Birdie

We will be arriving in Denver next Tues. around midmorning. Our conference in Denver doesn't start until 1 on Wed. We have already done Vail, RMNP, Estes, Boulder, the Art Museum and Natural History Museum in Denver. Any suggestions for an afternoon activity or an overnight in one of the surrounding towns? We prefer outdoor activities or scenic areas. Shopping is usually at the bottom of the list, though I was charmed by Boulder. We are just two adults in our mid-forties. Thanks.

Tess

There is so much to do in Denver. If you're into history take a tour of Molly Brown's house then have tea at the historic Brown Palace. You'll feel like you traveled back to the turn of the 20th century For something really different, arrange for a tour of the Buddhist Temple (on the northern edge of downtown) then visit the oriental market next door. The sushi-to-go is good plus they have a great selection of tea. If you've never been to the Tattered Cover bookstore, make that a stop. The Cherry Creek store is the best, in my opinion. For outdoor activities, try Colorado Springs. Plenty of places to hike or you could take the tram up Pike's Peak (take a coat!). I'll put my thinking cap on for other suggestions...where are you staying?

MaureenB

Red Rocks Park is a good place for hiking and viewing. If there's a concert there, even better-- check their website. It's closer to Denver than a lot of other scenic spots. (Colorado Springs is further than I'd want to drive given your time-frame.) You could have dinner at The Fort nearby, which will give you a sense of the Old West in Colorado.

Birdie

We are staying at the Brown and attending a conference at the Adams Mark. We thought of driving out to Vail and spending the night there but we've seen Vail and thought another town might be better. How far is it to Colorado Springs from the airport?
Thanks for your suggestions. I had heard about Red Rocks and the Fort. We consider both.

Coskier

Birdie you might look at Breckenridge, lots of great hiking and biking around. A bit more casual than Vail. If it is open our fav resturant in Breck is Cafe Alpine. It will be pretty quiet as it is the off season though rates will be very low. We just got back from the area, Perfect Colorado Fall weather. Highs in the 50's low in the 30's If you go do hike the Colorado Trail!

Coskier

PS IMHO I would skip Colorado Springs, it really is just another town.

lenleigh

Since you only have the afternoon/ evening and the following morning I would say stick with something closer to Denver.

Although I am not a fan of Colorado Springs (Just moved back to Denver from there) I would suggest Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods... but you might be cutting close on your time. From DIA, Colorado Springs is probably close to 90 some miles and if you hit rush hour it could take forever to get there. Pikes Peak is actually further up in the mountains (about 20 minutes) just before Woodland Park.

You might enjoy Breckenridge and it's very close to Keystone, Frisco, Lake Dillon... Breck has a cute little town (better than Estes Park's main street). The elevation is higher up than Estes also so you really are right in the mountains where Estes Park feels like a Valley.

I've never been to the Cherry Creek Tattered Cover but my favorite has always been the one downtown by the train station and mail facility. I just love how old the building is and I think it's the original bookstore. You could take the 16th Street Mall bus to the end and walk the rest which is not too far.

gracieb

Years ago I enjoyed a tour of the Molly Kathleen Gold Mine in Cripple Creek. You could combine it with Garden of the Gods (maybe even take a short hike on one of the trails) and spend the night in Cripple Creek.

Tess

In my experience it's no further to Colorado Springs than it is to Breck in terms of drive time--either one would be great. Yes, the Springs is just another town but Pikes Peak/Garden of the Gods are sites that any nature lover would enjoy. We always like going to Breckenridge--cute mountain town with a bustling main street. You've received some good suggestions--really you can't go wrong with any of them. Have fun!

sundown

It's about an hour and a half from DIA to the Springs. Traffic willing, you could probably get to Summit County in about the same amount of time.

If you go attraction by attraction (Garden of Gods, Pikes Peak, Seven Falls, Broadmoor, Cheyenne Mtn. Zoo, Air Force Academy, Olympic Training Center, Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs) the Pikes Peak region holds up pretty well. If you make it downtown in the Springs there's an excellent brew pub with top-notch food called Phantom Canyon Brewing Company. Has a great atmosphere and is owned by John Hickenlooper, the current mayor of Denver.

sjde53

Garden of the Gods is wonderful but I agree that Colorado Springs may be a bit far. I personally like Estes Park better than Breckenridge, but you say you've already been there. I would second the Red Rocks/Fort suggestion, or maybe Evergreen going through Morrison.

Sue

lenleigh

Red Rocks is very similar to Garden of the Gods so it's a good substitute if you don't head to Colorado Springs.

Coskier

If you want to stay in Denver and see some sites consider a hike at nearby Mount Falcon State Park
http://www.coloradoguide.com/trekking/mountfal.htm the castle hike has some great city and mountain views. Then head to The Morrison Inn (301 Bear Creek Ave., 303-697-6650 for margs and lunch. It is right by Red Rocks so you could easily make a day of it. Head back to your hotel and enjoy Denver in the eve

Coskier

ooops wanted to mention Golden Gate state park too. it is nearby as well and you might be able to see the Aspens changing since it is a bit lower in elevation
the web site is
http://parks.state.co.us/default.asp...83&action=park

Birdie

Thank you to everyone for the great suggestions. I was able to get a $75 rate at the Breck. Marrriott so we'll head there. Coskier: We'll check out Cafe Alpine. Will I be able to get directions to the Colorado Trail at the hotel? We're ditching the rental car once we're in Denver so I'll definitely try out the city suggestions. I'll do a search for restaurants but if anyone has any particular favorites I'd love to hear them. Thanks again!

Coskier

Birdie, you can access the Colorado Trail from many different points. The part I like is take Tiger Rd (past the golf course) about 2 miles watch for a trail head parking lot on left, there is a historical marker there. If you get to where the pavement turns to dirt you have missed it. Walk away from the rd. It is very rocky at the beginning. The hike really starts at about 1/4 mile. You will pass a gate then a bit further the trial will split look to the right for the Colorado Trail marker. It has a symbol of a mtn top. The trail heads uphill for awhile. Not sure how far, a ways, watch for a meadow on the right you sometimes see an elk herd. In any event it is a pretty hike.

Snowing today BTW, bring a jacket. But do not worry it will not prevent you from hiking.

Coskier

ps web site http://www.cafealpine.com

pick up a free summit daily newspaper they may have discounted coupons for cafe alpine, I would call and see if they are open. some palces close till ski season. Hope it is open it really is the best in Breckenridge