2019-12-09 03:57:10
MORNING It’s a short jaunt from Denver (about 30 minutes), but The Ridge at Castle Pines North (1) is worth the drive. Be transported to a world carved out of a forest with sightlines to Pikes Peak and Mount Evans to accompany you. Another popular course is the prehistoric marvel of Fossil Trace, west of Denver in Golden. Golf Digest notes its “unusual hazards” ensure “it’s never boring.” AFTERNOON Treat yourself to a relaxing spa experience designed for Colorado’s climate and lifestyle, like the Ritz-Carlton Spa’s Colorado River Stone Couples Experience, the Moor Mud Bath at the Oxford Hotel or the Four-Handed Massage at The Woodhouse Day Spa. Finish the afternoon with a classic Denver treat: afternoon tea at the Brown Palace Hotel & Spa (2) with scones, pastries and dainty tea sandwiches, and the delightful melody of a harpist or pianist. EVENING Denver’s cuisine scene receives national raves thanks to innovative use of local ingredients. Three Denver chefs were nominated for James Beard awards in recent years (find them at Annette, Work & Class and Fruition); and the food-hall trend is making for plentiful culinary hubs like The Source, Denver Central Market (in LoDo and at DIA), Avanti Food and Beverage, Stanley Marketplace, Zeppelin Station, Finn’s Manor, Union Station, Broadway Market and Milk Market (4), the latest concept from chef Frank Bonanno. The gastropub is another trend we never want to end, where local atmosphere and creative spins on comfort food make diners feel retro-cool, including Steuben’s Food Service (5), The Greedy Hamster, Asbury Provisions and Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox for a start. Finish the day with a blockbuster touring Broadway musical or a stirring performance by the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Opera Colorado or Colorado Ballet (3) at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, the largest performing arts complex under one roof. 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 Urban wineries like Bigsby’s Folly, the Infinite Monkey Theorem and Deep Roots Winery give oenophiles an alternative to the city’s beer and bar scenes.
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