subject: Mixing The Old With The New In Denver, Colorado [print this page] Though Denver is a part of the "Old West," founded in the 1800's by pioneers from the south, it is a booming and contemporary city. Here, life is about mixing the old with the new.
In order to get the full Wild West experience, why not visit a dude ranch? Many double as inns and offer the option of staying overnight or camping in the wilderness.
You could sleep under the stars and tell stories around the crackling campfire. Receive instruction on riding on horseback, roping, and branding, and you will feel like a real cowboy in no time at all!
Another authentic western attraction is Buckskin Joe Frontier Town and Railway. Get transported back in time with gunfights, themed entertainment, and authentic "Old West" grub.
Those who are searching for a thrill will enjoy Elitch Gardens, Denver's very own amusement park. The park is open all summer, and also houses a water park.
The park's rides include Mind Eraser, Boomerang, and the Tower of Doom, to name a few. There are also more kid-friendly rides like Tinsel Town Trucking Co. and Matinee Marina.
Denver is home to eight professional sports teams. Athletes and sports buffs can get their fill of baseball, soccer, lacrosse, basketball, and football.
Trying scoring tickets to see the Broncos or Nuggets play, depending on the season. You could also pay a visit to Coors Field to get a glimpse of the Colorado Rockies.
The animal lover will greatly enjoy a visit to the Denver Zoo. The zoo has actually been around since the late 1800's, but was reworked in the 1950's to the place it is today.
The zoo is home to thousands of animals and more than 600 different species. The habitats have been made to be very naturalistic.
Therefore, visitors are able to feel as if they are observing the creatures in their natural environments. Depending on the time of year, visitors can see tiger cubs, baby orangutans, and baby giraffes.
The Denver Zoo is very focused on the conservation and protection of animals. In fact, they house almost two hundred different types of endangered species.
One of these species is the Komodo dragon. Komodo dragons are usually found in the Galapagos Islands, and are dangerous, but majestic.
Another place to visit beautiful animals is the Downtown Aquarium. In the Adventure Exhibit, you are able to visit different habitats and the creatures that call those environments home.
If you can set aside time to venture away from Denver proper, take a day trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. There are copious amounts of ways to spend your time here, including camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and biking.
Winter in Rocky Mountain National Park also boasts plenty of activity. Skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are all things to do when the weather gets chilly.
Artists or those that are drawn to museums and performances will appreciate the Denver Center for Performing Arts. Broadway shows and plays are in constant rotation at this fabulous theater, so it is guaranteed that you will be able to find a performance you have wanted to see.
If shopping is what interests you, then try visiting the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. With over 160 stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany & Co., you are sure to find what you are looking for.
There are also plenty of places to snack and relax. Pamper yourself with a day at the spa or make a reservation at a classy bistro.
If you are sick of driving and want to get out in the open air to sightsee, try renting a bike to get around the city. Denver has bike sharing programs where you can rent a bike for a small fee.
You are usually given 24 hours with the bike, which is plenty of time to explore downtown. Biking is a good option for those who would like to get exercise and be outdoors, without tiring themselves from walking from place to place downtown.
For even more Denver history, try staying in a historical hotel like the Oxford Hotel or the Brown Palace. Denver is also a great place to find antiques.
No matter what your ideal vacation includes, there are endless options when visiting Denver, Colorado. In fact, you may even find it hard to fit all of the excitement and adventure into one trip!
