Far from the cow-town persona of its past, the Mile High City of today juggles cosmopolitan flair with down-to-earth charm, so you can enjoy haute cuisine along with a cold microbrew. Book your last minute vacation package to Denver and save!

Editor’s favorite watering hole: The Mexican food at Rio’s is good, but the margaritas are to die for! It’s a known fact that you can only drink up to three, or else you won’t even be able to stumble out the door.

Local tipple: Coors Light is the drink of choice (it is brewed in the Rockies), but the many microbrews around town are a close second (and are our personal favorites). Take the short tour at the Coors Brewery and get straight to the samples.

Get your game on: “Rock Pile” tickets for bleacher seats at Coors Field are only $4, which is almost as good as free.

Did we mention it’s free? Red Rocks Park is located at 6,200 feet above sea level and has countless trails. Its naturally formed, open-air amphitheater is considered the eighth world wonder.

Good to know: Although Denver is officially on the plains next to the mountains, it’s still at a high altitude. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Try aspirin or drink caffeine to curb altitude headaches, and wear SPF!

Chill-out spot: If your definition of chilling out means biking, running, playing ultimate Frisbee, and such, you?ll find like-minded folks in Washington Park on the weekends.

Where the locals go: Dive bars like Candle Light Tavern, with darts, pool, foosball, and more are always packed. Otherwise, follow locals outside. Try rock climbing, biking, running, trail running, kayaking, hiking–you name it, it’s here.

Local flavor: Steak and Colorado lamb are always tops in the Mile High City, but if you’re craving Japanese, then Sushi Den on Pearl Street, is the place to see and be seen (yes, even though CO is land-locked).

Dress code: When in doubt, wear jeans. The REI flagship store is here, so you also can’t go wrong with the outdoorsy look either.

Recommendations & Suggestions

Fourth Story Restaurant & Bar
2955 E. First Ave. (Milwaukee St.)

Situated up above the infamous Tattered Cover Bookstore in Denver lies a charming, cozy restaurant serving up innovative American fare. Come in your flip-flops and shorts for a plate full of flavorful food. Looking for a hearty brunch? On Sundays, the melodic sounds of jazz echo as you enter through the doors. Sit back and sip on a spicy Bloody Mary as you inhale the sweet smells of sizzling bacon, eggs and homefries.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Colorado Highway 93
Phone: 303.640.5612

Nestled in the Rocky Mountain Foothills fifteen miles west of Denver, Red Rocks is a geologically formed, open-air amphitheatre that is not duplicated anywhere in the world. The design of the Amphitheatre consists of two, three hundred-foot monoliths (Ship Rock and Creation Rock) that provide acoustic perfection for any performance.

The area of Red Rocks, originally known as the Garden of Angels, has attracted the attention of musical performers since before the turn of the century. The majestic setting of the Amphitheatre, along with the panoramic view of Denver, makes for a breathtaking scene. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is located in the 818th acre of Red Rocks Park, near Morrison, 15 miles west of Denver.

The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa
321 17th Street
Phone: 1-303-297-3111

For more than a century, this historic Italian Renaissance landmark has held court in downtown Denver with its onyx walls, terrazzo floors and gold leaf highlights. Enjoy afternoon tea and live harp or piano music in the atrium lobby, rising nine floors to a glorious stained glass canopy and adorned like grand hotels of old. The Brown Palace, a favorite stopping off point for visiting dignitaries and stars, is an easy walk to Denver’s shopping district, museums, performing arts venues, and major league sporting events. Denver International airport is 25 miles or 40 minutes away.

Each of the 241 guest rooms feature two multi-line phones, data port, twice daily maid service, nightly turndown, 24 hour room service, complimentary newspaper, robes, complimentary high-speed Internet access and private voice mail. Pure artesian water from the hotel’s own 720-foot well flows from every faucet.

The hotel also features a full service spa, fitness center, full-service concierge, dry cleaning, beauty salon and florist. Choose from three classic restaurants: fine dining in Palace Arms; breakfast, lunch or Dom Perignon Sunday brunch in Ellyngton’s; casual dining piano bar in local favorite Ship Tavern; or imbibe in spirits and cigars in Churchill Bar.

The Brown Palace is a Mobil four-star service hotel.

Winter Park Ski Resort

Located only 67 miles Northwest of Denver, this resort has long been a favorite day trip for city dwellers. With over 2,800 acres of skiable terrain, this no-frills resort has trails to match any skill level.

More Information and Booking Options