Things to Do in and around Denver Tips for Traveling in Colorado Colorado is a great state with so much to see and do. People of all abilities here tend to be very outdoor oriented, enjoying camping, hiking, skiing, mountain climbing, bicycling and more. People here really do tend to be laid back and friendly. Don’t be afraid to talk to strangers. Here are a few things visitors might want to keep in mind: Denver sits on the high prairie at the base of the Rocky Mountains. It is truly the mile high city at 5280 feet above sea level and once you get out of the city it’s all up hill from there. Big changes in altitude affect us all so … take your time and take care of yourself. Drink plenty of water. People here carry refillable water bottles everywhere (and clean, accessible bathrooms are usually easy to find). Daytime summer temperatures are often in the upper 80s or low 90s (upper 20s to low 30s degrees Celcius), nighttime temperatures can be in the 40s and 50s (5 C to 12 C). Afternoon thunderstorms are common, especially in the mountains. Wear protective clothing. There’s a reason why cowboys dress like that! Wearing a sun hat, sturdy shoes and layers for weather changes keeps most people comfortable. Walking Distance/Light Rail from the Denver Marriott City Center Tea at the Brown Palace Hotel The Brown Palace Hotel is a Denver institution. When the President comes to Denver, he stays at the Brown. Located at the corner of 17th and Tremont, it is a three block walk from the Marriott City Center. Traditional afternoon tea is served daily from 12noon to 4pm; reservations suggested. 321 17th Street. Call 303-2973111. www.brownpalace.com The 16th Street Mall The 16th Street pedestrian mall is full of shops and restaurants and is a two block walk from the Marriott City Center. A free shuttle bus runs frequently down the entire 16 block length of the mall. Taking this shuttle to its western end at Union Station puts you four blocks away from Coors Field. Elitch Gardens Elitch Gardens is an amusement park with roots in Denver’s earliest days. Discount tickets ($20 per person) are available for PPMD Conference attendees from June 23 through June 28. Open 10am to 9pm, Saturdays until 10pm. Bring a bathing suit for the Island Kingdom Water Park. Call 303-595-4386 or www.elitchgardens.com. From the Marriott City Center, get on the Light Rail at the 18th and California station, ride either the H or F line to the 10th and Osage Transfer Center, then hop on the E or C line to Elitch Gardens/Pepsi Center. Alternatively, get on the 16th Street Mall shuttle to Union Station. Then take the E or C Light Rail line to Elitch Gardens. Fares for Light Rail are $2 per person; the 16th Street Mall Shuttle is free. Light Rail map at www.rtd-denver.com/LightRail_Map.shtml. Also nearby: Downtown Aquarium. 10am – 9pm. $14.95 per adult, discounts for kids and seniors. 700 Water Street. Call 303-561-4450. www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumdenver/flash_content/index.html The Children’s Museum. 9am – 4pm Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm Saturday and Sunday, open until 7:30pm Wednesday. $8 per person, discounts for seniors and under age 1. 2121 Children’s Museum Drive. Call 303-433-7444. www.mychildsmuseum.org Cherry Creek Trail. Paved walking/bicycling trail along Cherry Creek. Access points two blocks southwest of the 16th Street Mall off of Wyncoop Street. Driving around the City The Denver Mint One of five United States Mints producing coins for circulation. Tours are available by reservation only 8am – 2pm Monday – Friday. Call 303-405-4761. 320 West Colfax Avenue. www.usmint.gov The Grizzly Rose The Grizzly Rose Saloon and Dance Emporium ranks in the top 100 nightclubs in the United States for 2010. Famous for country music and dancing. Free dance lessons Wednesdays 7pm -8pm. Sundays all ages. 5450 North Valley Highway. Call 303-295-1330. www.grizzlyrose.com Denver Botanic Gardens Innovative and beautiful gardens especially created for the unique climate and altitude conditions of the Mountain West. 9am – 9pm daily. $12.50 per adult, discounts for seniors, children and military. 1007 York Street. Call 720-865-3585. www.botanicgardens.org Also nearby: Denver Zoo. 9am – 5pm daily. $12 per adult, discounts for seniors and children. Service dogs restricted in certain areas. Call 303-376-4800. 2300 Steele Street. www.denverzoo.org. Museum of Nature and Science. 9am – 5pm daily. $11.00 - $25.50 per adult, discounts for seniors and children. 2001 Colorado Blvd. Call 303-370-6000. www.dmns.org. Butterfly Pavilion. 9am – 5pm (last entrance at 4:15pm) daily. $8.50 per adult, discounts for seniors and children. 6252 West 104th, Westminster. Call 303-469-5441. www.butterflies.org. Driving outside the City Morrison: Dinosaur Ridge, Red Rocks Amphitheater The town of Morrison, Colorado is a small and picturesque town with a local museum, shops and restaurants. It is only about a half hour’s drive west of Denver, at the edge of the foothills. Check out http://town.morrison.co.us or www.colorado.com/Morrison.aspx. Red Rocks Amphitheater is a beautiful park with great views of Denver and a natural amphitheater which hosts world famous musical performers. www.redrocksonline.com. Dinosaur Ridge is a former road cut cum nature park featuring real dinosaur footprints in situ. www.dinoridge.org. Mount Evans Anyone of any physical ability can climb this beautiful 14,240 foot high mountain because it boasts one of the highest paved roads in the world. An amazing scenic drive well worth the effort! Best weather conditions are usually in the morning. www.mountevans.com. Wilderness on Wheels The Wilderness on Wheels Foundation has created a wonderful wilderness campground and recreation area specifically designed for universal accessibility. An extensive boardwalk system allows everyone to hike or fish (permit is not required, bring your own supplies). Admission is free to all, though donations are gratefully accepted. www.wildernessonwheels.org. Also nearby: Rocky Mountain National Park. www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm Boulder. www.bouldercolorado.gov or www.bouldercoloradousa.com Colorado Springs: Manitou Springs, Garden of the Gods, Pike’s Peak, Air Force Academy. www.visitcos.com