🛑 Why Denver cops are doing less traffic stops

🚧 Peep This New Traffic Safety Plan

City officials are seeking public feedback on their plans to overhaul 17th and 18th avenues from Broadway to Colorado Boulevard. Construction would aim to improve traffic safety on the two stretches of road notorious for speeding cars by potentially reducing lanes and adding flashing crosswalks. The city hopes to be able to unveil official plans for the project by no later than spring of next year. [Denverite]

• What changes do you want to see? Share your thoughts with the city 👈

🛑 Denver Cops to Shift Their Focus

In an effort to make the most of a short-staffed police force, the Denver Police Department has instructed its officers to stop making traffic stops for low-level offenses like expired tags or faulty tail lights. The goal is to free up time to focus on more serious crimes, as well as reduce instances of racial profiling. Denver is just the latest in a wave of U.S. cities making this policy change with hopes of improving public safety. [Axios Denver]

🏨 What’s Going on at The Stanley Hotel?

Stephen King made the Stanley Hotel famous as a go-to destination for horror movie lovers. But lately, the fate of the historic property has been uncertain. Could a new real estate deal change the fame and future of this 115 year-old Estes Park tourist attraction? [City Cast Denver 🎧]

Colorado Springs, Denver’s neighbor to the south and the state’s second largest city, has long suffered a bad rap among fellow Front Rangers. For years, locals have rejected the negative stereotypes, professing the area’s natural beauty and vibrant community. Now, after The New York Times recently featured the Springs in their popular “36 Hours” travel guide series, those proclamations from residents have earned some authoritative backing. Featuring a few picks from the professionals plus some tips from longtime locals, here’s our guide for getting to know Colorado Springs.

Enjoy the Views

• Garden of the Gods: A registered National Natural Landmark, this public park boasts 1,300+ acres of breathtaking sandstone rock formations.
• Pikes Peak Cog Railway: Purportedly the world’s highest operating cog train, this railway takes you to the tippy top of “America’s Mountain,” Pike Peak.

A Dash of History

• The Broadmoor Hotel: This 106-year-old destination luxury resort is chock full of both local history and modern over-the-top indulgences.
• Old Colorado City: Shop, sip, dine, and dance in the vibrant heart of Colorado Springs.

Something Uniquely CO Springs

• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Touted as one of the country’s top-rated zoos, and known for its popular animal-feeding experiences.
• Poor Richard’s: A local favorite — pizza shop meets toy store meets bookstore meets coffee bar.

Good Eats

• Josh & John’s: Flavors like Rumchata, Almond Joy, and Cookie Butter Crumble will keep you coming back for more.
• Shuga’s: A community staple serving up “eclectic globally inspired eats.”

It's the most wonderful time of the year for Denver foodies — unlimited tacos and tequila, all-you-can-eat fried chicken and whiskey, bottomless beers and burgers. Bust out your stretchy pants and pack your bib, it’s food festival season, and we are HUNGRY. Tickets tend to sell out fast (or go up in price), so mark your calendars now for Denver’s most delicious summer dining events.

This Weekend (!!!)

🥖 Gluten-Free Foodie Fest

May 18 | Holidaily Brewing in Golden | Free

🥡 Food Truck Carnival

May 17-19 | E.B. Rains JR Memorial Park in Northglenn | Free

This Summer:

🥞 Out to Brunch (21+)

June 8 | York Street Yards | $40+

🎵 Beethoven and Brews (21+)

July 13 | Sculpture Park | $50+

🥕 VegFest

July 27-28 | Tivoli Quad | $10+

🍔 Burger Battle

August 1 | Tivoli Quad | $ TBD

🌮 Top Taco (21+)

August 8 | Westminster City Park | $85+

Worth the Drive:

🍓 Strawberry Days

June 21-23 | Glenwood Springs, CO | Free

🍑 Palisade Peach Festival

August 16-17 | Palisade, CO | $10+

🌽 Olathe Sweet Corn Festival

August 24 | Olathe | $10+

The Uncertain Future of Colorado’s Most Iconic Hotel

For the last few decades, fans of Stephen King’s “The Shining” have made the pilgrimage to the tiny mountain town of Estes Park to stay at the allegedly haunted historic Stanley Hotel. But the iconic piece of real estate has been in the news lately over its potential sale and uncertain future. Today, 5280 Magazine’s Jay Bouchard explains what he found in his investigation into who wants to buy the Stanley and what could be next for the 115 year-old hotel.