The Gateway To The Rockies Podcast

The Inaugural Aurora Borealis Festival is happening November 1st through 3rd at the Aurora Highlands Winged Melody Park. Kristin Sutter, the Director of Festivals for Visit Aurora, gives us insight into this incredible celebration of light and community.

An architect of the burgeoning cultural arts scene in the Rocky Mountain Region, Ginger White Brunetti is using her expertise to lead the city of Aurora's Library and Cultural Services. These vital community spaces provide residents access to the arts, culture, education, and entertainment in many forms.

Global Fest is a free, multicultural experience bringing the sights, sounds and flavors of nations worldwide to celebrate the diverse people and communities that call Aurora home. This family-friendly event includes two stages of performances, an international marketplace, the Parade of Nations, a Fashion Show, art displays, creative activities for children, and a variety of local food trucks, including the nationally acclaimed Taco Bron.

Denver International Airport is perennially among the top ten busiest airports in the world. It is currently undergoing a metamorphosis to keep up with demand and create a world-class travel experience from Aurora and beyond. Stacey Stegman gives us insights into these exciting developments.

The Aurora History Museum's Mosaic of Cultures series features a Colorado Nepalese Community Exhibit, which will be displayed for the better part of the next year. Binisha Shrestha, executive director of the Colorado Nepalese Community, gives us an inside look at this rich culture.

Eye Envy Vision is an independent, locally owned optometry practice in Aurora founded by Colorado natives Bryson Knight and Dr. Danielle Gloster with a mission to provide exceptional eye and vision care regardless of demographics, ethnicity, or preference while fostering a spirit of community connection.

Aurora is home to an array of breweries that all have unique themes & share a common passion for the science and artistry behind brewing. Visit Aurora has launched a fun series highlighting many of these great brewers. The inaugural Aurora Brews Cruise begins July 1st.

From championship layouts to an 18-hole executive course, the City of Aurora has golf courses for all levels of skill. Professionally maintained and open to residents and visitors alike, Aurora offers golfers a world-class golf experience with picturesque surroundings.

The largest Hispanic market in the U.S., La Plaza Colorado, features 24 food hall kitchens, vendor stalls, a bar, a grocery store, a virtual reality Hyperdeck, an arcade, and much more, all helmed by local entrepreneurs.

Aurora Mom Abbie Dzara is behind the popular @ColoradoKidAdventures pages across social media platforms. She and her kids highlight family-friendly activities in Aurora and throughout Colorado to her hundreds of thousands of followers.

The award-winning CD's Wings is known for its mouthwatering flavors and strong spirit of community. With their recent expansion into Aurora, Co-Owner Dean Copeland has brought a fusion of flavors and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for all wing enthusiasts.

Along with several other philanthropic initiatives in Aurora, The Aurora Gateway Rotary Club hosts an Annual Golf Tournament that raises scholarship money for deserving Aurora Public Schools students. Organized by Mike Rush, this fun and important event is helping to uplift Aurora's academic youth.

For the last two decades, Kim Harrell has showcased her unique artistic talent at her studio in Aurora. As the President of the Colorado Metalsmithing Association, Harrell creates stunning jewelry and mentors & teaches while fostering a community of metal artists. Her work can be found in private and corporate collections across the USA and Europe, including the prestigious Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art.

Exciting expansion and evolution is happening at Aurora's Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center. From new restaurant concepts to the breathtaking Mountain View Pavillion, Colorado's premiere resort & convention center offers a litany of enticing, fresh offerings for convention guests, weddings, staycationers, and more.

After leaving a toxic corporate environment, Daphne Rose followed her dream and opened Different Strokes Paint N' Sip, a space with an unmatched vibe where friends can come together to share a drink and create beautiful works of art under the helpful guidance of professional artists.

Once a top-rated NFL prospect, Aurora-born Courtney Samuel turned his passion for fitness & coaching into a thriving company. Bodies By Perseverance emphasizes training clients like athletes, transforming their mindsets as much as their bodies. Don't miss their new location inside Aurora's Stanley Marketplace.

Established in 1958, The Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps is widely celebrated as one of the best in the world. Part of Ascend Performing Arts, based in Aurora, CEO Mark Arnold has dedicated nearly four decades to this local institution, enriching the lives of generations of young people through music education.

Dissatisfied by the options available to those with food allergies and intolerances, Gina Di Tullio created Gina’s Kitchen Parkside, a dynamic Aurora restaurant inside of Parkside Eatery specializing in gluten-free & vegan options with flavors that satisfy all palates.

Through her work at Fitzsimons Credit Union, Aurora Sister Cities International, and Aurora's Art in Public Places initiative, Ana Valles has become a leader in Aurora. Her most recent efforts include a partnership with Chihuahua, Mexico, becoming Aurora's 4th sister city.

Born and raised in Korea, the dreams of Chef JW Lee led him to America 25 years ago. Today, he's CEO and founder of Seoul Hospitality Group, the engine behind dozens of restaurants in Aurora and the metro area, shaping our dynamic culinary culture.