32 APRIL 4-10, 2024 westword.com WESTWORD | MUSIC & VENUES | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | SHOPPING & SERVICES | CONTENTS | you discover what they are, you’ll know why: The fl ecks are cremation ashes, which Rains adds to the glass so that people can display and honor their loved ones (people or pets) rather than keep them hidden away in an urn. Best Exorcist Chad Ripperger Society of the Most Sorrowful Mother, Keenesburg archden.org/rev-chad-alec-ripperger The devil you say! Yes, the Archdiocese of Denver has a priest who’s an exorcism ex- pert. In a video that’s been viewed more than a million times, Chad Ripperger describes one of the more frightening exorcisms he’s performed. “There was a full-blown, pre- ternatural manifestation right there, and the demon was screaming,” he says. “If that doesn’t strike the fear of God in you, nothing will.” Well, some of Ripperger’s other state- ments about how Hitler and homosexuality released “demons” in the world might give you a few chills, too. Best Matchmaker Karen Richards, Two Birds Fit 720-706-2888 twobirdsfi t.com Karen Richards started Two Birds Fit primarily as a fitness program, mostly involving activities around Sloan’s Lake, but it’s since morphed into a fi tness dating program, with bigger events that allow for meeting, greeting — and swiping right in real life. You pay a fee to join in the event, then get a chance to exercise your heart as you work out with dozens of like-minded singles. In this post-pandemic world, Rich- ards has found a way to connect in person. Best Place to Propose Denver Art Museum Roof Terraces 100 West 14th Avenue Parkway 720-865-5000 denverartmuseum.org Tell your beloved that you just want to see the incredible Petrie Institute of Western American Art collection on the seventh fl oor of the renovated Martin Building at the Denver Art Museum. But don’t stop there: After you’ve taken in the exhibit, head to the new rooftop terrace, which of- fers lofty views of downtown and the Front Range. The terrace was part of Gio Ponti’s original plan for the building more than fi fty years ago, but it wasn’t built until the recent renovation. This is the perfect spot for a selfi e, and the most romantic spot in Denver for a proposal. Best Place to Take the Plunge Portal Thermaculture 3550 Frontier Avenue, Boulder 720-925-2246 portalthermaculture.com “People who are new to thermaculture might mistake what we’re doing for a spa, but it’s really not. What we are offering is connection,” says Rory MacMurdo, who co-founded Portal Thermaculture with Will Dresher. The pop-up includes two Scandinavian saunas, three cold-plunge pools and a unique social environment, since it’s located on the back patio of Sani- tas Brewing Company. Along with the sau- nas and pools, you’ll fi nd a seating area with lockers and three curtained changing stalls. And after you’ve taken the plunge? How does a nice, cold beer sound? Best Place to Catch a Buzz Capella Ranch 9774 Phillips Road, Lafayette 303-249-2666 capellaranch.com The Peterson family came up with a honey of an idea when they decided to create an apiary, or collection of beehives, on their ranch in Lafayette. In countries like Ger- many and Slovenia, inhaling the aerosol created by bees in an apiary is an autho- rized treatment for respiratory diseases, but in the United States, Capella Ranch became just the third spot in the country to offer the experience when it opened. Just fi nishing its second season, it’s created quite a buzz; clients hang in one of four cus- tom-built huts complete with hives, where they’re lulled by the sound and scent of the bees. “I’m going to be out here all sum- mer, talking to people and enjoying them and hearing their stories,” says Carolyn Peterson, matriarch Shopping and Services continued from page 30 continued on page 36 GETT Y IMAGES/ ART-SKVORTSOVA
