Denver Guide

WEB RESOURCES

A weekend in: Denver, Colorado
From the Westin Westminster to downtown Denver, discover how to while away a wonderful weekend in Colorado.
By Janice Russillo

Even though I hate to leave my Rye Beach home in the summer, I eagerly accepted an offer to attend a Renewal Weekend at the new Rocky Mountain Chopra Center. The Center is located at the Westin Westminster, which is just about halfway between the cities of Denver and Boulder, Colorado.

Though Denver and Boulder have differing charms, I love both cities. I once spent a summer in Boulder, which gave me lots of opportunities to hike the Rocky Mountains and explore the parks and gorgeous natural surroundings the area is known for. Back then, I had less time to explore all the cultural opportunities Denver affords, so I was eager to see all the changes in downtown Denver and spend some quiet time renewing body, mind and spirit.

THE CHOPRA CENTER FOR WELLBEING
If you're not familiar with the Chopra Center, you might want to keep this info for some future time when you're feeling stressed out and ready to make some changes in your life. The Chopra Center for Wellbeing is the joint effort of Dr. Deepak Chopra, one of the world's leading authorities in the field of mind-body medicine, and his friend and partner, Dr. David Simon, a psychiatrist and neurologist. The original Chopra Center was established in 1985 to provide a fresh approach to healthcare by integrating the best of western medicine with the natural healing traditions of the East. It was, quite simply, the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for both Deepak and David.

Today, the Center is located on the grounds of the La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California. Dr. Chopra serves as the Director of Education and Dr. Simon is the medical director of the Center, which also includes numerous health care professionals specialized in both conventional and complementary healing.

Throughout the year, The Chopra Center offers programs in mind-body medicine, yoga, self-discovery, emotional wellness, meditation and personal empowerment. Between them, Chopra and Simon have authored something like 50 best-selling books on enhancing health and nourishing the human spirit. Their efforts have truly changed the way the world views physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social wellness.

Bringing the home team with them, Chopra and Simon travel to select locations worldwide throughout the year, offering a variety of programs to those unable to travel to California. Soon, The Rocky Mountain Chopra Center will have a permanent satellite operation on the grounds of the Westin Westminster. There will also be a variety of housing options for those who want to live a wellness-centered lifestyle year round. Click here for more information.

At present, local residents and hotel guests can participate in Chopra-style yoga daily, and the hotel's signature restaurant, O's, offers delicious, Chopra-approved vegetarian selections at each meal. For a full description of the seminars to be offered at the Westin Westminster this year, visit Chopra.com, or speak directly with a Program Consultant by calling 888-736-6895.

Speaking of Program Consultants, I registered by phone with Libby Carstensen, who greeted me with a warm hug when I checked in (and lots more when I left). This is the sort of program one can easily attend alone and immediately feel comfortable, welcome and part of the group. The centerpiece of the Renewal Weekend was the Chopra Center's introductory program in Primordial Sound Meditation. I took that training eight years ago with a Chopra-certified teacher in Boston (there are individual teachers all over the globe), but I was delighted to participate in the group experience and spend some quiet time in a peaceful, nurturing environment.

The weekend included educational programs in Ayurveda, a 5,000 year old system of Indian medicine, as well as an introduction to the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga, lectures on the Quantum Mechanical Body and an introduction to the higher states of consciousness that unfold as you practice Primordial Sound meditation. It was an opportunity to learn life-changing wellness practices in a delightful setting and who couldn't use a little renewal?

THE WESTIN WESTMINSTER
I love living in New England but I've always felt that the country gets friendlier the farther west you go. Denver did not disappoint.

Checking into the Westin Westminster, I was struck by the laidback atmosphere the hotel exudes. Decorated in a warm High Plains style, the lobby looks like an oversized den, with large, distressed leather chairs, comfy sofas in muted earth tones and heavy, rustic tables constructed of wood and iron.

My eye was drawn to the large-scale artworks, which were specially commissioned to perfectly fit the scale of the breathtaking Colorado landscape, easily visible through vast expanses of glass throughout the hotel. The huge canvasses depict scenes of everyday life in Colorado, such as the faithful dog sleeping in the shadow of his master's truck. The reception area is anchored by twin paintings of powerful, wheat-colored horses that seem to be stampeding toward you. Everything comes together in a subtle way to reinforce the rugged and relaxed environment of the west.

My comfortably-appointed room was decorated in the same earthy tones of the public spaces. The Westin Westminster claims it is the chain's technological crown jewel, so if you're planning a business meeting, click here to check out the property's support services. For my purposes, the large desk and dual-line phone with fax and Internet were more than I'd ever need. But if you work while traveling, this place should exceed your demands.

The amenities were standards I'd expect from any decent hotel: a comfy reading chair with a good lamp, an iron and ironing board, hair dryer, phone in the bathroom and 24-hour room service. I appreciated the endless supply of complimentary bottled water, as the altitude can get to you quickly, making hydration a necessity. I found the trademarked Heavenly Bed truly comfortable, with a variety of pillows to suit any sleeper's preferences. And the amazing wide-west views outside my expansive windows were a delight each morning.

My only disappointment was the hotel pool, which is inside and not very appealing. I was told an outdoor pool would turn to soup on a hot summer's day, so the inside option allows for year round swimming. There is a hot tub outside, but the patio was too hot for humans, leaving the place eerily empty. There is also a fire pit out there, so perhaps in winter it would have some appeal for stargazing. Westin Westminster, 10600 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, Colorado 80020, Tel: (303) 410-5000.

THINGS TO DO
The Westminster Promenade, an outdoor, pedestrian village featuring a variety of restaurants, is located right across the street from the hotel. Besides the many dining options, there's a comedy club and an AMC theater that shows 24 movies a day.

The hotel has a decent work-out facility adjacent to the indoor pool and there's a sophisticated fitness trail just outside. I saw a lot of sweaty runners in the lobby and lots of buff bodies in general, another thing I've noticed in the west. There's also an acclaimed Ice Centre located on the grounds, just outside the hotel's dining deck. The Butterfly Pavilion is one block away and the concierge will give you a discount ticket. There's also a Water World amusement park nearby, not to mention the Rocky Mountains, so you need never be bored in Westminster.

My first stop was the Chopra Center's decidedly low-tech Nurturing Touch workshop at the hotel's beautiful Lakeview Pavilion. We learned simple massage techniques that anyone can do anytime, anywhere and fully clothed.

Feeling thoroughly relaxed after that session, I had just over an hour for dinner before the evening's opening lecture. I decided to try O's, the Westin's signature restaurant. Since we would be meditating, I skipped wine with dinner, and just looked longingly at the martini menu. I also skipped the Chopra-approved marinated tempeh and grilled tofu and focused on the extensive Colorado Angus and fresh seafood options, flown in daily.

I was tempted by an appetizer special of Buffalo short ribs with straw mushrooms in a velvety sauce, served over crispy, sweet potato pancakes. Those who know me well will tell you I can resist everything but temptation. The "appetizer" was so rich and satisfying, I couldn't even finish my house salad. And I liked the casual vibe so much I ended up eating every meal at O's. I was tempted to get the short ribs again the next day, but the menu is too appealing. Everything I ordered was tasty and beautifully presented and the staff is truly friendly, not just courteous.

DENVER'S ART SCENE
In addition to my Renewal Weekend, I intended to see the changes in downtown Denver and enjoy some of the varied art scene offerings. The Chopra Center schedule left Saturday evening free, which gave me the opportunity to do something special. So I got a car and headed up into the hills.

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA
I decided to begin my cultural immersion with an evening at the opera. Not just any opera, mind you, but the glorious Central City Opera, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

Central City is an old gold rush mining town. It is located in the mountains, about 35 miles west of Denver, in one of Colorado's official National Landmark Historic Districts. Even if you're not an opera buff, it's worth a trip to see this authentic old mining town. I'm not a gambler, but you can always try your luck at one of the casinos, which dot the area, or hike up into the surrounding hills. Unlike mile-high Denver, Central City's altitude is over 8,400 feet, so wear flats and remember to drink plenty of water along the way.

The sky was darkening as I left the hotel and just as predicted, I was soon immersed in a terrific thunderstorm. That's a common enough occurrence in these parts in summer but the rain stopped right on cue as I arrived in Central City. It was cool, crisp and sunny in the mountains and actually got cold as the evening deepened, so be sure to bring along a sweater or shawl.

Central City is unique. It's like stepping into a snapshot of history. The town has done a great job adapting its historic environment for contemporary use. As a one-time urban planner, I was delighted to see this wonderful example of historic preservation and adaptive reuse.

The Opera is housed in the Theatre of Dreams, which was built by the Welsh miners who loved to sing. When they struck it rich, they treated themselves to an exquisite, acoustically perfect theatre. It's the sweetest little place, with beautiful murals and period Victorian charm. Recent renovations provide comfortable seating for 500 patrons.

The Central City Opera is the nation's fifth oldest opera company. The Central City Opera House Association preserves and maintains the Opera House, as well as 30 other Victorian-era properties, including a collection of tiny houses that once belonged to the miners. These now house the talent, as opera singers need to stay put at these altitudes to protect their voices.

Founded in 1932, The Association is committed to presenting artistically excellent professional opera. They also offer career-entry training to young singers and produce education and community service programs.

I had a quick dinner at the Mid-City Grill at the Century Casino, a short walk from the Opera House. In the spirit of the old west, I chose the chicken-fried steak. Mm, mm, good! If you have more time, I'd recommend a really sumptuous dinner at Kevin Taylor's Rouge at the Teller House. Taylor is a nationally recognized chef, known for his creative, unpretentious French and American cuisine. With Rouge, he has created a mountain chophouse upstairs at the Teller House. Space is limited and recommendations are a must. For more information, call 303-582-0600.

If you have time for just an appetizer or drink, or even if you don't, be sure to check out the Teller House's first floor Face Bar, where there really is a face on the bar floor. It's easy to spot, as it's roped off for easy viewing. After checking that out, I joined a throng of people making their way up the hill in time for the performance of Jules Massenet's version of Cinderella, or Cendrillon, en francais.

Need I say it was glorious? The performance was crisp, the costumes inventive, the sets a delight. Discreet superscripts offered translation, but we all know the story, and it was such fun to see Cinderella's haughty stepmother, the comedic ugly stepsisters and the lovely and tender Fairy Godmother come to life. Not to mention Prince Charming! What a treasure to find this world-class opera company in a little cowboy town, high up in the Rockies.

If you've never been to the opera, this is the perfect place to start. The whole town revolves around the performances, making this festive event one you shouldn't miss. I'd recommend putting together a group of friends, dressing up a bit, and making a night of it. You'll be glad you did. Central City Opera House, Village of Glendale, 400 S. Colorado Blvd. Suite 530, Denver, Colorado 80246, Tel: 303-292-6500.

By the time I got back to the Westin, I was ready for a good night's sleep in my Heavenly Bed. I plumped up my pillows, sipped a brandy from the mini-bar and ate the chocolates the turn down service left on my pillow. I drifted off to sleep with visions of Cinderella and her Prince dancing in my head and slept like a baby.

I had to drag myself out for morning yoga and I was glad I did. I wanted to fully participate in the Renewal Weekend and The Chopra Center offers a style of yoga that encompasses their central philosophy of uniting the body, mind and spirit. It was gentle and easy enough for beginners and left me feeling energized, yet deeply centered, ready for the full day ahead.

The Chopra Renewal Weekend ended early Sunday afternoon. Feeling refreshed and renewed, I joined in a group commitment to make 2007 the most amazing year of my life. After a few more hugs and last minute goodbyes, I had plenty of time left to visit the Butterfly Pavilion, a short walk from the hotel.

THE BUTTERFLY PAVILION
Founded in July 1995 as the first stand-alone non-profit insect zoo in the nation, The Butterfly Pavilion is a 30,000 square-foot facility situated on an 11-acre campus provided by the City of Westminster. Their mission is to foster an appreciation of butterflies and other invertebrates, while educating the public about the need to protect threatened habitats in the tropics and the rest of the world. They aim to be the premier invertebrate center in the nation and I can't see how they can miss.

I arrived in the midst of an "Insectival". The place was crawling with happy little kids who have a better relationship with bugs than I do. Everyone under the age of 10 was sporting a (temporary) tattoo of some creepy-crawly creature. They all seemed fascinated by the caged critters, some of which were way too creepy and way too crawly for my taste. I did, however, enjoy the rainforest exhibit, where the butterflies live. I hung around to see a group of sleepy butterflies being released into the jungle and took pictures of some of the prettiest butterflies imaginable. I learned a lot and though I didn't pet Rosie, the Chilean rose hair tarantula, it was a good way to spend a couple of hours. A must if you have kids. Butterfly Pavilion, 6252 104th Ave., Westminster, CO 80020, Tel: 303-469-5441.

DENVER'S ART SCENE
I was scheduled to leave at 5pm Monday, so I checked out of my room after breakfast for a whirlwind tour of the Denver art scene. The population of Denver itself is just about 500,000 but the surrounding metropolitan area boosts that to four million. Since Denver is a 10-hour drive from Kansas City on the east, and Salt Lake City on the west, it's truly a regional arts center. Denver offers a sophisticated range of activities and regularly draws patrons from Montana, Wyoming and New Mexico.

THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
I began with a visit to the "Temporary Contemporary," where I met Seth Goldenberg, the deputy director of external affairs. Seth told me The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) was founded just 11 years ago and is about to move into a radical 27,000 square foot facility designed by London's David Adjaye.

Adjaye is an innovative young architect, whose Ghanaian family moved to London when he was nine. He is considered one of Britain's leading contemporary architects, known for creating buildings that emphasize the experience, as much as the function, of architecture. Adjaye has said that his "architectural politics are the politics of inclusivity," and this museum is located in a area slated to become Denver's vibrant new cultural hub. I think this building will be a terrific addition to the neighborhood.

As a non-collecting space, the MCA is able to present cutting-edge art from across the globe. In addition to providing thought-provoking regional and international art exhibitions, the MCA is dedicated to exhibiting the work of new artists. Direct MCA grants support local artists, allowing them to create exhibitions of their work, while ensuring the MCA's role as an incubator for art and ideas.

Seth gave me a careful "tour" of Adjaye's model, as he explained how the new building will serve the museum's mission. Scheduled to be completed in October 2007, the building will house five intimate gallery spaces, three education spaces, a library, museum shop, garden pavilion, a rooftop garden and public spaces designed for people of all ages to engage with art.

The entrance has no exterior door. Rather, a long corridor, open to the outside, teases visitors to enter. The galleries are divided into three vertical stacks, with corridors serving almost as small streets to move visitors up and around. In Adjaye's mind, the museum is like a little village, where visitors will meander in and out of exhibition spaces.

I especially liked the "idea box," a cantilevered, rectangular space that sort of hangs off the top floor, and will act as a participatory space for families and children of all ages. Adjaye's design is practical, fiscally responsible at $418 per square foot, and will be environmentally friendly. In fact, it will be the first LEED certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) contemporary art museum in the world.

LEED standards intentionally reduce the negative environmental impact of buildings by paying attention to five green design categories. These include sustainable sites, building materials and resources, but also include water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, i.e., the climate and air quality controls needed to protect and preserve works of art. By addressing these issues consciously, the new MCA building will support the museum's reputation for innovation. It will be a rich addition to Denver's cultural tapestry, enhancing the quality of life for residents, while broadening Denver's visibility as an international arts destination. I can't wait to see the finished project. Museum of Contemporary Art, 1840 15th Street, Unit D Denver, CO 80202, Tel: 303.298.7554.

DENVER'S LOWER DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
My next stop was Denver's newly revived Lower Downtown district, known locally as LoDo. I hopped on one of the free trolleys that move people around the town, and made my way to a trendy café called The Corner Office, handily located across the street from the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) at 14th and Curtis. Walking along Curtis from the 16th Street Mall to 15th Street, I discovered a surprise embedded in the sidewalk ...

As I stepped onto one of the large grates, I heard horses' hooves clacking below me. Another grate revealed horses neighing. These sounds of the Old West caught me off guard, but were so playful I was eager to step on each of the grates in my path. The delightful Soundwalk was created by sound artist Jim Green, who is also responsible for the Laughing Escalator in the Colorado Convention Center, and the Singing Sinks at the Denver Art Museum. Gotta love a city that incorporates sound (and humor) into its public art.

I arrived at The Corner Office laughing, which is just the right mood for the young and energetic wait staff. Besides the cute waitstaff, like the young waiter who sat at the table and guided me through the eclectic menu, this place features hip decor and an extensive drinks menu. I had a quick and tasty quesadilla, but would return for an after-theater supper or a visit to their Martini Bar. The Corner Office, 1401 Curtis Street, Denver, CO, 80202, Tel: 303-825-6500.

The Denver Performing Arts complex, which occupies four city blocks, includes three major theatres, one of which houses Opera Colorado and one where Disney was in top-secret rehearsal for its pre-Broadway debut of The Little Mermaid. An enormous, curved glass pavilion covers the Galleria atrium and provides a wonderful, multi-level, city-block-sized space for patrons to gather during intermission. There are several restaurants in the complex, a Grand Ballroom that can host 1200 people and an education and voice research center.

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) offers a stellar example of the many ways the arts serve to enrich our lives. This not-for-profit organization provides a mix of professional theatre, Broadway tours, theatre classes and voice care. The DCPA manages several theatres in the Denver Performing Arts Complex, as well as the Ballroom and the Newman Center for Theatre Education (NTC).

The DCPA's educational services include The National Theatre Conservatory, the only school of its kind chartered by congress. The NTC offers a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting, and trains students in stage, TV, film and voiceovers. The Newman Center also houses a research facility, The National Center for Voice & Speech, which researches and implements Parkinson's disease voice therapy. It also provides information to the international science community and the public on the detection, prevention and treatment of voice, speech and swallowing disorders.

Among its many services, the DCPA offers Free For All performances to the community, low-priced tickets through the ArtReach, SeniorPlay and KidsPlay programs and DCTC Student Matinees. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts, 1101 13th St., Denver, CO, 80204, Tel: 303-893-4000.

SO MUCH TO DO, SO LITTLE TIME
Before I left the Performing Arts Complex, I made a brief stop at the Hotel Teatro located across the street. This luxury boutique hotel made the 2006 Condé Nast Traveler's Gold List and Zagat called it the best place to stay in Denver. I loved the sleek, European-influenced lobby with its collection of costumes and photographs of past performances by the Denver Center Theatre Company. The hotel also boasts two award-winning restaurants, including PRIMA by chef/restaurateur Kevin Taylor, of Central City fame. I didn't have time to tour the rooms, but they sound amazing, with 12-foot ceilings, rain showers in the baths and Frette linens. This is definitely where I'll stay next time I'm in town. Hotel Teatro, 1100 14th Street, Denver, CO, 80202, Tel: 303-228-1100.

The Hotel Teatro is within walking distance of the Denver Convention Center, the State Capital, Pepsi Center, Coors Field and the popular "LoDo" entertainment district, none of which I had time to explore.

I managed to drive past the State Capital Building with its distinctive gold dome on my way to the airport. Not the most direct route, but I wanted to check out the upscale neighborhoods of Cherry Creek, and their great shopping district for my next visit. I also circled the Denver Art Museum twice, trying to decide if I liked its new addition by Daniel Liebeskind, the contemporary deconstructivist architect who is the master plan architect for the World Trade Center reconstruction site. I didn't. With all its jutting angles, it's bad Feng Shui. Very off-putting if you ask me and I hear the number of visitors is down since it opened.

Clearly it will take another trip for me to see all that Denver offers. I highly recommend you add Denver to your list of must-see American cities and consider The Chopra Center for an enlightening and restorative experience.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
No stranger to five star resorts, Jan Russillo often chooses off-the-beaten-path adventures for unique educational and cultural experiences. Jan has explored the natural wonders of the world by caravan, yacht, train, helicopter and kayak. Her love of art and architecture has taken her to Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Lhasa, and the great cities of Europe and North America. Travel adventures include trekking in Nepal and Tibet, hiking in Big Sur, and kayaking amidst whales and seals in remote coves along the Alaskan coast. Jan holds degrees in architectural design, urban planning and transpersonal psychology, and is currently at work on a series of children's books with an environmental message.

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