We asked, you answered. Now catch the closest plane, train, or automobile to the Mile High City.
We’re kicking off our Seek, Tell, Discover summer series in the city of Denver, with curated tips from Facebook fans across the country on the best places to check out.
Here’s the scoop:
HIT THE ART SCENE
Art, culture, entertainment…and food. The culinary diversity is enticing—Ethiopian, Jamaican, Latin/Asian fusion…take your pick! Almost all are real-deal, independent places with the aroma of spices sneaking out the door. Not in the mood for sit-down service? Food trucks are also an option in Denver, and are helpful if you’re feeling ambitious and want to hit every one of the 60 art galleries found here. One Facebook user encouraged visitors to check out the buoyant art walk on the last Friday of every month. There’s also an array of coffee shops, wine bars, and Colorado craft brew pubs.
EXPLORE THE SHOPS ON THE SOUTH BROADWAY MILE
A great option “for all the antique shops and cool bars/restaurants,” one Facebook user posted. Locals call it ‘Antique Row,’ as it offers up 100 shops filled with a wide array of interesting finds, ranging from trinkets to furniture, for those with curious tastes and a singular definition for what is cool. Be sure to check out the used book store or hang with friends as you bowl or play darts, shuffleboard, and even marbles. You can find a number of restaurants with great food and craft spirits in this area, too.
PACK A PICNIC AND HEAD OUTDOORS
Pack some fine cheeses and maybe a bottle of wine if you’re so inclined, and take to the heights of a hiking trail that one of our friends promises to be “one of the less traveled 13ers for spectacular views.” The 7.3-mile trail dares with a 2,382-foot ascent. Too far out for you? Take a stroll downtown around scenic Washington Park (better known as “Wash Park” by the natives). Then finish the day on Old South Gaylord Street, where you’ll discover shops, restaurants, and bars…and for the architectural aficionados, you’ll note that many of these places have been converted from the late 19th century houses that still populate this laid-back neighborhood.
DISCOVER THE RINO ART DISTRICT
More art, a little edgier. Historic warehouses and factories have been converted to jazz bars, restaurants, and brewpubs…and of course art galleries and working studios. As you’ll notice, the art cannot be contained, spilling onto the walls outside: “All the cool graffiti art is around here,” one Denver fan shared. This area is also filled with specialty shops – including bike, olive oil, and even the Do-it-UrSelf Plumbing & Heating Supply shop for those who want a souvenir claw-foot tub.
While these are just a few of Denver’s must-see spots, there’s so much more: Union Station, a pretty cool zoo, and live music. One friend who seems to know more about the area than we do, posted that Grand Lake offers: “perfect picnics, but keep your cell handy as you will probably come across a moose.” Several Facebook users pointed out the Denver Free Walking Tour is also worthy of your time.
Off you go! Oh—and if you do encounter a moose, tell him we sent ya.