10 Fascinating Spots In Denver That Are Straight Out Of A Fairy Tale

Once upon a time in the Mile High City, there were kings and queens and dancers. There were enchanting sculptures and structures and works of art that titillated and bewildered passersby both near and far. They attracted admirers from all over the land with their whimsy and wonder, and they of course lived happily ever after. I hope you find these places in Denver to be as fanciful as I.

1. Dancers

It's impossible to miss Jonathan Borofsky's "Dancers" located in the sculpture park at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. The prominent pair weighs in at 25 tons, is 60 feet tall, and is caught in a perpetual state of playful dance, reinforced by the lilting tune composed by the artist continually wafting from the base of the sculpture.

2. Ballerinas

The 18-foot tall ballerinas dancing in front of the Sheraton Denver Downtown may not be quite as dominant and shocking, but they are equally as magical. Reminiscent of Giacometti and just as graceful, artist Ruth Keller Schweiss describes them as having "an uplifting spirit in exultation." Praise be for these iconic figures who've been known to don orange tutus, headbands, and leg warmers in support of our Broncos.

3. National Velvet

We really love our sculptures here in the Mile High City, and this bizarre giant red creation by John McEnroe is no exception. "National Velvet" is a whimsical piece that greets pedestrians at the base of the 16th Street Bridge and most definitely resembles a giant stack of bright red sausages. Straight outta Willy Wonka, I tell ya!

4. Little Man Ice Cream

While we're on the subject of sweet treat emporiums, let's not forget the deliciousness of Little Man's ice cream and its wondrous giant milk jug. The steel structure is 28 feet tall, 15 feet in diameter, and weighs a whopping 14,000 pounds! As you stand beneath it and place your ice cream order, you may feel like you drank Alice's shrinking potion. (Until you devour a double scoop of Salted Caramel PB Cup in a handmade waffle cone, that is.)

5. The King and Queen

Brian Swanson's King and Queen at the Market Street bus station Downtown are definitely straight out of Wonderland. Why not grab some refreshments, take a seat, then tell all your friends you had tea with the king and queen?

6. The Wizard's Chest

Perhaps before you hobnob with royalty, you should stop by the Wizard's Chest on Broadway and ensure you have the proper attire? This magical land of costumes, toys, and other marvelous nonsense will bring out the jester in you!

7. Street Art

We Denverites love our sculptures, and we love our street art! Many, many magnificent murals are hiding on buildings, in alleyways, and under overpasses, so keep your eyes peeled.

8. Tableau

This fanciful installation of larger-than-life illustrations appear as though they popped right off the pages of a fairy tale, "but the story is deliberately left undefined," says creating artist Hadley Hooper. The Denver Art Museum invites you to explore the dramatic display from now until March 19, 2017, and tell your own story on social media using #TableauDAM. Do it!

9. Tower of Memories

Perhaps its morbid to put a mortuary on a list of enchanted attractions, but the Tower of Memories at the Crown Hill Cemetery is just too reminiscent of a story book castle. I find it to be aesthetically intriguing and quite imaginative.

10. City and County Building

This Mile High historic landmark sure knows how to light up our lives! Whether its the multi-colored merriment of holiday cheer or the Broncos blue and orange, the City and County Building's light displays will leave you mesmerized!

And don't miss out on these 11 Places Around Denver You Thought Only Existed In Your Imagination!