Travel Itinerary: One Weekend in Denver

This fall, I'll be visiting Denver (and Colorado) for the first time. I've heard nothing but good things about Mile-High City and am excited to see all that it has to offer. My friend, Austin of PeaceJoyAustin, moved to Denver and he's been a great source of info for the upcoming trip. His travel reviews are legit. I've used his posts, Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park, to plan my itinerary. Yeah, I'm one of those over planners that doesn't actually rest on my vacations. I just feel like I have to see EVERYTHING to fully experience a destination. Plus, you never know if you'll go back to a city so you might as well soak it all in.

Here's what is currently on my agenda:

Colorado State Capital - To kick off our trip we're going straight to the capital to learn about the state. The structure is a gorgeous, prominent part of the Denver skyline and I can't wait to see the inside. Free tours run on the hour Monday through Friday, 10am-3pm.

Banjo Billy's Bus Tours - I try to go on a ghost tour in every city I visit. It's a great way to learn the local history while having a little fun. Described as a traveling hillbilly shack, Banjo Billy's looks like a wild ride perfect for exploring the city. Our tickets are booked for our first night and we are excited to be spooked! They also offer history/city tours publically and privately and private brewery tours if you're not into ghost stories.

Molly Brown House - Margaret “Molly” Brown was an activist, philanthropist, and survivor of the Titanic (she was featured in the movie, played by Kathy Bates). Her home was built in the 1880s and her family purchased it the following decade. Once a place for the wealthy to visit, it eventually became in danger of demolition. Lucky for us, and history, it was saved and is now a museum that visitors can tour.

Rocky Mountain National Park - I'm not a hiker, and with my asthma and the altitude, I am thankful that I can drive through the Rockies and still see all of their glory. Trail Ridge Road takes you through the mountains, and across the Continental Divide. It's highest continuous paved road in the US, so I am a little scared to drive it but we'll see wildlife and beautiful sights so I'm game!

The Stanley Hotel - As you learned above, I like scary things so going to the hotel that served as the inspiration for Stephen King's The Shining is a dream come true. We'll be having a drink at The Whiskey Bar featured in the movie. Even if it wasn't famous, I'd still want to visit because pictures are quite beautiful of the grand white palatial estate nestled into the foothills of the Rockies.

Red Rocks - Every music lover's dream, this venue is a geologically formed, open-air amphitheater. The acoustics are said to be amazing. Unfortunately the concert for the night we'll be there is sold out, but I'm hoping to score last minute StubHub tickets for a reasonable price.

Coors Brewery - THE beer of the Rocky Mountains, it's only right to visit the facility and taste some freshly brewed beverages. Tours are free and there are beer samples. Sold.


And of course smaller breweries and good restaurants will be enjoyed as well. Is there anything on the list that I missed? Recommendations are greatly appreciated!



All photos are © 2017 PeaceJoyAustin. A big thank you for letting me use the images!