2016-12-22 05:39:00
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 CRAWFORD HOTEL, UNION STATION DENVER B-CYCLE LARIMER SQUARE, VISIT DENVER First, check out the beautifully restored Union Station (1), a destination in and of itself, 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 (2), with 87 stations to choose from. Grab a cup of coffee in Larimer Square (3), in the heart of LoDo (short for “Lower Downtown”), and make your way to the History Colorado Center. The new “Denver A to Z” exhibit will show you the essence of what makes this city great. AFTERNOON While you’re in the area, check out one of Denver’s newest Certified Colorado Creative Districts, the Golden Triangle, just steps from History Colorado Center and home to the Denver Public Library, Denver Art Museum and more. SHOPPING, CHERRY CREEK SHOPPING CENTER Next stop: Cherry Creek (4), 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 COORS FIELD, MILES/MATT INDEN Cheer on the home teams: In the spring and summer it’s the Colorado Rockies (5) and the Colorado Rapids; September to January, the Denver Broncos; 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. STRANAHAN’S COLORADO WHISKEY 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 196), Arvada, Brighton (page 198), Castle Rock (page 199), Centennial (page 199), Commerce City, Denver (page 201), Englewood (page 202), Evergreen (page 203),Glendale, Golden (page 205), Greenwood Village (page 206), Highlands Ranch (page 207), Lakewood (page 207), Littleton (page 208), Morrison (page 210), Roxborough (page 211), Sedalia (page 212), Wheat Ridge (page 214) 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 perfect urban eats.
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