‘Mile High City’
As the only major city in the area Denver has a unique attraction, and its location exactly a mile above sea level provides it with its famous nickname. The city is at its best during the winter, when the sprinkling of snow and frost provides a stunning backdrop. With more than 4,000 acres of parks to explore, you can spend your days strolling through the city and admiring the dramatic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
Things to do
During the winter you can go ice skating at the Belmar or the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park. Both venues offer fun for all ages. Skyline Park also has Friday night DJs and concerts on a Saturday, while Sunday afternoon is family entertainment day. To take in the history and culture of the city you can explore the Denver Museum of Nature and Science as well as Denver Art Museum. The Botanic Gardens are picturesquely beautiful and so are the views from the top of Mount Evans. Watching a baseball game at Coors Field is a great way to soak up the sporting heritage of the area.
Food and drink
Colorado is famed for producing more barrels of beer than any other state in America, and as the capital of the state Denver is at the heart of this. Sampling the refreshing ice-cold beers in the local bars is a great way to explore the city and meet people. If you’re lucky and visit during January you can take in the Winter Brew Fest, which showcases the craft beverages from around the region. In terms of food, expect the classic American cuisine but beware of the local speciality: Rocky Mountain Oysters. These are not normal oysters and unless you have a craving for fried bull testicles, it might be worth steering clear!
Where to stay
Uptown Denver is one of the most stylish regions of the city, with high-class hotels and exceptional restaurants such as the Warwick Denver Hotel. In downtown Denver the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa or the Oxford Hotel are two of the best picks. Staying in the centre of the city will put you within striking distance of the Convention Centre, making it perfect for business travellers, and the Monaco Denver hotel is one of the best options.