💌 Welcome, Insiders
Hey friends!
The Mile High fall is in full swing, crisp air, golden leaves, and all the reasons to slow down and savor the season. This week we're diving deep into the transformative work of a local photographer who's helping women see their true selves, exploring behind-the-scenes magic at Casa Bonita, and sharing the best ways to experience fall in the Mile High City. Let's get into it.
—Toby Hanson
Trivia Question❓
In Denver, there is a park known for its art installations and unique outdoor exhibits, including the legendary "Blue Bear" sculpture peeking into the convention center. What is the name of this park?
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter
Featured Story
Casa Bonita Opens Doors to Behind-the-Scenes Tours
For the first time ever, Denver's most theatrical dining destination is letting fans peek behind the curtain. Casa Bonita has launched guided behind-the-scenes tours on select weekday mornings, offering exclusive access to areas typically off-limits to diners.
What you'll see: The legendary 30-foot cliff diving pool up close, the extensive costume collection that outfits mariachi musicians and gorilla suit performers, and the completely reimagined kitchen under executive chef Dana Rodriguez.
Since Trey Parker and Matt Stone purchased and painstakingly restored the restaurant, Casa Bonita has evolved from nostalgic curiosity to legitimate dining and entertainment destination. These tours capitalize on that momentum—offering superfans and curious newcomers alike a chance to see how the magic actually happens.
The details: Tours run on select weekday mornings when the restaurant isn't serving guests, allowing for intimate group sizes and unhurried exploration. Advance reservations are required and highly recommended given the limited capacity and high interest.
Location: 6715 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood
Book your tour: casabonitadenver.com
Business spotlight
Illumine Photography
Photo by Lynn Townsend
Capturing the soul behind the business
Through Lynn Townsend's lens, women discover not just their professional image—but their whole, authentic selves. There's a moment in every Illumine Photography session when something shifts. The camera comes down. Lynn guides her clients to place their hands on their heart, close their eyes, and simply breathe.
"I think we all need to be offered that possibility of being seen and honored just as we are. It puts us back in the space of our heart rather than our heads, which is where the connection comes from."
What makes Illumine different: This isn't just photography—it's transformation. Lynn, a formally trained photojournalist with over 20 years of experience, brings a depth to her work that goes far beyond technical excellence. Her process begins with thoughtfully crafted questionnaires and extensive conversations that help business owners understand not just what they do, but why they do it.
Lynn specializes in working with women who are "lighting up the world with their gifts"—healers, guides, and entrepreneurs whose work is more than just business; it's a calling. Her branding photography captures not just your professional image, but the authentic soul of your work.
🎁 Exclusive Insider Offer
$50 off any photography session
Mention "Pulse Local Insiders" when booking
Valid for new clients • Must be booked by May 15, 2026
Connect: Visit illuminephoto.com or follow @lynntownsendphotographer on Instagram
🏡 Real Estate Market Update
Brought to you by James Brown Real Estate
October 2025 Market Snapshot: Denver's real estate market continues to show stability with cautious optimism as we move into fall. Here's what you need to know this week.
📊 Key Numbers:
Median Home Price: $585,000 (up 1.7% year-over-year)
Average Days on Market: 46 days (up from 32 days last year)
Active Listings: Up 22% compared to 2024
Price per Square Foot: $350 median
What's Happening: The Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cuts have brought mortgage rates to their lowest point this year, creating renewed buyer interest. However, buyers remain cautious, taking more time to make decisions and negotiating harder—especially in the luxury market over $1 million.
For Buyers: Increased inventory means more choices and less competition compared to the 2021-2022 frenzy. Patience is key in today's market, and there's more room for negotiation. Properties priced accurately are moving, but overpriced homes are sitting longer.
For Sellers: Success comes down to preparation and realistic pricing. Homes that are well-staged and competitively priced are still attracting multiple offers. However, if your property is priced too high, expect longer market times and potential price reductions.
"In Denver, the old saying of 'location, location, location' has shifted to 'affordability, affordability, affordability.' The lack of affordability has defined our market all year." — Colleen Covell, DMAR Market Trends Committee
Looking Ahead: Experts predict moderate growth of 3-4% annually through 2026. Denver's strong economic fundamentals—driven by tech, healthcare, and energy sectors—continue to support the market. The rental market remains robust with low vacancy rates, making Denver attractive for long-term investment.
Thinking of buying or selling?
Get a personalized market analysis and expert guidance
🥣 Recipe Section: Comfort Dinners for Chilly Nights
🍲 Maple-Sage Butternut Squash & Brown Rice Skillet
Warms the soul. Simple to prepare. Full of seasonal Colorado-flavor.
Ingredients:
1 medium butternut squash, peeled & cubed
2 tbsp olive oil (try a local artisan oil)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh sage, chopped
1 cup brown rice (cooked)
1 cup vegetable broth
¼ cup heavy cream
Salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss squash with olive oil, garlic, sage, salt & pepper. Roast about 20 – 25 minutes until tender.
In a skillet over medium heat, combine roasted squash, cooked brown rice, vegetable broth and cream. Simmer for 5 minutes until creamy and combined.
Serve topped with a handful of toasted pepitas and a drizzle of local honey or maple syrup.
Local tip: Pick up squash and pepitas at your farmers market — support local farms and the flavor shines!
In case you missed it
📰 Best of the Week: Local News & Resources
New Restaurants & Bars Opening: Denver's food scene continues to grow with exciting new additions this month. Santo Remedio reopened in Jefferson Park after structural issues forced its closure on Tennyson Street, celebrating with complimentary mezcal tastings. Alley Brews (formerly Berkeley Alley Brewing) launched under new ownership with expanded morning hours, a coffee program, and a new liquor license. Plus, Malinche Audio Bar brought a new listening bar concept to Platte Street.
16th Street Mall Revitalization Complete: After extensive renovations, 16th Street officially reopened on October 4, exactly 43 years after its inaugural opening in 1982. The revitalized corridor has already welcomed six new businesses since the start of 2025, with five more announced. Average daily foot traffic has increased 13% compared to 2024, bringing 600 more visits per day.
Denver Startups Making Waves: Our city's startup ecosystem continues to thrive with companies like SonderMind (mental health tech), Crusoe Energy (clean energy computing), and Paladin Cloud (cybersecurity) expanding operations and hiring. Denver has quietly become a national hub for innovation in fintech, healthcare tech, and sustainable energy.
The Weekend Pulse (Top Things to Do)
🍂 This Week’s Fall-Friendly Picks
Through Sunday, October 26
Writer Square, 1512 Larimer Street | Noon to late | A landmark cultural celebration with music, art, fashion, and conversations. Many events are free. Closing reception Sunday, noon to 5 pm.
Saturday, October 25
Ball Arena | NBA season continues with the Nuggets at home
Saturday, October 25
Multiple Denver locations | The largest event of its kind, boasting unique and tantalizing Bloody Marys, food, and beverages
Sunday, October 26
Empower Field at Mile High | Home game
Sunday, October 26
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison | Concert
Ongoing through October 26
Various performances | Music from film and TV. Costumes encouraged!
Sunday, October 26 • 9 AM–1 PM
Farm-fresh produce, artisan jams, hot lattes, and relaxed shopping before the holiday rush.
💆♀️ Self-Care & Wellness
📅 Friday, October 17, 2025
🕤 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
📍 18485 W Colfax Ave, Golden CO 80401
💡 A one-hour sound-bath experience with therapeutic singing bowls, gongs, and chimes — perfect for a serene start to your weekend.
🧺 Tip: Bring a yoga mat, small pillow, or blanket and arrive early to settle in.
📅 Sunday, October 26, 2025
🕠 5:30 PM (start arriving by 5 PM)
📍 722 S Pearl St, Denver CO 80209
💡 Immerse yourself in restorative sound frequencies surrounded by Himalayan salt walls — a deeply calming reset for mind and body.
🧘♀️ Bring: A blanket and journal for post-session reflections.
📅 Wednesday, October 22, 2025
🕠 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Fleur Studio – 13 E 4th Ave, Denver CO 80203
💡 Led by herbalist Melanie of Wildcraft Birth & Botanicals, this intimate hands-on workshop teaches participants to create personalized herbal tea blends for balance and wellness — and you’ll take home a 30-day supply.
🌿 Why go: A soothing mid-week ritual that combines creativity, mindfulness, and community.
💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
The park is called the Denver Art Museum's Frederic C. Hamilton Building.
That’s it for this week.
"May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears." - Nelson Mandela
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