Denver Botanic Gardens

Denver Botanic Gardens is one of the best attractions in a city that is full of them. Found in the Cheesman Park neighborhood of Denver, this oasis of sorts is close to the Downtown District, yet far enough away to provide a certain amount of tranquility. It's certainly easy to escape from the real world in the Tropical Conservatory at the Botanical Gardens in Denver, where thousands of tropical plants thrive in the warm and protected confines. In addition to a fantastic conservatory, the Denver Botanic Gardens also includes acres of outdoor gardens for visitors to enjoy. All told, the park covers 23 acres, making it one of the largest in the of its kind in the country.

It's only about a ten-minute drive from Downtown Denver to the Denver Botanic Gardens, so travelers who are staying at one of the downtown hotels won't have to go far to escape the relative bustle of the city. Upon arrival at the Botanical Gardens in Denver, visitors can take things as leisurely as they please, and should the weather sour, the Conservatory offers an attractive option for escaping the elements. Both tropical and subtropical plants fill the confines of this architecturally interesting, indoor facility, and there are thousands of species to examine. The Tropical Conservatory was dedicated in 1966, and once it was finished, it turned the Botanical Gardens in Denver into a year-round attraction.

In 1958, the Denver Botanic Gardens took up residence at its current site. One year later, planting began on the outdoor gardens. Among the first plantings were roses, tulips, and a variety of other flowers. One of the outdoor gardens is a traditional Japanese garden, and for those who like floral notes, there is also a fragrance garden to enjoy. Back inside the Conservatory, visitors can learn about plants that are used to make various products, including medicines and food. It truly is a wonderful mix of garden experiences.

A couple of hours should suffice if you are looking to take in everything that the Botanical Gardens in Denver has to offer. For true plant and nature enthusiasts, it's worth noting that the museum boasts other garden sites, and these sites include the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield and the gardens at Mount Goliath. The former is a mix of gardens, wildlife observation area, and hiking trails, among other things, while the latter is a rather rugged swath of mountainous land that is part of the beautiful Arapaho National Forest.

Various Denver Botanic Gardens events are on offer throughout the year, with most taking place at the main gardens in Denver. The Denver Botanic Gardens often plays host to concerts during the warmer months, its sunken amphitheater serving as the prime live music venue. Other Denver Botanic Gardens events include a plant sale in the spring and a spectacular holiday lights display at the Chatfield site. Also worth keeping in mind is the fact that the Denver Botanic Gardens offers free days at various times throughout the year.

The Botanical Gardens in Denver can be an ideal place to get in touch with nature during a Colorado vacation, and if you can't manage to show up on one of the free days, the fees will be well worth it. This is one of the most renowned botanical gardens in the entire country, and the various events that it offers only help to make it that much more attractive. When planning a Denver vacation, it's always a good idea to consult the Denver Botanic Gardens events calendar. You never know what you might come across when it comes to this amazing place!

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Lakewood Colorado

Lakewood Colorado is a Denver suburb that got its start as a residential retreat for the wealthy back in 1889. In addition to being directly west of Denver, this city of around 140,000 residents sits at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills. The attractive location had a lot to do with Lakewood's conception as a place for summer estates, and visitors can learn all about this early history at the Heritage Center at Belmar Park. There's more to Lakewood Colorado than just an interesting history, and when visitors aren't getting insight into the past at the Heritage Center, they will have no shortage of options for other interesting things to do.

The list of things to do in Lakewood Colorado is a long one, especially when you consider the fact that Denver is located to the immediate east and the Rockies rise up to the near west. In Lakewood proper, shopping and dining figure among the top pursuits, thanks to the city's enticing collection of restaurants and shops. In the modern downtown area, an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants abound, and shopping enthusiasts can also look to hit one of the two local malls. The best specialty shops are arguably found along Colfax Avenue and along the culturally rich Sheridan Boulevard, while the malls tend to have the usual chain brand stores. As for the Lakewood Colorado restaurants, most can be found near the top shopping spots, making it easy to find something good to eat when a break from stores is in order.

In addition to shopping and dining, dropping by the Heritage Center at Belmar Park is one of the top things to do in Lakewood, and for good reason. This museum offers ten historic structures for visitors to examine, as well as thousands of artifacts that help to tell the story of the city's history. There's also an art gallery at the museum, and it displays works by both local and national artists. Self-guided tours offer insight into the various exhibits. These exhibits include a farmhouse from the 1870s and a one-room school that was used primarily in the 1920s. Self-guided history walks around the surrounding 130-acre park can also be enjoyed, and picnic areas are available if you want to follow your tour up with an outdoor dining experience. Information on the tours and attractions can be obtained at The Heritage Center at Belmar Park's visitor's center.

As is true of the parkland that surrounds The Heritage Center at Belmar Park, Bear Creek Lake Park is ideal for outdoor recreational pursuits. One of the best attractions in Lakewood Colorado, this delightful park has a large lake for boating and plenty of trails that can be used for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Other options for things to do at Bear Creek Lake Park include fishing and swimming, and for outdoor enthusiasts who don't want to call it a day when the sun goes down, taking advantage of the park's campground is worth considering.

At the Indian Paintbrush Campground, there are 47 total campsites, and these sites can accommodate either tents or recreational vehicles, such as RVs. If you don't have a tent or a recreational vehicle, you can always rent what is called at yurt at the Bear Creek Lake Park campground. Akin to simple cabins, the yurts can accommodate up to four adults and are equipped with bunk beds and a small table with chairs. Outside of each yurt are a picnic table and a grill, as well as a fire ring.

Lakewood Colorado offers a more laid-back appeal than the neighboring city of Denver, and this helps to make it a popular travel base for those who are visiting the area. Side trips to Denver will be easy to manage when some bustling urban exposure is in order, and anyone looking for things to do in Lakewood can also take a short trip to nearby Golden to tour the Coors Brewery. The city is also very close to the renowned Red Rocks Amphitheater, and for golfing enthusiasts, local courses such as Fox Hollow and The Homestead at Fox Hollow shouldn't fail to impress.

With options like these for things to do, it's little wonder that an increased number of travelers are taking an interest in Lakewood Colorado. Add in the fact that there are some good Lakewood hotels to choose from, and the city only becomes an even more attractive place to consider when looking for that next great vacation destination.

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Centennial Colorado

Centennial Colorado is a lovely city of around 100,000 people that can be found just south of Denver in Arapahoe County. Known for being a safe place to live, the city of Centennial is also relatively wealthy, ranking among the wealthiest cities in the U.S. A fine collection of neighborhood parks lends to the attractiveness of this Denver suburb, and many visitors and locals alike take advantage of the recreational opportunities. In addition to spending time at the local parks and the city's impressive recreation center, those who are looking for things to do in Centennial can enjoy a round of golf, or head into town to see the many great Denver attractions.

Centennial Colorado can be an ideal place to spend some time when visiting the Denver area, and travelers who are interested in traveling between the two cities can take advantage of the light rail options. For those who prefer getting around by car, Centennial is connected to Denver by Interstate 25, making things about as easy as can be. Interstate 25 essentially bisects Centennial, and on the eastern side is the Centennial Airport Colorado. This general aviation airport is mostly used for things such as medical flights, law enforcement needs, and flying clubs. It also provides charter services. Most air travelers who are visiting the Denver area choose to arrive on one of the commercial flights to Denver International Airport as opposed to arriving at the smaller Centennial Airport Colorado. That being said, the smaller airport in Centennial is available for a variety of special needs.

Regardless of how Centennial Colorado visitors arrive, they will have some tempting options for things to do once they get settled at their hotel of choice. For those who like to golf, a stay at the Inverness Hotel & Conference Center is something to consider. This excellent Denver area resort boasts a fantastic golf course that can challenge even the best of golfers, and thanks to its semi-private nature, guests should have little trouble getting a tee time. For those who can't manage to get on the semi-private course at the Inverness Resort, a round or two at the South Suburban Golf Course Facility should prove satisfying. This facility has an attractive, 18-hole course and a fun, 9-hole course that can be ideal for practicing iron shots.

Golfing is one of the top things to do in Centennial, but it's not the only outdoor activity of choice. On the eastern edges of the city, Cherry Creek State Park and its large reservoir stand poised to provide boating enthusiasts with a good place to get out on the water. Other water activities that can be enjoyed at the park include fishing and jet skiing, and during the winter months, ice skating is possible. As for the land-based activities that Cherry Creek State Park visitors can indulge in, they include hiking along rolling trails, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. It's worth noting that Cherry Creek State Park features a 125-site campground for those who don't want to leave once the sun goes down.

These are just some of the options for things to do in Centennial, and since the city is home to some enticing shops and restaurants, visitors can add shopping and dining to their local activity lists. The city's former Southglenn Mall was converted into a chic and trendy shopping center that has had little trouble making a name for itself on the Denver shopping scene. In addition to a collection of cool shops and restaurants, The Streets at Southglenn Shopping Center boasts a state-of-the-art movie theater, and from time to time, it plays host to fun events, such as fashion shows.

Between the Centennial Airport Colorado, the local golf courses, the parks, and the scintillating shopping center, Centennial has a lot to offer. There is a reason why many well-to-do Denver area residents choose to live here. The city simply has an undeniable appeal, and residents enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to city and suburb life. Centennial vacations are growing in popularity, and while the city doesn't offer a lot in the way of lodging, there are plenty of great area hotels, including those that can be found in the nearby cities of Denver, Aurora, and Lakewood.

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Aurora Colorado

Aurora Colorado is a high-plains community that can be found to the immediate east of Denver. More than 300,000 people call this third largest city in the state home, and many of them work at the Buckley Air Force Base. Established in 1943, this base is the largest employer in the city, and it is responsible for everything from homeland defense to global surveillance. While the Buckley Air Force Base isn't open for tours, visitors to Aurora Colorado will have plenty of other options for things to do. Shopping at the Southlands Mall Aurora Colorado is one of the most popular local pursuits, and golfing enthusiasts will be happy to know that Aurora is home to some very enticing municipal courses.

Shopping and golfing are easily two of the top things to do in Aurora, and both activities can satisfy hours on end. On the shopping side of things, the Southlands Mall Aurora Colorado is where it's at. Offering almost 2 million square feet of retail space, this attractive shopping center is full inviting shops and restaurants, and it also offers a sleek movie theater where visitors can catch all the latest flicks. Shops range from specialty stores to common mall shops that sell anything from clothing items and sunglasses to cell phones and jewelry. This large indoor and outdoor shopping village of sorts is also a good place to go when searching for Aurora Colorado restaurants. In addition to a plethora of casual eateries and fast-food establishments, the Southlands Mall Aurora Colorado offers a handful of restaurants where a more upscale dining experience can be enjoyed. It's even possible to get some fresh sushi.

When the weather warms, those who are looking for things to do in Aurora can tee it up at any one of the city's fantastic municipal golf courses. One of the best courses around is the Fitzsimons Golf Course. Built in 1918, this historic course is the city's oldest, and it's worth noting that President Dwight D. Eisenhower was particularly fond of it. An 18-hole, par-71 course, the Fitzsimons is relatively short, though that doesn't mean that it isn't challenging. Keeping the ball in the short grass is extra important here, and since the greens are relatively small, a premium is put on accurate iron shots. In addition to an excellent course, the Fitzsimons Golf Course Facility also boasts a driving range and a learning center where visitors can get some help with their swing.

Since Aurora Colorado is found on the high plains, its golf courses are relatively flat and very walkable. In addition to enjoying a pleasant walk around the Fitzsimons Course, those who are looking to add golf to their list of things to do in Aurora might enjoy a waltz around Aurora Hills. An excellent urban course for casual players, the Aurora Hills Golf Course boasts well-manicured fairways that are adorned with mature trees, and the majestic Rocky Mountains can be seen rising in the near distance. Some of the other Aurora Colorado golf courses that visitors might want to keep in mind include the Meadow Hills Golf Course and the Murphy Creek Golf Course. Both of these courses have managed to earn more than their fair share of praise over the years, and they are nothing short of impressive.

Aurora Colorado has a lot to offer, and its location near Denver means that visitors will have all of the great Denver attractions within easy reach. The Rocky Mountains are also close by, and they are ideal for all kinds of recreational pursuits. Back in Aurora, the options for things to do can include a trip to the Aurora History Museum or some outdoor fun at the Aurora Reservoir. The former offers insight into the city's past, and admission is free! As for the Aurora Reservoir, it is part of a 2,500-acre park that boasts hiking and biking trails. The reservoir itself is a popular place to go fishing, swimming, boating, and even scuba diving, and it features an attractive beach where visitors can get their feet in the sand and soak up some bright Colorado sun.

When visiting the Denver area, Aurora can make an excellent travel base. The Aurora hotels are some of the most affordable hotels in the land, and they offer proximity to a dazzling array of attractions, not to mention the Denver International Airport. On the other side of Denver, the city of Lakewood also offers some good lodging options, not to mention some attractive attractions. As such, Denver area visitors are also encouraged to keep the Lakewood hotels in mind.

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Lodo Denver

Lodo Denver, short for the Lower Downtown District, is the perfect complement to the Downtown District. This vibrant neighborhood attracts visitors with its mix of shops, restaurants, clubs, and other attractions. In 1995, the addition of Coors Field only helped to cement Lodo Denver as a top place to spend some time in the Mile High City. Surrounding this attractive ballpark are historic buildings that have been lovingly restored, and since skyscrapers aren't allowed in Lower Downtown Denver, the district has little trouble maintaining its historical appeal.

Defining Lodo Denver can be hard, as the boundaries seem to vary depending on who you ask. Essentially, this trendy, mixed-use neighborhood encompasses the area between Coors Field and the Pepsi Center, with Wynkoop Street, Market Street, 20th Street, and Speer Boulevard serving as borders. Lower Downtown Denver is comprised by more than twenty blocks, and it is where the city essentially grew up in the latter half of the 1800s. Over time, the Victorian homes and brick warehouses were largely neglected and Lodo Denver became a rather seedy neighborhood. In 1988, City Council saw the value in converting Lodo into the destination that it is today, and many locals and tourists alike have the Lodo Denver attractions high on their list when it comes to finding things to do.

The Lodo restaurants figure among the district's main attractions, and they are often full of sports fans who are either going to or coming from a sporting event at the Pepsi Center or Coors Field. Some of the restaurants offer sidewalk seating when the weather is nice, and they can make excellent places to stop for a while between shopping sprees. Regardless of what you have a taste for, the Lodo restaurants can satisfy your needs, thanks to the fact that they offer a lot in the way of variety. Two of the local restaurants are attached to breweries, one of which is the Wynkoop Brewery. This brewery was actually founded by the mayor of Denver in 1988. As for the other brewery in Lower Downtown Denver, it can be found at the Pepsi Center.

After getting some dinner at one of the Lodo restaurants, many visitors stick around to enjoy some nightlife. There are more than 70 bars and restaurants in Lodo Denver, so visitors can come up with any number of combinations when it comes to planning a night out. During the day, the Lodo restaurants can be ideal places to rest when a break from the boutiques is in order. The myriad shops aren't the only daytime Lodo Denver attractions, however. The district is also home to the Elitch Gardens Amusement Park, and for those who like good museums, both the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Children's Museum of Denver also call Lodo home.

When Lodo Denver visitors aren't enjoying the shops, restaurants, clubs, and other attractions, taking a walking tour can be very rewarding. The historic buildings are beautiful, and nearby Larimer Square is historic and charming. Guided walking tours of Lower Downtown Denver can be arranged. This often visit Union Station. This train station was built in the 1880s and has been immaculately restored. The city has plans to bring Union Station into the future, making it an urban transportation hub to be reckoned with.

There are some good Lodo hotels to choose from for those who want to stay close to all the action, and the Downtown hotels also offer proximity to everything that this vibrant area has to offer.

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Downtown Denver

Downtown Denver is essentially comprised of the Central Business District and the Lodo District. The latter is more officially known as the Lower Downtown District, and it is the oldest part of the city. Victorian homes and red-brick warehouses have been restored in Lodo, and also in nearby Larimer Square, and the district offers plenty of historical charm, not to mention a healthy collection of shops, restaurants, and clubs. As for the Central Business District, it is where the Downtown Denver skyscrapers climb into the sky, the tallest of which is the 714-foot Republic Plaza.

When looking for things to do in Downtown Denver, there will be no shortage of options. The Central Business District includes 16th Street, and this is where the renowned 16th Street Pedestrian Mall can be found. Numerous shops line the streets of this trendy strip, and it is also home to restaurants, bars, and clubs. Other main streets in the Central Business District include 17th and 18th streets, and they are home to some of the best Downtown Denver hotels, including the Brown Palace Hotel and Spa. Framing part of the Central Business District is Broadway Avenue on the east and Colfax Avenue to the south. Some of the best Denver attractions can be found off of Colfax Avenue, and they include the U.S. Mint, the Denver Art Museum, and the Colorado Capitol Building.

Towards Lodo along Speer Boulevard, those who are looking for major Downtown Denver attractions will eventually encounter the spectacular Denver Center for the Performing Arts. This impressive venue covers about four blocks in the heart of the Downtown District, making it one of the largest venues of its kind in the country. For those who are hoping to catch some Denver shows, this is the top venue in town, offering more than 10,000 seats in its ten different performance spaces. Due north of the Center for the Performing Arts is where the charming and historic Larimer Square can be found. As is true of the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall, Larimer Square is one of the best spots in Downtown Denver for shopping, dining, nightlife, and all around entertainment.

Some more excellent Downtown Denver attractions unfold in the Lodo District to the near northwest of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. These attractions include Elitch Gardens and the Children's Museum. These are two of the best family attractions in Denver, the former being a relatively large urban amusement park and the latter being an excellent place for kids to get insight into the world around them. The Downtown Denver Aquarium can also be found in this part of Lodo, only adding to the list of things to do in Downtown Denver.

As is true of many cities, Denver always seems to be evolving. New hotels, shops, clubs, and restaurants have been added to the picture in recent years, and there is almost always talk of more to come. The Downtown Denver attractions offer something for everyone, and this helps to make the district a popular base for Colorado vacations. The downtown hotels include some fantastic lodging options, helping to make this district a hot place to be. When guests at these hotels aren't enjoying some nightlife in Lodo, some shopping on 16th Street, or a good meal at one of the Larimer Square restaurants, they can always venture into other parts of town, visit nearby cities like Aurora and Lakewood, or venture into the Rocky Mountains to the near west.

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Denver Shopping

Denver shopping offers a number of enticing opportunities for shopping enthusiasts. Being the cultural capital of the region, the Mile High City is an excellent place to pick up some art, as it is home to some fashionable galleries. It is also home to the renowned 16th Street Mall, which is a pedestrian-only downtown promenade that is lined with tempting shops and restaurants. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Denver shopping, and anyone who is looking for Western wear will be happy to know that they can find plenty of that as well.

There are a bunch of excellent shopping malls in Denver Colorado, and none is more popular than the 16th Street Mall. In addition to shops and restaurants, this pedestrian mall is lined with bars, chic hotels, rejuvenating day spas, and a brewery, among other things, and it stretches for no less than sixteen blocks. In many ways, this center of Denver shopping, dining, and entertainment is like the Miracle Mile in Chicago, and you can expect to see many a shopper with numerous bags in tote and a smile on their face.

When it comes to finding stores in Denver, the Downtown District and the Lower Downtown District, or Lodo as is also known, are good places to look. Larimer Square is the heart of the Lodo District, and it offers some distinct clothing stores and jewelry shops, among other inviting stores. When Larimer Square visitors aren't shopping, they can enjoy some nightlife at one of the bars or clubs, and during the day, admiring the historic architecture during a languid stroll can be a rewarding pursuit. In the downtown area, Colfax Avenue is slowly becoming a Denver shopping strip worth adding to the list, and Colfax Avenue visitors can mix shopping escapades with visits to the U.S. Mint, the Capitol Building, and a number of other nearby attractions.

Many of the best stores in Denver can be found in the Downtown District, and the Denver Pavilions is just one more place where shopping enthusiasts can get their fill while spending time in the heart of the city. One of the hottest shopping malls in Denver Colorado, Denver Pavilions can actually be found on the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall, and it only adds to the shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities with its 40 different venues. Underground parking is available at Denver Pavilions for those who want to drop by to shop, bowl, see a movie, or enjoy a satisfying meal.

Not all of the shopping malls in Denver Colorado are found in the Downtown area. Due south of the city, the Cherry Creek Shopping Center can be found, and it tempts shoppers with its impressive array of stores. This mall boasts big name department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, and shoppers will also find common chain brand stores that are found in most large malls across the country. These stores range from shoe stores and bookshops to jewelry stores and bath product outlets. An upscale mall par excellence, the Cherry Creek Shopping Center can make for a perfect addition to a Denver shopping agenda. There are stores in Denver for virtually anything that you can imagine, including the antique stores on Antique Row and the some 40 art galleries that can be found between 5th Avenue and 11th Avenue.

More shopping areas can be found just outside of town. Those who are looking for good shopping malls can visit the chic Streets at SouthGlenn, which is Centennial's upscale shopping, dining, and retail hub. There's also the equally chic Belmar Shopping Mall in Lakewood's trendy Belmar area.

Finding good stores in Denver Colorado is a breeze, and more fantastic shopping opportunities can be found in the nearby highlands, especially at the ski resort towns, such as Vail and Aspen. Ski resort shops specialize in outdoor equipment, and they can be good places to get all of the latest skiing and snowboarding gear. Vail and Aspen are two of the more upscale ski resorts in the country, and their exclusive collections of shops have little trouble satisfying the most discerning of shoppers. If there isn't time for a shopping side trip to Vail or Aspen, Denver visitors can stay closer to town when venturing into the highlands. The mountain towns of Dillon and Silverthorne are excellent places to get some good deals on sports equipment, such as ski boots and mountain bikes, and they take less time to get to when coming from the immediate Denver area.

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