OFC 2012 OUTstanding Awards: OUTstanding Places

People – Places – Services – Shopping – Restaurants – Nightlife – Write-ins

OUTstanding Community Theater – Theatre Out Denver

Readers got the scoop on this little local troupe, Theater Out Denver, which put on the resoundingly-popular play Southern Baptist Sissies this spring. The new performance company has already made a name for itself just months after its first show hit the scene.
 

OUTstanding Movie Theater – The Mayan
110 Broadway, 80203

Our readers have a taste for independent film, voting The Mayan, a prominent spot for indie flicks in Denver, as their favorite local movie theater now three years in a row. It’s the sixth time in 11 years the famous movie stop between First and Second Avenue on Broadway has won OFC’s OUTstanding designation.
 

OUTstanding Church – First Unitarian Denver
1400 Lafayette St., 80218

If the idea of God scares you away from church – or maybe the idea of church scares you away from God – the progressive Unitarian Universalist community may be your home: where they walk with you on your journey but leave the destination up to you. OFC readers voted the LGBT-friendly First Unitarian Church as a Denver favorite.
 

OUTstanding Coffee Shop – Dazbog
1201 E. 9th Ave., 80218

In the epicenter of LGBT Denver is the Dazbog on 9th and Downing. It’s no surprise readers chose the coffee shop where you can always find “family” – clicking away on their laptops, bent over a book, lost in deep conversations or stealing glances at the cute passers-by – as a favorite.
 

OUTstanding Bed and Breakfast – Capitol Hill B&B
1207 Pennsylvania St., 80203

In “the heart of Downtown Denver” is Capitol Hill B&B, just blocks away from the state Capitol. It’s a preferred location for those who left the Mile High City to overnight on a visit home or recommend to out-of-town friends.
 

OUTstanding Staycation – Cripple Creek

The historic town of Cripple Creek is an hour’s drive from Colorado Springs, or a two-hour drive from Denver. OFC readers voted the little mountain town a recommended place to spend a weekend when a trip through DIA seems too much of a hassle.
 

OUTstanding Getaway – Escape Palm Springs, California

There’s something to say about heading to New York or Miami to get away from the Mile High City, but if you want a vacation that is truly rest and relaxation, look no further than Escape in Palm Springs. The boutique resort features eight rooms and your hosts are Denver natives Greg Kafka and Mark Hunter. The duo opened the clothing optional, mid-century modern resort about two years ago. The quaint property features two styles of room, both equally comfortable. With pith perfect weather, a pool and attentive hosts, you’ll never want to leave this Escape.
 

• EDITOR’S CHOICE: HOLLY HATCH • OUTstanding Rockclimbing Destination – Table TopMountain, Golden
West of Denver off Hwy 58

This 6,750-foot mountain, fondly dubbed Golden Cliffs by locals, is the prime spot for beginning and intermediate rock climbers looking for a variety of access routes. With more than 10 different areas on the mountain ready for geared up climbers, the routes range from 5.6 to 5.11 in difficulty. So gear up in safety and get close to the gorgeous slate of rock that has options for crack-climbing, belaying or chimney-stepping up the steep face.
 

People – Places – Services – Shopping – Restaurants – Nightlife – Write-ins