My Midwest Inflight Magazine

Everything Under the Sky

IN THE Mile High City

Get outdoors to experience Denver’s Best. By Cassie Pence

To understand what makes the city of Denver tick, just stroll through Washington Park on a Sunday afternoon.

Bordered by one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, which shares the same name, these 165 acres of open space buzz with activities that are guaranteed by Denver’s 300 days of sunshine a year. Young professionals jog down rolling trails, college kids toss the disc in a game of Ultimate Frisbee, and families sprawl on blankets near one of the park’s two lakes or picnic among the 54 flower beds.

Denver residents are passionate about the outdoors. The beatific Rocky Mountains are an inspiration for recreational activities that spill into city limits. Sports rank high on Denverites’ lists of interests, and although the city has its share of high culture, its urban center wears comfortable jeans and appreciates beer the same way Napa sniffs and swirls its Pinot Noir.

For many, the best of Denver is experienced by opening the front door and walking outside. You can also acquaint yourself with the city by biking the paved Cherry Creek Trail that winds its way through 15 miles of the city’s most charming neighborhoods. Starting at Confluence Park, where kayakers play in whitewater, follow the trail into LoDo (the Lower Downtown Historic District), Capitol Hill and Cherry Creek. Make time to explore each area’s offerings, whether you’re riding a bike or not, because these hamlets are must-sees.

LoDo, west of Downtown’s contemporary skyscrapers, is a hip mix of trendy shops and restaurants and Old West history. You can take in the fun, edgy exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art|Denver, soon to make a name for itself with a newly designed home by celebrity London architect David Adjaye.

If a hot dog and cold beer are more your style, catch a Rockies game at Coors Field. Along first base and right field, spectators are awarded clear views of the Rocky Mountains, and the upper deck’s 20th row is exactly one mile above sea level.

There are a dozen microbreweries in Denver pumping out the city’s drink of choice, and it would be a shame to visit without trying at least one signature brew. LoDo houses the biggest selection of brewpubs, and Wynkoop is one of its finest, named after the area’s first sheriff, Edward W. Wynkoop, who kept people in order when the county was still part of Kansas Territory. Try its RailYard Ale, bittered with Hallertauer hops. Teetotalers can sip the Tiger Root Beer, crafted with Colorado honey.

Museum of
Contemporary ArtLoDo’s Larimer Square is a favorite for shopping, with a variety of boutiques in Victorian-style buildings. Refuel on bourbon-caramel glazed sweet-potato pancakes, served all day at the Jetson-esque Snooze diner on Larimer Street. For dinner, try Richard Sandoval’s modern Mexican at Tamayo.

Stroll the outdoor 16th Street Mall, closer to downtown, for great shopping. Cozy up at Tattered Cover Book Store, with two floors of books as well as signings and a warm fireplace. For breakfast or lunch, head to Zaidy’s Deli Downtown.

Moving into Capitol Hill, a haven for artists and pink-haired punks, Denver grows more diverse. The big attraction is the Colorado State Capitol Building marked by its gold-capped dome. It was built to mimic the nation’s Capitol building. History buffs will enjoy learning how U.S. coins are made during a free tour of the Denver mint, a city institution since 1863. And even if you don’t have time for a complete visit, you should at least stop and see the exterior of the Denver Art Museum’s latest expansion. With bold, Rockies-inspired points covered in titanium panels that reflect Colorado sunshine, the building is a work of art in its own right. The big mountain views are an added bonus.

One of Capitol Hill’s best restaurants, Potager, earned its reputation by cooking with locally grown and organic ingredients. The menu changes often, but if you can, try the goat cheese soufflé.

Cherry Creek, the final stop on this tour, is the polished, chichi sister among Denver’s neighborhoods. Bronze statues, manicured greens and fountains set the scene for a relaxing afternoon sipping espresso at one of Cherry Creek North’s alfresco cafés or walking the 16 square blocks of boutiques, spas and art galleries. This is where discerning shoppers go for something unusual, as 80 percent of these shops are independently owned. Cherry Creek North surrounds Fillmore Plaza, home to many well-attended summer events like the Cherry Creek Arts Festival and Films on Fillmore. Another retail landmark is the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, where one can find high-end shops like Tiffany & Co. and Saks.

The Cherry Cricket is a casual bar off of Second Street that lures in its faithful clientele with made-to-order burgers. North, on Clayton Lane, is a modern take on an Italian trattoria, cooking up inventive dishes like pizza with marinated fig, goat cheese and prosciutto. The outdoor patio is one of the area’s best. On Fillmore, Sushi Tazu is another notable choice for lunch or dinner. Vegetarians will love their creative rolls sans fish.

Denver, Colorado State
Capitol Building, Coors
FieldPart of Denver’s allure is how easy it is to escape the city grind. Within city limits, retreat to the Denver Botanic Gardens, a 23-acre oasis one mile north of Cherry Creek. There’s always some kind of exhibit or event, and locals love the summer concert series.

The best day trip is Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a state park 15 miles west of Denver, near Morrison, arguably the best outdoor concert venue in the country. Mother Nature sculpted the 300-foot sandstone monoliths, and the resulting acoustics have attracted musicians since the turn of the century. Start early and hike its trails, then stay for a show.

However you choose to fill your time in the Mile High City, be sure to take the time to breathe in the fresh mountain air and say “thank you” to the surrounding Rocky Mountains for supplying such beauty.