5 Cool Colorado Classes to Take in 2021
No worries if you (purposely) missed the sourdough train. You’ve got a whole year ahead of you to learn something new.
9 Ways to Treat Yourself This Year
Because you deserve it.
Tips and Tricks to Make Van Life Work for You
Jason Schirato, co-owner of Aspen Custom Vans shares ideas for making road tripping a little easier. Plus, where to rent and buy your hotel on wheels.
4 Adventure-Packed Road Trips for Every Season
Make the most out of your seasonal road trip with these spots to eat, drink, play, and relax.
Don’t Take These Classic Colorado Pursuits for Granted
We gained a new appreciation for our state’s hallmark activities this past year.
Where to Take Your New Wheels (or Watercraft) for a Spin
Because it would be a shame if your new gear sat in the garage all year.
How Pat McMahon Helped Foster La Veta, Colorado’s Female-First Ethos
The so-called “hippie-artist-builder” paved the way for other women to lead.
Ice Diving Might Be Colorado’s Chilliest Sport
Only a small percentage of scuba fans attempt the sport.
Entrepreneurship for All Is Giving Longmont’s Latino Founders a Boost
The program is designed to help under-resourced business owners launch a company. Can it help close the prosperity gap in Longmont?
How to Get Hooked on Ice Fishing This Winter
The frigid sport is a pandemic-friendly way to get outside.
Longmont’s Whistling Boar Wants to Feed You All Weekend Long
Let chef David Pitula’s meal kits nourish you on your next Colorado getaway.
What to Buy at 4 Front Range International Markets
5280 food critic Scott Mowbray searches local markets for tasty ingredients to enliven his home cooking—and yours.
Denver’s Nurses Are Taking on Burnout Through Dance
The Clinic, a theater and dance company, is helping nurses struggling with compassion fatigue.
How to Create a Gorgeous Gallery Wall in Your Home
Gallery walls have grown popular in recent years—a local interior designer shows you how to nail the look.
4 Experts Give Their Predictions for What 2021 Could Look Like in Colorado
We tell you what to expect when 2020 has primed you to expect the worst.
Denver’s Top Lawyers 2021
Everyone needs an attorney every now and again. Here, the ones you should reach out to when that time comes.
The Push to Diversify Colorado’s Cannabis Industry
Changes to licensing in Denver, slated for early 2021, could help make the marijuana business more accessible to entrepreneurs of color.
The Inherent Dangers of Backcountry Skiing in Colorado’s Mountains
What can a fatal backcountry skiing accident on Jones Pass, on the west side of the Continental Divide, teach us about Colorado’s snowcat outfitters? And can these quintessential Centennial State adventures ever truly be safe?
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Fund Police Departments
An enormous budget shortfall caused by COVID-19 led to budget cuts for law enforcement, not a collective will to defund the police.
Luki Serves Up Brews Under the Big Top
Owner-brewer Jeffrey Smith launched Luki Brewery in Arvada in July, drawing inspiration from his family’s colorful circus history.
Beast & Bottle, Coperta Join Growing Roster of Hibernating Restaurants
Chef and co-owner Paul C. Reilly estimates that the award-winning restaurants will remain closed until March at the earliest.
The Micro-Apartment Trend Finds a Home in Cherry Creek North
Studio 135’s ultra-efficient studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments prove you can sacrifice square footage without skimping on style.
Colorado’s 11 Biggest Moments of 2020
From the throes of a pandemic to protests to a historic election, 2020 shaped our state in more ways than we could have ever imagined. Here, we look back at some of this year’s defining moments.
How Much Does It Cost a Restaurant to Set Up Outdoor Dining?
Private greenhouses, cabanas, and yurts outfitted with propane heaters and wood stoves are costing local restaurant owners thousands to keep diners cozy this winter.
Our Most Popular Adventure Stories from 2020
From leaf peeping and car camping to pandemic-friendly excursions and more, here are 5280‘s best stories about adventuring in and around Colorado.
How the Newest Aid Bill Will Affect Local Restaurants
A fresh round of Paycheck Protection Program loans is coming, but will it be enough to keep the hospitality industry afloat?
5280’s 10 Best Longreads of 2020
There were no lack of big stories to cover this year. From experiencing homelessness in a pandemic to Denver’s new generation of Black leadership and the big tech company making a move to Colorado, here are the long-form stories that captured readers’ attention.
An Owner and a Server Speak on How You Can Help Save Local Restaurants
Josh Wolkon and Alexis Stovich share what they wish Denver diners knew about staying safe—and in business—during the pandemic.
6 Things to Watch for This Nuggets Season
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.
Stories That Prove There Were Bright Spots During 2020
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.
How a 41-Year-Old Greek Diner Is Weathering the Pandemic
Zorba’s in Congress Park, armed with a remodeled interior and patio and new takeout window, prepares for the future.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Use Office Space
COVID-19 shutdowns closed offices across the Denver metro area. How will office space transform when(ever) employees finally return?
The COVID-19 Vaccine Is Rolling Out Across Colorado. But When Will the Local Epidemic Actually Be Over?
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.
Chook Brings Charcoal-Cooked Chicken to Stanley Marketplace
The fast-casual restaurant, which opened on December 19, offers a heated patio, curbside pick-up, and delivery.
Art of the Moment: Pandemic-Inspired Pottery
Pennsylvania artist Peter Olson fuses photography with ceramics in shockingly beautiful pots that reflect the viral reality of 2020.
Ways the Hospitality Community Is Spreading Joy This Holiday Season
Find out how local heroes, restaurants, and nonprofits are stepping up—and how you can pitch in.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Exercise
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.
11 Events Still Happening (So Far) in Mountain Towns This Season
Make the most of your winter with these pandemic-friendly holiday displays, concerts, and art walks taking place in Colorado mountain towns.
Inside Prodigy Coffeehouse’s Revolutionary Social Enterprise Model
As a registered nonprofit, the Elyria-Swansea spot aims to help marginalized young adults build life skills through business experience.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Deliver Justice
COVID-19 concerns put jury trials on hold across Colorado, creating a backlog that prosecutors and defense attorneys worry could stretch well into 2021.
Now Is the Time for Colorado Wine
Buying locally made bottles for your loved ones also helps support small businesses in our community.
Local Theater Company Will Introduce 10 New American Plays in 2021
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.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Shop
The future is tie-dyed and full of comfy pants.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Experience the Theater
As the pandemic shut down traditional venues, Colorado’s alternative theater groups provided audiences with in-person experiences in unusual settings.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Cover the News
To discover how the pandemic and protests against racial inequity affected journalism, our writer interviewed the editor of Denverite—aka his wife.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Use Our Streets
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.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Manage Relationships
The pandemic surfaced all manner of interpersonal problems for Coloradans—some they didn’t even know they had.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Get Around
Yearning for the no-designated-driver-necessary days of old.
Your 2020 Guide to Festive Holiday Fare Across the Front Range
Where to order full meals, desserts, cocktails, and more from local, independent restaurants.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Vote
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.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Hold Law Enforcement Accountable
This year, Colorado passed one of the most thorough police accountability bills in the country. How it impacts the state remains to be seen.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Hire and Look for Jobs
As social distancing became a necessity, so did virtual networking and job interviewing, altering the business landscape now—and likely for years to come.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Ski
Our time on the slopes will be different this winter—and in some ways, that’s a good thing.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Use the English Language
The written and spoken word may have changed more this year than they have in any other period in recent history.
This On-Demand Personal Assistant Service Takes Care of the Small Items on Your To-Do List
TULA, a members-only service that launched in Denver this month, aims to provide relief for families that feel stretched too thin.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Sleep
The surprising—and not so surprising—reasons we aren’t sleeping so well this year.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We View Visual Art
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.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Define Fashion
Leggings, hoodies, and T-shirts became the most coveted couture this year.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Protest
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.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Should Manage Forest Fires
Colorado’s wildfire season this year was apocalyptic—and experts caution that this is just the beginning.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Vacation
Many Coloradans opted to explore their own state this summer and fall, driving some tourism-centered businesses and organizations to shift their focuses.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Get Married
Five trends introduced or accelerated by the events of 2020 that might become as lasting as saying “I do.”
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Think About Childcare
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.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Care for Others
While my mother was sick with COVID-19, my husband and I ventured into the kitchen to nourish her to back to health.
Why Drink Wine When You Can Paint With It?
Join one of Denver-based artist Elysia Myers’ virtual wine painting classes—or gift a print to a vino-loving friend.
I Brought COVID-19 to My Family’s Doorstep
I missed my family and thought I could travel safely to see them during the pandemic. I was wrong.
Meow Wolf Is on Track to Open Its Denver Location in Late 2021
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.
We’re Dreaming of a White Christmas. Just Bring Us the Snow!
Incoming storms will boost Colorado’s snowpack and bring wintery conditions—just in time for the holidays.
How 2020 Has Affected the Way We Get High
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?
Namkeen Is Spuntino’s New Ghost Kitchen
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.
3 Things You Need to Know About Cabu Latte
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.
How C Lazy U Ranch Plans to Rise From The Ashes This Spring
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.
How I Reorganized My Pantry During the Pandemic
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.
Denver Police Mishandled Response to This Summer’s Protests, New Report Says
Plus: A rundown of pending high-profile lawsuits against the Denver Police Department related to misconduct at the protests.
COVID-19 Isn’t the Only Reason El Chapultepec Is Closed Permanently
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.
For Unique and Handmade Gifts from Local Artisans, Head to the Art Place
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.
9 Delicious Ways to Celebrate Colorado Gives Day
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.
