Denver...why is it so special?

Chautauqua Park, Boulder, CO

Hi everyone!  This spring I had the opportunity to travel out to Denver for a visit with my 26-year-old son.  It was one of those trips that I didn't want to end, and I left feeling like this is a place I would love to live. What is it about Denver that makes you just want to be a part of it?  Part of this amazing energy?  What makes Denver so special?  

First of all, it has so many options, all within an hours drive, and thanks to my downtown Denver host, I was able to experience amazing restaurants, great rooftop bars, hikes in fresh fallen snow, and local venues that make Denver what it is: a must-do destination!

We experienced three areas of Denver that all contribute to the energy of this state capitol. The 16th Street Mall is the one that is most familiar.  Start at Commons Park, which is found on the banks of the South Platte River and happens to be the birthplace of Denver. When I was there, it was filled with all kinds of people, from business types to hippie hoola hoopers. Start walking east and you'll find yourself on the pedestrian mallway, known as 16th Street Mall. There is a free shuttle to use when you need to hang your hips for a rest. But I doubt that you'll want to miss the walk.  Take it all the way to the Capitol Building!

The Irish Rover rooftop bar

For a plethora of unique restaurants, we spent an afternoon and evening in LowBro, lower Broadway Street. Beatrice and Woodsley's restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind, aspen tree-filled atmosphere, inspired by an 1800's love story.  Happy hour is short but sweet, 5:30-6:30, for half-price cocktails and exceptional appetizers.  And for the sunset? The Irish Rover rooftop bar. So Denver. 

First Fridays Art Walk is also in the area and showcases Denver's finest artists.  Galleries are open late into the evening, with live musicians and artist workshops taking place.  The artist pictured, Loren Lichti, was enjoying a beer while working on his stone sculpture and engaging with his audience. He happily and humbly shared his life story of becoming an artist with us.

Loren Lichti at First Fridays Art Walk

Downtown Denver has several universities, and a great hangout area where the young and old mingle freely is Larimer Square. It's a beautiful historic district with an exceptional indoor market area. It's a perfect place to grab a picnic lunch then head down to the river bank for a walk.

Larimer Square and my son

 For our hike, we went to Chautauqua Park in Boulder, a 40 minute drive from Denver. The area offers a variety of hiking trails for beginners and more experienced hikers who want to breathe that fresh mountain air without too much exertion. It's fantastic for all ages! 

 I could keep writing about the wonderful things we did in Denver, but quite honestly, the real highlight of the trip was being with my son in his new home town. It's his city now, and I got to see him in the framework of his new life, far from Ohio. He has embraced Denver...and Denver is a better place because he is there. It fits him. Entrepreneurial, high energy, close to the mountains, and plenty of sunshine. So what makes Denver so special? It's a mecca for really phenomenal people...like my son.