MDTrip Report: Denver, CO

Lights of Denver at 16th Street Mall

Got the urge to go West?  We recommend a visit to Denver, Colorado.  This vibrant, thriving city situated in the midst of the Rocky Mountains is an eclectic mix of arts, outdoors, culture, history, food, shopping and more.  Widely known on the East coast as a winter sports destination - there is far more to do and see while in the Mile High City.

Denver Art Museum

We encourage you to check out a few of the prime spots we visited on our recent trip to Denver.  Starting with the Denver Art Museum located on 13th Avenue in the Civic Center Cultural Complex.  The museum architecture is as much of a work of art as the timeless pieces housed within its many facilities, galleries and studios.  We'd recommend at least the good part of day to tour the facility and to get your fill of artwork.  And, for the readers in our blog audience, conveniently located right across the Complex from the Museum is the Denver Public Library.  

Denver Public Library

So, you've had your fill of art and now it's time to decide what's for dinner!  Hop in the car and drive over to Larimer Square situated between 14th and 15th Streets in downtown Denver.  Larimer Square is district of Denver dedicated to one-of-a-kind chef-owned restaurants, unique boutiques and the like - all within a beautiful historic backdrop. So, what's on the menu?  Choose from a few examples [or go visit and see for yourself]:

Larimer Square

• Lime - features fresh Mexican food
• Corridor 44 - Denver's only champagne bar and restaurant
• Tag - continental social food from chef/owner Troy Guard
• Rioja - Mediterranean cuisine by chefs Beth Gruitch and Jennifer Jasinski

16th Street Mall

If you've still have daylight on your side after dining, spend some time wandering around the Square taking the Historic Walking Tour.  The self-guided tour introduces you to 10 historic properties within a loop around Larimer that are some of the oldest in Denver.

You've studied some artwork, read few books, enjoyed fine dining, and basked in some of Denver's amazing history - so now it's time for a wee bit of shopping!  Where's the place to be to shop while in Denver?  None other than the 16th Street Mall.  This mile long district is dedicated to small shops, restaurants and big name retailers.  It's a pedestrian foot-traffic area, other than that it's open only to the free shuttles that run the length of the Mall district all day long.  

REI at Confluence Park

Before we depart Denver, we cannot miss out on the outdoors culture of the city.  Visit the flagship store of REI (Recreational Equipment Inc) in Confluence Park to try your hand at kayaking and indoor rock climbing and to supply your every outdoor activity whim - biking, hiking, trailing, backpacking, running - the list goes on!  Once you're geared up there are Open Spaces (parks) in every corner of this 2.5 million person metro area.  Biking, walking, running and similar are a daily routine for the residents of Denver.  Be prepared to adjust your activities levels to the altitude difference though.  If you're not a regular visitor or resident of Denver, you may be at risk for altitude sickness - so take it easy and allow your body and your expectations to get acclimated to being at 5,280 feet above sea level.

REI Rock Climbing Wall

Do you have other interests about Denver that we've not covered?  Ask us!  We'll be happy to look into it for you and/or point you to the right location for more information.  Or, you can take in more about the city on your own by visiting www.VisitDenver.com or actually flying there [NONSTOP!] on Frontier Airlines from MDT!

Nonstop, seasonal service to Denver resumes on April 22, 2013.  Book your flight today!