Curator’s statement
Denver, Colorado is known for its spectacular mountain views, crisp air, cool culture and laid-back attitude. The city has a vibrant arts scene, fantastic museums, hundreds of craft breweries and endless outdoor activities. You can explore the city on foot, bike or hike the beautiful parks and trails.
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Day 1: Start your three days in Denver with art, culture & fresh oysters
Shhh…we have a secret here in Denver. Our city has an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. This makes “The Mile High City” a great destination at any time of year. We have an abundance of outdoor places to visit as well as great rooftop patios.
I recommend taking it easy on the first day of your three days in Denver until you get used to the higher altitude. Be sure to drink plenty of water during your visit. Spend your day perusing the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science or the immersive art experience, Meow Wolf.
Afterward plan to check out the many restaurants in the newly renovated Union Station in Lower Downtown (LoDo). Book a table in advance for flown-in-daily oysters and fish at the upscale Stoic & Genuine. I always enjoy having a pre-dinner cocktail at the stylish Terminal Bar.
From Union Station, it's just a short walk to the historic Oxford Hotel, where I like to stop at Denver’s oldest running bar, the Cruise Room. The chic Art Deco bar was designed to feel like you are on the ocean liner RMS Queen Mary.
Day 2: Experience more art and fantastic food
For day two of your three days in Denver, catch an Uber to Denver’s creative River North Art District (RiNo), where you will find a plethora of art galleries and Instagram-worthy murals. The fooLPRoof Contemporary Art Gallery showcases emerging artists.
I love the variety of restaurants in the area. You can literally eat your way through RiNo! For a unique experience, sample the conveyor belt sushi at Sushi-Rama. In the spring or summer, grab a cocktail and some bites on the rooftop of the New York City offshoot, Death & Co. If you are looking for a late-night happy hour, Cart-Driver serves artisanal red and white pizzas, tinned fish and Italian-inspired drinks in a converted shipping container.
Day 3: Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
By the third day of your Denver trip, you should be acclimated to the higher altitude. There are many hiking trails within a short driving distance of Denver. There are hiking trails all around Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, the concert venue made famous with its stunning red rock formations.
Inside the Visitor’s Center, you will find the free Colorado Music Hall of Fame, a must-see collection of concert posters and memorabilia for music lovers. Afterward, visit the town of Morrison for lunch or dinner at the Hungry Goat Scratch Kitchen and Wine Bar. Or, head back to downtown Denver to Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant for game meats such as elk, rattlesnake and Rocky Mountain oysters.
You will be sure to find so many day and night activities to do in Denver any time of the year. Reach out to me and I can help you plan your next trip to the Mile High City.
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Nancy McLaughlin
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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Colorado. For more summer travel tips, check out Top Things to Do in Colorado in the Summer.