9 Absolutely Amazing Places To Visit In Denver

Since its founding in 1900, this Denver treasure has been providing folks with high-quality educational, hands-on experiences and entertainment. One could easily spend an entire (blissful) day exploring their fabulous exhibits, such as Robot Revolution, Space Odyssey Prehistoric Journey, Gems and Minerals, Wildlife, Chocolate...and more. Grab a bite at the T-Rex Cafe or Grab & Go snack bar, take in a lovely vista view from the atrium, and don't forget the iMAX and Planetarium too. They've got interactive, informative fun for everyone!

If you didn't get quite enough of the dinosaurs at the Nature and Science Museum, trek on out to Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison for another top-notch engaging experience that's fun for the whole family. Hike along trails and see and touch hundreds of dinosaur footprints and bones forever encased in the sandstone. You can take a guided or self-guided tour, have a bite at the snack shack, explore their indoor exhibit hall, and go Geocaching. Who doesn't love a good scavenger hunt?!

Walking into this stunning nearly 100 year old cathedral is like being instantly transported to Europe. The impeccable architecture, Italian marble, and 75 German stained glass windows (more than any other cathedral in the U.S.) are truly something to behold! This Denver landmark is certainly a must see, and you can't miss it...just look for the twin 210-foot bell spires soaring high above Logan Street.

I recently attended a truly amazing performance at Boettcher Hall where Béla Fleck joined the supremely talented Colorado Symphony and resident conductor Scott O'Neill to premiere his second original Concerto for Banjo. The Symphony's concerts are filled with laughter and cheer and the gift of music. Check their events schedule for upcoming shows and enjoy a night of high-quality, civilized entertainment by passionate and brilliant musicians.

If you want a total change of scenery and some stellar people watching, stroll on down to the 16th Street Mall and keep strolling. This mile-long pedestrian granite promenade is filled to the brim with restaurants, bars, shops, souvenirs, and even a movie theater. There's a free electric shuttle that stops all along the way, so you can hop in and out of spots and shops to your heart's content.

The 16th Street Mall can be a bit overstimulating, and the Clyfford Still Museum is just the moment of zen you need. This carefully curated ode to Still's life's work is a little slice of heaven. The cool, calm ambience, soft lighting, and spare aesthetic create the perfect space to "still" your mind.

If you want to go into total geek mode, take the $8 guided walking house and museum tour at Molly Brown's, our very own Colorado native who survived the Titanic. Step back in time and hear the incredible story of the "Unsinkable" Molly Brown, a true inspiration to all.

Wining and dining in the open air and strolling beneath the lights of Larimer Square never gets old! There are many wonderful shops, restaurants, and night spots of all kinds to choose from, so pick whatever suits your fancy. (A personal favorite is the Mediterranean-inspired gem, Rioja. It's um um good!) And make sure to attend one of Denver's hippest events of the summer, Dining Al Fresco. C'est bon!

'Tis the season! One of my favorite views in Denver is looking out across Coors Field at a sea of fans and fielders and off into the distance at all those lovely mountains (just waiting for us). As the sun drops below the horizon, I'm reminded why I live here. You too should grab some friends, some beers, and some pulled pork nachos and cheer on our boys with some Mile High Rockies love!