Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1544721
DENVER'S RISE: WHERE MOUNTAINS MEET METROPOLIS BY DARLENE DONLOE Denver, the Mile High City, stands tall against the Rocky Mountains, its bold spirit as unmistakable as the mountain peaks themselves. This modern, cosmo- politan city has a wild side. The mile-high metropolis where city vibes meet moun- tain vibes, balances urban grit with out- door adventure, craft beer with live music, and art with heart. To fully understand Denver's infectious energy, check out the historic LoDo neigh- borhood (Denver's oldest), short for Lower Downtown. It's a hotspot for nightlife, dining, and entertainment. It's home to over 70 bars and restaurants, including Wynkoop Brewing Company, El Chapultepec, and the Oxford Hotel. Visit Five Points, a historic, culturally rich neigh- borhood renowned as the "Harlem of the West" for its deep jazz history, Black- owned soul food eateries, bookstores and design studio. Meeting planners will love the versa- tility of The Ritz-Carlton, Denver, with its 13,000 sq. ft. of conference space, private salons, and executive board- rooms boasting stunning skyline views. The Hyatt Regency, situated across from the convention center, provides seam- less access to breakout rooms, ball- rooms, and business lounges, backed by top-notch tech and production serv- ices. For boutique sophistication, The Jacquard Hotel in Cherry Creek offers rooftop meeting areas. Visitors can also gather at the 24,000 sq. ft. Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Performing Arts Complex. But Denver's true charm lies in its thriv- ing cultural scene. The city is home to the Denver Art Museum and the History Colorado Center. A must-see is the Blair- Caldwell African American Research Library and the Black American West Museum. Art, eat, repeat. RiNo's is the place to be for art, fashion, and eats. Check out Redline, a nonprofit contem- porary art center, or snag some bell-bot- toms at Meraki Moon. When the stomach begins to growl, check out Buckhorn Exchange (Rocky Mountain Oysters and buffalo burgers), City, O' City's for veggie delights, and El Tacos de Mexico's got, well, tacos. Linger Eatuary is a mortuary-turned-restaurant with a rooftop RV bar. The Source is a spot for foodies – think artisanal eats and craft brews. Other highlights include The Cruise Room (art deco cocktail lounge), Larimer Square (boutiques, bars, and eateries), Coors Field (home of the Colorado Rockies), Daily Block (vibrant micro-district), and Union Station (restored 1914 Beaux-Arts train sta- tion). Music is in Denver's DNA. Catch a show at the Ogden, Bluebird, or Gothic – all historic theaters turned music venues. Or head to Red Rocks, the legendary amphitheater that's music to everyone's ears. With 80 parks, 5,000 acres of green space, and 85 miles of bike trails, Denver's made for cruising. Hit the Cherry Creek Trail, a 42-mile ride past murals, parks, and the Denver Skatepark. Rent a B-Cycle and roll through the city. Stop by Confluence Park, where Cherry Creek meets the South Platte River, and paddle through the rapids. Denver's got some- thing for everyone – whether you're a foodie, outdoor enthusiast, or just need a fresh fix. The Denver International Airport (DEN), about 25 miles from downtown Denver, has direct flights to over 200 des- tinations. Visitors can also hop on an e- scooter or cruise in style on a classic streetcar. The Colorado Convention Center (CCC) in downtown Denver features 2.2 million sq. ft. It is located within walking distance of over 8,400 hotel rooms. B M & T ••• May/June 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 60 DENVER AREA GUIDES • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hyatt Regency Denver 1,100 Hilton Denver City Center 613 Embassy Suites Denver Downtown 403 Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center 23 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Colorado Convention Center Total Meeting Space 584,000 sq. ft. Exhibit Hall 106,000 sq. ft. Largest Hall 50,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 35,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 63 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Denver – (303) 892-1112 www.denver.org Colorado Convention Center BlueBear photo credit: Scott Dressl-Martin