Welcome to Denver!

Much of the following is from the official Denver tourism site, https://www.denver.org/, which is a great resource for things to do in Denver. One place to start is their blog with information about activities at https://www.denver.org/blog/.  Another nice resource for events is Denver Arts and Venues, http://www.artsandvenuesdenver.com/. 

Denver is an outdoor city with spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and plenty of urban adventures for all ages. Explore The Mile High City’s farm-to-table cuisine, local breweries serving craft beer and unique live music venues like the famous Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. Visit the Denver Art Museum with its famous American Indian art and Western art collections, see the giant blue bear public art sculpture, or shop at Cherry Creek. Denver combines historic Victorian brick buildings in Larimer Square and LoDo (Lower Downtown) with the bold architecture of today, all within a laid-back, walkable city center.

Highlights in the Mile High City

Arts & Culture – Discover Denver’s thriving arts and culture scene, from world-class museums to unique art districts, public art and more.

Shopping – From indie stores to antique boutiques to souvenir and Western shops, Denver’s shops are stocked with the best finds — hope you left a little extra room in your suitcase.

Urban Adventures – The Mile High City is an outdoor adventure and pro sports paradise. Find local hikes, excursions, parks, professional sporting events and other Denver recreation adventures.

Denver Beer Trail – Explore Denver’s local beer culture and visit some of the 100 brewpubs, breweries and tap rooms in the metro area with the Denver Beer Trail. 

Neighborhoods – Denver has several exciting neighborhoods, each with its own personality and attractions to offer – from the Golden Triangle Museum District to the up-and-coming RiNo (River North) neighborhood. Take time to get to know the city through its fun and unique neighborhoods.

Explore via Denver B-cycle: Denver was the second city in the world to develop a citywide bicycle program. If you’re interested in seeing the city by bike, VISIT DENVER will provide a complimentary 24-hour B-cycle rental from any of the stations located around the city.

Things to do near the conference hotel, the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel, can be found here:

http://www.sheratondenverdowntown.com/things-to-do-in-denver-edition

The Sheraton is conveniently located in downtown Denver on a mile-long pedestrian promenade filled with outdoor bistros, shopping, and entertainment and close to attractions like the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Botanic Gardens.  Other things to do near the hotel include:

• Denver Union Station – Renovated and reopened for its 100^th anniversary in 2014, Union Station is now a large part of Denver’s energy. There’s plenty to see and do in the station’s numerous local restaurants, bars and cafes and plenty of public space.
• 16^th Street Mall – Built in 1982, this mile-long, pedestrian-friendly mall is packed with shopping, restaurants and attractions. Free buses stop for passengers at every intersection, no ticket needed.
• Denver Pavilions – A one-of-a-kind retail/entertainment center is located in the heart of downtown Denver on the 16th Street Mall.
• Larimer Square – Denver’s most historic block is also the heart of its urban shopping and dining district. Victorian buildings house specialty boutiques and unique, chef-driven restaurants.
• Denver Performing Arts Complex – The Denver Performing Arts Complex is the largest performing arts complex under one roof in the U.S. DPAC houses ten performance spaces on its four-block, 12-acre site.
• Colorado Convention Center & Big Blue Bear – Formally named “I See What You Mean,” the 40-foot bear peeking into the Colorado Convention Center symbolizes the natural Colorado surrounding and curiosity of its residents and visitors alike. A can’t-miss photo opp.
• VISIT DENVER Tourist Information Center – If there is time, stop by the downtown Tourist Information Center. Inquiries about lodging, tours, attractions, dining and shopping are welcomed by a knowledgeable staff that can help visitors discover Denver by foot, car, tour or public transportation

Click here for many more things to see in other neighborhoods

High Altitude Tips

Denver is a mile high (1,560 to 1,730m), but don’t let anything you hear about the mile-high altitude scare you. The air is just thinner and dryer. Just follow these simple tips and you will very likely not even notice the difference.

DRINK WATER – Drinking plenty of water is the number one way to help your body adjust easily to our higher altitude. The low humidity in Colorado keeps the air dry, like the desert, so you need about twice as much water here as you would drink at home.

MONITOR YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE – It is recommended that you go easy on the alcohol in the mountains and in Denver, as its effects will feel stronger here. 

WATCH YOUR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY – The effects of exercise are more intense here; pay attention to your heart rate and breathing.

GET READY FOR OUR SUNSHINE – In our 300 days of sunshine, sunscreen is a must. Also use sunglasses, a hat and lip balm.

DRESS IN LAYERS – Because the sun is especially powerful in Denver, it can feel much warmer than the actual temperature during the day, but then become very chilly after sundown, particularly in the Spring. It is best to layer your clothing.