Single in the City

Denver's 24 hottest catches give you the lowdown on who they're looking for. Plus, local love experts expose the most common roadblocks to romance in the Mile-High City.

1. Lauren Y. Casteel, 55
VP/Philanthropic Executive, Denver Foundation
Weekend whereabouts: At a friend's ranch off of Kenosha Pass. Once-in-a-lifetime moment: Being at Invesco watching Obama during his DNC speech, knowing I was part of something so important. Part of my charm: I miss the art of letter writing. I'm a little techno-challenged. Deal-breaker: Intolerance of other cultures or life circumstances, elitism in any form, or someone who needs me to love everything they love. Favorite books: Alice Walker's The Color Purple, Anne Lamott's Traveling Mercies. Biggest influence: My mom and dad—he was a national civil rights leader. My children have also been my greatest teachers.

2. Gina Comminello, 49
Professional makeup guru; Co-owner of the Look Beauty Boutique
I'm a sucker for: A strong nose and great smile. Deal-breaker: Socks and sandals, bad hygiene, emotionally devoid people. Rainy-day activity: Denver Art Museum, taking a bubble bath, drawing, or painting. You'd never guess: I like to camp and fly-fish. Nickname: G-Girl. Celeb crush: Richard Gere and Matt Lauer. Anyone that looks kind of like a koala bear. Biggest accomplishment: I've raised two beautiful boys; I also took a huge chance in leaving Chanel and Dior to open my own cosmetics company.

3. Marti Awad, 41
VP, Merrill Lynch
Weekend whereabouts: With my nieces and nephews, hiking in Morrison, hanging with friends on a bike ride or at dinner. You'd never guess: I hate chocolate but could eat a whole bag of salt-and-vinegar potato chips in one sitting. Part of my charm: I love a good debate, especially one I can win. Nickname: Smarti. Deal-breaker: Negativity. Biggest accomplishment: Getting my master's in law and taxation. On the bucket list: At least a month of philanthro-tourism overseas.

4. Frances Owens, 55
Executive VP for Community Affairs, Galloway Group
Great night out: Romantic dinner—Campo de Fiori has a great atmosphere—live music, dancing. I'm so over: Men who only want to date women who are 20 or 30 years younger than them. Rainy-day activity: A romantic comedy with lots of popcorn and diet Dr. Pepper. Secret hobby: Decorating, quilting, painting, sewing, photography. Nickname: My kids all call me Mamacita. I'm looking for: I want to be somebody's passion. You'd never guess: I'm kind of a homebody. On the bucket list: Cross-country road trip; own a seasonal shop.

5. Elbra Wedgeworth, 53
Chief Government and Community Affairs Officer, Denver Health; President and Chair of the Board, Denver 2008 Convention Host Committee
Great night out: Sharing a wonderful Chardonnay and talking about anything and everything. Best date spot:. M&D's Cafe in my east Denver Whittier neighborhood. I'm a sucker for: An old-fashioned kind of guy who brings you flowers, pays for dinner, and opens the car door. Weekend whereabouts: Home—it's my sanctuary. Secret hobby: I collect African-American memorabilia, especially politically themed. On the bucket list: Elect the first African-American president of the United States—accomplished!

6. Hilary Martin, 38
Communications/PR
Great night out: Biking to downtown Boulder, happy hour on a roof deck, hitting the Boulder Outdoor Cinema, eating gelato. Once-in-a-lifetime moment: Rafting class V rapids in the Ugandan Nile. Fantasy vacation: Nepal like a local: white-water rafting, elephant-back safari, paragliding, trekking the Annapurna. You'd never guess: I was interviewed for the second season of Survivor. Part of my charm: I come with dog hair. My Lab has thyroid problems. I always want to Flowbee him. Confession: I went to an NKOTB concert last weekend. iPod embarrassment: "MMMBop" by Hanson. On the bucket list: Attend the Olympics.