Memorial Day weekend in Denver
Apr 26th, 2009 | 05:14 PM
#1
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Memorial Day weekend in Denver
I have the great fortune of being able to spend Memorial Day weekend in Denver, and I am looking for fun things to do. I had thought about going hiking in the Garden of the Gods...any other suggestions?
Apr 26th, 2009 | 06:35 PM
#2
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Just to be clear, the Garden of the Gods is located in Colorado Springs, not Denver, approximately a 75 minute drive south of Denver. It's worth a visit on a nice day! A rental car would be recommended to get around more easily.
In Denver, there will be an Arts Festival downtown that weekend. It would make for a nice day to wander around the downtown area, especially LoDo (lower downtown) where the majority of restaurants and shops are located. If art interests you, Denver has a great art museum with an outstanding collection of Western and native art, as well as a new modern art wing.
Closer to Denver, great hiking and outstanding scenery can be had at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, about 30 minutes west of town off I-70 and C-470 near Morrison. It's considered a city of Denver park and admission is free when there aren't concerts playing. Also nearby is Golden which has an old west town flavor, as well as the Coors brewery (although you can find much better, unique beer in Denver at one of the numerous microbreweries.)
Also consider checking out Boulder, about 45 minutes northwest of the city. They're having the Boulder Creek Festival on Mem. Day weekend too, which is a good taste of the city.
I think no matter what you end up doing, you'll have a great time!
In Denver, there will be an Arts Festival downtown that weekend. It would make for a nice day to wander around the downtown area, especially LoDo (lower downtown) where the majority of restaurants and shops are located. If art interests you, Denver has a great art museum with an outstanding collection of Western and native art, as well as a new modern art wing.
Closer to Denver, great hiking and outstanding scenery can be had at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, about 30 minutes west of town off I-70 and C-470 near Morrison. It's considered a city of Denver park and admission is free when there aren't concerts playing. Also nearby is Golden which has an old west town flavor, as well as the Coors brewery (although you can find much better, unique beer in Denver at one of the numerous microbreweries.)
Also consider checking out Boulder, about 45 minutes northwest of the city. They're having the Boulder Creek Festival on Mem. Day weekend too, which is a good taste of the city.
I think no matter what you end up doing, you'll have a great time!
Apr 28th, 2009 | 06:52 AM
#3
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I will support tekwriter's comments. If you are in Colorado Springs visit the Garden of the Gods but it is not worth the drive from Denver for just that purpose. A short loop through Morrison, Red Rocks, Idaho Springs, and down Boulder Creek into Boulder from the west would be a very scenic afternoon drive.
Apr 28th, 2009 | 10:59 AM
#4
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We did this last year and had a lovely time.
Thursday morning we visited the US Mint, took the Coors brewery tour, then drove up through Boulder and Nederland to Estes Park.
The next morning we drove through Rocky Mountain National Park. It was cold, so we didn't do any hiking, but we were among the first people to get to drive Trail Ridge Road. We got to see a mama moose and her calf on the other side of the park - very cool! From there we drove through Winter Park, down Berthoud Pass, and back into Denver for the night.
Saturday we went to the Molly Brown House (Mr. Pickle had gone there as a child and wanted to see it again) and spent the afternoon at a Rockies game.
Lee Ann
Thursday morning we visited the US Mint, took the Coors brewery tour, then drove up through Boulder and Nederland to Estes Park.
The next morning we drove through Rocky Mountain National Park. It was cold, so we didn't do any hiking, but we were among the first people to get to drive Trail Ridge Road. We got to see a mama moose and her calf on the other side of the park - very cool! From there we drove through Winter Park, down Berthoud Pass, and back into Denver for the night.
Saturday we went to the Molly Brown House (Mr. Pickle had gone there as a child and wanted to see it again) and spent the afternoon at a Rockies game.
Lee Ann
May 12th, 2009 | 10:24 PM
#5
Joined: May 2009
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Red Rocks is a must see. And if you take the stairs from the bottom up its quite a workout! You can drive to the top though. Here's the link http://www.redrocksonline.com/
Blackhawk and Central City are nice little gambling towns if you're in the mood for fun. Drive up 36 through Boulder to Estes Park and check out the Stanley Hotel ghost tour. Rocky Mountain Natl Park is also a great place to drive around and get out at random sites along the way. The weather is finally nice around here!
Blackhawk and Central City are nice little gambling towns if you're in the mood for fun. Drive up 36 through Boulder to Estes Park and check out the Stanley Hotel ghost tour. Rocky Mountain Natl Park is also a great place to drive around and get out at random sites along the way. The weather is finally nice around here!
May 19th, 2009 | 06:23 PM
#6
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Just an update as to my plans...
Sunday morning, I will drive from Denver to COlorado Springs and go walk in the Garden of the Gods. Sunday afternoon I have booked a trail ride with Stables at the Broadmoor in the mountains aboutve Colorado Springs. I'll stay that night at the Doubletree World Arena, and I am looking for a unique local restaurant in the area. Any ideas?
Sunday morning, I will drive from Denver to COlorado Springs and go walk in the Garden of the Gods. Sunday afternoon I have booked a trail ride with Stables at the Broadmoor in the mountains aboutve Colorado Springs. I'll stay that night at the Doubletree World Arena, and I am looking for a unique local restaurant in the area. Any ideas?
