Denver Vacation!! What to do and see???? (Colorado Springs, Evans: vs., bus)

[DenverAztec]

Originally Posted by denverian

I found pictures once of snow on the ground in Orange County in an orange grove - with Model T cars in the photo. I think it was just a lot colder back in the 1800s. When I lived in Orange County (total of 13 years) it never even got below freezing, let alone snow.

The first year I lived in Denver, I remember spending an early March day outside for hours, enjoying the mid 70 degree temps. Considering it was technically still winter, I didn't think about sun block. I got quite a bad sunburn that winter day.

So true, global warming is evident, especially when you head to the hills and the snow is gone by late May when it should be there until July. On the other spectrum, I have also been able to tan every month, not by choice. I have been sun burned shoveling snow as a teenager as I did it for pay for two day in a row. Skier constantly get sun and wind burn. Now I have a uv ray bloc, in my everyday lotion, hope it helps! But I think it is something everyone should be aware of no matter what city they are in. Skin cancer rates are high in Colorado as well as Arizona as we both see significant amounts of sun, but it is better then rainy gloom!

[Daniel_T]

Thank you all for your info. I really want to see Denver in the week that I have there. Are there any areas of Denver I should try and stay clear of? I know Colfax Ave is kinda dingy but is getting better. Also, what is it (five points) i've heard is not really the best area. thanks again.

Daniel_T

[DenverAztec]

Please see all my comments about Colfax Avenue on the Colfax thread, you will cross it several times. It is 15th Avenue with a name. It is safe, but Five Points/Curtis Park, you should probably check out with a local. Curtis Park is the oldest neighborhood in the city and the old beautiful homes there have been going through rehab since the 80s, but there is also some government projects on the far north side by park and undesirables lurk. Five Points gets its name for five streets intersecting and one can easily get lost with that intersection mixed in with many one way streets. Personally, I like the Curtis Park home tours and this coming year will be the 35th year of tours. I also like some of the restaurants in that area and the motor vehicle use to be the quickest because nobody wanted to go into the neighborhood. That secret is out and not that motor vehicle station is packet. If you like Denver enough to want to go to school here, I can eventually show you Curtis Park/Five Points as it is an important historical part of Denver. Here are some pics I shot at the last home tour there.

[Daniel_T]

Great shots. Thanks much. Looks very nice

[ColoWeb]

DenverAztec posted some great stuff! Just few other things:
When in Boulder checkout the university there too.
Depends on the weather, you may consider going to the Rocky Mountain National Park. Parts of it will still be closed till the end of May.

Some great views are visible from the top floors of the Denver public library, but probably not very good for photos unless some balcony is open (closed most of the time).

Also the bridge past the union station is great for photos as well.

Good luck and have a fun visit when you come. Post back if you have any questions.

[denverian]

Originally Posted by DenverAztec

So true, global warming is evident, especially when you head to the hills and the snow is gone by late May when it should be there until July. On the other spectrum, I have also been able to tan every month, not by choice. I have been sun burned shoveling snow as a teenager as I did it for pay for two day in a row. Skier constantly get sun and wind burn. Now I have a uv ray bloc, in my everyday lotion, hope it helps! But I think it is something everyone should be aware of no matter what city they are in. Skin cancer rates are high in Colorado as well as Arizona as we both see significant amounts of sun, but it is better then rainy gloom!

The thing I really noticed when moving back to Denver in 2005 is how much hotter the summers are. When I lived here in the early 90s, I didn't have A/C and at night, was rarely hot with the windows open. Now it rarely gets below the mid 60s at night and 90s seem to be the average highs. And I'd never seen it over 100 in Denver, but in '05 it was crazy hot - up to 109 at my house one day. I read in some Denver visitor guide that on average, Denver only has 32 days per year where the temp. gets to 90 or above. We probably have at least double that now.


I suppose this should be in the weather thread...

[winglady]

For a few more ideas on things to do in and around Denver during your visit, take a look at this article called "Denver-for-Free: a fun-filled day of free things to do around Denver":

http://www.colorado-for-free.com/DenverForFree.htm

There is also a "Front Range North" section in that website that lists free things to do in the Denver area and north.

I grew up in Denver, and it was certainly cooler in the summers and snowier in the winters during the 50s and 60s than it has been in the past decade or two.

[Daniel_T]

Thanks. I appreciate all your answers. Anyone gone up to Mount Evans? I am thinking about taking a tour up there. You stop at Idaho Springs before heading up to the mountain. Thanks,

Daniel_T

[kristenfromdenver]

Daniel, going to Mt Evans with a stop in Idaho Springs is a great idea. It's the only 14er that I know of that you can get to the top by car.

[Daniel_T]

I believe it's a grayline tour. There is another tour company that offers it but I cannot remember their name. Is Red Rocks easy to get to if I don't have a car? I don't have a license so I would need to use public trans. Thanks,

Daniel_T