"Denver the beautiful (or at least friendly)" Denver by goingsolo

Denver Travel Guide: 1,012 reviews and 1,781 photos

Downtown Denver the day after snowfall - Denver
Downtown Denver the day after snowfall

The Mile High City really is in the center of its all. To the east, a broad flat expanse of land stretches towards Kansas; to the north, towering Long's Peak and a bevy of elk await in Rocky Mountain National Park; to the east, ski resorts abound along one of the most scenic interstates in the nation; to the south, there are scenic roads which defy description, small towns and, yes, more mountains. Denver lies in the center of it all, a big city which retains traces of small town friendliness. A place where you can see skyscrapers and Walmarts yet still gaze upon mountains in the distance. The true American dream.

I spent a bit of time roaming the Mile High City and getting lost in its grid of named at random streets. There's so much to see and do in Denver that its almost a pity that there's so much to draw tourists and residents away. But most Colorado trips involve at least a brief stopover in Denver, so I'll give you some suggestions on how to spend your time one mile above sea level.

A short & perhaps interesting history of Denver

Maj. Gen. William H. Larimer embodied the saying, "Better late than never." He arrived in Colorado after a few gold flakes sparked the Pikes Peak gold rush. The normally placid landscape was filled with prospectors and two hastily built cities, but that didn't stop the general.He claim -- jumped land on the east side of the Platte River, laid out another town and named it after the territorial governor, James Denver. His attempt to gain political favor failed as -- unknown to Larimer -- the governor had already resigned. Undaunted, Larimer dreamed of Denver being the queen city, but fighting between the three towns almost led to bloodshed. Ever the industrious soldier, Larimer arranged a torch-lit meeting, and for the price of a barrel of whiskey (shared by all), Denver reigned.

Denver laws still on the books

The mayor can draft men of the city as needed for emergencies or law enforcement.

Notice must be posted on a park tree if an animal control officer has intentions of impounding a dog in the area.

It is unlawful to drive cattle on the city streets.

City employees are prohibited from having any debts.

A person may not ride a horse in Denver over 20 mph. It is also illegal to ride a horse
while intoxicated.

Pros and Cons
  • Pros:Still a very friendly place
  • Cons:The expansion has lead to traffic and other problems found in a larger city
  • In a nutshell:The residents have not caught up to big city thinking, and hopefully they never will
  • Last visit to Denver: Nov 2003
  • Intro Updated Jan 14, 2005
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Reviews (40)

Rocky Mountain National Park - Denver Rocky Mountain National Park Off The Beaten Path (6)

One of the best things about Denver is its proximity to Rocky. In fact, its less than a two hour drive from the tall... more travel advice

Denver's oldest restaurant - Denver Denver's oldest restaurant Restaurants (8)

The Buckhorn Exchange is Denver's oldest restaurant. Its a popular place too, despite the steep prices. The Buckhorn is... more travel advice

Japanese fast food - Denver Japanese fast food Restaurants (8)

Tokyo Joe's has about a dozen different locations in and around Denver serving Japanese style fast food. It is... more travel advice

Buffalo Bill's Grave and Museum - Denver Buffalo Bill's Grave and Museum Off The Beaten Path (6)

There is a dispute between Colorado and Wyoming as to where legendary Buffalo Bill Cody should be buried. Although he... more travel advice

Comments (5)

  • Reply
    sweetheart519's Profile Photo
    Sep 15, 2006 at 12:21 PM

    great Denver page!!

  • Reply
    frantz's Profile Photo
    Dec 9, 2004 at 11:39 AM

    Liked your Denver pages, I always had. Next time you're th a great time there. Try to come at the beginning of the month for "First Friday " and visit the art galleries.

  • Reply
    Nov 6, 2003 at 10:54 PM

    Many many happy returns of the day...Wishing you a happy birthday...Hope you will have a nice time ..Nice phtographs and tips.....

  • Reply
    AgentJX's Profile Photo
    Jul 10, 2003 at 9:32 AM

    Great info on Castlewood Canyon! One of the hardest parts about being away from home is that I can't hike there. Good choices for "off the beaten path"

  • Reply
    tpangelinan's Profile Photo
    Jun 29, 2003 at 6:48 PM

    Wow Castlewood look beautiful, Great photos and tips! Thanks. :-)

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“"Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life."”

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