Three Days in Denver
- emilycarman
- Feb 9, 2019
- 7 min read
If you're looking for a long weekend destination, take note: Denver is super easy to get to and has so many fun things to do. I love that a five minute drive to Love Field and a two hour flight can take me to such a happy place. Basically, it takes just as much time to get off the plane, get to baggage claim, and get into the city as it does to fly there from Dallas. Once you're there, the possibilities are endless.
There's so much to do in the city - a laid back and delicious dining scene that continues to get better every time I visit, tons of amazing art museums, and so many beautiful parks, gardens, and places to hike.
When To Go
I live by the philosophy that at least one trip to Colorado or the mountains is required each year. It's just good for the soul. (Last year, I took a break from Colorado and hit up the Canadian Rockies.)
A typical Texan, I like to escape the heat and travel to Denver during the summer months. This year, I traveled with a big group of friends (and their adorable kiddos) the week of June 3-9. It was warmer than anticipated, but still a welcome break from the scorching summer that hit Dallas way too early this year. The crisp mountain air in the mornings is magical, especially when it requires a sweatshirt - one of my absolute favorite parts of vacationing in Denver and Vail in early summer. Bring on the Patagonia! :)
How to Get Around
Denver is an incredibly walkable city. Since we were traveling on to Vail, we rented a car this year. But good news: the A-Line train (which only costs $9 each way) will now take you from DIA to downtown in 40 minutes.
If you're staying downtown, there is an easy to use bike sharing system (B-Cycle), tons of pedicabs that allow you to enjoy the fresh air while you travel around (typically lined up at Union Station), and a free shuttle on the 16th Street Mall (you may see some interesting folks, but it's generally very safe).
(Side note: I don't recommend using Fox Rental Car. Our drive to Vail quadrupled in time when our brand new Jeep died on the freeway. Our car was eventually replaced, but was such an unexpected hassle. Props to AMAZING friends who were waiting with Caymus upon our late arrival.)
Where to Stay
As you've likely already gathered, I travel most often with my sister, Jen. Several years ago, we found the perfect boutique hotel (thank you, Jetsetter) that we've returned to every year since. Hotel Teatro is a charming little getaway in a great downtown location, just across from the Four Seasons, a few blocks from Larimer Square, and a short walk to Union Station and Coors Field. We opted for the Superior Queen this year. It's a very cozy room but still bigger than the rooms were before their recent renovation. And since we're really only there to sleep, it's definitely livable for a few days.
Where to Eat
The food scene is always my top priority. Below are a few of my favorite routine stops.
A mortuary turned restaurant/bar in Lo-Hi (short for Lower Highlands). Props in the bar include gurneys and morgue tags as menus. I won't lie, I was a little turned off the first time I heard that, but don't be! The lively atmosphere and global small plates will not disappoint. It's a great place to go with a group - brunch, lunch, or dinner. We dined in the evening (with the kiddos), ordered a little bit of everything, and loved it all. And while the views of the city aren't what they used to be, it's still a really cool spot. The bar is made of lite brites (remembers those!?) and it was been named one of "America's Coolest Rooftop Bars" by Travel + Leisure.
My favorite dish: Tempura Ginger Chili Shrimp. Plus, they can make it gluten free!
Be sure to visit Little Man Ice Cream after for a sweet after-dinner treat. Built in the shape of a giant milk can, it's a cool place to hang out and is located directly next door to Linger. While the line tends to be long, it moves pretty quickly (and there's a family friendly park across the street where you can send the little ones). Feel good knowing that for every scoop of ice cream purchased, Little Man matches that scoop with a donated scoop of rice, beans, or other essentials to a community in need anywhere around the world.
My favorite scoop: Vegan Chocolate Salted Oreo
Sister restaurant to Linger (as well as Ophelias and Vital Root), Root Down is a converted filling station serving creative American small plates with a very farm to table feel. They are incredibly accommodating with gluten free and vegan options, so it was a guilt free brunch for me (I even resisted a bottomless blood orange mimosa...for probably the first time in my life. Proud or disappointed? Still not sure.). It's perfect for brunch with friends, especially if you can snag a seat on the lively corner patio. Definitely make a reservation, as it fills up fast on the weekends.
My favorite dish: Colorado Lamb Burger with a side of Sweet Potato Fries
This place is pretty bomb. It's in an old brick cottage on South Pearl Street and your pizza is made on a wood burning oven imported direct from Italy. The pizza is handmade with super fresh ingredients and an impressive wine list, making this one of my favorite places to eat in Denver. It's a laid back joint, so don't go in a hurry. And talk to the owner if he's around - he's such a nice guy.
My favorite dishes: Mixed Greens Salad, Meatballs & Red Sauce, and the Garden Pizza
A great Italian wine bar in LoHi serving a wide selection of boards, bruschetta, apps, and wine in rustic-chic digs with beautiful outdoor seating. The best part? Every single glass of wine on the menu (and beer, too) is $5 til 5 p.m.
My top choice: Holly's Way Chardonnay
A laid back neighborhood bar where you can get a quick burger and a beer. This place has been around for seventy years and is actually a spot my family frequented when I was a kid (we had a quick stint living in Denver when I was 12). Great service and food but street parking can be a little overwhelming. The Clayton Lane Parking Garage at 2500 East 2nd Avenue is just a few blocks away and has tons of spots.
My favorite dish: Buffalo Burger with Black Beans and Fries
Their website calls it how it is: a humble restaurant where friends gather to casually enjoy their wine with food. I prefer that to be in the summer, with my sister, on the patio, with a bowl of mussels, and a buttery chardonnay. Think casual, upscale Italian. Be sure to pay them a visit in Larimer Square!
My favorite dish: Steamed P.E.I. Mussels with Spicy Sausage, San Marzano Tomato, and Fennel
What to Do
Where do I even begin? There is so much I love to do in Denver!
Just 20 minutes outside of the city is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Most people know of Red Rocks because of the amazing concerts they put on every summer, but there are also some really great trails and hikes. The Trading Post Trail is a solid light hike that allows you to take in the scenery - it's about 1.5 miles and goes through spectacular rock formations, valleys, and a natural meadow. Be sure to check for other fun events like Yoga on the Rocks, which starts on June 16 this year.
The Denver Art Museum is one of the largest museums between Chicago and the West Coast. I fell in love when I visited it several years ago to see the amazing YSL Collection. There is always a good exhibit going on and they have one of the best museum gift shops, too. On the first Saturday of each month, admission is free.
This small museum is one of the best I've been to. The art is incredible and Still's philosophies are present throughout. Loved learning that Still did not title his paintings because he wanted viewers to have their own experience of the art. The museum itself is also a work of art. On the upper-floor galleries, a perforated concrete ceiling diffuses in beautiful natural light.
"People should look at the work itself and determine its meaning to them."
-Clyfford Still
My sister used to live in Wash Park, so it's always one of our favorite places to stop for a walk when we are in town. There are tons of quaint houses surrounding the park and it's filled with geese, beautiful flower gardens, and walking/jogging/cycling trails around Smith Lake, where you can also rent kayaks, paddle boats, and surrey bikes. And right around the corner, Old South Gaylord Street has the cutest boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
We couldn't resist constantly referring to this beauty as Surrey with the fringe on top. ;)
This is my absolute favorite place to visit. As soon as I arrive, I feel at home. It's the oldest and most historic block in Denver and is lined with canopy lights and holiday decor of the moment. My favorite time to visit is 4th of July when the street is decked out in lights and American flags. There are tons of eclectic shops and delicious restaurants with patios (see Osteria Marco above) that are perfect for brunch or dinner. On summer weekends, you'll likely stumble upon a festival. We ventured over to the chalk festival and were SO impressed with all of the amazing art - it's just too bad it all got washed away!
Boasts an eclectic array of the city’s top restaurants and bars like The Thirsty Lion, Next Door Community Pub, and the Terminal Bar. You can't go wrong with any restaurant in the area. Be sure to check out their public events, like the Farmer's Market which is up and running every Saturday during summer months.
I love to visit a good ballpark and this is definitely one of my top favorite activities in the mile-high city. So be sure to pack some purple and get a ticket to the new standing room only rooftop bar! Tons of breweries nearby are also great to hit up before or after the game.
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