Atypical tourist things to do in Denver?

Question

My girlfriend and I will be heading over to Denver for a week or so around New Year's. I was wondering what kind of attractions there are in Denver (and the surrounding area) that are not your typical tourist fare. I was thinking of places where significant events have occurred, or places where a Midwestern, Coloradan vibe exists--places with a story, but not one that is packaged neatly for tourists (the existence of giftshop souvenirs at the attraction is probably a quick test for that cheesiness I want to avoid). Activities that border on urban exploration, if anyone knows of any, would be of interest as well...

Thanks in advance!

Thanks for all the responses! Really helpful.

Answer 1

Tattered Cover Bookstore on Colfax - One of the last great independent bookstores, located in an old theater (a fact which is noticeable, but not obvious).

Eat at Casa Bonita. Over the top touristy, so bad it's good.

The art galleries on Santa Fe, about 8th avenue. Maybe take in something at the Denver Civic Theater nearby.

See a movie at the Mayan, an old fashioned theater whose design takes after its' name. Maybe BBQ at 3 Brothers a bit west afterwards.

Buffalo Bill's grave has that plus a museum. Probably has a giftshop, but it's as local culture as it gets.

The Auraria Campus downtown has a block of restored old buildings, plus a few more like Golda Meir's childhood home.

Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, a real zoo during the summer, is a fantastic underused playground in the winter. Maybe snowshoeing. Be careful, it's wilderness, not Central Park, and the ranger staff is pretty small during the winter. You'll need extremely warm clothes and common sense. Check with the visitors center about where you're going, possible avalanche danger, etc. You can do it safely (by sticking to safe areas near the road) or you can get into trouble (by being more adventurous than your outdoor experience warrants). It will be wonderful, even if you stick close to the road. Stay at the old Stanley Hotel.

EDIT - I like the recommendations below, particularly Broadway and Capitol Hill. Broadway - Santa Fe art district is walkable, 1-2 miles. I personally like Highland, but it's nowhere near as large or as rich in "stuff".

This book is probably right up your alley. I own it and have done most of the walks in it.

http://www.amazon.com/Walking-Denver-Stewart-M-Green/dp/1560446463/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1198429365&sr=1-7

Answer 2

Two days doesn't give you a lot of time to see things anywhere you go. You could go to Vail/ and or Boulder and look around that area. A hour or two drive from Denver. Check out the Garden of The Gods and the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. That is about an hour to an hour and a half drive from Denver. Go to the Denver Zoo. Ride the free shuttle bus up and down the 16 street mall and do some shopping. Attend a Rockies baseball game if they are playing at home when you are in Denver.

Answer 3

If you are into baseball, see if you can tour Coors Field (where the Rockies play). It is a bit touristy, but not overly so and the tour and the stadium are very cool. You end up in the gift shop but can walk right out.

There is a tour of the Capitol Building too. Tourists do it, but it's not kitchy at all. A great recap of CO history, beautiful old building and its free.

If you can get up to Boulder, walk around the Flatirons.

After 10 pm, go to the Denver Diner for pie. It's a true dive/diner and the food is good but the pie is a late night staple. And at night the people watching is SPECTACULAR.

It's a great area, have fun.

Answer 4

Red Rocks is open all year round - doesn't cost anything to go and hike the area, and tour the facility. The visitors center is really interesting - the history of who has performed there is is great and there is a good "movie" they play if I remember correctly.
Also, Dinosaur Ridge, right near there is also very interesting. There is a lot of great history in the area in that regard.
There are always small towns up in the mountains to go check out. You'll need a good vehicle for snow though this time of year, but it might be a fun adventure and get you away from the city. Gold Hill might be an option.
As as previously mentioned, Rocky Mountain National Park is peaceful this time of year because there aren't the crowds. Wildlife is more abundant I think, than in the summer. The herds of elk are huge and they are usually down in the valleys. The Big horn sheep are out and about more as well. This time of year we usually see a herd when we go. Many times in the visitor center parking lot.

Answer 5

Here's some strictly Denver info:

I'm a big fan of Broadway Ave -- lots of cool bars, shops, and restaurants. You can just park and walk around up by the low numbered streets. Federal Blvd north of 285 is pretty interesting. There are significant Mexican and Vietnamese/Korean populations, and with it, great restaurants and interesting little shops. It's definitely not a tourist area or a nice area, but if you just wanna drive through and see the parts of Denver others don't see... there it is. While you're there, grab some amazing Mexican food (to go) from a little shack on the SE corner of Federal and Evans. Seriously, it is a hidden treasure.

My favorite place for food and bars is the Capitol Hill area. This area is kind of a haven for twenty-somethings fresh out of college, as well as some interesting characters (punk kids, hippies, nutcases, etc.) Colfax Ave. is lined with bars, restaurants, record shops, etc. Check out the schedules for the Fillmore and the Ogden, both are great concert venues in the area that attract great bands. Check out Sancho's, a hippie-themed bar with great staff. It's on Colfax, across from the Fillmore. If you want something classier, go to the Cheeky Monk, also on Colfax near the Capitol building. Colfax Ave in general has kind of a bad reputation, but I've been down there a million times and have never dealt with anything shady. Like any other place, you just have to be aware of your surroundings.

Let's see, what else... the Highland area is cute. It's kind of an up-and-coming neighborhood. Think coffee shops, bars, and art galleries. If that's what you're really in mind for, check out Santa Fe Blvd up in the low-numbered streets. Tons of art galleries, and the first Saturday of every month usually hosts an art walk. Not sure about what's going on for the holiday season, you'll have to look that one up.

You'll inevitably (and totally should) go downtown, so here are some spots to look up: Tattered Cover, Wynkoop Brewing Company, Fado's Pub, Giggling Grizzly, Pour House (local Red Sox bar), Swanky's (be forewarned -- they show porn on the televisions), Two-fisted Mario's (great pizza), Croc's (food, dance floor), Old Chicago (a chain, but a good one).

Some other random recommendations: if you want to be served delicious brunch by hysterical drag queens, go to Bump & Grind. If you want typical, awesome diner food, try The Breakfast King. If you like vegetarian food, go to Watercourse near 17th and Clarkson. And if you want food poisoning, go to the Ethiopian place by City Park. :)

Answer 6

If you're in Denver before the 6th , go see the Denver Zoo lights. Really worth it. Not a touristy thing. Just Google Denver Zoo lights

Answer 7

my boyfriend and i like to go down to the 16th street mall and walk around. it is an outdoor mall. the cheescake factory is down there and fun to go out to dinner.

Answer 8

Try this http://www.denver365.com/Events/
it may give you some ideas