Denver, Colorado

Things To Do/Places To See

1. Shop at Pedestrian Mall

The Pedestrian (16th Street) Mall is one of the best things to do in Denver. The Pedestrian Mall is a very large outdoor mall in the heart of Downtown Denver. I literally spent a whole day at the Pedestrian Mall. It's a beautiful, well-kept street with all the shops and stores you could ever imagine. There is great food, a movie theatre, and some value specialty shops (I got $3 Colorado Rockies shirt). There was literally something for everyone at the Pedestrian Mall, and it's right in the prettiest part of Downtown Denver. While not mentioned by most travel sites, the 16th Street Mall is one of the most underrated parts of the city. The 16th Street Mall is very clean and well-decorated and the absolutely perfect day to spend a summer afternoon.

2. Visit the Colorado State Capitol Building

The Colorado State Capitol is among the most beautiful things in the city of Denver. Ironically, the state capitol is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level (Denver is nicknamed the Mile High City). The state capitol building is impossible to miss with its gold dome and regal features. Whether you want to go outside the capitol and take pictures or go inside for the free tour the State Capitol is a must, especially for political junkies like me.


3. See a Rockies Game at Coors Field

Coors Field is one the most historic baseball fields in the country. Because of how thin the air is in Denver, Coors Field is known for being a homerun hitters ballpark and if you check out a game there you will most likely see fireworks on the scoreboard with the Rockies great offense including Tulowitzki, Gonzalez and Helton. A lot of people go on roadtrips where they see a baseball game in every ballpark in the country. With tickets for as low as $4 (Rockpile), going to see a Rockies game is a cheap activity that the whole family can enjoy in one of the most beautiful ballparks in the country.

Where To Stay

1. The Warwick Hotel

We stayed at the Warwick Hotel when we were in Denver and it is a great hotel at an unbelievable price. We actually got the hotel on Hotwire for about $70 a night and it was just a great place to stay. The only issue I had with the Warwick is the customer service was not great. Our shower was leaking and our bathroom floor was soaked because of it. When I called down the first time the lady at the front desk told me that they were sold out so they could not change our room, but when I called back a half hour later a man at the front desk upgraded us to a suite. Despite the minor inconvenience, the hotel was perfect for us. The hotel is located in Downtown Denver, and is a short walk from most of the major attractions. Along with how great the location was, the hotel was really pretty. There was a fireplace, and a great bar where a couple was having their wedding reception when we were there. The hotel was a great bargain and it was definitely a 4 star hotel at a 2 star price. As a quick note, the parking is about $20 a night, but there is a lot right down the street where you can park for $5 a night so do not let them rip you off with parking.

2. Ramada Denver Downtown

The Ramada Downtown Denver is a great hotel for the price. Offering free parking, free Wi-Fi and a free shuttle service, you really cannot beat the free amentities at this very reasonably prices hotel. The Ramada also has an unbelievable location right in the heart of Downtown Denver and only a minute or so from the state capitol building that we described above. Obviously this is a Ramada hotel we are talking about so it is not going to be a ridiculously upscale resort or anything like that, but the rooms appear to be nice and the location cannot be beat. If you are going to Denver on a budget and would rather walk than drive, the Ramada is perfect for you.

3. Castle Marne Bed and Breakfast

The Castle Marne is one of the most beautiful buildings you will ever see in your life. This B&B combines Victorian charm with modern-day luxury. Once you get past the amazing beauty of the Castle Marne, the location is absolutely perfect as well. Located in Downtown Denver, the Castle Marne is really one of the hidden gems in Denver. Despite the fact that this B&B is historic, they have free Wi-Fi which is a big plus in a hotel like this. They also have free parking which is great because with the location of this Bed and Breakfast, you won't have to drive anywhere which will save money. The price of this historic B&B is also very reasonable, going for around $125 a night in the summer. This Bed and Breakfast looks absolutely incredible and if we ever go back to Denver, we will definitely be staying at the Castle Marne.

Places to Eat

1. Sam's No. 3

Sam's #3 is a diner-style restaraunt on the corner of 15th and Curtis. Sam's is very inexpensive al the food is absolutely delicious. Sam's has won best of Denver numerous times and has been featured in the book 1,001 things to eat before you die. Sam's a is a great place to get some delicious food with the family. They have a great breakfast selection and they serve Mexi-American food the rest of the day. This is not gourmet food, but it's a great place to get some cheap eats in Downtown Denver.

2. Willie G's Seafood and Steaks

Willie G's is known as the best seafood and steak in the city of Denver. Obviously Willie G's is not going to be as inexpensive as Sam's No.3 but it is still very reasonable for the quality of food you are getting. Willie G's is a great place to go if you are celebrating an occasion or just want a delicious fancy meal at a pretty reasonable price.

3. Colt and Gray

Colt and Gray is a pub in Denver with an electric enviroment. Colt and Gray won the 2010 Award for Best Burger, and while I personally have not gotten a chance to try their burger, I hear great things about it. Colt and Gray also has a great brunch buffet to go along with their delicious burger. Colt and Gray may not necessarily be a place you want to take the kids, but it is a great atmosphere for adults to go, drink a few beers and have a delicious burger.

Things We Wish We Did

1. Check out City Park

Denver Park is a beautiful park in the Downtown area of Denver that is very scenic. The park contains the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, basketball, football and soccer fields as well as tennis courts. There are also two lakes, playgrounds and historical monuments. I really love the outdoors in the summer, and I wish I would have had the opportunity to go to City Park because it seems like it would be right up my alley.

2. Take the MillerCoors Brewery Tour

Coors was formed in Golden, Colorado and I really wished I would have had an opportunity to check out the MillerCoors tour. Coors is my favorite type of beer and it would have been great to check out this tour, but I guess it will have to wait until next time. They give out free samples of beer on the tour too so make sure you take a cab or find a designated driver if you take this tour.

~Overall Experience~

Mark
Denver is just an absolutely incredible city. Denver had everything you can want in a city, sports team, great culture, and delicious food. Denver has some of the best summer weather you can ask for, and with really well-kept streets and buildings. Denver also is very scenic with a great view of the mountains almost anywhere in the city. Denver is absolutely beautiful and I cannot wait to go back.


Mike
Denver was my second favorite city (#1 is San Diego) that I have visited on our road trips. The air is noticeably thinner there, but it makes you feel like it is cleaner. I loved it. The city itself was incredibly clean, the weather in June was still cool (which is a plus in my book), and the people that we met there were all incredibly friendly (not like Philly). I will definitely be coming back to this great city.

What are you waiting for? Book your trip there now!

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