TWU by Jeff Rehmar | January 16, 2025

Hey Everyone,

Welcome back to The World Unfolding! This week’s newsletter kicks off a new series inspired by the Trap Draw Podcast. The idea is simple: I interview friends and locals to uncover what makes their city special. From hidden gems to a discussion about life there, these guides will help you plan a visit—or just satisfy your curiosity.

We’re starting with Denver, Colorado.

Meet Scott:
Scott and I go way back to high school. He’s the kind of person who knows how to make the most of any place, whether he’s exploring Baltimore, where he lived for 10 years, or Denver, where he’s been since April 2021. With an engineering degree from the University of Toledo and a passion for hiking, Scott has even tackled Everest Base Camp.

If you’re curious about the food, outdoor adventures, or what it’s really like to live in Denver, Scott has you covered. Let’s dive in:

Q&A with Scott on Life in Denver

Q: How long have you lived in Denver?
A: I’ve lived in Denver since April 2021.

Q: What are your three favorite restaurants?
A: Beckon (a Michelin star restaurant), Root Down, and Linger.

Let’s break it down:

• Beckon: This Michelin-starred gem is an experience, not just a meal. Perfect for a special occasion or when you want to impress.

• Root Down: A farm-to-table spot with bold, creative flavors and a funky, upbeat vibe. It’s perfect for brunch or a fun dinner out.

• Linger: This rooftop restaurant offers global-inspired dishes with a view. Bonus: It used to be a mortuary, which gives it a quirky edge.

Denver’s dining scene is full of creativity, and these three spots showcase its range from upscale to eclectic.

Q: Where do you shop for groceries? Or what are the 3 most popular?
A: I primarily go to Safeway because of the app and fuel points. I also like a store down the street from me called Leever's Locavore and Sprouts.

Translation:

• Safeway: Reliable, convenient, and great for saving money with fuel points.

• Leever’s Locavore: A local favorite for fresh produce and a community vibe.

• Sprouts: A go-to for organic and health-conscious options based in Phoenix, AZ.

Denverites have plenty of options for grocery shopping, from big chains to smaller, locally focused markets like Leever’s.

Q: Are there good farmers markets in the area?
A: Yes, there are two: one in City Park and one in the LoHi neighborhood.

Why you’ll love them:

• City Park Farmers Market: Held in one of Denver’s iconic green spaces, this market offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, and a chance to relax outdoors.

• LoHi Farmers Market: Located in the trendy Lower Highlands, this market blends urban energy with local charm.

If you’re visiting during the warmer months, hitting up a farmers market is a great way to experience the community and support local businesses.

Q: Best suburbs/area to live in?
A: I like the Louisville, Superior, and Lafayette areas. The south part of Denver metro where 470 and 25 meet has some good areas also.

Why these spots shine:

• Louisville, Superior, and Lafayette: These suburbs combine small-town charm with easy access to outdoor activities and great schools.

• South Denver Metro: Convenient for commuters and close to major highways, this area offers suburban living with proximity to the city.

Q: Best hike for beginners?
A: Any of the Boulder Flatirons hikes are great with not too much altitude. They'll get harder as you move into the mountains.

Pro Tip: Start with the Flatirons Vista or Chautauqua Trail. These hikes offer stunning views without requiring advanced skills or acclimation to high altitude.

Q: Best advanced hike?
A: Longs Peak

What to know: Longs Peak is one of Colorado’s famous “14ers” (peaks over 14,000 feet). It’s challenging and requires preparation, but the views from the top are unmatched

Q: Best place to ski?
A: Winter Park

Why Winter Park stands out:
It’s a favorite for its variety of runs and accessibility from Denver. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Winter Park has something for everyone, and it’s just a short drive from the city.

Q: What are some cons of living in Denver?
A: Denver has gotten extremely crowded, expensive, and the downtown area has definitely gone downhill due to a lot of homelessness and crime. It used to be a better downtown 10-20 years ago, but now I don't spend a lot of time there. The outdoors are the real draw to Colorado.

Q: How’s the traffic and cost of living?
A: Traffic has gotten worse since my first time in Colorado. There's a ton of transplants here so everyone drives differently. Denver metro and pretty much anything on the Front Range is extremely expensive. But Colorado's economy tends to offset that a little.

The Takeaway:
Denver offers incredible access to the outdoors, but it’s important to weigh the challenges of cost, traffic, and urban issues when considering a move there.

Plan Your Next Denver Adventure

Scott’s recommendations are a great starting point if you’re visiting Denver. Here are a few links to help you plan:

• Beginner Hikes in Boulder

• Beckon Denver

• Winter Park Ski Resort

• Denver’s Farmers Markets

Forwarded this email? Sign up here

How to Save on Audible in Under a Minute

If you’re an Audible member, here’s an easy way to save money—I just did this and saved $22.50 in less than a minute.

1. Log into Audible and start the “Cancel Membership” process.

2. Audible offered me $7.49/month for 3 months (regularly $14.95/month). That’s 50% off and $22.50 saved.

3. If you’re a frequent listener, you might see a 6-month prepaid offer for $49.99, get 6 credits instantly & save $40.00 total.

Not ready to spend? Check out Libby, the free app that lets you borrow audiobooks from your local library—it’s a great alternative for exploring new titles at no cost.

It’s quick, easy, and worth checking out. Let me know if it works for you!

Thanks for reading! If you’ve got a city in mind for the next edition or want to share your Denver favorites, hit reply and let me know.

Next week, I’m talking with Jayden Wong, the aviation YouTuber with 82k+ followers. He’s built something incredible—stay tuned. ✈️

Until next time,
Jeff

*I don’t make any money off links. They are just here for you. Please check them out!