Bears are my favorite animal, and blue is my favorite color. Who knew there would be such a bright…read moresight greeting us all at the convention center for our conference? The Big Blue Bear gets 5 stars from me! Fun for the whole family to take pictures with!

I love me some public art! This 40-foot blue bear is so cute and curious peering through the glass…read morewindows of the Colorado Convention Center. I wonder what the bear is looking for? :) https://yelp.to/JG18P-mkUp I probably only spent a total of 5-8 minutes looking at the sculpture but definitely worth the photo op while walking around Downtown Denver.

Millennium Bridge is what happens when Denver decides a staircase over train tracks needs a…read morebranding strategy. On paper, it's a pedestrian bridge connecting the Union Station side of downtown to Commons Park. In practice, it is one of Denver's most self-aware pieces of infrastructure. It does not just help you cross from one area to another. It makes sure you know you are having an experience. The bridge goes up and over the railroad tracks just south of Union Station, which gives the crossing more drama than your average urban walkway. You are not just getting from downtown to the other side. You are ascending above rail lines, light rail, and the low-grade chaos of that whole area like a person briefly rising above Denver's ongoing negotiation with itself. The design is civic theater. Big white mast. Cables. Clean lines. Early 2000s optimism. It has "public project that wanted to be iconic" energy. Denver could have built a plain functional bridge. Instead it said, no, let's make this pedestrian overpass look like it's aspirational. And then there are the stairs. The stairs are where the bridge really reveals itself. Because yes, this is a sleek architectural statement. But it is also, very literally, a bunch of stairs asking whether you meant it when you said you wanted to walk. There are elevators, thankfully, for anyone with luggage, mobility needs, or no interest in turning a casual crossing into a leg day. Denver may give you the aesthetic, but it would also like you to put in a little effort. What the bridge connects is actually useful. Union Station, downtown, and the 16th Street area on one side. Commons Park and the Platte Valley side on the other. So yes, it serves a real purpose. But it also feels like one of those places where Denver gets to pretend it's a denser, more polished city for about six minutes. The vibe is extremely local. A little aspirational. A little performative. A little windy. You cross it and see trains below, glass towers nearby, and just enough skyline to think, okay, maybe this town does clean up well. Then somebody on a scooter whips by, a runner treats the stairs like Red Rocks training, and your trance breaks. That is probably why the bridge works. It is dramatic without being truly grand. Useful without being humble. A piece of infrastructure with main-character syndrome. Would cross again.

Beautiful Denver Millennium Bridge is the world's first cable-stayed bridge using post-tensioned…read morestructural construction. It's located near downtown in Riverfront Park. The bridge is one of 3 pedestrian bridges between Downtown Denver and the Highland neighborhood. The 1st pedestrian bridge crosses the train tracks, 2nd a creek & 3rd interstate 25. These 3 bridges were built in 2002 & cost $9,000,000 each.

I wandered in expecting a patch of grass downtown, but it turned out to be more than that--a little…read moreurban playground wedged between buildings, where something's always happening. In the summer, kids are running through splash pads and people lounge with iced coffees like it's their personal terrace. Winter? There's an ice rink and a cozy little vibe that makes downtown feel like a Hallmark movie. It's not huge, but it packs in charm--ping pong tables, food trucks, random art, and the kind of people-watching you only get in a place that never really quiets down. It's one of those spots you don't plan on staying long in... but somehow, you do.

I visit this park from time to time when I can. When visiting this park, it always makes my outings…read moreworth it. The security are always happy to greet people that are visiting (when they are doing there rounds), the restrooms are always clean whenever they are open, and even on hot days, they provide ice cold water. Even if you visit this park for an hour, or even for five minutes passing through, you will love that you did. It is a beautiful park to see on your way to work or on your outting. Make sure you bring your family the next time you visit.or pass through, even bring your pets!!!

Our favorite art install of the Big Blue Bear. This is right next to the convention center and…read moreclose to the 16th street mall.

The Colorado Convention Center is home to "I See What You Mean," AKA the giant Blue Bear that peers…read moreinto the Center's interior. Created by Colorado-based artist Lawrence Argent, the curious blue bear is 40 ft. tall & we walked under it to get a great photo.

The current Auraria Campus just west of downtown Denver which includes Community College of Denver,…read moreMetropolitan State University of Denver, and University of Colorado Denver, decimated a vibrant, historic Hispanic neighborhood which formerly existed on the site. Auraria was actually Denver's oldest neighborhood and predated the City of Denver. All of this was leveled in 1973 in the name of progress and urban renewal. After escalating protests and demonstrations by the displaced community, the authorities agreed to preserve some of the most historic structures including three churches, the Tivoli Brewery complex, and a few homes. This one historic, residential block is now a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling educational campus. There are 13 Victorian homes built between 1872 and 1906 plus an historic retail space. The Golda Meir House, where the Israeli prime minister lived during her time in Denver, was moved to the campus in 1988. This is the oldest residential area in Denver and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and as a Denver Landmark. All of the structures have been restored and are occupied by campus offices these days. The public is free to wander up and down the block or to sit on a bench to enjoy the beautiful space which seems to sit in its own little bubble of the past.

Here is a cool park in Auraria. It doesn't get too many visitors because it's hidden. 9th Street…read moreHistoric Park is one of the city's oldest places. Fun to walk around. There's historical markers. Between the campus buildings is this hidden park not many people know about. It actually has been there since about the city's beginning. This is a block of completely restored Victorian houses. Now these are used for college offices and official business. They're still nice to look at and there's plenty of green space. It doesn't take long to look at. It's a small park with old houses. This is especially interesting for those interested in Victorian architecture and things.

This is a short, interesting tour. No bags allowed. You can bring your phone but you cannot take…read moreany photos and you are asked to power it off. Good luck with parking. We ended up at a pay lot a couple blocks away. No paper money is made at this particular but zillions of coins--and I do mean zillions--are made here. That is one reason security is so tight. Young children will be bored to death on this tour but for everyone else, it is worth taking. The gift shop is worth checking out, too.

This is an interesting way to spend an hour...I was in Denver in June so it was a bit of a…read moreproduction securing tickets in advance. We were able to get them for 8:30 AM on a Wednesday. Report time is exactly when the tour time starts. You go through airport level security and must power down cell phones/absolutely no phones. The tour part itself is about an hour which was very historical and informative. The tour is quite worthwhile and I would recommend.

Crossing the Highland Bridge in Denver feels like walking a ribbon of modern design stretched high…read moreabove the rush of the city. One side is the bustling LoDo district, the other the quieter charm of the Highlands--and in between, this graceful steel arch gently carries you across I-25 like it's no big deal. The bridge itself is sleek, with curved railings and soft lights that glow just enough at night to make it feel welcoming, not flashy. I passed joggers, cyclists, a couple holding coffee cups and deep conversation, all moving along like this walkway was their favorite shortcut--and honestly, I get it. It's not just functional, it's scenic. From the middle of the bridge, you get a postcard view of Denver's skyline, especially stunning at sunset when the city lights start flickering to life. The hum of the highway below fades out just enough to let the moment feel peaceful. It's a short walk, but one that makes the city feel more connected--like two worlds meeting in midair.

"People are unhappy because they build walls instead of bridges. Let them be known as Bridge…read moreBuilders." - K. Orion (on the plaque) This is a cool 320 foot cable bridge for pedestrians and bicyclists. The triple rib steel arch is approximately 70 ft high at its' apex. The bridge deck is suspended by the cable stays! There are actually three bridges that are used to get from 16th Street in the Highland Neighborhood to Commons Park near Union Station in Downtown Denver. The first two bridges are Platte River Bridge and the Millennium Bridge. On Google Maps, the Highland Bridge & Platte River Bridge is called Highland Cable Bridge and ends in Commons Park. This particular bridge is the third one. It spans Interstate 25. It begins in the Highland Neighborhood community where everyone walks around. It for sure connects Central St & 16th Street to Platte Street Plaza on the south end near Platte Street. It may connect Platte Street Plaza to Commons Park if it is indeed part of the Highland Bridge. I'm a little befuddled. Earlier in the day, I parked over on Little Raven St and walked through Commons Park over to Platte Street. I deemed that Highland Bridge was too far to cross at the time. I drove my car to Central Street. I parked for free on Central Street close to the entrance of this bridge. If you're up for a walk and want to avoid parking meters in downtown, this is the place to park! I walked across the bridge from Central to Platte Street Plaza. There's a circular ramp that you can use if you prefer to use it over stairs. Great option for bicycles, skaters, wheelchairs & ADA compliant. The bridge deck is 13 feet high. This circular ramp has this sculpture called National Velvet at the bottom. It's an oddity to say the least. ( https://www.yelp.com/biz/national-velvet-denver?hrid=WCAitjhje8Tjf-HrHljjPg&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) ) Over on Platte Street, I visited the Habit Doughnut Dispensary. It was such a hot walk, but the doughnut place had their outdoor misters on and that was such a relief. I sat inside to eat my doughnut before heading back. Once i was back at Central Street, I debated on walking to Little Man Ice Cream. Since I was already overheating, I chose to drive up to it. I almost regretted that decision because the free parking was all taken. There is a paid lot across the street, but I wanted to avoid paying to park. After circling a few times, I finally got into a spot in front of the store! If you can endure the exercise from Central Street or further, it would be better to walk. This bridge is the perfect way to get from Point A to Point B (or anywhere in between)! I stopped over the Interstate to watch the cars below. The bridge is easy to walk across. This is definitely a great addition to the other two bridges and the Highland Neighborhood!!

The tower is at the corner of the 16th was the Daniel & Fisher Dept Store in 1910 & then a…read morecabarate. It was designed by Sterner & modeled after The Campanile in Venice, Italy. The 20-floor clock tower has clock faces on all 4 sides. May Company purchased Daniels & Fisher in 1958, and the store vacated the tower. Now it is residential & office space with ghost tours meeting in front. After dark a light show was projected onto the sides of the building.

I came on Saturday during the Grand Reopening of 16th Street in downtown. You can buy a ticket thru…read morea QR code at the entrance. You could also probably buy a ticket up on the 17th floor. Floors 2-16 are office condos. Only $10/person for a self-guided tour. The lobby on the first floor has been remodeled with clean marble and classic bronze doors. The basement is for the Clocktower Caberet venue with Burlesque & Drag shows. You take the elevator to the 17th floor. There is a narrow balcony around the tower to see the outside. It is not wide enough for wheelchairs. You climb up metal stairs to 18th to see the clock faces from the inside, then more stairs to 20th. Another walkaround balcony a little bit narrower. Then more stairs to 21st floor to see corkscrew stairs (closed to the public) to the pinnacle. Large display of historical information on 1st floor. The 18th & 20th floors are available for rental after 4pm daily.

This is a beautiful old building and they offer free tours which I highly recommend. Our tour…read moreguide was excellent. To date, we have toured seven different state capitol buildings around the country and have taken a tour in each of them. I would rank this tour very highly. There are a fair number of stairs and walking on the tour so if stairs, walking, or the elevation is a concern, use the elevator during your visit or on the tour. The building is worth visiting to see the marble alone. It is everywhere and it is gorgeous. One of the highlights of the tour was going to the top of the building. There are many, many stairs to take (90? 99? I cannot recall) to get there so keep that in mind. But if you reach the top, you will be rewarded with amazing 360 degree views in all directions. Well worth a visit!

I had lived in Denver for years, close to two decades, and always driven by the capital with…read morethoughts of taking a tour... one of these days. And, it really is silly that it took me so long to put my name on the line for one of the daily free tours. Colorado really has such a wonderful Western, independent spirit. The tour was not only decent with the history of the building and the culture which is Colorado, I learned some things contributed by this state that I didn't know. Like, did you know that the song "America the Beautiful" was a poem written by English professor Katharine Lee Bates after climbing Pikes Peak? Did you know Colorado was really active in the women's suffrage movement? There's plenty more to say about this fair state and the house that leads it, but I'll let ya'll learn for yourselves. The view from the top is also soooo very TOPS, well worth the tour just to take in that vista.

Although Independence Plaza is surrounded by a spattering of chain restaurant and phone stores,…read morethis is not the essence of Independence Plaza. Instead, for Independence Plaza flava, check out the amazing hot dog stand immediately preceding it on the west end. Independence Plaza is where you will find your classic Denver wizards and magicians. And even better, you will generally find them engaged in a riveting chess game surrounded by 3,000 other intriguing bums + other interesting Denver folk. Perhaps the best feature of this plaza are the built in stone chessboards just made for, well, playing chess, especially on a delightful summer day/night. In fact, the chessboards are even watched over by stone/mosaic chess watchers on one side. Though the plaza is barricaded by Starbucks on every side, it nonetheless radiates Denver charm from the core. There is always a buzz in the air...office folk rushing about their day, folks eating outdoors in cafes, a general spirit of uplifitedness : )

You know for a sort of mall-ish spot, this dig is pretty damn nice…read more Going in you see the usual plethora of stores, but in the center you find a fountain with sky-lights above. During evening hours the sun hits the fountain just so, and illuminates all the polished steel chairs and chess boards in a sort of solar radiance which just makes one feel nice and warm inside. As I've said before, I'm all about public chess games, where you duke it out with some homeless guy who wants to bet you a dollar a game, lose intentionally, and then try to 'hussle' you by raising the stakes to two whole dollars a game. Careful young Fisher, there are sharks about