Mountains, Brews & Beanies: Denver, Colorado

• Red Rocks: Whether you’re into music and comedy or not, a trip up the mountains to look over what feels like the whole world is totally worth it. If you’re going to a concert here, I highly recommend doing extensive research and prep ahead of time, including arranging transportation and bringing snacks, drinks, and lots of layers. It’s cold up there!

• Visit Coors Field (for a tour or game)

• Coors Brewery in Golden, Colorado: You can visit the lounge, which is really just a remodeled old cafeteria-looking space, in the backside of the brewery and skip the tour. For $10 per person, you get to enjoy the space for about an hour and get three eight-ounce beers from their select fresh taps. It even includes a Coors served below freezing temperatures and it’s the best Coors beer you’ll ever drink. (I promise.)

• Hiking (any of the mountains in a variety of skill levels)

• Explore City Park and check out some of the museums

• Hang out, eat, and drink in the Milk Market, a great place to chill and have some fresh eats and a great beer.

• Visit Holey Moley for an awesome night of drinking and funky indoor mini-golf

• Check out the Denver Art Museum or Meow Wolf immersive museum

As is reflected in all of my travel guides, when we travel, we eat, and we eat GOOD. Denver has actually always surprised me with its food and drink quality. I’ve honestly never had a bad meal in this city—and that includes the wedding food from Mount Vernon Canyon Club in Golden.

Downtown

• ELWAY'S steakhouse in the Ritz Carlton: The shrimp here were at least four bites each, and, as a steakhouse chaser, this remains at the top of my list.

• Sam’s No. 3: I am a Food Network junkie and this featured brunch spot from Diners, Drive-In’s and Dives delivered on every aspect. A giant burrito, fun atmosphere, and some delicious brunch cocktails.

• Amanti Coffee

LoHi

• Recommended by more than a few people is Happy Camper, a fun, open-air restaurant with a modern menu and decor just waiting to be featured on your IG feed.

• Hop right across the street and head to Avanti Food & Beverage, a small, two-story food hall and bar with outdoor seating, lots of options, and beautiful mountain views.

Arvada

Just outside the city, this small town doesn’t have a ton to offer, but if you find yourself here like we did (to stay for a wedding weekend with a large group of friends), check out these few spots.

• Arvada Beer Garden: A brewery-style beer hall with a large outdoor patio, TVs, and a variety of food options that were shockingly good. (Try the harissa chicken bowl if you like a Cava-inspired vibe and some HEAT!)

• MOD Pizza is a great late-night option after a few drinks and does the job.

• In-N-Out is a can’t-miss and is just a few miles away headed towards Golden. It's a must-stop if you’ve never had it anywhere else.

Golden

• The Golden Mill food and beer hall is a unique concept housed in a huge property. Tons of drink options—wine, beer, and even cocktails on tap. Food ranges from Mexican to barbecue to Asian and everything in between, and the rooftop bar looks out onto the mountains.

• Goosetown Station: Tucked away just off the highway, this bar has a small indoor and huge outdoor space with tons of fireplaces and multiple bars. This is where we attended a rehearsal dinner—the space was rented out, the music was loud, and the drinks were flowing. A great spot, but I never experienced it open to the public, just for a private event!