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City Cast Denver

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Two Truths and a Lie: Denver Mayor Edition

Michelle Polizzi

Bad dog breath, to be exact — and the pup-friendly mints that Denverites Deb Dempsey and Tonya Payne created to solve this all-too-common problem more than two decades ago.

The mints, called Mouthfuls, were such a hit with local dog owners that Dempsey and Payne soon expanded into a 

 focused on natural, healthy foods for dogs. That storefront opened on Tennyson Street in 2005, and they’ve been selling high-quality canine essentials ever since.

Today, the shop is owned by Kaiti Asmussen, who honors the original owners’ mission while also finding new products to include in the store’s lineup. The most noteworthy offering has to be the shop's body part bar, an assortment of dried animal oddities that includes hairy pig ears, bison knuckles, and other livestock byproducts, many of which come from Colorado and Wyoming farms that process meat for human consumption.

“Everything is very well-raised, hormone free, that kind of thing,” Asmussen says. “So we try to source things that are very high quality and healthy, and not loaded with chemicals or medicines.”

While the body part bar may seem gruesome at first glance, Asmussen says that featuring unusual animal parts is meant to make pet-care more sustainable for the planet. “We have the opportunity to get those [parts] and keep them out of the landfill, which reduces greenhouse gases,” Asmussen says. “It's kind of nice to use that stuff that would normally get thrown away and contribute to the environmental problems that we're very obviously suffering here in Colorado.”

These dehydrated, baked, and freeze-dried animal parts are beneficial for dogs’ health because they support digestion, clean their teeth, and stick to simple ingredients that dogs would naturally have in the wild.

“It's also activating different parts of their brain, so it also wears them out, it calms them down, it gives them a sense of security because there's something to do with their mouth, which releases feel-good hormones as they're chewing and licking,” Asmussen says.

The original mints are no longer in production, but the shop itself has become a Denver staple. Asmussen credits Mouthfuls’ success to its neighborhood involvement.

“We focus on making sure that pets in need have what they want, we do a ton of donations every year, and we try really hard to get ourselves involved in community activities,” Asmussen says.

That includes the annual pet fashion contest that takes place in early summer, which they plan to announce soon. They also make pet owners’ lives easier through a free delivery program, available for anyone within 5 miles if they call ahead, and a punch card program that makes it easy to earn rewards.

Asmussen is always finding new ways to cater to customers. For instance, Mouthfuls recently expanded to create a new room just for feline food, treats, and toys — a renovation approved by Asmussen's own two cats, Minnie and Ziggy. She also has three dogs – Tulsi, Cosmo, and Cash – and while they each have their own favorites from the body part bar, they all agree on ears.

“Any ear goes down like butter,” Asmussen says. “They just love it.”

Why Denverites Love Mouthfuls Pet Supply

Keep It Local

While I don’t have a dog (cat mom over here 🐈‍⬛), most of my friends have a pup in the family, and each of them feels like another friend to me. For instance, Beatrix is my hiking buddy, Enzo and Frida are there for movie night snuggles, and Millie is my all-around bestie. If you’ve got a fur baby you know and love, check out these local pet stores in Denver — and try some of the unexpected products they offer.

 was started by a mother-daughter duo who ditched corporate life for something more fur-filling. Now run by mom Stacey and her husband Eddie Bennett, this store sells safe, nutritious dog food brands made in Colorado, such as 

 treats. A curated selection + friendly service = everything you’d want (and expect) from a chic dog boutique in Cherry Creek

The health-conscious dog who loves to eat local

 has a gourmet doggie treat buffet — an impressive spread of more than 25 kinds of bones and chews, all of them rawhide-free. They’re also home to a natural pets supplement section, which has everything from calming kits for cats to joint health chews for dogs. Plus, their full-service dog grooming salon offers haircuts, luxury baths, and more.

 sells pretty much everything you need for a dog or cat. Think specialty diet dog food, sustainable kitty litter, travel carriers, a vast food puzzle selection, and Colorado-made pet CBD products. Their knowledgeable staff can guide you toward the perfect gift or solution for your furry friend, often with niche recommendations you haven’t heard of.

 is easy: Specify your pet’s favorite flavors, choose a size, and add a custom message for the special day. This locally owned and operated franchise location is the only Three Dog Bakery in Colorado and specializes in using all-natural ingredients like apple sauce and peanut butter instead of sugar and preservatives.

 signing up for their newsletter to make sure you know about their special “holiday dinners.”

 has been carefully designed to make your pup clean and comfortable, with complimentary shampoo, conditioner, ear cleaner, fluffy towels, and a dryer. After they freshen up, bring your dog through the store to browse the selection of toys and party supplies — and don’t forget to pick up a bag of bison cubes from 

Pampered pups in need of an everything shower

A Guide to Locally-Owned Pet Shops in Denver

A Guide to Locally Owned Pet Shops in Denver

Outside of Empower Field, there might not be a better spot to watch the Summit home opener than 

When it opened in 2025, The 99ers became Denver’s first venue dedicated to celebrating women’s athletics. Founders Miranda Spencer and Annie Weaver wanted to create a space where all people can feel safe watching, celebrating, and talking about women’s sports.

“We’re here to push the dial forward and the conversation ahead – ensuring the

athletes who paved the way receive the visibility and recognition they’ve always deserved,” Weaver says.

The bar’s name is an ode to the 1999 Women’s World Cup Final where the U.S. beat China in 

 — a win that finally gave players the attention, funding, and leverage to establish the world’s first professional women's soccer league in 2000, where all athletes were paid as professionals.

As Denver welcomes the Summit FC this weekend more than two decades later, things feel full-circle. “Never in our wildest dreams — whether as kids or even as adults — did we think we’d be in a city and get to be part of the inaugural season of something this special. It truly feels like just the beginning,” Spencer says.

The duo is proud of the recognition the Summit FC has received so far, because it’s an ode to how much the city of Denver believes in women’s sports, and how deeply people want to be part of the movement.

“That’s the foundation of who we are — recognizing and showing 

 women’s sports. Having a team like Summit FC in our own city is just an added bonus,” Spencer says.

The 99ers Sports Bar is hosting a watch party for Denver Summit FC’s inaugural home opener, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 28 at noon. But that’s just the start. They’re planning a shuttle program to safely transport fans between their bar and home games, with more fun events and watch parties (in their recently expanded patio!) in the works.

“We already have plans in motion to continue expanding opportunities for our community to gather,” Weaver says. “At the end of the day, we’re here because of this community, and we wouldn’t be The 99ers Sports Bar without it.”

The 99ers became Denver’s first venue dedicated to celebrating women’s athletics. Founders Miranda Spencer and Annie Weaver wanted to create a space where all people can feel safe watching, celebrating, and talking about women’s sports

Why Denverites Love 99ers Sports Bar

Why Denverites Love The 99ers Sports Bar

Denver's new professional women's soccer team is playing its first home game on Saturday, March 28, at Empower Field, and they're hoping to set attendance records. But even if you aren't in the stands, there's plenty of ways to mark the occasion.

Below, find your guide to women-owned small businesses that are perfect for tuning into the Summit FC match and celebrating the historic moment on Saturday.

At their locations in Park Hill and Downtown Littleton, DIRT — which stands for divergent inclusive representation transforms — offers espresso drinks, burritos, pastries, and paninis in a welcoming space that empowers Colorado’s neurodivergent population.

The mission of Lady Justice is simple: Good beer 

 make the world better. This inclusive taproom has donated more than $50,000 to charity and offers fun events throughout the week, from pizza food trucks to run clubs (they’re hosting a Summit FC watch party on Saturday, too).

Friends with kids, N/A drinkers, and game-players alike

Eat, imbibe, and just vibe at this brewery and pizzeria that employs adults with disabilities. Founded by former special ed teacher Tiffany Fixter, everyone belongs at Brewability, where accessibility, live music, and cheesy eats come together to create a more connected, compassionate community.

A Colorado green chile and pork pie to share

At this delicious vegan cake bar, you can select a pre-made personal cake from the case or a custom treat with the flavor, toppings, and frosting of your choice — kind of like a local version of Cold Stone Creamery, but for cake.

A pint of Rocky Mountain road ice cream to pass around at home

A guide to watching and supporting the professional women's soccer team Denver Summit FC.

A Guide to Celebrating Denver's First-Ever Professional Women's Soccer Team

Our Guide to Celebrating Denver Summit FC's Historic Home Opener

Morris Munene

Colorado sports betting is one of the most competitive legal markets in the country. It sounds like great news until you're staring down a wall of banner ads all promising the same inflated welcome bonus. The real question isn't which sportsbook has the flashiest promo; it's which one actually pays you fairly, runs a clean platform, and gives you real value over time.

Colorado's sports betting market has grown to over 20 legal online sportsbooks operating under state regulation. This guide cuts through the noise. Instead of listing every operator that spent money on advertising, we focus on the platforms with specific strengths worth your attention — and if you want the short answer, 

Whether you're a casual bettor backing the Broncos on Sundays or a serious player hunting the sharpest lines in the state, keep reading, and we'll show you exactly why.

Best Colorado Sports Betting Sites / Apps

 - Best Colorado Sports Betting Site for Stability & Bonuses

 - Best Colorado Sports Betting App for Crypto & Esports

 - Best CO Sportsbook for Low Rollover Bonuses

 - Best Colorado Online Sports Betting Site for High Limits

 - Best Colorado Sports Betting App for Low Rollover

 - Best Colorado Sports Betting Site for Reduced Juice

 - Best Colorado Betting App for Live Mobile Wagering

 - Best for Zero Margin Bets and High Crypto Limits

 has been operating since 1994, which in the online sportsbook world is practically ancient history. That longevity counts for something; it signals financial stability and a track record of actually paying out. New players get a 125% Sign-Up Bonus split across a 100% Sports Bonus (up to $2,500) and a 25% Casino Bonus ($625). Crypto users can unlock a larger 200% match up to $5,000.

The 10x rollover on the sports bonus is industry-standard, so nothing alarming there. What sets BetUS apart is its proprietary BetUS TV channel, which provides daily video picks and analysis. The tiered Re-Up Bonus (10%–50% on crypto reloads) rewards consistent players. Referral bonuses are also generous at 300% up to $6,000 split between sports and casino funds.

Nearly 30 years of operational history, a real reliability signal

Diverse welcome bonuses serve both sports bettors and casino players

BetUS TV offers daily analysis that most books don't provide

Tiered crypto reload bonuses for long-term value

$100 minimum deposit for the standard welcome offer

Re-up bonus percentage varies by loyalty tier

 is the go-to option if you want modern crypto infrastructure and a serious esports book. The 125% Welcome Bonus on your first deposit is solid, though the 10x rollover on the combined deposit and bonus amount is worth factoring in before you claim it. Where BetWhale earns points is on the operational side: cryptocurrency withdrawals often clear same-day, which is a significant advantage when many books make you wait days for your winnings.

The esports coverage is notably deep, including Counter-Strike, Dota 2, League of Legends, and Valorant, all of which have dedicated markets. The "50% Daily Boosts" on deposits give you ongoing reload value without having to chase one-time promos. No platform fees on crypto transactions and a $30 minimum deposit make it accessible even if you're starting small.

One of the strongest esports betting selections available

Same-day crypto payouts — genuinely fast by industry standards

Daily boost promotions extend your betting capital consistently

No fees on crypto deposits or withdrawals

10x rollover applies to the combined deposit + bonus amount, not just the bonus

 standout offering isn't its headline 50% Sports Welcome Bonus (up to $1,000 with code "MYB50") — it's the 10% Cash Bonus alternative (up to $200 with code "200CASH") that comes with a 1x rollover requirement. That's the lowest rollover you'll find anywhere in the Colorado sports betting market. For experienced bettors who know they'll want liquidity quickly, this is often the smarter play.

The Props Builder tool lets you construct custom player and team prop bets with precision, giving you tighter control over your risk profile. Horse racing bettors get an automatic 8% rebate without any rollover requirement attached, which is straightforward value. Existing customers can reload with a 25% bonus up to $1,000 using code "MYB25," and the refer-a-friend program pays 200% per referral with no cap on how many you can send.

1x rollover on the cash bonus — best liquidity in the market

Props Builder enables highly customized betting strategies

Horse racing rebate requires no rollover — just free money back

Strong ongoing reload bonus structure for returning players

Standard 50% welcome bonus carries the typical 10x rollover

$50 minimum deposit to qualify for the welcome offer

 has been operating online since 2001 and has built a reputation among serious bettors who want room to move. The 50% Sports Bonus (up to $1,000) works for most players, but first-time crypto depositors can claim a 100% match up to $1,000 using code "CRYPTO100" — though that comes with a 14x rollover. The real draw here is the betting limits: BetOnline accepts wagers up to $25,000 on NFL sides, which puts it in a different tier from most colorado sports betting apps aimed at casual players.

The "Re-Bet" function is clever. After a time delay, you can place an identical bet again, effectively bypassing standard wager limits for those who want to put more action on a specific outcome. The "Blue Balls Promo" (refund if an NBA team blows a 15-point halftime lead) and "No Hitter Promo" (MLB refund if a pitcher no-hits your team) are genuine value protections rather than gimmick marketing.

$25,000 NFL betting limits — built for serious volume players

Re-Bet function adds betting flexibility without complex workarounds

Unique outcome-protection promos deliver real tangible value

Solid 20+ year track record in the online betting space

100% Crypto Bonus carries a high 14x rollover requirement

If rollover requirements are your primary concern, 

 stands out with a 5x rollover on its sports welcome bonus. That's significantly more forgiving than the 10x–14x you'll see across most competitors. New players get a 75% Bitcoin Welcome Bonus (up to $750) or a 50% standard match (up to $250).

Bovada's Prop Builder offers thousands of customizable player props per game, which is genuinely impressive depth. The integrated poker room with anonymous tables and Zone Poker sets it apart as a multi-product platform if you want more than just sports betting. The Bovada Rewards program earns points for every wager (3 points per $1 on singles), redeemable at 2,500 points per $1, a steady value even if redemption rates vary by tier. The $10 minimum Bitcoin deposit is one of the lowest entry points in the market.

5x sports rollover — among the most favorable in CO sportsbooks

Extensive Prop Builder with thousands of markets per game

Full dedicated poker room adds serious breadth to the platform

Rewards program provides consistent value on every single bet

Standard credit card bonus is lower (50% up to $250)

Reward redemption rates scale by loyalty tier

 opens with a 50% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000 (code: SB1000) and a 100% First Time Crypto Bonus up to $1,000 (code: 100CRYPTO, 14x rollover). The real value proposition here isn't the welcome offer — it's the "Dime Lines" the platform occasionally runs on MLB and NHL markets during promotional periods. Reduced juice means the book is taking a smaller cut of each bet, which directly improves your return on investment over time if you're a consistent bettor.

The platform also supports Bitcoin withdrawals of up to $100,000 per transaction. If you're a serious winner, that ceiling matters. The "Lifetime Bonus Guarantee" offers 25% reload bonuses (up to $250) on every qualifying deposit using code "FORLIFE," which adds up significantly over months of play. With more than 15 cryptocurrencies accepted and both a classic and mobile-optimized "Beta" interface, there's flexibility for different types of users.

Dime Lines reduce the vig, a direct, long-term value for bettors

$100,000 Bitcoin payout limit accommodates large winners

Lifetime reload bonus creates ongoing value for loyal users

15+ cryptocurrencies for maximum payment flexibility

Colorado sports betting is fully legal with 20+ licensed sportsbooks available. We break down the best sites, apps, and bonuses. Check now! 

Colorado Sports Betting: Best Sites, Apps & Bonuses (2026)

Peyton Garcia

The Hallmark holiday of love falls on a Saturday this year, so don’t squander your opportunity to do something extra special, whether you’re with your sweetheart, your gal pals, or flying solo. Here are some ideas to set the mood 💘

Get to know your romantic partner more intimately at the Sexploratorium’s 

. Channel your inner Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in this 

 at Community Clay. Or, tie the knot at the Denver Clerk and Recorder’s annual 

Looking for something more adventurous than your average date night? Study the wild world of animal mating rituals and other evidence of love in nature at the 

, a 21+ evening at Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Sample chocolate-covered edible insects at the Butterfly Pavilion’s 

, a holiday-themed adults-only evening. Or, turn your partner’s likeness into a sculpted masterpiece at a 

Grab your besties for a night of primping and pampering at 

 by Rollers and Rouge. Make a new BFF bracelet at Fever Dream’s 

. Or, get down with your gal pals at this 

Valentine’s Day not your thing? Commiserate over 

 at The Family Jones. Find community through other true tales of heartbreak at 

SO THIS SUCKS: The Annual Anti Valentine's Day Show (21+)

, a love-themed edition of the confessional comedy show. Or, join the Denver Feminist Chorus in “

” an empowering anti-Valentine’s Day concert.

On the lookout for love? Improper City is hosting a good old fashioned 

 over good drinks, laid back conversations, and interactive icebreakers. Beacon dance bar invites those looking for friends, fun, and more to the 

. Or, swing by the Bob Ragland Branch Library for a workshop on 

Whether you’re with your sweetheart, your gal pals, or flying solo. Here are some ideas to set the mood.

Where to Celebrate Valentine's Day in Denver

Your Mile High Valentine’s Day Guide

Find the best of everything that Denver has to offer.

Denver’s Best

Denver's Best

Bree Davies

Sure, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and reservations at your favorite romantic restaurant are Valentine’s Day staples, but what else is in store for this February in the Mile High? Turns out, a lot! So we’ve rounded up our top picks for things to do, see, eat, and celebrate around Denver this month.

🥮 Eat Something Festive for Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday, Feb. 17, this year. You can usher in the Year of the Horse at the 

 beloved annual celebration (Feb. 21-22) or along Aurora’s famously delicious 

 (Feb. 15). Indulge at one (or both!) free events with dumplings, noodles, and mooncakes galore.

👑 See ‘SIX’ Get Glammed Up and Yassified

If you’re a fan (and you definitely should be) of the wildly popular theater production 

 that tells the story of King Henry VIII from the perspective of his six wives if they were a modern-day pop group, this one’s for you! The story is now being retold by six Denver drag queens in a glammed up parody of the Broadway banger. The 

 will be Friday, Feb. 20, at MCA Denver’s Holiday Theater.

🌓 Bask in This Coffee Shop’s 24/7 Diner Vibes

From lavender lattes and breakfast sandwiches to chicken tikka masala pizza and Irish cream cold brew, 

 — with locations in Speer and Rosedale — has it all. The Rosedale spot offers comfy couches for catching up with an old friend, an outdoor fire pit for late-night hangs, and tables aplenty for working or brunching.

🎳 Plan Family-Friendly Fun (on a Budget!)

Looking for an affordable, low-effort hang? 

 in Englewood offers a cozy eight-lane bowling alley with couch-like seating on the cheap! Enjoy a few frames of low-stakes fun with friends for just the $4 shoe rental fee and $5 games (Monday-Friday), plus $3 domestic beers on weekdays from 3-6 p.m.

Yarn, paint, canvases, vintage postcards, beads — you name it — locally-owned, upcycled craft haven 

 has everything you didn’t know you needed. Want to add a little spontaneity to your art practice? Pick up one of the shop’s “blind bags” and score a surprise selection of fabrics, jewelry making supplies, and other crafting goodies.

☕ Find Coffee, Cookies, and Community at Convivio Café

 and settle in for a cortadito and conversation in their sunny and inviting shop. Come for the coffee, and stay for the treats 🤤 We suggest the creamy, custardy Flan de Vainilla or the not-too-sweet, crumbly perfection that is the housemade Blue Corn Cookies.

There’s even more where these came from! Tune into the 

Even more recommendations for your February! 🎧

Our top picks for things to do, see, eat, and celebrate this month. 

Your Guide to Denver in February 2026

There’s a new sauna coming to town. And the service menu at 

 looks like peak luxury with top-of-the-line saunas, cold plunges, and soaking pools, plus tea ceremonies, salt scrubs, a “rain room,” and the performance-based German sauna ritual of “

.” More than just your average spa experience, Coba promises to be a “

concept of extreme, immersive proportions

.” And “immersive” is exactly the term since it’s being created by a team of Meow Wolf veterans. With plans to open sometime next year, they project Coba will bring in about 300,000 guests annually and cost roughly $27 million to build.

But that’s just one ambitious wellness project on the horizon — plans for another new spa facility are underway for 

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