University of Denver Autumn 2024

logo chocolate bars for special occasions or corporate events. Ziegler has long had a love for chocolate; she just took a bit of a winding path to get to where she is now. After graduating from DU, she spent a year in Guam and two years in Congo, eventually earning a master’s degree in theology in 2015. While she wasn’t totally sure what her career had in store, she always knew chocolate would be a part of her future. First working out of their dining room, she and her dad then spent a short time in a commissary kitchen before churning out chocolate in their church’s basement for about a year before moving to their current location. “I really love coming up with new flavors and putting things together and seeing how they come out,” Ziegler says— which explains the watermelon If playing a round is your kind of entertainment, the University of Denver Golf Club in Highlands Ranch is a beautiful course to spend a few hours improving your handicap. And for a kit fit for the links, look no further than alumni-owned women’s apparel company Prio Golf — named after eccentric British golfer Gloria Minoprio, who dared to wear trousers during a competition in the 1930s. If you’re looking for a more leisurely outing, take the Downtown Denver Public Art lime and gin fizz truffles. STRETCH YOUR LEGS TWO DIFFERENT WAYS

I really love coming up with new flavors and putting things together and seeing how they come out.”

KAREN ZIEGLER, Stargazer Fine Chocolates and Coffee

Cracked Pepper Pile-Up are just a few on the list—and don’t forget a milkshake. We recommend their location in the River North Art District (RiNo) so you can also explore the city’s creative hub. Pete Newlin (MBA ’11), co-founder of Gastamo Group, and his partner Jean-Philippe Failyau are the founders of several other Denver-based restaurants including Birdcall , Homegrown Tap & Dough , Perdida , Lady Nomada and Park & Co .

Walking Tour . You’ll see the famous towering sculpture called “I See What You Mean,” fondly nicknamed the Blue Bear— created by the late Lawrence Argent, who taught in the School of Art & Art History. LUNCH AT THE NEIGHBORHOOD BURGER BAR Self-described as “hi-qual food and low-key vibes,” Park Burger offers chef-inspired burgers—the Birria Burger, Getting Figgy Wit It and the

24

UNIVERSITY OF DENVER MAGAZINE | AUTUMN 2024