Going to Denver
 

We are going to Denver October 17-20th.<BR>What sights should we be sure to see?<BR>We are visiting my college son so want<BR>things fun/interesting for all three of us.

I am a Colorado native, hopefully I can help. Couple questions: Which University or town are you going to be near? What are some of your personal interests and hobbies? I will help narrow it down from there. :-)

My son is at Johnson & Wales and we will be in Denver. Want to see sights-museum, historical, unique area of town, etc. . Any unique-not BIG $$$$$$) restaurant we should try? Thanks for any help.

Sue,<BR><BR>Many different options in Denver and surrounding areas. If you have some time, I would suggest taking a drive to Central City. It is a small mountain town with small stakes gaming. (You will pass through Black Hawk first.) Historically, Central City is an interesting city, now it relies on the gaming industry. But it has been home to the Central City Opera house which has a great deal of history. After stopping there, take a drive to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National park. It is about an hour and a half from Black Hawk / Central City. Spectacular Mountains, georgeous drive. As you are about 8-10 miles from reaching the town of Estes Park on Highway 7, I strongly suggest dining at the "Baldpate Inn". It has a great history with a room collection of keys from 100's of years worldwide. The view is like no other. It is a full day, (only about 40-45 minutes to Central City from the Denver area) with the stops and travel. If you have flexibility, I would suggest staying in Estes Park for one night. That way you can enjoy Rocky Mountain National Park and the very quaint town of Estes Park fully. In October the "Elk" begin their "mating calls", it is really something to hear, and people travel from all over to experience it. If this is not at all what you are hoping to do, let me know....we will proceed from there. :-)

I love the Denver Art Museum. Museum of Natural History is also very nice. Shopping/walking in LoDo is always fun. Eat at the Vesta Dipping Grill--reservations a must. Also Jax Fish House in LoDo. Brunch at La Fornaio is nice also. Go to the Tattered Cover Book Store in Cherry Creek for a bookstore experience you will never forget.

Has anyone used the Grayline Tours out of Denver? <BR><BR>www.Coloradograyline.com ?

What Gretchen said !!<BR><BR>Add to that if the weather is nice, who knows about Oct?, eat outside at the Rock Bottom Brewery. Great ppl watching but not worth it if you have to eat inside.

Adding one more for brunch. Le Central. Wonderful french toast and mussels.

Oooohh! Le Centrale not just for brunch. Good and very very reasonable French restaurant. If you like mussels you will especially love it!

Ditto on the Vesta Dipping Grill! It is fun, unique, delicious, and not pricey. I went there recently w/ 24 y.o. son and he loved it as did I!! You might need reservations--I made them very easily online at vestagrill.com.

Thought Johnson & Wales was in Providence. Did they move?

There are several campuses--Providence, Charleston,SC--Denver and a new one to come in Charlotte.

The Fort in Morrison is a very interesting restaurant especially if your son is studying culinary arts. Check the Friday Denver Post or Rocky Mountain News because they will have the events going on that weekend. I might be wrong but I think the International Film Festival starts that weekend. If so,there will probably be stuff going on downtown. Probably Octoberfest activities in Larimer Square.

<BR>I was in Denver several years ago. The 16th Street Mall as a different experience for me.<BR><BR>Since I only had a day for site seeing, I booked a tour with Mountain Man Tours. This was perfect for me since they picked me up and took me into the Rockies. It was in a van but I enjoyed it and it was a perfect way to kill 4 hours.<BR><BR>Mike Honeycutt

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'll post what we did find that was great.