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Deputy Editor

Jessica LaRusso

Deputy Editor

As 5280‘s deputy editor, Jessica LaRusso proofreads the magazine cover to cover and makes sure every issue gets to the printer on time. She also edits and writes features on topics ranging from dinosaur fossils to the local disc golf scene; her Colorado stargazing guide was a finalist for an ASME National Magazine Award in 2023. A 2021 Folio: Top Women in Media Up and Comer honoree, LaRusso grew up in northern Indiana and studied at the University of Notre Dame before trading the Midwest for the mountains. She joined 5280 full time in 2012 and lives in Arvada, where she loves hosting backyard dinner parties and watching her toddler eat peas and tomatoes straight from the garden.

Articles By Jessica LaRusso

Woman playing padel outside

5 Reasons Why Pickleball Fans Should Try Padel

We let Robert Gurolnick, the director of padel at Parker Racquet Club—home to the only four courts in the state—school us on the rapidly growing sport. Here’s why newbies should take his free Padel 101 clinic, too.

A rack of premade sets at Hall of Justice Comics & Collectibles

The 6 Best Comic Book Stores in Denver

From welcoming shops for comic-curious newbies to collectors’ paradises, these are our favorite comic book stores in and around the Mile High City.

Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs

The (Not-So-Touristy) Guide to Garden of the Gods

With 1,367 acres of the most striking—and most accessible—scenery in the state, Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is a magnet for tourists and Coloradans alike. From where to park to which trails to hike to restaurants nearby to places to stay overnight, here’s how to enjoy the park any time of year.

The 6 Best New Denver Hotels

Whether you’re a baseball fan, a shopaholic, or just in need of some self-care, we have a Denver staycation itinerary that’s perfect for you.

Deion Sanders at Folsom Field

5 Ridiculous National Takes on the CU Buffs and Deion Sanders

And why we really, really want to believe they’re wrong.

A pizzaiolo makes a pizza at Pizzeria Locale

Why Pizzeria Locale’s Closure is a Big Blow to the Denver Food Scene

When the fast-casual Neapolitan chain shuttered its five Denver locations in mid-July, it left 11-inch-diameter holes in many diners’ hearts—and took away one of the city’s best options for affordable, good pizza.

A Dinosaur Lover’s Guide to Colorado

Very old rock and a dry climate give the American West one of the richest fossil records in the world. We dug into the history of dinosaur discoveries in the Centennial State, where to see the coolest bones and tracksites, and what Coloradans who study the remains of Earth’s prehistoric inhabitants are learning today.

pickleball

How to Play Pickleball in Denver

From what gear you need to where to find courts to which leagues to join, we put together a beginner’s guide to playing the rapidly growing sport of pickleball in Denver.

The 983 Big Cheesy at Cherry Cricket.

The Best Burgers in Denver and Beyond

Check out our updated list of favorite restaurants serving crave-worthy renditions of the bun-and-protein combo, including 15 new additions.

Oliver Niño sits on a rock by a river

Colorado-Based Healer Oliver Niño on How To Clear and Protect Your Energy

In his new book, Oliver Niño, aka the Spiritual Activator, outlines some of the strategies—from child’s pose to crystals—he teaches to online and in-person students from his southwestern Colorado retreat center.

Celebrate Spring With These Colorful Denver-Designed Throw Pillows

Sarita Krishnamurthy’s passion project combines her South Asian heritage with her eye for color and pattern.

50 Things Every Colorado Kid Must Do

With cultural experiences that range from world-class to delightfully weird and the recreation-rich Rockies just a Thule-adorned Subaru ride away, young Denverites have no excuse to sit at home behind screens.

A Local’s Guide to Eating and Drinking in Olde Town Arvada

Olde Town Arvada’s pedestrian-friendly blocks are blossoming into a culinary hot spot. Here are 22 of the best spots to grab a bite or a beverage.

The Wild & Sacred Feminine Deck

How to Celebrate Galentine’s Day With Your Besties in the Mile High City

From a sacred-feminine-focused oracle deck to a dress-as-your-ex-themed brunch, here are five ways to show your best friends some love on February 13, aka Galentine’s Day.

The Best of the Mountain West 2022

These 23 people, places, and things exemplify the spirit and lifestyle of the Rocky Mountains.

Two kids ski corduroy at Purgatory Resort

How to Make the Most of Colorado Ski Country USA’s Kids Ski Passport

This year, Colorado Ski Country USA—whose member resorts include locals’ favorites Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, and Winter Park—expanded its kids Ski Passport program to include third through sixth graders. Here, a guide to which hills to hit for family-friendly attractions.

Tommy Brown poses shirtless in Shinesty boxers with woman model and football

Meet Tommy Brown, College Football’s First Professional Underwear Supermodel

We caught up with CU offensive lineman Tommy Brown to talk about his new NIL partnership with Denver underwear maker Shinesty.

Back and white cat surrounded by pumpkins

Halloween for Weenies: 10 Festive but Not Actually Scary Things to Do in Denver

From silent discoing in costume to carving pumpkins with cats, here’s how to celebrate the year’s spookiest holiday in Denver—sans the jump scares.

Central City Cemetery's black iron gate

Central City: Central City Cemetery

Century-old grave markers dot this easy, meandering hike through aspen-filled Central City Cemetery.

How Small Aesthetic Upgrades Are Paying Off Big for Sellers in Denver’s Cooling Real Estate Market

One local interior designer turned broker shares how she uses paint, lighting, and staging to get her clients top dollar for their homes—even amidst the current market slowdown.

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