 75

With its open kitchen, this casual French bistro offers dinner and a show. 717 17th St., Denver french75denver.com

DENVER MILK MARKET

Chef Frank Bonanno envisioned this all-local 16-concept food and bar hall.

1800 Wazee St., Denver denvermilkmarket.com

LOU’S FOOD BAR

Heat things up with Nashville-style hot chicken and down-home sides. Then cool the burn with gelato. 701 Grant St., Denver lousfoodbar.com

PHOTO: CHAD CHISHOLM

On Linguini and Letting Go

CHEF FRANK BONANNO says it’s a joy to train the next generation of restaurateurs, let go of a good belly laugh and eat linguini at midnight

By Kimberly Lord Stewart

CHEF FRANK BONANNO and his wife Jacqueline stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their staff to help them be the best at what they do. That energy, passion and commitment to something greater shines through in every one of their unique Bonanno Concepts’ restaurants. We asked Chef Bonanno about his reputation as a mentor in the Denver food community, among other things.

AVIDLIFESTYLE: You have a long history of influence in the Denver dining scene, including training employees who have gone on to open their own restaurants. It’s a lot like parenting. How do you feel about your restaurants serving as a spawning ground for future talent?

FRANK BONANNO: We’ve had the joy of seeing more than 30 people move directly from general manager or executive chef positions to open restaurants of their own. It’s more like coaching than parenting, and I’m really proud that we’ve developed a culture of innovation and leadership that motivates future restaurateurs. Bonanno restaurants have inspired an entire culinary scene in Denver and the West. How cool is that?

AL: Owning restaurants is much more than making good food and providing an inviting experience. Your restaurant group was the first to get your teams vaccinated during the pandemic, create a tipping pool and pay competitive wages. What do you think makes a good restaurateur? What changes would you like to see in your profession as a whole?

FB: A good business leader is part of the community—the work community, the neighborhood, the city, the industry. I’m always looking for ways to grow my community, and I think the best thing that could happen to the restaurant community in the next five years would be to keep the outdoor-dining scapes that truly integrated our businesses and our neighborhoods, to remove tipping and take some of the lobbying teeth away from chain restaurants.

AL: The challenges of owning restaurants have never been greater as food service transitions to this new normal of a post-pandemic crisis. Have the hallmarks of good food and service changed as a result?

FB: People are dining out to be delighted. We’ve been literally pouring onto the streets to com mune over food and wine, to find ways to laugh and toast, even when it seemed dangerous or hopeless. It’s OK to laugh out loud in public. No, it’s crucial. Dining isn’t stuffy, it isn’t slow, it isn’t serious. It’s joy and celebration. It’s life.

AL: Since the holidays are approaching, what family traditions will you hold dear this year?

FB: My sons are both at college this year, and when they’re home, I aim to feed them. Their friends will drift over for a house that smells like bacon in the morning and bread baking on Wednesday afternoons, and we’ll play the board games that we all got really good at these past two years. When it’s snowing, though, it’s the middle-of-the-night linguine, simple and delicious. Luca finds me chopping garlic in the dark, and he gets the water going. Marco, all messy in his pajamas, grabs the bowls and sets the counter for four. Jacqueline’s always last to this celebration in the winter kitchen, stepping over the dog to pour the wine and light the candle.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Recent global events put a lot of strain on restaurant staff. Always looking for ways to improve the lives of their staff, Bonanno Concepts hired a wellness director to assist staff with mental-health challenges associated with their jobs and stressors of life. Qiana Torres Flores, licensed professional counselor, leads free and confidential group sessions, mediates conflicts and is available for one-on-one sessions for the restaurant group’s 400 employees.

“I’m really proud that we’ve developed a culture of innovation and leadership that motivates future restaurateurs.”

FRANK AND JACQUELINE BONANNO

LUCA AND MARCO BONANNO

PHOTO: COURTESY SONNEALP

PHOTO: COURTESY VAIL RESORTS

PHOTO: MATTHEW INDEN MILES, COURTESY BEAVER CREEK

Magical Mountain Holidays

HEAD TO A SKI TOWN for a family celebration you won’t soon forget

By Heather Shoning

AFTER A BLUEBIRD DAY on the slopes or snowshoeing in the backcountry, you’re walking down Main Street, the snow is piled up along the sidewalk, and the flickering lights glisten off its ice crystals. Your boots crunch on the packed snow as you peer inside the brightly lit shops. The faint sound of carols floats across the crisp air as you meander through the jovial crowd of children and their parents—many still in ski gear, some dressed for dinner. Peals of laughter come from the skating rink. Soft flakes begin to flutter down as you turn, hearing the clip-clop of a pair of gorgeous horses pulling a charming carriage. Trees twinkle from trunk to top with hundreds of tiny lights, and everywhere you turn, you’re in awe of the backdrop of a deep purple, pink and orange as the sun disappears behind craggy, snowy peaks.

This is the magic of the holiday season in a mountain town. The experience is surreal and quaint and nostalgic, and no matter which town you choose, you’ll make memories to cherish for a lifetime. Here are a few of our favorite places and activities for your magical holiday getaway.

VAIL/BEAVER CREEK

Vail is celebrating its 60th anniversary this ski season. There will be a variety of activities for celebrating, including vintage ice bars and snow bungalows at Eagle’s Nest and Wildwood, where skiers can retreat with music, food and signature cocktails. In addition, Vail Resorts has teamed up with 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Co. to create an exclusive batch of mountain bourbon and themed 60th-anniversary cocktails. You

can find these tasty creations all winter at Vail Resorts’ hotels in Vail and at the distillery tasting room in Vail Village.

The kids will love “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer the Musical” at Vilar Performing Arts in Beaver Creek Village. There are two showings: Dec. 19 and 20. For more information, visit vilarpac.org

Typically, on Thanksgiving weekend, Beaver Creek hosts its annual tree-lighting ceremony. The event also includes a poetry contest, an iceskating show and a fireworks display over the village. Watch visitvailvalley.com for updated information.

Choose The Sonnenalp for a postcard-perfect stay. This Bavarian farmhouse–inspired luxury hotel looks like a beautiful gingerbread house all decked out in its holiday finest through out the season. In addition, it hosts a variety of activities on the property. The hotel serves Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and NYE Buf fet Dinner along with live music at the King’s Club. There’s gingerbread house making, snow globe making, ornament and cookie decorating inside; outside, you can enjoy activities such as guided snowshoe tours.

If you’re looking for something a bit more daring, The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail teamed up with Adventure IO to offer heliskiing with an Olympian. Get more information on this epic adventure at thehythevail.com/ experiences.

BRECKENRIDGE

Breck has no shortage of ski-town charm, and the entire town is practically ski in/ski out with the ski-to-town trails and the BreckConnect Gondola. You can hop off North America’s highest ski lift at the top and make a run all the way down to town for après.

Magical experiences in Breck include dog sled ding, snowmobile tours, sleigh rides, ice skat ing, ice fishing and more. The first weekend in December is the time to visit this mountain town as it takes on all its magical holiday glory. First, hundreds of Santa look-alikes will run down Main Street in the Race of the Santas, fol lowed by the grand lighting event that evening.

More than 13,000 feet and 250,000 LED holi day lights will transform Breck into a real-life holiday card.

KEYSTONE

What could be more winter fun for the kids— and kids of all ages—than the largest onmountain snow fort? Two massive snow forts! Yes, Keystone is adding a second snow fort for the 2022-2023 season. The second one will be at the base area so kids can play while parents hit the Last Lift Bar for some après.

Don’t want the day to end? No worries. Keystone offers night skiing so you can enjoy a one-ofa-kind experience of cruising under the lights during weekends and holidays, beginning on Thanksgiving. There are two ice-skating spots— Dercum Square and Keystone Lake. Horsedrawn sleigh rides offer breathtaking views of the Soda Creek Valley. Anyone with a sweet tooth will love Keystone Lodge and Spa’s Chocolate Village on display from Dec. 20 through Jan.

8. Pastry Chef Ned Archibald leads this annual tradition of crafting more than 7,000 pounds of chocolate into a miniature alpine village. It features a working gondola, a running train, a cascading waterfall and a 6-foot-tall Christmas tree. And there’s a new addition each year–see what it is.

Come and enjoy a parade through the village and fireworks over Dercum Mountain on Christmas Eve. For more information on these and other events, visit keystoneresort.com

PHOTO:

PHOTO:

PHOTO: COURTESY SONNEALP

ww w .co l ogo l f andt u r f. ne t 117 5 7 S. W ads wo r th B l v d • L ittle t o n , CO 8 012 5 303-761-3332

PHOTO: DAVID LAUER PHOTOGRAPHY

Oculus, Anyone?

A NAKED-EYE OBSERVATORY BRINGS VISITORS INTO THE HEAVENLY ART

By Julie Bielenberg

MEOW WOLF IS NOT the only experiential art game in town. While it might be the bestknown, there are a variety of experiential art venues and shows in the metro area. Still, a new, permanent installation— Green Mountain Falls Skyspace —opened in July in the new Red Butte Recreational Area on Highway 24, south of Woodland Park.

American artist James Turrell is passionate about light and space and has worked with light as a medium since the mid-1960s. He’s possibly most known for this Roden Crater project that has been a work-in-process since 1977. Throughout this time, he has also designed more than 80 Skyspaces; this is his first in Colorado. Commissioned by the Historic Green Mountain Falls Foundation, the installation will be housed by Green Box Arts, an artdriven nonprofit, and it opened during the 2022 annual Green Box Arts Festival.

But what is a Skyspace? Well, this one is an 18-foot-tall stone, box-shaped structure with a retractable roof—one of few in the world that has one—allowing visitors to experience a “closed roof” show during inclement weather. Upon arrival at the art installation, participants must remove their shoes because of the pristine nature of the polished granite floor. Inside, they will lie on the stone floor or on wooden benches, and the space can accommodate 24 guests.

The art demonstration begins with warm lights as the Skyspace opens to reveal the natural elements above. This is where Turrell’s mastery of the oculus—an opening in the center of a dome or wall that alters perception—shines. It’s his personal invitation for you to feel the presence of light and space. During a scheduled show ing, you’ll experience kinetic light and color designed to foster a sensory and contemplative atmosphere that includes, of course, the light and space that is a derivative of the oculus.

Just getting to Green Mountain Falls Skyspace is an experience of its own. Visitors choose from one of two paths to access the art. The steeper Lower Turrell Trail is one-third of a mile with a 200-foot elevation gain; the halfmile Joyland Pittman Trail is the less steep route to the destination. You can book tickets for specific showtimes (see website for days and times) or choose to experience the art on your own. The trail system leading to the Skyspace installation is open Thursday through Sunday. The Skyspace is available to visit without a ticket, in its natural state, after sunrise and before sunset on days the installation is open unless the trail system is closed due to weather or maintenance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION and tickets, visit greenboxarts.org/skyspace

PHOTO: JEFF KEARNEY TDC PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOS: DAVID LAUER PHOTOGRAPHY

It’s