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Best Old Planetarium

Baehr Observatory

Last summer's Hi Meadow fire in southwest Jefferson County came within feet of the historic Pine Valley Lodge, constructed in 1927 by Chicago businessman William Baehr. The Bavarian-style mansion -- which became known as the "Baehr-den of the Rockies" -- was built out of local granite and white pine timbers in just ninety days. But the speed of its construction wasn't the only remarkable aspect of the project; Baehr also ordered up a pagoda, ice shed, water wheel, tea house and observatory -- complete with a six-inch telescope, one of the largest of its day. Today that telescope is still in use, with star-gazing programs scheduled through the Lookout Mountain Nature Center.

Best Sports Team -- Professional

Colorado Avalanche

No contest: All year, the Colorado Avalanche has been a juggernaut, leading the National Hockey League in wins, goals scored and points. Bob Hartley's playoffs-bound club is a brilliant collection of All-Star experience (Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, Raymond Bourke, Patrick Roy) and talented youth (Milan Hejduk, Chris Drury, Martin Skoula) with all the tools to bring Denver its second Stanley Cup. Old nemeses like the Detroit Red Wings and Dallas Stars may stand in the way, but this is likely the best Avs team of all -- which was even better before the injury to star defenseman Rob Blake. No wonder they hosted the NHL All-Star game this year: it just made sense, since so many Avs played in that game, too.

Best Sports Team -- Professional

Colorado Avalanche

No contest: All year, the Colorado Avalanche has been a juggernaut, leading the National Hockey League in wins, goals scored and points. Bob Hartley's playoffs-bound club is a brilliant collection of All-Star experience (Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, Raymond Bourke, Patrick Roy) and talented youth (Milan Hejduk, Chris Drury, Martin Skoula) with all the tools to bring Denver its second Stanley Cup. Old nemeses like the Detroit Red Wings and Dallas Stars may stand in the way, but this is likely the best Avs team of all -- which was even better before the injury to star defenseman Rob Blake. No wonder they hosted the NHL All-Star game this year: it just made sense, since so many Avs played in that game, too.

Best Av

Joe Sakic

Scholars have been debating the strength of various dynasties since King Tut lined up his Egyptians for a scrimmage against other chariot riders. Contemporary Denver is no different, and one of the best debates involves the MVP of the Avs. Forsberg? Roy? Borque? At age 31, Avalanche captain and perennial All-Star Joe Sakic just goes on and on. This year, his thirteenth in the NHL, the future Hall of Famer ranks at or near the top of the league in every offensive category -- goal scoring, assists, game-winning goals and shots. Along with his prowess on the ice, his leadership in the locker room is immeasurable. If the best team in the NHL is to win its second Stanley Cup this year, its left-handed gun and spiritual centerpiece will be at the heart of the action.

Best Av

Joe Sakic

Scholars have been debating the strength of various dynasties since King Tut lined up his Egyptians for a scrimmage against other chariot riders. Contemporary Denver is no different, and one of the best debates involves the MVP of the Avs. Forsberg? Roy? Borque? At age 31, Avalanche captain and perennial All-Star Joe Sakic just goes on and on. This year, his thirteenth in the NHL, the future Hall of Famer ranks at or near the top of the league in every offensive category -- goal scoring, assists, game-winning goals and shots. Along with his prowess on the ice, his leadership in the locker room is immeasurable. If the best team in the NHL is to win its second Stanley Cup this year, its left-handed gun and spiritual centerpiece will be at the heart of the action.

Best Sports Coach -- Professional

Bob Hartley
Colorado Avalanche

With the Avs' dominance, it may seem like a no-brainer, but some may start grumbling if former Hershey, Pennsylvania, farm-club coach Bob Hartley doesn't lead his team to the Stanley Cup promised land again. Still, it's hard to fault Hartley's handling of the team. And based on what's happened so far this season, it's entirely possible that he could overshadow perennial fan fave Mike Shanahan as the most popular coach around.

Best Sports Coach -- Professional

Bob Hartley
Colorado Avalanche

With the Avs' dominance, it may seem like a no-brainer, but some may start grumbling if former Hershey, Pennsylvania, farm-club coach Bob Hartley doesn't lead his team to the Stanley Cup promised land again. Still, it's hard to fault Hartley's handling of the team. And based on what's happened so far this season, it's entirely possible that he could overshadow perennial fan fave Mike Shanahan as the most popular coach around.

Best Garden of the Gods

Sacred Earth Garden
Denver Botanic Gardens

Inspired by the heritage of Native Americans from the Four Corners region, the Denver Botanic Gardens has dedicated space to the plants that serve as medicines, building materials, dyes and food in traditional cultures; also included in the new Sacred Earth Garden are growing things that play significant roles in the spiritual and ceremonial lives of the tribes. Informational brochures help visitors start out on their own spirit quests through the garden. Your body may be fully grown, but your soul keeps expanding.

Best Garden of the Gods

Sacred Earth Garden
Denver Botanic Gardens

Inspired by the heritage of Native Americans from the Four Corners region, the Denver Botanic Gardens has dedicated space to the plants that serve as medicines, building materials, dyes and food in traditional cultures; also included in the new Sacred Earth Garden are growing things that play significant roles in the spiritual and ceremonial lives of the tribes. Informational brochures help visitors start out on their own spirit quests through the garden. Your body may be fully grown, but your soul keeps expanding.

Best Colorado State University Athlete

Rick Crowell
CSU Rams Football

A tough, lightning-fast senior from Chula Vista, California, Colorado State's 6'3" senior linebacker Rick Crowell led the Mountain West Conference last season with 125 tackles and was a first-team all-conference selection, as well as the league's most valuable player on defense. As the Rams compiled a 10-2 record and won their second straight conference title, Crowell led their fierce, stingy defense and in February was named CSU football's most valuable player.

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