An urban center with a sense of adventure, Denver is a mountain metropolis with many faces. To paint a complete portrait of the Mile High City, we sat down with two locals from Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton, Denver — sommelier Monica Dubar (a 20-year Colorado native) and spa director Britney Simpson (a two-year Denver resident) — to get the inside scoop on Colorado’s craft beer scene, where to try CBD products and how to spend as much time outdoors as possible in this dynamic destination.
How should we spend one day in Denver?
Dubar: Start your day downtown at Little Owl Coffee. They have outdoor seating, or you can take your drink on a stroll through LoDo [Denver’s Lower Downtown neighborhood].
Alternatively, The Corner Beet is one of my favorite healthy breakfast spots, and it will give you a chance to discover the historic yet hip neighborhood of Capitol Hill.
After breakfast, take a trip about 25 minutes west to the foothills to explore Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. There are plenty of trails in this area, and you can walk the world-famous stage where many legends have performed. You’ll be in the town of Morrison, so find a quaint downtown restaurant on the river and stay for lunch. Then head back to the city for your favorite libation.
Denver is full of great local breweries and distilleries to explore, many of which are located within walking distance of The Ritz-Carlton, Denver, like Great Divide Brewing Co.
Simpson: I love everything Denver has to offer. If I had to choose one, I suggest enjoying the Denver B-cycle bike share program to ride to different breweries in the downtown and RiNo [River North] neighborhoods. There are easily accessible stations located all over the city, including one on the same block as The Ritz-Carlton, Denver.
For lunch, I enjoy Denver Milk Market, where there are different food vendors to choose from.
Afterward, come wind down your day at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Denver. Enjoy a Mile High Massage utilizing local CBD products.
What are some not-to-be-missed local gems?
Dubar: The local music scene, which can be enjoyed at some iconic Denver venues like Ogden Theatre, Bluebird Theater, Dazzle, Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox and more.
Simpson: We have an amazing museum scene in the city of Denver, though one gem that is sometimes overlooked is the Denver Museum of Nature and Science [located right next to the Denver Zoo], offering fantastic exhibits for the whole family to enjoy.
Another gem not to miss is the Molly Brown House Museum, located in the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, which offers the chance to learn all about Denver’s “Unsinkable Molly Brown,” survivor of the 1912 Titanic sinking.
Denver is known for its creative craft beers and trendy cuisine. What’s the best way to explore city’s culinary scene?
Dubar: Sample local treats at one of several delicious food halls like The Source, Denver Central Market and Avanti Food & Beverage. [Or try popular restaurants like[SC1] intimate dinner party experience] Beckon, [Israeli venue] Safta, [Japanese spot] Uchi, [unpretentious French dining room] Morin and [contemporary Italian eatery] Chow Morso Osteria.
Denver is full of fantastic happy hour spots, so be sure to explore the list: Death and Co, Union Lodge No. 1, Señor Bear, Pony Up and, of course, ELWAY’S Downtown. Whether enjoying libations or not, be sure to drink plenty of water in Denver, due to our high altitude at 5,280 feet above sea level.
Simpson: Our craft beer and beverage scene is always innovating, and a new popular spot in RiNo called Ironton Distillery and Crafthouse offers small-batch liquors. Another new and fun activity in Denver is the Denver Microbrew Tour, which offers walking tours to local breweries.
Improper City has a bit to offer to everyone. It is a chill venue [with food trucks and games] to enjoy during the day, and at night it offers a relaxed and fun vibe. It is a great place for socializing, studying or anything in between. They also have Denver’s largest outdoor patio.
