The Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street added a new event this year, Glow at the Gardens.
Truth: I cannot pass up an autumnal activity. I am basically the subject of this famous McSweeney’s piece (NSFW, but hilarious). So, admittedly, I am the Gardens’ target demographic. But this new event is seriously fantastic.
Within the gardens, luminaries light the way, with pumpkin displays collected here and there and the sound of costumed kids running around. (Including my own, who was acting like the pushed-back bedtime was a gift straight from the gods. There was a lot of excited shrieking and darting, is what I’m saying.) The entire garden isn’t open, but the luminary path is pretty big and very lovely.
Inside the garden buildings, check out face painting or cookie decorating for the kids. There’s also a “glow lounge” with live music and even a ghost talk. Outside, The Story Seeker spins tales on the West Terrace (just west of the Orangery). The stories are kid-centric earlier in the evening, but get spookier—and more adult-oriented—later. There are also some really amazing carved pumpkins, some you can bid on. Each week Glow at the Gardens runs has a different theme. When I attended, it was a sea theme, but dinosaur and Halloween themes are coming up.
Along the way, you can complete a scavenger hunt, stop for a drink—more on that in a sec—some snacks, or opt for a full menu with some special fall items at the Offshoots Café. Warning: The café was crazy crowded, so we picked our priority. And our priority was booze. Set up at three bar tables throughout the garden, there’s beer and wine, or you could really get into the season and try the Pumpkin Spice Punch, a concoction of rum, pumpkin juice, bitters, and a dash of nutmeg. Yum, I’m telling you. Yum.
Because we had a 16-month-old with us, we were content just walking around and looking at the pumpkin displays, but there really was a lot to keep older kids (and adults) happy. I hope this is just the first of many years for Glow at the Gardens, because there was a lot I’d like to do with my son as he gets older. (And going sans kids would be fun too!)
Pro tip: Buy your tickets ahead of time to avoid the longer line. We stood in line for about half an hour because I hadn’t pre-bought tickets. Be prepared for big crowds—not Corpse Flower big (we stood in line more than ninety minutes for that one)—but once you’re inside, people spread out.
Glow at the Gardens runs from 6-9 p.m. for two more Wednesdays, Oct. 21 and Oct. 28. This is a fantastic new event, so check it out!
Jenny lives in Denver with her husband, son, and two fat tabbies. She’s a mom by day, a writer by night, and a traveler whenever she gets the chance. Follow her on her blog or on Twitter.
Author: Mile High Mamas
Marsha Bolen
Great tips! I can sympathize with your obsession with all things Autumn – we just can’t help it! I’ll definitely make sure to check this out.