All the sales and specials online are tempting and tantalizing to many of us. It’s obvious when you see the parade of UPS, FedEx and Amazon trucks. I admit that I’m a contributor to this “situation”. I have my regular “Subscribe & Save” items, as well as certain specialty teas that I indulge in.
At the same time, I try to shop local and here in UpDoNA we have so many great options. When it comes to bars and restaurants, my husband and I have a hard time justifying driving or ordering Lyft when there are so many great options within walking distance. For our traditional Friday night drink to kick off the weekend, French 75 is a fun place. The menu is diverse, and their happy hour is a well-known hotspot where you can get truffle fries, French Dip and my favorite mussels.
If it’s dinner you’re after or a cool atmosphere to gather with friends, Terra, conveniently located across from the convention center is becoming a popular choice for locals and tourists alike. Patrons are raving about this neighborhood gem that serves expertly prepared farm to table cuisine. The wine list is carefully curated, and cocktails creatively conceived. If you go there on Thursday nights between 8:30pm and 11:30pm, you’ll be lucky to experience live jazz with Mark Diamond.
Spring44 is a world class maker of Spirits. Imagine my surprise and the pride I felt when I found it on the menu while dining in California. How great that the word is getting out! The honey vodka is particularly unique, especially paired with green tea for a yin/yang effect. The mountain gin is woodsy and refreshing. Spring44 showed UpDoNA love in August with a tasting. If you missed it and you’re curious to try these local spirits stars, check out The Argonaut and your local liquor store. If you don’t see Spring44 ask for it.
Justin Gasman has been serving UpDoNA with his luxury car service for several months and has rave reviews on all fronts. The next time you’re heading to the airport, Red Rocks or the mountains, think about going in style and supporting a local.
The red-carpet treatment starts with riding in a new Cadillac Escalade where Justin strives to provide top notch service.
As I write this the snow flurries are coming down hard, but we Denverites know that snow doesn’t usually stay around for very long. ScooTours Denver Scooter Rental rents motor scooters and it’s a great way to get around and be a tourist in your town. There are actual tours, or you can go out on your own. The next time you have out of town guests or want to have a mini staycation, think about renting a scooter at ScooTours.
I’ve always taken care of my skin but moving to Denver last year, it went into shock as the temperatures dropped. I scrambled to figure things out and having Prep Beauty Bar in the neighborhood has been a godsend. Casey knows skin and she knows products. She loves what she does and strives to pamper you so that you leave feeling and looking better than when you arrived. Her services are priced very reasonably, and she truly loves being part of the UpDoNA neighborhood. At our next mixer, be sure to check out her Pop-Up. With her gorgeous gift boxes, you’re sure to find something special for the beauty maven(s) in your life, as well as yourself.
For those of you looking to get educated about the condo market and perhaps purchase one as a primary or investment property, look no further than Denver High-Rise Living. Lori Greenly is the definitive authority – so much that she’s expanded to Florida and serves Denver, St. Petersburg with her sights on expanding to other out of state locations.
One of our first two business members to join UpDoNA was Amacon, the developer that is building twin condo towers at 18th & Glenarm. With one tower planned for 38 stories and the other at 32, this project will add 461 condominiums to Upper Downtown. This will make it the second largest condo project in Denver, trailing only Spire at 14th & Champa.
These are just some of the gems in our UpDoNa neighborhood. Please patronize them. For UpDoNa businesses that you enjoy and want to help support, please encourage them to purchase a business membership. Our hope and expectation are that this is a win/win for everyone.
Photo attribution: Denver Post
