Denver, widely known as the Mile High City (elevation 5,280 ft), is one of America’s truly unique metropolitan cities. Set in the plains at the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, Denver not only enjoys the culture and sophistication of the 10th largest downtown area in America, but it has incredible vistas of the towering Rockies as you look west from the city. The combination of over 300 days of sunshine, easy access to the activity-rich mountains, and the friendly, fun atmosphere of the city, all contribute to making Denver one of the fastest growing cities in the nation! But not everyone is moving here – the rest just visit! Denver has almost 9 million visitors each year, coming to enjoy that sweet blend of big city and the great outdoors.
So, what’s there to do in Denver? Let’s see… 90 golf courses, the Denver Zoo, Six Flags Elitch Gardens amusement park, Denver’s famous LoDo (LOwer DOwntown – a renovated historic district that at last count had over 90 restaurants & pubs), the 2nd largest performing arts complex in America, horse racing, the Grand Prix, a tour of one of only 3 money Mints in the country, the Denver Botanic Gardens, the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall, the wonderful Denver Children’s Museum, the National Western Rodeo, over 600 miles of bike trails, the infamous unsinkable Molly Brown’s historic house - and can you say sports? As many sporting fans know, Denver is home to an amazing 7 pro sports teams – so whether you like soccer, football, hockey, baseball, basketball, you can see some of the best sports action in the country. Oh, did I forget to mention concerts? It’s our opinion that the natural Red Rocks Amphitheatre on the west edge of Denver is one of the most unique and spectacular concert settings in the country. You’ve got to see it to believe it – just ask anyone who’s been there!
Access to Denver is easy – the Denver International Airport (DIA) is the 5th busiest airport in the US, and because of Denver’s central location, is within a few hours flight from most any location in the country. Because of people’s perception of Colorado weather, it may be a surprise to many that DIA had the fewest delays of any of the nation's 15 busiest airports.
Denver also provides a gateway to some nearby historic towns; Black Hawk & Central City are 34 miles west of downtown, and are two old mining towns that allow limited stakes gambling. Between the two, there are 30 casinos, with slot machines, blackjack tables and poker – and, of course, some of the traditional old west activities like panning for gold, and believe-it-not - opera!
If you’re not out of breath from all the cool activities or the slightly thinner atmosphere in the Mile High City, you can always drive the highest paved auto road in all of North America – the road to Mount Evans which summits at an amazing 14,260 feet.
But if you’re going to attempt it – you better plan a summer trip, since the road is open only from sometime in June through Labor Day. Don’t be surprised if it snows – no matter when you go!
Last but not least, we just have to mention that Denver is home to the invention of one of America’s most classic meals – the cheeseburger. In 1935, Louis Ballast, owner of the Humpty Dumpty drive-in, melted a slice of cheese on a hamburger at his Denver restaurant, and decide to patent it. Now when you take pictures in this truly amazing city, you may be reminded of a whole new meaning for the expression “say cheese”!
