Denver is currently a popular vacation destination within the United States. It hosts many sporting events and is home to many museums, and statistics show that it is the 26^th most populous city in America.. Nicknamed the “Mile High City” for good reason, as much of its land is 5280(1609m) above sea level. While it is a bustling city now, many do not know the rich history behind this city’s beginning as a small mining town.

Denver was founding in November 1858 during the time of the Pikes Peak Gold Rush. A group of gold prospectors from Kansas had settled and established the first settlement, Montana City on the South Platte River banks. It later became known as Denver, named after Governor James W. Denver.

Now more than a mining town, Denver has more than 200 parks of varied size, as it maintained and acquired approximately 14,000 acres (56 km²) of mountain parks. These parks, however, have become some of the more popular tourist spots in the area, like the Red Rocks Park.

The Red Rocks Park surrounds the well known Red Rocks Amphitheater. As it name suggests, the rocks, or in this case sandstone, are a deep red, and contrasts beautifully with the green that surrounds the city. Denver is constantly maintaining its park system as it continues along the Platte River and the Stapleton neighborhood redevelopment.

Denver is nestled at the bottom of the Rocky Mountains. While the city’s skyscrapers gradually rise over the plains that precede the mountains, the Rocky Mountains emerge beautifully over the city heights. Many people who are heading into the mountains find that Denver is the perfect starting point for their adventures, ranging from mountaineering to rock-climbing. The 2,000 acre land is more than enough space for any outdoor activities. If looking to sky, there is the Winter Park Resort ski area, located 67 miles west of Denver in Grand County.

Any trip can turn into a learning experience, and the Denver Art Museum is available for perusing. It houses superior collections of American Indian artifacts. Other stops include the Denver Zoo, Children’s Museum and Botanical Garden. For a free tour of the county, inquire about the United States Mint.

Denver has its own collection of great, and also economical, hotels. You can stay in top-rated hotels, and while it may cost much, the service is superb. Cheap hotels and motels, however, can offer the same caliber of service at much lower prices. This is great for families and couples who are traveling alone. Practicality is a must nowadays, and extra cash can be saved if cheap, but good, hotels are chosen.

As a hot spot for travellers and for vacation trippers, the City of Denver also boasts of its remarkable history, sporting events and museums. This is one reason why it is known as the “Mile High City”. The reason for this nick name is the elevation of the land which would go at approximately 5280 feet or 1609 meters above sea level. Statistically, it is the 26th most populous city in the United States of America. It is also the second largest city in the Mountain West, next to Phoenix.

Denver is home to four major sports teams. The Denver Broncos, champions of 1998 and 1999, are included in this list and are currently housed at the Invesco Field at Mile High. Created by the former Mayor, Frederico Pena, is Coors Field of Major League Baseball. The Colorado Rockies are an expansion franchise. Denver also has a National Hockey League team, the Colorado Avalanche, which won Stanley Cups in the years 1996 and 2001.Other teams that call Denver home include the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association, the Denver Outlaws of the Professional Outdoor Lacrosse team, and the Major League Soccer team, the Colorado Rapids. Every season is packed with sporting events, leaving each game a chance for excitement.

John Yoshio Naka was born on August 16, 1914 in Denver, Colorado. Eight days after his birth, he and his family returned to Japan. His grandfather was his constant companion, and from him he observed the way he trimmed and shaped the plants around them.

John took up landscaping when he became nineteen years old. He learned the fundamentals about creating the ideal setting: foliage, window and limestone. Once he completed his studies, wanting to further his knowledge, he pursed further art education in Japan.

When war broke out in 1935, John was sent back to Colorado, as his father feared he might be deployed. He lived with his brother, Sadao, before marrying Alice Toshito Mizunaga in 1936. The couple had three sons, Eugene, Robert, and Richard.

In 1946, John and his family moved to Los Angeles. He began working as a landscaper, focusing mostly on Japanese gardens. John Naka began to learn bonsai techniques with encouragement from his friend, Sam Doi.

The Montezuma Cypress was his first work. 32 inches tall, he allowed a cypress to mature in a miniature form. After this work, John Naka began to be recognized as a bonsai artist. John Naka and his friends, Fumiko Nagata, Ai okumura, Joseph Yamashiro, and Morihei Furuya began the Southern California Bonsai Club.

Naka became the leading teacher in the art of bonsai, and he was the main speaker at many symposiums during the 1970s, visiting countless countries, educating the curious of his art. Many of his techniques were published in newspaper articles, books, and in the “Bonsai Journal.” One of his articles included the transformation of a nursery grown juniper plant into a suitable bonsai. His own bonsai have been viewed by a wide variety of audiences, each astounded by the beautiful simplicity of each work. To John Naka, each bonsai was his grandchild, and his attention to them can be clearly seen.

John Naka was selected as one of the honorary advisers to the National Bonsai Foundation. He has become legendary, with a number of buildings named in his honor. These, of course, are tributes to the man they regard as the “Father of Popular Bonsai.”

Botanical gardens are plots dedicated to the cultivation of plants, mostly for scientific purposes. Only some botanical gardens are open to the public, so you should take the opportunity to observe some exotic plant life up-close. Not only are botanical gardens used for the cultivation of plants, but also assist in preserving the plant species.

Following are some of the most diverse botanical gardens in the United States:

1. Famous all over the world is the New York Botanical Garden. It sits upon 250 acres in New York City’s Bronx region, and has 50 different gardens and plant collections. Founded in 1891, it is the leader of plant research and collection on the East Coast, and even the world. If visiting New York City, this is a must-see, as it contains one of the most exquisitely diverse plant collections on the planet.

2. Also popular is the Missouri Botanical garden in St. Louis, Missouri. This is the leading plant research center within its region. Here, there is a variety of horticultural displays and programs geared towards educating people about botanical gardens.

3. Also on this list is Denver’s Botanical Garden, which is one of the top-rated gardens in all of the United states. Because of its location in the West, you will find a variety of plant life not found in the east. Existing for more than 55 years, this garden is not only an educational tool but a vibrant blooming work of living art.

Here are some of the place where you can see the gardens of the world. While these gardens can be found everywhere, they all are filled with unique plant life.

You should visit at least one botanical garden in your lifetime, as they are both educational, and cleverly designed. Following are places where you can see gardens of the world:

1. Leu Gardens and the Fairchild Tropical Garden are located in Florida. Both are considered gardens of the world, and are home to rare and exotic plant species. Keep in mind that Leu Gardens is located in Orlando while Fairchild Tropical Garden is located in Miami.

2. Existing since the early 1900s, the Ness Botanic Gardens is garden of the world, located in Liverpool, England. Plant hunters have been adding to this garden since its inception.

3. There are two gardens of the world located in Russia. The Botanic Garden of Irkutsk State University isn’t open to the public, however, and is primarily used for the University’s research. Petrozavodsk State University Botanic Garden, is open to the public, and collaborates with other gardens of the world to increase their collections as a whole.

4. New Zealand is home to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, where it is filled with acres of trees, flowers and shrubs. Intertwined with these plants are walkways, bridges and rest spots that allow you to view them in their entirety.

These are only some of the gardens of the world, but each are distinct and beautiful in their own ways. The gardens are perfect for those who love knowledge and nature, as they allow you to peek into various corners of the world. Being surrounded by so many plants transports you onto a new level of serenity and peace.

Botanical Gardens …

Denver is a city full of adventure. The terrain is perfect for all kinds of outdoor activity . It’s advisable to keep your sweaters close, and your jackets closer, as the weather can change at any moment. In fact, it can snow at unexpected moments, and the snow can disappear as quickly as it came.

There are so many outdoorsy activities available in Denver. You can easily transition from mountain biking and hiking to kayaking and skiing. The environment is vastly varied, from the Dillon reservoir to the Waterton Canyon, you will never run out of room to play. Keep in mind that hunting is prohibited in Denver, but it is possible to hunt near state and federal property.

If not the outdoorsy type, don’t fear. There are a number of museums to visit in Denver:

Buffalo Bill Museum

Colorado Historical Society Museum (see how Colorado looked 3 million years ago)

Denver Art Museum (a treasure-trove of American Indian and Spanish Art)

Museo de las Americas (learn about the art, life and culture of Latinos in America)

Denver Firefighters’ Museum

Colorado Railroad Museum

Denver Children’s Museum (designed for children up to age of

Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and

Molly Brown House (”unsinkable” lady millionaire Molly Brown’s home - memoirs of Victorian era in Denver)

The Denver Art Museum has just reopened in a stunning new building- an architectural masterpiece.

You can also take a peek of the US coin minting process, but you’ll have to reserve a spot in advance.

For those interested in animals, the Denver Zoo is filled with its own collection of exotic wild animals. Aquatic life is also lurking in Denver at the Marine Sciences Center.

Lower Downtown (LoDo) is known for its many hotels, restaurants, shops and art. Here, there are a variety of art galleries you can visit. The Red Rocks Amphitheater is nature’s own arena, and many concerts are held here during the summer. If interested in dance and theater performances, as well as shopping, look no further than the Denver Pavilion in Sixteenth Street Mall or Larimer Square.

If looking to spice up your day with some rollercoasters, look no further than Six Flags: Elitch Gardens. This place is fun for anyone, families and couples alike.

Denver is home to a wide variety of food, ranging from Italian to Indian cuisine. There are more than a hundred restaurants making food very accessible, but very difficult to choose between. While most restaurants have an informal setup, some have dress codes that should be followed.

Denver’s mix of a big city and the country life experience is perfect, as moving around this hospitable city is no hassle. Many Denver hotels can accommodate you, and ensure that their service will be as open as the great outdoors.

The capital of Colorado, Denver is a center of business, and of sunshine. The sun shines for more than 300 days of the year, and the people are as warm as the rays of light. The city is framed by the Rocky Mountains, which promise jaw-dropping views of the adventure and excitement that lay in the city below.

Denver has an infinite amount of activities, both urban and outdoors. It is also perfect for business and commerce, as it is the capital of Colorado. This city is a perfect mixture of business and fun, no matter who you are.

Visitors to Denver are increasing each year, and it’s easy to see why. Denver hotels are filled with many options, sure to fit any budget. Even visitors with tight budgets are sure to find hotels that still offer great services. Most hotels offer air-conditioned rooms, car rentals, airport transportation facilities, swimming pools and spas, health clubs and restaurants. The restaurants are perfect for any connoisseur, as many delicacies from across the globe are available in one city. If looking to enjoy the nightlife, there are a number of pubs and hangouts that can keep you up all night.

Transportation by plane to Denver is no problem, as Denver International Airport is one of the busiest in the region. If you choose to drive, you won’t regret it, as you will be surrounded by raw, unspoiled nature. Internal transportation in Denver is convenient, as there are a number of car rentals, taxis and buses for your disposal.

Denver has a rich history, which is evident throughout most of the city. While staying true to its roots, Denver is a center of development with many contemporary business towers and gigantic shopping malls being erected. You can first visit the Rockies, or even the malls, but the choice is really up to you. From museums to the many reservoirs, visiting Denver is a tremendous experience, no matter how you choose to enjoy it.

Many endangered species call the awe-inspiring nature of Colorado home. These animals include the peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and the Colorado pike minnows. Ranger talks are available throughout the summer and there are book stores for visitors interested in learning more.

If you want to experience the Wild West and the Gold Rush, visit the Ghost Town Museum, which transports you 200 years into the past. Here, there is a fully stocked general store, saloon and Victorian home.

If looking for an oasis in the desert of city skyscrapers, head towards the Denver Botanical Gardens. One of the best gardens in the world, it is filled with tropical plants that are sure to transport you miles away from the city. Also, any horticulturist should definitely head towards the Helen Fowler Library for all the tips and tricks they need. A gift shop filled with books and decorative trinkets is also available, and there are many seasonal events planned throughout the year.

Those more interested in animals could check out the Denver Zoo, as it houses many exotic animals, as well as some of Colorado’s rare wildlife. There is also a seven acre zoo has some of the world’s most endangered species of primates, with a giant indoor rainforest that is open every day.

In downtown Denver is Elitch Gardens Amusement Park. You’ll never get bored with 41 rides and attractions, and an area called “Kiddieland.” In 1997, a loopy, inverted rollercoaster called the Mighty Mind Erasure was added, and so was the Tower of Doom, a 22-story freefall.

Used in some films, the Anasazi Heritage Center has many hands on activities and exhibits for visitors to experience. On its grounds are two hiking trails with amazing scenery.

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area stretches along the Arkansas River. The best activities of the land and water can be enjoyed here. You can transition from fishing and canoeing to hiking and camping, while enjoying the view of the mountains and valleys along the way.

If you head north east of Denver, you will find Jackson Lake State Park. Once used to irrigate 17,000 acres of crop in Morgan County, it is now the place to go for water-related sports.

Cherry Creek State Park is home to an 880 acre surface lake, and is almost always filled with visitors. It gives complete access to outdoor recreation activities with a background of peacefully rolling hills. Not all of Denver’s outdoors activities require your energy. You can watch birds in their natural state at the Birds Observatory.

2008 Cake Concert at the Denver Botanical Gardens …