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Senior Editor

Michelle Shortall

Senior Editor

Michelle Shortall is a senior editor at 5280 and manages the print issue’s Compass section. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Shortall earned her degree in journalism at Ball State University before moving to Colorado in 2013. She nixed her original plan of only staying in Denver for a couple of years and has spent the past decade defending her indifference toward skiing and snowboarding.

Before joining the 5280 team in 2019, Johnson was the senior editor at Colorado Homes & Lifestyles and Mountain Living magazines and worked for various marketing agencies. When she’s not writing or editing, she’s likely exploring new-to-her mountain towns or contemplating paint colors for her Englewood townhome.

Articles By Michelle Shortall

A teal velvet sofa snakes around the interior of Sorry Gorgeous.

10 New Denver Restaurants with Stylish Interiors

Enjoy a feast for the eyes at these hot spots, which serve up inviting ambiances and inspiring design details.

Lady Justice Brewing in Englewood

5 New Businesses You Need To Check Out in Englewood

Rising rents have motivated several Denver companies to reroot in the southern suburb.

Creative Garland Company Colorado garland

Deck the Halls With These Festive Garlands Made in Crested Butte

Carolyn Huresky’s laser-cut paper garlands celebrate life in the Rockies.

Stoneware platter stands on a table

The 10 Best Gifts for the Home, Handpicked by Local Shop Owners

We asked the pros to point us to the prettiest gifts—from dinner-table decor to Denver-made candles—for our favorite hostess with the mostest.

The Thanksgiving ramen at Osaka Ramen.

8 Ways To Ensure Your Thanksgiving Meal Is Anything but Boring

Make this year’s Thanksgiving one to remember with the help of these local foodie establishments.

Outdated Laws Forced Nadine Bridges To Marry Her Wife 3 Times—a November Ballot Initiative Could Finally Seal the Deal

As the executive director of LGBTQ+ advocacy organization One Colorado, Bridges is working to ensure that all Coloradans have the right to marriage.

These Ski Outfits Designed in Littleton Are Made for Fun

Look good, ski good in Hoohah’s collection of bold, playful bibs, balaclavas, and base layers.

How Urban Cowboy Preserves a Piece of Denver History

The new Capitol Hill hotel is the fourth location from the New York–founded boutique lodging brand.

GetRights' pain au chocolat

5 Cool New Spots To Check Out in Wheat Ridge

With bakeries, pickleball courts, and even a cyclery, the western suburb is beginning to appeal to a younger crowd.

5 Things to Add to Your Staycation Itinerary at the Recently Renovated Mining Exchange Hotel

Old-meets-new design, wellness amenities, and exclusive entertainment come together at the revived Colorado Springs hotel.

South of Denver or South of France? This Sprawling Home in Sedalia Is Designed To Look Like a French Château.

Warm, moody hues and natural materials give this 13,500-square-foot mansion a time-worn feel.

The Waldo Canyon fire swept from the mountains above Colorado Springs, CO into some of outlying communities forcing the evacuation of more than 32,000 residents. 346 homes were destroyed by the fire resulting in insurance claims of more than $453 million. The fire happened in June of 2012.

3 Easy Ways To Help Protect Your Home From Wildfire Damage

Choosing the right building and landscaping materials can make all the difference.

A Massive Accordion Door and Heated Patio Seamlessly Connect This Hilltop Home to the Outdoors

A tear-down and rebuild results in an easy-living four-bedroom where East Coast style meets California casual influences.

The 11 Coolest Colorado Airbnbs to Plan a Summer Vacation Around

You don’t need to go far to get gone. These short-term rentals promise multimillion-dollar views, amenities, and most importantly, solitude.

Is This Old Church the Coolest Apartment in Denver?

Meet the 22-year-old content creator who’s gained a massive following by sharing videos of her digs inside a converted church building.

How a Boulder-Born AI Service Can Help Your Garden Grow

If Denver’s dry climate and clay soil dampen your gardening dreams, you might lose your gourd over Flora.

Kolby & Alyssa, co-owners of Treehouse Cyclery

The Best Denver Services and Shopping of 2024

We know where you should get your bike tuned and your muscles massaged. Plus, where to buy your next TBR.

two people stand under several colorful mechanical flower sculptures

What Is Biophilia and Why Do We Keep Hearing About It? Denver Design Experts Weigh In.

Contrary to one 5280 staffer’s assumptions, it’s not a disease.

Granby house exterior with 2 people on porch

How To Land a Mountain Home in Colorado (Even if You Aren’t Rich)

From building a classic A-frame cabin to splitting a ski condo, there are plenty of creative ways to own at least a part-time high-country getaway.

How to Make the Most of Your Stay at the New Trailborn Rocky Mountains Hotel

The stylish staycation spot in Estes Park encourages guests to explore the great outdoors without sacrificing the creature comforts.

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