I am thinking about taking the wife on a long weekend trip to Denver (or maybe I'll just wait for spring training and go to ft myers to watch the Twins, haven't decided). Flights are cheap and I have relatives and friends in the Denver area. We'll probably be there for 5 days or so. Looking for some light activities as neither one of us ski/snowboard however we sure do like to drink. Was thinking of staying downtown for a night or two and hitting up some brewpubs. Suggestions?I would also like to see the mountains up close, not sure if there is anything relatively hassle free that would be worthwhile to do in order to see some of the scenary. Maybe a short roadtrip or even some light hiking would be cool. Suggestions?We can rent a car (will be flying in) and money isn't an issue either, just want to get away from work/kids for a couple of days and have a good time while punishing my liver in a different geographic location.Thanks!
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Denver - Things to Do (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter snore
- Start date
Spartans346
Footballguy
Ummm no
McGarnicle
Footballguy
Fire John Fox.
Furious Styles
Footballguy
Tebow won a playoff game with that team last year...just saying
Judge Smails
Footballguy
Uh no
Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll
Footballguy
These guys crack me up, I don't know how they do it.
Metallurgist
Footballguy
Brewpub CO app on the smartphone is a good reference.Falling rock tap house in Denver usually has all the local brews on tap.Great divide, renegade, wynkoop breweries are usually on my rounds when I head to the flatlands. OrHead up to fort collins and drink Odell all day. Delicious. Boulder is a fun day trip. Plenty of brew pubs there as well.
Buckfast 1
Footballguy
I would definitely recommend a trip to Denver for the activies that you are looking for. If I were you, I would probably stay in downtown Denver for two nights, as there are a number of world-class breweries and brewpubs in downtown Denver. My personal favorite brewpubs are Freshcraft and Falling Rock Tap House, both of which offer an unbelievable selection of beers from local Colorado breweries and other top breweries around the world. You should also definitely visit Great Divide Brewing Company, which is one of the top microbreweries in the world and is located in downtown Denver. Actually, I would recommend renting bikes in downtown Denver and then doing a self-guided brewery tour in Denver, in which you can easily bike to numerous great breweries within a mile radius around town, including Great Divide, Denver Beer Company, Wynkoop Brewing Company, River North Brewery, Renegade Brewing Company, Prost Brewery, and Strange Brewing Company. I've done this a few times, and it is always great fun and a great way to see the sights of Denver.
I would also definitely recommend renting a car and then taking a drive up I-70 into the mountains to stay for a few days. The 1.5 hour drive on I-70 from Denver up to the ski resort towns of Vail/Beavercreek is one of the most beautiful drives in the country. Stunning views of the Rocky mountains. Depending on what time of year you go, there are a wide variety of hiking/snowshoeing trails all along I-70. If you want, I can probably recommend some specific trails to you depending on the season. It would probably be fun to stay in one of the ski resort towns like Vail for a couple days, as your wife would probably enjoy walking around the town, there are numerous bars in town, and there are plenty of outdoor activities that you can do from there (biking, snowmobiling, hiking, etc.).
Also, if you really want to get a full beer tour in your trip to Colorado, I would also recommend heading up to Ft. Collins to visit some of Colorado's finest breweries. I am a huge fan of Odell Brewing Company. You should also check out New Belgium and Ft. Collins breweries if you are heading up there.
I would also recommend taking a drive through Rocky Mountain National Park for some amazing views of the Rockies and wildlife. RMNP is about 1.5 hours from Denver and probably less than that from Vail, although it will depend what roads are open at the time you visit. You can do some great hiking/snowshoeing there. You can also stop by the Oskar Blues breweries in Lyons or Longmont, both of which are fairly close to RMNP.
I would also definitely recommend renting a car and then taking a drive up I-70 into the mountains to stay for a few days. The 1.5 hour drive on I-70 from Denver up to the ski resort towns of Vail/Beavercreek is one of the most beautiful drives in the country. Stunning views of the Rocky mountains. Depending on what time of year you go, there are a wide variety of hiking/snowshoeing trails all along I-70. If you want, I can probably recommend some specific trails to you depending on the season. It would probably be fun to stay in one of the ski resort towns like Vail for a couple days, as your wife would probably enjoy walking around the town, there are numerous bars in town, and there are plenty of outdoor activities that you can do from there (biking, snowmobiling, hiking, etc.).
Also, if you really want to get a full beer tour in your trip to Colorado, I would also recommend heading up to Ft. Collins to visit some of Colorado's finest breweries. I am a huge fan of Odell Brewing Company. You should also check out New Belgium and Ft. Collins breweries if you are heading up there.
I would also recommend taking a drive through Rocky Mountain National Park for some amazing views of the Rockies and wildlife. RMNP is about 1.5 hours from Denver and probably less than that from Vail, although it will depend what roads are open at the time you visit. You can do some great hiking/snowshoeing there. You can also stop by the Oskar Blues breweries in Lyons or Longmont, both of which are fairly close to RMNP.
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bierfiend
Footballguy
falling rock, celtic tavern (not a brewpub), and wynkoop were my favorites in denver. boulder is a nice day trip.i worked in vail from 01-11, so i am a big advocate for vail/beaver creek.breckenridge and winter park are not far from denver.i love new belgium bier. maybe a trip north to ft collins might be nice.
You are the man! Thanks for the info, exactly what I was looking for.
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Apple Jack
Footballguy
Why aren't you skiing? Booze it up...sleep it off, get some green chili smothered huevoes, find a can to destroy, run up to A Basin since you want to see the mountains anyway, make some turns, be awesome, come back down the mountain and do it all over again. You're in Colorado man. Make some turns, no matter how uncoordinated you and your partner are.
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Buckfast 1
Footballguy
No problem! Let me know if I can help out with any other suggestions.
Evilgrin 72
Distributor of Pain
SMOKE WEED !!!!!!!
jason12vb
Footballguy
Red Rocks is one of my favorite places on earth and seeing a show there is on my bucket-list. The drive to Breckenridge is awesome, especially if you stay off the highway and it's a cool little town. Breckenridge Brewery happens to make my favorite beer and just yesterday I had a buddy of mine bring a growler back straight from the source... delicious. He was very impressed with the food there too.
Zaxxon
Footballguy
Lol. I forget, what was the guy's offense?
Apple Jack
Footballguy
I love Red Rocks, but Town Park in Telluride is better.
ffldrew
Footballguy
I will humbly disagree........Acoustics at Red Rocks are spooky - really spooky.
ffldrew
Footballguy
What time of the year are you planning to do this? Makes a huge difference on what to suggest.There are some awesome new brewpub/breweries - also if you love to drink also go to Stranahans Rackhouse Pub and distillery - awesome whiskey - one of the best you will ever find.If you are coming at a decent weather timeframe - a bike ride down the Cherry Creek Bike path all the way to Bull & Bush for food and great award winning beers would combine the beer and exercise.And many fantastic hikes in the foothills or Boulder flatirons area would be highly suggested with some stops in Boulder for beers.One of the great things about Colorado is you can earn your beer with some great outdoor activities.Let me know - been living in Denver for a loooong time.
Drifter
Footballguy
I don't remember. If I remember, I thought he was being friendly buy you palmed a fork and were ready to poke holes in his jugular with it.
JHuber77
Footballguy
You don't need to actually drive to Breckenridge to get the beer. Breckenridge brewery has locations in Denver. And as a previous poster said, Stranahans is awesome
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fasteddie_21
2006 NM Poker Champ
Apple Jack
Footballguy
Why is that funny? Seen 20-30 shows at Red Rocks and probably 10 at Town Park. Just trying to help my brother here find the promised land he's obviously looking for.
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jason12vb
Footballguy
Huh, did not know they had breweries in Denver...wish they'd expand to Minnesota
Rayderr
Footballguy
This post needs some love.
Mose
Footballguy
Wife and I went 2 years ago. We went to the casinos in BlackHawk one night and stayed there, and then headed out to Georgetown to see the lake and train. Good ol Tom Tom navigation took us on a short cut down "Oh My Gawd Road". Wife panicked for the entire 30 minute drive. Find that road and drive down it!
roadkill1292
Footballguy
And are you Fred?
NutterButter
Footballguy
Place looks pretty sweet. Scenery wise, I'd give it the edge over Red Rocks during the day. The Gorge is another one of those places where daytime really does it justice. Red Rocks really shines at night.
Raylove
Footballguy
Heading out to Colorado in September for the Eagles/Broncos game.
We are staying in Boulder Friday & Saturday night, then Denver Sunday after the game because its closer to the airport for our return flight home. I already booked tickets to see Big Gigantic at Red Rocks Amphitheatre Saturday night but still looking for some ideas for friday night in Boulder & Sunday night in Denver. Would appreciate any suggestions.
We are staying in Boulder Friday & Saturday night, then Denver Sunday after the game because its closer to the airport for our return flight home. I already booked tickets to see Big Gigantic at Red Rocks Amphitheatre Saturday night but still looking for some ideas for friday night in Boulder & Sunday night in Denver. Would appreciate any suggestions.
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Buckfast 1
Footballguy
I'm not an expert on the Boulder food scene, but some of my favorite drinking spots up in Boulder include the Avery Brewery tap room, Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery, and Wild Woods Brewery. Mountain Sun has pretty solid food, and they brew all of their beers in house.
If you don't have plans during the day on Saturday, I would recommend driving up into the mountains to go hiking during the day. The end of September is right in the midst of when the aspens are all changing colors for the fall, which creates just brilliant scenery in the mountains. It is my favorite time of the year to hike in Colorado. There are plenty of great hikes within an hour or so of Boulder, which would allow you to get back in time for the Red Rocks concert on Saturday night.
There is a lot of stuff that I can recommend in Denver, but it just kind of depends on what you are looking for. My favorite places to drink in downtown Denver include Freshcraft, Falling Rock Tap House, River North Brewery, and Great Divide Brewing Co. Freshcraft has really good food and most of the local breweries generally have food trucks outside of them, many of which are quite good. As far as sit-down restaurant recommendations, it just kind of depends on where you are staying and what type of meal you are looking for. Euclid Hall and Rioja are pretty highly regarded restaurants in downtown Denver. Biker Jim's is a famous Denver establishment makes gourmet hot dogs out of exotic meats like elk, wild boar, bison, and reindeer. The Yelp community is pretty active in Denver, so it might be worth browsing around on there.
Let me know if you have any other specific questions about anything. Hope you enjoy your trip out to Colorado!
Drifter
Footballguy
If you have time, you might consider driving up the Canyon to Nederland, taking 119 South to 70 and then drop into Red Rocks from there. Plan on an hour and a half and you should be fine.
If you have more time, take the same route and stop off in Central City and Blackhawk and then take the Central City parkway to 70.
If you have more time, take the same route and stop off in Central City and Blackhawk and then take the Central City parkway to 70.
ffldrew
Footballguy
Check the work on I-70 right where the Parkway is coming on to I-70. It is going through a rework of the tunnels and turns right there to straighten it out and get rid of the slowdowns. It's going to be a long running process - It stopped me pretty good this last Saturday.
A longer alternate route - take Oh My God road from Central City into Idaho Springs and then go up to Echo Lake - at the foot of Mt. Evans. Great views from there - then take the road down into Bergen Park/Evergreen over Squaw Pass Road - then turn right and head into Evergreen - then take Bear Creek Canyon into Morrison.
Raylove
Footballguy
thanks to those that responded. Much appreciated.
Anyone else or any updates on things (festivals, special events or other) going on this weekend.
Also anyone with first hand knowledge of the area? We are staying at the Courtyard Marriot in Boulder and are going to Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Are we to expect any issues with the flooding? The hotel receptionist stated that its business as usual.
Thanks
Tyranny
Footballguy
Mountains around Boulder are pretty bad off, Lyons and Longmont are too. Conditions getting better. Check the site: http://www.coloradodot.info/
bills025
Footballguy
I would also love some suggestions, but other than booze and hiking. I'm staying near the Anschutz Hospital complex and it seems the wife and I are always trying to find something to do for a few hours. either before or after the hospital. Good food places would be appreciated as well.
Joe T
Footballguy
Any suggestions on where to stay in or near Denver?
I would like to be close enough to visit friends in Denver and also visit the mountains for a couple of days of hiking / exploring / finding things to do.
Ideally looking for a cabin to rent or a nice resort or any other good ideas you might have.
TIA
I would like to be close enough to visit friends in Denver and also visit the mountains for a couple of days of hiking / exploring / finding things to do.
Ideally looking for a cabin to rent or a nice resort or any other good ideas you might have.
TIA
Kanil
Footballguy
If you want to spend a couple days in the mountains, I'd suggest getting a place up there. Depending on where in the mountains you're going, you're looking at a 2 hour drive in the snow.
When are you planning to visit? Where in Denver are your friends? And what are you looking to do in the mountains?
Joe T
Footballguy
3 or 4 months from now. Mostly hike, explore, and if the opportunity arises take a whitewater rafting trip.
Kanil
Footballguy
3 months from now it's going to be pretty cold in the mountains. I'd push it back to at least May if not June if I was planning on hiking in the mountains.
The Buena Vista area of Colorado has some great hiking (multiple 14k summits to pick from) but be prepared for snow if you go too early. Buena Vista also has guided rafting tours. It is around 2 hours west of Denver in good weather so it's not really something I'd make a day trip out of but there are plenty of hotels in the area. I really like a couple of the hot springs up there and would probably stay the night there.
As for where to stay in Denver, it really depends on where your friends are/where you guys want to go. I'd honestly ask them where to stay in Denver.
tommyGunZ
Footballguy
A buddy is about to relocate from San Francisco to Denver. He works remotely so he's not tied to any specific area. Price isn't an issue as he and his wife are professionals who do well financially and they don't have kids.
They are currently looking at Stapleton. Any thoughts? Suggestions for other nice neighborhoods around the city?
They are currently looking at Stapleton. Any thoughts? Suggestions for other nice neighborhoods around the city?
Drifter
Footballguy
Stapleton is a new construcition, just add water neighborhood that is beginning to realize some serious crime issues since they built it across the street from some of the poorest areas of town.
The question becomes how urban do they want to be?
I would say check out the Green Mountain area (Lakewood), Ken Karyl or go further afield to Evergreen, Pine, Boulder/Louisville, Castle Rock
Lot of variables. When I moved here in 2006 the defining factor ended up being that I bought a house within walking distance of a light rail station. If they like sports/concerts/downtown nightlife that may be a factor. I love the fact that I don't have to drive when I do anything in downtown, and there is a LOT to do in downtown Denver. Stapleton will be getting a light rail station within the next year or two IIRC. I'm not intimately familiar with Stapleton but it's a relatively new area, having been developed at the site of the old airport. Not an area of Denver I'd choose though. I like the more Western areas as they are closer to the mountains. There are good neighborhoods all over the city - North of the city you've got Broomfield, Westminster and, of course, Boulder. I live south and there are some great neighborhoods that way as well. Englewood and Littleton are nice areas as well. It would be nice to know more about their lifestyle before being too specific.
