Guidespot.com: leigh

leigh

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Multi-talented

Neighborhood
Highland, Denver
Where I'm From
Denver
Occupation
Writer, Thinker, Fantabulist

About Me

My theory of life: insomnia and espresso are a winning combination.

Guides Guides
Favorites Favorites

Accidental East Coast Discoveries

Somewhere between "damn, wrong exit" and "oh, here's the road again" is that frustrating, cursing, yelling time known as "I'm really lost and I don't know this city at all." Usually this just results in road rage, but sometimes I end up finding something interesting.

All Around Denver's Highland Neighborhood

A great little residential area located conveniently close to the city, the Highland neighborhood is surrounded by cute shopping districts, fantastic local restaurants and stunning 20th century architecture.

...And Then I Got Lost and Ended Up in Fort Collins

So I was driving north, headed for Wyoming to visit family when a tornado touched down just a few miles ahead. I took the next exit off the freeway and drove west, figuring that getting closer to the mountains was a good idea. The fates liked me that day, and I was spared the tornado's wrath. Then I found out I had driven into Fort Collins. No actually I was in town for business (in the role of photographer-for-a-day), but where's the fun in saying that? Just off I-25 an hour's drive north o...

Art with Words: Calligraphy

Bridging the worlds of visual art and the written world, calligraphy is one of my sometimes hobbies. Get your basic supplies, an instruction book and try it out for yourself!

A Shakespearean Summer

"Words, words, words," might Shakespeare's Hamlet say, but the experience of a well-done Shakespeare play becomes far more than simply the lines repeated. Sights, sounds, even the very atmosphere of the crowd all contribute to setting the stage for plays by arguably the best playwright to ever have existed. We can't all afford a visit to London's Globe Theatre, so here's where to go in the United States to see the very best.

Being Left-Handed: The Cool and the Crap

Like one out of every ten people, I'm a left-handed mutant.

Best Tourist Destinations in Washington, D.C.

Despite its incredible popularity with tourists (I don't usually go for such things), I loved my brief visit to Washington, D.C. Yeah, I did all the tourist stuff. Here were some of the best places.

Birthdays of My Past

July 4 baby, cool, right? Well yes, but you tend to spend a lot of your own birthdays not at home. Which is significantly less awesome when you're a kid and really just want to play with your toys. Here's a list of places where I remember having gotten to go, for better or worse.

Buying Books for Elementary School-Aged Children

There are zillions of books out there for kids, how to find the right one? This requires a bit of knowledge as to the child's reading level, but I've included both easy picture and harder chapter books to give a decent spread of recommendations.

Camping in the Oregon Cascades: The Untold Story

Yes, it's beautiful and relaxing, but camping in the Cascades range in Oregon is also fraught with danger. Here's what to avoid and some top places to seek out.

Chessboxing and 4 More Strange Competitive Sports

Tiny wooden sticks and chess, lawnmowers and modified skateboards all play their part in the sporting world. Here are four of the strangest sports spawned in the modern world.

Costa Rica: A Travel Resource

I'm looking at a vacation to Costa Rica this summer. A work in progress, this guide is to collect my thoughts, plans and ideas. Any feedback or trip suggestions are more than welcome!

Democratic National Convention Office Rental

Located at 1221 Auraria Parkway, the Local Matters, Inc. office has two floors available for rent, constituting nearly 7,000 square feet of usable office space. This property is available as a Denver short term rental for the time directly preceding and during the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

Eat Out Cheap in Richmond

In a city not particularly known for its food, and especially not for its vegetarian friendliness, there are still a surprising number of restaurants that cater to the famished and impoverished college student, as well as those who won't eat meat. All of these places have options for vegetarians, though at some locations it is more of an afterthought.

Escape the Grind in the RIC

It’s easy to get busy with classes or work and forget about going out to relax, especially when a tight budget comes into play. Still, Richmond holds a wealth of places to head out when you just need to escape from it all. As cheap as window shopping at costly boutiques or as pricey as a night out clubbing in the best spots in town, choose whatever suits your mood and budget.

Experience Boulder in a Day

Despite its recent gentrification, Boulder is still one of the more unique large towns in the region. Even if you're only passing through for a day, it's possible to try out a few of these many ways to experience the thrills of the self-titled Republic of Boulder.

Explore an Ex-Coal Mining Town: Lafayette, CO

It's been laughingly referred to as the ugly stepsister of Boulder, but Lafayette, Colorado has some of its own charms. Largely a community filled with workers who head to Boulder, Denver or Broomfield during the week, Lafayette has preserved its rustic charm while transforming into a splendid family community. Restaurants, golf courses, museums and more fill this little plains town.

Family Road Trip!

Something about summer seems to scream "road trip with the kids." Maybe it's idyllic visions of miles of scenic roads, stunning sights and quality time together. Sadly, it can easily turn into torturous days crammed together, fighting and swearing to never try a road trip again. Here's some ways to make the journey psychologically survivable for everyone involved.

Find Portland's Outer Beauty

One of the great ironies about Portland is that the excess of precipitation that makes the city so beautiful also makes it a pain to be outside. Still, it's one of my dream places to return to, and when I do, here are some of the places you'll find me.

Five Thrilling Ways to Enjoy Colorado Summers

Summer approaches. What better time to start planning for all the great outdoor adventures you are going to have? Here's some of the best ways to make use of living along the Front Range.

Golf: Cruel? Hilarious!

Invented in Scotland, adopted by those without fashion sense the world over. Even one of the slowest moving sports in history has its moments of comedic greatness.

Golf Victim's Revenge

Living by the golf course is something like running through a minefield. Except it probably won't kill you. So maybe it's nothing like it. There are dangers, though. Watching golfers do inane things like throwing clubs while full-volume cursing at 8 a.m. and breaking my kitchen windows with misfires, I had ample time to think of revenge tactics. Yes, I'm probably an awful person, much like Bob Muntz.

Go Medieval, Stay in the States

It's hard studying a different time period that took place on a different continent. Other than the occasional illuminated manuscript exhibit at a museum and the odd piece of art, there's not that much to see. Still, there are options when you're studying Medieval history (not the Renaissance Faire crap, the real stuff). Here are my favorite resources.

Guilty Pleasures in Richmond: A Guide for Women

Indulge. Shop. Hook up. Escape. Of the many ways to celebrate single life in Richmond, or to pretend to be single for a day, here are some of the best - whether you're headed out alone or with the girls.

Haiku How-To: Satisfy a Vegetarian

Everyone knows them Impress one with homemade food Or head out to eat. Styled in Haiku Short and sweet should do the trick Here: some tips in verse.

Hip Meets Class in The Fan (Richmond, VA)

Known for its modern culture, popular restaurants, active nightlife and Victorian architecture, The Fan is one of Richmond's most desirable neighborhoods for young professionals.

How-To for Parents: Send Your College Student a Care Package

At the behest of my family, I've compiled a basic guide to sending a distant college student treats that they'll appreciate. Really, anything that reminded me of home when I was in school was very welcome. Items didn't have to be expensive or even that cool, it was just nice to feel remembered.

If I Still Ate Meat... Denver Edition

Yes, I still get cravings for a really good burger from time-to-time. And yes, sometimes that calamari smells really damn good. Here are the places I'd be headed in Denver, if I weren't a vegetarian, and the places I actually end up at as a substitute spot.

I'm a Lumberjack: A Guide to Tree Removal

We planted aspen trees in our yard about ten years ago. The neighborhood was newly developed and we needed something that would grow in quickly, which aspen do. Sadly, after about ten years and 20 feet of growth, they started to look like crap. This spring, I've spent my weekends helping to pull them down. Here's what worked (and what doesn't).

Insomniac's Guide to Late Night Activites (When Everything's Closed)

There are always a few coffee shops or grocery stores open all night, but honestly, you can't go grocery shopping every night of the week. After a certain hour of the night, or morning, depending on how you look at it, it's probably not that safe to be out alone anyways. Here are a few of the ways I cope with persistent insomnia without leaving my place.

In Summer or In Winter: Visiting Anchorage In Any Season

We think of Alaska as a land of ice and snow, and that is very true - for some of the year. As a child, I had grandparents who lived in Anchorage, so I've gotten the pleasure of seeing it both in the middle of winter and during the summer, which is not as cold as you'd think.

Kitchen Gizmos for the Rest of Us

You don't have to be a fantastic chef to have a great kitchen. A few well-stocked drawers and cupboards of instruments makes virtually any kitchen task easier. And no, you don't need the twenty different spatulas that chefs on the Food Network always have.

Kitchen Injuries of May 2008: Why I Keep a List

Despite not being a particularly clumsy individual, I manage to get more than my share of injuries in the kitchen. It's a little sad, but it's also pretty funny, so I decided to keep score here. For the last month or so I've been averaging an injury every week.

Liberal Protester's Guide to the 2008 Democratic National Convention

Coming to Denver for the convention? Mock up your signs and prep your voice for the week-long event. And since everyone knows that protesters have no money, here's how to do it at little cost and without a personal vehicle.

Literature That Will Really Screw With Your Head

From mainstream to fringe, these books have definitely had an effect on how I see things, for better or worse. Of course I was an English major, by default we're a bit odd anyways.

Living Alone, Eating Well: Dinners to Freeze for Later

Living on my own and on a fixed budget, I love finding new ways to prepare tasty dishes to eat for weeks to come. For this, the freezer is my best friend.

Lust, Love and Deceit: The Flower Code

Guys: Read this before you buy your girl another bouquet. Seriously - then you can feel clever for once. Once upon a time, a whole story could be told just by an arrangement of flowers and herbs. Hardly do we even remember the most basic of these.

Making a Great Pizza: 5 Tips

Nothing compares to a really good homemade pizza. After a few years at a pizza joint, I got a little picky about the pizza I'll eat. Aside from a few really great pizza joints, I tend to be pretty critical of the pizzas you can order out, unless I have a few drinks in me - then anything goes.

No, No, No: Museums That Should Have Never Been

There are museums full of strange things, and then there are strange museums full of things that have no place in a museum. A companion guide to "THAT is a Real Museum?" - this guide covers places that should never have been brought to life.

Nothing's Quite Like Harvey Mudd

Finding the right college is hard, especially for the highly talented and highly motivated. Harvey Mudd is one of the country's top liberal arts colleges for those with a scientific or mathematical bent. Here's a quick guide to the social aspects of Harvey Mudd student life. Disclaimer: I didn't go here for school - my sister did, I just went to visit and got her input on what's stated here.

OCD Ski Trip Planning

When I go snowboarding, I am a little obsessive about packing, checking and rechecking everything ("Do I have my gloves? I know I checked but maybe they fell out..."). I am also not a morning person. At all, ever. If it's not done the night before, it's not happening. While after a few trips up to the slopes, packing for a day of skiing or snowboarding becomes second nature, I like to keep track of what I need anyways. You never know when you might inconveniently forget your ski pants because...

Oh, To Find a Coffee Shop

With a daily caffeine intake that might send a moose into a coma, I spend a lot of time looking for good places to relax and recharge, or to get ideas for my newest project. Nothing is better for the inspiration than great surroundings and the artificial enlightenment of excessive espresso consumption. New to the Highland area, this quest has taken on significant importance. Unless I simply want to drop by a Starbucks, grab my latte and leave, it's vital that I find some real cafes to visit.

Oregon's Unusual Berries

There's nothing quite as delicious as perfect ripe berries straight from the vine, and there's no better place for fresh berries than in Oregon. In the Willamette Valley, known for its gentle springs and summers, frequent rains and verdant plant life, there are many varieties to choose from, some which everybody knows, and some which are local specialties. Try out a few of the local favorites, cook up a pie or make jam for later, just don't miss berry season!

Paradise Lost... Rediscovered in Denver

Maybe it can't match up to the original paradise, but Denver and its surrounding areas have places that can bring back just a hint of the Edenic. Find the delicious, the beautiful, the luxurious and the tempting sights and shops around the area. In form, this was inspired by John Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost," my all-time favorite piece of literature.

Piercings: Don't Do That

Don't get me wrong, I like piercings. I've even been the proud owner of a few in my day, including the one-time "vampire's kiss" on my neck (it was cool but got pulled out in a summer water fight). As with most things, there are plenty of ways to fail. Here are some of the more spectacular.

Register to Vote in Colorado

Elections are hot this year, make sure you get the chance to be heard.

Relive the Bizarre: Find Chuck Palahniuk in Denver

Best known for his novel-turned-movie “Fight Club,” every story by Chuck Palahniuk has its own bizarre themes and characters. Having avidly read every one of his books I’ve been able to find, there are certain places around Denver that remind me strongly of events in his tales, sometimes horrifying, sometimes amusing, always completely unique.

Relive the Future: Idiocracy in Denver

Whether it's extra bigass fries, a gentleman's latte or law school in the wholesale store, you don't have to wait 500 years to relive the memories of Mike Judge's Idiocracy right in modern-day Denver.

Road Trip 2008: See A Baseball Game at Every Field

Try something different this summer: 29 games, 57 days and every baseball diamond in the country. Take a road trip to see a game at every field in the United States. Divided into four legs, starting in Miami Gardens, Florida, and ending in Seattle, Washington, here is a schedule of games to hit up. Drive the entire length or fly leg-to-leg and use a rental car.

Slide into Yoga: A Beginner's Guide

Why yoga? It's a great start to the day, or an after-work stress relief. It can be done alone, or with a group. It's really cheap to pick up and, best of all, there are distinct advantages to being bendy.

Something to See: Historic Attractions in Richmond

Still a Southern city in many ways, Richmond is filled with sites and attractions that hearken back to centuries long gone. Hint: Click the links to the different sites to read their full descriptions. I wrote them too.

Strange Museums: The Top Five

When you've gotten your fill of the usual art and history museums, here are some alternative choices well worth the visit. Last year, I spent a few months doing research on various museums and attractions all around the country. These were the cream of the crop in bizarreville.

Take the Family to the Beach - Oregon-style

It rains in Oregon. A lot. As a child, we still visited the coast a few times a year and it was important to find things to do out of the rain. Newport was one of the best places to head, with both beaches for nice days and activities for the gray ones.

The Internets Bestiary

Captioned cats began it all. Now the Internets has a whole bestiary of sentient, or at least captioned, animals. And they're multiplying.

Top Haunts for Denver Insomniacs

There’s late-night, then there’s the insomniac hours. Only you and the night stockers at grocery stores even know what 4 a.m. looks like, but it really does exist. Pop in a movie and try to doze on the couch, pick up a tried-and-true book and read in bed, nothing is working and you just can’t take it any more, you’ve got to get out.

University of Richmond Survival Guide

New to the University of Richmond? By now you know some of the advantages of the school: its small student body, its stunning scenic and architectural beauty and excellent academic standards. These qualities provide the backdrop to the overall environment of the school, a close-knit community of students with an easily accessible body of faculty and administrators. Yet, as with any school, there are tricks to daily life that every student eventually picks up. Still, why wait for later when yo...

Unusual Festivals of the Landlocked States: Summer Edition

Maybe it's the lack of a sea breeze, or the distance removed from the waves, but the residents of the landlocked states of America sometimes seem to have gone a bit crazy and small towns appear to be affected the worst. Inventing festivals ranging from the unique to the bizarre to the disturbing, locals and visitors flock to these events to explore a bit of what they call culture. Have a must-add festival I missed? Let me know!

Unusual Festivals of the Landlocked States: Winter Edition

Cabin fever hits hard in the center of the country. How do people deal with it? By throwing fruitcake, rolling coffins, pushing outhouses and participating in any number of other equally embarrassing events. Here are some of the top ways to get out and see how crazy they've really gone. Did I miss one? Give me the details!

Vegetarian Eats in the Denver/Boulder Area

Created as an appendix to the Haiku How-To: Satisfy a Vegetarian guide, this is a list of some of my favorite vegetarian-friendly restaurants around Denver and Boulder. This list is by no means comprehensive (that would take forever!) but it's a start in delving into the vegetarian options in the region. Please let me know of any recommendations as well, I'm still exploring.

Wake Up! Wake Up! Alarm Clocks That Do the Trick

I'm not really a morning person. At all. But five days a week I've got to get up for work on time. Here are some weird new ways to wake up in the morning.

What Ever Will We Do in Denver?

An old friend is coming to town for a few days at the end of May, and I am responsible for planning activities, which I'm terrible at doing. So I made a guide about it. Here are some things we could do.

What Would Dante Do? Denver’s Most Sinful Destinations

From the hottest clubbing venues in town to mouthwatering, grease-laden breakfasts, Denver has places to satiate every naughty desire. Here are some of the best spots to visit and the eternal punishment that awaits, according to Dante Alighieri, author of the epic “Inferno.” And so with a mix of excitement and dread: “Abandon every hope, who enter here.”

Worst Moments in the History of Children's Toys

There have been some spectacular toys designed for children, tin cans attached by a string, water balloons, simple stuff. Once toys start getting complex, things seem to go wrong. Sometimes they go wrong in really funny ways.

Shout Outs

Shout out to leigh

asdfasdf133

I see you made the ladies of Guidespot guide.
Congratulations.
JoeB

The key to keeping the cookies from getting that smoky barbecue flavor seems to be not leaving them on there for too long. They get soft pretty quickly, it shouldn’t take more than a minute or so. Best of luck!
Brenda

wait til you see the speed dating shoes!
@ubreeWYATTsmith

Thanks, Leigh! No, but I want to – badly. I love that stuff…clearly ;)
PaulT

We are legion.
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