Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/14049
AUGUST 2010 SPORTS & EDUCATION 32 SPORTS & EDUCATION : GETAWAY THE MILE HIGH EXPERIENCE WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH AGUILERA A mile-high above sea level and 600 miles from the nearest big city, Denver sits at the base of the Rocky Mountains, but it is hardly alone. The city vibrates with creativity in art, food and business and the nearby mountains beckon visitors. Still a frontier, Denver is sought after by urban and outdoor adventurers. Traveling to Denver, Colorado, offers a variety of activities and opportunities for everyone from the avid outdoorsman to the sophisticated foodie to the obsessive sports fan. And there's plenty for kids too with the Denver Zoo, museums and Six Flags. If you have not visited Denver in over 15 years it is worth packing a bag and visiting again. And if you've never been there, this is the time to visit as the city is experiencing a convergence of art, food, history and the environment. The city's downtown transformation began in 1995 with the arrival of Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies. Since then the city has invested in a new Convention Center, expanded the park system, updated the public library, art museum and kicked off a public art program that boasts a big blue bear at the convention center and a broom and dustpan near the Art Museum. "Denver has a great mix of urban sophistication along with a deep love and appreciation of fresh air, natural beauty and outdoor adventure," said Jennifer Elving Asbury, spokeswoman for Visit Denver, the city's convention and visitor's bureau. In addition to the urban downtown, restaurants and nightlife, travelers can daytrip to the numerous state parks, raft Clear Creek or take in the history of the Old West. "It's this blend we think makes Denver truly unique," Asbury said. The city boasts the 10th "largest downtown" and the fourth "most walkable downtown", according to the Brookings Institute in 2008. It is also home to three downtown sports stadiums and seven professional sports teams. The center of downtown is easily navigable via the free 16th Street Mall hybrid shuttle that ferries visitors from the civic center which boasts the Gold-domed state capital to Wynkoop Street, where visitors can tour Union Station, originally built in 1881. The state capital is worth a gander with its gold dome and panoramic view of 200 mountains visible from the rotunda. Nearby is the Denver Art Museum, which visitors can't miss because a new wing juts out over the street in a triangular point. Near the other end of the 16th Street Mall is Larimer Square, a trendy, historic block with high-end boutiques, dance clubs, including one called Wicked Garden, and several of Denver's best-ranked restaurants COORS FIELD