In the City | Tony's Takes Photography

The Colorado state capitol building in downtown Denver at night. (© Tony’s Takes)

I tend to think that we have one of the prettiest capitol buildings in the union. Its classic architecture topped by the gold dome really is something to see.

Of course throw in the fact that the words “ONE MILE ABOVE SEA LEVEL” are engraved on the 15th step of the building to remind everyone they are in the Mile High City is pretty cool as well.

There are actually two additional markers on the steps. One on the 18th step was installed in 1969 when CSU engineering students determined the original marker was too low. Then, in 2003, a third marker was installed on the 13th step as modern measurements using GPS determined what should be truly 5,280 feet above sea level.

This image was taken a few weeks ago during a nighttime excursion to downtown Denver.

Denver's Union Station showing off its holiday light display. (© Tony’s Takes) — Denver’s Union Station showing off its holiday light display. (© Tony’s Takes)

I meant to share these before the start of the new year and forgot! The day before Christmas Eve I headed out very early in the morning to capture some of the holiday lights in the Mile High City. Two iconic spots were my prime focus – Union Station and the 16th Street Mall.

Both looked absolutely gorgeous in their brilliantly lit displays. At the mall, the famous Daniels & Fisher Tower was lit up in red and green. Union Station had a similar color scheme and a beautiful display out front.

Getting out there early meant a minimum of traffic and people – and parking was easy. 😉