Denver

A former frontier town of the Gold Rush, Colorado’s contemporary capital boasts 300 days of sunshine, and offers a thriving cultural scene, vibrant neighbourhoods, award-winning restaurants and more craft beer breweries than anywhere else in the United States. With the open lands of the Great Plains to the east and the majestic Rocky Mountains to the west, Denver is ideally located as a basecamp for year-round outdoor excursions, but don’t limit the city to après-ski. Denver is a city for exploration and inspiration.

Centred around a mile-long pedestrian zone in the heart of the city know as 16th Street Mall, Denver is one of the most walkable, green cities in America and enjoys a bike share scheme with 85 miles of bike paths across the city. Storied with history, Denver has numerous landmarks that are worth passing by, from the impressive Capitol Building (whose 13th step sits at the same elevation as the city) to the iconic historic blocks of Larimer Square and the Lower Downton (LoDo) District. It’s the diversity of Denver’s neighbourhoods that makes the city so special. The River North (RiNo) District specialises in art – both in galleries on along the streets. Five Points – considered the ‘Harlem of the West’ – offers the finest jazz history outside of NY and the Big Easy. Highland is hip with chic cafés, breweries and boutiques, and Cherry Creek offers the best shopping between California and the Midwest.

While you’re exploring, it’s good to know that Denver is a must for beer-lovers and foodies alike. Here, chefs work directly with local farms, utilising Colorado’s bountiful harvest of fresh produce, and responsibly raised agriculture to create culinary delights. The city is a haven to lovers of arts and culture too. Stop by the renowned Denver Art Museum or listen to a concert in the incredible Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Sports enthusiasts will be equally enthused with no less than six professional teams playing year-round in Denver’s stadiums. You’ll be surprised just how much is going on in this western metropolis, and no matter what you choose, you’ll be in for a treat.