Abby’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Only steps from your home, Sloan Lake is a great park for a scenic jog/walk, play tennis, watch a sunset, or just relax.
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Sloans Lake
Only steps from your home, Sloan Lake is a great park for a scenic jog/walk, play tennis, watch a sunset, or just relax.
Located adjacent to (and really a part of) Cheesman Park, the botanic gardens are nestled into one of Denver's nicest and most historic neighborhoods. The gardens themselves are a perfect combination of locally inspired (the Gardens of the West are inspired by Colorado's arid landscape and the hardy plants that evolved to thrive here) and lusher, more ornamental gardens that typify classic gardens anywhere. There are plenty of magical little pockets to explore, and it's particularly beautiful to visit at night. In the summer, they host a live concert series in the round on their largest lawn—arrive a bit early so you can set up a picnic and a lawn chair near the stage.
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Denver Botanic Gardens
1007 York StLocated adjacent to (and really a part of) Cheesman Park, the botanic gardens are nestled into one of Denver's nicest and most historic neighborhoods. The gardens themselves are a perfect combination of locally inspired (the Gardens of the West are inspired by Colorado's arid landscape and the hardy plants that evolved to thrive here) and lusher, more ornamental gardens that typify classic gardens anywhere. There are plenty of magical little pockets to explore, and it's particularly beautiful to visit at night. In the summer, they host a live concert series in the round on their largest lawn—arrive a bit early so you can set up a picnic and a lawn chair near the stage.
Denver's big encyclopedic museum (which has more than 70,000 works in 10 permanent collections) is one of the biggest museums between Chicago and the West Coast. The museum itself is made up of two architecturally significant buildings: the 1971 Gio Ponti-designed North Building, covered in more than one million shimmering gray tiles and the modernist designer's only completed work in North America, and the dramatic and iconic Daniel Libeskind building, reminiscent of the Rocky Mountains, with sharp angles jutting out from the center in every direction. They always have a few selections on display from the permanent collection, but you can also see major traveling exhibitions here—a few of their recent blockbusters have included an exhibition of Star Wars costumes, a exhaustive collection of vintage Cartier jewelry, and a selection of Van Gogh works in an exhibition titled Passport to Paris.
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Denver Art Museum
100 W 14th Ave PkwyDenver's big encyclopedic museum (which has more than 70,000 works in 10 permanent collections) is one of the biggest museums between Chicago and the West Coast. The museum itself is made up of two architecturally significant buildings: the 1971 Gio Ponti-designed North Building, covered in more than one million shimmering gray tiles and the modernist designer's only completed work in North America, and the dramatic and iconic Daniel Libeskind building, reminiscent of the Rocky Mountains, with sharp angles jutting out from the center in every direction. They always have a few selections on display from the permanent collection, but you can also see major traveling exhibitions here—a few of their recent blockbusters have included an exhibition of Star Wars costumes, a exhaustive collection of vintage Cartier jewelry, and a selection of Van Gogh works in an exhibition titled Passport to Paris.
This natural amphitheater is surrounded by dramatic red rocks that, in addition to being stunningly beautiful, reflect sound back onto the stage, giving it the best acoustics of any outdoor arena in the states. Red Rocks is famously a bucket list venue for many performers, so the lineup is a little of everything—everyone from The Beatles to Daft Punk to the Grateful Dead—and, for a few nights in the summer, the Colorado Symphony—has played the stage. Arrive early so you can tailgate in the parking lot and admire the sunset, then head into the venue where you'll be able to see every single star above the performers' lights. If you can't catch a concert, it's worth stopping by during the day to admire the rocks—you'll find plenty of locals here around sunrise running the stairs.
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Red Rocks amfiteatur
18300 West Alameda ParkwayThis natural amphitheater is surrounded by dramatic red rocks that, in addition to being stunningly beautiful, reflect sound back onto the stage, giving it the best acoustics of any outdoor arena in the states. Red Rocks is famously a bucket list venue for many performers, so the lineup is a little of everything—everyone from The Beatles to Daft Punk to the Grateful Dead—and, for a few nights in the summer, the Colorado Symphony—has played the stage. Arrive early so you can tailgate in the parking lot and admire the sunset, then head into the venue where you'll be able to see every single star above the performers' lights. If you can't catch a concert, it's worth stopping by during the day to admire the rocks—you'll find plenty of locals here around sunrise running the stairs.
Coors Field
2001 Blake StMile High Stadium
1701 Bryant StComedy Works Downtown
1226 15th StMeow Wolf Denver
1338 1st StLarimer Square is another picturesque block in LoDo, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This is one of Denver’s best social spaces. Fully restored historic red brick buildings line the block. A signature canopy of fairy lights adds charm. There are plenty of cute independent shops, eateries, and nightlife options.
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Larimer Square
1430 Larimer StLarimer Square is another picturesque block in LoDo, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This is one of Denver’s best social spaces. Fully restored historic red brick buildings line the block. A signature canopy of fairy lights adds charm. There are plenty of cute independent shops, eateries, and nightlife options.
You wouldn’t think a transportation hub was worth a stop, but the beautifully renovated Union Station is. It’s considered Denver’s “living room,” in center of Denver’s Lower Downtown (“LoDo”) neighborhood. It’s not as glitzy as the Union Station in Washington D.C. of course.
But the Beaux Art landmark is still a hot gathering spot. The lobby is full of comfy sofas, long library tables, and soaring ceilings. You’ll find loads of shopping in a restored vintage setting.
If you’re visiting on a Saturday, which I was, you’ll find the Denver Farmer’s Market in front of the station. It runs from from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
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Denver Union Station
1701 Wynkoop StYou wouldn’t think a transportation hub was worth a stop, but the beautifully renovated Union Station is. It’s considered Denver’s “living room,” in center of Denver’s Lower Downtown (“LoDo”) neighborhood. It’s not as glitzy as the Union Station in Washington D.C. of course.
But the Beaux Art landmark is still a hot gathering spot. The lobby is full of comfy sofas, long library tables, and soaring ceilings. You’ll find loads of shopping in a restored vintage setting.
If you’re visiting on a Saturday, which I was, you’ll find the Denver Farmer’s Market in front of the station. It runs from from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
The Dairy Block is also located in the LoDo district of Denver, just a few blocks from Union Station. It’s essential a micro outdoor dining and pedestrianized area.
It consists of one charming alley strung with white fairy lights. In the winter, glowing snowflakes are added. You’ll find all manner of shops, art galleries, restaurants, cocktail bars, wine bars, and a lively upscale food court (Milk Market).
Street art decorates the alleyway. At the far end is a large and whimsical milk splash sculpture. This sculpture is a great spot for photos.
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Dairy Block
1800 Wazee StThe Dairy Block is also located in the LoDo district of Denver, just a few blocks from Union Station. It’s essential a micro outdoor dining and pedestrianized area.
It consists of one charming alley strung with white fairy lights. In the winter, glowing snowflakes are added. You’ll find all manner of shops, art galleries, restaurants, cocktail bars, wine bars, and a lively upscale food court (Milk Market).
Street art decorates the alleyway. At the far end is a large and whimsical milk splash sculpture. This sculpture is a great spot for photos.
Our Favorite Bars
Think of Avanti as a grown-up mess hall: seven distinct dining options are packed into one large, industrial, split-level space, which range from a shawarma joint to a spot where you can pick up a pan-fried trout sandwich and grits to a pizzeria with surprising variety. But this is really more of a watering hole first, where you can choose from one of twenty draft beers or opt for a cocktail, and choose a spot in their lounge, indoor dining area, or spacious rooftop deck. Because of its views, Avanti really shines when it’s warm and you can take advantage of the outdoor stadium-style seating.
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Avanti Food and Beverage
3200 North Pecos StreetThink of Avanti as a grown-up mess hall: seven distinct dining options are packed into one large, industrial, split-level space, which range from a shawarma joint to a spot where you can pick up a pan-fried trout sandwich and grits to a pizzeria with surprising variety. But this is really more of a watering hole first, where you can choose from one of twenty draft beers or opt for a cocktail, and choose a spot in their lounge, indoor dining area, or spacious rooftop deck. Because of its views, Avanti really shines when it’s warm and you can take advantage of the outdoor stadium-style seating.
Just across the street from Avanti, Happy Camper is another fun space to hang out! Besides the Instagram worthy atmosphere, music and overall great vibe, the food is great!
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Happy Camper
3211 N Pecos StJust across the street from Avanti, Happy Camper is another fun space to hang out! Besides the Instagram worthy atmosphere, music and overall great vibe, the food is great!
It's easy for speakeasy's to feel gimmicky, but not so at Williams & Graham, where you'll walk through an old bookcase to get to the intimate bar. The cocktails here are delicate and thoughtful, and while that's definitely what they're best known for (bartender Sean Kenyon has been internationally recognized for his program), the food holds up—particularly the burger, which comes topped with port salut and caramelized onions. They don't take reservations, so arrive early.
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Williams & Graham
3160 Tejon StIt's easy for speakeasy's to feel gimmicky, but not so at Williams & Graham, where you'll walk through an old bookcase to get to the intimate bar. The cocktails here are delicate and thoughtful, and while that's definitely what they're best known for (bartender Sean Kenyon has been internationally recognized for his program), the food holds up—particularly the burger, which comes topped with port salut and caramelized onions. They don't take reservations, so arrive early.
A Union Station highlight, the sophisticated Cooper Lounge is located on the mezzanine level of the renovated transit hub. Its balcony set-up is good for people watching into Union Station's Great Hall, and on the opposite side, you can look out onto Downtown Denver beyond Cooper's stunning arched windows. The upscale cocktail list and throwback-glam space feels celebratory in nature.
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Cooper Lounge
1701 Wynkoop StA Union Station highlight, the sophisticated Cooper Lounge is located on the mezzanine level of the renovated transit hub. Its balcony set-up is good for people watching into Union Station's Great Hall, and on the opposite side, you can look out onto Downtown Denver beyond Cooper's stunning arched windows. The upscale cocktail list and throwback-glam space feels celebratory in nature.
With more microbreweries per capita than anywhere else in the country, it's no surprise that Denver's bar scene is dominated by beer gardens. Conveniently located on Platte Street (to get there from Downtown you'll cross over the lovely Confluence Park), Denver Beer Company has a big open patio that's lively without being rowdy, particularly on sunny weekend afternoons. Dogs are allowed, and they usually have a food truck pulled up in case you'd like to snack while you drink. The menu usually has a mix of old standards and seasonals, but we're partial to their signature Graham Cracker Porter, which is available year-round.
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Denver Beer Company
1695 Platte StWith more microbreweries per capita than anywhere else in the country, it's no surprise that Denver's bar scene is dominated by beer gardens. Conveniently located on Platte Street (to get there from Downtown you'll cross over the lovely Confluence Park), Denver Beer Company has a big open patio that's lively without being rowdy, particularly on sunny weekend afternoons. Dogs are allowed, and they usually have a food truck pulled up in case you'd like to snack while you drink. The menu usually has a mix of old standards and seasonals, but we're partial to their signature Graham Cracker Porter, which is available year-round.
Death & Co Denver
1280 25th StOur Favorite Restaurants
Most people choose not to dwell on the fact that the building Linger occupies was a former mortuary called Olinger's—the "O" on the neon sign had long been busted, and the restaurateurs chose the name of their "eatuary" accordingly. Right in the middle of all the action of LoHi's busiest street, the restaurant has two levels: a dining room downstairs, and a more casual rooftop patio upstairs. The street-food-inspired menu highlights a few different cuisines, with dishes like a falafel lettuce wrap alongside Vietnamese surf 'n turf and a masala dosa. For a casual vibe fitting of the food (or a great happy hour), we actually prefer the second floor, which features a bar housed in a refurbished VW bus and beautiful views of downtown Denver.
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Linger
2030 W 30th AveMost people choose not to dwell on the fact that the building Linger occupies was a former mortuary called Olinger's—the "O" on the neon sign had long been busted, and the restaurateurs chose the name of their "eatuary" accordingly. Right in the middle of all the action of LoHi's busiest street, the restaurant has two levels: a dining room downstairs, and a more casual rooftop patio upstairs. The street-food-inspired menu highlights a few different cuisines, with dishes like a falafel lettuce wrap alongside Vietnamese surf 'n turf and a masala dosa. For a casual vibe fitting of the food (or a great happy hour), we actually prefer the second floor, which features a bar housed in a refurbished VW bus and beautiful views of downtown Denver.
El Five
2930 15th StThis bistro has been in the neighborhood for a decade, making it a LoHi mainstay. Over the years, the upscale (but relaxed) restaurant has maintained more than 40 local partners, who make their farm-to-table commitment possible—and ensure their seasonal menu continues to impress with selections that range from crispy cauliflower with stewed red lentils to country ham carpaccio to “chicken & waffles” (chicken liver mousse on a brown butter waffle with date chutney and pickled shallot). Note: The small space is reliably packed, so it’s good to make a reservation.
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duo Restaurant
2413 W 32nd AveThis bistro has been in the neighborhood for a decade, making it a LoHi mainstay. Over the years, the upscale (but relaxed) restaurant has maintained more than 40 local partners, who make their farm-to-table commitment possible—and ensure their seasonal menu continues to impress with selections that range from crispy cauliflower with stewed red lentils to country ham carpaccio to “chicken & waffles” (chicken liver mousse on a brown butter waffle with date chutney and pickled shallot). Note: The small space is reliably packed, so it’s good to make a reservation.
Given the sleek decór and considering how difficult it (still) is to get a reservation, it's hard to imagine that Sushi Den first opened its doors back in 1985. The interior is dark and moody, with a miles-long menu of fresh fish flown in from the Tokyo markets, plus warm Japanese dishes like udon noodles, hot pots, and dumplings. Chef/owner Toshi has now built a mini-empire on the residential street corner, with an izakaya spot and a more casual raw bar that are both equally great.
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Sushi Den
1487 S Pearl StGiven the sleek decór and considering how difficult it (still) is to get a reservation, it's hard to imagine that Sushi Den first opened its doors back in 1985. The interior is dark and moody, with a miles-long menu of fresh fish flown in from the Tokyo markets, plus warm Japanese dishes like udon noodles, hot pots, and dumplings. Chef/owner Toshi has now built a mini-empire on the residential street corner, with an izakaya spot and a more casual raw bar that are both equally great.
Postino LoHi
2715 17th StIn a neighborhood that's known for glitzy steakhouses and sometimes overpriced fine dining, this straightforward Italian spot is a welcome respite (and makes for an excellent lunch pit stop when you're in the area for a day of shopping). The interior is clean and warm, with exposed brick and fresh flowers in the entry, and the service is always excellent. The menu is inspired by Northern Italy, with great pizzas and pastas that they make in-house, plus some solidly filling salad options like a Tuscan kale with grapes and apples, and a seasonal vegetable chop with butternut squash and brussels sprouts.
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North Italia
190 Clayton LnIn a neighborhood that's known for glitzy steakhouses and sometimes overpriced fine dining, this straightforward Italian spot is a welcome respite (and makes for an excellent lunch pit stop when you're in the area for a day of shopping). The interior is clean and warm, with exposed brick and fresh flowers in the entry, and the service is always excellent. The menu is inspired by Northern Italy, with great pizzas and pastas that they make in-house, plus some solidly filling salad options like a Tuscan kale with grapes and apples, and a seasonal vegetable chop with butternut squash and brussels sprouts.
bartaco
1048 Pearl StUchi Denver
2500 Lawrence St