Denver Geographical Help Needed

[rolanni]

As reported elsewhere in this journal, I plan to have me at least one ride on a wooden carousel during my visit to the City in the Clouds. I am now in possession of a train schedule and a barebones panel assignment list (no reading/signing/coffee- chat filled in yet), with which to work. What I need to do now is figure out relative locations and the availability of mass transit/taxicabs.

The con schedule, insofar as it currently exists:

Tuesday: Arrive Denver Union Station 7:10 a.m.

Wednesday:
The Electronic Storyteller's Bowl 11:30 a.m. Steve and Sharon

Thursday:
Clarion West Student Readings: the Early Years 11:30 a.m. Steve
Writing in Concert 4:00 p.m. Steve and Sharon

Friday:
After the day job goes: writing full time to pay the mortgage 5:30 p.m. Steve
Dinner 7 p.m.

Saturday:
Keeping a Job: What writers do to support their writing 11:30 a.m. Sharon
Short stories/Long Novels: Fitting the story to the form 4:00 p.m. Steve

Sunday:
Working with Science and Science Fiction Museums 10:00 a.m. Steve
Writers Married to Each Other 1:00 p.m Steve and Sharon

Monday: Catch a Zephyr going East 8:10 p.m.

...From this it looks like my best shot is going to be arrival-Tuesday, assuming I can find somewhere to stash my bags; Wednesday afternoon; Friday; or departure-Monday, again assuming a place to stash bags. I'm a little uncomfortable planning outside activities on actual con days, because of those unscheduled-but-still-possible events.

My information is that there is a 1925 Philadelphia Toboggan Company wooden carousel in Elitch Gardens, which is said to be in "downtown Denver". This looks the most promising, though I understand that Denver is a Big City, and that the carousel and the convention both being "inside the city limits" doesn't necessarily mean they're anywhere near each other.

There is also a Parker Menagerie three-level carousel (just...oh, wow...) at Lakeside Park at 46th St and North Sheriden Blvd -- also inside city limits?

Can someone who is local to or very familiar with Denver counsel me on the relative sanity of trying to reach either of these carousels during the times I have available, and the best (most reliable) way to reach them?

Thanks!

Comments

[kitsunegeek.livejournal.com]

Hi, I'm one of Kat's friends in Denver-area. Elitch's is very do-able. The park (it is a small Six Flags-owned amusement park) is right in Downtown Denver; not far from Union Station and all the mass transit. And yes, the carousel is gorgeous!

I'm not super-familiar with routes within Denver (I live North of Denver in Lafayette) but I believe Light Rail and buses will get you easily to the hotels, Convention Center, and back to Elitch's. I'm trying to remember; but there may even be lockers at Union Station where you can lock up your bags and go straight to the park (maybe call and ask?). Go to http://www.rtd-denver.com for area bus and light rail information.

I've never been to Lakeside (I'm not an amusement part fan, my husband's old company had parties at Elitch's) but if you do a Google "find Business" for Lakeside Park in Denver, that should get it. I'm pretty sure it isn't in downtown, though.

I don't want to add to your list; but I would feel remiss if I did not add that there is a new-but-amazing carousel at the Denver Zoo. http://www.denverzoo.org All wood, hand-painted, all the animals are different endangered species. The zoo is in town, but on the other side of town from the stations and convention center; there is a direct bus from Market Street Station.

I hope some of that helps!

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

Thank you; that's a lot of help. The last time we were there I thought Denver was a really walkable city (after those of us who are used to the sea-level thing get acclimated :) ); it's good to know that it's navigable, too.

I don't want to add to your list; but I would feel remiss if I did not add that there is a new-but-amazing carousel at the Denver Zoo. http://www.denverzoo.org All wood, hand-painted, all the animals are different endangered species.

Oh, that sounds lovely. There's the problem, though. The reason I'm in Denver is for the World Science Fiction Convention (work, work, so I kinda need to fit the (other) Fun Stuff and sightseeing in and around.

Thanks again.