Jeff Waraniak, Contributor

Jeff Waraniak is a former assistant editor for 5280. Before moving from his hometown of Detroit to Denver in 2017, he worked as an associate editor at Hour Detroit magazine where some memorable pieces included a profile of Paul Bunyan, a ride along with an eccentric Detroit cab driver, and an exploration of Detroit-style pizza through the five senses. Since graduating from the University of Michigan, his writing has appeared online and in print in places like Chicago Magazine, Thrillist.com, and National Geographic books. A proud Michigander, Jeff enjoys craft cocktails, breakfast burritos, hockey, and mountain biking…all at the same time.

Author Article Archive

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Leave Colorado?

One Subaru-driving writer grapples with his sense of identity as he realizes his dream state isn't what he thought it would be.

By Jeff Waraniak

Take a Day Trip to Evergreen

Escape the Denver hubbub with a quick trip to this well-rounded mountain town.

By Jeff Waraniak

The Best Camera Bags to Capture Adventure in Colorado

Now there’s no excuse for going on an adventure without your (D)SLR camera.

By Jeff Waraniak

Real Estate Guide 2018: Make the Most of a Smaller Space

Denver offers its fair share of easy-to-manage abodes. Plus, three ways to optimize a smaller space.

By Jeff Waraniak, Jessica LaRusso

Real Estate Guide 2018: Ace Your Home Inspection

Local experts weigh in on which imperfections you should live with and what flaws should you have the courage to walk away from.

By Jeff Waraniak

The Realist’s Guide to Denver Real Estate

In recent years, Denver’s ultra-hot real estate market has transitioned from merely ridiculous to completely absurd. It’s time to stop complaining about it and learn how to make the best of a less-than-ideal market.

By Jeff Waraniak

Tracee Metcalfe, Vail Doctor and Everest Summitter, Talks Mountain Medicine

Tracee Metcalfe Dishes About Doctoring Near Everest's Death Zone

By Jeff Waraniak

My Trash-Filled Ode to the South Platte River

Every Denverite needs a natural place to retreat and recharge. For me, it's a two-mile stretch of the South Platte—if I don't look too closely.

By Jeff Waraniak

Need a New Read? Check Out the Denver Zine Library

The Curtis Park gem is a hub for independent publishers and creatives.

By Jeff Waraniak

Colorado’s Greatest Hits

We looked back on the past 100 years of music in the Centennial State to identify our most memorable songs by decade.

By Jeff Waraniak

Artificial Intelligence Is Here To Help

Using AI, these three Colorado groups are working to help improve life at home or in the work place.

By Jeff Waraniak

First Person: Daytripping With CDOT’s Bustang

For budget travelers, the purple coach bus is a relaxing, reliable, and adventurous transportation option. Trust me—I tried it.

By Jeff Waraniak

Meet the Man Behind Your Favorite Ski Trail Maps

Chances are, if you've skied Breckenridge, Winter Park, or almost any other major resort in the world, artist Jim Niehues has helped you navigate your way down the mountain.

By Jeff Waraniak

The Ultimate Guide to Colorado Distilleries: Local Gin Taste Test

The Colorado bottles that belong in your liquor cabinet, chosen by a few of our favorite local barkeeps.

By Jeff Waraniak

A World of Difference

In the dark days of winter, these Centennial State groups show us how Coloradans are brightening lives around the globe.

By Jeff Waraniak

The 5 Best Moments in Colorado Winter History

Not all winters are created equally, as shown by this roundup of frosty Centennial State memories.

By Jeff Waraniak

The Coors Western Art Show Celebrates 25 Years

As always, don't expect to find pastoral depictions of the West.

By Jeff Waraniak

Can Cortez Motocross Racer Eli Tomac Snag Another Championship?

Last year, the 25-year-old was just a race away from winning his first 450cc supercross title. This year, he's ready to race full-throttle toward victory.

By Jeff Waraniak

5280 Neighborhood Guide: East Colfax

Denver's East Colfax community promises eclectic eats, retreats, and history.

By Jeff Waraniak

First Person: Buying Happiness

Millennials spend more money on self-care than any other generation, but that doesn't mean the investment is paying off. Trust me. I'm a millennial.

By Jeff Waraniak

Will Colorado Ski Resorts Be Short Staffed This Winter?

As the Trump Administration entertains the idea of cutting federal visa programs, seasonal workers might be harder to find.

By Jeff Waraniak

The New Ski Bum Is No Slacker

What does a ski bum do when it’s time to build a career? Find a co-working space, enter the tech world, and embrace the entrepreneurial spirit—all without leaving the mountains.

By Jeff Waraniak

Who Will Replace Hickenlooper As Colorado’s Governor?

A year out from election day, we predict the odds that these eight candidates have of becoming our next governor.

By Jeff Waraniak

Meet Teenage Poultry Farmer Rawley Godsey

The Bennett Middle Schooler positively loves his business partners: chickens and turkeys.

By Jeff Waraniak

A New Cycling Board Game is Coming to Your Local Bike Shop

Alex Bishop's tabletop board game, Glory Gears, packs in the all the thrills—and spills—of cycling.

By Jeff Waraniak

Gift Guide 2017: 38 Splurge-Worthy Gifts From Your Favorite State

For your loved ones who’ve been extra nice, we dreamed up an enticing array of Centennial State indulgences. These splurges may not be items you could justify buying for yourself (although we won’t judge you if you do!), but that’s exactly what makes them great for giving.

By Jeff Waraniak, Jessica LaRusso