Sunny Denver, Colorado might not get talked about as much as diverse New York City, hipster Portland, or cool Chicago. But this city has it all: good food, good weather, and a lot of fun things for people who love to get fit and get outdoors at the same time.
The capital city of Colorado, Denver is about a three and a half hour flight from New York. You've probably seen photos of the incredible mountains, but there's so much more to know, and so many ways you could fill your time if you went on a weekend trip here.
Keep reading to find out why Denver, Colorado should be on your travel radar.
You Can Get Outside And Explore
Denver is a dream for people who love getting active on their vacation since you can be outside so much. According to this post on Reddit, Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a great place to hike. Day Hikes Near Denver says you can get here in less than 60 minutes if staying in Denver, and there are 30 total miles of trails that you can hike. You'll see the Rocky Mountains and the views will be amazing. Try the Blue Grouse Trail which is 1.6 miles and considered "easy to moderate" in terms of how tough it is.
You can also get a bike and see Denver that way. Denver.org mentions several routes that you can take on your bike, including the Cherry Creek Pike Bath. You can hike or take your bike here, and you'll be in the Cherry Creek area where you'll find stores and restaurants.
It's The Perfect Fit For Health-Conscious Foodies
Denver is the perfect place for foodies who want some really healthy fuel that will help sustain them when they're hiking or biking around the city. One good place is True Food Kitchen. Get some Edamame Guacamole, a Grass-Fed Burger, a Poke Bowl, or Spaghetti Squash Casserole.
You can also enjoy some healthy food at Root Down. At brunch, get Zucchini Bread French Toast, Veggie Burger Sliders, Shrimp and Sweet Potato Hash, or a Mushroom and Herb Omelet. For dinner, choose from Carrot Gnocchi, Squash Risotto, Tofu "Paneer," or some meat options like lamb and steak.
The restaurant's page on Trip Advisor says, "We have created a dining spot where all dietary needs will be accommodated, including vegetarian, vegan, raw and gluten-free." The atmosphere is great too: one review says, "Love the food here - we ate all vegetarian dishes the last time and they were so flavorful. Cozy for date night or group setting. They have a great list of cocktails and fun outdoor seating. Always enjoy coming here!"
Check Out Red Rocks Park And Amphitheatre
You can't go to Denver without going to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. It's located in Morrison, Colorado, and what's so cool about it is you can see concerts here but also go for a walk/hike at other times. It's very unique to have a concert venue that is also a piece of nature, so this is a must-visit.
Someone shared on Trip Advisor, "Try climbing the stairs! A fitness buffs paradise!" People say that even the car ride up here is epic as it's just so beautiful. It'll only take you just under 30 minutes to drive.
Spend Some Time In Dairy Block
What is Dairy Block? This is an area in Denver that, yes, has a pretty unique name, and there are hotels, restaurants, and shops. Order a coffee at Huckleberry Roasters and grab a slice at Engine Room Pizza, and that's just the beginning of the food and drinks here.
You'll also want to spend some time at Denver Milk Market which has 16 different places you can get food. Some places are restaurants where you can pull up a chair and others are for take-out. According to Theknow.denverpost.com, the chef who came up with the concept is named Frank Bonanno and the Milk Market is huge: 15,000 square feet, to be exact. There are some serious hipster vibes going on here as it's all very cool and urban, and you can't miss out on this fun place.
If you're interested in finding a new city to visit during a long weekend or want to get away for a few days, Denver should definitely be on your travel radar. It's got good healthy food, bike trails, places to hike, a cool hipster area, and incredible views. It's really the perfect place if you want to have a fun trip while still staying health-conscious.