Summer Denver Getaway

Denver is a bustling city of over 579,000 people supporting a metropolitan area of nearly 3 million. Though the city embraces its cowboy and mining past, it also looks forward to the future with a vibrant arts scene, dozens of great outdoor festivals and a variety of neighborhoods offering their own entertaining experiences. In addition, it provides access to the beautiful Rocky Mountains , only 15 miles west of town.

Late spring/early summer and early autumn are excellent times to visit Denver if you are an outdoor sports enthusiast. The weather is generally pleasant, and there is an abundance of outdoor festivals at these times. Of course, for skiing enthusiasts, winter is the best time to visit Denver. There are many ski resorts about 1 to 1/2-2 hours west of Denver along I-70, though the weekend traffic to these resorts can be very slow, especially in inclement weather.

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.

Swanky and stylish, Jax Fish House is a popular after-work gathering spot for the business crowd and with fans heading over to Coors Field for a Rockies game. It is also the place for downing a few raw oysters. The restaurant is always jumping with energy (i.e. loud) and may not suit those in search of a quiet meal. The appetizers feature both hot and cold selections including tasty Blue Crab Cakes. The Chipolte Charred Ahi Tuna and Grilled Hawaiian Escolar are two of the more popular dinner entrees. Happy Hour is from 4p-6p daily. Open daily 4pm onwards.

This restored Victorian mansion, once the home of legendary Denver resident, Maggie (Molly) Brown, now serves as a popular museum, attracting more than 40,000 visitors a year. The museum explores the eccentric life of the 'Unsinkable Molly Brown', a Titanic survivor and eminent figure in the city's Gold Rush heritage. After the tour, browse around the gift shop and check out the selection of T-shirts, books and other memorabilia. Open tuesday to saturdays at 10am and 3:30pm and on sundays at noon and 3:30pm.

While the gilded dome of this building may attract the attention of visitors, the history and stunning architectural features inside holds their real interest. Standing precisely one mile above sea level, its observation deck offers impressive views of Denver, the Rocky Mountains and the surrounding plains. You can get your fill of local history by scanning the murals on the first floor and the onyx busts of Denver's important historical figures. Be sure to also take a tour of the impressive House and Senate chambers. Guided tours are available and admission is free.

Downtown Aquarium remains a popular attraction. The attraction includes exhibits about different aquatic and land habitats of the world, such as the desert, rainforest and coral lagoon. It also features fun exhibits like the sunken temple and the shipwreck. The Downtown Aquarium also features the Aquarium restaurant, surrounded by sharks and stingrays.

After spending 104 years tucked away in northwest Denver, Elitch Gardens abandoned its home for a more spacious downtown site, which allowed it to add state-of-the-art rides, such as the free falling 'Tower of Doom' and the 'Sidewinder.' Besides the more than 100 rides, there are numerous shows, shopping outlets and eateries to keep the family entertained. In addition, in the summer you can alternate between the numerous roller coasters and the neighboring mammoth water park. Hours fluctuate throughout the year hence call ahead for the schedule.

Situated in the heart of lively downtown Denver, just across from the courthouse, the Rocky Mountain Diner is a popular lunch destination for the business class as well as a hot spot for dinner. The lunch menu covers an assortment of salads and sandwiches for fewer than eight bucks, while the meaty dinner menu focuses on local specialties like rainbow trout and buffalo meatloaf. The fried chicken will put a couple of extra pounds on you and the Duck Enchiladas are a creative delight. A few Colorado micro brews are on tap.

Cathedral Of The Immaculate Conception began as a small brick church built by a French missionary in 1860. From these humble origins, the church has grown into a 1,500-seat French-Gothic cathedral, dating from the early 20th century. It played host to Pope John Paul II in 1983 during World Youth day. The cathedral's towering frame is a work of art, with 75 stained-glass windows, ornate decor, and imported marble. Outside, twin spires rise 210 feet above the street. Call to schedule group tours.

This 314-acre expanse of garden, greenery, fountains, ponds and fine sculpture, located just east of downtown, is home to the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Built in the early 1900s as part of the popular City Beautiful movement, the park served Denverites as a civic refuge and swimming retreat. The lake beach no longer exists, but the historic boathouse, seen on many area postcards, remains. Three playgrounds, picnic tables, tennis courts and a public golf course are all available.

Where else can you visit polar ice caps, a tropical forest, the African savanna and a jungle all in one day? The zoo is a state-of-the-art habitat featuring more than 3,500 animals representing 600 species. Visit with sloths, tree frogs, and a moray eel at the indoor 'Tropical Discovery' exhibit. Or wander through the seven-acre 'Primate Panorama Exhibit'. From cold climate penguins to tropical flamingos, 'Bird World' will inspire your appreciation of winged things. It is open 365 days a year.

This museum is one of the city's most popular attractions, drawing almost two million visitors a year. There are permanent displays on North American Indians, Egyptian mummies, dinosaurs, and minerals, all stunningly detailed and vast. The museum also hosts such traveling exhibits as 'Ramses II,' and 'Imperial Tombs of China'. An IMAX Theatre, gift shop and cafe are also on-site.

Major League Baseball's announcement of National League expansion came in 1985. Colorado then began a long and patient campaign, and in July of 1991 Denver managed to snag one of the two expansion franchises. Thus, the Colorado Rockies were born. The team played its first regular season in 1993 at Mile High Stadium. Two years later the Rockies set a record by being the first expansion team ever to reach post-season play prior to their ninth year of play. April to October Games are great family outings, especially in Coors Field. Tickets are readily available.

Denver's first brew pub is conveniently located down the street from Coors Field making Wynkoop Brewing Company an especially popular gathering spot during the baseball season. As one of LoDo's trendiest nightspots it offers a multitude of nightlife and dining options including an upstairs pool hall that features 22 tables, and a downstairs improvisational theater. The menu offers a wide range of standard pub food, as well as some highbrow options such as ahi tuna and sirloin steak. The made-on-site microbrews are numerous and are conveniently explained to as which one best suits each menu item.

640 acres in size, Red Rocks Park is set in the foothills only 15 miles west of Denver. A pair of 300-hundred-foot sandstone pillars, Creation Rock and Ship Rock, bookend the park's amphitheater and give the place its surreal setting. An impressive view of the Denver skyline adds to the park's visual drama.

Travel "into the field" to dinosaur bones from Jurassic period and more than 300 dinosaur footprints from the Cretaceous period. Plus, discover the secrets of how the Rocky Mountains were formed more than 70-million years ago. This mile long excursion into the past is a perfect outing for the entire family. If you hike out on a Dinosaur Discovery Day (usually one weekend day a month seasonally) the road is closed to traffic. Free maps for self guided tours are available at the Visitor Center. Guided tours are also available.

This park is a throwback to the days when theme parks were more than corporate carnivals seeking to build the biggest roller coaster. It is set in the guise of an old Victorian town and provides old-fashioned fun for the whole family. Rides abound, including the merry-go-round and alpine slide. Numerous shops carry everything from candy to souvenirs. The acclaimed Music Hall offers a variety of entertainment ranging from vaudeville to mystery plays. There is even a wedding chapel. General admission is free, but the rides and the Music Hall have separate fees. Outdoor rides are only open during the summer.

If you are heading up to Golden, with the kids to visit the Buffalo Bill Museum, be sure to pack a lunch and stop by the Lookout Mountain Nature Center. Located just down the road from the museum, the nature center is 110 acres of open space. Meandering trails wander through Ponderosa pine forests filled with wildlife, and into colorful meadows perfect for picnics. A stunning new facility features a wildlife observation deck and interactive exhibits, and is available for group functions. The Boettcher Mansion is also on-site. Admission is free. Open daily 8am onwards.

Situated in a warehouse that contains a dojo, Zen garden, and Japanese folk art museum, Domo creates a simple blend of healthy cuisine and authentic Japanese country cooking. Each dish comes in large portions with an assortment of side dishes. The Sake Nabe, salmon and vegetables served in a light soy sauce, is an excellent choice. The Portobello Teriyak also rates as a fine selection. Domo also has an extensive Sake bar. The Japanese country decor provides some interesting visuals including a mammoth tree growing in the center of the dining area.

Beginning at Confluence Park and traveling east to the Cherry Creek reservoir, this trail follows wanders approximately 15 miles. Along the way, it meanders through some of Denver's most popular neighborhoods including Lodo, Capital Hill and Cherry Creek. Perfect for walking, biking, and inline skating, the paved path is a great way to experience the city like a local. But be careful on weekends, the trail is packed.

If you need a temporary reprieve from the city bustle, take in a bit of nature at this local state park. The Cherry Creek Reservoir is the focal point of the park and is a haven for fishing, sailing, swimming and skiing. Numerous nature trails snake through the park offering hikers a chance to see wildlife, while bikers, runners and roller bladers utilize the paved trails and roads. Camping and horse back riding are available. The nature center offers various classes in subjects like aquatic entomology and falconry.

This distinctive outdoor mall features 26 blocks of swanky salons, boutiques and restaurants. Sip coffee as you walk along tree lined avenues. Enjoy some pampering at one of the district's premier salons. Stroll through art galleries and designer boutiques. Allow at least an hour to browse the Tattered Cover bookstore. Then have dinner and drinks at a trendy bistro. Cherry Creek North Shopping District, which encompasses First, Second and Third Avenues from University to Steele, also serves as a showcase for the local galleries during the annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Street parking is tight. It is best to park across the street and use the Cherry Creek Mall's free parking garage.