Recipe for a Fun-Filled Fourth

If you haven't booked your trip to Mount Rushmore yet, good for you. Skip the six hour drive, the long lines and crowded, over-priced inns, and enjoy a three-day activity-filled weekend right here in Denver.

The festivities start early with fireworks over Coors Field on July 3^rd (they have them on the 4^th too, but why wait?). Scour Stubhub.com and Ebay for some last minute deals. The best seats are center/left outfield or Rock Pile, because these seats gain access to the field. Cheer for the Rockies as they play the Marlins, then bring your picnic blanket and spread out on the grass where they just played, for a magnificent display of fireworks.

Next day, bring your kids to Four Mile Historic Park for a little bit of history and a lot of fun. Open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., the park offers a piece of frontier past with pioneer exhibits, horse-drawn carriages, music, food and games. The entrance fee is $7 for adults and $4 for students/seniors, but members and anyone under 5 can enjoy the park for free. Visit www.fourmilepark.org for more information on the park and membership.

After the park, take a drive across town to Red Rocks Amphitheatre for the Blues Travelers traditional 4^th of July concert. Enjoy a live concert in one of the best outdoors venues in the world while you gaze out across Denver. There's a great view of the downtown fireworks from here after the concert. Tickets $45 at the door.

On Saturday, more cultural explorations. Head to Elway's in Cherry Creek for their delicious brunch menu, then cross the street and you're at the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Stroll the streets as you enjoy exhibits of local talent and worldwide artists. The festival runs July 4^th-7^th and is free (but bring your wallet in case you fall in love with a piece of art).

Saturday night, get a sitter and try a new take on date night. Burlesque As It Was is performing "WWII USO Burlesque Show: Stars and Striptease" at the Soiled Dove in Lowry. A little bit old school pin-up glamour, a little bit naughty bedroom humor, and lots of entertainment, courtesy of Big Mama Red and her talented dancers. Show starts at 9 p.m. but doors open at 8 p.m. - be sure to get there early so you can chat with the dancers before the show. Tickets are $20, and the Soiled Dove has a great food and drinks menu.

After all these activities, you'll deserve a good rest on Sunday. Sleep in, and then invite some friends over for a low-key BBQ. If you can't do your own, Caldonia's Bar-B-Que in southeast Denver offers the right laid-back feeling with tasty ribs on the menu, sports on TV and volleyball courts right outside. Happy Hour runs daily 4p.m.-7p.m. and again from 10p.m. to midnight.