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Barnum, Denver. Mural by Pheud, aka Poetik Sol.

Howdy, Barnum!
While I've been knocked out by winter germs for the last month, our neighbors have been busy compiling restaurant reviews and suggestions for the "Where To Eat" page. Check it out to see what's new. And, send in your own reviews!

Our brave and awesome neighbor, Kaye, has signed on as a contributing author. Huzzah! Look for a new voice in the coming weeks. If you also have something to say, please feel free to email your suggestions. Or, if you're interested in becoming a regular contributor, please let me know.

Loki. From Charlie on Utica St.
OMG how can you get any cuter?
I have zero journalistic objectivity.

In addition, I'm adding in a new page, Cutest Creatures in Barnum. I'll start with my own pup, Loki, who is pretty much the handsomest dog that ever happened. He'll reign supreme, and alone, until you send me a photo of your own creature to add to the gallery. Photos of tiny dogs in deep snow are highly encouraged. Got a cute creature? Send it in, yo. (Please address photos to welcometobarnum@gmail.com and include your first name, your animal's name, and your street)

April, from Concerned Citizens of Barnum, also wrote in about our awesome Welcome To Barnum mural. This project was organized by CCB and designed and painted by Pheud, also known as Poetik Sol. Thank you to both for what is probably the coolest neighborhood welcome sign in the city. 303Magazine featured Pheud's mural in Concrete Canvas: A Spotlight on Denver Street Art Oct. 2013. Check it out!

EDIT: Ugh, I'm so bad at news blogging. I have mentioned NOTHING about the 6th Ave. construction. Well, if you live here, you know it's a mess. I'm super happy that we're going to be getting a pedestrian bridge over 6th between Barnum Park and North Barnum Park. I'm less happy that I won't be able to hop on the highway EVER AGAIN from Perry St. It's Sheridan or Federal for all of our highway access needs from now on. There is also on-going debate about the fate of the Barnum dog park, which is currently located right at what will be the pedestrian bridge. If you can handle the community meetings, I think they are going to continue the debate for a little while yet.

Barnum House Tour No. 2

 

Once upon a time on Knox Ct., there was a church, that became a Masonic lodge, that transformed into a Mexican restaurant, and then morphed into a burrito factory, and then grew up to be someone's house. Barnum is so weird. But, here's another awesome house tour I stumbled upon recently on the ol' intertubes. 

On a side note, if all Barnum properties were sold with skeeball included, our vacancy rates would plummet.

Meat and Murals, Part 2

Ridiculous. But awesome in its way. I feel like Benny Hill music ought to be piped out on loop around this mural. Yes, if you weren't quite sure -- it is indeed a mustachioed gentleman in a sombrero chasing a chicken with an ax while being chased in turn by a goat. I'm not sure if the cow is leaping, levitating, or flying. Carniceria la Guadalajara is on the West end, at 1st and Sheridan. The parking lot is a wreck waiting to happen though, so drive safely if you drive there!

A Winter Mansion

I've heard this beautiful building at 4th and King called "The 1910 House," "The Castle," and "The Red Mansion." It's home to Savio House, a family assistance organization. What a lovely building for such a lovely cause.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Meat and Murals, Part 1

I love the murals in this neighborhood -- so much lovelier than lighted-plastic-things. This one is on the South East corner of 1st and Knox. Mmm, delicious cow.

Colorado Cider Company

I'm a fan of booze. I'm a fan of apples. I'm a fan of local craft endeavors. And, I just discovered, after hearing it mentioned in a review of Wit's End, that the Colorado Cider Company Tasting Room exists right here on the West Side. Local craft apple booze. Just my kind of place. It's located on 2nd, just a couple blocks on the other side of Federal. It's technically in Valverde, but since it's only a 15-40 minutes walk from nearly anywhere in Barnum and Barnum West, I'm calling dibs and claiming it as a Barnum feature. Check out their website and pay them a friendly visit!

Wit's End Brewing Company

Did you know we have a microbrewery within walking distance? Cause we do. And it's actually insanely good.

Wit's End is hiding right at 2nd and Bryant -- which is probably well under a half an hour walk from your doorstep, unless you live way out in the Western corners. But, when I say hiding, I mean it. You really have to put some effort into figuring out where the hell it's at.

I tried a stout (or was it a brown? I don't know -- it was quite dark) they called, "Ugly Sweater." It was brilliant. The bartender was super friendly and was happy to give us a tour and a bit of history. Also, the bartender had a very admirable beard. So, the moral of the story is that Wit's End has good beer, good beards, and it's hard to spot unless you're cool enough to already know it's there. You are now cool enough. Go give it a try and spread the word. One word of warning: they have funky hours. So, check their website before you go. Here's their website.