A week in Denver, what to do? (Boulder, Loveland: hotel, live)

[Carrie2979]

My friend and I will be going to Denver January 3rd through January 10th for my big 30th birthday. I was wanting to go snowboarding at some of the resorts, but my question is what other stuff is there to do for 2 girls in Denver for a week?

Thank you all for your input

[2bindenver]

there is little snowboarding to be had in Denver. Try some mountain towns. Try some hot springs. Try some snow shoeing, x-country skiing, shopping (even some window shopping) try some clubbing.

[CapHillboy]

If you're leaving on the 10th, you'll just miss the National Western Stock Show, unfortunately. But if your flight leaves late in the day, you could attend a couple of opening day events. I see on their website that they've got a 4-H/FFA livestock judging contest starting at 8am and a poultry judging at 11am. There are also some pre-opening day events, but i don't know how interesting Team Rope slacking or a wool show judging would be to anyone not already interested in such things.

I mention the Stock Show for a couple of reasons. First, it's definitely something different that most towns don't have, and it's the big event in Denver that time of year. Also, I attended the Paris equivalent while i was there and had a ball, but then i admit to having peculiar notions about tourism. I discovered that putting people in front of cute animals makes them terribly vulnerable and very apt to engage in conversation.

As 2bindenver noted, there's not much snowboarding in Denver itself, but if you're looking for other things to do, I'd suggest looking at westword.com and denver.org/events as you get closer to your departure date. both sites have listings for events. Westword would definitely be better than the Denver website for clubbing and the music scene.

Hope you have a great stay in CO, wherever you decide to spend most of your time!

[TeamFoster]

Shopping on 16th street is an option, but you can do that anywhere. Winter Park or Breckenridge/Silverthorne aren't too far away if you want to snowboard. Loveland is closer, but not as developed. There are some good bars downtown. In what Part of town are you going to be? There is the big art museum and other museums if you like museums. You might want to take a look at red rocks. Even if you don't goto a concert it is worth seeing.

[Carrie2979]

Thank you all for the suggestions. We'll be staying at the Ramada Inn downtown. I know I'll have to drive out of Denver for some snowboarding, but that's ok. The red rocks are a plus even without a concert? I'll be sure to stop there...also is Boulder worth a day trip? What bars are good in downtown. More into the dive bar (juke box, pool playing, can talk to people type of place) but like the occational dance place.

Thanks again

[bhcompy]

You could try and catch a hockey, basketball, or football game

[livecontent]

I would suggest that you look into the Denver Center for Performing Arts.
The Denver Center For Performing Arts : Welcome

Since you are staying Downtown, it will be very convenient. The last performance of the Jersey Boys is on Jan 3, at 2 and 8 PM, depending when you get in the city. In addition, the following week is Oprah Winfrey's The Color Purple, a musical.

The DCPA is one of the largest entertainment complexes in the country.

Livecontent

[RedSoxFanGoingWest]

Breckenridge would be a good spot if you wanted some winter activities. It's a good central location for some of the other resorts in the area if you wanted to check out more than one mountain. Breck's downtown is fun as well. Plenty of local bars/restaurants and shopping.

[Sockeye]

Here's a good linky for D Town
Denver - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[TeamFoster]

Originally Posted by Carrie2979

Thank you all for the suggestions. We'll be staying at the Ramada Inn downtown. I know I'll have to drive out of Denver for some snowboarding, but that's ok. The red rocks are a plus even without a concert? I'll be sure to stop there...also is Boulder worth a day trip? What bars are good in downtown. More into the dive bar (juke box, pool playing, can talk to people type of place) but like the occational dance place.

Thanks again

Market street has both clubs and bars. There is a little something for everyone. Boulder is worth a day trip so is Estes Park. Estes Park is worth an overnighter if you can. That is where the famous hotel from the book by Stephen King The Shining is and also the movie with Jack Nicholson. The Stanley Hotel is beautiful and worth seeing. Go to tea at the Brown Palace downtown. I don't know if you need a reservation. They serve high tea every afternoon. The Art Museum is worth a trip. Red Rocks is worth seeing without the concert, and you can have dinner at the Fort restaurant. Expensive, but worth it.