Denver Area To Do (couple) - Side Trips Too
 

Admittedly, I've had little time to prepare for a week-long trip to Denver (from Cincinnati) with my husband which begins tomorrow. Looking for some quick suggestions on area to do, day trips, some overnights within a couple of hours, etc. Sister moved to Denver so this is a new vacay spot for us. We are 39 (leaving 3 kiddos at home!) and enjoy national/state parks, hiking, beautiful sights, funky eateries, unique shopping, etc. If you know of any concerts going on or festivals this next week that'd be great too. After packing I'll get back on here and do some research on my own. :)

Well, of course you'll be close to Rocky Mountain National Park. I would stay at least 1-2 nights in Estes Park and venture out into the park. Spend one full day driving across Trail Ridge Road (the road that connects the east and west side of the park). I believe it's the highest paved road in any national park. Take some jackets on your drive as the temps at the top can be cool and windy. Stop at the Tundra Communities Trailhead near the top and make the short walk to see the unique rock formations called Mushroom Rocks.

http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails...ties-trail.htm

Get to Sprague Lake off Bear Lake Road just at sunrise and you'll have beautiful shots of the lake. The hike around the lake itself is only about a mile.

http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails...rague-lake.htm

Another beautiful lake hike is to Emerald Lake - one of the most popular lakes in the park, which also includes two other lakes along the way, Numph and Dream Lakes.

http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails...erald-lake.htm

I don't think Estes Park is really known for great cuisine...or at least we haven't found anything extraordinary. Smokin Dave's BBQ is really good for casual food and craft beers. There's also Estes Park Brewery for craft beers. The town of Lyon which is between Denver and EP looks to be a great little town with some interesting restaurants.

As far as events/festivals, check out the Estes Park page to see what might be going on while you're in that area:

www.visitestespark.com

Colorado springs us a good day trip with multiple things to do there that won't all fit onto one day-Air Force Academy chapel, garden of the gods, cave of the winds, Cheyenne zoo all come to mind and the Broadmoor resort is nice to talk around and see hire the other half vacation. For 1-2 nights in the mountains, you hasn't a re commendation for Estes park and Ricky mountain national park. Other options are Breckenridge, Vail, or Aspen. Do Amy of those during the week for better rates and less traffic on . I-70. (I am currently in stop and go traffic heading west as all of Mt nearest friends are heading into the mountains for Tue weekend along with all the vacationers). Everyone had their favorite mountain ago town and mine would be Breck as there is actually actually a town whereas Copper, not so much though e love the skiing there. For restaurants in Denver, try Steubens on 17th. Their green chill burger is highly rated. There is also Longer on a former mortuary in the lower highland area and its sister restaurant Duo.

Boulder is worth a look see for a day. Go to Chataqua park where you can hike up the distortions area or just picnic. From there, drive up baseline into the foothills for some nice overlooks of Boulder.

Enjoy!

Sorry for all the typos..typing on a phone in a car. That restaraunt is Linger. Should also read have a recommendation for rocky mountain national park. I think you can gUess the other typos....

Also, Tue and Thu in civic center park downtown are food truck days. Usually 15+ food trucks with all kinds of food available during lunch time hours. I think they are there from 11-2.

Here are some websites for Denver restaurants you might enjoy
http://www.sassafrasamericaneatery.com/#
http://jeatbar.com/Brunch_Menu.html
http://www.thecheekymonk.com/
http://euclidhall.com/
http://www.lalaswinebar.com/
http://www.loladenver.com/
http://www.marcoscoalfiredpizza.com/
http://www.harmanscherrycreek.com/
http://www.acedenver.com/
http://www.bonesdenver.com/

Here's the website for Red Rocks--http://www.redrocksonline.com/ there is probably a concert this week and even if there isn't, it's a nice place to visit--about 20 minutes from downtown Denver.

Shop on Pearl Street--and cute restaurants too. One of my favorite stores (actually there are two!!) is Five Green Boxes--just cute stuff in one, and interesting jewelry and clothes in the other.
Go to Little Man Creamery for some ice cream. It is in the Highlands area--and there are a lot of good small restaurants up there too. St. Killian's is a Marvelous cheese store--also in the Highlands area.
GREAT spice store--Savory Spice--near REI--don't know the street.
La Centrale is a good French restaurant with really good mussels--and very economical.
You might check to see if the Botanic Gardens is having a concert that week. And the Gardens are worth a visit also.
I see Marco's listed above. It is absolutely wonderful pizza--not just a pizzeria. They also serve limoncello chicken wings, and their salads are delicious.

REally good Italian is the Barolo Grill. The owner takes his staff to Italy to experience how good Italian is "done". Also Luce and Mizuna and Fruition.