Face the State

Face The State Staff Report

While the Democratic National Convention was sold to local business leaders as a way to increase tourism interest in Denver, recent national news reports paint a less than friendly picture of our fair city. We beg to differ, providing our own take on Denver's coolest attractions.

Denver's skylinerefractor/Flickr

In a recent article, the Economist has painted Denver as a never-ending sea of sprawl with air that sometimes smells worse than L.A. For those urban hipsters hoping that the rest of the world finally sees Denver as the gritty, intellectual oasis that it is (after all, it annually ranks as one of America's most educated cities), they are probably busy penning letters to the editor. Never mind those other national rankings that show Denver as a top contender for having the most sunshine, parks, or fittest population.

Enter The New York Times. In its Sunday edition, reporter Eric Wilson attempted to give readers traveling to Denver for the DNC insight to the Mile High City. Titled "36 Hours in Denver," Wilson opens by suggesting that Denver is....well, blah.

"As easy as this city may be to navigate — you can practically see from one end to the other, it’s that flat — Denver’s political and social landscapes can still be tough for outsiders to read. With a convention that has already been beset by cost overruns and a severe cutback on pomp, some delegates may find it hard to see the gold here without first striking the surface. Still, as Molly Brown would attest, it’s worth packing a pickax."

Wow. That's all he could find to write about? Nothing about the city's thriving running clubs, where hundreds take the the streets for rush hour dashes, upscale restaurants, or thriving night life?

Ok. So maybe we're just a little defensive. But check out Wilson's top ten list. While his suggestions may make the cut for a 4th grade field trip, they aren't likely to impress most delegates. Among his suggestions for top highlights: The Denver Mint "where presidential portraits are stamped out on coins by the millions." Sorry, that's just not doing it for us. The Molly Brown House - while certainly reflecting Colorado's proud tradition to thumbing its nose at conventional wisdom - is also another bust. Wilson writes: "One of Denver’s most famous homes belonged to a backwoods social climber who set out in the 1880s to land herself a rich husband and a big house, curiously enough, on what was then called Pennsylvania Avenue...Margaret Tobin Brown, later mythologized as Molly Brown, was a suffragette who survived the sinking of the Titanic and ran for United States Senate, unsuccessfully, years before women won the right to vote."

That's great and all, but we want people to see the real Denver. The Denver they can't find on the History Channel.

So, here we go with our own "Must See" Denver. Yes, being a non-partisan news site, we occasionally want to help out our friends on the Left. And Don't worry, the always-referenced and super cheesy Casa Bonita didn't make the list. Because we're getting a little tired of Top 10 lists, we're only going to reveal our top seven picks. There, wouldn't Molly Brown be proud?

Send us your additions to newstips@facethestate.com and we'll consider adding them to our list.

1. Confluence Park. Located between the LoDo and Highlands neighborhoods, this hot spot attracts families and extreme athletes alike. The reason: Kayaking in full view of skyscrapers at the point where Cherry Creek and the South Platte is quite a rush. After you burn a few calories, you can head to REI next door for a few overpriced energy bars. Or maybe to nearby La Loma http://www.lalomarestaurant.com/ for some good, authentic Mexican food.
    

2. Antiquing on Broadway. Where else can you pick up a 19th Century mounted buffalo head and a 17th Century dining table in one spot? Take Broadway south from downtown and start looking for shops once you get close to Alameda. "Antique Row" stretches for a full 18 blocks.
    

3. Elway's. Denver is a sports town after all. Check out either of John Elway's popular upscale restaurants, either in the Ritz-Carlton downtown or at Cherry Creek.

   Whether you're looking to see a professional athlete (you will) or a cougar (if you have to ask what a cougar is, you're too young to go) you won't be disappointed.

4. Red Rocks. While this one may seem a little predictable, the nation's most beautiful outdoor music venue is worth the half hour drive west. Willie Nelson has signed up to play a show on the 26th. Scalp tickets if you can, but be careful. The word on the street is that cops are cracking down on doobies there.
    

5. Irish Snug Running Club. Now this is authentic Denver. Every Thursday at 6:15 p.m., hundreds of denizens take to Capitol Hill's streets for an aggressive group run. Afterward, the good looking squad heads to the Snug at 1201 East Colfax for a beer or four. And while you're there, take a moment to savor Colfax, the longest street in America and a cult fiction classic (see Jack Keroac's "On The Road.")
    

6. Gypsy House Cafe. Worried that you won't be able to find coffee worthy of imbibing when away from home? Visit this funky cafe (a few blocks away from the Snug) at 13th and Marion Streets. Known for its strong Turkish blends, it's also home to much of the DNC protest organizing. While runners meet at the Snug on Thursday, Re-Create 68's members have spent their Thursday nights conspiring away in the Gypy House's basement.
    

7. Kevin Taylor's. This upscale downtown restaurant is too rich for our blood, but for all those Dems cashing in off carbon credits, this may be just the place to enjoy a seven-course tasting menu. Savor the Austrian wines and try not to wince when the waiter brings you pig cheek. Plan on spending at least $100 a person.