Good Lifestyle

With its snow-capped mountains in the distance and 5,000 acres worth of parks, the "mile high city" will take your breath away on beauty alone. Dig even deeper, and you'll discover a bounty of things to explore in Denver's capital.

From seeing a show at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater to sipping through the craft beer scene and dropping by a Farmers' market of epic proportions, adding the following "must do's" to your list will ensure a wow-worthy visit to this Western city. Here are the best insider tips for making the most of a trip to Denver, and next, don't miss 10 U.S. Islands to Add to Your Bucket List—No Passport Required.

Artists from around the country and world relish the opportunity to perform at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater, an open-air music venue nestled between towering red rock formations.

"Fans love it, too, because there's something for every music fan on the calendar each year and the setting is unparalleled," saysJennifer Osieczanek deVisit Denver. "In 2021, Red Rocks was the top-grossing, most-attended concert venue in the world, according to Billboard Magazine."

If you can't squeeze in a concert, there are some hiking options juste à côté.

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LePearl Street Farmers' Market takes place May through November every Sunday starting at South Pearl Street, and it's considered Denver's best.

"Come for the vegetables and stay for the art, food, drink, and other wares," says Bill Werlin, co-founder of Écoutez ici, an audio app that tells stories about places around the world. "Having been to farmers' markets in a variety of places, the Pearl Street market is at the top of the list."

He says there is no way you won't leave without something, whether it's on-the-spot flame-roasted hatch chilis, freshly baked goods from Denver's top local bakeries, or good vibes from the live band playing that day.

Denver is a mecca when it comes to cool speakeasies, which have remained a key part of the city's history ever since prohibition. There are plenty to choose from, but you'll have to know where to look!

"Pop into an ice cream shop to ring a doorbell on the freezer that lets you into Rétrograde (one of Denver's newer speakeasies), or check out the hip Milk Market and try to find the elevator that'll take you to the Run for the Roses Speakeasy," suggests Jill Collins, founder of Denver Walking Tours and Eventbrite créateur.

Green Russell etWilliams & Graham are other local favorites you can check out, too.

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Once you've had enough secretive imbibing, consider hitting one of Denver's many rooftop bars. You'll soar the highest at Le Meredien's 54Thirty, a chic, open-air bar that has an outstanding seasonal cocktail program and tasty light bites. It overlooks the expansive cityscape, which sparkles at night. Great photo opps, upbeat music, amazing drinks, and yummy food—what's not to love?ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb

Denver's culinary scene has gained major momentum in recent years, to the point that it's become nationally recognized for its offerings. Osieczanek says that in 2020 alone, 11 Denver chefs, makers, and restaurateurs were semifinalists for the coveted James Beard Awards.

"Dine at an innovative concept from an award-winning chef or check out the growing marketplace and food hall scene to get a broader taste of the Mile High City," Osieczanek suggests. "No matter where you choose, you're sure to be eating local, as many chefs work directly with local farmers to source the freshest ingredients."

If you're craving something low-key where you can kick back, stop El Taco de Mexico, a 30-year-old taqueria that looks ordinary but is anything but. This James Beard nominee will leave your belly very happy. For a bougie splurge, try Frasca Food and Wine on Pearl Street, which features a unique Friulian cuisine and has an amazing wine program by Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey.

If you pick just one of Denver's neighborhoods to explore, make it the River North Art District, connu par les habitants sous le nom de Rino. Ce quartier créatif abrite des artistes visuels, des fabricants de meubles, des producteurs d'équipements de plein air, des brasseurs artisanaux, et plus encore, chacun prêt à l'ambiance éclectique, créative et entrepreneuriale.

Le Santa Fe Art District est également riche en créativité, et il prend les choses un cran à chaquepremier vendredi du mois. Werlin dit: "Des centaines d'artistes locaux partagent leur travail dans les galeries, les coopératives, les studios, la rue, la ruelle - vous le nommez! C'est vraiment une façon différente de connaître le côté créatif des résidents de Denver."

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Pas en ville pendant un premier vendredi? Il y a encore amplement l'occasion de profiter de la scène artistique locale.

"Les Denverites adorent notre art, et nous aimons le partager avec les visiteurs de la ville. La ville a investi plus de 40 millions de dollars dans plus de 400 œuvres d'art public et d'art de rue", explique Collins. "Les meilleurs - et les plus amusants - les voir sont en visitantMiaou loup, TéléchargementVisite d'aventure audio Unplugged audio de Denver's Denver's Denver, ou se joindre au plaisirDenver Street Art + Graffiti Expérience, qui comprend également la dégustation du chocolat local. "

Pensez également à passer par le Denver Art Museum, 125 ans, qui présente l'une des collections les plus anciennes et les plus robustes (20 000 pièces et comptage), représentant les traditions artistiques de presque toutes les tribu américaines et canadiennes datant de l'époque préhistorique. Le musée a récemment subi une rénovation de 150 millions de dollars, ce qui est d'autant plus raison de visiter.

Denver connaît la bière, et avec plus de 100 brasseries artisanales, brasseries et salles de tapis, elle surclasse toutes les autres villes aux États-Unis. De plus, il héberge égalementLe Great American Beer Festival, qui est le plus grand concours de bière annuel du pays, note Osieczanek.

Brassage cérébral, laGreat Divide Brewing Company, etRenegade Brewing Company sont tous des visites incontournables pour les snobs de bière. Situé à environ une heure à l'extérieur de la ville, à Fort Collins, vous trouverez le célèbreOdell Brewing Company quartier général. (Il y a aussi une salle de bain à Denver si vous n'avez pas le temps de faire le lecteur.)

Que vous vous dirigeiez à Denver pour une escapade d'un week-end ou que vous exploriez pour un tronçon plus long, tout ce qui précède fera certainement un voyage à retenir.

Pour plus de conseils de voyage, consultez La meilleure attraction touristique de chaque État.