2019-12-10 23:55:10
Denver’s airport-to-downtown rail line makes it easy to explore the city without a car: Fly into DIA, hop the train to Union Station, then explore downtown by foot, the free 16th Street MallRide, pedicabs and the pioneering B-cycle bike-share program. Before you get started, check out the Denver CityPASS or Mile High Culture Pass, which get you into attractions for a great price. MORNING First, check out the beautifully restored Union Station (1), a destination in and of itself and a vibrant gathering place bursting with history, shops and places to grab a bite. Next, the city’s 850 miles of paved and off-road trails are a testament to how easy it is to get around on two wheels. Rent one from Denver B-cycle, with 88 stations to choose from. Grab a cup of coffee in Larimer Square (2), in the heart of LoDo (short for “Lower Downtown”), and make your way to the History Colorado Center (5). AFTERNOON While in the area, check out one of Denver’s Certified Colorado Creative Districts, the Golden Triangle (see p. 52 for the others). Just steps from History Colorado Center, it’s also home to the Denver Public Library, Denver Art Museum (4) and the new location of the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art. Next stop: Cherry Creek, the region’s largest shopping district, including Cherry Creek North’s wide array of only-in-Denver shops, and Cherry Creek Shopping Center’s upscale stores. EVENING Cheer on the home teams: In the spring and summer it’s the Colorado Rockies (3) and the Colorado Rapids; September to January, the Denver Broncos; and from October to June, the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche. The only thing that brings out more Denver passion than sports is beer — and plenty of breweries and tours prove it. Sample some at Great Divide, 10 Barrel, Wynkoop, Epic or Denver Beer Co. and dozens of others. The Denver Beer Trail is a good place to start if it’s too hard to choose. Denver also has a growing craft distillery scene; stop in for a taste at Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey (6), Leopold Bros., Laws Whiskey House, Rising Sun, The Family Jones and Mile High Spirits. For crafty cocktails on the downlow, check out the Green Russell, Ste. Ellie, Retrograde, B&CG and Millers & Rossi speakeasies. And the evening is the perfect time to explore Denver’s many neighborhoods. One favorite is LoHi, home to of the city’s most innovative restaurants and bars, and incredible views of downtown Denver. Visit denver.org for more. STAY & PLAY OPTIONS Aurora (page 192), Arvada, Brighton (page 193), Castle Rock (page 194), Centennial, Commerce City, Denver (page 195), Englewood (page 197), Evergreen (page 198), Federal Heights (page 198), Glendale, Golden (page 199), Greenwood Village (page 200), Highlands Ranch (page 200), Lakewood (page 201), Littleton, Morrison (page 202), Parker, Roxborough, Sedalia (page 203), Thornton (page 204), Wheat Ridge QUICK TIP A new crop of stylish, boutique hotels provide hyper-local flavor that goes beyond your standard accommodations. Check out the offerings at The Maven Hotel at Dairy Block, The Rossonian, The Source Hotel, MOXY Denver Cherry Creek, The Jacquard, Origin Red Rocks, Ballpark Hotel and The Ramble Hotel.
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