Last weekend, I took a much needed girls trip to Denver, Colorado to visit one of my closest friends that I grew up with. I am still extremely close with my best friends from growing up. We talk almost every single day, and we try to plan a trip to see one another at least once a year. So far, so good! We’ve been to Phoenix, Vermont, and now to visit Denver together.
I had only previously flown into the Denver airport as a child, and I had never experienced the city in my adult life. I really had no idea what to expect! Luckily, my friend Marie has lived there for quite some time now, so she knew all the best places to take us. If you’re taking a trip to Denver any time soon and you’re not sure where to go or what to do, I’ve got you covered. Bookmark this page! Here is your weekend guide to Denver, Colorado.
Where to go:
- Rocky Mountain National Park – SO BEAUTIFUL. I was a little nervous about hiking in the snow, but the hike was so worth it. I had never been to a national park before, and I can’t explain how gorgeous the Rocky Mountains are. Photos don’t do it justice!
- Denver Botanic Gardens – This was one of the first places we went when we landed in Denver. Since we visited in October, there were pumpkins all around the gardens. Super cute and fun to walk around and sight see a bit.
- Red Rocks Park and Ampitheatre – Unfortunately, we weren’t able to make it to Red Rocks. We almost made the drive (my friend lives about 35 minutes away from it) but we ultimately decided to get donuts and sit on the couch instead!
- Boulder – we stopped in Boulder on our way back to Denver from Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s along the way, so it was easy to stop there for lunch. Boulder was such a cute town, and I definitely recommend checking it out if you’re in the area!
- Larimer Square – We briefly walked around this area and it was adorable. There are lights strung up and down the entire street, with tons of bars, restaurants, and shops.
- Denver Zoo – we didn’t go to the zoo, but my friend lives nearby and I would love to go if I were to visit Denver for a longer amount of time.
Where to eat & drink:
- RiNo District – aka River North Art District. There are tons of breweries in this area, and we stopped into a few to grab a couple drinks. Some breweries we went to are: Finn’s Manor (seasonal cocktails in huge punch bowls, food trucks, and tons of craft beer on tap) Ratio (awesome outside patio), and Our Mutual Friend.
- Denver Biscuit Company – SO GOOD. My mouth is currently watering just thinking about my meal at Denver Biscuit Co. We ordered a cinnamon biscuit for the table which was to-die-for. 10/10 recommend.
- Post Brewery – this brewery is not technically in Denver – it’s in Boulder.
- VooDoo Doughnuts – enough said. Who doesn’t love donuts? VooDoo is a famous donut shop in Denver, and with good reason. We tried six donuts and they were all AMAZING. I’m getting hungry just thinking about them.
- Avanti – super cute spot to go out. We didn’t eat at Avanti, but I heard the food is great as well. Avanti has a rooftop and great drinks, so if you’re wanting to sip on some cocktails while overlooking a great view of the city, this is the spot for you.
- Snooze – this brunch spot started in Denver, and has now become a chain. They actually just opened up a location in Charlotte (that I am yet to go to) so Charlotte friends, we’re in luck! I’m adding this restaurant to the top of my Charlotte Restaurant Bucket List.
- T & Cakes in Boulder – we popped into this little shop and got the most delicious cake pops. They were SO good and hands down one of the best cake pops I’ve ever had. Highly recommend checking it out if you visit!
And there you have it. My weekend guide to Denver, Colorado! I hope this travel guide is helpful to any of you who may be planning a trip out west to Denver any time soon.
xo,
Ashlen
Shop the post!
