5280 Magazine

For over 30 years, 5280 magazine has served its readers as an essential guide to life in the Mile-High City and beyond. Throughout those three decades, the publication has stayed true to its original mission: proudly locally owned and strongly committed to delivering award-winning journalism that tells Denver’s story with authority and style. Each month, 5280 covers the greatest and latest in dining, culture, wellness, travel, and adventure content.

5280 Magazine

Belated Eulogy

DALIAH SINGER

Riding The Rails

Mystic Rhythms • At Itchy-O’s Hallowmass celebrations, Denver’s strangest art collective fuses dance, drums, and rituals.

The Show Goes On • A Boulder theater institution finds its footing in a new era.

GOATs On Ice • Three Pioneers looking to expand the University of Denver’s hockey heritage.

Ridge On The Rise • An influx of millennial residents in the 2010s caused Wheat Ridge’s median age to drop by 2.5 years. These five new and improved spots for fuel and fun in the western suburb only heighten its youthful appeal.

Coffee With A Cause

Tour Of Italy • With Gusto, chef and restaurateur Lon Symensma adds Italian cuisine to his Denver restaurant empire.

LAKE LIFE • Over the past few years, the neighborhoods around Sloan’s Lake have blossomed into coveted places to live. That’s thanks in part to all of the bars and restaurants that have opened in the area. If you want to spend the day eating and drinking in and around the district, this itinerary takes you from breakfast to dinner.

Buyer Beware • We were so excited about our new-build home—until we learned that new doesn’t necessarily mean improved.

BEST 25 RESTAURANTS • These are the eateries dishing out the tastiest bites—from crave-worthy birria tacos to elevated borscht to delectable dumplings—in Denver and beyond right now.

Death Comes FoR Us All BUT IT SHOULDN’T COME LIKE THIS • Over the past six years, Colorado’s funeral industry has made headlines for appalling acts of disrespect to both the dead and the living. Will recently passed legislation stop the atrocities, and how can we protect the ones we love even after they’re gone?

TIME OF DEATH • More than 110 years ago, in the interest of public health, Colorado created requirements for embalmers. Seven decades later, the state eliminated them. Recent events have prompted new rules.

WHEN THE UNTHINKABLE HAPPENS TO YOU • Grieving families say the hurt is inconceivable, but there’s anger, too.

Desecrated • Deplorable acts from a handful of funeral home operators have magnified the grief of hundreds of Colorado families. Here’s what happened—and where those cases stand now.

Death Notes • A practicing funeral director, 41-year-old Faith Haug is also the program chair of mortuary science at Arapahoe Community College (ACC), which has offered a mortuary science degree program for 30 years. We asked her about working in the death-care industry, her thoughts on how consumers should evaluate funeral homes, and why she thinks education is important.

THE NEW RULES TO DIE BY • Two laws that will remake the state’s funeral industry.

CUSTOMARILY SPEAKING • Religion, culture, and even geography influence how people want to commemorate death. Finding a funeral home that will honor those desires can be the difficult part.

Multiple-Choice Questions • Colorado is one of the most progressive states in the nation when it comes to how a person can legally be laid to rest. You just have to choose how you want to spend eternity.

COMPOSTING ANDY • Carrie Davis’ 42-year-old husband decided he wanted to be naturally reduced when he was sick with leukemia. When he died in November 2021, she honored his wishes.

FINAL HABITAT • A place where...