wamara

I would appreciate thoughts/recommendations of things to do/see in a single day in Denver. Current plan is to arrive in the (weekday) afternoon (by car), see the Chihuly exhibit that evening, then the next day ??????? , capped off with a nice dinner. For this time around, we're (just the wife and I) more interested in staying in the metropolitan area and the museums, history, etc., as opposed to seeing the great outdoors, driving out into the parks, surrounding mountains, etc. Thank you for your help

5280Racer

botanical gardens are really cool.

wamara

Yes, I think we're seeing that as part of the Chihuly exhibit (unless I'm mixing up the locale for the exhibit).

Rickster1

Yes, the Chihuly exhibt is at the Botanical Gardens and is very cool, as is the whole garden. We saw the exhibit in the daytime, but I have heard the evening/night show is even more spectacular.

If you were a couple of weeks earlier, I would suggest a trip to the foothills to see the fall color, but most of it is probably gone. If you have a vehicle and a few hours, I would head up to Trailridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. I think it is still open.

Denver also has an excellent Zoo and Natural History musuem, both of which are in City Park and are fairly close to the Botanical Garden.

I would also suggest the Denver Art Musuem, downtown. My wife an I are members and truly enjoy wandering around there for a few hours at a time. We have seen some incredible shows there.

Also the Forney Transportation Musuem is very cool.

http://www.forneymuseum.org/

Whatever you decide to do, welcome to our beautiful state and hope you enjoy your brief visit.

P.S. I also love your beautiful state of NM. I travel to Santa Fe and Taos at least once a year for the art and food.

wamara

Thanks for the reply Rickster ! We are doing the evening show.... And if I can ever reciprocate, please feel free to ask

RAMMAN

If you’re going to be at the Botanic Gardens to check out the exhibit and want to get a decent reasonably priced meal, I recommend Zorbas Greek Restaurant. It’s just a few blocks away not fancy but clean and huge variety of good food, I eat there several times a month.
It’s on east 12th Ave between Elizabeth and Clayton streets, and this is in a very safe area of town.
http://www.chefzorbas.com/

If you want something fancy there is a ton of places in the Cherry Creek North shopping district, also a very safe area.

wamara

Thanks Ramman - good info !

RAMMAN

Make sure you have tickets reserved for the Chihuly exhibit in advance, it sells out every night!
I hope you have a great time.

wamara

Already have them Thanks for the well wishes !

huskychopper

Restaurants: Fruition, Root down, maybe Linger for great views of the city, Basta if you make it to Boulder.

Drives: Fall colors are still awesome. I would stay south because of last years flood damaged roads, but hit some mountain roads. Golden Gate Canyon is awesome. Red Rocks, maybe head south to Pikes Peak if you have time.

wamara

Thanks everyone for the advice and tips - Chihuly exhibit was great, museums/downtown and LoDo was fun, Fruition was fab !! If I can ever return the favor....

huskychopper

Dion's Pizza is one of my best clients and they are good friends. Show them some support and the favor is returned!