The 'Mile High' City of Denver is home to breath-taking Rocky Mountain views, a growing craft beer scene, and all things green *wink wink, nudge nudge*. There's also plenty to do here, especially for those that love exploring the outdoors, so I've compiled a small list of some of the cool things to do while in Denver, as well as a few spots that are nearby!
1. Denver Selfie Museum
This is the first and only Instagram pop-up museum in Denver, which is a great place to create memories with friends, and is also an amazing spot for content creation (for all my insta photographers and influencers). There are multiple walls and rooms that cater to different themes and aesthetics, and you can take your time to go around and take as many pictures as you'd like. It recently re-opened in January of this year, and is $25 ($29 on the weekends) per person to enter. In terms of COVID precautions, you must reserve a time entry slot into the space and wear your mask at all times, except for when you're actively taking photos.
2. Hike Through Mount Falcon Park
When you come to Colorado, you've got to do some hiking! It's a great way to get some exercise, breathe fresh air, and gain a better appreciation and respect for nature. Denver itself is home to over 200 parks, but Mount Falcon Park is located in Morrison, CO, which is about a 25-30 minute drive from Downtown Denver. If hiking for the first time or even by yourself, I recommend booking a guided hike through sites like Airbnb Experiences. Click here to book with Hiking in the Rockies, an amazing group that provides guided hikes in the Rocky Mountains who are so knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. You'll have an amazing time!
3. Enjoy the Mac-and-Cheese at Mac Nation
Mac Nation is a small cafe that specializes in baked mac-and-cheese dishes, and is only a few minutes ride from the entrance to Mount Falcon Park. After a nice long hike, it's the perfect spot to load up on some carbs. The baked macaroni dishes here are big enough to share between two people (or you can have one all to yourself, if you're greedy like me) and are so tasty I'm POSITIVE you'll order one to go to save for later. There are TONS of different signature mac choices, but my recommendation is either the St.Thomas, which has jerk chicken, or the Texas, which has BBQ chicken and bacon added in. It was definitely some of the best baked mac & cheese I've tasted!
4. Wonder Wonder
This part art exhibit, part photo-op is similar to the Denver Selfie Museum, with many different rooms and fun photowalls to choose from (you can even interact with some of them!). There are two locations, the closest being out in Boulder, CO, which is about a 30 minute drive from Denver, and is near to a host of other cool food spots like AVANTI. You are allowed an hour to explore and take pictures as you wish, and COVID precautions include masks, temperature checks, and provided hand sanitizer upon entry. Tickets to Wonder Wonder cost $19 per person, but I suggest checking out Groupon for their 2 for $24 deal.
5. Experience AVANTI: A Collective Eatery
Avanti Food & Beverage is a multi-story building with lounge and rooftop access that houses several different bars and eateries for you to enjoy while in Denver. It's a great atmosphere with tons of options, so you'll be sure to find something you like, and can even make it a spot that you visit more than once! I personally went with the Nashville hot chicken sandwich and fries from Lea Jane's Hot Chicken during my visit, and it most definitely satisfied my fried chicken cravings!
6. Denver Biscuit Company
If you visit Denver and don't make it a point to try the food here, you've failed in life (yes, I'm being dramatic. But still, I'd be very disappointed in you). The biscuits served here are too good to pass up or miss out on, for real! DBC has both savory and sweet options on their menu, and these biscuits are SUPER thick, while still managing to be soft and far far away from dry and flaky. I recommend trying The Lola (its drenched in syrup and has BACON), but the star of the show seems to be their massive cinnamon roll biscuit. In fact, my friends and I had to order ours at another location for pick up because they had already sold out at the location we were eating at.
7. Enjoy Drinks with a View at 54thirty Rooftop
54thirty Rooftop bar is the perfect way to end the day and start your night; You'll get all the beautiful views of the cityscape contrasting with the mountain tops, while sipping on a deliciously crafted cocktail. They currently seat on a first come first serve basis, so no reservations necessary! Just be sure to make your way there with enough time before sunset, because that's when the bar is understandably, busiest.
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