How to Visit Denver, Colorado

Colorado's capital city has all the attractions of a big city, the museums, the restaurants, the sports teams, the shopping and the business hub, but it also maintains a laid back attitude, encouraged by the mostly sunny weather, proximity to the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park and the locals' love of outdoor activities. Denver residents are constantly biking, skiing and hiking, in addition to taking time to enjoy a locally brewed beer. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your next trip to this popular destination.

Instructions

1. Explore the downtown Golden Triangle Museum District, off W. 13th Street, where you will find a concentration of museums, cultural venues and historic sites, including the Denver Art Museum, Colorado History Museum and Colorado Ballet. There are also a number of galleries and art studios in the neighborhood that host free tours on the first Friday of every month.

2. Head your boots over to Rockmont Ranch Wear, a western wear store in a historic warehouse building in lower downtown (LoDo) Denver on Wazee St., off the 16th Street Mall. Rockmont's authentic shirts, boots, jackets and hats, are all handmade in the United States, and are sold both nationally and internationally. The store has been family owned and operated by three generations, after being founded by Jack Weit, "Papa Jack," who died in 2008 at 107. A number of celebrities, from Bruce Springsteen to Matthew McConaughey, have been known to buy Rockmont's wares.

3. Visit the REI Flagship store on Platte Street at Confluence Park, where Cherry Creek and the South Platte River meet. The multi-level store, housed in the 1901 Denver Tramway Building, not only sells REI products, but also features a 45 foot climbing wall called the Pinnacle, mountain biking trails in the park located right outside the store, and a kayak run below the store in the South Platte River. A bike shop, equipment rentals and even a Starbucks are features.

4. Relax in City Park, which spans more than 300 acres, located near Colfax Avenue and 23rd Street The Denver Zoo and Colorado Museum of Nature and Science are housed inside the park, in addition to picnic areas, playgrounds, jogging paths and recreation areas. The park also sports a fantastic view of the Denver skyline. Be sure to check an events calendar ahead of time, due to its size, City Park is often the location for annual city events and festivals.

5. Take a day trip outside of Denver. Denver's location makes it roughly 40 minutes from Boulder, an hour from Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak area,and an hour and a half to the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. Ski towns Vail and Aspen and small towns Golden and Black Hawk are also close.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepare in advance for variable weather conditions. Colorado, while mostly sunny throughout the year, often has dramatic weather changes in a given day.

Resources

• Rockmont Ranch Wear