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

Light rail to carousels

[(Anonymous)]

Piece of cake since you are coming in at Union Station. The different light rail lines all converge at Union Station, so just be careful to get on the right line. There are plenty of maps at each station so it should be easy for you to see what you need to do. Grew up in Denver (now you know why the rain in WA is such a problem for me) and if I make it out there for the con, I'll be glad to be your guide. Jenny from WA

Re: Light rail to carousels

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I'm countrified by my years in Maine, alas, and keep forgetting that things like light rails are available in more...metropolitan areas.