You really have to check this place out: Weekend Doggie Double

Matt and Mary took BlogDog to the Bass Pro Shop, a massive hunting/fishing extravaganza, just off 70 West.

Climbing wall? Of course.

In-store dining options? Several.

Camouflage coats, tents, backpacks and living room furniture sets? You betcha.

21,000 gallon aquarium with catfish that looked 21,000 years old? Check.



Taxidermy so impressive that Mary overcame her distaste for stuffed dead animals and admitted it was pretty cool? Yes, it's true.

By the end, BlogDog was breathless with over-stimulation.

Bright lights, wet city

BlogDog took an evening walk past the D & F Clocktower on the 16th St. Mall.

The 325-foot tower is modeled after St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy. Built in 1910 (or 1911, depending on which web site you look at,) it was home to the formerly prestigious -- but now long gone --Daniels and Fisher department store.

Awash in red, white and blue lights, it was a beacon of cheer on this rainy night.

Where was BlogDog Wednesday?

Look yonder, down the alley and spot the sweet puppy, BlogDog.

For this edition of "Where was BlogDog Wednesday?" -- can you identify where BlogDog is running free?

To find out, click here.

In support of vegetables

BlogDog visited the West Washington Park Community Garden, an outpost of Denver Urban Gardens at 201 Grant Ave. D.U.G. is a non-profit group that manages more than 80 community gardens in the Denver area.

Although BlogDog wouldn't eat a vegetable if it were the last food in the city, BlogDog supports the group's mission of building communities and providing locally grown produce to urban neighborhoods.

Can we leave now?

Like many dogs, BlogDog does not like explosive noises, such as gun shots, backfiring cars or fireworks. After hearing a loud bang, he barks (which is unusual for BlogDog) and is reluctant to go outside for a while.

Although Olde Glory Fireworks on 55th and Federal was closed for the evening when BlogDog arrived, BlogDog's wary demeanor convinced Matt that BlogDog knew there were fireworks nearby.

After looking at the pictures, its hard to completely discount that idea.

Oh, happy horsey day

Today, BlogDog joined the ranks of thousands of tourists and young lovers who have enjoyed horse and carriage rides on the 16th St. Mall.

The very nice driver said she regularly charges $25 for half an hour (or something like that,) but couldn't take us anywhere today because she was under contract with a bride and groom. However, she did agree to accept Matt's offer of five bucks to let BlogDog pose for a quick photo.

There's a new festival every weekend

BlogDog was out for a walk when he crossed paths with the March for Jesus. When he followed the parade to its destination in Civic Center Park, he came across what seemed to be a Dance for Jesus.

Having never been to such an event, he stopped to check it out.

Lions and tigers and sharks: Weekend Doggie Double

As Matt and Mary drove to the Downtown Aquarium at 700 Water St. in Denver, they imagined how BlogDog would react if he were introduced to sea turtles or sharks. They pictured his ears and tail perking up as he sniffed intensely.

As dogs are not invited into this restaurant/tourist attraction, BlogDog never did meet up with any real sea animals. The six foot plastic shark outside didn't elicit any response from BlogDog, although it quite amused Mary.

Money troubles?

BlogDog visited the United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Colorado, at 19th and Stout.

Although Mary imagined all the stress and tension steeping inside the gold doors, BlogDog seemed as happy and carefree as ever.

"Such are the advantages of being a dog," Mary thought.

Where was BlogDog Wednesday?

Welcome, welcome, welcome to "Where was BlogDog Wednesday?" It's your chance to use your Denver knowledge to identify where BlogDog was in the photo above.

To find out the answer, click here.

To make the Forest Room even better...

At 2532 15th St., just on the west side of Highway 25 in the Highlands, is a popular restaurant named Forest Room 5.

Like any restaurant of which BlogDog approves, there is outside seating and a fence to which you can tie your dog.

Although, to be honest, he would approve even more of a place that let you bring your dog inside to sit beneath the table and very politely lay his head on your lap in case you drop any food.

Mile High sky

Some times, BlogDog gets tired of getting in the car on a week night to take photos around the city.

And some times, like this evening, he is really glad he picked his head up from his food bowl to appreciate his surroundings.

You're perfect just the way your are, BlogDog

BlogDog knows many beautiful ladies and gents who get their hair cut at Blondies on 6th Ave. and Detroit in the Cherry Creek neighborhood.

Their web site describes the shop as a "hip, vibrant hair salon" so BlogDog wanted to see what they could offer a hip, vibrant pup such as himself. However, the shop is closed on Sunday.

The life of a city dog: Weekend Doggie Double

If BlogDog were a country pup, he would spend his days frolicking in lakes and lapping water from cool streams.

As a urban canine, he passes hot summer days at the fountain at City Park and drinking water where he can find it.

The last lick of the cone: Ice Cream Week

Matt, Mary and BlogDog waited in line at Liks Ice Cream at 13th Ave. and Race St. They were tired and not sure they needed more frozen dairy products.

But all it took was one taste of their sundaes and they regained their passion. The chocolate turtle ice cream with hot fudge sauce caused them to briefly consider if Ice Cream Week should be a monthly feature.

However, this is the last lick of the cone at Ice Cream Week at mydogindenverdaily.com. Thank you to all of you who took the time to leave a comment during BlogDog's festival of frosty sweetness. Your comments are always a treat!

Getting some at Sweet Action: Ice Cream Week

There are lots of reasons to groove on Sweet Action Ice Cream at 52 Broadway.

The shop scoops out a satisfying selection of flavors, including an abundance chocolate varietals. The interior is bright and spacious. And you gotta give it bonus points for being locally-owned and green-friendly.

Mary declared it to be a bonbon of a ice cream emporium.

BlogDog could not have been more thrilled with his experience there as well.

Where was BlogDog Wednesday?: Ice Cream Week

It's "Where was BlogDog Wednesday?" Ice Cream Week edition.

If you have any fondness at all for ice cream, Ben and Jerry's needs no introduction. This drab shop contains some of the most delicious ice cream in town.

Can you identify which shop BlogDog visited in the photo above?

To find out, click here.

Get your daily scoop: Ice Cream Week

On the second day of Ice Cream Week, BlogDog headed to The Daily Scoop on 12th Ave. and Madison. He wasn't sure if he would get to sample the frozen yumminess, so he brought his bone.

The Daily Scoop sells frozen custard, which the website describes as premium ice cream with extra egg yolk added to enhance the smoothness and flavor. Offerings include a special flavor of the day, which could be anything from the unfortunate sounding Black Forrest Cheesecake to the divine classic, Chocolate Brownie.

Mary was highly suspicious of frozen custard, but is now a believer. Her sundae was delicious and the prices were very reasonable.

BlogDog's take: There were mini dog treats in the bowl on the table and a big water dish outside. This place is dog-friendly and therefore awesome.

Oh, yeah! It's Ice Cream Week

As the dog days of summer tumble by, BlogDog decided he should host his own festival. He approached Matt and Mary with his proposals.

"How about a Skateboard Chasing Celebration?" he asked. "Or a Squirrel Hunting Jamboree?"

Mary gently vetoed these ideas, but suggested a week-long event on which she and BlogDog could agree.

So, welcome to the First Ice Cream Week at mydogindenverdaily.com! Monday through Friday this week will be dedicated to highlighting Denver shops where you can enjoy frozen dairy delights. BlogDog will showcase a new shop each day and offer with a micro-review to guide you if you want to pick up a frosty treat-o-rama for yourself this week.

BlogDog's first stop was Bonnie Brae Ice Cream. Located at University and Ohio, this shop makes its ice cream on premise.

Mary didn't find their chocolate sufficiently chocolatey, but they must be doing something right because the shop consistently win awards and there was a line out the door.

BlogDog's input: I didn't get any ice cream here, but there was a good crowd who were eager to pet a cute mutt.

Art in the park

Matt, Mary and BlogDog checked out the Black Arts Festival at City Park this afternoon. The event offered live dance and song performances, as well health testing, environmental information and art work for sale.

Mary most enjoyed the pictures (shown above) made from silk threads. Matt was fascinated by the booth offering a "breathing test" and challenged Mary to a breathing contest.

BlogDog didn't seem to have a strong preference for any part of the festival. His primary interest was finding some shade to rest.

Everybody loves a good book

After a long weekend of parties last weekend, BlogDog, Matt and Mary relaxed today.

A little reading was in order, so they headed to the Denver Public Library in Bonnie Brae neighborhood.

Even though he can't read, BlogDog seemed pretty excited to be there.

Don't see any rules against chasing squirrels: Weekend Doggie Double

BlogDog was a bit surprised to find a Ten Commandments Monument in Civic Center Park, just a 100 yards from the state capitol building.

He thought he should get a better angle on the monument and try to figure out if it violated any principles of separation of church and state.

Apparently, the Colorado State Supreme Court already debated the issue back in 1995 and gave the monument the legal thumbs up.

Better check out the best burger

BlogDog was feeling jaunty tonight due to the lovely evening and his visit to The Cherry Cricket on 2nd Ave. and Clayton Lane.

Earlier in July, 5280 Magazine awarded this dive bar serving burgers a la carte in swanky Cherry Creek North the readers' choice award for top burger in the Mile High City.

"Good stuff," agreed BlogDog.

Where was BlogDog Wednesday?

It's "Where was BlogDog Wednesday?" at my dog in denver daily.com. Can you identify this spot where the sun cast a glow upon our beloved pooch?'

Hint: If you are a big club-goer, you may have passed through this elaborate red door.

To find out where he was, click here.

Happy with the blue collar

Dog Savvy, a doggie boutique on Larimer Square, overflowed with canine accessories. The shop offered enough colors and patterns of collars to boggle BlogDog's mind.

He considered replacing his blue collar, but decided the options at the shop were all a little too precious and might mess with his street cred.

The celebration continues

Spoiled from a weekend of cookouts with Matt, BlogDog was unwilling to give up the dream of attending a barbecue every night for the rest of the summer.

He headed to Oliver's Meats on 6th Ave. and Marion St. for some more burgers.

No snoozing for this pup

Snooze is a wildly popular brunch place on 22nd and Larimer in the Ballpark neighborhood. During prime hours or any time the morning after a holiday that involves all day drinking, the wait to taste Snooze's Spuds Deluxe or Namaste Pancakes can exceed an hour.

Since BlogDog does not like to wait, he got there early. It may have been a bit too early, as they were not open yet.

Happy Fourth of July!

BlogDog prefers his celebrations sans loud explosions, so he didn't attend any fireworks today. But that didn't stop him from showing his patriotic spirit and honoring our flag.

He is proud to be from the land of opportunity, where an average-sized mutt from the pound can grow up to have his own blog and 62 fans on Facebook.

If you are not already a member of Fans of BlogDog at mydogindenverdaily.com, consider taking an extra moment this holiday weekend to join. That would totally rock.

Advance work for the Fourth of July: Weekend Doggie Double

BlogDog got to Four Mile Historic Park on S. Forest St. to survey the scene in advance of the Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration tomorrow.

At first, Mary thought he wanted to scope out the best viewpoint to catch the reading of the Declaration of Independence scheduled for 1 pm.

But then she realized he was assessing how he might get into one of the tents to hide in case fireworks start to blast. Although BlogDog loves his country, he does not like fireworks.

Getting a little daffy with diners

BlogDog has pimped for pork at Pete's Kitchen and dallied at the Denver Diner. Today, he chose to chill at Rocky Mountain Diner on 18th and Stout.

You could deduce he delight in diners. You could also argue he is exhibiting an absurd affection for alliteration.

Where was BlogDog Wednesday?

Each Wedneday, BlogDog visits a new place -- and you get to test your Denver know-it-ness!

Can you identify where BlogDog is sniffing around in this photo?

To find out, click here.