Photo: Courtesy of Closet Factory

The pantry, often overlooked and under-appreciated, is a vital part of any kitchen. It holds everything you need to feed your family, yet it’s often left to descend into chaos. If you’ve ever bought pasta not realizing you already had two boxes at home, or had to dig through a mountain of expired canned food, you know what we’re talking about. Here, we offer eight easy tips to whip your pantry into shape and transform it into a model of organization and efficiency. 

1. Throw out expired food

Transforming your pantry starts with a blank slate. Take everything out. Yes, everything. Emptying your pantry allows you to assess what you have, discard expired or stale items, and identify duplicates. Once the shelves are bare, give them a thorough cleaning. This is also the perfect opportunity to refresh the space—consider adding a coat of paint or decorative shelf liners to make your pantry inviting and bright.

2. Categorize the contents

Photo: Courtesy of Closet Factory

Whether you want to organize by type (staples, vegetables, etc), by packaging method (cans, bags, etc), or another method that makes sense to you, think about the types of food you buy most often and how it’s packaged. This step will help you visualize your pantry’s transformation. 

3. Use containers 

There’s a good chance you already have enough shelf space in your pantry to effectively organize the supplies you need. We recommend using soft organizers made out of canvas or plastic for rigid packaging like cans and bottles. You can even color-code these organizers so you know at a glance where to find the can of soup or bottle of balsamic you’re looking for. 

4. Organize your spices

Photo: Courtesy of Closet Factory

You probably already own something like a spice rack, but there’s a good chance you don’t have enough room in it to store all your spices. Take the time to upgrade, and when you do, buy one that’s much bigger than you’ll need. Or if you can easily categorize your spices (e.g. high use spices vs rarely needed), get two smaller ones and position them appropriately in your kitchen. 

5. Label everything

We know how perfect organization breaks down; you start by putting one thing where it doesn’t belong, believing that you’ll come back later and fix the situation. By labeling your shelves and organizers, you’ll immediately recognize when something is out of place and be encouraged to put it where it belongs. The longer you abide by your labels, the easier it will be to stay organized. 

6. Store heavy items on the bottom shelf

Photo: Courtesy of Closet Factory

Bulky, heavy items, such as supersized options bought at warehouse stores, belong on the bottom shelf of your pantry. Not only will you save yourself muscle strain or accidental drops, you’ll extend the overall life of your pantry.

7. Store paper products and cleaning supplies elsewhere 

Paper products, trash bags, cleaning supplies and other non-food items are best stored in a separate space, such as in your garage or under your kitchen sink. Your pantry should be dedicated to food items only, in an environment that keeps them fresh and untainted. 

8. Finally, commit to maintenance

Photo: Courtesy of Closet Factory

Organization isn’t a one-and-done task. Periodically check your pantry to ensure items are still in their designated spots and nothing has expired. A quick once-over every couple of weeks should keep your pantry in top shape.

By following these eight simple steps, you can transform your pantry into a well-organized, functional space. Not only will it make meal prep easier, but it’ll also save you time, money, and frustration. Your pantry will no longer be an afterthought—it will become command central of your kitchen, inspiring creativity and order in your daily routine.

Doug Lestikow is the CEO/Owner of Closet Factory, an award-winning Denver, Colorado company which has been creating completely personalized and unique storage solutions for their clients for 31 years. View their profile or, to set up a design consultation, contact them at 303.690.6901.

Content for this article provided by Closet Factory.

Photo: Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Metro Denver

The Marketing and Merchandising Excellence Awards, hosted by the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver, was held November 11th at the Hyatt Regency DTC. The event was put on by the Sales & Marketing Council and Custom Builders and Remodelers councils of the HBA. The evening had a record turnout, with nearly 550 guests in attendance, from builders to architects to interior designers and their trade partners.

Photo: Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Metro Denver

More than 60 honors were awarded that evening, and all of the winners wowed the judges. Each year at the MAME Awards, hundreds of entries are taken into consideration for the awards, making the competition fierce and exciting. The MAME Awards were chaired by Eric Arriaga of Designs by Sundown and Macy O’Rourke of Kimberly Timmons Interiors (KTI) for the second year in a row. The MAME Committee works tirelessly for the entirety of the year planning the event.

This year, the event theme was Masquerade: Unmasking Excellence and guests were encouraged to come masked for fun photo opportunities. The event wouldn’t have been possible without the work of the committee and councils, the HBA, TeamPMP for event production, Michael Spencer as the emcee, the Hyatt Regency staff, as well as the numerous sponsors for the event. Thank you to all who joined us, and congratulations to all the winners.

Photo: Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Metro Denver

Photo: Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Metro Denver

Photo: Courtesy of Home Builders Association of Metro Denver

Bee & Pollen

Photo: Sav Klear, Junegrass Florals and Photography

Be. Lifestyled

Photo: Courtesy of Be. Life Styled Gift + Home

Wish Gifts

Photo: Courtesy of Wish Gifts

Happy Canyon Florist and Gifts

Photo: Courtesy of Happy Canyon Flowers

5048 East Hampden Avenue, Denver, CO

Perfect Petal

Photo: Courtesy Of The Perfect Petal

White Peacock

Photo: Courtesy of White Peacock

The holiday season is here, making it the perfect time to find a serving platter that suits all your gatherings. Explore our top picks for inspiration, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious options.

Sofia Home Red Stoneware Serve Platter, $15.26

Mont Blanc Round Tray, $54.95

Snowman Cheese Board, $79.95

Lastra Holiday Handled Rectangular Platter, $159

Country Estate Platter in Delft Blue, $160

Soleil d’Herm`es Tray, Small Model, $255

Portrait: Alex Beal

Designer and founder of his eponymous Boulder-based, luxury jewelry studio, shares his favorite things.

1. Furniture Designer

My favorite midcentury designers are Poltrona Frau and Ligne Roset. Their work feels raw and pure in design—not “extra.” Both of their material choices are paramount and simple, with quality construction at the core. Studio Como, 2535 Walnut St., Denver.

2. Colorado Museum

I love to visit the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art. I find the crafts and lineage of the items on display to be fascinating and inspirational. I often go and just take in the ceramics, glass, jewelry, wood and weaving. My own work is inspired by just being around these collections and the hands, fingers and creativity that made them. Kirkland Museum of Fine & Deco­rative Art, 1201 Bannock St., Denver.

3. Colorado Artist

Although many Colorado artists make me smile, my favorites are Jeff Wise, Jerry Wingren, Otis Taylor and Rebecca DiDomenico. Otis Taylor is a legendary blues artist from Denver who often plays at Dazzle. Jeff Wise lives in Durango, but his unique, expressive pieces can be seen at Space Gallery in Denver, as well as in my studio in Boulder. Space Gallery, 400 Santa Fe Dr., Denver.

4. Clothing Accessory

My daughter has given me several beautiful vintage ties over the years that I treasure. I really like getting dressed up, and for me, the Herm`es silk neckties are the most elegant and beautiful accessory. Herm`es H en Mouvement tie, $260, Herm`es, Cherry Creek and Aspen.

5. Florist

I love Fiori Flowers for their quality and creativity. Their arrangements are wild, beautiful and refined. I have also had a long relationship with Hunter Margolis and his company, the Swanky Bas­­tard. Flowers are so important to me in keeping my studio fresh and beautiful. Fiori Flowers, 1833 Pearl St., Boulder. fioriboulder.com; swankybastard.com

6. Shoes

Both Alexander McQueen and Adidas work very well for the shape of my feet and personal style. I wear low black Adidas Busenitz skate shoes for their solid design and comfort. Plus, a good skate shoe can work with a suit or shorts! Adidas Busenitz Vulc II shoes, $75.

7. Art

Gallery I like K Contemp­orary in Denver and Smith­Klein Gallery in Boulder—but for different reasons. Both art galleries are owner-operated, yet they curate differently in thought­ful ways. K is both approachable and elite at the same time, making me feel like I’m learning in a personal way. I think I just really trust the eye of both of these owners/curators. SmithKlein Gallery, 1116 Pearl St., Boulder. smithklein.com K Contemp­orary Gallery, 1412 Wazee St., Denver.

8. Housewarming Gift

Giving a housewarming gift when I visit people at their homes is something I truly enjoy. I especially like gifting vintage ceramics, glass or local pieces from two Boulder-based artists, Caroline Douglas and Eva Maier. I collect their unique items from auctions and collectors and then give them away. Both artists can be found through the Open Studios Tour in Boulder. evamaierart.com; carolinedouglas.com; openstudios.org.

The ASID Colorado Crystal Awards recognizes the best of the best from Interior Designers across Colorado and New Mexico. We are honored to share the 2024 Grand and Crystal award winners in each category!

GRAND CRYSTAL AWARD – COMMERCIAL

Photo: Kyla Chambers

• ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI, Greenwood Village, CO
• Elsy Studios
• Interior Designer: Sarah Zales, Carmen Mielke

GRAND CRYSTAL AWARD – RESIDENTIAL

Photo: Chad Davies

• OPPOSITES ATTRACT, Lone Tree, CO
• Kimberly Timmons Interiors (KTI) 
• Interior Designer: DHM Design, GD Cook & Associates

JUDGES SPECIAL AWARDS

Photo: Kyla Chambers and Anna Routh Barzin

• JAGUAR BOLERA, Raleigh, NC
• FAM Design

Photo: William Abranowicz

• REMOUNT RANCH, Buford, WY
• Andrea Schumacher Interiors

COMMERCIAL – CORPORATE OFFICE OR WORKPLACE – UNDER 20,000 SQUARE FEET

Photos Sean Flemming

• PETRIE PARTNERS, Houston, TX
• EUA

COMMERCIAL – CORPORATE OFFICE OR WORKPLACE – 20,000 SQUARE FEET & OVER

Photo: Kyla Chambers

• ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI, Greenwood Village, CO
• Elsy Studios, Sarah Zales, Carmen Mielke

COMMERCIAL – HOSPITALITY – UNDER 25,000 SQUARE FEET

Photo: Venjhamin Reyes

• NORMAN’S ORLANDO, Orlando, FL
• Lily De Asa Studios

COMMERCIAL – HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Photo: Lockner Creative

• PRECISION FAMILY EYECARE, Johnstown, CO
• Design Studio Blue
• Collab Architecture, Emily Zabel

Photo: Kyla Chambers

• LAVIE INSTITUTE, Denver, CO
• Davis Partnership Architects
• Emily Eyrich, Samala Hartley, Janette Ray

COMMERCIAL – EDUCATIONAL

Photo: David Lauer

• MULLEN HIGH SCHOOL NORTH BUILDING, Denver, CO
• Hord Coplan Macht

COMMERCIAL – SINGLE SPACE, DEDICATED FUNCTION

Photo: Kylie Fitts

• HOTEL INDIGO LOBBY LOUNGE, DENVER, CO, Kimberly Timmons Interiors (KTI)
• Garrett Brown Designs, Garrett Brown, Lime Tree Hospitality, Jason Reimer, Loloey Rugs, Jennifer Berryhill

COMMERCIAL – MULTI FAMILY

Photo: Peak Visuals Photography

• THE DAVIS COMMUNITY, Wilmington, NC
• Lantz Boggio / Interiors, Lantz Boggio / Architects, Bowman Murray Hemingway Architects

COMMERCIAL – CUSTOM DESIGNED ELEMENT

Photo: Kyla Chambers

• ELEVATED COLLABORATION AT ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI, Greenwood Village, CO
• Elsy Studios, Sarah Zales, Carmen Mielke

RESIDENTIAL – NEW CONSTRUCTION – UNDER 3,500 SQUARE FEET

Photo: Dallas and Harris Photography

• MINIMALIST MODERN, Basalt, CO
• Cathers Home

RESIDENTIAL – NEW CONSTRUCTION – 3,500 6,500 SQUARE FEET

Photo: Lisa Romerein

• PAN ABODE, ASPEN, CO, Rowland+Broughton Architecture / Urban Design / Interior Design
• Schlumberger Scherer Construction, KLA – Colorado, IMEG – Colorado Springs

RESIDENTIAL – NEW CONSTRUCTION – OVER 6,500 SQUARE FEET

Photo: Chad Davies

• OPPOSITES ATTRACT, Lone Tree, CO
• Kimberly Timmons Interiors (KTI), DHM Design, GD Cook & Associates, Mesa Properties

RESIDENTIAL – RENOVATION TOWNHOMES, LOFTS, CONDOMINIUMS AND APARTMENTS

Photo: Aubree Dallas

• SILVER QUEEN CONDO, Aspen, CO
• Lily De Asa Studios, Grayson Rutherford

RESIDENTIAL – KITCHEN RENOVATION

Photo: Ryan Lawerence

• ATOMIC RANCH RENOVATION, Littleton, CO
• Elsy Studios, Lynn Coit, Andrew Coit

RESIDENTIAL – KITCHEN RENOVATION BY A SMALL FIRM (3 OR LESS EMPLOYEES) 

Photo: Jennifer Elle

• LONG RESIDENCE KITCHEN RENOVATION, Littleton, CO
• Juniper Road Studios LLC, Mindy Markley, Robert Markley, AIA, Molly Masthay

RESIDENTIAL – BATH RENOVATION BY A SMALL FIRM (3 OR LESS EMPLOYEES)

Photo: Libbie Holmes

• JOSEPHINE STREET, Denver, CO
• Hi-Luxe Interiors

RESIDENTIAL – OUTDOOR LIVING

Photo: Chad Davies

• OPPOSITES ATTRACT, Lone Tree, CO
• Kimberly Timmons Interiors (KTI), DHM Design, GD Cook & Associates, Mesa Properties

RESIDENTIAL – SINGLE SPACE, DEDICATED FUNCTION

Photo: Chad Davies

• OPPOSITES ATTRACT REC ROOM, Lone Tree, CO
• Kimberly Timmons Interiors (KTI), DHM Design, GD Cook & Associates, Mesa Properties

RESIDENTIAL – CUSTOM DESIGNED ELEMENT

Photo: Eric Lucero Photography

• KNOTTY POTTY, Larkspur, CO
• D’Amore Interiors, Eric Bauerle of Willard Woodworking

INDUSTRY PARTNER – COMMISSIONS/COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS

Photo: Emily Redfield Minton

• DRAPED IN SOPHISTICATION, Cherry Hills Village, CO
• Blinds Couture, Briahna Rutledge

RENOVATION – UNDER 5,000 SQUARE FEET

Photo: S. Brenner Photography

• IT STARTED WITH A SOFA, Lafayette, CO
• JJ Interiors, Complete Kitchens and More

RENOVATION – OVER 5,000 SQUARE FEET

Photo: Michelle Gardner Photography

• 7TH AVE. PARKWAY RESIDENCE, Denver, CO
• CKY Design, Inc., Mike Hicks Construction

Photo: Tahovory Bunting

A single-family home in Denver’s LoHi got a complete interior refresh to better reflect the style preferences of its new owner. The approximately 3,500 square foot abode combines living space over four levels. “The homeowner collects art, and her pieces were the foundation upon which the design was built,” says Margarita Bravo, chief creative officer and founder of her eponymous interior design firm.

“The client wanted an outgoing, eclectic look that juxtaposes modern with traditional. The desired vision was achieved using a mix of walnut and white oak, bold wall coverings, vibrant colors, and textured fabrics creating depth and interest.” An intentional, cohesive flow throughout achieves a lively, timeless appearance.

Photo: Tahovory Bunting

Main level living includes the kitchen and dining space, a living room, a small office, and a powder room. The second floor is home to the primary bedroom and bath. Two secondary bedrooms are joined by an additional full bath. The upper level features a bar space and outdoor deck, while the basement contains a second bar, a gaming and entertainment area, a gym and a wine cellar.

“The kitchen was redesigned to maximize the use of space and create a sense of balance,” says Bravo. The island accommodates seating for four and contains extra storage space. A Wolf Sub-Zero appliance combo and a uniquely colorful backsplash makes cooking a joy, and a built-in wine fridge keeps bottles chilled and ready to serve. The adjacent dining niche seats six and features a stunning chandelier over the table reflecting the whimsy of a textured balloon bouquet. 

Photo: Tahovory Bunting

The main floor living area is appointed with plush, sink-in-and-kick-back furnishings that offer respite and relaxation. The dramatic fireplace is surrounded by a single piece of cut-to-measure tile and a floating metal mantel. The second-floor bedrooms beckon with clever combinations of colors and patterns designed with an eye for contrast. Sumptuous bedding, and bath amenities including black Murano glass vessel sinks and custom lighting and tile create a welcoming vibe.

The upper-level bar and deck is a perfect place to unwind during the warmer weather. The lower level contains every amenity for wellness and entertainment. Margarita Bravo’s main design studio is in Denver, with satellite locations in Santa Barbara, CA and Miami, FL. The firm prides itself on understanding a vision and bringing it to fruition. Margarita Bravo relies upon a longstanding dedication to process. Says Bravo, “Our clients trust us to deliver beautiful spaces.”

Photo: Tahovory Bunting

Photo: Tahovory Bunting

Photo: Tahovory Bunting

Photo: Tahovory Bunting

Main Living Space The multipurpose room includes an open kitchen with handcrafted cabinets and White Macaubas quartzite countertops. The Gracie Oaks swing arm lamps, Mercury Row pendant lights and Kody vegan leather stools are all from Wayfair. | Photo: Maddy B Creates

Where some people see obstacles, others discover opportunities. That was the case for Nathaniel Farber, a recent college graduate who happened upon a two-acre parcel of land for sale that had been scorched by Boulder’s Fourmile Canyon Fire in 2010 but had a stunning view of Sugarloaf Mountain.

“I thought it would be really cool to have a piece of land and do some kind of project,” Farber says. “Fresh out of college and yearning for a creative outlet, I saw an opportunity to turn this blank canvas into something special.” And he certainly did. But it would end up taking 10 years.

Exterior The cabin includes a spacious front porch for enjoying mountain views. | Photo: Maddy B Creates

Farber decided to build a home, using his background in mechanical engineering to sketch basic blueprints and eventually secure a building permit. After removing the charred remains of a previous house—renting a backhoe and picking up excavation skills—Farber started work on a new structure.

With hands-on help from friends, family and his then-girlfriend Katie Albee (who later became his wife), Farber devoted weekends and evenings to construction. “My plans were nothing fancy, leaving plenty of room for improvisation along the way,” he says. “I pretty much had to learn everything, but I wasn’t afraid of any of it.”

Living Room A Nova sofa and Ceni chair from Article are joined by a marble-topped pedestal coffee table and Foundational glass table lamp from West Elm, with a Brightech Mason floor lamp from Wayfair. | Photo: Maddy B Creates

Although he did consult with a structural engineer, Farber taught himself a myriad of skills, from understanding complex building codes and operating heavy machinery to becoming a certified welder and figuring out how to build concrete forms. “As construction progressed, I set up a workshop within the partially finished space where I learned the art of woodworking and metalworking,” Farber says. “I crafted every interior and exterior door, the staircase, all the cabinets and many of the furniture pieces.”

He used exterior materials including corrugated metal and dense cumaru wood to meet ignition resistance requirements. The home fits into the hillside, oriented toward the south with a wall of windows to take advantage of stunning mountain views and passive solar gains. A garage/workshop and entrance are on the lower level, while the upper level (approximately 1,000 square feet) consists of a single high-ceiling space with  Douglas fir beams offering zones for kitchen, dining, living and sleeping functions, plus a separate bathroom. The aesthetic is simple and minimalist, with an open and airy design partly inspired by city lofts.

Hallway Artwork by Sue Jachimiec hangs above a Farber-built console table. | Photo: Maddy B Creates

And, thanks to radiant floor heating and abundant sunshine, the home remains cozy even when the mountains are blanketed in snow. Albee, who now specializes in interior design and real estate at Boulder-based Care Realty Co., collaborated with Farber to determine the interior layout and final material choices. “It felt right to choose design elements that were mostly natural in color and understated, while also maintaining the feeling of light and expansiveness,” she says.

“It was about getting the balance right of warm and cool elements and hard and soft elements to maintain our vision of what felt to us to be ‘Mountain Modern.’” Finally, after a decade of hard work and undaunted ingenuity, Farber finished his home. “With each challenge I faced, I learned valuable lessons,” he says. “The cabin stands today as a testament to perseverance and the joy of creating something with my own two hands.”

Bedroom World Market chairs are matched with a Target ottoman and a Lulu and Georgia Taza rug beside a bed handcrafted by Farber. The white capiz Lotus pendants and Cyra table lamps are also from World Market. | Photo: Maddy B Creates

Exterior The compact and contemporary two-story structure includes ample garage and workshop space below a high-ceilinged living space, with plenty of windows to welcome the Colorado sunshine. | Photo: Maddy B Creates

Photo: Maddy B Creates
Architecture: Nathaniel Farber
Interior Design: Katie Albee
Construction: Nathaniel Farber and Katie Albee

The Crawford. | Courtesy Of Union Station

There is something surreal about checking in at The Crawford as a simple visitor to the hotel and not a traveler. Located inside Union Station, we weren’t getting on Amtrak or light rail, and we live just north of Denver. My husband’s birthday, was that week, so we had decided to celebrate at one of our favorite places in the Mile High City.

Denver’s Union Station, built in 1914, was reopened to the public in 2014. The major renovation featured a newly minted Great Hall, restaurants, a bookshop, a hotel and a swanky lounge overlooking it all. This fantastic Beaux-Arts building was the place to see and be seen. 

The Crawford Hotel, although built 10 years ago, feels historic, complete with ghosts of the past. And in some ways, it is. Built to feel as though one is stepping back in time here, its rooms are a true extension of the building’s 110 year old past. 

Courtesy Of Union Station

Fast forward to today, and Union Station has undergone another facelift. Completed this summer, it is a refresh of the Great Hall, the swanky Cooper Lounge, and private event venues. There is also a new hotel lobby space and private elevator access to the 112-room Crawford Hotel.   

We’ve had the pleasure of staying at The Crawford several times in the past, and it’s without a doubt, my preferred hotel in Denver. However, it had been years since we’d spent any time in Union Station. Restaurants have come and gone and we hadn’t experienced the newest renovation. 

The Crawford. | Courtesy Of Union Station

Union Station, by its very nature, is a transitory place. Home to Amtrak and light rail there is a lot of coming and going. Yet, everything one needs for a weekend getaway is right here—there is absolutely no reason to leave the building. 

The new, private lobby at The Crawford means that check in is an even more exclusive experience, complete with a drink of your choice upon check in. Our premium loft room included an entryway (with room for extra luggage if you’re traveling), living area with bar and television, and stairway down to a comfortable bedroom and spacious bath.

The Crawford. | Courtesy Of Union Station

There are a variety of room styles to choose from, all with a unique historic charm and a touch of luxury. Nods to art deco are everywhere including wallpaper and brass accents. 

A drink at Cooper Lounge is as essential now as it ever was. Located on the upper level, above hurrying train travelers pushing luggage, downtowners stopping in for a coffee at Pigtrain Coffee Co., and workers on their laptops in the Great Hall. 

Cooper Lounge. | Courtesy Of Union Station

Cooper Lounge is an event, starting with a glass of bubbly while followed by a perfectly-made cocktail on a platter with a side of mixed nuts. Think James Bond meets Holly Golightly, and a martini, shaken not stirred was my order on our recent visit. Yes, it’s classy, but it’s still Denver so jeans are acceptable, albeit nice jeans.

Several dinner options exist at Union Station, with more on the way. However, on this outing we settled on Terminal Bar, where they also give guests of The Crawford a free drink. Guests also get a free coffee at Pigtrain. 

Great Hall. | Courtesy of Union Station

Portions at Terminal Bar are big and the menu has a Latin twist, with some green chile thrown in to give it that Colorado flair. Inside, although created in 2014, the dark wood and massive bar makes it feel like it’s been a watering hole for the last 100 years. 

Snooze has moved from one wing of Union Station to the other since our last visit, and is now located in a spacious, bright space, perfect for its popularity. It is not uncommon to see a line out the door on the weekends. If staying at The Crawford, call Snooze for a reservation, it makes life much easier. 

Great Hall. | Courtesy of Union Station

While the world has changed since we last stayed at Union Station, and downtown Denver has not been unaffected, the building still remains as a cornerstone of the city. A place where life has been coming and going for 110 years. From the front desk to the valet, The Crawford staff is genuinely nice. And from Cooper Lounge to Terminal Bar, experiences at Union Station are one-of-a-kind.  

Don’t forget the Ski Train (Winter Park Express) starts running on December 20, and operates weekends until January 3, when it expands service to Thursdays through Monday. The Ski Train departs Denver at 7 a.m. With prices starting at just $19, and no extra charge for ski gear, it’s an outing that is affordable and memorable. Book The Crawford and make an even more unforgettable ski vacation.

Great Hall. | Courtesy of Union Station

Courtesy of Feed Media

With the bustling holiday season almost upon us, now is a great time to book a couple’s staycation to relax, unwind, and even get some of that holiday shopping done. Here are some recommendations to make your staycation an event to look forward to.

Accommodations

Courtesy of Feed Media

The Maven Hotel, a luxury boutique spot in Denver’s Dairy Block is a great place to call home base. The Maven celebrates individually curated hospitality. Situated in the heart of LoDo’s Dairy Block, it is within walking distance to great restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.

Enjoy libations at their Happy Hour Airstream located in the lobby or belly up to the bar at the Poka Lola Social Club on the hotel premises. Both are great options to launch the next stop on your itinerary.

Courtesy of Feed Media

Food and Libations

Courtesy of Feed Media

There is no shortage of amazing dining in the area. Mercantile Dining & Provisions, located in Denver’s historic Union Station, is James-Beard-award-winning Chef Alex Seidel’s second restaurant featuring seasonal American cuisine and modern takes on classic comfort food.  For a nightcap worth a celebration, venture over to Call Me Pearl, with a cocktail list designed to delight. A memorable experience, the welcoming atmosphere feels like your favorite home cocktail party.

Enjoy bottomless Sunday brunch at Tamayo, a Latin eatery. Endless drinks and a spectacular spread of Mexican-inspired brunch dishes perfect for sharing creates the ultimate Sunday morning. The Wild Denver is a perfect pit stop for a coffee or an afternoon snack. The all-day menu, and a bottle and spirit list let you create just the right pick-me-up.

Courtesy of Feed Media

Retail Therapy

Courtesy of Feed Media

Shopping for holiday gifts, or for yourself, is walkable and fun. Sarah O. Jewelry features beautiful collections and personalized jewelry with sparkling diamonds, unique Montana sapphires known for their gray-green hues, and gemstones. You’re sure to find the ideal gift to surprise that special someone. Blue Ruby Boutique offers a curated selection of clothing, shoes, and unique jewelry. With an in-store coffee bar and plush, comfortable seating, you can have a great time shopping and chatting.

The Vintage Label is another shopping sweet spot. High-end vintage clothing, new apparel for men and women, and a hat bar to personalize a hat purchase makes it a must-visit destination. You can find a unique gift or a show-stopping vintage outfit for day or evening.

Courtesy of Feed Media

Pamper

Courtesy of Feed Media

Don’t forget to schedule some relaxing me time. A spa treatment at the nearby Oxford Hotel Spa & Salon is the perfect choice to relax and regenerate. Choose from their comprehensive list of indulgent spa services to refresh mind and body for the social season ahead.