A recent business trip to Denver to participate in a company sponsored hackathon for social good, also provided an opportunity for some fun times with amazing friends. Although I was only in town for a couple of days, I managed to jam-pack my agenda and make the most of the city in springtime.
Discover Downtown
Where Art is made
Denver boasts a world-class art scene; with options to suit everyone, from must-see museum exhibitions, to vibrant, eclectic street art and public art installations, Denver is sure to please.
The hackathon (and team prep) took up a fair bit of time, which meant that my time to explore was limited. In the end I had one day and a couple of evenings to take in the mile high city, and it was important that I saw parts of Denver that I haven’t visited before.
With so many options to choose from, I enlisted the help of my friend Brooke – who recently moved from California to Colorado – to find a spot that would offer great art, delicious food and drink and a few local boutiques in case we felt the need for some retail therapy.
The best part was that she agreed to show me around so I got to combine two of my favourite things, exploring hidden gems and spending quality time with a treasured friend.
After our lunch, we headed over to the RiNo (River North) Art District, “where art is made” just north of downtown Denver, to check out interesting blend of creative businesses, boutiques and markets. During our walk we discovered an array of incredibly talented local photographers, sculptors, architects, furniture makers and painters showcasing their art in cute galleries and throughout the streets.
I really loved the vibrant street art that literally lined the streets and transformed this once, drab warehouse district into a colourful treat for all the senses.
If you have the time, I highly recommend spending a whole day, exploring and experiencing everything that RiNo has to offer.
If you have the time, I highly recommend spending a whole day, exploring and experiencing everything that RiNo has to offer.
If you have more time, I also recommend checking out:
- Blue Bear (a forty foot blue bear peering into the convention centre
- Art District on Santa Fe
- Golden Triangle Creative District
- Tennyson Street Cultural District
- South Pearl Street
- 40 West Arts
- Arts on Belmar
For those willing to venture further afield, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre should not be missed!
Explore the local markets
For lunch we wanted something quick, warm and filling so opted to grab Veg Bowls at Biju’s Little Curry Shop, a casual little restaurant that blends southern and indian cuisines in a unique and very tasty way, before heading over to Denver Central Market; a gourmet food hall and farmers market style market place, offering a variety of goods including baked goods, tea and coffee, chocolate, ice-cream, and wood-fired pizza. There’s even a local fish market, butcher and rotisserie nestled under one roof next to an open plan bar offering delicious signature cocktails and local beer and wine.
I wanted to buy (almost) everything, but travelled carry-on only, so had to reign in my urge for a shopping spree. In the end, I opted for a bag of “Hometown” coffee beans from Sweet Bloom with flavours of praline, cocoa nibs and blueberry.
We managed to find time to get a quick shot of the two of us in RiNo before heading to her house, where my friend Amy was picking me up to meet me for dinner, and I was finally able to introduce Brooke and Amy to each other.
With Brooke in the RiNo Arts District
Eat, Drink & Be Merry
In the last few years, Denver has emerged as one of the top culinary locations in the USA, boasting everything from classic steakhouses, to farm-to-table bistros or jazz supper clubs offering a dynamic range of ethnic influence and flavour, but with a unique mile high flair.
I ate a lot of good of food on this trip, here are some of the my favourites.
Creme Brulee at the Thirsty Lion
One evening a colleague and I were craving some good dessert and wine. A short walk from our hotel we found the Thirsty Lion Gastro Pub offering typical american pub fare. We’d already had dinner earlier in the evening so chose a large glass of Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon and Creme Brulee with a melt-in-your-mouth, smooth, rich vanilla bean custard that emerged once you broke through the thick treacle like crust that glistened on the top like a sugar glass sheet – the perfect way to end the day!
Breakfast at Snooze
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, Snooze Eatery next to Union Station allows you to start your day off right and fuel yourself for the whole day. Pro tip: get their early or make a reservation, this little gem is popular with visitors and locals alike.
Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day, but whenever I eat out, I struggle to choose with the choice of a savoury protein based breakfast or a sugary treat. Luckily for me, lots of others have a similar dilemma so snooze offers a combo options that allows you to have the best of both worlds. Perfect!
After a lot of pondering I chose the Smashed Avocado Benny, with a side of Blueberry Danish pancakes and a latte. The perfect way to kick off my day.
