ColoRADo

Denver is a fantastic city - the perfect size to have a solid downtown with great restaurants and activities - plus it's close by to all sorts of opportunities to explore the outdoors. Below are my favorite places and I'll be adding to this list as the years go on, so come back often!

Break a Sweat
Hike: Boulder - Chautauqua Park
Hike: Breckenridge - Upper Mohawk Lake 
Trail Run/Hike: Breckenridge to Frisco - Peaks Trail
Hike: Chasm Lake Trail (Rocky Mountain National Park)
Hike: Crested Butte - Snodgrass Trail & Lower Loop
Hike: Golden Gate Canyon State Park - Blackbear Trail +
Hike: Lair o' the Bear
Trail Run/Hike: Golden - North Table Mountain
Hike: O'Fallon Park
Hike: Rocky Mountain National Park - Mills Lake Trail
Hike: Staunton State Park - Visit #1, Visit #2
Trail Run: Waterton Canyon
Workout: Red Rocks - Workout for Beginners

Do, See & Hear
Colorado State Capitol - Climb the steps in front of our beautiful state capitol and have your picture taken at 5,280 feet above sea level. Free tours are also available Monday - Friday.
Denver Art Museum - A full day can easily be spent visiting this wonderful gem downtown with permanent and traveling exhibitions. 
Denver Center for Performing Arts - Featuring several theaters, this massive complex right downtown brings national touring shows and local talent to the stage. 
Red Rocks Amphitheater - Not only is this the most incredible music venue, but you can also get in a great workout here earlier in the day running, hiking, climbing the stairs, or taking a fitness class. Everyone should see a show at Red Rocks in their lifetime. There's also a museum featuring memorabilia from musicians who have played the venue, and the history of Red Rocks.
Union Station Denver - This beautifully redone landmark is my favorite new spot in the city. With an old boys club feel, the community living room, complete with shuffle board tables, is the center piece to the building filled with several great restaurants, boutiques, trendy bars, a hotel, and access to Amtrak, and RTD buses and the light rail.

Great Eats
Beet Box - This vegan bakery and sandwich shop is addicting. Baked donuts, delicious and filling sandwiches, incredible beet brownies, and great coffee (plus gluten free items) are just a few reasons to stop by this quaint and inviting shop.
Beirut Grill - Don't let the stark, strip mall appearances fool you, this restaurant is great. We never leave this family-owned restaurant in Englewood hungry. Their Lebanese, Middle Eastern dishes are absolutely delicious and the falafel is amazing.
Biju's Little Curry Shop - Fast casual, crave-worthy restaurant in RiNo mixes delicious Indian flavors in both meat & veggie bowls. The space is small but it's bright and welcoming. 
Hops & Pie - Whenever we want a pizza and beer fix, we head to Tennyson St and Hops & Pie. The super-casual spot has a very long beer list that any discerning beer lover will appreciate, and delicious pizza. We appreciate the vegan options for the build-your-own-pie including vegan cheese and tofu!
The Kitchen Next Door - The Kitchen franchise is based in Boulder, and the growing network of restaurants, including one in Denver Union Station, serve impeccable dishes with great flavors. The beet burger and roasted veggie salad are two current favorites - go during "community hour" for even better prices.
ModMarket - This fast-casual local chain is perfect for healthy eats that satisfy any craving. Go for the $3 glass of wine, stay for the Thai coconut salad. 
Native Foods - This California all-vegan restaurant chain is a go-to for us. My favorites includes the Moroccan bowl and the Southwestern burger with the lentil, white bean patty.
Pizzeria Locale - The Denver location features "contemporary Neapolitan-style" pizza in a quick-serve format. The ingredients are fresh and the flavor combinations delicious. Don't forget to pick up a Budino for dessert. You can thank me later. 
Root Down - With a focus on natural, organic, and local ingredients, this popular spot in the Highlands neighborhood is always packed, and worth the wait. (tip: get a reservation)
True Food Kitchen - Although part of a nationwide chain, the food is always delicious, fresh, and healthy, and the service is what you hope it'll be.
Watercourse Foods - Situated on 17th St with other local favorites, Watercourse is top among vegan restaurants in Denver. Perfect for every meal, at brunch snag a sweet potato cinnamon roll (if there are any left) and almond milk latte with your meal; don't miss the cauliflower wings as an appetizer with your dinner.  

Brews (and Wine)
Epic Brewing - One of the many micro-breweries in RiNo, I love this one for the great beer and the beautiful tap room. 
Infinite Monkey Theorem - This urban winery has a comfortable vibe, great wine on tap and an awesome outdoor space for beautiful days all year round. Be sure to pick up some wine in cans before you go - if you're visiting, you can pack them in your checked luggage and take a little home with you! Also, they regularly host yoga classes. 

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