What to do in Denver?

[adamred]

I all of my years of business travel I have not yet been to Denver. My wife and I will be there in a few weeks for a family function (without the 3 kids) and I wonder if I could get some ideas for things to do between events and for the 6 hour or so time-frame after we get there before the first event.

Is there a quaint village type area to visit?

Any absolute must-see places?

Favorite lunch restaurant/people watching corner for you Coloradoans?

We have a rental car so distance isn't an issue, no kids with us so places that aren't as kid friendly would be fun, and we're staying at the family determined hotel a Radisson in Aurora, CO.

Any advice would be great.
Thanks.
Adam

[Scott R]

For people watching there are two great places I can think of, the first is downtown Denver 16st street mall, corner of Arapahoe and 16th on the patio of the Rock Bottom Brewery. Second would be the "hill" in Boulder, however that's a bit far away.

as far as must do's the Coors Brewery tour is fun, maybe catch a baseball game if the timing is right.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Ever see the movie "Things to do in Denver when you're Dead"? For some reason, your post reminded me of that.

[71T Targa]

This may sound strange, but drink lots of water. You don't realize it, but it's dry, dry, dry...

[thamlin000]

Don't stay in Aurora. Downtown Denver is fun and safe. Lots of restaurants, shopping and nightlife. The heart of Denver is downtown. Another option is Golden, only 30 min west of Aurora on I70. It's right in the foothills of the rockies and once a western town, now it's a Denver suburb with character (unlike Aurora). Wild Bill's grave is out there.

If anything, drive west on I70 and into the mountains, you find many great drives minutes from town.

[Dottore]

Great opportunity to join the Mile High Club!

[Porsche-O-Phile]

I've stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Aurora several times for work - no problems.

[Rich76_911s]

I know there are some Denver-ites that may like some places better, but I absolutely love:

1. The Blue Bonnet for lunch / dinner
457 S Broadway
Denver, CO 80209

Get a beef chimichanga and a Sun Shine Wheat, Fat Tire Amber, or take your choice of Mexican beers.

Matter of fact I highly suggest just having a sun shine wheat w/ a lemon, and a Fat Tire at as least one of your meals. My two favorite local beers, although New Belgium Brewing has grown a lot the last couple of years.

Another Place I love is:
Illegal Pete's
1530 16th St
# 101
Denver, CO
The big fish burrito is great, as well as normal steak and chicken burritos. I practically lived off of their burritos in college, and still catch myself dreaming about them occasionally.

If you go to Boulder, go down to Pearl Street. The Hill has been killed, unfortunetly. Used to be full of Bars and good times, now there isn't much left to do up there. At least that was the case the last time I was there 2 years ago.

Rocky Mountain National Park is about an hour away from Denver that would certainly be a nice place to visit, if you like scenery. Depending on when you are going the aspens may be getting close to turning, which can be a spectacular weekend in the mountains.

There is a shelby cobra museum somewhere just outside of Boulder, Co too. I've never been there though to give you a full report on it.
http://www.shelbyamericancollection.org/index.html

The performing arts center in Denver is supposed to be one of the best outside of NYC, if you are into that type of stuff.

Don't know if the CU buffalo's have a home game while you are there, but you could probably get tickets if you wanted to.

Or you can see about trying to find Grady Clay he is good for a couple hours of stories I'm sure.

[Rich76_911s]

Oh also if you find the altitude bothering you take some aspirin. It will help to thin your blood out some, and drink water as phred68 mentioned.

Have fun

[Rich76_911s]

A couple other options would be to drive an hour south to Colorado springs to see:

Pikes Peak, you can drive to above 14,000 feet. If you are brave you could join the 2+ mile high club! ! ! !

Also in Colorado Springs is the Air Force Acadamy, which is an ok way to spend a couple hours.

Another place that is cool to visit in Colorado springs is, The Garden of the Gods. It is a free city park on the north western end of Colorado Springs that is pretty cool.

Another cool section of Denver is LODO, short for lower downtown. THere are a lot of bars and restraunts down that way, the baseball field is in that section of town.

I think that is all I have off of the top of my head.

[slodave]

Throw eggs at Gogar's house

[rouxroux]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

Ever see the movie "Things to do in Denver when you're Dead"? For some reason, your post reminded me of that.

And Warren Zevon's song of the same name.

[frogger]

Mexican food at the Morrison Inn (301 Bear Creek Ave) in Morrison (WSW of Denver).
Big game dinner at the Buckhorn Exchange (1000 Osage St, Denver) near downtown Denver.
Denver Art Museum
16th Street Mall
Red Rocks Amphitheater
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
Estes Park / Rocky Mountain National Park
Hit the casinos in Central City
Play tourist at Aspen or Vail.

I'm not a local, so I'm sure that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

[slow&rusty]

What everyone said! There is no shortage of cool things to visit and see.

Also....if you have time:

1) Consider a drive to Colorado Springs to see Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak (as was already mentioned)

2) Aspen trees are turning color, so take a drive to Cripple Creek or Aspen or Breckenridge.

Yasin

[frogger]

I'll bet the locals can also suggest some great twisty scenic drives that aren't too far away from the city.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak are both great. Seriously consider driving west on I70 up into the mountains, even the interstate is very scenic. Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen, Frisco, Dillon are all very nice, some of my favorite places to visit. Lots of quaint touristy shops, and awesome scenery. Many of the ski resorts have things going on in the summer as well, from lift rides to alpine slides. Eisenhower tunnel on I70 is one of the biggest in the country, but consider taking Berthound (sp?) Pass at least one way. It bypasses the tunnel, and goes over the top instead of through. Incredible views, and a great drive. Lots of cool things to see in the mountains.

[mdurbahn]

2nd illegal petes ..steak an potatoe burrito

The best thing to do in denver is get out of the city and go west!

[adamred]

Thanks guys for the great suggestions. Sounds like some great places to eat and visit. I'm sort of locked into staying in Aurora, long story not worth your time, but we have a car, so we may head out of town per your suggestions.

[Hetmann]

Cherry creek area is nice for shopping and dining. Go to Morrison if you can and see the Read Rocks amphitheater. Great drive from Morrison to Evergreen thru Kittridge. This is a great time of year to visit.

[bell]

when i drove to vegas 10 years ago i was absolutely stoked by the rolling hills on 76w going into denver...........awesome scenery