Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/14049
LONGBEACHMAGAZINE.COM 33 From Denver 120 miles of the Front Range's snowcapped peaks are visible and many are within easy driving distance. Colorado is home to 54 "Fourteeners," and several are accessible for a daytrip of hiking to the peak along with its 10 national parks and monuments; 13 national forests and grasslands; and 42 state parks, many of which are day trip distance from Denver. Between the redeveloped downtown and the easy access to mountains and hiking trails, visitors to Denver will leave with a list of activities to do next time. n Photo courtesy of Denver Metro Convention & Visitor Center. including Tag, Rioja and Tamayo. For those looking for a more casual experience, the Lodo historic district is just a few blocks away with its 90 brewpubs, sports bars and restaurants. It's known for getting rowdy on the weekends but is great for people watching and reliving college days. Denver is unique because the city never destroyed its historic buildings even when they were vacant and ignored. When the downtown's revitalization began, those buildings became a boon for business owners who remolded, refashioned and reused them for breweries, hotels and boutiques, according to "Visit Denver". Today a walking tour of downtown uncovers red brick buildings that harken back to Denver's founding in the late 1800s. "The interesting thing about the culture of Denver is that it's incredibly inclusive," said Wendy Aiello, a public relations expert who represents restaurants and entertainment venues and events. "Culturally we are open and friendly and very accepting in Denver. It has a very energetic, youthful feel to it." That energy extends to the growth in restaurants in Denver. Visitors who expect just steakhouses are in for a big surprise. The food scene in Denver has grown into one of excellence. It is now home to nationally known chefs like Keegan Gerhard who is host of the "Food Network Challenge." Culinary gems including Washington Park Grille in Washington Park, Sushi Den in Platte Park, and the Cherry Tomato in Park Hill are in some of the dozens of Denver's neighborhoods. One of the hottest neighborhoods to visit in Denver is Highland, Aiello said. A gentrified neighborhood, named the number one neighborhood by Men's Health Magazine last year, it has become a center of good eats and food entrepreneurs. It also offers a history lesson in how early Denverites lived in two-story brick Denver square homes, a home style created in Denver. Also well known for their cuisine as must see spots are: The LoHi Steak Bar, the Squeaky Bean, Root Down and Little Man Ice Cream, housed in a huge milk jug, in the Lower Highland neighborhood. Visitors can also find authentic neighborhood cuisine along Federal Boulevard, the home of some of the best Mexican and Vietnamese foods in the city. Once visitors have staked out their food route, there is plenty to see from downtown to the nearby mountains that will build that appetite. For history buffs a side trip to Golden, just 30 minutes way, is a must. It was the site of Colorado's first capital and is home to Coors Brewing, which is open for tours. Boulder is also just 30 minutes away. The University of Colorado Boulder campus, opened in 1876 the same year Colorado became a U.S. state. Where to stay Hotel Teatro on the boutique side or the opening-soon Four Seasons. Where to eat In Downtown go to Sam's No. 3 for a greasy spoon or Snooze for a high-end brunch. Outside of downtown, go to Sushi Den in Platte Park and the Squeaky Bean in Highland. What to see Afternoon tea at the Brown Palace; 15th Step (exactly one mile high) at the state capitol; Highland's Square at 32nd & Lowell; 16th Street Mall and the myriad of public art throughout the city.