Visiting Denver-any advice.....welcomed

[AZagent]

I am a butch visiting Denver, CO for the first time. If any family is out there who would like to give advice on:

1. Butch/Femme bars?

2. Latin Lesbian/Gay bars?

3. Hotels near bars-which are safe?

4. Possibly relocating to Denver, so any good/bad neigborhoods? Gay or gay friendly realtors? Surrounding areas?

5. Any female softball teams/ rugby or any gay friendly teams?

6. Gay chuch?

7. Is there many butch/femmes in Denver? How about community support?

8. Gay friendly state or do should I stay in AZ?

9. Gay restaurants, cool places to hang?

Thanks..................will be visiting for about a week..............

[ArwenN]

I am a butch visiting Denver, CO for the first time. If any family is out there who would like to give advice on:

1. Butch/Femme bars?

2. Latin Lesbian/Gay bars?

3. Hotels near bars-which are safe?

4. Possibly relocating to Denver, so any good/bad neigborhoods? Gay or gay friendly realtors? Surrounding areas?

5. Any female softball teams/ rugby or any gay friendly teams?

6. Gay chuch?

7. Is there many butch/femmes in Denver? How about community support?

8. Gay friendly state or do should I stay in AZ?

9. Gay restaurants, cool places to hang?

Thanks..................will be visiting for about a week..............

Very gay friendly actually! Lots of bars ... depends on what you want really. I know there is a hockey team but not sure on the others.

Racine's, Good Friends and Dixon's are all owned by the same folks and the first two are VERY gay friendly and inexpensive to boot. Never been to Dixon's but I know it is the upscale version. Basically in terms of price it is GF then Racine's and then Dixon's.

I would NOT stay in a hotel that was close to any of the bars. Depends on your price range and your transportation. Denver is, I think, easy to get around.

Feel free to PM me. I live here. When will you be here?

There are BF couples here but as to a BF bar? Not that I know of. I'll poke sullengirl and see if she knows.

[PhoxxyLady]

Denver is pretty gay friendly, I know of a gay friendly church in my town...

[stargazerlily]

Bookmarking this thread, as I am looking at this area as well:)


Denver is pretty gay friendly, I know of a gay friendly church in my town...

What kind of church is it? I'm Unitarian-Universalist, which is generally very accepting, so I'm looking into churches in that area...I've found 2 in Denver and one in Greeley that I'm hoping to check out. Thanks(f)

[Damned Queen]

Hello AzAgent
Although I now reside in Massachusettes, I do visit Denver from time to time as my family is there and I moved from there around 6 yrs ago. Here is an email addy you might need: DedeFrain@ babesaroundenver.com. Its got a lot of info on a lot of lesbian events in Denver and they have a gathering of around 2-5000 women on the first Friday of each month in Denver. I would also recommend attaining a copy of the Colorado Pride Guide, a small black book with all bars, sports, social clubs, churches in Denver.
Really, as far as butch-femme bars go, the only one closed around the time I moved up here,that was called the Three Sisters, one of the oldest bars in the USA. You might try Tracks, Ms C`s,the Detour and a small neighborhood bar called the Den at Sheridan and Colfax. Good Luck to you.

[AZagent]

Thank you all for your response and advice. I will go and check out the bars and try to get my hands on that guide. Cool. I am originally from TX and played Rugby in college and found out Denver area has a few women teams so I am all excited to visit this next week and possibly relocate. Hmmm. I have been trying to find a decent hotel near downtown to be close but keep hearing stories about them so I think I will try some place further out. Price range-140 or less a night. I usually try to stay at Embassy suites due to great breakfast and happy hour.

Thanks to all.
AZ----is so hot. Nice to see some white stuff called snow.

[PhoxxyLady]

Bookmarking this thread, as I am looking at this area as well:)



What kind of church is it? I'm Unitarian-Universalist, which is generally very accepting, so I'm looking into churches in that area...I've found 2 in Denver and one in Greeley that I'm hoping to check out. Thanks(f)

It's protestant (not a particular sect, I don't think).

[Damned Queen]

Hello again AzAgent
You are very welcome for any info and one more bar that I know catered Latino was named Safari. Not sure if it is still open, but it was located conveniently downtown Denver. I think you will not have a problem at all finding a very great community in Denver. It is a beautiful city and state.
Regards(f)

[sullengirl]

Hi AzAgent,

I moved to Denver from Phoenix several years ago. You'll probably love the change in weather, I know I don't miss those summers! I love Arizona and if the job market in I.T. was better I would have moved back there but I do like it here enough to have bought a house.

There isn't a huge butch-femme scene but there is a decent GLBT community. The Center is a great resource: http://www.glbtcolorado.org/site/c.anKIIPNtEqG/b.486567/k.CC49/Home.htm

There are a few lesbian bars here -
Miss C's - country (much like The Cash in AZ)
Denver Detour - pool, darts, food, sporty
Charlies - the only place to dance besides 1st Fridays
1st Fridays - the first friday of every month there is a great club, it's location varies. A lot of people, great music, usually art shows. highly recommended!
JR's - used to be mostly a boy bar but I find on Thursdays there are a lot of butches and femmes.
BJ's Carousel
There used to be more (The Wave, etc) but they closed down.
Also, there are several leather bars if you're interested

The gay friendly restaurants -
Hamburger Marys (new and YAY)
Goodfriends
Racines
The Avenue Grill
BJ's
Bump and Grind Cafe
Las Margaritas
JR's
The Detour (burgers, nachos, etc)
Diedrich Coffee
tHERe Coffe

As far as lodging - nearly everything gay friendly is off Colfax Ave. There is a Ramada Inn that is on Colfax that is actually clean and new, it's right down the street from everything. Web Site: www.RamadaDowntownDenver.com (http://www.RamadaDowntownDenver.com)
And dowtown, a cheap cab ride away, there are plenty of hotels that are more upscale. There are several Marriott varieties. The Magnolia is around $100 a night and 4 stars. Westin Tabor, The Curtis, Hyatt Regency is under $100 and in the heart of downtown, so is the Grand Hyatt. The Adams Mark is very upscale but affordable - $109\night. There are also the Hampten Inn and Warwick hotels in the $110 range.
The Brown Palace is a world famous historic hotel but out of the range you mentioned.
All of these are in the heart of downtown, easy cab rides to any of the bars \ dining in the Colfax neighborhood.

Sports -
Colorado Climax Hockey www.ClimaxHockey.org (http://www.ClimaxHockey.org)
Boulder Babes Rugby E-mail: qurike19@msn.com (qurike19@msn.com?Subject=From the GayColorado.com Web Site!)
There's gay soccer, bicycling, hiking, running, snowboarding, gay sierra club,
gay wrestling, gay scooter clubs, gay swimming \ diving, gay motorcycling, gay bowling and last but not least, gay rodeo.
There are always pickup games of all varieties at Cheesman Park on weekends.

If you want more information on anything just let me know! And welcome :)

[ArwenN]

Hello again AzAgent
You are very welcome for any info and one more bar that I know catered Latino was named Safari. Not sure if it is still open, but it was located conveniently downtown Denver. I think you will not have a problem at all finding a very great community in Denver. It is a beautiful city and state.
Regards(f)

Last I heard Safari had their liquor licensed yanked for underage drinkers. Don't know if they reopened or not.

[AZagent]

Thanks ladies. I just got back from a week of travelling to Denver. Yes, did make it to the Detour and played a game of pool. It was nice to hang out and be in a les/gay bar again. I live in a small town and the the bars are about 2 hrs drive time. Soo.......I had a great time. I did the tourist things....the Mint..the Capital ...Mile long mall, ESPN zone-of course and Hard Rock Cafe. Did drive around the different areas looking at homes and neighborhoods but I was surprised at the crazy drivers on I-25 and the bums/druggies. Like I said, I have lived in a very, very small town for about 6 years and dang forgot how to drive with insane drivers going 90 miles/hr on the freeway with speed limits of 55mph. WOW. I did love the gay atmosphere and def. wanting to play women's rugby again. Thanks for all info. I hope to move up there within a year......If I do, Sullen,Arwen, Phoxxy, drinks on ME.....:)

[Damned Queen]

Hi AZ and all
Glad you had a good time and got to play pool as well. Wish you a safe journey back to AZ where it is indeed hot as hell...okay with the DQ though. Yes, I-25 is also hell`s corridor, a disgrace. Something kinda funny I saw on the news this morning too..a buffalo running through Lakewood, the burbs in Denver. I`ll be visiting my son there in a few weeks for a week too. :)

DQ(f)

[PhoxxyLady]

Thanks ladies. I just got back from a week of travelling to Denver. Yes, did make it to the Detour and played a game of pool. It was nice to hang out and be in a les/gay bar again. I live in a small town and the the bars are about 2 hrs drive time. Soo.......I had a great time. I did the tourist things....the Mint..the Capital ...Mile long mall, ESPN zone-of course and Hard Rock Cafe. Did drive around the different areas looking at homes and neighborhoods but I was surprised at the crazy drivers on I-25 and the bums/druggies. Like I said, I have lived in a very, very small town for about 6 years and dang forgot how to drive with insane drivers going 90 miles/hr on the freeway with speed limits of 55mph. WOW. I did love the gay atmosphere and def. wanting to play women's rugby again. Thanks for all info. I hope to move up there within a year......If I do, Sullen,Arwen, Phoxxy, drinks on ME.....:)

I'm glad you enjoyed your stay, you've been to places not even I have. You could always check out Casa Bonita when you visit again, but their food isn't exactly the best; the entertainment is somewhat good, at least. As for drinks: I hope you're willing to buy me some root beer because I won't be 21 for a year and a half yet. :P You probably wouldn't be hard-pressed to get me into a bar, though; people tend to assume I'm 21+.

[ArwenN]

Thanks for all info. I hope to move up there within a year......If I do, Sullen,Arwen, Phoxxy, drinks on ME.....:)

If I am still here when you get here, you are on! ;-)

[EbullientButch]

Hey AZ, if you're into kink can refer you to some leather folks out there. ;) I used live in Denver as well. Great place and lots to do.

[ArwenN]

Hey AZ, if you're into kink can refer you to some leather folks out there. ;) I used live in Denver as well. Great place and lots to do.


SirCuff??? I think I met you at the fund raiser for.. oh HECK I can't remember her name! It was at the Harbor. You were preparing to move somewhere South.

[queenofsmirks]

I'll be visiting my hometown (Morrison and Denver) in May :) The Detour is one of my old haunts and one of the few that's still around. Lots of memories there :: grin ::

I had to laugh at the Casa Bonita reference. Their food not only sucks, it's almost like taking your life into your own hands.. but the atmosphere is really fun. There is a live scuba diver (with man-made cliffs and waterfall and pool)... and games and old fashion photos, a haunted mine, etc. Really fun, cheesy place. There is a hysterical South Park episode about Casa Bonita - see it if you can!

I don't know if The Den is still open, but they used to have a really lovely restaurant, especially in Summer, they had an outdoor patio.

Ahhhh.. I'm getting homesick! :)

[stargazerlily]

It's protestant (not a particular sect, I don't think).

Ok, thank you (f)

[ArwenN]

I'll be visiting my hometown (Morrison and Denver) in May :) The Detour is one of my old haunts and one of the few that's still around. Lots of memories there :: grin ::

I had to laugh at the Casa Bonita reference. Their food not only sucks, it's almost like taking your life into your own hands.. but the atmosphere is really fun. There is a live scuba diver (with man-made cliffs and waterfall and pool)... and games and old fashion photos, a haunted mine, etc. Really fun, cheesy place. There is a hysterical South Park episode about Casa Bonita - see it if you can!

I don't know if The Den is still open, but they used to have a really lovely restaurant, especially in Summer, they had an outdoor patio.

Ahhhh.. I'm getting homesick! :)



Last I knew, The Den was open but I don't know about the food. The Detour is serving food though. I'm up in Golden.

[PhoxxyLady]

Ok, thank you (f)

Why of course m'lady. ^^

[koop]

Thanks ladies. I just got back from a week of travelling to Denver. Yes, did make it to the Detour and played a game of pool. It was nice to hang out and be in a les/gay bar again. I live in a small town and the the bars are about 2 hrs drive time. Soo.......I had a great time. I did the tourist things....the Mint..the Capital ...Mile long mall, ESPN zone-of course and Hard Rock Cafe. Did drive around the different areas looking at homes and neighborhoods but I was surprised at the crazy drivers on I-25 and the bums/druggies. Like I said, I have lived in a very, very small town for about 6 years and dang forgot how to drive with insane drivers going 90 miles/hr on the freeway with speed limits of 55mph. WOW. I did love the gay atmosphere and def. wanting to play women's rugby again. Thanks for all info. I hope to move up there within a year......If I do, Sullen,Arwen, Phoxxy, drinks on ME.....:)


Laughing, Hey bro never come to LA then if you don't like the drivers and the bums!

I lived in Denver for 15 months. I enjoyed it but wasn't out at the time so have very little insight to the gay community except it was the first place I had been where it was visible.

Denver is nice to get around because you don't have to use the freeways and a lot of times it's much easier not to.

Even though I made some wrong turns in life in Denver I still miss and Love the place. To me it's a city with a small town atmosphere.

I don't know how I would have survived LA if I hadn't had a little city exposure there first.

[PhoxxyLady]

I had to laugh at the Casa Bonita reference. Their food not only sucks, it's almost like taking your life into your own hands.. but the atmosphere is really fun. There is a live scuba diver (with man-made cliffs and waterfall and pool)... and games and old fashion photos, a haunted mine, etc. Really fun, cheesy place. There is a hysterical South Park episode about Casa Bonita - see it if you can!

Haha! I love South Park ever so much... It's even funnier if you live in the state and are in on all of the esoteric jokes/themes. But yeah, that's pretty much spot on: a fun place to check out, at least.

[queenofsmirks]

Last I knew, The Den was open but I don't know about the food. The Detour is serving food though. I'm up in Golden.

I always thought the food at the Detour was... edible... and if you were really starving then it was even decent LOL Of course things may have changed in the last 6 years :)

[queenofsmirks]

Haha! I love South Park ever so much... It's even funnier if you live in the state and are in on all of the esoteric jokes/themes. But yeah, that's pretty much spot on: a fun place to check out, at least.

I agree! I often have to explain the sideline references to my partner. The "inside jokes" make it that much more funny!

[AZagent]

Thanks. Well, I have driven in La but dang so, so many years ago. I think you had to stop to let your horse drink water or maybe it was Saki. Dang, my memory is not so good anymore.. LOL.

Seriously, I use to live in a big city with bad uninsured or unlicensed motorists that would crash into you then flee away like it never happened. But then I moved to a slow ass town with two( 2) street lights and a bunch of stop signs. I guess I should have driven my horse buggy to the closest town, "TOMBSTONE".

Well, my driving skills of zooming 100mph into merging traffic then braking on a dime because someone got a flat or they lost their blackberry or dropped their Starbuck's all over thier Armani suits have declined tremendously. However, I have driven in LA's finest traffic and well, you can keep it all.

[EbullientButch]

SirCuff??? I think I met you at the fund raiser for.. oh HECK I can't remember her name! It was at the Harbor. You were preparing to move somewhere South.

Hi ArwenN - yes, you did ;) It was for Khobie Niccia my NENITA!!;) I think we've met at some of the COLLAR meetings as well. I'm in Texas now FINALLY retired from the Navy and enjoying life.

[ArwenN]

Hi ArwenN - yes, you did ;) It was for Khobie Niccia my NENITA!!;) I think we've met at some of the COLLAR meetings as well. I'm in Texas now FINALLY retired from the Navy and enjoying life.


That's right! Khobie...who had the most amazing pair of platform white lace up thigh high boots.

Yes, it's sad. I can't remember a name, but I can tell you what she was wearing! lol

[Spanish_Princess9]

there is a little more to my visit. I posted here:

http://www.butch-femme.com/portal/forums/showthread.php?p=2345816#post2345816

I've gotten some useful info from reading this thread, so thanks!

[ArwenN]

there is a little more to my visit. I posted here:

http://www.butch-femme.com/portal/forums/showthread.php?p=2345816#post2345816

I've gotten some useful info from reading this thread, so thanks!


YAY! I know there are hot spots in Boulder but I don't know them. I will see if I can't ferret something out. Nedra's name is incredibly familiar to me... did she ever do MWMF or NWMF?

[Spanish_Princess9]

Hello ArweN =)

Nedra is a long time MWMF festie, this year will be her 16th or 17th year attending. She has performed on all 3 stages, and this year, she was asked to perform on the mainstage, the day of opening ceremonies (yipee!). This year is my second year attending, my first time camping, I'm not so excited about that part, lol. She has performed at National as well a few times over the years, the last time being last year.
As far as Denver, we're looking to be in CO for 1-2 weeks. I have one house concert guranteed by a person named Mailyn. We're trying to work out when that will happen, either mid to late July, or early September. I prefer July, because then I can accompany her and I have always wanted to visit your beautiful state! Once we have the dates anchored,, the I can really work on securing venues, including other house concert host & hostesses

[duckie308]

I am going to Denver!

[ArwenN]

I am going to Denver!


ROCK ON! When?

[ArwenN]

either mid to late July, or early September. I prefer July, because then I can accompany her and I have always wanted to visit your beautiful state! Once we have the dates anchored,, the I can really work on securing venues, including other house concert host & hostesses

Any word? I'm having surgery the last week of July and will be out of commission for a bit.

[duckie308]

ROCK ON! When?


I'll be there July 12th!


duckie

[ArwenN]

I'll be there July 12th!


duckie


Oh no! I'll be in Dallas until the 15th! :'(

[hatchet]

Hi to all the Colorado folks...Just dropping in to say I love your state...always have and always will. I was in Denver a week ago...first time in the summer. The many times I've been there in the past have been for skiing. It's just as gorgeous and peaceful during the summer as winter. Can't wait for the next trip back. Also, I would love to live there some day. What is the job market like in Denver? How about the GLBT community? We went to an area where there were four or five gay restaurants/bars...Mary's Burgers I think was the name of the place we ate...all the folks there were very friendly to us visitors. Enjoy your beautiful state!

[ArwenN]

Hi to all the Colorado folks...Just dropping in to say I love your state...always have and always will. I was in Denver a week ago...first time in the summer. The many times I've been there in the past have been for skiing. It's just as gorgeous and peaceful during the summer as winter. Can't wait for the next trip back. Also, I would love to live there some day. What is the job market like in Denver? How about the GLBT community? We went to an area where there were four or five gay restaurants/bars...Mary's Burgers I think was the name of the place we ate...all the folks there were very friendly to us visitors. Enjoy your beautiful state!




That's Hamburger Mary's and it is a chain. Supposedly there is a gay community here but there certainly isn't much of a BF one. I'm so ready to get out of this town. :s

Where you were was right by JR's bar (gay boy bar). This town really seems to be segregated in terms of boy / girl bars. I dislike that a lot. I'm not much of a Denver fan though. lol.

[hatchet]

That's Hamburger Mary's and it is a chain. Supposedly there is a gay community here but there certainly isn't much of a BF one. I'm so ready to get out of this town. :s

Where you were was right by JR's bar (gay boy bar). This town really seems to be segregated in terms of boy / girl bars. I dislike that a lot. I'm not much of a Denver fan though. lol.

Sorry to hear you're not a fan of Denver...hope you find a place that suits you better.

Oh yes, Hamburger Mary's...there was a mix of men and women but mostly women. We did see JR's bar...there were a lot of people sitting outside. It looked somewhat interesting, but we didn't have time to stop over there. I know what you mean about the segregated bars...The gay bars are quite segregated here in the Twin Cities...and, there aren't many girl bars. That doesn't bother me too much since I don't care to go to the bars anyway.

Thanks for your opinion. I don't know what it is like to live there, but I fell in love with your state the first time I stepped foot in it probably about 30 years ago.

[queenofsmirks]

They say the grass is always greener on the other side.

I lived in CO (Denver/suburbs/foothills) for more than 20 years and couldn't wait to move to a bigger city. I ended up in NYC for 5 years, and now I'm living just over the river in NJ, but I was just saying/complaining last night about how there is no sense of community here (neither NYC nor NJ) and that even when I was in Denver there was quite a large community, and I miss that. I guess it depends on what you are used to, but I always envisioned NYC having a big community, but it really doesn't feel that way. Friends of mine who lived here before I did also complained and said that while there are a lot of gay people here, it's very cliquish and doesn't "feel" like a community. I think alot of it has to do with the overall attitude, mannerisms and way of life here. As you probably know or can imagine, everything is hustle-bustle, and just getting around Manhattan can take hours, so it literally takes a *plan* just to socialize, instead of hopping in your car and going 20 minutes down the road. Even so, the "feel" is just different.

I do go back to visit my family (in Denver) every year, and every year I get homesick and it's harder for me to leave, but I don't know that I'd want to live there again. I've been saying for several years I'd like to go back to Washington, and that's still my goal, but I do appreciate CO much more than I did when I lived there. Not to mention, it's where South Park is! LOL

[ArwenN]

Sorry to hear you're not a fan of Denver...hope you find a place that suits you better.

Oh yes, Hamburger Mary's...there was a mix of men and women but mostly women. We did see JR's bar...there were a lot of people sitting outside. It looked somewhat interesting, but we didn't have time to stop over there. I know what you mean about the segregated bars...The gay bars are quite segregated here in the Twin Cities...and, there aren't many girl bars. That doesn't bother me too much since I don't care to go to the bars anyway.

Thanks for your opinion. I don't know what it is like to live there, but I fell in love with your state the first time I stepped foot in it probably about 30 years ago.




Grin, it's not my state. Louisiana is my home. I am just not happy here. Too much openly anti-butch rhetoric on the local Craigslist "looking for a woman to date. Must be glad she's a woman and not a man in drag" just gets old after a while. I'm actively seeking to move though. Need to get somewhere there is better community. I love to go out dancing but won't go to the bars here any more. I really hate being ignored. LOL. They look at me like I'm someone's sister or aunt or worse, some straight housewife out for thrills. And Lord love a duck if I ask one of them to dance. :D You'd think I was hitting them up! So I'm out of this town! lol

[ArwenN]

I do go back to visit my family (in Denver) every year, and every year I get homesick and it's harder for me to leave, but I don't know that I'd want to live there again. I've been saying for several years I'd like to go back to Washington, and that's still my goal, but I do appreciate CO much more than I did when I lived there. Not to mention, it's where South Park is! LOL



And see, I really do not get SouthPark at all. I've lived in Denver for seven years and I'm done. I loved Atlanta and New Orleans. I think I just miss the south really. So I get your homesick!

[queenofsmirks]

And see, I really do not get SouthPark at all. I've lived in Denver for seven years and I'm done. I loved Atlanta and New Orleans. I think I just miss the south really. So I get your homesick!

I love Atlanta - I even thought about moving there a few years ago, but ... alas... here I am still in the northeast.. for now! I'm not sure there is a "perfect" place, but I really do want to move west again. That won't happen for a few years, but I have my eye on it!