I’ve been kicking around an idea lately.
I love Denver. If there is a better city on the world I have yet to find it. With nods to my old home of San Diego, San Fran, Seattle and Barcelona, Denver rules them all. Here’s the problem. I’m not sure that I have been living up to MY expectations as a Denverite. I have not soaked up nearly enough sun, not pedaled nearly enough single track and haven’t yodeled in a mountain valley at midnight… not even once in…5 years!
Granted two young kids and a startup will keep you on the bench for a while but I’m here to proclaim, It’s time to get off the bench and get back in to the game. Towards that end I’ve decide to put together the comprehensive list of things you MUST as a Denverite before the clock strikes midnight on December 31 of each year.
So here is the list in no particular order:
1) A Show at Red Rocks- I was on a plane yesterday with a nice lady who was on her second ever plane flight and her first trip to Denver. When I pointed out Red Rocks on approach she nearly jumped out of her skin talking about Sunday Bloody Sunday and all the great bands who say it is the best venue in the country etc.
When did the most amazing concert venue in the world become just a place to watch a show for me? It took her excitement to remind me how special it is to watch the the sun set on the rocks, the see the colors change from pink to purple, to feel the electricity in the air and to witness the transformational effect that it has on the bands who are lucky enough to play on that stage.I saw Lyle Lovett play there a few years back with a thunderstorm as a backdrop, it was magic.
That’s why it needs to be on the list. You may see a good show in a great venue or you may be just lucky enough to see something magical. Either way it’s worth the wait in traffic and the long walk up the hill to see a show.
http://www.redrocksonline.com/Calendar.aspx
2) An Evening Game at Coors Field- As a rabid Rockies Fan I find myself acting like a 6-year-old having a temper tantrum when watching these guys lately but the fact remains, Coors Field is one of (if not the) greatest place on the planet. I’ll set aside the difficulties of the home team and focus on the place.
Having watched games in just about every section of the stadium I am convinced that the single best place to watch a game is from the concorse surrounding the park. Get the cheapest seats you can and spend your night slowly walking around the park. Spend a half inning behind home plate and then slowly work yourself down the first base line to watch the sunset over the scoreboard. Spend some time in the right field corner. Maybe go grab a quick drink at the Sand Lot Brewery. In the later innings watch over the bullpens and see just how hard those guys throw.
3) 
Evergreen Lake- There is something amazing about hanging out around a lake. It’s hard to be stressed. This cool little lake is equally fun in the Summer and Winter. Summertime features fishing for lake trout, paddle boat rides or simply a great hike. Winter features a true ice skating experience complete with hockey games and figure skaters. The lake borders a cool public golf course that is more fun to look at than play. A quick side note the lake house has featured two of the best wedding I have ever been to and is an amazing venue for all special events.
http://www.evergreenrecreation.com/facilities.php?id=10
4) Fly Fishing- Another cool part about living in Denver is your are minutes away from really good fishing. You can always catch a fish in Clear Creek, Bear Creek, and Boulder Creek. For world class fishing head up to the Blue, or Cheesman Canyon.
Just try not to go when I’m up there!
http://www.troutsflyfishing.com/
5) 
Mountain Biking- This one is too big to make a single recommendation. Almost every cyclist I know has a different “favorite spot”. I lean towards the tough but not technical stuff and there is plenty of that in Evergreen, Boulder and Mt. Falcon.
People travel from all over the US and world to ride what what we have minutes from our front door. I talked to a friend in Texas the other day and he absolutely bewildered why I didn’t ride every day. “Dude… you live RIGHT THERE!” He’s right. Its too easy to get stuck inside and find reasons to not climb on your bike. One other point. Don’t ride the ski lift to the top and ride down. I know it’s really fun and the new bikes are really good at going down hill. Still, it’s against the unwritten code of all Denverites. Leave that stuff to the (ahem) Texans.
6) Rooftop Beers-My buddies who come in from out of town always want to go down to Market Street and hang on the rooftops. No I am definitely no longer in the Lodo target demographic but the rooftops are equal opportunity and welcome the old and exceptionally young that look like there is no way they could be driving much less drinking… I digress.
There is nothing that says Downtown Denver (especially in the Spring) like sipping a microbrew on the roof of one of the great bars of Denver. You get extra points for drinking local micro brews or riding your cruiser or single speed bike to the bar.
http://www.lodosbarandgrill.com/
7) Do a Race- Arguably the thing that is most unique about our citizens is that we are not fat. Why? because you can’t wander around and Denver and not find some race. Walking races, 10ks, 5ks, 50ks, Adventure Races, Scavenger Hunts, races for dogs, and races for baby strollers. We have the race thing pretty much covered. More than just the athletic gain, it is a time to bond with your fellow citizens and congratulate each other for not being fat.
The best of the best is the Bolder Boulder, the Colfax Marathon and any of those strange warrior race things in the mountains.
http://www.coloradocolfaxmarathon.org/
http://www.warriordash.com/register2011_rockies.php
Play 18- So you stink at golf… so you’re just happy you broke 100 (on the front 9). Who cares! Go out walk 18 holes and don’t keep score. Throw the ball instead of hitting it. Play left handed if your right handed. Whatever. Just get out and try it. It’s a ton of fun especially if you add beer. DO NOT be one of those people that toss their club because they 4 putted. That’s what douche bags do and douche bags live in Boulder not in Denver! Just have fun.
A quick note. If you’re are a good golfer and happen to be playing behind my group… sorry. Just know that I am not purposefully slowing you down. I just suck.
http://www.cityofdenvergolf.com/citypark/
9) Snow Shoeing- Most everyone will get a day or two skiing every year and yes that is absolutely something you have to do but it is so obvious I’m not going to give it it’s own number. However, strapping on a pair of snowshoes and wandering down an empty stretch filled with snow is an amazing experience. If you don’t want to snow shoe I have very smart people that tell me cross country skiing is also great although I choose to not believe them.
Just go to the downtown REI and tell them what you’re up to and they’ll get you hooked up with everything you need.
10) See a Show at DCPA- This just in, we Denverites are blessed with an amazing dose of arts and culture. From Opera to small workshops, chances are you are going to see a great performance but the performance is just the start of a cool downtown evening. Drinks at the Corner Office, maybe a carriage ride down the Mall. Isn’t it time you got a bit of culture in your life?
