Now, I have to admit, I really didn't know what to expect from Denver other than possibly seeing some cowboys and rhine-stoned country singers - cliché, I know... (and possibly my country-music-loving father's influence, too). But it proved to be a vibrant little city, eminently walk-able and tourist friendly, lots of lovely bars, restaurants and shops to explore, and lots to see and do in the relatively short time we were there.
Some Denver Fun Facts:
- it is the capital of Colorado state, and the most populous municipality in the US - one of the fastest growing major cities in the country;
- it is nicknamed the Mile High City, because it sits officially one mile above sea level - making it the highest city in the USA;
- it traces its origins back to the gold rush and a group of prospectors who established a mining town there in 1858, then known as Montana City;
- it has the dubious notoriety of being the only city ever to decline to host an Olympiad - the 1976 Winter Olympics;
- Denver records on average over 300 days of sunshine per year - more than San Diego or Miami!
- Denver claims to have invented the cheeseburger - trademarked by Louis P Ballast in 1935;
- it has one of the most walkable downtown areas in the US - perfect for a city break!
After the stresses and strains of the long drive and travels yesterday, we were in need of a Big Breakfast to set us up for the day ahead, and the food at Snooze Eatery didn't disappoint. It was located in the Union train station complex, only about a mile's walk from our hotel down 16th Street Mall; I'd read great reviews of this place, and we chose well! Breakfast was perfect - hot, fresh, and consumed ravenously outside on their patio whilst doing a little people-watching. We were off to a good start!
Now time to start our tour of the city and walk off some of those calories...
Whilst it's true the city's beginnings hailed in the goldrush era, it's always been a gathering place for diverse and creative people, and we did still see one or two bona fide cowboys, complete with cowboy hats, snakeskin boots and leather shoestring ties! In fact, we also stopped at Rockmount Ranch Wear, an iconic cowboy-wear shop, reportedly frequented by movie stars and music legends even today. They had some fun clothes, and I nearly came home with some beautiful leather cowgirl boots....
Since we were already there, we explored a little of the historic lower downtown (LoDo), walking through the clean and shiny (recently renovated) Denver Union station (originally built in 1914). We also walked a little around Larimer Square, a cute little street lined with Victorian-era buildings housing restaurants, bars, coffee shops and boutiques.
Baseball is one of the sports of choice here, and Hubby was keen to visit Coors Field, where he was excited to find there was a game scheduled that evening, and promptly bought tickets for us to see the Colorado Rockies vs. St Louis Cardinals!
Then onto the Colorado Convention Center, where I was keen to see the Big Blue Bear who peers through the building windows.
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| Sadly we would miss the Beard and Moustache Championships... |
From there, we ambled down to Cherry Creek and enjoyed a leisurely riverside walk, past more examples of artwork (official and unofficial) and sculptures on display.
By the time we reached Confluence Park, we were feeling a little tired, so just had time to head back to the hotel for a brief rest, before it was time to get ready for the Big Game!
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