Just to the south and east of Central Park, our neighbor, the City of Aurora offers education, cultural arts, recreation, great restaurants and outdoor activities for all Denver residents.
Let’s start with education and cultural arts. Did you know that the Colorado University at the Anschutz Medical Campus offers a mini-med school? The CU Mini Med School was founded in 1989 by J. John Cohen, MD, PhD, Professor of Immunology & Medicine. With more than 21,000 graduates to date, the program continues to be the most popular and anticipated event offered by the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Imagine going to med school that does not charge tuition, and you have no homework or tests. The dates for Mini Med II are September 10th through November 5th and the class is held on Wednesday nights from 7:00 – 8:30 pm.
Here’s more information:
While visiting the Anschutz Medical Campus, be sure to check out The Fulginiti Pavilion, voted Westword’s 2013 “Best Rollout of a New Art Space”.
BOOKSTORE
Stop by the Anschutz Campus bookstore and pick up the 7th annual “Human Touch”, an anthology of prose, poetry, graphic art and photography created by students, staff, faculty and friends of the campus. It’s a moving anthology you will enjoy or want to give as a gift.
MUSEUM
Aurora is home to a FREE museum, the Aurora History Museum. This community-based cultural center features natural history, culture, fine and decorative arts exhibits and programs.
The 20th Annual Gateway to the Rockies Art Show and Sale exhibit will be held Sept. 30 through Nov. 8 at the museum. This art show is a favorite for local, regional and international artists. Call for entries information here +
CONCERTS AND FESITVALS
Now that summer is in full swing, you’ll find a variety of events from concerts to festivals stretching in to the fall. Grab the family and watch a movie, or check out the 17th Annual Punkin Chunkin, a contest where pumpkins are catapulted long distances.
Summer Concerts – Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 8 pm
Global Fest 2014 – August 23 from Noon – 10 pm
17th Annual Punkin Chunkin Colorado
SPORTS AND RECREATION
An abundance of outdoor recreation activities awaits you in Aurora. We’ve mentioned several options for golf and water sports, but you can research even more “things to do” through the links below:
On the Green: One has many options to spend the day honing their golf swing. You’ll find Saddle Rock, Murphy Creek, Meadow Hills, Aurora Hills, Springhill or Fitzsimons all in Aurora.
On the Water: Whether it’s fishing, boating, camping or just relaxin’, Aurora offers the Aurora Reservoir, Quincy Reservoir, and Cherry Creek Reservoir to enjoy a hot summer day in Colorado.
FOOD AND DINING
Have you worked up an appetite? All this activity does make one hungry. Aurora has some fabulous restaurants, or you can stop by one of many international grocery stores and cook something up yourself. Here are just a few dining suggestions:
La Cueva – 9742 E. Colfax Avenue, 303.367.1422
Brooks Smokehouse Catering – 800 Oakland Street, 720.949.0581
Big City Burrito – 12501 E. 17th Avenue, 303.344.3222
Ted’s Montana Grill – 16495 E. 40th Circle, 720.374.7220
Mu Brewery – 9735 E. Colfax Avenue, 720.446.8273
And we must mention one of our all-time favorites. A bit of a drive but well worth it, this Vietnamese restaurant, Kim Ba, is one of Aurora’s hidden gems. Voted year after year as Westword’s Best Vietnamese spot, you have to check out this small, family-run restaurant. Kim Ba is located at 2495 S. Havana St., and their phone number is 303.745.1637.
Spice up your home-cooking by shopping at the many international grocery stores, such as H Mart, located in Aurora. You’ll find Korean, Middle Eastern, Asian, Russian and more markets to change up your everyday meals. Happy cooking!
Next time you are looking to venture out and try something new, instead of heading west …. head east. You have many options to choose from when visiting our next door neighbor, Aurora.
