Denver, CO

Denver International Airport

We took the red-eye to Denver in uncomfortable, barely reclining seats courtesy of Frontier Airlines. Being spoiled by JetBlue, I was aghast at the pay-per-view TV, which I decidedly declined in favor of a book instead. And, in another instance of being eminently prepared, I noshed on snacks from home for the -hour trip.

While our landing at DIA was uneventful (just the way we like it), the airport was sight to behold. Perfectly mastering desert aesthetic, the interior of DIA was filled with tile floor decorations. Upon driving away from the airport, however, it looked vaguely like a series of brightly-lit circus tents...


U.S. Mint

One morning, we joined a free 1-hour tour at the Mint (on 320 West Colfax Avenue), which is definitely not a drop-by-on-a-whim kind of place to visit. Luckily, you can make reservations or wait for standby tickets. And come forewarned: No bags, cameras, phones, or water bottles are permitted entry. As we waited for the rest of our tour group to filter in, we were given two pennies - one printed, one blank - and learned that the ridges of our coins protect the face of the coin. (No word on the purpose of ridges on the side of a quarter though.) Most intriguingly, we learned that the mini "D" or "P" printed on each coin signifies the location of the mint from whence the coin comes ("D" for Denver, or west of Mississippi; "P" for Philadelphia, or east).


Colorado State Capitol Building

While we opted against the free 45-minute tour of the building (on Colfax Avenue & Lincoln Street), we did admire it from afar (also known as the quaint park across the street). Modeled after the Capitol building in D.C., the CO State Capitol Building was built in the Neoclassical style, with a gold dome that is covered with approximately 200 ounces of 24-karat gold in commemoration of the miners and pioneers of the Gold Rush who settled the state. What's most original about the Capitol Building is that all the materials that went into its construction can be found in Colorado, with the exception of brass and oak trimmings. Most notably, the entire known supply of the rare Colorado rose onyx, or Beulah red marble, is used for the wainscoting (or paneling) of this building.

Those who take the tour up to the OB deck - exactly 1 mile above sea level - can climb a winding 93-step stairway to the top of the Rotunda for a panoramic view of the city and the Rocky Mountains, where you can see from the Wyoming border, to Pikes Peak. Markers atop indicate the names of all visible peaks on the roughly 120-mile long mountain panorama. In fact, it's against state law to construct any building blocking the view of the mountains from the Capitol -- talk about human foresight.


Hiking Chautaqua Park

Visiting Denver, the outdoor-sy town that it is, we got into the vibe by hiking the Royal Arch Trail. (Which we chose whilst at Lookout Point, a stop on the road to the park that has a helpful map of which mountain is which.) At the base of the mountain, we encountered a wine tasting event sponsored by the Continental Divide Trail Alliance & Redwood Creek. To commemorate rock climbing pioneer Royal Robbins' 3rd Flatiron climb, they offered unsuspecting hikers these free posters, organic gorp, red & white wines, and a souvenir that not every hiker can boast - a mini climbing hook keychain. Not to be distracted by free wine, we forged our way up the terrain to pass "hiker's thumb."

Alas, staying behind with a friend who did not appreciate the thinner air as we climbed the steep, rocky trail, I was not to see the Royal Arch, a "20 ft rock arch that beautifully frames the Boulder valley to the southeast and massive Flatirons to the north."



LoDo

Because no visit is complete without a night on the town, we traversed Lower Downtown Historic District, meeting a truly diverse crowd. Age-wise, that is. We crawled through: the hip, young Theorie, the home of MTV's Real World: Denver; The Tavern, a sardine-can corner bar with a mixed-age crowd and doormen who definitely do not know or care what the official maximum capacity is; and LoDo's Bar & Grill, home of strong drinks & good vibes. But we called in an early night when all the bars in Denver apparently close at 2am.

Tea House
On our last morning, we visited Tea House for a champagne brunch. The tall windows, the gorgeously rich ,Indian-inspired decor, and their fabulous mimosas made a wonderful last impression of Denver.


On my next trip to Colorado, I'd love to visit the spot where Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico converge. Just so I could say that I'd been in four states at once.

As for Denver, I'd definitely make reservations for the Flagstaff restaurant, not to mention drop by for an author signing at the largest independent bookstore in the U.S. - Tattered Cover.

All destinations for another trip!