Denver Events: Gardens, Golf and Chocolate Combat Winter Doldrums

Looking for Denver events to combat the winter doldrums? The Mile High City may have more sunny days than Fort Lauderdale and warm spells that dot the winter calendar. But by February, Denverites have had enough of cold temperatures, snow and ice. A mere $5 to $12 offers an in-town escape to indoor gardens, golf and a chocoholic's dream at three perennial, favorite February Denver events: the Colorado Garden & Home Show, the Denver Golf Expo and Olde Town Arvada's Chocolate Affair.

COLORADO GARDEN & HOME SHOW. Feb. 12-20, Colorado Convention Center

Downtown Denver’s 52nd annual indoor flower fest features an “Underwater Adventure” garden full of whimsical sea creatures, plus hot new products and complimentary home-improvement seminars with admission. More than 70,000 are expected to peruse 1,400 booths representing companies offering goods and services focused on plants and flowers, and home and outdoor-living accoutrements. The 14 landscaped gardens with more than 15,000 blooming flowers and shrubs offer a welcome respite from winter with springtime color, fragrance and some green-thumb inspiration. In 2011, the non-profit organization will award $500,000 to more than 35 Colorado horticulture-related organizations.

Show hours: Saturdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., weekdays noon to 8 p.m. 
Tickets: $12 adults ($10 when purchased at all Tickets West outlets at King Soopers stores, or onsite with a nonperishable food item); $10 seniors; ages 12 and under free.

HelloDenver Tip: Save money and park at Coors Field for just $5 (I-25 to Park Avenue exit to Wazee Street), and ride the free show shuttle.

OLDE TOWN ARVADA'S CHOCOLATE AFFAIR. Feb. 5, West 57th Avenue at Old Wadsworth Boulevard

The 10th annual winter salute to all things sweet and chocolatey is full of family-friendly activites:
Taste of Chocolate: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at D Note (7519 Grandview Ave.) and DiCicco's Italian Restaurant banquet room (5660 Old Wadsworth Blvd). Six sampling tickets are $5.
Chocolate Treasure Hunt: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Teams and individuals compete for chocolate-enriched baskets of goodies with clues from approximately 30 Olde Town businesses. A fun, free family activity.
Chocolate Cookie Contest: Open to amateur bakers of all ages. Call 303-420-6100 for details.

HelloDenver Tip: When they've reached your chocolate limit, take the kids to the Arvada Library (7525 W. 57th Ave.) for storytelling and to the D Note (7519 Grandview Ave.) for face-painting and balloon artistry.

DENVER GOLF EXPO. Feb. 11-13, Denver Merchandise Mart

An entire weekend of golf products, swing demos, lessons, seminars, discounted play and tons of giveaways. A junior-golf section is geared toward young players and a club swap benefits programs around the state. All skill levels can find something to do or buy.

Show hours: Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets: $10 adults; $8 seniors; ages 16 and under are free.

HelloDenver Tip: Attendees receive a goody bag full of coupons and freebies. Traditionally, there’s a voucher good for 18 holes of play, and another for a free wedge.

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