Denver is consistently ranked at the top of ‘healthiest city’ lists with Colorado being the least obese state in the U.S. With such easy access to world class hiking, cycling, rafting, rock climbing and skiing, it’s hard not to get outside and get moving. With the population jumping to 100,000 in the past year as well as 77.7 million visitors, people are catching on to all that Denver has to offer. Plan a visit to the mile high city and see for yourself!

WHERE TO EAT

Denver Biscuit Company serves big, buttery biscuits for brunch. Along with the alliteration, they are known for having “Denver’s Best Breakfast” and have been featured on multiple TV shows from Food Network and The Cooking Channel to CNN, Headline News and many more.

City O’ City is a bohemian hangout dishing up high-concept vegetarian fare. With eclectic decor and a fun and friendly staff, they are open from 7 am until 2 am to satisfy any and every need. From specialty coffee to craft cocktails, they serve it all.

Tacos Tequila Whiskey specializes in locally sourced ingredients for authentic Mexican street food. They serve award-winning street tacos in a brick & mortar restaurant alongside small-batch tequila and whiskey.

Panzano offers contemporary Northern Italian cuisine with a focus on local, seasonal and organic ingredients that reflect sensitivity to gluten-free and vegetarian diners. In the heart of downtown Denver, this little restaurant has been awarded 4 diamonds by AAA and named one of Zagat’s best restaurants in America.

Bar Dough is a more lowkey Italian restaurant created by Chef Max MacKissock. Set in a cozy, casual neighborhood bar , they serve up wood-fired pizzas and house-made pastas.

WHERE TO STAY

A vacation to Denver, Colorado puts you within driving distance of numerous ski resorts, but you might find yourself reluctant to leave the city itself thanks to its relaxing atmosphere and abundant amenities. Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations or a budget-friendly hotel,HotelPlanner.com has the best deals for you.

The Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center provides guests with a modern experience in one of Colorado’s most historic buildings. The hotel features 221 guestrooms and nine suites; 6,000 sq.ft. of meeting space, a fitness center and range, and a new American West restaurant and bar, serving locally-purveyed cuisine inspired by the Rocky Mountain West.

Old world charm meets modern style in Magnolia Hotel, formerly the American National Bank Building. Restored to reflect its original appearance, this landmark edifice built in 1910 includes original terracotta details and an exterior downtown clock. They offer 297 gorgeous guest rooms and suites as well as 10,000 sq.ft. of corporate meeting rooms and event space. Compliments include full American breakfast in the morning, cocktail hour in the evening and milk and cookies at night.

Hilton Garden Inn Downtown‘s stylish decor is all about classic urban design, sophisticated, natural lighting and modern business features. Its perfect location is just across the street from the Colorado Convention Center and nearby the business district, shopping, dining, cultural activities and sports venues. Meeting space includes a 3,200 sq. ft. ballroom and additional breakouts. Executive Boardrooms and all space includes complimentary internet. Pi Kitchen + Bar is a full-service restaurant on site along with DazBog Coffee. A business center, fitness center, indoor pool and whirlpool are included.

Guest rooms at Grand Hyatt Denver, which are the largest in the region, come complete with pillow top mattresses, a fresh quilted blanket and plush pillows. The rich woods, warm fabrics and natural stone, capture the charm of the Rocky Mountains. Many of the rooms feature floor to ceiling windows with great views of downtown and the Rockies. Take advantage of Denver’s only outdoor running track and tennis court, with panoramic views of the Denver skyline. In addition, guests will enjoy a sun deck and hot tub outside of a glass-enclosed swimming pool. Complimenting these is a state of the art, newly renovated health club with a cardio theater.

The Brown Palace is Denver’s only 4-star, 4-diamond hotel. Over 113 years old, it has seen Presidents, celebrities and entertainers of all sorts. Complimentary high speed internet access in all the guest rooms and wireless internet access in all the common areas, the Brown Palace has been able to keep its historic legacy while providing guests with the latest and greatest technology. Four restaurant outlets, 24 hour room service and the New Brown Palace Spa are a few of the things you will enjoy when visiting the Brown Palace.

The ART, a hotel captivates the senses. Stylish spaces, unique design and personalized service fuse with a cosmopolitan vibe. In the heart of downtown, the ART is steps away from the Denver Art Museum and Colorado History Center and centrally located to the government, legal, and financial districts. More than just its name, the hotel brings art to life with a museum quality collection, in the lobby and throughout each floor. Every guest will discover the ART to be a destination for inspiration and imagination. The scenic surroundings, restaurant, roof top terrace, banquet space and art collection create an environment that exudes contemporary luxury.

WHAT TO DO

Must-See Denver, the Mile High City of Colorado with its top attractions including Red Rocks Amphitheater and Park, Denver Art Museum, Denver Zoo and Denver University. Discover a world of adventure in the Rocky Mountains, just a short drive from Denver, including mining towns, outdoor recreation as well as Mountain Parks.

Right downtown, Confluence Park offers a scene of nature in the middle of the city. Located at the confluence of the Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, discover kayaking courses, city and mountain views, running and cycling trails.

Inside City Park you can explore fossils, gems and minerals, wildlife and the latest discoveries from outer space all at the Museum of Nature and Science. It is one of Denver’s top family attractions and encourages fun and curiosity. Check out the current exhibits and see an incredible show at Phipps IMAX 3D Theater or Gates Planetarium.

Explore Capitol Hill, an eclectic neighborhood that houses the State Capitol building. The neighborhood is on the edge of two other parks, Civic Center Park and Cheeseman Park (which used to be a cemetery). Housed within Cheeseman Park is one of the top-ranked botanical gardens in the U.S. With many thousands of plants from around the world, the Denver Botanical Gardens are an oasis in the city. The 7-story Denver Art Museum is located in the Civic Center Park with a wide variety of international art as well as traveling exhibits and displays from the museum’s permanent collection.

Shop around at Larimer Square, a unique Victorian era street that offers boutique shopping and dining in Lodo, a neighborhood full of upscale clubs and restaurants.

Catch a Rockies game at Coors Field and if it’s not baseball season, try a football game at Mile High Stadium, home of the Super Bowl Champions, the Denver Broncos.

Visit Red Rocks Amphitheater, a world famous concert venue located in the hills above Denver. Towering red rock formations create a natural amphitheater with amazing acoustics. If there is no concert going on, you can visit the venue for free.

Casey Key is a John Carroll University graduate from Pittsburgh, PA.  With a degree in International Business and Italian Studies, she spent two years teaching English in Italy before moving to West Palm Beach to work for HotelPlanner and Meetings.com. She loves music, traveling and anything outdoors. Follow @CK_HotelPlanner