Fun Winter Activities to do in Denver this Weekend

 

I think it is safe to finally say winter is here. With the cold days where temperatures are barely getting into double digits, the sun is a very friendly face to see when you walk outside to instant cold. I’ve seen people start to get on their social media and complain about Denver drivers in the snow (come on now, we know it’s all those transplants coming to town right? ;) and I recently heard on the radio Denver is ranked 8th worst driver’s in the United States, not exactly a title we will wear with pride! But we also are still one of the biggest growing cities in the US with more people moving her by the minute and that is one thing we can be really excited about.

A lot of people have asked me what is there to do in the city during the winter months. Many people head to the mountains to ski and snowboard but for those that want to stay city-side on the weekends here are a few events happening this weekend that are great for a date night, family outing or just a solo-time adventure:

 

Family Gingerbread Workshop – Denver Botanic Gardens – Saturday, Dec. 10th - $10-$17

Now this is something to take gingerbread house making to the next level for the whole family. Enjoy creating beautiful homes while learning about the plants that make up the cinnamon walls and how other holiday flavors like cloves, ginger and nutmeg get such their distinguished tastes.

 

Jingle Bell Run – South High School to Wash Park – Saturday, Dec. 10th – Prices vary

For the city that is renowned for being insanely active, here is a great race to put on your holiday garb and get the whole family running for research with Arthritis. Make sure to dress warm and put on your favorite antlers to enjoy this 5K course.

 

Santa Speedo Dash – 3625 W 32nd Ave – Saturday, Dec. 10th - $35

For those of you wanting a race with a little more flair, here is the perfect one-mile dash to get your heart beat racing. Come in your favorite speedo to help benefit Life is Better Animal Rescue by baring (most) all.

 

Denver Jackalope Holiday Market – McNichols Civic Center – Saturday, Dec. 10th – Sunday, Dec. 11th – Free

If you are still looking for some unique and awesome gifts for the holiday season, the Jackalope market is the place for you. With over 150 handmade vendors, you are sure to find something among the photographers, fashion and accessory designers, home décor, housewares and so much more.

 

Denver Pavilions Holiday Carousel – Denver Pavilions – Dec. 9th – Dec. 23rd - $3 per ride or FREE with purchase at a Denver Pavilions Merchant

Want to take your significant other on a fun date downtown? Why not stop at the annual carousel that is put up right by Denver Pavilions. With a portion of the proceeds going to help the Food Bank of the Rockies, this fun night activity is a great way to see the Christmas lights downtown while enjoying the company of your special someone.

 

There are so many great things going on in Denver this month so make sure to check my blog to see where to go! And don’t forget, just because the winter months are upon us doesn’t make it any less of a time to buy or sell your house! If you are thinking it may be time to do so, please shoot me an email or give me a call today and let’s grab a warm beverage to discuss your options.

 

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A Thank You Message on this Thanksgiving

We just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving. This time of the year we really are reminded what we are thankful for and what we have to be thankful for.

 

We would not be where we are today without the love and support of our families. Our families have been strong rocks in our lives who have watched us grow from high school sweethearts to the strong couple we are today, encouraging us every step of the way as we took risks and paved the way for new business endeavors. We are thankful for each other, as we are one another’s best friend and confidant. Our beautiful and kind daughter Reagan who reminds us daily to laugh and enjoy every little moment. She has shown us what true love really looks like and continues to amaze us as she grows into a smart and wonderful young woman.

 

We are also thankful for God who continues to bless us with opportunities and show us direction as we strive to make this world a better place. Our church, Flatirons Church, that has been a staple in our lives for a long time helping guide us to meet new friends and grow long and lasting relationships. Our church is a safe place we feel we can go and grow in our faith and our friendships.

 

Of course we are also beyond thankful for all of you our clients! Without you, we wouldn’t be where we are today! Clients are what make a business work from start to finish, clients make a company move and grow and eventually it is those continuous clients who become long-time friends as well. With all of our businesses, we know how imperative it is to have loyal clients and we are so very thankful to everyone who uses us time and again and also refers us to new clients.

 

Our business partners are also at the top of this thankful list because they are the ones who share our dreams and ambitions when it comes to our work. Together, we work to make our dreams a reality and work to continuing building a foundation for many great businesses.

 

We hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year full of good food, laughs and lots of love. We look forward to continuing to serve as your real estate agents and hope to continue to grow with you into the New Year!

 

Best,

Jay & Brigette

 

Photo by Walnut Street Photography

Photo by Walnut Street Photography

Giving Thanks and Giving Back

 

Hard to believe the holidays are upon us already. Seems like I was just making my New Years resolutions just yesterday and it is almost time to make them again! I really love the next few months, from Thanksgiving to Christmas to the New Year, this is a time of the year when I really am thankful for my family and friends and my businesses.

 

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays because it is a time to gather with family and a time to give back. If you take apart the word Thanksgiving you are left with the words ‘thanks’ and ‘giving’. We give thanks for our families and our friends, for the food we eat that day and for the gathering of people we hold dear. People fly all over the country to get home to be with their loved ones that alone is something to give thanks for. The second word is ‘giving’ because while this is a holiday to be appreciative for everything we have, it is also a holiday to give back to those in need. One thing my family and I enjoy doing for Thanksgiving and Christmas is going to a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter and help serving meals. I think it is important to give back anyway we can, whether by donating time or food or clothes or money, our city will only get better if each of us does our part to help it do so.

 

For this Thanksgiving, I would encourage you to get out and do something to help your city. After a day with your family, eating good food and enjoying one another’s company, head out and give your time to those who may not have a family. Here are some ideas of things you can do this holiday season:

 

Volunteer at a soup kitchen: If you head onto Google and type in ‘Denver soup kitchens’ you will get a huge list of places you can go help cook and serve hot meals to those in need.

 

Put together a potluck: Sometimes it is hard to find the time during the holidays and on the actual holiday to go serve at a soup kitchen. Here’s an idea to have you and your friends pick a day in the next month or so where you each cook a dish and have a potluck. You can either find a spot to serve or drop all the food off at a shelter.

 

Give clothing: It’s not just food that is needed this time of year, especially in the Denver-Metro area. When the temperatures start to drop, more and more people are in need of warm clothes. Gather up old coats and boots and sweaters and find a local shelter or church that would distribute these goods.

 

Help out at an animal shelter: People aren’t the only ones needing time and love over the holiday season. If you are a fan of the furry ones, look into volunteering at a local animal shelter. Some cats and dogs would love some extra playtime and snuggles.

 

This is a time of the year to really count your blessings and to help give back where help is needed. Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!

 

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Thanksgiving Weekend Activities for the Whole Family

In just a few short weeks we will be gathering with friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving. With that being said, you might be staying in Denver for the holiday and might have a number of travelers heading to your home for the big turkey-eating day. If you are having a big gathering for the holiday, it probably means you will be having a few extra people spending the weekend at your house and you of course want to be the host with the most! We have compiled a list of fun things to do around the city after you have stuffed yourself full and need to get out for some exercise and adventures:

 

1.    Denver Christkndl Market – Nov. 18th – Dec. 23rd at Skyline Park – This one-of-a-kind market includes vendors from Ukraine, Ireland, Germany and many other countries (along with many talented local artists). Each of these vendors offers high-quality gifts and there will also be plenty of delicious food to keep you full as you shop.

2.    Mile High United Way Turkey Trot – Nov. 24th at Wash Park – After having a delicious Thanksgiving meal, head over to Wash Park for the Mile High United’s 43rd annual Turkey Trot. The four-mile race and quarter-family fun run is one of the favorite Thanksgiving Day weekend activities with a little over 10,000 participants lacing up their running shoes.

3.    Blossoms of Light – Nov. 25th – Jan. 1st – Denver Botanic Gardens – The Botanic Gardens in the winter is quite a sight for anyone to see. With over one million colorful lights draped in elegant designs throughout the whole garden, you will see why this is a place many families go to every year.

4.    Downtown Denver Grand Illumination – Nov. 25th – Downtown Denver – At 6:00pm on Friday, Nov. 25th, the holiday lights will be turned on from Denver Union Station to the City and County Building at Civic Center Park.

5.    A Christmas Carol – Nov. 25th – Dec. 24th – Denver Center for the Performing Arts – This is one of those family holiday tradition events, like going to see the Nutcracker ballet every year. This loved Christmas story about what is important in life is a great place to take the family, especially after the Thanksgiving holiday.

6.    Extreme Mammals – Sept. 23rd – Jan. 8th – Denver Museum of Science & Nature – If you have some mammal lovers in your family, especially the kiddos, this is a great exhibit the whole family can enjoy.

7.    Star Wars and the Power of Costume – Nov. 13th – Apr. 2nd – Denver Art Museum – Some people have a tradition of watching the whole Star Wars series over the Thanksgiving holiday or over the Christmas holiday. Either way, this exhibit at the DAM is one for all the force lovers in your family. See some of the costumes from the movies, including Leia’s famous gold bikini.

8.    Southwest Rink at Skyline Park – Nov. 22nd – Feb. 14th – Skyline Park – Call me an old romantic but there’s something really lovely about lacing up some ice-skates and being able to skate in the middle of Downtown Denver. Located at 16 Street Mall and Arapahoe, this ice-skating rink is a great place to bring people of all ages to enjoy the lights and brights of the city.

 

To those of you traveling over the holiday, we wish you safe travels. To those of you hosting over the holidays, we have you have a great turnout and a delicious meal. From our family to yours, we want to take a second and say how thankful we are for you our amazing family, friends and clients. Have a blessed Thanksgi