Friday-Saturday. It’s not the North Pole, but the Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey facility in Denver has definitely got the goods when it comes to gifts this time of year. The distillery, owned by beverage giant Proximo Spirits, will release its limited-edition Snowflake Batch #26 and celebrate with the Snowflake Village Festival on Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2, at 200 S. Kalamath St.

Things kick off Friday afternoon around 2 p.m. with live music, food trucks, cocktails, whiskey snow cones and s’mores. They continue on Saturday with more of the same. Over the course of the two days, there will also be sensory analysis classes, distillery tours, a cigar pairing and ice sculptures.

The whiskey itself will be released on Saturday and will sell out (in years past, fans have begun lining up the day before and staying overnight). Get more info at stranahans.com. — Jonathan Shikes

Sleigh, girl!

Friday-Wednesday. Looking for diverse holiday fare in the world of drag queens? There’s plenty coming up, including Meow Wolf Denver’s “HoliSLAY” (Dec. 16-17, meowwolf.com/visit/denver) and the “Dragstravaganza HoliGAY” (Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2, at Syrup City Park, evenbrite.com).

This week we also recommend McGregor Square’s Sleigh Bar Drag Show, which runs both Dec. 1 and Dec. 15 with guests Cardi Accarest, Muni Tox and Samora Kash. Shows run 9-11 p.m. at 1901 Wazee St. by the Milepost Zero pop-up bar. Tickets: mcgregorsquare.com

It’s not exactly holiday-themed, but “RuPaul’s Drag Race” champ and Denverite Yvie Oddly will headline Englewood’s Gothic Theatre on Wednesday, Dec. 13, and if you haven’t seen her wild stage show yet, get on it. Tickets for the 18-and-up Strange Love Tour stop at 3263 S. Broadway are $30-$35 via axs.com. — John Wenzel

A feel-good crank

Through Dec. 2. Influential comic, writer and producer Dana Gould is never less than agitated on stage, as he proves during his frequent visits to Comedy Works in Denver. And yet, if you haven’t seen him before — he’s playing Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at Comedy Works South at the Landmark — now is still the perfect time.

Gould’s acting fingerprints can be seen on “Seinfeld” (where played the anxiety-ridden Frankie Merman) while his writing helped tilt “The Simpsons” into some of its best-ever episodes, amid dozens of other TV and movie credits. He created the “Stan Against Evil” series and hosts “The Dana Gould Hour” podcast, but he remains a self-effacing, apoplectic and fiercely clever stand-up at heart, with a particular emphasis on marriage and (failed) relationships.

He’s playing two 21-and-up shows each night, Dec. 1 and 2, at 5345 Landmark Place in Greenwood Village. Tickets are $20-$26. Call 720-274-6800 or visit comedyworks.com. — John Wenzel

Drink in the Christmas spirits

Through Jan. 1. Denverites love a scenic background, and that’s especially true during the holidays when bars celebrating the season pop up around the city. We’ve culled a list of the 10 most festive watering holes (bit.ly/46A7ajW) that are now open and serving themed cocktails for all of your holiday social needs.

From stalwarts like Miracle and Sippin’ Santa to newer attractions such as Big Holiday Energy and Mistletoe Lounge, there are numerous places sure to get you in the Christmas spirit while you sip a few along the way. Visit denverpost.com/things-to-do for dozens more merry-making holiday ideas. — Tiney Ricciardi

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And if you’re looking to get into the Christmas spirit – emphasis on spirits – there are numerous pop-up bars decking the halls. Here are 10 places bartenders will be making a drink, shaking it twice. Your choice whether it’s salty or spiced.

Plus: One booze-free holiday pop-up that’s great for the whole family.

Avantiki

Open now through Dec. 29

The rooftop space at Denver’s Avanti Food & Beverage food hall will be transformed into a pop-up called Avantiki, a beach-inspired destination where the vibes are warm and the drinks are strong. Libations come served in hula-clad Santa mugs and other fun vessels to match the vibe. Entry costs $5 and benefits CHOW or the Culinary Hospitality Outreach and Wellness program, which supports mental health and wellbeing in the service industry. While Avanti in Boulder won’t be as decked out with baubles and lights, it will serve the holiday menu of drinks.

Located at Avanti Food & Beverage, 3200 Pecos St., Denver. avantifandb.com.

Big Holiday Energy

Open now through Jan. 1

The spirit of Christmas saved Call to Arms Brewing Co. in Denver. That’s according to the owner, who considered throwing in the towel after several tough pandemic years. But luckily for holiday revelers, he didn’t and now the brewery goes all out hanging Christmas trees from the ceiling, decking out a Hanukkah room, and tacking up lights in nearly every corner for that perfectly twinkling selfie. This year, Call to Arms is building the pop-up around the theme of Christmas movies.

Located at Call to Arms Brewing Co., 4526 Tennyson St., Denver. calltoarmsbrewing.com.

The Christmas Pop Up Bar

Open Fridays and Saturdays now through Dec. 23

Ho-ho-how many shots do you think it would take for Santa to stumble down the chimney? Find out at Mile High Spirits’ seasonal pop-up, aptly named The Christmas Pop Up Bar. Located in the distillery’s barrel room, the bar serves four unique holiday shots. Entry is free, but a reservation is encouraged since spots are limited.

Located at Mile High Spirits, 2201 Lawrence St., Denver. eventbrite.com/cc/christmas-pop-up-bar-shots-with-santa-2852319.

Festivus for the Rest of Us

Open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays now through Dec. 31

Up on the rooftop, reindeer pours. That’s the scene at BurnDown on South Broadway on Thursday through Saturday nights during the pop-up Festivus for the Rest of Us, hosted on the restaurant’s third-floor rooftop bar. Starting at 6 p.m., locals can find libations such as a frozen negroni and peppermint Irish coffee and toast to the season with skyline views.

Located at BurnDown, 476 South Broadway, Denver. burndowndenver.com.

Miracle

Open now through various dates depending on location

Born as a single location in 2014, Miracle popularized the concept of holiday-themed pop-up bars and led a worldwide proliferation of festive libations to be sipped among over-the-top decor. Miracle comes to six different locations in Colorado this year, each with the same menu of seasonal beverages, like the Christmas Cricket (tequila, vanilla liqueur, mint amaro, coco pandan, mole bitters) and the Snowball Old Fashioned (rye, gingerbread, bitters, orange essence). Because they’re so popular, most encourage or require a reservation.

Located at Cousin Pat’s Pub & Grill (451 S. Saint Vrain Ave., Estes Park), The Eddy Taproom & Hotel (1640 8th St., Golden), /pôr/ Wine House (836 Main St., Louisville), The Post Chicken & Beer (1002 S. College Ave., Fort Collins), Trainwreck (812 S. Sierra Madre St., Colorado Springs), and Union Station (1701 Wynkoop St., Denver). miraclepopup.com.

Mistletoe Lounge

Open now through Dec. 24

Those who shop local at the Cherry Creek Holiday Market can reward themselves with a festive drink at the Mistletoe Lounge, a new addition to holiday happenings at the shopping center. Inside a heated tent, bartenders mix up Hot Toddys, Mocha Martinis, hard cider and a variety of non-alcoholic hot chocolate recipes to enjoy alongside the hustle bustle. Stop by on a Saturday to catch some live music.

Located at the Fillmore Plaza at Cherry Creek North, 105 Fillmore St., Denver. cherrycreekholidaymarket.com/mistletoelounge.

Sippin’ Santa

Open now through various dates depending on location

As a tropical counterpart to the ever-popular Miracle pop-up, Sippin’ Santa has been delighting drinkers with a beach staycation since 2015. The pop-up takes over three bars in Colorado this year, each serving cocktails that are equal parts holiday and vacation. That includes the Surf Nut, a blend of Puerto Rican rum, coconut water, coconut cream and apricot brandy; the Merry Spritzmas, featuring prosecco, aperitif, port wine, cognac, falernum, lemon and bitters; and the namesake Sippin’ Santa with rum, lemon, orange and a gingerbread mix.

Located at Allusion Speakeasy (323 N. Tejon St., Colorado Springs) Ay Papi (248 Detroit St., Denver), and Bernard’s Tiki Room at The Arvada Tavern (5707 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada). sippinsantapopup.com.

Sleigh Bar

Open now through Dec. 24

Before you take part in McGregor Square’s seasonal offerings like ice skating and drag shows, stop by the Sleigh Bar at Milepost Zero to add some pep(ppermint) to your step. The pop-up bar returns with cheeky drinks like the Hot Co-Ho-Ho (vodka or whiskey mixed with Mexican hot chocolate) and the Yellow Snow (Smirnoff Ice with lemonade). On Mondays, all drinks are $2 off.

Located at Milepost Zero, 1601 19th St., Suite 150, Denver. mcgregorsquare.com/events/sleigh-bar.

Snowdrift

Open now through Dec. 30

Physically in Denver, mentally on a warm Caribbean island. That’s the energy at Snowdrift, which takes over Adrift tiki bar with an abundance of decor and specialty eats and drinks. Adrift is known for its sharable punch bowl cocktails and this season’s festive flavor is the Ho Co-Co Gingerbread Nog, a mix of multiple rums, raspberry liqueur, coconut cream, gingerbread syrup, lemon juice and spices. Bring two to three of your best buds to share it with.

Located at Adrift, 218 S Broadway, Denver. adriftbar.com.

Tinseltown: The Christmas Speakeasy

Open now through Dec. 30

Expect cocktails and carols when you slip into Tinseltown, billed as a Christmas speakeasy because it’s hidden on the third floor of a building near the 16th Street Mall. Tickets ($15) are required for entry to this 90-minute holiday experience. Rumor has it Santa’s elves will be there for photo ops.

Located at The Venue at Denver Pavilions, 500 16th St., Suite 320, Denver. viralventuresusa.ticketspice.com/tinsel-town-denver.

Bonus one for the kids: Santa’s Little Man Factory

Open now through Dec. 31

So you can’t find a babysitter for the kiddos? No sweat. The holiday pop-up Santa’s Little Man Ice Cream Factory trades 21+ cocktails for family-friendly treats and entertainment, including ice cream-making classes, cookie decorating and gingerbread houses. All that plus an indoor slide and appearances by the big man himself. Pair it with Little Man’s seasonal ice cream flavors like eggnog, gingersnap and candy cane for a buzz minus the booze.

Located at Little Man Ice Cream Factory, 4411 W. Colfax Ave., Denver. littlemanicecreamfactory.com.

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And soon, local fans of the brand will be able to try a new concept from its ownership group, Gin & Luck — if they’re willing to drive to a scenic Colorado mountain town.

The MOLLIE Aspen, a new boutique hotel slated to open in mid-December, tapped Gin & Luck to be the food and beverage operator for its onsite restaurant and bar, a lobby cafe, and rooftop terrace that features a plunge pool.

The food and drink offerings will not be carbon copies of Death & Co., but Gin & Luck CEO David Kaplan said they will maintain the same spirit people have come to expect from the company. Death & Co. has routinely earned accolades as one of the best and most influential bars in the country. The Denver location inside the Ramble Hotel landed on the inaugural list of the top 50 bars in North America last year.

“This is not Death & Co. Aspen, as much fun as that may be one day,” Kaplan said. “Our aspiration for this is to be a truly exceptional cocktail and dining establishment for Pitkin County.”

The MOLLIE hotel features 68 rooms and a chic, minimalist design that brings the outdoors inside with warm wood accents, a neutral color palette and lots of natural light. Kaplan and his team aim to distill the vibe of the physical space thoughtfully into menu items to create a “warm experience,” Kaplan said – bites and drinks that evoke the sensations of being cozily surrounded by stone, ceramic and wood.

For example, a White River Spritz cocktail that blends Alsatian white wine, Blanche Armagnac, elderflower, suze, and seltzer. Or a Summit Sour featuring locally-made Woody Creek bourbon, stone pine, raspberry, lemon juice, and egg white.

Dishes will spotlight seasonal local ingredients with nods to mountainside classics from other alpine regions. Much of the menu is still being finalized, guests can expect items like Wurst Bites (bratwurst and kielbasa with roasted cabbage and horseradish mustard) and lamb meatballs (Colorado lamb with soft polenta, a stout reduction and winter herbs).

The MOLLIE Aspen marks Gin & Luck’s fifth concept it operates behind Death & Co.’s four locations. The company plans to open a slew of new hotel bars in the next couple years under its newly founded group, Midnight Auteur Hotels.

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The bar will specialize in pouring beers from smaller and lesser-known breweries throughout the state, said Kyle Roche, who is opening Out of the Barrel with his wife, Samantha. “We’re looking for unique, small-batch stuff … and we’ll go anywhere in Colorado to find it.”

Out of the Barrel replaces three-and-a-half-year-old Counter Culture Brewery & Grille, which closed in March for renovations, according to a sign on the door, but never reopened. Counter Culture left behind all of its equipment, furnishings and supplies.

As a result, the Roches, who moved to Colorado a few years ago from northern California, didn’t need to do much to retrofit the space, at 205 E. Seventh Ave., to their needs. In addition, they are borrowing the name and concept for Out of the Barrel from a friend who owns four locations of the bar in Campbell, Los Gatos, San Carlos and Fresno – all in California.

Eventually, Roche said he may bring in someone to operate the kitchen and/or the brewing equipment that remains, but for now, he is focused on serving Colorado beers.

“We very much want to represent these brewery’s beers as if this was their own taproom,” he said, adding that he wants the taplines, glassware and other items “to be perfect when we serve it.”

So far, Out of the Barrel has signed up 25 breweries for its 30 taps, but Roche hopes to have a revolving roster of 60-80 breweries.

Out of the Barrel plans to open this weekend, pending permits and other items.

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In the United States, amaro isn’t nearly as well-known as other liqueurs, and its distinct flavor profile can make it polarizing. But commercially bottled versions increasingly can be found on the shelves of top restaurants. While most don’t offer homemade amaro (well, one place in Colorado does), many have curated a list, ranging from very bitter to sweeter. Some also offer amaro cocktails. With so many options, it’s a good time to get a taste of Italy’s old-school, herbal drink and learn not just how it plays into the meal, but how each dram speaks to a place as well.

For all these reasons, amaro has long been part of the beverage program at Spuntino, owned by husband-wife team Elliot Strathmann, who runs the bar, and chef Cindhura Reedy. It was their first trip to Italy a decade ago that introduced them to the drink, and they’ve been hooked every since.

Though, added Strathmann, they tried a lot of pungent and super bitter ones while traveling, not always enjoying the outcome.

“Even if we didn’t like all the stuff at all back in those days, it was one of the charming things about dining in those little Italian restaurants,” said Strathmann. “Then, I started making my own digestifs. It’s a little way of paying it forward now that we have our own place.”

In fact, he added, Colorado boasts 12 wild species of the plant gentian. Traditional amari using gentian include Amaro Lucano, Fernet-Branca, Nardini Amaro and Ramazzotti. However, he added, the Colorado gentian proves quite different and less bitter than the ones grown in Italy.

“The two main amari that I have kept going for years include an alpine style that is modeled from those made in the Italian Alps,” he said. “There’s an Ayurvedic amaro that I have had fun with, too, and the first version of that was around 2018.”

For the latter, the Ayurvedic aspect runs in tandem with Reedy’s splash of Indian ingredients woven into the Italian food they serve. Another way the two ideas go together, added Strathmann, is that Ayurvedic medicine goes back thousands of years, and in the 18th and 19th centuries, amaro was more medicinal than an after-dinner treat.

On average, Spuntino’s wine list boasts about 25 amari, though Strathmann said there may be more like 60 in the restaurant, often in the form of special bottles he picks up here and there. Prices range from $7 to $20 for a small glass, which covers anything from the artichoke-based Cynar 70 to Cappelletti Amaro Alto Verde to Foro Amaro. Spuntino also serves Fernet-Branca, made mainstream by hipster bartenders who like to dole it out as a shot. Often called by the first part of its name, Fernet, this brand dates back much further: It was launched in Milan in 1845.

While some may look down on this brand because of the bar culture behind it, Strathmann has long had a soft spot for Fernet. In fact, he makes his own version and sometimes breaks out a vintage bottle of classic Fernet and a more modern version to sample along his own.

“Amaro is a conversation we have on a nightly basis, and our staff is well-versed in having that conversation,” he said, urging customers to ask questions and explore his beloved beverage. “We are always happy to pour a little sip for someone who’s curious, and we do a formal flight, too.”

At the Southern Italian restaurant Coperta in Uptown, guests can dabble in amaro through flight form, too. For $20, get three pours of amaro, which diners can pick themselves from the list of 20 or so bottles, or ask the bartender for recommendations. The after-dinner drink occasionally shows up in cocktails as well.

“I think if people are into Negronis or Aperol Spritzes, that’s usually a good indication that they would be interested in amaro, too,” said JP Taylor Jr., wine director and co-owner of Coperta and its sister restaurant, Apple Blossom. “We are always happy to interact with those who want to learn more, if you see something [that interests you], say something.”

The inclusion of amaro in the drink program plays into the regionality of Coperta, and the authenticity of what Taylor and fellow co-owners Aileen V. Reilly (his wife) and chef Paul C. Reilly (her brother) have focused on. Because amaro tells the story of the land and what’s growing there, each village, restaurant and house in Italian villages tend to have their own versions. Plus, going from one end of Italy to the next leads to different flavor profiles as the local ingredients and climate change.

“I find a good rule of thumb for amaro is to look at a map to see where the amaro is from, with the north being more bitter and the south being a bit sweeter,” said Taylor. “Some areas in Italy have been drinking amaro for hundreds of years.”

Amaro isn’t new for Frasca Food & Wine in Boulder, either. For over 10 years, the restaurant has showcased a grappa cart, offering everything from amaro to grappa to Tokaji, a sweet wine from Hungry, which they sell by the crystal spoonful.

“Being an Italian restaurant, a digestivo is part of the dining experience, and a lot of our guests have had experiences with amaro,” said Jeremy Schwartz, lead sommelier for Frasca. “It has definitely increased in popularity, and people being knowledgeable about it.”

Not only does the cart give diners a true look at a range of digestifs, small surprises and vintage bottles become available from time to time. One memorable pour, said Schwartz, was a bottle of Braulio from the 1950s, and another was a decades-old Campari cordial, made before Campari became the brand we know today.

“It’s fun. Other tables, when they see the grappa cart go out on the dining room floor, they ask about it,” said Schwartz, adding that the cart opens up the amaro conversation even more. “We bring it over and ask if they have had amaro before, and if they have, ask what style they like. If not, we introduce them to a less bitter, more accessible one.”

While pairing amaro with Italian food is an obvious choice, for Heeji Kim, the general manager at Sap Sua in City Park, the drink also goes well with Vietnamese food.

“When we first opened, I wanted to have a great amaro program, it was one of my goals,” said Kim, who first learned about amaro while working at Tavernetta in Denver, also owned by the Frasca Hospitality Group that runs Frasca Food & Wine, Sunday Vinyl in Denver and Pizzeria Alberico in Boulder. A lot of the pairings work, she added, because Sap Sua isn’t a traditional Vietnamese restaurant.

“What we can achieve is endless. We can add in some Mexican ingredients, or a French beurre blanc like what’s in the shrimp cake,” she said. “There is no boundary of what we can or can’t add, and flavor-wise, I think amaro goes well with a lot of our desserts.”

Currently the list includes six bottles, such as Cardamaro, Fernet 1882 and Pasubio. However, added Kim, she plans on adding more. Guests can also try one of her favorite ways to sip Nardini Amaro: on the rocks with a hearty splash of soda water and a little lemon. It’s  a good way to ease into the world of amaro.

“We also enjoy it in a cocktail or mixed into a cider, like Sfumato [Rabarbaro Amaro] with grapefruit radler,” she said. “In fact, I think it’s something we will add on to the happy hour menu.”

When sampling amaro straight for the first time, Kim recommends starting from the sweeter end and working up to the bitter. That’s what she did when learning about the drink at Tavernetta, which boasted 30 options at the time, all of which she delved into.

“I really had to study and taste a lot, but when I worked up from the light bitter to the strong bitter, it was just so fun for me,” she added. “I kept studying more and more and that’s how I got into it, and now there is nothing like it for me.”

Amaro isn’t the only after-dinner drink that falls into the bitter category. Many other digestifs similar to amaro include Germany’s Underberg, Switzerland’s Appenzeller Alpenbitter, anise-based absinthe and génépy liquors from France, and Hungarian Zwack.

Denver’s amour for amaro is growing, and the options that customers can find in Denver swell with our sweet and bitter love.

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Eleven years later, the 55 year old channeled his adolescence working at his father’s bar to create a space for Midwesterners to rub elbows — and, more importantly, drink beer — downtown: Cap City Tavern at 1247 Bannock St.

The successful business model of serving the state’s population of Midwestern migrants has resulted in other spots like Badgers Pub and Wally’s Wisconsin Tavern popping up throughout the city to please newcomers, with almost 44,000 moving to Colorado from the region’s 12 states from 2021 to 2022.

Although Californians and Texans have historically led the charge in leaving their respective states for the Rocky Mountains, the pipeline from the Midwest to Colorado proves to be a reliable source of tens of thousands of new residents year after year. Their reasons vary, whether it’s to enroll at a Colorado university, escape to better climates or connect with nature.

But with Midwesterners historically shaping the state into what it is today, it raises the question: Is Denver destined to eventually become the next Chicago, metropolis of Middle America?

McTaggart doesn’t think so. He also doesn’t foresee Midwesterners staying put in their home states anytime soon.

“I love Denver for its weather and its people,” he said.

When McTaggart and a partner bought Cap City Tavern during the Great Recession, it served as the territory of Nebraska Cornhuskers football fans on Saturdays, which “allowed us to pay our rent and keep going,” he said.

Eventually, to churn up business on Sundays, they decided to adopt an NFL football team, and an allegiance to the Minnesota Vikings was born. One game between the Vikings and the Green Bay Packers, they found themselves standing room only.

“We sold our souls to Minnesota,” McTaggart said.

Fans of all ages now cram into the bar to cheer on their favorite team, with regulars settling into their usual seats.

He recalls “a customer of ours who became part of our family,” hitting a snare drum during games to rile up customers into the Viking chant of “Skol!” The man recently passed way, and his daughter now carries on the tradition.

“Even if they’re losing — and the Minnesota Vikings are a classically awful team, they always lose — Minnesotans just want to be with other Minnesotans,” McTaggart said.

Which states are Midwestern?

One controversial topic for Midwesterners is determining which states actually make up the region.

Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin are solidly Midwestern states. In addition to them, the U.S. Census Bureau also classifies North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri as Midwestern states. Those areas have a lot in common with the other Midwestern states — particularly the friendliness of the people — but the residents who live on the High Plains often find more kinship with the states to their west, and Missouri can be considered a Middle America, southern hybrid.

The agency considers Colorado a state in the Mountain West.

From 2021 to 2022, California had the most residents move to Colorado over a one-year span with more than 33,000 people, followed by more than 25,000 from Texas. The No. 3 state was Florida at over 11,000, followed by Illinois at over 9,000 and New York at about 8,500.

It’s worth noting that four out of five of those states also have the largest populations in the country: California at close to 39 million, Texas at almost 30 million, Florida at 22 million and New York at over 19 million.

As a region, the Midwest contributed almost 44,000 new Coloradans across its 12 states, with Illinois at the top, then Missouri with 6,100 and Ohio with almost 5,000.

But a decade earlier, from 2010-11, these patterns saw more divergence. California barely held in the top spot with 23,000 people moving to Colorado, followed by Texas at 22,000, Arizona at 12,000, New Mexico at almost 9,000 and Florida at 8,000. Still, the Midwest remained a consistent contributor with almost 44,000.

Over 40,000 Midwesterners resettled in the Centennial State from 2005-06, making it a steadfast source of future Coloradans for the past 17 years.

While Arizona and Florida entice older adults and Texas draws mid-career workers, Colorado attracts young people “based on job growth,” state demographer Elizabeth Garner said. “We have a tighter labor force than other states.”

For example, a contributing factor for Illinois residents moving to Colorado has historically been the state outperforming Illinois economically, Garner said.

But she wouldn’t call it an influx of Midwesterners — “more like a steady flow.”

She’s anticipating similar migration patterns in the future, “but it will really depend on job growth and relative competitiveness,” Garner said.

Jordyn Reiland, 30, is a newcomer to Denver. The Illinois native moved to Colorado in March from Chicago with her fiancé Aaron Sidrow.

They met in late 2019 on dating app Bumble, and their relationship blossomed through the COVID-19 pandemic. Sidrow, a 31 year old originally from Littleton, lived in Chicago because of his job at the time as a pilot at SkyWest Airlines.

He “really started to notice what Chicago kind of lacked during the pandemic,” Reiland said, as museums and restaurants remained shuttered, with nowhere to go on chilly, windy days.

In 2021, they started weighing their options for a potential move, considering both Salt Lake City and Denver. Reiland described herself as hesitant to leave, given her family roots in Illinois and fondness for Chicago.

But once she visited Denver, she changed her mind, falling in love with the access to the outdoors and the weather. Throughout the process, Reiland leaned on a friend who had moved to Fort Collins from Chicago a year earlier.

She’s still needed time to adjust. For instance, in Chicago, “I never drove my car, and, unfortunately, that’s just not really possible in Denver still, regardless of the light rail and the buses,” she said.

Still, “it’s nice to see the sun” in Colorado, Reiland said. She considers Denver “something that’s different enough from the Midwest, but it still has that little bit of familiarity.”

University recruitment of Midwesterners

Some Midwesterners move to Colorado in their youth as they pursue college degrees in the Rocky Mountain West — and, then, build their lives here.

Heather Daniels, executive director of Colorado State University’s Office of Admissions, understands that draw as a resident of 10 years who’s originally from the Chicago area.

“The opportunity to take advantage of everything that Colorado has to offer is appealing to students coming from the Midwest,” she said.

Daniels describes the state as “close enough that even the long drive is manageable,” with many affordable flight options. “I think that our students love the opportunity to explore a new environment, community and way of living,” she added.

At CSU, the 12 states of the Midwest region contributed almost 2,200 undergraduate students for this year’s fall semester, with the highest numbers from Illinois at about 800 and Minnesota at over 300, according to its Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Effectiveness.

That’s more combined than the 2,100 undergraduate students from California and 1,100 from Texas, with a total of more than 24,000 undergrads at CSU. Midwesterners made up 10% of first-year students to apply, and 9% of enrolled students.

One of the university’s regional recruiters is in the Chicago area, covering Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin, while another counselor travels throughout Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas and Kentucky to connect with prospective students.

The University of Colorado Boulder typically recruits prospective students from Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana and Ohio, expanding this year to include Missouri and Wisconsin, spokesperson Nicole Mueksch said.

“Illinois tends to be one of our top represented states among our first-year classes,” Mueksch said. It ranked as the No. 3 state for the fall 2023 and fall 2022 first-year classes — and the No. 2 state for the entire fall 2022 out of the state undergraduate population.

This year, about 8% of the university’s undergraduate first-year student population hailed from the Midwest, with 579 students representing all of the region’s states except for South Dakota. The top three states ranked as Illinois, Minnesota and Ohio.

That’s a slightly higher percentage than a decade earlier when Midwestern students made up about 7% of the first-year undergraduate class of 2013, with 395 students. Still, the top states remained the same.

“In addition to the strong academic programs our campus provides, prospective students from the Midwest have expressed interest in attending CU Boulder to be in close proximity to the Rocky Mountains for outdoor recreation activities like skiing and snowboarding,” Mueksch said.

The college also “provides them the opportunity to attend a state school that is smaller in student population than some of their in-state options,” she added.

“We’re still here”

Sam Gettleman, 30, first considered a move to Denver after looking at CU Boulder and the University of Denver as potential college options. Ultimately, the native of Deerfield, Ill. — a “quaint suburbia” outside of Chicago, he said — opted for Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Gettleman “basically spent the first 22 years of my life in that gray weather that I just kind of accepted,” he said.

But Colorado never strayed far from his mind. He’d stay at a family friend’s home in Vail during his spring breaks to ski and snowboard.

Then, in late 2015, he received a text from his best friend who quit his job in Cincinnati and planned to resettle in Denver.

At the time, Gettleman only knew a few Midwestern friends in the area — all of whom decided to go to college in Colorado and stay after graduating. He considered it a nontraditional choice for Midwesterners, outlining the typical path as attending one of the Big Ten Conference universities, joining Greek life and securing a job in Chicago.

But he signed a six-month lease in Denver anyway, with a back-up plan to move home to Deerfield if it didn’t work out.

“We’re still here, coming up on eight years later,” Gettleman said. A resident of the Capitol Hill neighborhood, he’s fond of its walkability, with easy access to both green space and downtown.

So, is Denver destined to turn into the next Chicago? Gettleman disagrees.

Real estate developers would “need to build up and out so much to catch up to Chicago, but I think that’s a good thing,” he said.

“The stereotypical thing of Colorado is, it’s just a lot more laid-back,” Gettleman said. Denver is “a lot quieter, but you still have that city feel, which is what I love.”

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That quote from a Denver local about to walk down the aisle perhaps best explains the premise of reality TV show “Married at First Sight.” Season 17, filmed in the Mile High City, premiered on Oct. 18 and introduced viewers to five ready-for-love couples who pledged to be wed without ever having met their soon-to-be partners.

During the premiere, participants broke the news about their upcoming wedding to friends and family, who offered mixed reactions from excitement to extreme skepticism. One local’s mom went as far as to warn her son, “You should be nervous. You should be very nervous.”

As viewers got to know the people of Denver’s season of MAFS, they also got to know the city.

Here are 15 places we spotted in the season premiere. Keep up with new episodes on Wednesday evenings on Lifetime.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

What Denver montage would be complete without an aerial shot of Red Rocks? “Married at First Sight” was filmed during the winter, so viewers got a snowy view of the famous music venue.

City Park

Film crews would be remiss to pass up a shot of City Park against the skyline of downtown Denver and the mountains. Rest assured, they took advantage of that opportunity.

Cheesman Memorial

The pavilion at Cheesman Park, formally known as the Cheesman Memorial, is a quintessential locale for festivals, weddings and prom pictures. It’s also a fitting setting for some Denver B-roll. One cast member walks through while considering why she is still single.

Five Points

Several moments of B-roll showcase the train passing through the Five Points neighborhood, in front of the now-defunct Sherry’s Soda Shoppe on Welton Street.

Speer Boulevard Bridge and South Platte River

The iconic South Platte River and the Speer Bridge that provides drivers and pedestrians a path over it are featured in many instances for B-roll, whether as a transition or as a pensive place for cast members.

Local restaurants and bars

Cast members convened their friends and family at local bars and restaurants to break the news of their blind engagement, including one at so-called “steak and ‘tini night” at Del Frisco’s Grille in Cherry Creek and another at Dos Luces Brewery on South Broadway, which closed this summer. Several local haunts are also visible in the background throughout the episode, including Ace Eat Serve in Cap Hill, The Post Chicken & Beer and Little Man Ice Cream in LoHi.

Civic Center park

With its tall white columns and aura of prestige, Civic Center park appeared briefly as one cast member took a chilly jog through the area.

Elitch Gardens

While we wish the cast were riding roller coasters to get their marriage jitters out, Denver’s Elitch Gardens amusement park only appears in the background of one shot, quick and blurry.

Broken Carbon bike shop

Technically, this one is in Boulder. Cast member and someone’s soon-to-be husband, Cameron, co-owns a bike repair shop and he’s shown tinkering on bikes in a shirt with the Broken Carbon logo on it.

Suit Shop and Amanda’s Bridal and Tux

The couples go shopping for their formal matrimony attire at the Suit Shop in Denver and Amanda’s Bridal & Tux in Arvada. Can you hear the wedding bells yet?

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The warehouse site that has gradually become more retail-focused is gaining a dog park and taproom. Skiptown, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, will open at 3833 N. Steele St. next year.

According to its website, the York Street Yards location will include an indoor and outdoor dog park, an all-day coffee bar, and beer and cocktails in the evening. It won’t serve any food.

Skiptown, founded by Meggie Williams in 2016, confirmed the opening but declined to comment. According to its website, Skiptown will open next summer.

The space is 21,000 square feet, according to permit filings, 4,000 of which will be the dog park and taproom. The remaining space is for other services like grooming, boarding, dog walking, training and day care.

Pet parents need to download the Skiptown app, register their dog and upload vet records to use any of the services. The business also offers tiered memberships. A bar membership, which includes unlimited access to the dog park and taproom, is $300 a year for one dog and another $65 per dog, according to its website.

Portland-based ScanlanKemperBard Cos. and Harbert Management Corp. bought the majority of York Street Yards, including Skiptown’s space, in 2020 for $76.6 million. Its former owners Ken Wolf and Ari Stutz still own a minority stake.

According to Form Ds filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Skiptown has raised over $28 million since inception, $27 million of which was raised in December. Williams previously told other media outlets the money will go towards expanding to other states.

Skiptown has one location in Charlotte and lists Denver and Atlanta as “coming soon” on its website. The website also lists Dallas, Nashville, Houston, Columbus and Washington, D.C. as locations, but those cities don’t have a site yet.

Other dog-friendly establishments in Denver include Happy Dog Park & Taproom, which recently broke ground in LoHi and plans to open later this year. The Watering Bowl opened in Glendale in 2013, but closed earlier this year.

This story was reported by our partner BusinessDen.

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“Over the last two years, anybody and everybody is drinking them,” said Brent Rutgers, bar manager at A5 Steakhouse in downtown Denver. “There’s alcohol and caffeine in it, and it’s delicious as a pre-meal drink, a post-meal drink or even dessert.”

Really, he added, an espresso martini works with whatever mood you’re in, it’s that versatile. Just don’t try and pair it with savory food. Due to the bold coffee flavor, sweetness and booziness, nothing — save for select desserts — goes well flavor-wise with one. Not that that should stop you from ordering it.

“The espresso martini has that fajita effect,” said Rutgers. “It’s one of those things: Someone orders it in the dining room and then people see it go by, start asking about it and next thing you know everyone wants one.”

The caffeine-infused cocktail first made the bar scene in 1983, created by British bartender Dick Bradsell. That first drink featured four main ingredients: a shot of espresso, sugar, coffee liqueur and vodka. Over the decades, the espresso martini shifted, with many places adding chocolate, skipping the real coffee, and/or making it creamy with Kahlua. The drink also originally went by the name “vodka espresso,” then “the pharmaceutical stimulant,” until finally becoming the espresso martini.

(Oddly, there’s nothing about the drink that makes it a true martini; instead, the name comes from the glass it’s often served in.)

Today, the cocktail is so popular that Mr Black Coffee Liquor celebrates the drink with an annual Espresso Martini Fest Oct. 9-15. The nationwide event started in Melbourne, Australia, in 2016, and came stateside last year. In Colorado, 14 bars and restaurants have signed up to participate, most of them in Denver. Among them: the Thirsty Lion (1605 Wynkoop St.), Tavernetta (1889 16th St.), Queens Eleven (3603 Walnut St.), and Little Ollie’s (2630 E. Third Ave.) For the complete list, go to mrblack.co/us.

But why stop there? Continue to celebrate the original caffeinated cocktail at these 12 spots in Denver. Options range from tequila-infused martinis to draft pours to an array of coffees used to give the drink that signature flavor.

While sampling the city’s best options, look for the drink’s iconic three-coffee-bean garnish. Legend states the beans symbolize health, wealth and happiness. After one of these selections, imbibers may find the proverb to be true, at least while sipping the perfect espresso martini.

Local Jones

Ever since opening in 2020, the bar at Local Jones has served the cocktail Before You Go Go, which is made with New Amsterdam Vodka, Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, Café Amaro and espresso. It’s something enjoyed by guests of all ages, said Todd Oyadomari, director of food and beverage for the restaurant, and it’s been growing in popularity.

“We have always had Before You Go Go on the menu, but it has never been more popular than it is now, thanks to social media,” said Oyadomari. “Now this trending cocktail has become a mainstay.”

Located in the Halcyon, a hotel in Cherry Creek, Local Jones also has teamed up with the Mr Black Espresso Martini Fest for this year’s celebration, making it the perfect excuse to go. 249 Columbine St., 720-772-5022, halcyonhotelcherrycreek.com/local-jones

Cantina Loca

Skip the vodka and instead indulge in Doña Loca Reposado Tequila, curated by chef Dana Rodriguez for her restaurant Cantina Loca. Aside from the tequila, which Rodriguez has made by small, women-run farms and artisans in Mexico, the Espresso Martinez is made with Fruitful Coconut Liqueur, 477 Coffee Liqueur, Bluegrass Cold Brew, Aztec Chocolate Bitters and agave syrup.

“Espresso martinis are my go-to cocktail of late, and they’re obviously very trendy,” said general manager Eric Norberg, who developed the tipple for the restaurant. “We wanted to make it agave-based, and that’s why the main spirit is Doña Loca Reposado, which adds a little more complexity than the traditionally used vodka.” 2890 Zuni St., 303-284-6738, cantinaloca.com

A5 Steakhouse

For bar manager Brent Rutgers, putting the restaurant’s espresso martini on tap was a natural choice.

“We thought it was a good idea to put it on draft because it’s easy to batch and makes the drink way more consistent,” said Rutgers. “We do a float of some hand-shaken cream, so it really has a nice black-and-white distinction.”

Another aspect that makes the $16 drink stand out: It’s made with dark rum and Galliano Espresso Liqueur, which actually has real coffee in it and contains plenty of caffeine. 1600 15th St., 303-623-0534, a5denver.com

Le Bilboquet

The key to Le Bilboquet’s signature espresso martini is the coffee-infused Cynar, which gets made in-house. Add that to Colorado’s Woody Creek Vodka and a dash of Kahlua, and guests can see why the cocktail has graced the menu since the restaurant’s opening in 2019. 299 St. Paul St., 303-835-9999, lebilboquetdenver.com

American Elm

It’s fall, ya’ll, so enjoy the seasonal flavors in American Elm’s Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini, made special for the month of October.

“It’s different from our regular offering as it uses a decadent pumpkin spice syrup that we make in-house with real, slow-roasted pumpkin,” said bar manager Jesse Torres. “Next, we top it with an oat milk spiced foam and freshly grated cinnamon.”

Even better, $2 from every one of these cocktails goes to support the Colorado Restaurant Association’s Angel Relief Fund. So drink a cup of fall with a purpose. 4132 W. 38th Ave., 720-749-3186, amelm.com

FIRE Restaurant & Lounge

Head to the Art Hotel for one of the drinks featured during the Espresso Martini Fest, the Nighthawks Espresso Martini. The cocktail is made with Don Julio Blanco Tequila, Mr Black Cold Brew Liqueur, fresh espresso and a pinch of Maldon salt. Guests of the hotel can wake up with this concoction if desired, and everyone else can stop by the hotel bar for a cool and caffeinated sipper. 1201 Broadway, 720-709-4431, thearthotel.com/dine-drink/fire

Avanti Food & Beverage Denver

Visit the LoHi food hall for its delicious espresso martini, made with vodka, vanilla syrup, cold brew, Amaro Montenegro and chocolate bitters. These flavors combine to give the cocktail an earthy and slightly savory flavor, rather than the usual dessert sweetness. Enjoy the $12 cocktail at the bar, or bring it upstairs to take in the view at the same time. 3200 N. Pecos St., 720-269-4778, avantifandb.com

Water Grill

Guests won’t find the espresso martini listed; it’s on the restaurant’s secret menu. In fact, even though it’s not on the regular cocktail list, beverage director Kevin Felker said the drink proves so popular, it’s one of the top 10 beverages sold. To create the martini, the bartenders use freshly brewed and chilled espresso, vanilla-flavored vodka and orgeat syrup, which is made with almonds, sugar and orange flower water. 1691 Market St., 303-727-5711, watergrill.com/denver

Three Saints Revival

At Three Saints Revival, there are cocktails on draft, too. This includes the Kaffeina, the restaurant’s version of an espresso martini. (Provided by Three Saints Revival)Like the wine program at Three Saints Revival, there are cocktails on draft, too. This includes the Kaffeina, the restaurant’s version of an espresso martini that brings together Santa Teresa Venezuelan Rum, spiced cold brew, St. George NOLA Coffee Liqueur and cinnamon syrup. Order it for happy hour, during brunch or after your meal in lieu of coffee. 1801 Wewatta St., 720-707-3500, threesaintsrevival.com

Atomic Cowboy Locations

Pizza and an espresso martini? Why not? At all locations of Atomic Cowboy ( four in Denver, one in Centennial, one in Colorado Springs, and another at Aurora’s Stanley Marketplace), this caffeinated cocktail remains a staple. The drink is made with a rich espresso liquor, Pearl Vanilla Bean Vodka and cold brew from a local roaster. atomiccowboy.net

Barcelona Wine Bar

The only time you can find the Mini Espresso Martini at this RiNo tapas joint is during happy hour (Mon.-Wed. from 4 to 6 p.m., Thu.-Fri. from 2 to 5 p.m.). It’s little, too, giving imbibers the perfect jolt to carry them through the night. Order the $7 cocktail either rich or dark, meaning with or without Irish cream, and enjoy the playful meshing of espresso, maple syrup, vodka and nutmeg. 2900 Larimer St., 303-816-3300, barcelonawinebar.com

BurnDown

Fuel the night with a classic espresso martini, featuring Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka, St. George NOLA Coffee Liqueur, Sati cold brew and a pinch of Maldon salt. The drink runs $13, and when ordered, don’t be surprised if it comes quickly, since the cocktail pours from the taps. Guests can also get the drink in shot form for $6. 476 S. Broadway, 720-899-3827, burndowndenver.com

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The Triangle Bar, 2036 N. Broadway, announced in an email they were closing after they took a survey that found over 60% of their customers were visiting less frequently because of homeless encampments.

“With heavy hearts we announce that, effective immediately, Triangle Denver is closing indefinitely thanks primarily to the ever-expanding encampments which have surrounded and suffocated the businesses in our neighborhood,” the email stated.

The survey of over 500 people found 75% of customers visited less in 2023 than in 2022.

Answering the question “How have each of the following factors influenced your interest in visiting the Triangle positively (you wanted to visit more) or negatively (discouraged you from visiting) in the past year,” 61.4% of respondents said “homeless encampments/safety concerns” was a negative influence, according to a screengrab of the survey results.

“We have been injecting funds regularly into the bar just to keep the doors open while pressuring the media and the city to take corrective action which finally occurred on September 27th,” the email states. “For one single afternoon, we had our neighborhood back. Less than 24 hours later, camps returned, and despite our pleas, have seen no action from the city to stop the re-entrenchment.

“We can’t ask our guests or staff to continue to endure this health and safety nightmare. Our well of patience and resources has run dry.”

Event and brunch ticket holders will be issued a full refund, according to the email, and guests who bought VIP cards will be given a pro-rated refund.

Customers are asked to email info@triangledenver.com and include their names, the prices paid, the dates of purchase and the last 4 digits of the cards used.

The bar will have a final Farewell Beer Bust Sunday starting Sunday at noon.

The kitchen will be closed, but the Rocky Mountain Rainbeaus will be pouring as the charity of the week.

“Thanks from the bottom of our hearts to those of you who have supported us through thick and thin, we appreciate you and wish you all the best,” the email states. “Until we meet again, be safe, love, be loved, take care of each other, and keep fond memories of Triangle Bar in your hearts.”

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