12 Ways a Trip To Denver Will Surprise You
BELOW THE RADAR of everyday press coverage flies the fact that Denver is booming in 2017. Resting between the skyscrapers of downtown and towering mountains to the west, the Colorado capital is a thriving cultural hub rivaling cities on both US coasts. The music scene is alive and well, and the outdoors-y vibe on our streets gives Denver a personality all its own. Not to spoil the surprise, but hey — a city like this is worthy of a dive beneath the surface.
1. Denver Union Station isn’t just a train station.
Denver Union Station. Photo: Scott Dressel-Martin
For someone born and raised here, nothing sparks a fire of hometown pride quite like
The standard high-back bench seats gave way to a lounge area complete with shuffleboard and seating that’s actually comfortable, all served by a bustling lounge dubbed Terminal Bar — yes, with Colorado craft brews on tap. The station now hosts The Crawford Hotel, a diverse collection of restaurants — including
2. The legends you’ve heard about Red Rocks totally undersell it.
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But that’s just on the inside. Outside the walls of the amphitheater are an amalgam of hiking trails, a music museum, and the best tailgate scene this side of a Broncos game.
3. It’s hip to be at Larimer Square.
Larimer Square. Photo: Evan Semón
If you’re looking to relax and check out Denver’s extensive history,
The nation’s top stand-up comics perform here at
4. There are 100 craft breweries in the metro area.
Denver Beer Co. Photo: Evan Semón
Okay, I lied. This statement is false. There are actually
If you’re not sure where to start, the
5. What are you into? We’ve got a museum for that.
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The
The Denver Art Museum manages to keep locals coming back again and again with a stellar lineup of traveling exhibitions. This summer, see innovative installations by Latino artists at Mi Tierra: Contemporary Artists Explore Place, and in October, Her Paris: Women Artists in the Age of Impressionism comes to town.
This is impressive enough, but we’re not done yet. The Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art will be re-opening in early 2018 after a significant expansion, adding another dose of flare to the campus. At the Clyfford Still Museum, across the street from the Denver Art Museum, you can peruse the most celebrated work from one of the founders of Abstract Expressionism. A bit of insider knowledge: Admission is free on the final Friday of every month. Wink, wink.
6. Street art is defining contemporary Denver.
RiNo – River North Art District. Photo: Evan Semón
With the influx of artists to the city,
The best-known pieces are the Love This City murals, created by pro snowboarder and artist Pat Milbery. His work reflects the artist’s strong local pride, as well as the art scene that’s an increasingly large part of Denver’s culture. The murals can be found in three neighborhoods:
- Art District on Santa Fe (7th and Santa Fe Drive)
- RiNo (River North Art District, Broadway and Arapahoe)
- Golden Triangle (12th and Bannock)
Also worth checking out:
- The “Larimer Boy” and “Larimer Girl,” found at 2732 Larimer Street. Hint: You’ll have to walk by this one twice.
- “The Mermaid,” eye-catching colors at 9th and Santa Fe.
- “Smiling Boy,” part of a whole row of murals in the alley between Inca Street and Santa Fe Drive.
7. Amusement parks can be in the middle of downtown.
Photo: Garrett W. Ellwood for
“Not to See Elitch’s Is Not to See Denver.” So says the sign outside the front gate of
Go in the early morning to get a full day in, or avoid the lines and head over in the evening. A local’s hint: A great time to visit the park is on weekends throughout October. The kids are back at school — meaning shorter lines — and nowhere else in Denver celebrates Halloween quite like Elitch Gardens.
8. The Old West lives side by side with the New West.
You might have already heard about Denver’s significant growth over the past 30 years. With the revitalization of Denver Union Station, a budding tech and entrepreneurial sector, and thriving brewery and arts districts, one may be led to believe our city is all new and modern. But the heart of the Old West still beats strong here. Each year in January, the
The rest of the year, Denver’s Western roots are celebrated at the legendary
9. Yes, we can actually do fashion.
Cherry Creek North. Photo: Visit Denver
Namely, the fresh air. Denver’s high altitude air is a welcome setting for exploring the boutique shops in the area, like Show of Hands and Spinster Sisters Co. Also on show is ample proof that, contrary to popular belief, Coloradans can dress up on occasion. Don’t tell that to any fashion bloggers, though — we’re fine with our laid-back image. To feel like a true Denverite, stop into the Cherry Cricket for happy hour and a burger to round out the day.
10. You don’t have to go to the Rockies to escape.
Denver Botanic Gardens. Photo: Visit Denver
Adding to the beauty and allure of the gardens is a selection of traveling showcases in which renowned artists, decorators, and scientific exhibits highlight the beautiful scenery. This, in addition to the four distinct seasons we experience in Denver, keeps locals and tourists coming back again and again — the Gardens always offer something new. Exhibits this year include works by Alexander Calder in Calder: Monumental, a display of sculptures formed out of bolted steel plates that still somehow manage to capture the curves and flow of nature.
11. Broadway’s second home is right here.
This coming season at the DCPA promises to be a good one — and not just because we’ll see the world premiere of Frozen: The Musical. There’s something for everyone: The Colorado Symphony Orchestra plays regularly at Boettcher Concert Hall, the country’s first in-the-round concert hall when it opened in 1978; Hamilton (yes, that Hamilton) will take over the Buell Theatre February 27 – April 1 next year; and for fans of Jack Black, School of Rock: The Musical is coming to the Buell, May 29 – June 10, 2018.
12. Dinosaurs are everywhere.
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This is readily apparent from your first steps inside the
Across City Park,
And to round out the list, the Colorado Rockies mascot is a giant purple dinosaur (not the one you’re thinking of — this one’s name is Dinger) who “hatched” in the outfield before a game back in 1994. It all makes sense now, doesn’t it?
