THE US DENVER DESTINATIONS DENVER Colorado’s Mile


High City is more than a gateway to the Rockies, finds Ella Buchan


radled by the craggy palms of the Rocky Mountains and the High Plains, Denver feels crisp and clean, even on a hot day. Many visitors leap straight to those mountain ranges, drawn by their snowy peaks, forest, alpine lakes and promise of adventure. But the host city for IPW


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2018, the international trade show in May dedicated to all things American, has gained a reputation as one of the country’s coolest cities. Food stalls and chef-driven restaurants occupy warehouse spaces; street murals brighten alleyways; and vibrant neighbourhoods overflow with craft breweries and cute boutiques. Norwegian launched direct flights from London in September 2017, and the hotel scene is booming in response to demand from business and leisure tourists. New downtown properties include the Kimpton Hotel Born, Hotel Indigo and The Maven, whose lobby-parked Airstream serves evening cocktails and morning coffee. Chic district Cherry Creek has two new hotels – the city’s first Moxy and the Rollnick Hotel – while The Source Hotel launched the accommodation scene in hip RiNo (River North). Here’s how to spend two days in the Mile High City.


w DAY ONE 08.30: Grab a bike from the B-cycle kiosk outside Union


Station, a beaux-arts building housing bars, shops and restaurants in the heart of downtown. Rental starts at £6.50 for 24 hours. Turn right on Wynkoop Street to hit Cherry Creek Trail, and follow the tree-lined creek southeast for three and a half miles. denver.bcycle.com


09.00: Leave the trail at East 1st Avenue, looping left on Gilpin Street and heading north for around a mile to reach Denver Botanic Gardens, entry £9.50. Dock the bike at the York Street entrance and wander around ornamental ponds dotted with lily pads, and gardens blooming with exotic flowers. The ‘green’ roof above Offshoots Cafe is carpeted with native species and offers views across the city to the Rocky Mountains. botanicgardens.org


11.00: Walk a mile south to Cherry Creek North, home to several blocks of chic boutiques and designer stores including Kate Spade and Hermés. Artisan Center has locally made jewellery, pottery and stationery, while each handcrafted bonbon at Victoria’s Chocolates is a work of art. artisancenterdenver.com victoriaschocolates.com


12:30: Grab lunch at Cherry Cricket, a popular locals’ hangout on 2nd Avenue. Burgers,


1 February 2018 travelweekly.co.uk 55


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