Author Topic: Colorado people (i.e. Jackie), what to do in Denver area?? (Read 1657 times)

jasc15 · « **on:** January 19, 2015, 08:50:49 AM »

My wife and I are visiting in April for a week, and am looking for some sights to put on our list. We will probably be staying south/southwest of Denver, and I have a friend in the area who will show us around a bit, but mostly around the city and vicinity. My cousin just visited Garden of the Gods, which looks like a worthwhile trip, though its about an hour from where we will be. I would like to head up into the mountains and visit some of the parks, but haven't yet familiarized myself very much with the area. We may even head as far north as Fort Collins for a day, so we'd be willing to drive an hour or so to visit somewhere worthwhile.

hefdaddy42 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 19, 2015, 08:55:56 AM »

I'm not from there, but I've been there, and I testify to the awesomeness of the Garden of the Gods. It's worth the trip, if you're an outdoorsy kind of person.

El Barto · « **Reply #2 on:** January 19, 2015, 08:59:43 AM »

Check out Red Rocks whether there's a show worth seeing or not. The drive to Garden of the Gods isn't bad at all, and it's worth checking out (thought not the be all end all or anything). Driving around the front range is great. If the road to the top is open then drive up Mt. Evans (although it probably won't be open that early).

bout to crash · « **Reply #3 on:** January 19, 2015, 09:27:32 AM »

Yeah, I imagine it won't in April... but yes, Red Rocks is totally worth a trip.
There's always Estes Park/Rocky Mountain National Park, which is definitely worth the haul but more than an hour... but there are gorgeous places very close to Denver, and if the weather is nice you can just hop on 70 W or 285 S for a bit and see some gorgeous stuff driving.
There's St. Mary's Glacier, which is a short but gorgeous hike pretty close to 70- and also near Idaho Springs, which is a fun little mining town where you can eat/shop and take in some history/scenery. There's also Lookout Mountain off 70.
If you take 285 there isn't a whole lot other than scenery but it's totally beautiful (leads to the gorgeous South Park basin area)... and there's a giant bizarre hot dog-shaped restaurant called Coney Island where you can grab a bite to eat

I don't know the Ft. Collins area very well, other than several of the breweries

... if you're into beer, we can also talk about that

kirksnosehair · « **Reply #4 on:** January 19, 2015, 02:07:15 PM »

Also not from Denver, but I've been there many times, it's one of my favorite cities on the planet. Lots to do there. The downtown outdoor mall is really nice and they have an awesome zoo.

If you're going to make the drive all the way over to Manitou Springs for Garden of the Gods, see if the Pike's Peak highway is open to the summit. Now THAT's a cool ride. 19 miles up to the summit. And some of the most spectacular wonders of nature you'll ever see.

Dark Castle · « **Reply #5 on:** January 19, 2015, 02:09:41 PM »

Going to echo the Pike's Peak highway suggestion. That was one of the most beautiful drives I've ever had, so gorgeous.

jasc15 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 22, 2015, 09:41:27 AM »

Thanks guys. The intent of the trip isn't primarily sightseeing, but it would be waste to visit and not see some of the natural sights of the area. Several years ago, I took a long road trip that started in Denver, but we quickly left on our way northwest and didn't spend any time in Colorado.

Chino · « **Reply #7 on:** January 22, 2015, 09:58:49 AM »

King Postwhore · « **Reply #8 on:** January 22, 2015, 11:12:24 AM »

Raid Jackie's closet. You could have a impromptu play with what she owns.

jasc15 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 22, 2015, 12:34:51 PM »

Quote from: Chino on January 22, 2015, 09:58:49 AM

Not my game, but cool for Colorado folks

bout to crash · « **Reply #10 on:** January 22, 2015, 06:16:04 PM »

Not mine either, and kind of tired of it.

Quote from: kingshmegland on January 22, 2015, 11:12:24 AM

Raid Jackie's closet. You could have a impromptu play with what she owns.

You have no idea.

MetalMike06 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 22, 2015, 08:46:07 PM »

Pretty sure the road up Mt. Evans is closed this time of year. There's probably two feet of snow on it. Otherwise it would definitely be worthwhile.
Garden of the Gods is good especially because of its proximity. I'd also recommend checking out Mt. Falcon park. It's not a popular tourist spot or anything, just nice views as well as short 1-2 hour hikes if you're into that. It's right in the foothills, maybe a 30-45 min drive from Denver, depending where you are in the city.
There's so much to do here. Do try to at least take a little day trip out to a mountain town.
I also second Kirk's suggestion to go to the 16th street mall. Not my kinda thing, but lotsa shops and stuff like that.
If you're staying in the southwest area of Denver, there's a bar in downtown Littleton called "Jake's Brew Bar". I haven't been there in a while, but they serve awesome craft beer, a lot of it Colorado stuff.

Edit: Woop, just noticed you said April. Mt. Evans might be open then.

bout to crash · « **Reply #12 on:** January 22, 2015, 09:31:23 PM »

Jake's is good, and next door is an amazing chocolate shop/cafe where two of my friends work

jasc15 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 28, 2015, 02:42:50 PM »

Now staying in Arvada. Looks like a great town with lots of stuff nearby, however that might not of much use because of so much travel
Day 1- Arrive at 7:30 PM, probably a local bar/restaurant in Arvada for late dinner.
Day 2- Nothing planned yet. Probably go into Denver and get our bearings
Day 3- Meet a friend from Fort Collins in Rocky Mountain National Park for some hiking, etc., then to Fort Collins for food, beer, etc.
Day 4- Easter Sunday. I'm not religious, but my wife is and there is a sunrise Easter mass at the Red Rocks Amphitheater. Great reason to visit there. Probably head further into the mountains for the rest of the day, possibly Breckenridge.
Day 5- South now, to CO Springs, Garden of the Gods and Pike's Peak rail trip. Wife and I went to Switzerland in August, and our time in the Alps was cloudy and rainy, so trips to the mountain peaks were washed out. Hopefully this will make up for it
Day 6- Hopefully we can get a tour of the US Mint in Denver. Otherwise kick around the city before we head to the airport in the afternoon.

bout to crash · « **Reply #14 on:** March 28, 2015, 04:03:52 PM »

Go to Yak & Yeti in Arvada! Great beer and food.

Fyi, mint tours require a reservation and you can barely bring anything in there, including a purse. They will not store items for you either. More info here: https://www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/?action=startreservation

You have some good stuff planned! If you need any other info (or want to meet up for a bite or something) hit me up!

Zeltar · « **Reply #15 on:** March 29, 2015, 12:46:19 PM »

Quote from: Chino on January 22, 2015, 09:58:49 AM

It took six replies for someone to mention the first thing that came to my mind.

bout to crash · « **Reply #16 on:** March 29, 2015, 12:52:08 PM »

Not everyone is into that

KevShmev · « **Reply #17 on:** March 29, 2015, 05:33:03 PM »

Rumor has is that folks like to dance in Colorado...

bout to crash · « **Reply #18 on:** March 29, 2015, 05:38:41 PM »

No substances involved in that performance, believe it or not.

KevShmev · « **Reply #19 on:** March 29, 2015, 05:52:13 PM »

I believe it. I am all for random silliness.

King Postwhore · « **Reply #20 on:** March 29, 2015, 05:57:01 PM »

Again I am reminded that movies lie about white people that can dance.

TempusVox · « **Reply #21 on:** March 30, 2015, 07:33:18 AM »

...plan for "boatdrinks?"

jasc15 · « **Reply #22 on:** March 30, 2015, 08:31:25 AM »

Thanks Jackie. Yak and Yeti is right near where we will be staying, so ill try to get my wife interested in Indian food...

It's a good thing we have some flexible days, since This Friday's weather is supposed to be rainy/snowy along the whole front range. We'll prob stay local as originally planned.

bout to crash · « **Reply #23 on:** March 30, 2015, 08:37:30 AM »

Word of advice: NEVER listen to a Colorado weather forecast this far in advance. Day before at most

News: The staff at DTF wish to remind you all that a firm grasp of the rules of Yahtzee can save your life and the lives of your loved ones. Be safe out there.

Author Topic: Colorado people (i.e. Jackie), what to do in Denver area?? (Read 1657 times)