Best things to do in Denver - from a local's eye!
Welcome to Denver!
Did you know Colorado is one of the most popular destination wedding spots? It’s also one of the most popular places that people just up and move to - without knowing anyone or having a job here. It just attracts a certain type of people - a melting pot of people who are looking for community and adventure. And that’s one of the things that I personally love about it. You can bond over craft beer, some of the best coffee shops, or the hike you did over the weekend.
Ok ok, this blog is not about living in Colorado it’s about what to do on a weekend! Coming from a real native (we are rare these days ha)! So if you are in town for - let’s say a wedding, or an engagement session, or maybe you have lived here a while and are wondering where the locals hang out - this blog is for you.
Let’s start with the essentials…MEALS
I’m just going to tell it how it is. And I hope you are reading this before your trip out here because some of these places you may need a reservation! All of these places are spread out around the Denver area - Denver is made up of about 78 neighborhoods - so if you hear people talking about - Rino, Lohi, Highlands, Lodo, etc….just go with it.
The best of the best….according to someone who lives here and likes food:
Ramen: Uncle order spicy chicken ramen
Pizza: Cart Driver or Blue Pan if you like Detroit Style
Burgers: Park Purger with truffle fries
Pho: anywhere in Little Saigon on Federal
Thai: J’s Star Noodle #2
Sushi: Uchi
Mexican: Adelitas Cocian Y Cantina
Fast Mexian: Tacos Jalisco
Brunch: Bacon Social House
Coffee: Huckleberry
Indian: Spice Room
Mediterranean: Safta
Burmese: Urban Burma at Mango House
Italian: Quality Italian or Olivias
Seasonal/farm to table: Wolf’s Tailor
Happy Hour: Senor Bear (or Mister Oso)
Vegan: Water Course or Vital Root
Breakfast Burrito: El rancherito
Bahn Mi: Vinh Xuong Bakery
Native American: Tocabe
Where to sleep:
Remember all those neighborhoods I was talking about earlier? Here is a brief description so you know what you are getting into when you book an Airbnb or hotel.
RINO - Stands for “River North” and is one of the more popular neighborhoods these days. A ton of restaurants and little shops and it is known as the “Art district” because of the street art. We have a street art festival there every year! Ramble is one of my favorite hotels and is the perfect location (right across from some of my favorite pizza - Cart Driver)
For a less touristy, more local feel, stay at The Art hotel on South Broadway. South Broadway is home to many restaurants, dive bars, and vintage shops. Spend a few hours thrifting and people-watching and then eat at my favorite Mexican spot - Adaletias.
LODO - Stands for Lower Downtown and you are in the midst of Coors Field where the Rockies play and near where the Nuggest play as well, so imagen a lot of 22-year-old bros drinking beer at sports bars. Definitely Check out Union Station - some wine and dinner at Tavernetta, brunch at Snooze or just walk through and grab some ice cream! It is a train station and this is where you get dropped off if you are taking the train from the airport. There is a super cool hotel there called - The Crawford. Across the street from Union Station is the Dairy Block - another mix of restaurants and shops. You’ll find Huckleberry Coffee Shop in there (one of three locations). And another fantastic hotel - The Maven.
If you want to stay central Downtown, I recommend The Curtis Hotel
Wanna stay a little outisde of Denver…
Golden is only about a 15 minute drive from Downtown Denver and you can stay at - The Eddy, which is right on the river. Golden has a super cute downtown area and a lot of Breweries. If you want to be a local drink at Ace High or Minors Saloon
What to do:
First Friday Art Walks – Stroll through art districts like Santa Fe Drive for free gallery tours and street performances.
Meow Wolf - What is Meow Wolf? “Born in Santa Fe in 2008 as an underground art collective, the living being called “Meow Wolf” is made of hundreds of artists and storytellers from all over this universe. Together, we imagine and create new immersive worlds to explore.”
Botanical Gardens - See photos above! Walk through the beautiful gardens or attend one of the many events they have going on all year long.
Hiking in Golden or Red Rocks or Boulder - there are so many great day hikes within 30 minutes of Denver!
See a show at Red Rocks - or just go check it out! They have a free museum area at the very top (Red Rocks Hall of Fame)
A day in Estes Park and Rocky Mountian National Park - only about an hour and 20 minutes from Denver (check out the famous Stanley Hotel)
Denver has been growing and changing like crazy over the years! There is so much to see and explore. Remember (especially if you are heading to the mountains) that altitude sickness is real - try to stay in Denver for a night if you are going further up in elevation. And drink plenty of water. And if you are from sea level - one drink here equals two drinks at sea level :)
