Best of the West: Critics Picks Entertainment

Best trend in art: Paint and drink spots

We always knew we were more creative after a cocktail, and now places like Whimsy in Erie and Posh in Boulder are allowing us to prove it. These businesses offer painting classes and drinking for an activity that you will never be able to forget thanks to the new
painting hanging in your bathroom.

Best Open Mic in East County: Nissi’s

From high schoolers doing Glee-like mash-ups and singer-songwriter chicks on the piano to poets and comedians, Nissi’s open mic has a little something for everyone…even if you’re a fan of political poetry, adult humor, Sara Bareilles and Mr. Shu.

Best fast-forgotten Colorado celebrity: Tim Tebow

God’s quarterback is now just a very short chapter in Colorado’s history book—just like Balloon Boy and Ward Churchill. So long Tebow, it was nice
knowing you. It’s all Manning Mania now!

Best musical legacy: Fox Theater

The Fox turned 20 this winter, and we had to give the great local venue a shout out. Thanks for being here for us. We can’t wait for the next 20 years

Most likely to be CU’s newest public relations nightmare: Yuri Wright

Yuri Wright was a high school football phenom set to attend one of the nation’s top football schools…until he tweeted his misogynistic inner thoughts, sexual encounters and thuggish behaviors. He then lost his scholarship to Michigan and got kicked out of school. Who would take on such a kid? Our CU Buffs. He just better not talk smack about Ralphie. She’s a lady.

Best way to drink and ride: My Handle Bar

Have you ever thought to yourself, “Should I have a beer or should I go for a bike ride?” That will never be an issue again. MyHandleBar is a bike-bar that seats 16 people for brew tours and pub crawls. And don’t worry, there’s a sober steerer.

Most electable: Brandon Schaffer

OK, so this isn’t an endorsement. We’re just really excited to see what the president of the Colorado State Senate, Brandon Schaffer, can do if he gets to Washington, D.C. It’s like waiting to see if your cool yet responsible favorite uncle wins his bowling league.

Best thing to hit Erie since paved streets: Front Range Velodrome

Erie is like this little town in limbo: Once a rough mining town, Erie must now figure out what its future looks like. There’s one certainty—it’s gonna have one hell of a cycling community. The future Olympic-sized Front Range Velodrome will ensure that.