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! 

MDTrip Report: Colorado Springs, CO

Broadmoor Resort

Looking for an interesting summer vacation destination?  We encourage you to visit Colorado Springs, Colorado.  There are several attractions for all ages located in Colorado Springs, not to mention the breathtaking scenery around every turn. 

If you’re looking for a place to stay in the area, you cannot go wrong staying at The Broadmoor Resort.  The Broadmoor has three 18-hole golf courses with some of the most impressive views of the Rockie Mountains.  Along with the golf courses, there are several other activities for families such as horseback riding, swimming, paddle boats and much more.  After a long day of golf and hiking, The Broadmoor also has a spa to help you relax.

We also encourage you to visit the Garden of the Gods Park, which is a National Natural Landmark.  Here you can take a guided tour, hike or bike ride through some of the best views of Pikes Peak and tall sandstone rock formations.  A tour will teach you about the cultural history and geology of the Colorado Springs area. 

Garden of the Gods

 After viewing Pikes Peak from the Garden of Gods Park, take a short trip over to get an up close view of the peak 14,115 feet above sea level.  In order to reach the summit you can hike, drive or even catch a ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.  If you are an adventurous person consider riding a bike 20 miles down the Pikes Peak Highway with the Challenge Unlimited Tour. 

Need even more of an adrenaline rush?  Located a quick hour away from Colorado Springs is the Echo Canyon River Expeditions where there are several different white water rafting options.  They have choices from a family rafting trip to the high adventurous class V rapids trip. 

Olympic Training Center

So you need a break from all of the high adventure?  Take a tour of the United States Air Force Academy with several aircraft exhibits.  Next on the tour list is the U.S. Olympic Training Center where athletes train for the Olympic Games.  A third great attraction to visit is the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum located downtown, with several exhibits to learn about the local history. 

There is much more than that to see and do in Colorado Springs so feel free to ask us.  You can also find more info by visiting www.visitcos.com/.        

Wanna visit Colorado Springs?  You can reach this lovely city with one connection from MDT.  Frontier Airlines has recently announced nonstop flights between Denver and Colorado Springs - so by booking your flight from MDT to DEN, you can then connect to Colorado Springs on the same airline!