Real Estate in Denver and the Suburbs

My daughter received a camera from her grandfather for Christmas.  Its a very nice, simple compact digital that is pretty much point and shoot - perfect for her little hands.  She has tinkered with it a little but not too much.  She was with me in the car about a month ago and I told her we had to make a quick stop to take some pictures for one of Denver real estate my websites.  

On the way home, she asked me if next time she could take pictures too.  I said, "Sure, why not,"  not really knowing what she had in mind.  A bit later in the week she said she was ready to go on her picture taking journey for my website.  I asked her what she wanted to take pictures of.  She said something to the effect of - "Well Dad, kids have to move too - you just post pictures of what the grown-ups need to see.  I can help you post pictures of what the kids need to see if they are moving to Highlands Ranch."

Thus began our adventure in picture taking.  Her only disappointment was snow being present for some of the outside places & it was a bit cloudy out.  She said she wanted to come back on a sunnier day & in the spring to take some more.

So if you are a kid, or have a little one in tow - here are some of the things you can look forward to if you are moving to Highlands Ranch, CO - through the eyes of my 9 year old wise-beyond-her-years daughter.

The first stop she wanted to make was at the HRCA Rec Centers.  I asked her which one she wanted to go to.  She said all of them.  I asked her which one was her favorite.  She said, all of them.  I asked her what she liked about the different ones and here is what I got:  She likes the Southridge Rec Center because there is a giant floating log in the pool to try and cross without falling off while you hold onto a rope above.  The Eastridge Rec Center is a big hit because that is where her basketball games are played.  The Westridge Rec Center seems to have the best vending machines and the tennis courts are nice too.  She mentioned that when she was young (as opposed to how old she is now…) the outdoor pool at Westridge was her favorite.  And the Northridge Recreation Center now had her favorite outdoor pool now that she was such a good swimmer. 

Next we made a quick stop in the parking lot of the shopping center in Southridge.  I just knew she would want to stop here.   Both of my kids absolutely love the ice cream at Red Rooster Creamery and its a warm weather must-have for use.  I asked her favorite flavor - she said it was a toss up between mint chocolate chip and the blue one with the candy in it. 

Our next stop was the Highlands Ranch Library.  Both of my kids are regulars here and I asked her what her favorite things are.  She said she enjoys the automatic computer check out and it makes the lines go fast.  She said she can always find a good book and the librarians are so nice when she needs help.  

After the library, we drove a little further down to see the amphitheatre in Civic Green Park.  She said she loves playing in this park in the summer when the fountains are on and she really liked the 4th of July Celebration with bands on the stage and the summer night time movies too.   

We then headed into Eastridge to make a quick stop at Cornzapoppin.  Locally owned Cornzapoppin has fresh gourmet flavored popcorn that is popped right on site.  My kids like the Creamy Caramel and the Cornfetti.  My daughter said that when you move to Highlands Ranch you should just buy a big tin there because then you can go back and just fill it up for a fair price.  

Next we drove across University Blvd to the Whole Foods shopping Center and she just had to stop to take a picture of Lamar's Donuts.  Hmmm.   Ice Cream.  Popcorn.  Donuts.  I am starting to think this is going to be a full dessert tour.  I asked her if she would like to take a picture of Whole Foods.  She  declines, but did admit they have really great fruit and reminded me that is where mom buys her kid's vitamins.  Ah, ok, so she does know more than just dessert places, she just doesn't want to photograph them.  

She requested we stop at Tattered Cover, her favorite bookstore.  I asked what she liked about it so much, she mentioned the big comfy chairs to sit in and that they have her favorite American Girl books.   She said her brother really liked it too because he can always find new books about hockey and other sports.  She then confided in me that sometimes mom lets them get a giant cookie in the coffee shop there if they are really good. 

Next to the Tattered Cover is Jamba Juice and she just had to get a photo there too.  Jamba Juice is a favorite for us because it was  both of my kids source of food for about 2 weeks when they had their tonsils out and after that they were hooked.  I asked her what her favorite drink was there, she likes the Strawberries Wild or Chocolate Moo.  

We then drove over to see the HighLine Canal feeder Trail that runs through the Highlands Ranch Golf Club.  We ride this trail almost every day in the warmer months and just seeing that most of the snow was melted on the trail got her excited.  I asked what she likes most about the trail and my wild-child daughter said, going really fast down this first hill. 

Next she asked if we actually went to another town that was really close to Highlands Ranch - if that was ok?  I said sure, as long as it was close (I didn't want to wind up driving to the mountains or something with a miscommunication of the word "close").  She directed me east toward Park Meadows Mall.  We wound up near the mall, but not quite - at Brunswick Bowling in Lone Tree.  She told me Brunswick is her most favorite bowling alley because sometimes they have glow in the dark bowling and she loved the laser tag and the arcade too.  We then quickly drove my the Indoor SkyDiving at SkyVentures - I was curious about that one as I knew she had never been. She said its a place she would like to go for her birthday some day.  The Indoor SkyDiving allows you to simulate skydiving through a wind tunnel so you actually are "flying" per say. 

I asked where we were off to next, and she replied - "Home dad - let's save some other places for another day".  So I have a feeling this could become a series. 

For now - there you have it - all great places for a 9 year old (or any kid, adult or person in general) to enjoy if you are moving to Highlands Ranch to discover.  

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