Welcome to Denver!
You've just arrived in the best city in the States. Whether you've trekked here for a visit, a vacation, or you're smart enough to have moved here, you will not be disappointed. As the Gateway to the West, Denver snuggles the Rockies, boasts an incredible amount of sunshine, and for a city of its size, has an incredible amount to offer.
For those of you making your first trip to Denver, especially those from the Flat Lands, some words for the wise:
Please be aware of the impact high altitude has on a sea level body. Denver is at 5,280 feet (and Summit County is at twice that level), and at this altitude you can experience dehydration, dizziness, and shortness of breath. What can you do to combat this? Besides spend 6 months here first to get acclimated, you can drink lots and lots of water! Watch your alcohol consumption, too. Hangovers hurt much worse at altitude.
Sunscreen is key up here. The time/season of the year does not matter. The Colorado sun is much more potent than the sun on Miami Beach...you are a mile closer to the sun.
Speaking of the time of year, check out the weather forecast before you show up. As crazy as it sounds, it could be 70 and sunny or it could be 20 and snowing. Although the weather usually tends to be temperate and sunny, it's best to pack for the occasion. Further, if you spend any time "in the hills," the weather changes could be even more drastic.
A great city in a great location, Denver and its surrounding areas boast an incredible assortment of things to do and see. Here's a sampling of a few of my favorites:
Red Rocks Park
Red Rocks is a geologically formed, open-air amphitheatre 15 miles west of Denver.
It consists of two, three hundred-foot monoliths (Ship Rock and Creation Rock) that provide
acoustic perfection for concerts and make it an amazing place to see them! The area of
Red Rocks, originally known as the Garden of Angels, has attracted the attention of musical
performers since before the turn of the century. The majestic setting of the amphitheatre,
along with the panoramic view of Denver, makes for a breathtaking scene. It is a very neat
place to go and visit for an hour or two. Hike up the stairs (or drive up to the top
parking lot!), take in the view, take a few pictures. Better yet, go to a concert!
Dinosaur Ridge
Dinosaur Ridge is a geologically famous National Natural Landmark, located near Morrison,
Colorado ... only a few minutes outside of Golden. This location features historically
famous Jurassic dinosaur bones, such as Stegosaurus and Apatosaurus, discovered in 1877,
and over 300 Cretaceous dinosaur footprints, attributed to ornithopod and theropod
dinosaurs. You can either hike or drive along a one mile trail and see lots of huge
dinosaur footprints, and some little fossils, too -- it is definitely worth a trip up there.
There is no admission fee to the Visitors' Center or the Ridge.
Buffalo Bill's Gravesite and Museum
William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody requested to be buried on Lookout Mountain, overlooking the
Rockies, in 1917. So, his grave is up on the hill, right around the corner from the
Boettcher Mansion. There is also a neat little museum and gift shop next to the grave.
Bones aside, it is a very cool place to visit, with awesome views of both the Rocky
Mountains and Denver on either side of the museum.
Downtown Golden and the Coors Brewing Company
Golden is a very lovely little mountain town (and Colorado's original Territorial Capitol).
Washington Street is considered "main street" Golden. There are lots of little shops and
restaurants along that street. A very nice way to spend an afternoon! If you like beer
(especially free beer), or enjoy informative tours, check out the Coors Brewery, right in
downtown Golden. The world's largest single site brewery offers free tours, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.,
Monday through Saturday. In fact, you'll see many Colorado School of Mines students there
taking the "short tour" (they skip the tour and head straight for the bar)! It is a 30
minute walking tour of the brewery, running every 45 minutes throughout the day.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
One of the largest natural history museums in the U.S., the Denver Museum of Nature and
Science is a great way to spend a couple hours. Its located just west of Downtown Denver,
at 2001 Colorado Boulevard. It has an IMAX theater, mummies, "prehistoric journey,"
"hall of life," and a gem and mineral hall. It also boasts one of the best views of
Downtown Denver and the mountains!
Denver Art Museum
Founded in 1893, the Denver Art Museum has the largest and most comprehensive collection
of world art between Kansas City and the West Coast. Located right downtown at
100 West 14th Avenue Parkway.
Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo is a great zoo and also very close to Downtown Denver, located just NW of
the Denver Museum of Nature and Science on 23rd Avenue between York and Colorado Boulevard.
It is open year-round, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Fall.
Boulder
"The People's Republic of Boulder" is a great little town about 30 minutes from Denver and
Golden. The Pearl Street Mall is the main pedestrian thoroughfare in Boulder and is a great
place to go for a stroll -- a long street full of shopping, restaurants, and microbreweries
(My personal favorite of the many Boulder brewpubs is on the east end of the mall --
"Mountain Sun"). Other microbreweries of note include Rockies, Avery, and Oasis.
Locations and tour facts can be found on the web. Boulder is also home to
Celestial Seasonings tea.
There is also great hiking in Boulder! There are a number of worthwhile trail heads that start off of Highway 93 (the highway you take to Boulder from Golden). You will see them marked all over the place. One of the best set of hikes out of Boulder starts in Chattacqua Park (on the far west end of Baseline Avenue). The hikes take you right up the "Flatirons" that cradle Boulder's west side. For any of you Mork and Mindy fans, you might recognize the Flatirons from the opening credits of the show. Truly an amazing hike and sight! If you plan to hike, remember to bring sunscreen and water (and mittens, fleece, etc. if chilly).
There are also many neat things to do in other parts of Colorado if you want to drive a little ways. Here are a few:
Estes Park
A little ways down the road from Boulder (about 40 miles) is a great little mountain town,
Estes Park. There is lots to do here: hiking, biking, fly fishing, snow shoeing, and
shopping. The town is famous for two things: it's the gateway to the legendary Rocky
Mountain National Park and it's the home of the Stanley Hotel, made famous by the movie,
The Shining.
Summit County
Summit County is the home of the Front Range ski towns/resorts (Breckenridge, Keystone,
Vail, Copper Mountain, etc.). Although Colorado's legendary ski season lasts from basically
Thanksgiving to Easter, the "other" three seasons are when most Denverites truly enjoy the
mountains. All of Summit County's towns feature tons of places to hike, wander around,
drive, and shop. All of these towns are off of I70 West, about 1.5-2 hours from Denver.
If you must shop, there are also great outlet shops in Silverthorne (the town next to
Keystone right off of I70).
Colorado Springs
The political and spiritual opposite of Boulder, Colorado Springs anchors the South End of
the Front Range. Primary attractions in the Springs include the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, the
Air Force Academy, Garden of the Gods, and NORAD (though don't count on a tour of the
latter).
There are far too many great restaurants and bars to give a comprehensive list. Here is a quick sampling of a few of my favorites in Central Denver. Although the restaurants below are just a sampling they will get you out into Denver's rich neighborhoods.
Patsy's
Patsy's is a great little Italian restaurant just north of downtown Denver,
in an area called "Highlands" or "Northwest Denver." North Denver used to be the big
Italian section of town in the 1920s, and as a result it has quite a few holdouts from
time's past. Patsy's has great homemade pasta, chicken parmagiana, and good cheap red
wine in wicker bottles! Their address is 3651 Navajo. 303-477-8910
Tommy's Thai
Tommy's Thai is essentially a "Thai Diner." They have great Thai food
and it is very cheap! Although cheap, the entire place is funky and fun. The pad thai and
thai iced tea are very good. Tommy's is located at 3410 East Colfax Avenue.
Many consider East Colfax to be Denver's Main Street, and as such, it is filled with
crazy local bars and restaurants, plus a few vagrants as well. 303-377-4244
Tommy's
The "other" Tommy in town, Tommy Tsunami is a great Japanese/sushi place in
downtown Denver. Very funky interior, like the other Tommy's. Great sashimi and shrimp
tempura rolls. Located at: 1432 Market in the heart of what we in Denver call LODO
(or Lower Downtown). The site of Denver's earliest inhabitants, Lodo was the
commercial hub of 19th century Denver. From this rich beginning it devolved into an
area you did not want to visit. Its restored warehouses now house Denver's biggest
concentration of restaurants and nightlife. 303-534-5050
Lime
Lime is a nouveau Mexican restaurant also in Lodo. The interior of the
restaurant is green, like the name suggests. Great margaritas, chips, and very
reasonably priced entrees. 1424 Larimer Street #1424c. 303-893-5463
Café Berlin
Café Berlin is a very tasty little German restaurant in the Uptown neighborhood, a now
vibrant area just NE of downtown. The Rouladen (meat rolls w/pickles in gravy!) and
spaetzle are delicious! 2005 East 17th Avenue. 303-377-5896
Pasquini's
There are many great pizza joints in Denver. This one just happens to be
the best one in Uptown. 1336 East 17th Avene. 303-863-8252
Wynkoop
Denver's first successful microbrewery, the Wynkoop's cavernous interior
boasts a restaurant and bar on the main floor, and a bar and extensive billiards
and shuffle-board emporium upstairs. Great bar food (including really yummy elk
medallions), great bar, and great atmosphere await you in our mayor's flagship
(Our new mayor, John Hickenlooper made his mark on Denver prior to politics through
beer and food). Located in Lodo @ 1536 Wynkoop Street. 303-595-3500
Falling Rock Tap House
Best selection of beer in Denver (and good food too). 'nuff said. Located in Lodo @
1919 Blake Street. 303-293-3057
The Thin Man
Great little (i.e. "thin") bar close to the action on Colfax, and several good
restaurants and coffee shops. Located in Uptown @ 2015 East 17th Avenue. 303-320-7814
The Cherry Cricket
Arguably the best burger in town, plus a great selection of beer, all for your enjoyment
right in the middle of the chic Cherry Creek shopping area. 2641 East 2nd Avenue.
303-322-7666
N'allens
The closest thing to Ireland in Denver, N'allens pours Guinness observing
the time-honored rules in wonderous Imperial pints. Located in Lodo @ 1429 Market Street.
303-572-0667
Don's Mixed Drinks
Want a dive, eh? Don's serves up wicked mixed drinks under the
neon glare of "Denver's Best View of the Rockies." You can guess what this view is or
see it for yourself. Located right South of the hip Capitol Hill area @ 723 East
6th Avenue (6th Avenue and Washington Street). 303-832-9904
The Cruise Room
A hidden jewel, The Cruise Room is Denver's original cocktail lounge.
Virtually unchanged since the 1920s, The Cruise Room is an art deco masterpiece tucked
in the fabulous Oxford Hotel. Located in Lodo @ 1600 17th Street.
Colorado Mills
Right near the Denver West Courtyard Marriot, Colorado Mills is Denver's newest mall.
Primarily filled with outlets for higher end brands.
Cherry Creek
A very nice mall and nice outdoor shopping area featuring most of Denver's high-end stores.
Filled with boutiques, spas, restaurants, galleries, and specialty shops.
16th Street Mall
A people watching paradise, the 16th Street Mall is Denver's version of Boulder's Pearl
Street. Filled with shops and restaurants, this pedestrian mall (with free shuttles if you
don't want to walk) cuts across downtown and social castes.
The Tattered Cover
Looking for a particular book? Looking to kill some time in a cool book store? Look no
further. The Tattered Cover is hands down the best bookstore in town -- fiercely
independent, great selection, helpful staff, all in a beautifully restored warehouse in
LoDo. 1628 16th Street. 303-436-1070
Twist and Shout
If music is your vice, there's no better place to exercise it than Twist N Shout.
Frequently listed as the best independent record store in the country, Twist N Shout
features and amazing selection, indexed by computer and their helpful staff, and all of it
is available to listen to in the store for free! 300 East Alameda Avenue. 303-722-1943
Considered by at least its residents to be one of the top sports cities in the country, Denver has all four traditional major professional sports, plus events all of its own. All of Denver's major sports venues are new (by most cities' standards) and all are right downtown.
Colorado Avalanche
Denver's foray into the NHL proudly calls the Pepsi Center their home. Their season runs
from October through March (let's not discuss the '03-'04 season, OK?).
Colorado Crush
Our very own Arena Football League and Elway's way of staying in the game, the Crush
play February through May in the Pepsi Center.
Colorado Mammoth
Also in the Pepsi Center, our National Lacrosse entrant packs a good time for a cheap
fee. Check them out January through April.
Colorado Rapids
Playing at Invesco Field @ Mile High, our team in Major League Soccer attempts to
educate Coloradoans April through October on the world's most popular sport.
Colorado Rockies
Build it and they will come. The construction of Coors Field for the Rockies
kick-started the revitalization of Lodo and the areas around it. April through
September, check out the "mile high marker" of the purple seats across the stadium.
Denver Broncos
Playing in Invesco Field @ Mile High, the Broncos play post-Elway September through
December.
Denver Nuggets
Our NBA franchise has gone from bad to good in recent years, and their box office
receipts at the Pepsi Center show it. Enjoy "the other other winter sport" October
through April.
So you've made the decision to move out here. What next? First off, allow me to share that your author is extremely jaded. I hate Denver's suburbs. They're ugly, scripted, and reek of generica. However, Denver's suburbs are not any different than any other city, and as far as suburbs go, the suburbs hugging the foothills are really quite nice. The suburbs east of Denver (i.e. away from the foothills) are cheap and expansive. If you're going suburban, there are plenty of realtors, websites, and other alumni to help you. If you're looking to go urban, here is Kurt's List of neighborhoods to check out.
Lodo
Once destitute, now Denver's hip urban core, Lodo packs more restaurants, bars,
galleries, and shops than any section of Denver. Lofts have been carved out of its old
warehouses, and sleek new condos populate its formerly vacant lots. Right North of Lodo,
the Ballpark neighborhood is a rougher, more "interesting," and cheaper version of its
now well-to-do southern sibling.
Northwest Denver/Highlands
Filled with quaint turn-of-the-century homes, Northwest Denver has evolved into a vibrant
urban community with plenty of local shops, restaurants, and bars. Minutes from Downtown,
it's one of our more up-and-coming neighborhoods.
Bonnie Brae/Washington Park
Out of all of Denver's central neighborhoods, Wash Park most successfully escaped the
exodus that hit much of the rest of Denver in the '60s, '70s, & '80s. Filled with cute
bungalows and quaint shopping districts, Wash Park is a beautiful yet pricey hood.
Five Points
Once the proud home of Denver's black community, and a legendary jazz stable, Five Points
has recently begun to recover much of its charm. New homes are going in, businesses are
filling the abandoned storefronts, and all of this is served via Light Rail.
Stapleton
The nation's largest in-fill development, Stapleton was once (as recently as the late '90s)
Denver's main airport. It's now rapidly filling with pedestrian friendly New Urbanism
homes, complete with alleys, porches, trees, and parks. If you want a new house, but want
to be in the city, this is a good choice.
Congress Park
A nice mix of turn-of-the-century homes and apartments, Congress
Park occupies the valuable land North of Cherry Creek and South of City Park. Very
central.
Cherry Creek
Discussed earlier, Cherry Creek is Denver's attempt at being chic. It's expensive,
beautiful, and has all of the amenities one can buy. With shopping and restaurants touted
as some of Denver's best, and a location a short distance from Downtown, Cherry Creek is
experiencing a flood of development.
Golden Triangle
Right South of Downtown, the Golden Triangle was another bombed out zone not too long ago.
It's also experiencing a renaissance, as condos go up, restaurants go in, and prices go up.
Another solid, central choice.
Capitol Hill
Denver's equivalent to an earlier NYC Greenwich Village, Capitol Hill is where most of our
young congregate. It's got crazy bars, crazy shops, tattoo parlors, and plenty of cool old
apartments. It's literally next door to Downtown and has been the social scene of Denver
for many many years.
Baker
Another cool neighborhood that not too long ago was pretty bombed out. Located right south
of Downtown, Baker is filled with plenty of small homes and condos and a great strip of
restaurants and bars.
Uptown
Also mentioned earlier, Uptown is located just NE of Downtown. Once home to acres of razed
buildings, and row after row of apartments and homes in disrepair, Uptown has slowly but
surely become the Downtown east of Downtown. It packs plenty of for sale and rental
properties and tons to do.
Sloane's Lake
Just east of Downtown, this modest neighborhood is another good choice close by. With a
huge park (Sloane's Lake), and the commercial district in Highlands, along Federal
Boulevard, and in Edgewater, many are choosing to locate here.
Hilltop/Mayfair
Once Denver's eastern suburbs, Hilltop/Mayfair are beautiful, established neighborhoods
with both proud old homes and new development, close to all.
Denver University
The area around Denver's largest private university features all of the fun associated
with a college neighborhood, plus tons of parks, great homes, and very soon, Light Rail
access to the rest of Denver.
City Park East/Whittier
Denver's first "suburbm," this neighborhood was originally served by streetcar from the
city. It's now Ground Central in a map of Denver. Still considered by realtors to be an
"urban frontier," City Park East/Whittier features tons of good buys for those looking for
a turn-of-the-century home close to Downtown.
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