As much as I like to wing it when I’m out there on the road, there’s certainly room for just a wee bit of planning, I think.
So it’s like this: come late September I’ll land at the airport, then run through the place like Godzilla to the ocean after getting smacked around by King Kong, to wherever the SkyRide bus is before it makes its next run. The one I plan to take is called the AF bus, and for a mere $13 I can haul my wambos all the way downtown without having to front for a more expensive taxi. I’ll get off at the Market Street Station, which puts me right at 16th Street Mall, and from there I can either walk or take the free MallRide bus to my hotel to check in, or, to pick up my rental. The hotel is actually closer to the bus stop, so it might make more sense to go there to drop off my luggage first before heading out again to pick up the car. We’ll see.
Once I’m all settled in and I got my ride, I shall bask in the glory of knowing I am now 3,000 miles away from New York, in a state I have dreamt of visiting ever since I donned a Colorado Rockies t-shirt back in high school. And then I shall… err… um…
Hmmmmm.
You know, I’ve been traveling for a while now, and one thing I’ve learned from my experiences is that I don’t travel quite the way most other people do. I don’t drink for one thing, so I avoid the bar scene and anything else ensconced in alcohol. I’m also not into the night life either, so all these guides about the best raves or concerts or whatnot just goes right over my head. I tend to gravitate towards the historical instead: the museums, the parks, the gardens. The QUIET.
And of course, the pizza. Especially the pizza. And ice cream. But mostly pizza.
"Beau Jo's" by The PreppyDude (OH YEAH)
So it’s likely the first thing I’ll do is skip down to the capitol building and sit squarely on the 13th step so I can officially declare myself to be exactly one mile above sea level. Knowing I’ll be that far away from the humidity of sea level ALONE would be worth the trip.
From there, maybe a stop by Denver’s botanical gardens, or certainly a nice walk around the 16th Street Mall too, with a possible stop at the Tattered Cover bookstore. And maybe Larimer Square as well. I should have enough of the afternoon left to cover the LoDo district, and from there maybe explore the surrounding areas of Denver a bit before settling in for dinner, say, at the Buckhorn Exchange, Denver’s oldest restaurant. Or maybe Illegal Petes!
"The Mile High Steps" by jimmywayne
But you know what, just to be there would be enough. To breathe in the mountain air, spreading my arms out Jack Dawson style, closing my eyes and letting the warmth of the city envelope me… that would be enough.
And then lying in a comfy bed at the hotel, looking out the window to admire the city lights, and perhaps the mountains in the distance, knowing that out there, a 15 day, 2,500 miles journey awaits me. A journey that will change my life forever.
OMY! Is that pizza the mile high one that was featured on a Man vs Food episode? If so, that alone is enough to make me want to go to Denver.
:-)
Good eye, Karen! I’m a MVF fan myself, which is how I found out about Beau Jos. :-D They’re actually in Boulder though, so I may have to savor the moment the day after I land in Denver when I have more time. I can’t wait!
all sounds good so far, Linc. what hotel are you staying at? There are BeauJo’s all over town. Best to drive to Idaho Springs, the original to get the full experience. but that’s about 45 minutes from downtown. Larimer? yes. LoDo? yes. Botanic Gardens, pretty but unless you really like gardening, maybe not so much. As for restaurants, you will be overwhelmed with the choices on the 16th street mall and in LoDo. Happy to help however i can with tips and recommendations. I’m known as the queen of the queen city.
That’s +2 for Idaho Springs (Why isn’t Idaho Springs in you know, Idaho though) :D I might try for that because I’d like to visit the Georgetown Railroad, if not then, then maybe on the way back.
I’ll be staying at the Westin, pretty convenient to 16th Street too. Priceline comes through again yet again. *dances*
What would you recommend for meat heavy/low carb eating? I want to restrict my carbs so I can go nuts on the pizza annnnnnnd Huckleberry pastries when I travel through Wyoming. And of course, gelato. Must… have… gelato…
Sounds like a great plan coming together Linc. Been awhile since I’ve been in and around town. Glad to see you’ll be visiting The Tattered Covered Bookstore. I just love that place.
Just take a lot of photos for me.
I’ll actually be walking right pass the book store based on where the bus stop is. Think my dream girl might be inside by the time I arrive? ;)
well, this place is pricey, but all guys seem to like it.
http://www.denverchophouse.com/index.html
and in lodo too…….
http://www.rodiziogrill.com/denver-lodo.html
The good thing about being single is that I can afford pricey. O:-) Got them both bookmarked, thanks!