We will be visiting Denver the first weekend in December (arrive early Friday, depart late Monday) and staying in a B&B just south of downtown. We did not plan to have a car, but looking at the "area attractions" on the B&B website, the majority of them are out of town!! I do see there is a light rail system in Denver, but is it realistic to see what's exciting to see without a car? Or should we rent a car for at least part of our stay? I do know from an earlier post that the ski train does not operate the first weekend in December, so that is out. Thanks!!

Need a lot more details if you expect an answer. Just where is the B&B? A little south means nothing. Exactly which "area attractions" do you want to see? There are many that are within walking distance of downtown. The downtown area combined with the free mall bus makes that area very walkable. Easy bus rides will get you to the Cherry Creek area, the zoo, museum and even Lowery. And a few taxi rides will handle the rest unless you are headed into the mountains.

Thanks. I did mean really "just" south -- 12th Avenue and Pennsylvania Street. Maybe the B&B just listed a bad selection of "area attractionsquot; Boulder Creek Winery, Buffalo Bill's Museum, Pikes Peak Railroad, Coors Brewing Company were some I noticed that seemed to require a drive. I guess I will use this site to find more local attractions.

But I guess I was also asking if there are "must see" things in the area which would require a car.

If you want to see any place in the mountains, you will probably need a car. IMHO, the mountains are Must See locations, but you don't specify what you prefer. Without a car, you can easily explore Denver proper.

If you want to venture to Boulder or the mountains, I suggest you get a car for your entire stay. It will eliminate the expense of transport to and from the airport, and you probably have on-street parking at your B&B.

We need more information about what you'd like to see.

Again, as PeaceOut asked, we need to know what you want to do and see. The idea of "must see" doesn't mean anything to me. The B&B's area suggestions are just that -- in the area. The Pike Peak Cog railroad is over an hour away and probably closed at that time of year. But if that is what you want to see, it will require a car.

Your location is about 3/4 mile from the south end of 16th St Mall which is the hub of downtown Denver and access to public transit.

Without checking the schedule that could be the first weekend of Parade of Lights which is a big downtown event with the lighting of the City & County Building.

There are downtown walking tours on Saturday AM, the Molly Brown house, Governor's Mansion, Brown Palace tours, etc. Just got to know what you want to do !!! Help us !

Just checked the schedule, The Parade is that weekend, both Friday and Saturday night. My earlier post I meant to say two nights on the first weekend and not two weekends. IF the weather is good, that will draw 50,000 + people to the downtown area. Reserve a carriage ride to see the City and Cty building nights on Sunday night. And you will need a reservation for that weekend.

Final note, If I wasn't in such a hurry I would have gotten everything into one postings. Go to
downtowndenver.com

Thanks, everyone! The Parade of Lights sounds great! Excellent news. And PeaceOut, that's exactly the kind of advice I was looking for: "If you want to see any place in the mountains, you will probably need a car. IMHO, the mountains are Must See locations."

richnindy, glad to hear I helped. If you are deciding to go to the mountains, the rental car is probably your next question.

Have you checked auto rental prices for your weekend? If they are reasonable, you might want to book a car now, while you're deciding for sure. A front-wheel drive sedan is fine, if you are a good driver. Otherwise, get an AWD sedan IMHO.

Your location is nice, I think. What's the name of the B&B?

You've never been to Denver? Where are you from? There are lots of things to do for your weekend. You will not be bored.

Tell us more about your interests. People in Denver are extraordinarily friendly (I'm biased), and will be happy to help you.

The B&B is the Capitol Hill Mansion.

Never been to Denver. Coming from Indianapolis because we got an amazing $125 round-trip airfare, and it's my birthday weekend.

Like theatre and music, and have checked a few theatres to see what's going on there. Like shopping. Like bookstores. Like to go out to dinner, out for cocktails. Plan to visit the Mint.

Although there is probably plenty to do in Denver itself, part of me said that if we are that close to the mountains, we should check out the mountains, so your answer confirmed it. Where should we go "in the mountains?" Mostly for scenic sightseeing type stuff.

Thanks for your enthusiasm!

Where do you make a reservation for the carriage ride? I went to downtowndenver.com and didn't see anything. Also, how far in advance? Now? Nov?

We're in town for a conference the same weekend so thanks for the information.

Georgetown, in the mountains about 45 minutes west of Denver (or longer depending on weather and traffic) has an annual old-style Christmas Festival every year. This year it is the first and second weekend of December.

Georgetown is a worthy destination at anytime but especially so during these festival weekends. I highly recommend it.

Beachgirl, there are several carriage companies. Use the yellow pages for Denver. Two we have used are -- bluemooncarriages.com and irishrosecarriages.com

They stage in front of the Tabor Center/Writer's Square on the 16th Street Mall just north of Lawrence. Very popular on the weekends especially around the holidays so I would try to reserve as soon as possible. Friday and Saturday nights are the Parade of Lights so you have to schedule closer to midnight. Sunday would be best that weekend.

The Denver Center for Performing Arts (dcpa.org) has three productions runs == A Christmas Carol, Girls Only, and Miracle Worker.

A four hour driving loop plus all the stopping time could be I-70 past Georgetown (as recommended above) through the Eisenhower Tunnel to Breckenridge. Continue south over Hoosier Pass (anyone from Indiana has to go over Hoosier Pass) to 285 and back into Denver on 285. And for THE birthday dinner stop at The Fort (285 and Morrison). One of the more grander views of Denver at night. The Fort is expensive but few places are better and none have more ambiance. However the driving recommendation is only valid for good weather. If it is snowing - in the mountains -- stay in Denver. The Fort will require reservations soon.

The Tattered Cover bookstore in LoDo is one of the premier independent book stores in the US.