Fresh off a historic playoff run with new talent to tap, the Denver Nuggets are poised for another big season. Before the team returns to play on Wednesday night, we put together a primer on the championship hopefuls.
Between COVID-19, a crazy election, and uncontrollable wildfires, 2020 didn’t produce much good news. But that doesn’t mean nothing positive happened. Here, we rounded up 10 heart-warming pieces the 5280 team produced this year.
Zorba’s in Congress Park, armed with a remodeled interior and patio and new takeout window, prepares for the future.
COVID-19 shutdowns closed offices across the Denver metro area. How will office space transform when(ever) employees finally return?
All willing residents will likely get vaccinated by summer 2021, according to the state’s phased distribution plan. But that doesn’t guarantee the end of COVID-19 in Colorado. Experts explain what it will take to effectively beat the virus—and what life may look like in the meantime.
The fast-casual restaurant, which opened on December 19, offers a heated patio, curbside pick-up, and delivery.
Pennsylvania artist Peter Olson fuses photography with ceramics in shockingly beautiful pots that reflect the viral reality of 2020.
Find out how local heroes, restaurants, and nonprofits are stepping up—and how you can pitch in.
With reduced capacities and decreased revenues devastating local gyms and fitness studios, many are going online to build community—and attempt to save their businesses.
Make the most of your winter with these pandemic-friendly holiday displays, concerts, and art walks taking place in Colorado mountain towns.
As a registered nonprofit, the Elyria-Swansea spot aims to help marginalized young adults build life skills through business experience.
COVID-19 concerns put jury trials on hold across Colorado, creating a backlog that prosecutors and defense attorneys worry could stretch well into 2021.
Buying locally made bottles for your loved ones also helps support small businesses in our community.
The 2020 Local Lab was canceled due to COVID-19, but the Boulder theater company is planning for a larger, more inclusive slate of new playwrights to feature in the new year.
The future is tie-dyed and full of comfy pants.
As the pandemic shut down traditional venues, Colorado’s alternative theater groups provided audiences with in-person experiences in unusual settings.
To discover how the pandemic and protests against racial inequity affected journalism, our writer interviewed the editor of Denverite—aka his wife.
When the need for more socially distanced outdoor spaces became pressing, the city of Denver delivered with a slew of new, car-free streets. Although they were a temporary promise, these open spaces just might serve as a wake-up call for how the Mile High City could reimagine safer and more equitable streets.
The pandemic surfaced all manner of interpersonal problems for Coloradans—some they didn’t even know they had.
Yearning for the no-designated-driver-necessary days of old.
Where to order full meals, desserts, cocktails, and more from local, independent restaurants.
From COVID-19 to increased scrutiny, there was no shortage of things that made it difficult to operate an election in 2020. But with the help of a few pandemic-friendly tweaks, Colorado’s existing system proved it was up to the task.
This year, Colorado passed one of the most thorough police accountability bills in the country. How it impacts the state remains to be seen.
As social distancing became a necessity, so did virtual networking and job interviewing, altering the business landscape now—and likely for years to come.
Our time on the slopes will be different this winter—and in some ways, that’s a good thing.
The written and spoken word may have changed more this year than they have in any other period in recent history.
TULA, a members-only service that launched in Denver this month, aims to provide relief for families that feel stretched too thin.
The surprising—and not so surprising—reasons we aren’t sleeping so well this year.
Museums and galleries have had to figure out inventive ways to reach art fans during the pandemic, from e-commerce to mobile art and more.
Leggings, hoodies, and T-shirts became the most coveted couture this year.
Coloradans took to the streets this year to fight against police brutality and structural racism. But 2020 didn’t make it easy, as advocacy organizations were forced to adjust how they planned protests.
Colorado’s wildfire season this year was apocalyptic—and experts caution that this is just the beginning.
Many Coloradans opted to explore their own state this summer and fall, driving some tourism-centered businesses and organizations to shift their focuses.
Five trends introduced or accelerated by the events of 2020 that might become as lasting as saying “I do.”
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 10 percent of childcare centers have closed throughout the state, further exacerbating an already fraught (and financially untenable) situation for families.
While my mother was sick with COVID-19, my husband and I ventured into the kitchen to nourish her to back to health.
Join one of Denver-based artist Elysia Myers’ virtual wine painting classes—or gift a print to a vino-loving friend.
I missed my family and thought I could travel safely to see them during the pandemic. I was wrong.
The pandemic and a company reorganization postponed the immersive art museum’s original 2020 opening—but the project is still moving forward with new coronavirus-induced innovations.
Incoming storms will boost Colorado’s snowpack and bring wintery conditions—just in time for the holidays.
The pandemic has been a boon for Colorado cannabis businesses, as the necessity of social distancing brought quick adjustments to the industry, like curbside pickup and online ordering. Will these changes stick around?
Owners of the beloved Italian spot in Highland reincarnate their South Indian restaurant with a full to-go menu—and a family-style feast for al fresco dining, too.
The three-month-old company, which sells plant-based cold brew lattes from a trike-powered cart at Commons Park, launched a delivery service last month.
The 101-year-old ranch was devastated by the East Troublesome Fire in October, but the owners are already working to rebuild, in hopes of reopening by March.
Inspired by binge-watching Get Organized with the Home Edit on Netflix and a strong desire to have control over something this year, one writer set about turning her pantry into a Type A dream space.
Plus: A rundown of pending high-profile lawsuits against the Denver Police Department related to misconduct at the protests.
Local bar owners mourn the closure of the beloved 87-year-old jazz club, whose owners cite the changing neighborhood and bar scene as challenges for the business.
The Art Place in RiNo is reimagining the retail experience by offering local artists and makers a space to temporarily (and affordably) showcase their crafts.
Find out how local culinary businesses are working to spread holiday cheer this season—along with ways you can contribute—just in time for Colorado Gives Day, December 8.
Close to 3,000 organizations are participating in the annual statewide day of giving—and there’s never been a better time to contribute.
Gitanjali Rao developed Kindly, a program to combat cyberbullying—but that’s not the only innovation the 15-year-old from Lone Tree has dreamed up.
Laura Vogel’s first collection of handmade leather shoulder bags are designer quality, with a budget-friendly price tag.
“It’s basically déjà vu at the beginning of every single month.”
Hosted at the Dazzle music venue, the weekly event will feature livestreams of local bands while providing free meals and other support services to artists who have been impacted by COVID-19.
The Democrat-led General Assembly met this week in a rare special session to provide much-needed aid to struggling Coloradans.
Twenty-five bottles of the once-a-year releases will be auctioned off this month to benefit Colorado firefighters.
Two words: Planning and patience.
You’ll deliver a double dose of good when you purchase these home-grown recipe collections.
With most offices closed and events canceled, small-business food truck owners are parking in residential areas and suburban neighborhoods instead.
With major resorts dealing with visitor limits, smaller locales like Sunlight Mountain Resort have seen significant upticks in interest.
Dwindling job opportunities have day laborers on the precipice of a bitter winter.
A letter from the editor of 5280’s December 2020 issue.
The Aspen artist’s nature-inspired collection is on view at the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Freyer–Newman Center through March 14.
Booze, trap music, and a menu written in a language patrons must decode are all things you’ll find at the retail district’s new pop-ups.
Against all odds, Colorado has seen a few positive changes in 2020.
Meet the men and women who work day and night in tough winter conditions to make safe our most critical east-west thoroughfare.
We asked outdoor experts to tell us about splitboarding, the wildfires’ impact on winter sports, and how to care for your down jacket.
Don’t miss the small plates and family-style dinners inspired by his Midwest upbringing and fine-dining pedigree.
Beyond being a much-needed new playground for Centennial Staters, Fishers Peak’s goal of balancing conservation and recreation could set a new standard for parks everywhere.
Celebrating 26 captivating people, beautiful places, and irresistible things endemic to our special slice of America in 2020.
Scott Mowbray reminisces about Christmases past and his mother’s treasured cooking rituals.
The secretive and controversial data-mining firm moved its headquarters to LoDo earlier this year. And while some city and state government officials lobbied for the relocation, others are furious. Here’s why that should matter to all of us.
A letter from the editor of 5280 Home‘s December 2020/January 2021 issue.
Under Keia McSwain’s leadership, the Black Interior Designers Network amplifies its pursuit of more inclusivity in the interior design world.
Eight great gifts for the style enthusiasts in your life (or for decking your own halls this season).
Fueled by a passion for beautiful things and her signature good humor, Jane Bradford makes her way into the Denver design limelight.
Inviting details and thoughtful design make this Cherry Creek hotel eatery the place you never knew you always wanted to go.
The architects of Boulder-based Bldg Collective discuss shifting toward a more values-based approach, how to “future-proof” your home, and what’s next for Colorado’s design community.
Interior designer Kirsten Brundage offers four ways to alleviate your work-from-home woes.
Looking to take amp up your home’s style? Allow these five stellar designs—the winners of the ’20–’21 Top Denver Design contest—to be your guiding lights.
Women’s Village in the Cole neighborhood offers transitional housing and a sense of community to single women experiencing homelessness.
Start the new year on a healthy note with help from the Conscious Merchant, a clean-living boutique at the Dairy Block.
At-home al fresco spaces have been sanity-savers in the time of COVID-19. Here’s how to make the most of yours.
These must-have pieces make for the perfect place to leave the stresses of the outside world behind.
Denver artist Marilyn Wells channels energy and emotion into the ancient art of ink-wash painting.
You voted. We tallied. Our editors picked their favorites. Introducing our first-ever list of the city’s 46 most beloved design resources, from architecture firms to rug boutiques, antiques shops to landscape designers. You can thank us later.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, valet services offer a chance to snag gear without a trip to a ski shop.
Because of the devastating fire season, there are some additional restrictions on where you can search for your perfect tree this year. But that makes it even more important to participate in this unique (and fun!) family tradition.
For a cool $6.9 million, this five-acre horse property just south of Boulder boasts Flatirons views and direct access to riding trails within easy reach of the city.
Sip festive cocktails in private greenhouses bedecked in festive décor at the Miracle on Main Street pop-up in Louisville.
It’s been a long year. Now, it’s time to bundle up and enjoy the magic of the season—social-distant style.
Local musician Danae Simone is bringing quality and low-cost denim to Denverites with DSX Denim. The second collection, which includes styles for both women and men, launches on November 27.
The year-old spirits maker saves 400,000 gallons of water each year, donates spent grain to a local nonprofit, and a lot more.
The Larimer Street dining room may be closed, but Kyle and Katy Foster’s Southern restaurant will live on through pop-ups and classes.
Universities and colleges across the state placed outdoor tents on campus this fall as an alternative to indoor classrooms—and staff and students liked it.
The 56-pound people-loving bird has been an unexpected source of joy during these turbulent times.
Melissa Clement’s newly expanded Mercantile by Farmgirl Foods offers wares from more than 70 local vendors, most of which are female-owned businesses.
The app, created by Everbridge, has a 75 percent adoption rate in the community and was one component of the university’s strategy to prevent outbreaks on campus.
Vail’s Sonnenalp Hotel and other globally inspired destinations put the world within reach.
Owner Dave Query shares insight into closing his first-born restaurant and what comes next, which includes revamped takeout and delivery programs.
The pros at Golden Graze Boxes, Meat and Cheese Board, and So Damn Gouda Cheese & Provisions have all of your snacking needs covered.
‘Tis the season of shopping, sipping, and celebrating. Do it all safely at these local outdoor and online markets.
Make this holiday season memorable for all the best reasons with these beautiful, locally sourced gifts for the home.
As the holiday season approaches, remember materialistic items aren’t the only gift you can give. Here are opportunities to help spread cheer—and help others—this holiday season.
What can we say—it’s been a stressful year. Give the gift of relaxation to your loved ones (or yourself) this holiday season.
The upside to staying home this holiday season is having more time to learn a new skill. From cross-stitching to needle punching and woodblock printing, here are six locally made kits for the crafter in all of us.
From cozy slippers to to-go face masks and made-to-order fashions, these small goodies are guaranteed to put a smile on her face this holiday season.
From cozy socks to soothing shaving soap, these small goodies are sure to put a smile on his face.
Community support for health care workers surged in the spring. Now, it’s all but evaporated. Frontline heroes discuss the seismic shift and why they need our help today more than ever.
From cocktail stirrers and a make-your-own bitters set to Ethiopian coffee and futuristic candy, here are some delicious treats to celebrate the season.
Restaurants may remain open for takeout, delivery, and outdoor dining, but in-person last call is now at 8 p.m.
OZ Architecture’s Nate Jenkins helps us imagine the new design details that will allow apartment, condo, and loft dwellers to live (and work) safely and comfortably in high-density spaces in the years to come.
Fifteen Colorado counties are moving to a revised Level Red by Friday, triggering new restrictions like a ban on indoor dining and personal gatherings, an 8 p.m. last call, and additional capacity limits on gyms. This is the last stop on the way to another stay-at-home order.
Opening a Denver location has been a dream for the owners of Cripple Creek Backcountry for five years. That dream became a reality ahead of what’s anticipated to be a busy backcountry ski season.
Sheila Lucero of Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar and Dave Woodruff of El Moro Spirits and Tavern are among this year’s Industry Spotlight Award recipients.
Since March, small businesses statewide have struggled to stay afloat in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. A coalition of local lawyers has stepped up to help.
The in-person production promises a rich—and risqué—escape from this year’s reality.
Alejandro G. Iñárritu blurs the line between subject and spectator in an immersive virtual reality experience that shows what it’s like to cross the border.
So you wanna be a gold-digger? No seriously—here’s how to get started with gold-panning in Colorado.
More Coloradans than ever are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 and the viral spread shows no signs of easing. To curb transmission, state officials are urging residents to avoid interacting with anyone outside their household for the rest of November—and that includes Thanksgiving.
When COVID-19 cleared Denver’s streets of cars, one local writer faced an existential question: skate or die?
This paradise in southwest Colorado brims with unworldly rock formations, hundreds of incredible campsites, and the state’s largest shoreline—and there are opportunities for adventure year-round.
Buehler, 43, died in a climbing accident near Aspen on November 6.
Grüvi non-alcoholic beers and wines, Mortal Kombucha beverages, and Bloombox Foods salad dressings took top honors at Naturally Boulder’s 2020 Pitch Slam.
Iman Jodeh, a 38-year-old daughter of Palestinian immigrants, was elected to serve as a Colorado state representative last week.
Bar Helix owner Kendra Anderson was ordered to vacate her bar despite a state-mandated requirement that tenants must receive 30-days notice.
Almost eight months after hotels temporarily closed, the industry is still making up for lost time—and revenue.
This year’s Camp Christmas offers access to an immersive online experience sprung from the imagination of creator Lonnie Hanzon, along with packages filled with festive crafts and activities to complete at home.
It’s been a quite a week and an extraordinary year. If you’re feeling anxious, know you’re not alone. We asked the experts to share practical tips for how to cope in these difficult times.
As of Sunday, November 8, in-person dining and liquor sales are prohibited after 10 p.m.
City officials hope the new restrictions, which they wouldn’t call a curfew, will help avoid another stay-at-home order as COVID-19 cases continue to surge.
From fully compostable containers to a reusable tiffin system, Colorado eateries are taking great efforts to make to-go more sustainable.
During a virtual press conference on Thursday, Governor Jared Polis pleaded with Coloradans to avoid gatherings and continue wearing masks as the state’s COVID-19 rates head in a grim direction.
This is the first time voters had a direct say in reintroducing one of the most controversial canids in the United States.
Senator Gardner has, indeed, been yeeted, and even Sentor-elect John Hickenlooper got in on the fun.
Visitors to Colorado’s state parks have hit record numbers this year. Now, you can suggest locations for our next great outdoor recreation area.
