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For years, Denver had five seasons on the calender. Spring, summer, fall, winter and ski season. Skiing is still the biggest industry in the state, but in Denver, it is not the only industry. At least not anymore. In the ‘70’s and ‘80’s, Denver was a struggling town. The economy was bad, unemployment was high, and hopes for a turnaround seemed hopeless. Then in the ‘90’s, something happened. Baseball happened. Major League Baseball awarded a franchise to Denver, and the Colorado Rockies started to turn around what many called a “dead” downtown area.
If you are planning a trip to Denver, there are four major dining and entertainment hotspots. The first came almost immediately with the construction of the Rockies new ballpark, Coors Field. Located in a section called LoDo, for lower downtown, it is now one of the most popular parts of the city. It is also the oldest part of the city, dating back to the 1860’s. What once used to house empty warehouses, now holds hundreds of restaurants and nightclubs. Some of the more popular restaurants include The Chop House, for steaks, McCormick’s, for seafood, and The Wynkoop Brewing Company for American food and homemade beer. Denver brews more micro-brewed beer than any other city in the country. On a Friday or Saturday night, you can expect crowds, so call ahead for reservations.
Larimer Square is a historic block in the middle of downtown Denver. Filled with historic buildings and cobble sidewalks, the square houses a number of restaurants and shops. And for two weekends every September, Larimer Square hosts Oktoberfest. German food, beer and entertainment covers the entire block, and highlights one of the best known festivals outside of Munich. Two blocks away from Larmier Square is the city’s Performing Arts Complex. The center houses a half dozen theaters that host everything from the latest Broadway plays, to the intimate one man shows, to the world’s finest orchestras.
Cherry Creek can be described as the upscale part of Denver. Little shops and restaurants line the blocks, and the Cherry Creek Mall sits on the southern side of the neighborhood. It is the number one visited place in all of Denver. Plus, every July, the area hosts the Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Local and world-renowned artists set up “shop” in the heart of the Cherry Creek neighborhood.
Finally, a trip to Denver is not complete without a trip down the 16th Street Mall. The mile long street is closed off to cars, and acts as a pedestrian mall. Restaurants, shops and theaters line both sides of the street, and a free shuttle takes you up and down. Most people choose to walk, though, and are greeted with a variety of music and entertainers. Every summer, musicians and street performers take to the mall, to entertain the visitors.
If you are still not tired, there is still much more to do. Take a tour of the US Mint or the Coors Brewing Company. The Denver Zoo, Natural Museum of History and Art Museum are also family favorites. There’s an amusement park, an aquarium and the world famous Red Rock Amphitheater. It is amazing what the city has, besides skiing.
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