A Mile High…..and Climbing....
Denver is the culture and adventure hub of the Rocky Mountains. The Mile High City is in the midst of a cultural and culinary boom that has everyone talking. From celebrated restaurants to world-renowned museums, upscale shopping to remarkable theater, Denver's renaissance has travelers flocking to this iconic western city to experience all the city has to offer.
The culinary scene in Denver continues to draw national attention, as some of the nation's hottest young chefs gravitate here to open their own visionary venues. In chic neighborhoods like the Highlands, LoDo (short for 'lower downtown'), Golden Triangle and Cherry
Creek, culinary pioneers are serving all varieties of cuisine, from Asian, Latin fusion to South American haute cuisine, not to mention authentic Italian and native Colorado fare. Restaurants, galleries and shops pepper Denver's 20 diverse neighborhoods. From the stately Victorian mansions of Capitol Hill and the rich African-American culture of historic Five Points, to the quaint, tree-lined streets of Old South Gaylord and Old South Pearl, Denver's laid-back attitude and high-class are exemplified in the art districts and communities surrounding downtown. Meanwhile, the heart of downtown Denver is still the 16th Street
Mall, a mile-long pedestrian promenade lined with restaurants, shops and seasonal programming. Free hop-on-hop-off shuttle buses leave either end of the Mall every 90 seconds, making everything downtown easy to reach. At the northern end of the Mall is LoDo, a hip historic district with a vibrant nightlife. LoDo is overflowing with more than 200 bars, lounges, brew pubs, jazz cafés, restaurants and music clubs. In 2007, the neighborhood welcomed the stunning new Museum of Contemporary Art | Denver, attracting some of the nation's top talent and offering a staggering rooftop view of the Denver skyline. Nearby, the Cherry Creek Shopping District is a village within the city, filled with nearly 500 shops, independent boutiques, cafés, restaurants and galleries. It's where Denver comes to browse, to sip, to see and be seen.
You may also want to check out Denver's music scene, with some of the best sounds - from top acts to independent artists - that can be heard across the nation. Open year-round and celebrating its 68th year, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre welcomes a new music season each summer along with outdoor films every Tuesday night.
For the more sports-minded, Denver also offers MLB's Colorado Rockies who play at the centrally located Coors Field in LoDo. Denver hosts seven professional sports team in total, including the NHL's Colorado Avalanche, the NFL's Denver Broncos and the NBA's Denver Nuggets. For great hotel rates, a calendar of events and more information on Denver, visit www.VISITDENVER.com or call 1-800-2DENVER.
Fast Facts
1) Denver truly is one mile high. The 15th step on the west side of the State Capitol Building is 5,280 feet above sea level, as is the purple row of seats around Coors Field.
2) Denver was born during the great "Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush" of 1859 when some flakes of glacier gold were found where the South Platte River meets Cherry Creek
Weather
Denver has 300 days of sunshine a year - more hours of annual sun than San Diego or Miami Beach. The average daily temperature during the summer is 84°F, and with the Mile High altitude of 5,280, sunscreen is a must! Outdoor cafés and golf courses are open year-round, but are particularly popular between May and September. And with such reliable weather, Denver is
fast becoming a destination-wedding Mecca.
Attractions
Museum of Contemporary Art Denver - A spectacular new building designed by David Adjaye, Denver's newest museum offers five galleries with changing exhibits.
303.298.7554 • www.mcadenver.org
Denver Art Museum - The largest and most comprehensive collection of art between Kansas City & the West Coast with more than 30,000 objects. 720.865.5000 • www.denverartmuseum.org
Denver Museum of Nature & Science - Incredible dinosaur exhibits, an IMAX theater, amazing gems and Egyptian mummies, Space Odyssey, and the world's most advanced digital planetarium. 303.322.7009 • www.dmns.org
First Friday Art Walk - Galleries all over the city keep their doors open late and treat visitors to special exhibits, food, and music. www.denver365.com
For great hotel rates, a calendar of events and more information on Denver, visit www.VISITDENVER.com or call 1-800-2DENVER.
2012 DENVER EVENTS
See winter events here: http://coloradowinterinfo.com/denver
Denver Outlaws MLL Lacrosse, May through August, Watch the Denver Outlaws at INVESCO Field at Mile High Stadium. Season runs through July 25. 720-258-3606; www.denveroutlaws.com
Colorado Rockies, April through September, Watch the 2007 National League Champions all summer long at Coors Field. Season runs through September. 303-ROCKIES; See the Colorado Rockies Scehdule
National Western Stock Show, January 7 - 22, 2012 National Western Complex, Grab your cowboy boots and head over to the world's premier stock show and one of the nation's largest rodeos.
The 31st Annual Colorado Indian Market and Southwest Showcase, January 20, 2012 - January 22, 2012, A single admission is good for the entire weekend. Purchaser receives a hand stamp that allows them to come and go to the festival as they please..all three days. Admission price includes all shows, performances and demonstrations. Children under 13 are free.
Mile High SnowFest, January 25, 2012 - January 30, 2012, In Denver, we celebrate winter sports all year long, but especially during Mile High SnowFest. With something different every night, including great times at Downtown Denver's top restaurants, bars and clubs, there's always somewhere to go next.
Colorado Garden & Home Show, February 11, 2012 - February 19, 2012, Discover the Rocky Mountain region's oldest, largest and most prestigious garden and home show - a nine-day spectacular event - where you can find inspiration from the latest ideas and trends in landscaping, gardening and home improvement. Discount Ticket at at all Tickets West outlets in King Soopers $10 Kids 12 and under Free courtesy of American Family Insurance.
Denver Restaurant Week, February 25, 2012 - March 9, 2012, Denver Restaurant Week is a two-week celebration of the culinary scene in Denver. Participating restaurants will offer a multi-course dinner for the fixed price of $52.80 for two, or $26.40 for one (not including tax or gratuity).
Buffalo Bill Birthday Celebration, February 27, 2012, Celebrate the birthday of one of America's greatest legends, William "Buffalo Bill" Cody. In the grand tradition of parties, the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave will host the annual Buffalo Bill Birthday Celebration. Sing Happy Birthday, eat cake, play games and maybe even learn a thing or two on this very festive free day.
Denver Restaurant Week, February 25, 2012 - March 9, 2012, Denver Restaurant Week is a two-week celebration of the culinary scene in Denver. Participating restaurants will offer a multi-course dinner for the fixed price of $52.80 for two, or $26.40 for one (not including tax or gratuity).
Denver Restaurant Week, February 25, 2012 - March 9, 2012, Denver Restaurant Week is a two-week celebration of the culinary scene in Denver. Participating restaurants will offer a multi-course dinner for the fixed price of $52.80 for two, or $26.40 for one (not including tax or gratuity).
Rocky Mountain Horse Expo, March 9, 2012 - March 11, 2012, Rocky Mountain Horse Expo March 9- 11, 2012 National Western Complex, Denver, CO
Denver Home Show, March 16, 2012 - March 18, 2012, The Denver Home Show is the only place for you to experience what's new in Home, Remodeling, Home Decor, and More! You'll have the opportunity to meet more than 500 experts and experience thousands of products and services. Children 12 & Under: FREE
St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 17, 2012, The parade packs the sidewalks of Blake Street with residents of the city. Most of whom are wearing some sort of green, as well as a myriad of other St. Patty's Day apparel to celebrate the Irish.
Denver International Auto Show, March 21, 2012 - March 25, 2012, Located at the Colorado Convention Center, the Denver Auto Show is the premier showcase of the newest model year import and domestic vehicles -- cars, vans, crossovers, hybrids, light trucks and sport utilities. You'll not only see all the newest 2011 models, you'll also be treated to sneak peeks of selected 2012 intros, concepts, and the latest in tricked out cars!
Denver March Powwow, March 23, 2012 - March 25, 2012, Since 1984, the heritage of American Indians has been celebrated in Denver every year at the Denver March Powwow, one of the largest events of its kind in the country. The Powwow features more than 1,600 dancers from close to 100 tribes from 38 states and three Canadian provinces. The three-day event in the Denver Coliseum is packed with singing, dancing, storytelling, food, art and more, ensuring a wonderful experience for everyone.
Colorado Rockies Home Opener, April 9, 2012, Don't miss the Colorado Rockies Home Opener where the Colorado Rockies square off against the San Francisco Giants.
25th Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival and Parade, May 5, 2012 - May 6, 2012, Spice up your weekend and head to Civic Center Park for the largest two-day Cinco de Mayo celebration in the United States! Mexican culture fills the park with arts and crafts, Mariachi bands, colorfully costumed Aztec and Folklorico dancers, three stages featuring traditional and contemporary Latino entertainment and a variety of Mexican culinary delights! Parade kicks-off May 5th at 10:00am.
Tesoro Annual Indian Market and Powwow, May 19, 2012 - May 20, 2012, The Indian Market & Powwow has over 50 of the nation's top award winning Native American artists in pottery, jewelry, easel arts, etc. An inter-tribal contest Powwow occupies the valley Sat.-Sun. with dancers and drummers in competitions of Traditional, Shawl, Fancy, Grass & Jingle dancing. On Sun., Native Americans in our Armed Services are honored.
Downtown Denver Arts Festival, May 25, 2012 - May 28, 2012, More than 150 of Colorado's most esteemed artists showcase paintings, sculpture, photography, glasswork, woodwork and more.
Downtown Denver Arts Festival, May 25, 2012 - May 28, 2012, More than 150 of Colorado's most esteemed artists showcase paintings, sculpture, photography, glasswork, woodwork and more.
Denver Day of Rock, May 26, 2012, Denver Day of Rock is a one-of-a-kind music event presented by Concerts For Kids to raise awareness of the children in our community. This free event will feature five stages of live music throughout downtown Denver.
Capitol Hill People's Fair, June 2, 2012 - June 3, 2012, A celebration of Denver's diverse urban community, the Capitol Hill People's Fair is a great weekend of entertainment with events, activities and attractions suitable for all the entire family. As one of the leading arts and crafts events in the region, visitors have the opportunity to buy all manner of wonderful creations from homemade cakes and jams to individually designed jewelry or one-off paintings. There's also a full entertainment program which includes live music, street theatre, children's acts and other attractions.
Denver Chalk Art Festival, June 2, 2012 - June 3, 2012, The Denver Chalk Art Festival on Larimer Square is a free two-day street-painting festival. More than 200 artists spend hours that weekend turning the streets of Larimer Square into a museum of chalk art. The event showcases six madonnari (professionals in this medium); all are award-winning street painters including first place finishes in the International Street Painting Competition in Grazie di Curtatone, Italy.
Colorado Renaissance Festival, June 9, 2012 - July 29, 2012, Flash back to the 16th Century and journey through a medieval city. Enjoy full-armor jousting, tasty turkey legs, music and a marketplace featuring more than 200 artisans. $18.95/Adults, $8/Children (Ages 5-12), Free/Children Below 5.
Denver PrideFest 2012, June 16, 2012 - June 17, 2012, Recognized as one of the top ten pride events in the country, Denver's PrideFest is a celebration of community, heritage, family and culture. Produced by the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center of Colorado (The Center), more than 250,000 people from Colorado and surrounding areas come out to enjoy the parade, rally, music, entertainment, food and much more.
Cherry Creek Arts Festival, July 6, 2012 - July 8, 2012, The Cherry Creek Arts Festival (CCAF) takes place 4th of July weekend. This annual event is a world-class and award-winning celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts, and enjoys an attendance of 350,000 visitors over the 3-day event.
Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, July 21, 2012 - July 22, 2012, The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival (CDBF) is a free family-friendly festival highlighting Colorado's rich Asian Pacific American heritage at Sloan's Lake Park in northwest Denver. A window to the Pan Asian world, this diverse festival is the only one of its kind in the United States. It showcases an array of traditional and contemporary performing arts, cultural customs, cuisine and a marketplace of unique and hard-to-find arts, crafts and vendors, in addition to two days of action packed dragon boat racing.
Festival of Mountain and Plain: A Taste of Colorado, August 31, 2012 - September 3, 2012, Delight your taste buds with creations from Colorado's favorite food establishments. Enjoy appetizers, entrees, and desserts in full-sized portions with friends or in sample sizes by yourself. Discover ethnic specialties or indulge in your traditional favorites. An elegant Fine Dining Area is showcased, highlighting gourmet cuisine from renowned chefs and offering daily cooking demonstrations.
