Looking to escape to the Mile High City this spring? Check out our comprehensive guide to enjoying a weekend in Denver.
Where to stay
If a change in altitude sounds like your perfect excuse for happy hour, book a stay at the Hotel Monaco to indulge in the nightly “Altitude Adjustment Hour,” where guests can sip free wine and get chair massages in the lobby. Over at the hip Warwick Hotel, you can enjoy a swim with a view anytime of year, thanks to the heated rooftop pool. And for a great package deal this spring, check out the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, which is offering a VIP package that includes tickets to the new “Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed” exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science (more on that below.)
What to do
The latest exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science takes visitors back to the pinnacle of the Mayan age in what’s been billed as the largest ancient Mayan exhibit to ever be displayed. Through mid-August, “Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed” will offer never-before-seen ancient artifacts, walk-through environments and hands-on activities that illustrate how the Mayans truly lived.
If you want to spend some time outside, head to nearby Red Rocks Park to catch a concert at the incredible outdoor amphitheater or hike through these gargantuan red mountains. For a more comprehensive look at Denver itself, why not hop aboard one of Banjo Billy’s Bus Tours? A school bus decorated as a hillbilly shack (with seating that includes couches and saddles) is your chariot through Denver’s history on these quirky tours.
Where to eat
When it comes time to really sink your teeth into Denver, don’t miss the “Because We Can” menu at Euclid Hall. These creative dishes include highlights like Pad Thai Pig Ears and Bruleed Center-Cut Beef Marrow Bones. And if you’re not feeling quite as adventurous, don’t worry: Euclid Hall also has “Because We Want To” and “Because We Have To” menus.
Don’t miss Potager for a farm-to-table experience, and if it’s comfort you’re craving, look no further than JW Marriott’s Second Home Kitchen + Bar, which serves everything from meatloaf to chicken and waffles.
Where to drink
Denver has certainly earned a reputation as a city that understands the finer points of drinking. Best known for its impressive collection of craft breweries, you’ll find plenty to indulge in if brewskies are your game. Head to the taproom at Denver Beer Co. for one of the most comprehensive selections you’ll find in all of the Mile High City. If you’re more of a happy hour drinker, the prices and pours at Row 14 Bistro & Wine Bar can’t be beat. And if you want to drink where the locals head to unwind after work, don’t miss Wazee Supper Club in the LoDo District.
(Main image: theNerdPatrol)
