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Denver, United States Guide - - Hotels, Restaurants, Nightlife - Classic Travel



More than 300 days of sunshine per year, a vast collection of Native American art and art galleries and 80 homemade beer labels will enthrall you to mile-high heights. Founded in 1858 by gold prospectors, the "Mile High City" is far more than just a just a jumping off point for the wild and scenic majesty of the Rocky Mountains. With more than 200 parks spanning 20,000 acres, Victorian architecture, and grand, tree-lined boulevards stretching from the Great Plains to the foothills of the Rockies, Denver is truly the Old West – yet an artistic and cosmopolitan boomtown.

Activities

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Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre
2605 Red Rocks Park Road
Morrison
Tel. 303.295.4444
www.redrocksonline.com
During the day, catch a glimpse of deer, mahogany and cottonwood trees, and even a mountain lion. During the night, catch a fantastic concert or movie with breathtaking views of the Denver city lights in a setting with perfect natural acoustics. Willie Nelson, The Allman Brothers Band, a Bob Marley Reggae Festival and Ben Harper all played in the summer of 2006.

Denver Art Museum
100 West 14th Avenue
Tel. 720.913.0049
www.denverartmuseum.org
This museum is known for its impressive collection of Native American art, with more than 18,000 pieces from the U.S. and Canada.  However the museum is also known for it's contemporary art as well.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
1530 Logan Street
Tel. 303.831.7010
http://denvercathedral.org
This is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the United States. Seventy-Five stained glass windows and twin 210-foot high spires mark this Gothic structure, which was visited by H.H. Pope Jon Paul II in 1993. Thousands of Catholic visitors from all over the nation attend mass.
 
Rocky Mountain National Park
http://www.nps.gov/romo
Elks mating and colorful aspen trees in the fall. Wildflowers in high mountain valleys in June. At just 65 miles northwest of Denver, this national Park is an all encompassing showcase of the splendor of the Colorado Rockies. Take a gentle or challenging hike on the 359 miles of trail. Sixty peaks rise above 12,000 feet.

US Mint
320 West Colfax Ave.
Tel. 303.405.4761
http://www.usmint.gov/about_the_mint/mint_facilities/index.cfm?action=DV_facilities
Here is where presidential coins are stamped out by the millions. Admission is free but reservations are recommended.

Ms. Brown's Victorian Mansion
1340 Pennsylvania Street
Tel. 303.832.4092
www.mollybrown.org
One of Denver's most famous homes belonged to a backwoods social clinmber who made it big by marrying the right man.  Margaret (Molly) Brown was a sufftagate who survived the sinking of the Titanic (earned her the name "Unsinkable Molly Brown") and ran for U.S. Senate.  She lost but that was before women had the right to vote.

The Mile High Flea Market
I-76 and 88th Avenue
Tel. 303.289.4656
www.milehighfleamarket.com
This flea market covers 80 acres and if you can't find anything you like you can always eat.  Like $2.00 corn on the cob rolled in a tray of butter, parmesan and seasoned salt.

Dining

Mizuna
225 East 7th Avenue
(Capitol Hill)
Tel. 303.832.4778
www.mizunadenver.com
Fine ingredients and the chefs own creative freedom make for some quirky yet delicious combination entrees. Macaroni and cheese with lobster, farm duck with balsalmic juice, and “liver and onions” that includes foie gras and a sweet onion tart are among the unusual adaptations of American classics. Reservations are essential.

The Fort Restaurant
19192 Highway 8
Morrison
Tel. 303.697.4771
www.thefort.com
This is the Old West dining experience that is casually elegant and not too touristy. Famous for its buffalo steaks and ribs, the adobe fort structure is a perfect reproduction of a Colorado fur-trading center. Make reservations here. Dinner at The Fort is a nice compliment to a concert at nearby Red Rocks.

McCormick’s Fish House & Bar
1659 Wazee Street
(Lodo)
Tel. 303.825.1107
www.mccormickandschmicks.com
You will think the ocean is right around the corner after eating here. Fish and shellfish are airlifted each day: oysters, caviar, sturgeon, lobster and more. There is an in-house microbrewery and a lounge with superb martinis next door. 

Buckhorn Exchange
1000 Osage Street
Tel. 303.534.0505
www.buckhornexchange.com
Denver's oldest restaurant sells steak (but of course) by the pound.

Ellyngton’s
321 17th Street
Tel. 303.297.3111

Located in the Brown Palace Hotel, this is the place for Sunday brunch! The servers pull out all the stops with a champagne buffet. Salmon, fresh cheeses, shrimp, fruit serve as sidekicks to the perfect little pancakes and splendid omelets.

Shopping

Rockmount Ranch Wear
1626 Wazee Street
Tel. 303.629.7777
www.rockmount.com
This is wear the snap button for the western shirt was introduced. Cowboys have to get undressed and dressed in a hurry.  The store and adjacent museum have the feeling of ghost town relic, with a lasso-rope logo and dusty displays, but the shirts have modern day prices. starting at $62.00.

Cherry Creek Shopping Center
3000 East First Avenue
Tel. 303.388.3900
www.shopcherrycreek.com
The number one shopping destination in Denver. Neiman Marcus, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Saks Fifth Avenue are here, with Nordstrom coming in 2007.

The Tattered Cover
2526 East Colfax Avenue
(Cherry Creek)
1628 16th Street (Lodo)
Tel. 800.833.9327
www.tatteredcover.com
Denver is usually sunny. But if it’s not – or even if it is – head to The Tattered Cover bookstore for some great reads. Unlike chain bookstores, enjoy this refined atmosphere that includes overstuffed chairs, reading nooks, and a very knowledgeable staff. More than 700,000 volumes are stocked between the two stores.

REI
1416 Platte Street
Tel. 303.756.3100
www.rei.com
This is one of three flagship stores for the recreation gear giant. The 94,000 square foot space, built in 1901, even houses mountain biking trails and a 45-foot climbing wall. This is a true tribute to the outdoor spirit of Colorado.

+ Gallery
2350 Lawrence Street
(North Downtown)
Tel. 303.296.0927
www.plusgallery.com
Denver has a fantastic progressive arts scene. Some of the Rocky Mountain region’s finest art talent is featured here. Exhibitions are held on a six week rotating basis.

Resorces

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Top 10 Parks
www.denvergov.org/Parks/template18036.asp
Denver’s parks are vast and diverse. Here are the best.

Public Transportation
www.rtd-denver.com
Regional Transportation District operates busses and light rail. Take the D line light rail around Downtown. Purchase an all-day pass and go to Boulder or anywhere the busses or rails go for $10, although a car is the best way to get around.

Denver International Airport
www.flydenver.com
Cantina Grill Express at Concourses A, B and C makes amazingly good burritos.

Nightlife

Wynkoop Brewing Company
1634 18th Street
(Lodo)
Tel. 303.297.2700
www.wynkoop.com
In one of the oldest buildings in Denver, Wynkoop has all the unpretentious and friendly ambiance one comes to appreciate out west. Get a classy game of pool in upstairs, and enjoy the perfected American pub grub, like Shepard’s Pie and Portabella sandwiches. Try the Railyard Ale and the Sagebrush Stout.

The Chuch
1160 Lincoln Street
(Golden Triangle)
Tel. 303.832.3528
www.coclubs.com/church/churchMain.html
You’ll never believe this beautiful former church is possibly the hippest nightclub in the Rocky Mountain West. Well dressed and sexy singles congregate here. The Church also boasts a cigar bar, a wine bar, and a sushi bar – but the locals come to dance. Dancers can choose between hip-hop or techno/top 40.  The outdoor lounge offers city views in the summer.

Little Bear Saloon
27895 Highway 74
Evergreen
Tel. 303.674.9991
www.littlebearsaloon.com
An archetypal Old West Saloon – in an eclectic bikers-mixed-with-tourists-mixed-with-Gen-Xers kind of way. Drive the 30 miles to the southwest to get to this historic little town and escape to live music every night (except Mondays). Everything from Southern rock to old school funk can be heard.

Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret
16th Street & Arapahoe (D&F Tower)
Tel. 303. 293.0075
www.lannies.com
Saturday night's feature a burlesque show which can get a little raunchy.
Tickets are $12.00 to $20.00 depending on the performance that night.