Ruby Hill

Best of Denver 2013 Readers' Poll: Meet this year's Sports & Recreation winners

The 2013 Best of Denver issue is on stands now, and in its 196 pages you'll find Westword's picks for the best people, places and services in Denver. Along the way, we asked you to nominate and then vote for your favorites online, via paper ballots and through text messages during a poll that lasted ... More >>

So-Gnar Snowboard Camp Tour and Shred Circuit contest highlights from Loveland

The burgeoning multi-media empire known as So-Gnar puts on awesome events like the So-Gnar Snowboard Camp Tour and Shred Circuit contest series, then turns around fun little video edits within days to help fuel the stoke. Last week we previewed the kickoff to the 7th annual Snowboard Camp tour at Lo ... More >>

Michael Hancock recommends spreading Better Denver bonds to Boettcher, Red Rocks and more

Back in 2007, Denver residents voted for an alphabet soup of nine civic improvements. While almost all of those bond-backed Better Denver projects are done (with signs to prove it), much of the money from G and H, earmarked for maintenance and construction of cultural facilities, including an update ... More >>

Lowry Leeks are prized for their lighter Denver flavor: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​ Lowry leeks are closely related to Denver Onions but have a sweeter, creamier, more delicate urban flavor. Prized by residents who seek urban flavor without all the dicing and tears, Lowry leeks are extremely hardy and many will grow in a compact space...

University Park turban squash improves observing conditions: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​ The University Park turban squash is a colorful heirloom that inspired the design of University of Denver's Chamberlin Observatory back in 1889. Just as the observatory helps students look deep into the night sky, the buttercup-type squash is better for gazing than grazing...

Skyland mushroom spawn contains the fungi needed for better futures: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​ Much like the residents of the Skyland neighborhood, fungal mats are the most prolific biological entities on the planet and respond with inherent intelligence to stressed environments by recycling plant and animal debris into a nutritious food source...

Overland potatoes grow deep in rich, soiled history: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​ Montana City, the area's first platted township, was founded in September 1858 on the east banks of the South Platte river near West Evans Avenue. The following spring, the cabins were dismantled and floated downriver to be rebuilt at the confluence of Cherry Creek. Rufus "Potato" Clark then ... More >>

South Platte light industry yellow onion adds aromatic flavor to Denver: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​ Long before light industry's varnish and diesel fumes flavored the air of the South Platte neighborhood, truck farms utilized the area's fertile river bottom soil to grow the aromatic vegetable used to flavor the dishes of Denver dinner tables...

Seedy cartoonist to bedazzle urban farmers at Denver County Fair: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​ The illustration above appeared as the third panel of my "Predictions 2011" Worst-Case Scenario comic in the December 30, 2010 issue of Westword. I was predicting that the success of the Denver County Fair would turn all loft and apartment residents into rooftop and balcony farmers. But, in ... More >>

Globeville eggplant is a healthy and habit-forming meat substitute: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​ Throughout its history, Globeville has been separated from Denver by the South Platte River, the railyards and two interstate highways. Consequently, the isolated residents have created a kingdom with a unique urban-farming culture. Globeville eggplant, a member of the tobacco family, is the ... More >>

Athmar Park fennel plants help clear eyesight and the air: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​In Greek mythology, Prometheus stole fire from Zeus and stored it in the hollow stalks of Athmar Park fennel to free mankind from the brutish ignorance of the gods. Today, the plant grows wild in the yards of neighborhood bungalows and is eaten raw as a natural treatment for glaucoma and to c ... More >>

Congress Park cauliflower grows best in a cool neighborhood: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​Built in 1887, 1906 and 1955 respectively, Capitol Hill Basins Numbers one, two and three were built in Congress Park to hold a three-day supply of water for the 105,000 Denver residents who lived downtown. Consequently, Congress Park Cauliflower has always thrived in the cooler, moister atmo ... More >>

Grand opening of Trestle Bike Park at Barnum Park North delayed to August 6

​Commuters passing Federal on 6th Avenue on their way into Denver may have noticed construction on what is shaping up to be an epic new mountain bike and BMX skills park, designed by Gravity Logic and pro rider John Cowan. The park will be operated by Winter Park's Trestle Bike Park crew in pa ... More >>

16th Street Mall bright lights Swiss chard mix is a big-city favorite: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​ To know 16th Street Mall Swiss chard is to love its tender and delicious, if somewhat meaty, flavor. Originating in large, mallside Downtown Denver planters, this big-city bright lights strain of chard is a celebration of all that is colorful in the capital city of Colorado...

Bear Valley watercress is the water weed that turns back time: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​ Originally found along the banks of Bear Creek, the vitamin-rich medicinal qualities of Bear Valley watercress attracted seniors in search of better health to settle the neighborhood in the mid-1960s. Now grown in water gardens across the city, Bear Valley watercress is highly prized for it' ... More >>

Valverde tomatillo is the tart Westsider that gets sweet in the heat: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​ Valverde is a historic west side neighborhood that is a complex blend of light industry and single-family housing. It is the perfect place to grow Valverde tomatillo. A member of the tomato family, the Valverde tomatillo plant bears bright green fruits with a taste that is a complex blend of ... More >>

Elyria-Swansea heirloom tomato performs well in gardens and coliseums: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​ Dating back to the 1911, the Elyria-Swansea heirloom tomato was developed by stockyard workers who wanted to create the perfect beefsteak tomato. It has since become a Mile High favorite that is undoubtedly destined to be the first blue ribbon winner at the Denver County Fair...

Clayton sweet potato is more flavorful than white cousin: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​ Clayton sweet potato is a North American native that was cultivated in Polynesia long before western exploration, and was ranked highest among all vegetables in nutritional value by the Center for Science in the Public Interest. It's no wonder that the Clayton sweet potato is considered more ... More >>

Baker green peas movement inspires direct action: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​ Developed by hippies in the early 1970s, Baker green peas have been specially adapted for the cooler climate of the Baker neighborhood lifestyle. Guaranteed to produce a diversity of sustainable and nurturing pods, gardeners in all Denver neighborhoods are encouraged to give Baker green peas ... More >>

West Colfax kohlrabi is the chicken soup of the soil: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​ By 1904, West Colfax Avenue, originally the southern road from Denver to Golden, had become the main street of the Denver Jewish community. A longtime favorite of the "Mile Chai" West Colfax neighborhood is chicken vegetable soup made with Sloan Lake turnip, U-Hills parsnip and West Colfax K ... More >>

Lincoln Park asparagus is the crown jewel of Denver vegetables: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​ Lincoln Park asparagus can be grown from seeds or crowns, but the latter method respects the prestige of Lincoln Park. Home to the Santa Fe Arts District, Denver Health Hospital, West High School, Xcel Energy Zuni Generation Station and the 105-year-old Buckhorn Exchange, Lincoln Park is the ... More >>

Ruby Hill Habanero seeds add that southwest Denver spice: Kenny Be's Hip Tip

​ Don't let this weekend's Cinco de Mayo and Mother's Day party schedule keep you from digging in your garden. Summer weather blazes into town today and the heat is on -- especially for urban gardeners who plant electric-red Ruby Hill Habaneros from the Denver Neighborhood Seed Co....

Today In Stoke: Ruby Hill Rail Yard ski and snowboard terrain park now open

Colin BaneOpening day at the Ruby Hill Rail Yard Terrain Park​Don't feel like sitting in ski traffic to ride the rails? The Ruby Hill Rail Yard Terrain Park at South Platte River Drive & Florida Avenue opened on Saturday with rails, slider boxes, jumps and open slopes for sledding and learning ... More >>

Today In Stoke: Ruby Hill begins snowmaking, set to open Rail Yard terrain park this month

Dave Watson Photography, courtesy Winter ParkSnowmaking under way at Ruby Hill's Rail Yard terrain park in Denver​Ruby Hill Rail Yard sponsors Winter Park Resort, Denver Parks and Recreation and Christy Sports took advantage of the new snow and cold temperatures this weekend to fire up the sno ... More >>

Lost and found pets posters reveal secret lives of Dorkus and Moses: Kenny Be's Sign Language

Ruby Hill runaway may be in search of a new name.​ They may be the raggedy-pant-tramp of the dog world, but even an American Bulldog has too much dignity to tolerate being called "Dorkus." While it may sound cute while playing fetch, the name starts to sound like Bulldog bullying when used wit ... More >>

Cavalia-crazed yard artists parade their one-trick ponies: Kenny Be's Yard Arteology

Figure 81a. West Highland: You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it wash.​ Denver residents don't need to pay the $134-$240 Cavalia ticket price to see a "multimedia extravaganza of unprecedented magic and emotion" when innovative equestrian artistry can be viewed in nearly every n ... More >>

Get Your Ukes

Denver gets a second new dog park near East High -- along with an urban garden

railyarddogs.orgRailyard Dog Park construction.​Students returning to East High School today can look forward to a lesson in community involvement over the next two years, courtesy of Denver's parks department. By the end of September, the city plans to demolish the former Safeway/Church in t ... More >>

Why won't you open, Ruby Hill Rail Yard? Why?!

Denver's Ruby Hill Rail Yard, like, forever ago.​Here's the best thing about living in Denver in the winter: Snowy and cold up in the mountains, sunny and warm down in the city. Snow/Sun ... Wet/Dry ... see how that works? Then, in 2007, Winter Park and the City of Denver's parks department ... More >>

Kenny Be's Yard Arteology: Big yard art boner in Ruby Hill

The study of neighbors through their lawn decoration ... click image to enlarge​ Figure 37. Ruby Hill: Mixing themes gives yard art a new slant The Ruby Hill neighborhood is unlike any other in Denver. Ruby Hillers seem to have a different perspective on life than most other Denverites. Per ... More >>

The Westword.com blog shortcut, January 22 edition

Click yo fingers. Today in Backbeat Online: • Q&A with Adele. • James Han's solo sortie. • Leo Kottke, Shawn Colvin highlight RootsFest. • Q&A with William Elliott Whitmore. • Cacheflow teams with Brer Rabbit for dubby goodness. Today in Cafe Society: • PETA in the news again: "Sea K ... More >>

Denver planning to build a mountain bike course in the ‘hood!

The Best of Westword 1990

Best of Westword Winners: 1989

Delegating Denver #15 of 56: Hawaii

Best of Westword Winners From 1987

Best of Westword Winners From 1986

The Best of Denver Winners from 1985

A Ruby Hill Agreement?

Rich Tower, Poor Tower

Pole Position

Ruby Hill-area residents want to protect their views from eleven-story utility poles, but Xcel thinks it has the juice.

Shut Down Denver. Vote for Paul Lopez.

A League of Their Own

For La Liga Latina, baseball is more than a game. It's a way of life.

Off Limits

Better late than never

Pitching Tents

A camp for the homeless works in Portland. Can it work here, too?

This Week's Day-by-Day Picks

The Straight Poop

Cheesman neighbors worry that their park is going to the dogs.

I’ll Fly Away

With his Colorado Flyers, coach Tony Wells makes tracks.

Neighborhood Watch and Wait