Lulu's is centrally located in Boulder, so after dinner you can walked across the street to the Fox Theatre or many other attractions in the area. Depending on the night, you can even catch a show at Lulu's. You can hear everything from poetry, to jazz, to comedy. Again, I urge you not to pass up this hidden treasure, since you're here, you may as well spoil yourself.

For the night owl (they're actually open 24 hours so go anytime), there is no place better to end your night than at Pete's Kitchen.

When the final club closes and the partiers need something to eat, Pete's is the place. Not only is the food great, but you can never tell who will be sitting in the booth next to you. Maybe you favorite Bronco or Nugget. John Elway and his entourage capped the night on my last visit. Back to the food...it's some of the best in town, and it gets to your table faster than most fast food places you visit. And if you can finish the World Famous Pete's Platter...in one sitting...by yourself, I'll buy it for you (not really).

You may want to get there a little before the clubs close because it is where everyone goes. It is not unusual to stand in a line that stretches half a city block. Don't worry though, Sir T is watching the door, and maybe with the right "persuasion", you can get your seat a little quicker.

If you’re looking for food and movie entertainment, try the Cinema Grill in Aurora. It’s a unique dining experience because you get to eat a meal while watching a movie. The Cinema Grill offers a moderately full menu of traditional American food—burgers, chicken, fish, pizza, hotdogs, and even beer, wine, and margaritas--at reasonable prices. Movies before 6 pm cost only $2 per person, and after 6, ticket admission is $4.

I went to the Cinema Grill with a group of my friends, to see “Wild Hogs.” We entered just as the ads began to roll (the Cinema Grill recommends getting there at least 15 minutes before show time) and were able to order our food at our tables. The food was brought us in our seats a short while later; I’d ordered the chicken fingers, fries, and a cherry Coke. The food was hot and fresh, and the wait staff was very courteous and brought plenty of condiments (ketchup, honey mustard sauce for my chicken fingers, napkins, and salt & pepper).

Ambience: As I mentioned, the Cinema Grill has a great staff—even the admissions guy in the booth was friendly. There were a few families with kids, groups of friends, teenagers as well as older couples, and all in all, it was a great experience, with none of the usual movie interruptions (loud talking, cell phones, etc.). My friends and I had a great time and it was a bit like watching a movie at a friend’s house.

The 9th Door has great ambience, I truly felt as if I might be in Spain with the dark, dimly lit interior and the red velvet uphostered sofas and dark wood.  The bar is fabulous and the interior design is well done.  This is a truly romantic atmosphere - perfect for two, but also great for a group of friends.  We even had the luck to witness a true flamenco dancer improvise with the band - turns out she's from Oviedo, Spain and a local flamenco teacher.  Wow! How cool is that! 

Happy Hour is Monday - Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30.? Visit their website for more info on events and the menu: http://www.the9thdoor.com/events.html

I have to admit that I didn't try the famous boiled crawfish, but I did dive into a generous portion of Pontchartrain Mahi-Mahi with a crab and shrimp brown butter sauce.  Even coastal seafood snobs (which would include this native Connecticut guy) would agree that the quality of sea fare would be hard to beat on the front range.  Pappadeaux's brags  that "From the bold flavors of [their] fresh-from-the-boat seafood, to [their] outstanding service, [they're] carrying on the Pappadeaux tradition of being the best there is."

Whether it’s their Filet Mignon, Seafood Gumbo, Cedar Plank Salmon or Costa Rican Snapper, you’lll be glad that you took the time to go “Where Fresh Meets Festive.”

For more information visit pappadeaux.com

Denver will be flooded with an estimated 35,000 people in August of next year for the Democratic National Convention. If you’re planning a trip, it may be helpful to consult HotelsByCity.net well in advance. Guests are expected to include delegates, politicians and an influx of media and political enthusiasts from around the nation.

According to denverconvention2008.com, the convention will “deliver a sizeable impact on the City of Denver and the seven counties that encompass the greater metro area. While the main event will occur each night at the Pepsi Center in downtown Denver, hotel rooms, restaurants, entertainment venues and transportation throughout the region would be utilized to their highest potential for the duration of the week.” Tickets will be available to delegates only. The general public will not be able to purchase admission but may select from the many volunteer positions available.

The Democrats have commented on their webpage that “After arriving at Denver International Airport, the largest international airport in the United States, four days of excitement awaits, as the enthusiasm builds until the eventual nominee accepts the nomination in front of the nation.” Regardless of your political affiliation, this will be an exciting event for the city and one you may not want to miss.

To learn more about becoming a delegate click here

To learn more about becoming a volunteer click here

Many people compare our State Capitol Building in Denver with the National Capitol in Washington, D.C., and that's a comparison we are proud of.   The Capitol building, home of the Colorado legislature, was designed by Elijah e. Myers, and was constructed in the 1890's, from Colorado white granite.  It is located in downtown Denver, on a hill slightly higher than the rest of the downtown area, and when the sun shines on the gold dome, comprised of a sheet of real gold, which was added in 1908. 

The main entrance hall is 180 feet tall to the top of the dome, almost 18 stories tall.  Additionally, the official elevation of Denver is measured outside the west entrance to the building, where the fifteenth step is engraved with the words "One Mile Above Sea Level." From this step, around dusk, a magnificent view of the sun setting behind the Rocky Mountains can be taken-in at 5,280 feet.  A second mile high marker was set in the 18th step in 1969 when Colorado State Universisty students resurveyed the elevation. Finally, in 2003, an even more accurate measurement was made with modern means and the 13th step was identified as being one mile high where a 3rd marker was installed.

Free tours of the dome are available Monday through Friday, on the hour, from 9:00 until 2:00 p.m.  Reservations are always recommended via e-mail or by calling (303) 866-3834.   For contact information, visit www.state.co.us/gov.

200 E Colfax Ave
Denver, Colorado

The Denver Zoo has been entertaining visitors since 1896, when  a small, orphaned black bear named Billy Bryan became the first resident of Denver Zoo. A gift to the mayor of Denver, Billy's adventurous and sometimes mischievous spirit helped mold the Zoo into what it is today 

April is a great time to visit the zoo --- animals are waking up and babies are being born.  This is a true city zoo, and is located in Denver Park.  It's still a good deal, too:  

For hours and lots more great information and hours, visit their site at www.denverzoo.org.  

While there are many hotels to chose from in and around Denver, the Comfort Inn Downtown took the prize with its savings special on Midweek rates from $139.00 and Weekend rates from $109.00. With 231 newly renovated guest rooms and suites, free high-speed internet and all of the amenities of a luxury hotel, Comfort Inn Downtown serves as an extremely viable option when visiting Denver.

From Westword’s Best of Denver 2007:

Situated across Tremont Street from the legendary (and extremely expensive) Brown Palace Hotel, the Comfort Inn Downtown affords many of the same luxuries at a fraction of the price. Towering over the Brown at 24 floors, the Inn is less polished than its five-star counterpart, but the art-deco-style standard corner rooms feature comfy beds, floor-to-ceiling windows and spectacular panoramic views of the city. Suites are also available. Because the Comfort Inn is affiliated with the Brown, guests have access to the latter's 24-hour room service and spa, as well as other amenities. The difference is that after soaking up the ambience of the Brown's beautiful atrium lobby or Ship Tavern, Comfort guests can sneak back across the street to their humble digs, with an extra $200 of unspent cash in their wallets.

Comfort Inn Downtown

401 17th St.
303.296.0400

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About Westword
[Source: Wikipedia]

Westword was established independently in 1977. In 1983 it was bought by New Times Media, which announced its successful intention to acquire and change its name to Village Voice Media in October 2005. Westword is a member of the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies and has received several awards for its investigative reporting. Westword has several regular features focusing on local events including arts, entertainment and politics. Regular arts and music criticism includes music criticism by Dave Herrera and food critic Jason Sheehan. Westword also publishes the syndicated columns of Dan Savage and the cartoons of Tom Tomorrow.