Take A Break is your final information to the right journeys to recharge, rediscover your self and your relationships, and reengage with the world. We’ll cowl purchasing stops, nice bars, eating places value your cash, picture alternatives, memorable drives and experiences, and different essential particulars you want earlier than you e book.
Below, we chat with Caroline Bologna, senior journey and tradition reporter at HuffPost, about why you’ll wish to put Denver in your bucket checklist.
What drew you to Denver as a spot to go to or discover?
The first couple of instances I went to Denver, it was only a stopover earlier than heading to one of many many close by ski resorts. Last fall, I lastly had the chance to spend greater than a day or two within the Mile High City and completely liked exploring the totally different neighborhoods and websites.
What are the very best instances of 12 months to go to?
Obviously, you may tack Denver on while you journey to Colorado for a ski journey within the winter, however I actually loved visiting in the course of the “shoulder season” in November. The temperatures had been chilly however not insufferable, so it was simple to stroll round to totally different points of interest and take within the attractive mountain panorama.
Summer can also be a preferred time to go to Denver, particularly when you wish to hike and go to music festivals and different occasions. Still, town does get a bit extra crowded and airfare prices go up, so it’s a must to weigh these elements when selecting a date.
What’s your finest tip for getting there? How are you able to make the journey as stress-free as doable?
Denver may be very simple to achieve due to the Denver International Airport, which is incessantly ranked one of many 5 busiest within the U.S.
It’s additionally one of many extra fascinating airports on the market ― and the topic of many strange conspiracy theories. From the freaky blue mustang statue (aka “Blucifer”) to the controversial murals, the artwork on the airport alone is sufficient to ship the rumor mill right into a frenzy. Whatever you imagine, there’s lots to ponder at DIA.
Caroline Bologna/HuffPost
Where do you advocate staying while you go?
When I visited final 12 months, I stayed on the Sheraton Denver Downtown, which had simply been renovated, so the whole lot felt very fashionable and splendid. There had been additionally tons of areas to take a seat, work and drink espresso within the foyer, which was clutch for a pandemic-era “workcation.”
Since the resort was proper within the sixteenth Street Mall space, it was simple to stroll to a lot of the points of interest on my checklist. Friends have additionally advisable different motels in that neighborhood, together with The Brown Palace (for historical past and spa-lovers), The Renaissance (situated within the outdated Colorado National Bank Building, full with transformed financial institution vaults) and The Art Hotel (fittingly named, given its proximity to high museums).
Other well-liked spots embrace The Oxford Hotel, The Crawford Hotel (situated in Union Station) and Halcyon. And like most main cities, Denver can also be residence to numerous trip leases by Airbnb, VRBO and different platforms.
What are your go-to eating places or meals to eat when you’re there?
One of my favourite lunch spots within the Denver space is Stanley Marketplace, which has tons of nice meals choices ― from Italian sandwiches to Asian noodles to the wonderful breakfast sandwiches at Denver Biscuit Company. If you wish to keep nearer to town middle, Denver Milk Market within the LoDo neighborhood (quick for Lower Downtown) is one other great place to pattern a wide range of meals.
For a pleasant dinner out, I’m an enormous fan of Guard and Grace, and I’ve additionally heard nice issues in regards to the Italian meals at Odyssey, which is situated in an outdated Victorian home. Linger is a stylish restaurant and bar in a former mortuary, and Snooze is a cute place to get scrumptious pancakes for brunch.
What bars or leisure spots do you make sure that to hit? What’s good to drink there or what else ought to folks know?
Denver is legendary for its beer scene, so that you’ll by no means run out of breweries to go to. There are the well-known classics like Blue Moon and Coors (situated simply exterior Denver in Golden, Colorado), in addition to extra native favorites like Wynkoop, Hogshead, Great Divide, TRVE, Novel Strand and Cerebral Brewing.
I’m not an enormous beer particular person, nevertheless, so I wish to hit up Bigsby’s Folly Craft Winery, Mile High Spirits and Rising Sun Distillery. For cocktails, there’s Room for Milly, Retrograde and Fort Greene. And the Sheraton truly has a stylish “veiled bar” referred to as Bezel.
Caroline Bologna/HuffPost
What are your favourite outlets and what do you search for while you’re there?
In addition to eating places, Stanley Marketplace is filled with nice native outlets, so I picked up some residence items and different knick-knacks after having lunch there. I additionally wish to cease by one of many Tattered Cover Book Store areas once I’m in Denver.
People are likely to hit up Cherry Creek Shopping Center and the sixteenth Street Mall. And in fact, because it’s Colorado, there are additionally loads of dispensaries to take a look at if that’s your scene.
What’s your single favourite spot to go for images and why?
You’ve most likely seen it throughout your Instagram feed, however Red Rocks Amphitheater actually is well worth the go to. Even when you don’t have the chance to catch a present there, you may cease by to absorb the gorgeous surroundings and even take a yoga class there.
What vacationer attraction ought to folks skip and what ought to they do as an alternative?
Lots of tourists to Denver take a day journey to Rocky Mountain National Park. While that’s clearly a particular expertise, I’d advocate designating a separate time to discover the Rockies and reap the benefits of your keep in Denver to eat, drink, store and hike across the metropolis correct.
Where do you are feeling essentially the most relaxed, calm or comfortable?
It is perhaps touristy, however strolling round and grabbing a drink or chunk to eat in Larimer Square is extremely nice. Nothing compares to sitting below the twinkling lights after an extended stroll across the downtown space.
What scenic spots do you advocate testing?
Denver is filled with iconic buildings like Union Station and the Colorado State Capitol, so I like to recommend catching these. Otherwise, town additionally has a number of impressive public parks like Cheesman Park, Washington Park and Confluence Park.
Caroline Bologna/HuffPost
What’s one factor you make sure that to pack when you’re going, and why?
Layers are important in Denver, particularly throughout shoulder season. Throughout the day, I discovered myself including and eradicating sweaters, scarves and jackets. The solar provides numerous heat ― and also you don’t respect how a lot till it goes down at night time and the chilliness units in.
I additionally discovered that individuals have a tendency to decorate fairly casually in Denver, so I like to recommend sticking to comfy garments and footwear, which makes strolling across the totally different neighborhoods way more pleasant.
What are some particular planning tricks to know earlier than you go so that you’re not pressured?
It’s referred to as Mile High City for a cause! The altitude state of affairs is actual, so be ready to really feel a bit of extra winded while you work out or go for a hike.
Don’t neglect to hydrate as effectively. And though there are conflicting studies about whether or not or not the altitude makes you get drunk sooner, it’s at all times a good suggestion to tempo your self (and once more, drink loads of water).
What stunned you about Denver while you went the primary time?
I used to be stunned what number of wonderful museums there are in Denver. I spent hours on the Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum and Molly Brown House Museum (an enormous deal with for any “Titanic” fan). The stylish River North Art District (“RiNo”) can also be filled with nice galleries.
There are numerous different artwork and tradition experiences on my checklist for return visits as effectively, together with the Museum of Contemporary Art, Black American West Museum, Wings Over the Rockies, Meow Wolf and Museo de las Americas.
Anything else guests ought to know?
Don’t neglect to look exterior at sundown. The low skyline, mountain views and saturated colours make for a fairly breathtaking mixture.
