Denver, Old West Meets New West

The Brown Palace is, by far, the most luxurious hotel in Denver. Hillary Rodham Clinton stayed in this hotel when she came to Denver. It has a long and fascinating history, from hauntings, to its connection to the Old Denver "Red Light" district, before the turn of the century. It is said that politicians used to take carts through tunnels below the hotel, and into the prostitution district, without being seen. Even if you can't afford to stay at the Brown Palace, it is an absolute must-see.

Also, there is great on-premise dining. The Ship's Tavern is a nice laid back restaurant with the best clam chowder I have ever tasted. The afternoon tea is a wonderful experience as well. Salmon tea sandwiches and chocolates made on the premises are served alongside Devonshire Cream and any one of 20 or so whole-leaf teas, as a harpist or pianist plays classical tunes. The most surprising about tea is that it only costs around $25 per person, and it is all-you-can-eat.

The concierge can give you a brochure outlining the hotel's history, and you are free to wander around some of the floors and take pictures for free, even if you are not a guest.

The Denver Chophouse is a brewery and restaurant all in one. It is the favorite restaurant of the Colorado Avalanche hockey team. The atmosphere is relaxed, and, though it is a fine restaurant, there is no pressure to dress up. After baseball games in the summer, it becomes a place for families to unwind. During the hockey playoffs, it becomes a place to eat great food, and mingle with the likes of Peter Forsberg and Patrick Roy. A few things to try: the white cheddar mashed potatoes, sirloin tips, and chocolate lava cake with vanilla bean ice cream. Also, their gargantuan onion rings are very popular.

Come with an appetite and comfortable clothing!

This is THE place in Denver for vegetarians, vegans, and people who love good, cheap food that won't destroy their budget or their waistline. I was very surprised by the huge portions and low prices. Everything on the menu is vegan or vegetarian, but I LOVE all of it, even though I am a meat-eater. There is an item on the menu from nearly every continent--from Jamaican Jerk Tofu to Pad Thai. Also, it is in the center of the Capitol Hill District in Denver, near Colfax and Downtown. The atmosphere is a nice change from the cosmopolitan, somewhat conservative LoDo areas of Denver.

The only thing I would NOT recommend at this restaurant is the hemp ice cream sandwich. If you have never eaten hemp, it is probably not a good way to start.

The Mayan Theatre is an historic theater near Downtown Denver. Parking is free, and admission is cheap.

I have seen a lot of Latin-American foreign-language films at this theater. They usually feature lesser known films like Hable con Ella. A lot of the films are foreign-language, but some of them are in English, and all have English subtitles. This is a very relaxing theater, and people are respectful, unlike in larger theaters. Also, the Mayan does not hesitate to show controversial films or films with gay/lesbian ideas. Furthermore, every Friday (and usually Saturday) night, there is a midnight movie, such as Rocky Horror Picture Show, or another light comedy or cult flick.

The Esquire Theatre, in Denver, is along the same lines, and shows movies like Bowling for Columbine.

You can call the Mayan at 303/744-6796, and listen to the showtimes. The Mayan is a handicap-accessible theater.

The Bolder Boulder is the most famous (and enjoyable) race in Denver. It's run every Memorial Day and is for both the very competitive and the relaxed runner/walker.

People run in clown suits, everyone does the "Chicken Dance," and thousands of singers, belly dancers, bands, and citizens with hoses line up along the residential streets of downtown Boulder. People can walk or run, or stop and belly dance. For the non-expert, it is a silly and child-like good time. At the end of the race, free food and drink, as well as beer samples, etc. are set up next to Folsom Field, home to the CU Buffs.

It is important to register in advance. You can do so online at Bolder Boulder or at various locations around Denver.