Denver, Colorado, is the place for any vacationer who likes a little wilderness to spice their city-based getaway. While Denver is a bustling city with plenty of places to eat, drink and shop, it is the Rocky Mountains that draw most visitors – powder snow in winter and hot hiking in summer are hard to resist.
Things to See and Do
For a 'checked box' on the tourist itinerary, climb the steps of the State Capitol Building in downtown Denver. Despite being known as the Mile-High City, Denver is one of the flattest cities in the US, and the 15th step of the Capitol (it's clearly marked) is both the official 5,280 feet-above-sea-level point as well as the best view in town.
The best introduction to Denver is an afternoon at the 16th Street Mall. This sixteen-block pedestrian-friendly stretch is the modern-day answer to the promenade. People-watching is the main pastime, but there are plenty of shops, bars and arcades to keep the wallet well-exercised. If you like to stay connected, take your laptop as the mall is blanketed with free Wi-Fi.
Cherry Creek
A few minutes away is the chic suburb of Cherry Creek, which is home to boutique shopping and some of the city's best restaurants. The architecture, greenery and general wealth of the neighborhood make this a popular destination for visitors, and some of the prettiest hotels in Denver can be found here (prices range upwards of $200 per night).
LoDo and Pennsylvania St
Other notable Denver neigborhoods include the oh-so-chic LoDo (once a poverty-stricken suburb that has been completely revamped for the young, hip and well-to-do) and Pennsylvania Street, home of the Molly Brown House Museum. Also known as 'The Unsinkable Molly Brown' this larger-than-life woman was one of the survivors of the Titanic, as well as a major force for change in her adopted city of Denver (she founded a home for wayward girls and funded it with her husband's new-found riches from the goldfields). Guides in period costume make this museum well worth a visit.
Nature
Getting away from it all in Denver isn't too hard, with the Rocky Mountains practically on your doorstep. In winter, head to the snow fields. Loveland is the best-known resort and is located in the beautiful Arapho National Park. As well as the best snow within shouting distance of Denver, the resort is also well-stocked with facilities like ski classes, equipment hire and some pretty good restaurants.
In summer, head to Green Mountain for great hiking, biking and walking trails. This area is popular with locals as well as tourists and is ideal as a day-trip. While you are in this part of the region, make a side-trip to Red Rocks Park. This natural amphitheater is nestled in rocks that are around 70 million years old. During the summer months, this stunning setting is used for concerts and other events, and the natural tilt of about 60 degrees makes an evening here even more of a kick. When not in use, Red Rocks Park is still a great place for a walk, and sunset from this vantage point is unmissable.
Off the Beaten Path
To get off the beaten path, Pine Cliff Stable offer horse-back riding for all levels. Most of the rides are short (less than two hours) but the guides are experienced, entertaining and deeply knowledgable about the flora and fauna to be found on the trails.
A slightly more macabre off-beat attraction is the grave of Alfred Packard (in Littleton Cemetery). In the late 19th century, Alfred and his gold-hunting companions were caught in a blizzard and trapped for two months. The only survivor, Alfred returned to Denver and confessed that he had killed his companions – and eaten them. Interestingly, it is legal to eat human flesh so long as you can prove that you had no options but starving to death. He was convicted and sentenced to hang, but the conviction was later overturned. Although he lived the rest of his life as a model citizen, he was never able to shake the nickname The Colorado Cannibal.
Hotels
Hotel accommodation in Denver is in line with other major US cities. Budget options are available for around $70 per night, while high-end options sell for closer to $400 per night. Average prices in a modern and comfortable room are between $130 - $170 per night.
Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder on the left to find cheap hotels in Denver.
(Photo:Fotolia/kuosumo)
