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I admit it, I love my hometown of Denver-flaws and all. If I were to move I would move for awhile to New York City (like for 2 months) or to South America for 9 months but I would always come back because it’s home. And, I saw this with all seriousness…
Denver and Colorado Rock!
It has crazy weather, crazy people, and a giant blue devil horse statue that we call “Blucifer” that killed its maker (seriously) to welcome you as you leave Denver International Airport.
It is very easy to have a fun, frugal, and pretty epic trip in Denver and here are a few thoughts/suggestions and ideas for you to use during your next trip. All suggestions are from July until September.
What To Bring
Let’s be clear. Colorado people are really active. It’s not a cliche. It’s a very real thing. You will very likely be asked to go a hike, hop on a bike, or walk more than you’re used to and you will be slightly bemused and baffled by how many people around you are constantly doing the same.
- Active Wear-You need to have a comfortable pair of shoes for hiking/walking or both. Also, a sturdy and functional backpack. If you will be here for at least 3-4 weeks and hiking a lot you will need a water bottle as well. Please note: your Hiking shoes
* should be broken before your trip!
* should be broken before your trip!- Clothing-You need to plan for more than one season in one day. We are moving towards the heart of summer so it’s pretty safe to say that it’s going to be pretty hot. However, the temperatures will drop the higher you go in altitude. Basically, if you plan on going to the mountains have a hoodie and other items that you can layer. Just in case.
What To Do
There is so much to do that I find myself triple and quadrupled book on some days. Please DO NOT only go to the 16th Street Mall and walk up and down and consider that visiting Denver.
It’s not.
Like most cities you have to dig a little deeper.
Neighborhoods to visit:
- RiNo (River North)-There are tons of bars, amazing murals, Coors Field, and breweries. You can walk to this area please note that there are 2 blocks close to this are with some homeless
- LoHi-(Lower Highlands) It’s pretty easy to walk to from Union Station.
- The Baker District-Lots of Hipsters and Magical Goodwill. If you’re a guy step into Steadbrook for nice clothes and fabulous coffee. You would take the 0 bus from Union Station.
- 32nd and Lowell-I love this area!
- City Park-Is where the zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science are located. It also has a golf course. I’ve played it and it’s a lot of fun. You would take the #20 bus to get there.
Day Trips
- Boulder-Fantastic day trip. I grew up here and even though sometimes it makes me crazy, no trip to Denver would be complete without visiting Boulder. You can walk up and down the Pearl Street Mall and grab a fantastic cup of coffee at Boxcar coffee on 17th and Pearl. You can also go hiking in Chautaqua Park. Take the FF Bus to Boulder cost: $9 for a day pass.
- Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park-(Day Trip)-I love this town. When you go to Estes don’t forget to walk along the River walk and when you’re in Rocky Mountain National Park don’t forget to climb the stairs across from the Alpine Visitor’s Center-you’ll know what I mean when you get there.
- Fort Collins or Colorado Springs-Both are in COMPLETELY different directions but are worth the visit.
- Breckenridge-One of my favorite mountain towns. Beautiful, great food, great shopping, and really nice people.
Events
- The Big Wonderful-An amazing market, with food, local brew, and fun. It moves around so I’ve included the link to the website. Around $5-$10 a ticket.
- The Denver Flea-Another eclectic local market that happens 4 times a year. $5 and you usually get a free drink with the ticket.
- Yoga on the Rocks/Movies on the Rocks/Fitness on the Rocks-We do a lot of things at Red Rocks Amphitheater. If you have a car you must check it out.
- Free Movies in Parks-Including Skyline Park at the base of the clock tower in Downtown Denver
- Denver Cruiser Ride-Rent a BCycle and hang out with about 1,000 other bike enthusiasts on Wednesdays. Free.
- Farmers Markets-Cherry Creek/Pearl Street/Union Station/ and more.
- Check out the Giant Glowing Bunnies-This link explains it.
- Roll Denver-A giant roller skating party (seriously)
- Tour De Fat-This is one of my favorite events! It’s hard to explain. Just think handmade hipster stuff, beer, and about 20,000+ people riding their bikes around Denver to get to said handmade hipster stuff and beer.
- First Friday Art Walk-Absolutely love this event.
A Couple of Other Places
- The Denver Botanic Gardens are lovely!
- Check out a show at the Denver Center for Performing Arts
- Boulder Dinner Theater
- Clyfford Still Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (there is a giant heart with a knife piercing through it-wont’ miss it)
Nom Nom
Finally, after years of suffering sub par food, our food has gotten really good! Some restaurants to try out in no particular order (this is a very incomplete list):
- Linger
- Vesper Lounge
- Root Down
- Sassafras
- Bistro Vendome
- Beatrice and Woodsley
- Steuben’s/Ace
- Jelly
- City O City (Vegetarian/Vegan)
- Mercantile (Union Station)
- Uncle
Coffee
- Black Eye Coffee-Capital Hill
- The White Whale Room-Alameda Train Station
- 2914
- The Purple Door
- Pablo’s Coffee on 6th Avenue-NO INTERNET. Just great coffee.
- Steam Coffee
- Overt-West Wash Park-gorgeous new patio
- Little Owl Coffee (downtown Denver)
- Mercantile (Union Station)
- Ink Coffee (local chain)
Souvenirs
Go to I Heart Denver. I actually used to work with the owner before he started this business. It’s really amazing to see how successful the business has become! The store is located in the Denver Pavillions located downtown.
I will continue to add to this list but it’s a little late right now! Please note that all of these suggestions are Colorado businesses. No national chains.
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It is in my list of place to visit at least once in my life, so thanks for thee tips!!:D
Giulia, when you visit let me know and I’ll just show you around!
My friend lives in Steamboat Springs right now and I’d love to visit her but can’t figure out a good airport or route to go. But Colorado is definitely one of the prettiest states I’ve ever been to!
You would have to fly on a tiny charter up to Steamboat. I love that place and there are a lot of hot (age appropriate) men there. It’s about a 4 hour drive from Denver and absolutely worth visiting.