Archive for Travel

The Birth of Denver Colorado

denver gardens

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 26th 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 citys 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 citys 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, Childrens 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.

Outdoor Activities Available in Denver

Denver Nature

Denver is a city full of adventure. The terrain is perfect for all kinds of outdoor activity . Its 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, dont 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 8)

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 youll 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 natures 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.

Denvers 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.

Denver- the Sun Shines Here

Denver Nature

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 its 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 wont 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.

Visit Colorado, USA

denver gardens

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 Colorados rare wildlife. There is also a seven acre zoo has some of the worlds most endangered species of primates, with a giant indoor rainforest that is open every day.

In downtown Denver is Elitch Gardens Amusement Park. Youll 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 Denvers outdoors activities require your energy. You can watch birds in their natural state at the Birds Observatory.

Outdoor Activities in Denver

Denver Nature

While Denver is a calm city nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, it is also filled with tons of outdoor adventures. The weather varies, so be sure to keep your sweaters and jackets on hand. In fact, it may even snow at random moments, and disappear just as sporadically. Despite this, the climate is warm in this Colorado city.

You can visit Denver and do a variety of activities. While on the mountains, you can bike, trek, hike, or rock climb. If looking to enjoy more water-related activity, you can head to one of the water bodies like the Dillon Reservoir or the Eleven Mile Reservoir and raft, jet ski, or even fly fish. There are tons of things to take part in, but keep in mind hunting is prohibited everywhere except in places adjacent to state and federal property.

If looking for a quiet day that wont get your adrenaline pumping, look no further than the citys many museums. The main museums in Denver are:

Buffalo Bill Museum

Colorado Historical Society Museum (see here 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 8)

Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and

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

You can also reserve a tour in advance through the coin minting process.

Animal lovers can head towards the Denver Zoo, as it is filled with many exotic animals. There is also a Marine Sciences Center where mammals of the Pacific Ocean can be observed. Those looking to spend time with the family can go to Six Flags: Elitch Gardens.

Denver is home to a great music and art scene. Red Rocks Amphitheater is a naturally created area where many summer concerts are performed. You can enjoy dance or theater performances, as well as shopping at Denver Pavilion in Sixteenth street Mall or Larimer Square. Lower Downton (LoDo) is also known for its shopping and restaurants.

Speaking of restaurants, Denver has a wide variety for your choosing. The cuisine varies, from continental to Chinese. Be mindful of the dress code, some are informal, while others have certain requirements.

Denver is a hospitable city, and is not a hassle to get around. Here, you can enjoy all the luxuries of a big city, and still experience the quiet peace of a country life.

Flowers at the Denver Botanical Gardens by Sandra Leidholdt

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