Gay & Away December: Denver, Colorado

From fundraisers to clubbing to one of best gay ski week's around, there's a lot to do in Denver and Aspen, Colorado this December and January. Check out all the picks from our man on the street, Jim Guttau.

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CHARITY
Wreck the Halls
December 9

Casselman’s
2620 Walnut St
Denver, CO

OUT in the City (OITC), a leading provider of online event management and ticketing services for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community and LGBT-friendly businesses, presents a sexy and sizzling holiday party to cure the winter months benefiting the National Gay Lesbian Task Force.

This holiday soiree will feature appearances by famous underwear maven, Andrew Christian (far left), Real World DC cast member Emily Schromm, as well as music from DJ Rockstar Aaron and a special appearance by legendary DJ/Producer, Tony Moran. This non-traditional holiday party will also feature go-go dancers, an Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest, food, drinks, and other fun giveaways throughout the night.

Tickets for this event are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, or $55 which includes a meet-and-greet with Andrew Christian and Emily Schromm from 7:00-8:00PM. Doors open to the public at 8:00 and will remain until 2:00AM. Tickets to this fund-raising event may be purchased by calling 303-778-7900, or in person at Out Front Colorado, located on the main floor at 827 Grant St., Denver, CO.

Creating a central hub for LGBT events, OITC provides electronic ticketing and event management services for the LGBT community. Through its website, OUTinthecity.com, nonprofit organizations and businesses can customize event web pages, utilize social media and e-mail marketing solutions, manage event ticket sales, and accept donations. OITC is unique, as it caters specifically to the LGBT community, which is known for being very loyal customers.

EAT
EDGE Restaurant
Four Seasons Hotel, Denver

The who’s who of the city are now being seen at a new destination—EDGE at the Four Seasons Hotel. The 45-story landmark building is easy to locate in downtown Denver, as its glowing spire has enhanced the Mile High City’s skyline.

EDGE describes itself as a progressive, American steakhouse, and its contemporary interior features an artistic wine display and chef’s table with windows looking right into the kitchen. My delectable dining experience included the Wagyu carpaccio with shaved horseradish and pickled mushrooms, Maine lobster risotto, and the mouthwatering Rocky Mountain double lamb chops.

Check out their amazing photo gallery.

WINTER MOUNTAIN GETAWAYS
Devil’s Thumb Resort
Tabernash

It’s a done deal. I’m having my wedding at Devil’s Thumb Ranch. There’s one missing component of that wedding, however: a husband. But ignore that detail for now. Devil’s Thumb is a hidden hideaway, a serene sanctuary at the foot of the Continental Divide in Ranch Creek Valley and I love it.

Encompassing more than 5,000 acres of privately owned wilderness, Devil’s Thumb Ranch is an award-winning, environmentally friendly year-round ranch resort, spa, corporate retreat, and wedding/honeymoon destination offering rustically upscale accommodations. The day I visited was a “snow globe day,” as an ever-so-light snow was falling, people were cross-country skiing, and majestic black Percherons were guiding a sleigh through the woods. It was a winter aficionado’s dream.

Winter activities abound at the property: 65 miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on groomed and tracked trails, skijoring (skiing with your dog), campfire sleigh rides, ice skating, sledding, hockey, the relaxing outdoor hot tub, and much more.

Lodging options range from the quaint Bunkhouse to over-sized guest rooms and suites. Dining is not to be overlooked at Heck’s Tavern and Ranch House Restaurant & Saloon. Heck’s features an impressive 33-foot hexagonal fireplace made with stones from a nearby landslide, and offers casual and contemporary western-style American fare. Ranch House’s saloon is located in the original Devil’s Thumb Ranch homestead, which was built in the 1930s and renovated 2006. The Ranch House’s extensive wine list earned it a 2010 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, complimented by the cuisine of Executive Chef Ken Ohlinger, who prides himself in utilizing natural and sustainable food sources. (I discovered when visiting with Chef Ken that he uses Wagyu beef from Panama, Iowa, near my hometown.)

The crown jewel of the ranch is the 10,000 square foot Ranch Creek Spa. It showcases eight treatment rooms including a spa suite, men and women’s locker rooms with dry sauna, steam room and oxygen therapy room, as well as a second story yoga studio with breathtaking mountain views. Definitely check this one out.

Hotel Jerome, Aspen

On my last visit to Aspen, I had the privilege of staying at the historic Hotel Jerome. Built in 1889, the property was the vision of Jerome B. Wheeler, the co-owner of New York’s Macy’s department store. Upon arrival, one immediately feels like it is still 1889: the elegantly appointed lobby is adorned with a green chaise lounge, antique couches, and a great oak fireplace with a silver-dust mirror mantel.

My one bedroom suite (averaging 750 square feet) was home for the weekend, and featured a spacious bedroom with king-size bed, sitting area, and an inviting living room. The bathroom was definitely the highlight, with Jacuzzi tub, separate shower, and a double-basin marble vanity.

“Saloon” is defined at J-Bar, one of the city’s favorite watering holes for locals, tourists, and celebrities alike. Another unique lounge of the Jerome is the Library, which serves premium liquor, wines, and tapas-style dishes. But the perfect end to each adventurous Aspen day was spent at the outdoor hot tubs under the big mountain sky, accented by the lightly falling snow.

SAVE THE DATE
Aspen Gay Ski Week
January 16-23, 2011
www.gayskiweek.com

Aspen Gay Ski Week, the nation’s largest and oldest gay ski event, will celebrate its 34th anniversary in 2011.

With the theme, “Wild, Wild West,” this year’s gay ski week will channel Aspen’s beginnings as a historic mining town. Dust off your boots and shine up your spurs for a week featuring après ski events, a comedy night, and the popular downhill costume competition.

On Thursday, Emmy-winning comedian Leslie Jordan, who portrayed Beverley Leslie on Will & Grace, will headline for comedy night at the Wheeler Opera House. Following Jordan’s performance, attendees can continue the party at Belly Up with a show by Almost Queen, a musical group that creates an authentic Queen experience through elaborate lighting, special effects, and costumes. The historic Hotel Jerome will host the “Wild West Bordello Party” on Friday night, and on Saturday, the Aspen Recreation Center will once again play host to the infamous pool party, featuring DJs, dancing, hot tubs, water slides, a lazy river, and open bars.

The event is also bringing back the Friendship Cup hockey game on Saturday evening, which matches a team of gay players against a team of straight ones. A highlight of the ski week experience, this event is tied 3–3 for the series.

Meet Jim on Gay.com Xavier_Jagger and at www.guttaupr.com. 

(Want to let people know where they should hang in your city? Send us an email!)