Diversity Rules Magazine

3 Diversity Rules Magazine March 2020 Joey Amato is the publisher of Pride Journeys, the premier source for LGBT travel. Joey publishes des na on reviews in addi on to life- style content that is both insigh ul and engaging to LGBT readers. Joey has spent the majority of his career dedicated to the LGBT community, hav- ing contributed to numerous publica ons around North America. In addi on, he owns Agency33 Public Rela ons, a full-service firm specializing in LGBT outreach. For years I've heard about Aspen Gay Ski Week, but it wasn't un l this year that I decided to take the journey out to Colorado to experience the event for myself. Now in its 43rd year, Aspen Gay Ski Week at- tracts guests from around the country, and possibly around the world. For most, there are two ways to get to Aspen. The first is to fly to Denver and then take a connec ng regional jet or drive 4 hours through beau ful Rocky Mountain terrain. My guest and I decided the drive would be fun, plus we would get a chance to spend some me in Denver. A er speaking with the locals, I would actually recommend this route because it will help your body adjust to the al tude. Al tude sickness is definitely a thing, so don't take the warn- ings lightly. Drink lots of water throughout your stay and watch your alcohol intake. One drink equals about three in the mountains. Spend a night at the historic Hotel Oxford in Den- ver, which I was excited to find out is also a haunted hotel. It is the oldest hotel in the city and a ghost is said to maintain residency in one of the rooms. The upscale property boasts a wonderful Bourbon Hap- py Hour every evening in which guests get a chance to sample a variety of wonderful bourbons. Connected to the hotel is Urban Farmer, a restau- rant that serves brunch every day of the week. How can you go wrong? If you are really hungry, order the Mile-High Omelet. Or, try the Chestnut-Banana Breakfast Bowl served with muesli, clemen ne, strawberry and an almond brown sugar crunch if you are in the mood for something a bit lighter. If you only have one day to explore Denver, it will be hard to squeeze in all the must-see sights but if you have me, head to the Denver Botanic Gar- dens or Denver Art Mu- seum, which during my visit hosted a sold-out Claude Monet: exhibi- on featuring more than 120 pain ngs spanning Monet's en re career. If you just want to see some highlights, order an eTuk (electric Tuk Tuk) to whisk you around the city. Stop for dinner at El Five, one of the city's newest dining establishments. The restaurant has a beau - ful view of downtown so try to get a table by the wall of windows. Order a few tapas for the table to share or if you are in the mood for something a bit hear er, try one of El Five's paella op ons. Aspen - Con't on page 6 PridE JournEys asPEn gay WEEK By Joey Amato Art Museum

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