Denver, Colorado

What’s Going On A Mile Above The Rest

As a former resident of Denver, it was easy to take for granted the beauty and simplicity of the city where I lived.  But as a New Yorker going back to visit Denver, it’s easy to see why Denver has been generating so much buzz lately.  Since the Democratic National Convention in August 2008, Colorado has been more of a tourist destination than ever.  With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the title of “skinniest state,” and being named #7 of CNN’s “100 Best Places To Live,” it’s time people turn their attention to the Mile High City.

When most people think of Colorado tourism, they think Aspen, Vail and Telluride.  But while the Rocky Mountains provide entertainment and fun year round, Denver is just as much of a destination as any luxurious mountain town.  The best time to visit Denver is in the summer, when there are plenty of activities to take a part in and the dry heat is perfect for walking around.  The evenings cool down to the perfect temperature for sipping Colorado-brewed beer outside or going for a walk along Cherry Creek.

For most people, a long weekend is just the right amount of time in Denver.  But it’s easy enough to fill a four-day weekend with activities in and around the city, especially during the summer.  Denver is extremely friendly for outdoor sports enthusiasts and people just looking to enjoy some sun.  If you stay in lower downtown (what the locals call LoDo), it’s simple to get around without a car.  If venturing outside of LoDo the occasional cab may be necessary, but they are extremely easy to find (especially on weekends!).  Along the 16th Street Mall runs the Free Mall Ride, a free bus that stops at every block from Riverfront Park to Civic Center Station, which marks the end of LoDo.

The perfect way to start off any Denver day is with brunch at the famous Mercury Cafe.  Serving only locally grown organic food, there’s something for everyone to love.  From the classics like eggs benedict to lamb huevos rancheros, no matter what you try your inner hippie will be satisfied.  Try one of their flavored mimosas — once you taste passion fruit or blueberry mixed with your champagne you’ll never go back to orange juice!  If you like it, come back on Sunday nights for Poetry Slam readings or on Friday nights for dance lessons in the dance hall above the restaurant.

From brunch, you can walk along California Street to the top of the 16th Street Mall.  This is Denver’s ultimate destination for people watching and one of the best places to enjoy your afternoon.  Walk through the Denver Pavilions for window shopping where you’ll find a huge variety of clothing, shoes and specialty shops.  For lunch nearby you can enjoy the patio and local brews at Paramount Cafe, the live music at Appaloosa Grill (owned by Denver’s hugely popular mayor, John Hickenlooper), or go for the famous cornbread served at the Rialto Cafe.

Afternoon activities are plenty as well, all within walking distance of the 16th Street Mall and the Free Mall Ride bus.  You can visit the Denver branch of the United States Mint, where more money is printed than anywhere else in the country (320 W. Colfax Avenue, 303-405-4761).  Don’t stop in to the Mint spontaneously though; reservations are required for all tours.  Near Civic Center Station you can visit the newly erected expansion of the Denver Art Museum, the Frederic C. Hamilton Building, which opened in 2006.

On the other end of LoDo sits Riverfront Park, a hip new part of downtown that is still being discovered by many locals.  The large bridge shaped like an uber-modern ship’s mast is called the Millennium  Bridge, and at the base of the bridge is simply known as The Plaza.   It’s the perfect place to spot local celebrities — so keep your eyes open for Colorado professional athletes and local personalities (if you know of any ahead of time!).

Denver is extremely pet-friendly, so join the ranks of dog lovers and take a stroll through Riverfront Park (you’ll see signs pointing you towards the park from The Plaza).  Make sure you bring a blanket for an impromptu picnic as most locals do, usually bringing along snacks and a Frisbee to toss around.

For the outdoorsy and adventurous types, take a short walk from Riverfront Park to Cherry Creek (you’ll be able to see the creek from the park).  It is perfectly acceptable to bring a bathing suit and wade in the river.  During the summer months, locals bring tubes and float in the creek with a book and some friends.  Make sure to bring a towel and a cover up — Colorado is known for its ever-changing and sometimes unexpected weather.

If you’ve had enough of Denver and are ready to venture into the Rockies, you don’t need to have a rental car.  Located in the heart of downtown, one of the most distinguishable landmarks is Union Station  (555 17th Street, 303-296-4754), where you can catch the Ski Train.

The train runs yearlong, and the scenery is unlike any you would ever see with a car.  Starting in Denver, the train runs to the ski town Winter Park and back again.  Whether you bring your skis in the winter or your camera in the summer, the Ski Train is a can’t-miss experience that is unique to Colorado and the Rockies only.  Be sure to check their website (www.skitrain.com/), as schedules and fares differ from winter to summer and trains can book up quickly on weekends.

Once back in Denver, you won’t find a shortage of nightlife no matter where you are in the city.  In the summer, don’t miss the Theorie (1920 Market Street, 303-325-3199).  Inside it’s just like any other bar, but the garage-like front windows open to reveal a heaven-like patio prime for people watching (and sipping the best dirty martinis in town!).  Right down the street from the Tavern, you’ll find one of Denver’s most infamous dive bars, El Chapultepec (1962 Market Street, 303-295-9126).  While the venue is nothing special, the live music and no-frills drinks keep the locals coming back every weekend.

But if you really want to go the local route, end your night at Pete’s Kitchen (1962 E. Colfax Avenue, 303-321-3139).  This 24-hour eatery is packed between the hours of 2am and 4am, when the bars close and the weekend crowd hones in.  It’s too far of a walk from most bars, so take a cab, cash (no credit cards accepted), and order the breakfast burrito.