2017-12-14 05:02:47
Denver’s new 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. 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 (5), 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. The Denver A to Z exhibit will show you the essence of what makes this city great. AFTERNOON While in the area, check out one of Denver’s newest Certified Colorado Creative Districts, the Golden Triangle (see p. 46 for the others), just steps from History Colorado Center and home to the Denver Public Library, Denver Art Museum (4), Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art and more. 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 and the Colorado Rapids; September to January, the Denver Broncos (3); and from October to June, the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche. Perhaps the only thing that brings out more passion than sports is beer — and there are plenty of breweries and craft beer tours to prove it. Sample some at Great Divide, Epic, Renegade, TRVE, Prost or Denver Beer Co. and dozens of others. The Denver Beer Trail is a good place to start if you’re too overwhelmed to choose. Denver also has a growing craft distillery scene; stop in for a taste at Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey (6), Leopold Bros., Downslope and Mile High Spirits. STAY & PLAY OPTIONS Aurora (page 188), Arvada, Brighton (page 190), Castle Rock (page 191), Centennial (page 191), Commerce City, Denver (page 193), Englewood (page 195), Evergreen (page 196), Glendale, Golden (page 197), Greenwood Village (page 198), Highlands Ranch (page 199), Lakewood (page 200), Littleton (page 200), Morrison (page 202), Parker (page 203), Roxborough (page 203), Sedalia (page 203), Wheat Ridge (page 206) QUICK TIP If you’re visiting on a summer Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, stroll to Civic Center Park for Civic Center Eats, where the city’s best food trucks, live music and fresh air make for a perfect urban lunch.
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