Denver is an incredibly vibrant and exciting city surrounded by beautiful mountains and so many options to experience and explore. Therefore, it’s no wonder Denver is one of our favorite city escapes.
September means the start of football season and with fall around the corner Denver is definitely the place to be. Here is our list of favorite places to visit and things to do in Denver this month.
Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Firstly, the Mile High Stadium is a must visit on a trip to the “Mile High” city of Denver. Home to the Broncos – consecutive Super Bowl winners in 1997 and 1998 and most recently 2016. The Stadium has not surprisingly sold out every Denver Bronco’s home game since its inception in 2001.
The atmosphere is electric (literally experiencing regular electrical storms). Furthermore, the fans are incredibly friendly and the facilities are state of the art including huge replay screens. Boasting a seating capacity of 76,125 or football games you are sure to find the perfect vantage point to take in a game.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Bucky, a 20 foot tall 1600 pound horse sitting proudly on top of the south scoreboard.
For information regarding game schedules, tickets and general stadium information check the stadium website here.
Location: 1701 Bryant Street Denver, CO, 80204
Highlight: Amazing atmosphere
Best Brunch in Denver
First of all, an absolute must for my husband and I on any city trip is to find the best brunch available. Beast + Bottle is a hidden gem located in uptown Denver is the “it” place for the ultimate brunch experience. Homestyle hospitality, simple sophistication with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients most importantly makes this a brunch to remember.
For a larger group there are a number of delicious share plates available on the brunch menu including a buttermilk-belgian waffle for the sweet tooth. On the other hand, if savory is more your style try the deli-style fish board. There is also an extensive variety of egg dishes, sandwiches and sides suitable for couples and families alike.
In conclusion, I highly recommend checking out the brunch swigs on the drinks menu. Brunch is never complete for me without a Mimosa in hand. With a combination of cava, fresh oj, and a choice of grapefruit or pomegranate makes this a fabulous way to start the day.
Location: 719 e 17th Ave, Denver, CO, 80203
Brunch Menu: Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m – 2 p.m.
Reservations: Beast + Bottle
Parking: Free
Highlight: Cocktail List
Essential Denver BBQ
As self confessed BBQ enthusiasts we are always on the lookout for the best locals have on offer.
Denver is certainly not in short supply of amazing BBQ and we found our top three picks did not disappoint.
The winner was Famous Daves Bar-B-Que with a delicious range of slow cooked meats and award winning BBQ sauces including south side rib tips, country roast chicken, Texas beef brisket and St Louis-style spareribs.
Checkout the Pit Master favorites which comes with a choice of two sides and a corn bread muffin. Likewise, If you’re feeling really hungry you can add soup, chili, side salad or a loaded baked potato for only $3.49. There are also a wide range of combo plates on offer as well as a selection of family, children’s meals and desserts.
Our waitress was really friendly and more than happy to help us with any questions regarding the menu including bringing us a wide variety of sauces. She completed our dining experience with the theatrical Smokin’ Iced Tea which comes highly recommended.
There is something for everyone at Famous Daves Bar-B-Que!
Location: 7557 East 36th Ave, Denver, CO, 80238
Prices: Start at $3.90
Menu: famousdaves.com
Phone: (303) 399 – 3100
Hours: Monday – Sunday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Highlight: Smokin’ Iced Tea
Also in our top 3 picks
Roaming Buffalo Bar-B-Que
Location: 2387 South Downing Street, Denver, CO, 80210
Prices: Start at $3
Menu: roamingbuffalobbq.com
Phone: (303) 722 2226
And..
Yazoo BBQ Company
Location: 2150 Broadway, Denver, CO, 80205
Prices: Start at $3.50
Menu: yazoobbq.com
Phone: (303) 296 3334
The Magic Is In The Hole!
Voodoo Doughnuts was conceptualized by Kenneth “Cat Daddy” Pogson and Tres Shannon, good friends who had always dreamed of starting a business together.
Originally from Portland, Oregon Voodoo Doughnuts has gone from a hip local joint to a national favorite with locations in Denver, Austin and now in L.A. California.
I love the fact that before they launched this hip, funky business neither of these visionaries had ever made a doughnut. Proof that nothing stands in the way of a brilliant dream.
From the menu I highly recommend road testing the Voodoo Doll. A raised yeast doughnut covered in chocolate frosting complete with a pretzel stake. All of the characteristics of these kooky, crazy dolls are completely unique and one-of-a-kind.
Furthermore, they also sell a range of hip swag incase you want to take the Voodoo vibe with you.
Location: 1520 East Colfax Ave, Denver, CO, 80218
Menu: voodoodoughnut.com
Phone: (303) 597 3666
Hours: 24 hours
Highlight: Voodoo Doll
Instagram Worthy Street Art
If you’re interested in some outdoor exploration Denver has some of the most interesting, thought provoking murals around. There are many examples dotted all over the city in alleyways, under bridges or in abandoned lots.
Local artists regard their city walls as living canvases and this is truly evident in these artistic pieces.
“Love This City” by artist Pat Milbury perfectly captures the love he has for his home town. A project that extended into three murals in collaboration with three neigborhoods:
Art District on Santa Fe (at 7th and Santa Fe), Golden Triangle Creative District (at 12th and Bannock) and River North Art District (at Broadway and Arapahoe).
For more amazing talent please visit this website for further details.
Highlight: I call her “Blonde Attitude” accidentally found her while wandering picture as seen above.
Red Rocks Park And Amphitheatre
Hailed by Rolling Stone magazine as “America’s best amphitheatre” Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre certainly lives up to its stellar reputation.
A naturally beautiful spectacle of ochre sandstone which one famous opera singer Mary Garden stated on May 10th 1911 has “the finest venue at which she had ever performed”.
Without doubt the venue has hosted some of the most famous acts of all time including The Rolling Stones and The Beatles to Jimi Hendrix and Grateful Dead.
Standing higher than Niagra Falls is a collection of giant sandstone outcroppings making up the walls of the venue deposited around 280 million years ago. Consequently, providing the venue with unparalleled acoustics some say better than any of the famous opera house around the world.
Red Rocks also offers visitors the opportunity to experience a variety of outdoor adventures from hiking the Trading Post Trail, mountain bike riding, horseback riding. On the other hand you might prefer Yoga On The Rocks giving participants some of the best views around.
Throughout the summer you can enjoy some cult-classic films at Film On The Rocks. Each film is opened by a comedian or band and includes some fun contests for the audience to participate in.
If you’re feeling hungry grab a seat on the patio at the top of the stairs. While there you can indulge in some Colorado-themed plates like elk sliders, and buffalo tamales covered in homemade green chili.
Location: 18300 W. Alameda Parkway Morrison, CO, 80465
Plan Your Visit: redrocksonline.com
Highlight: The incredible view
A Giant, Curious Blue Bear?
An iconic symbol of Denver this bright blue bear stands outside the Colorado Convention Center at 40 feet (or three stories high). Titled ” I See What You Mean” representing a playful reflection of curiosity and connection between local residents and visitors to the center.
Its creator, Lawrence Argent had said he conceptualized the idea when he spotted a photo of a local bear that had strayed into the city and was peering through a window.
Bringing the mountains down into the city with the presence of the bear certainly illustrates the uniqueness of the location.
To meet the Denver’s favorite bear head to 14th Street between California and Stout.
If you would like to check out what he’s currently looking at have a look at the convention center website here.
Highlight: The bear’s paws on the window
Best Day Trip – Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Once you’ve had an opportunity to check out some of the city sights why not hit the road and take a drive up to Mount Evans for the day.
Mount Evans Scenic Byway is a two – lane road known as the “road into the sky” as you will experience around 9000 feet of changes in elevation. Reaching 14,264 feet about sea level at the peak. Here you can choose between a number of lookouts where you can admire the incredible views of the Rockies.
Above all for safety remember to take it slow and admire the scenery as there are a number of very steep drop-offs along the way. I also highly recommend taking a few extra layers of clothing as temperatures are known to fluctuate depending on the elevation.
For the drive head west from Denver on Interstate 70 for 32 miles to exit 240 at the town of Idaho Springs. To access the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, you will need to pay a fee of $15.
Visit the Mount Evans page to learn more about the Scenic Byway.
Highlight: Echo Lake
Union Station
Union Station is a one hundred year old historic landmark which operates as a functioning public transit station, dining and shopping center.
The station opened to the public in 1881 providing railroad service until the fire of 1894.
Today the building is home to an impressive ten chef-owned restaurants, bars, boutiques, and a 112 room Hotel Crawford.
Union station is also the transportation hub for Denver, offering services provided by RTD’s front-range bus route, the free 16th Street Mall shuttle, the free downtown Denver Circulator, the FasTracks light rail line and Amtrak trains.
Union Station offers a rail service operating to and from Denver International Airport (DEN) with a total of six stops between. It takes 37 mins to get from the airport to downtown costing $10.50 each way (discounts are available).
Every Saturday from mid-May to mid-Oct Union Station offers local produce from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Farmers and food producers set up on the Denver Union Station Plaza for the Union Station Farmers Market. For more details about what’s on check the website here.
In conclusion, Union Station has something to offer everyone from breakfast, tours, shopping, chef-owned restaurants and bars and a farmers market.
Location: 1701 Wynkoop, Denver, CO, 80202
Phone: (303) 592 6712
Highlight: Averell Gin Fiz at the Cooper Lounge
Best In Denver Dining
Mercantile Dining and Provision opened its doors in 2014 a New American night “hot spot” ever since.
Chef Seidel is the owner of Fruition Restaurant, Fruition Farms Creamery, Füdmill, Chook Charcoal Chicken and Mercantile Dining & Provision. Seidel was born in 1973 in Wisconsin and began his culinary career at 14, at the age of 20 he was serving as sous chef at Racine’s Main Street Bistro. Furthermore, he attended culinary school at Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon, finishing at the top of his class.
Located at Union Station, Chef Alex Seidel’s taking dining to new heights of elevated comfort. With an exciting menu offering seasonally inspired dishes from a large selection of small plates, handmade pastas, large and family offerings. Don’t forget to save room for dessert!
Restaurant menu begins daily at 5pm.
Location: 1701 Wynkoop St, #155, Denver, CO 80202
Reservations: mercantiledenver.com
Phone: (720)460 3733
Highlight: Fruition Farms Shephard’s Halo ~ pistachio olive oil cake, poached mission figs, olive oil jam
Not Your Average Cocktail Joint
Located in the heart of Denver, Williams & Graham is a pre-prohibition bar with a difference. Not everyday will you find yourself carded in a bookstore.
Escorted through a hidden door in a bookshelf, just like traveling back in time to 1920, entering a bygone era where you are met with an array of delicious food and world class cocktails.
The theme with their cocktails highlights doing more with less, with three-to- five-piece assemblages preferred. Warm hospitality and exquisite cocktails with a fine spirits collection to boot makes this an essential stop on any Denver visit.
Location: 3160 Tejon Street, Denver, CO, 80211
Phone: (303) 997 8886
Reservations: Williams and Graham
Highlight: In addition to being a cocktail bar Williams and Graham also have an entire upstairs section featuring a game called “Decipher The Code” an interactive puzzle game. Once you have won you are given the key to leave the room which is locked upon entry.
Highlight: The entrance
Park Life
Washington Park is loved by Denver locals and visitors alike. Located south of central Denver and occupying 165 acres. This vast park includes beautiful gardens, two enormous lakes and miles of jogging paths.
My husband and I enjoyed a few hours strolling around the paths and laying in the grass on a sunny September day.
On the weekends you can expect to find many people taking in a variety of activities for instance playing tennis, boating or simply enjoying a picnic in the park.
You can get to Washington Park by hopping on the E light rail line.
There is no entry fee, however, different facilities within the park have their own hours of operation and may charge admission.
For more information and special events visit the website here.
Highlight: The lakes
Molly Brown House Museum
Any fan of the movie Titanic should not miss the opportunity to visit the Molly Brown House Museum.
Once the home of “the unsinkable” Margaret Brown (Kathy Bates character in the film) a pioneer in the women’s suffragette movement and an American socialite and philanthropist. Above all, she was best remembered for persuading the crew of lifeboat No. 6 to return to the remains of the 1912 sinking of RMS Titanic to seek any remaining survivors.
“Maggie” as she was affectionately known experienced some mining success and in 1894 the Brown family purchased the victorian mansion for $30,000.
Today the mansion, located in Denver’s Golden Triangle, is open for guided tours where you can learn about one of Denver’s most fascinating residents. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4.30 p.m.
From June to August, the museum opens at 9.30 a.m. with tours operating every half hour.
Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $8 for children ages 6 – 18.
To learn more visit the Molly Brown House Museum.
Highlight: Storytelling tours
The Denver Zoo
Last but certainly not least is the Denver Zoo. This amazing zoo was modeled after a Kenyan nature preserve and is home to more than 4000 animals.
It’s no wonder that the zoo is the most popular paid attraction in the Denver metropolitan area. Covering 80 acres of city park visitors have the opportunity to experience feeding times, staff educational lectures and my favorite up-close animal encounters.
The Denver Zoo is open everyday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m from March to October and 10 a.m. from November to February.
Prices will vary depending on the season. In the spring, adult admission is $17 and children (3-11) can enter for $12, in summer and fall, adults pay $20 and children pay $14, in the winter adults pay $15 and children pay $10.
There are several free admission days which are listed on the Denver Zoo website.
In conclusion, you can find the Denver Zoo by walking three miles from downtown or catch the no. 32 bus from downtown to city park.
Location: 2300 Steele St, Denver, CO, 80205
Phone: (720) 337 1400
Highlight: Up-close animal encounters