Audacious Gypsy Adventures

The day I ended up in Denver, I didn’t even know I was going to Denver. Sometimes it just be like that…. 🤣 I got close, and ran to Google to find things to do. The first thing I found was the clock tower downtown, so I snagged a parking spot and got to hoofing it (McGregor wasn’t a fan🤣).

Daniels and Fisher Clock Tower

The Daniels and Fisher Clock Tower was a solid option for my first stop. The views of Denver from up there are INCREDIBLE! Originally, this establishment was a designed to be a 5 story department store and took nearly 2 years to complete construction. Now it is home to many offices, all which are closed to the public, and a Cabaret in the basement. I will be eternally sad I didn’t get to visit during the hours they were open!

From the ground the clock looks like I can barely stand behind it (I’m 5’2″ for a reference), yet the diameter of this clock is 16′! Standing behind it up on the 17th floor is…. humbling, to say the least.

Margaret Brown House

The Molly Brown House was up next to take in. Of course, knowing her from Titanic is what drew me there to begin with, but I never dreamed I’d learn so much about her and her impact not only in her efforts on the Titanic and surviving, but afterward as well. She was socially active and pushed for positive changes in the world, helping as many people as she could along the way. She deserved some special attention, so read all about her and her home here.

Capital Building

After leaving there, I realized I was 1.7 miles from where I parked…. whooooops. Whats a day of adventure without a little bit of fuckery?! I headed back towards the car, detouring to take in the block around the Capital Building and the park on the block. (I won’t lie, the best part of the park was people watching-only followed closely by the amount of Poke-stops around it!)

With railroad connections coming through in the late 1800’s and finding gold in the mines, Denver saw rapid growth and was named the capital of the state in 1876, representing residents and local government’s resilience to disaster. In 1863 and 1864 Denver saw a fire and a flash flood that required rebuilding sections of the city, and they stand today.

Walking around the Capital building area, I was chasing a Poke-Stop that was at a statue when a middle aged man stopped me and said “I know you’re just trying to get a picture of that statue, but he was a bad ass dude” and walked off. Well, now we gotta know!

TO THE GOOGLE MACHINE WE GO!

Major General Maurice Rose

Maurice Rose was born in Connecticut but he grew up in Denver. From an early age, it was apparent that Rose was determined to serve in the military, as he was discharged from the Colorado National Guard for falsifying his age 2 years prior to enlisting in the Army. He not only fought in World War I, exiting the Army for a short time after, but he returned to active duty and made is mark in World War II. Making his way up the ranks after leaving officer training in Fort Riley, Kansas, Major General Rose was known for aggressive leadership and high expectations for his soldiers. He lead with pride and focus until he was killed in combat by German troops, gaining many awards and medals for his efforts throughout his career.

Rose was the highest ranking member of the military to be killed in action in World War II, and it is believed they had no idea of his rank because his body and classified documents were left behind in the vehicle. He is now revered in the Military Hall of Honor.

Yeah, I’d go to say our guy was right, he was a bad ass!

Yummies

It was hot in Denver that day, so you know I had to find a local place to find something cold and yummy! I was able to do just that, at a cute little food truck in the park at the capital called Ba-Nom-a-Nom with a Mixed Berry…. I’m not even sure what this thing was, other than DELICIOUS. 10/10- HIGHLY recommend!

Overall, I absolutely loved my day in Denver! 6 hours, 5.5 miles walked and about $35 spent. I can’t complain. One more place, off the bucket list! ♥️