Colorado’s capitol offers a quick trip out of Boulder and into the night life
This article was originally published Sept. 20, 2007.
Downtown Denver is a mere 30 minutes away from Boulder and a great place to exchange a mountain view for a more metropolitan one.
Here are the places not to miss on your weekend getaway to Denver.
Denver Art Museum:
With new attractions and exhibits constantly cycling through, the museum often has something fresh to offer.
Sarah Llufrio, 20, a junior art history major, said she goes to Denver to see the art museum.
“I love going downtown periodically to see the new exhibits that come in,” Llufrio said.
Tickets for the Denver Art Museum are available on their
Web site for $18, but you can save a dollar if you purchase your ticket directly from the museum.
The Downtown Aquarium:
For about $14, the Downtown Aquarium is an affordable attraction.
As well as sharks, fish, eels and other exotic aquatic animals, the aquarium offers exhibits showcasing ancient temples, rainforest animals and desert animals.
Visit Downtown Aquarium for more information.
Elitch Gardens:
For people looking for some thrills, try Elitch Gardens .
A pass for the day at the amusement part costs $35.
Throughout October, Fright Fest at Elitch Gardens will include a haunted house and other Halloween-related surprises.
Hotels:
According to the Denver Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau, there are 7,300 first class hotel rooms within walking distance of the Colorado Convention Center, which is a few minutes away from Invesco Field at Mile High.
That being said, students should have no problem finding a place to stay and rest up before or after a Broncos game.
With so many hotels to choose from and with rates always changing, it is best to search online for a hotel a few days in advance to get the best deal.
Restaurants:
Located on 15th and Platte Street, My Brother’s Bar is the oldest bar in Denver.
The restaurant is also an important part of the Beat Generation. It was one of Neal Cassidy’s favorite places to drink with Jack Kerouac, the author of “On the Road”.
Paris on the Platte, which is just east of My Brother’s Bar is another great place to eat, and is popular among CU students.
“It’s a great place to relax, do homework and chat with friends,” said Ryan Long, 19, a freshman political science major.
Some other restaurants downtown that are worth checking out are: Coyote Ugly Saloon, Jazz at Jack’s and Lucky Strike Lanes.
Nightlife:
The Mercury Café, 2199 California Street, is no ordinary café.
Perfect for a night downtown, the Mercury is equipped with a bar, dance floor, an organic cuisine restaurant and a stage for poetry slams and other performances.
“The Denver Slam Team won Nationals in 2006 and that is where they practice,” said David Jelsma, 20, a junior English major.
To see what else downtown Denver has to offer, visit Denver.org.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Cameron Naish at cameron.naish@colorado.edu.
