Every once in a while, it’s good to get a weekend away with the guys. Denver offers the right mix of food and fun — all while serving as the perfect home base for a mountain adventure.
After landing at Denver International Airport, soak up a panoramic view of the mountains as you drive about 20 miles southwest to downtown. If you’re looking for somewhere unique to stay, check out Denver’s historic Oxford Hotel — and don’t miss dining at the Cruise Room, modeled after a lounge on the 1930s trans-Atlantic ocean liner Queen Mary. For more modern digs, grab a few rooms at The Crawford Hotel or Magnolia, both in the heart of downtown.
Where to Eat
Good food fuels every adventure, and Denver doesn’t disappoint. From the chef’s tasting menu at The Populist and the wood-fired pizzas at Bar Dough to the street tacos from Tacos Tequila Whiskey — all less than a 10-minute drive from downtown — it’s hard to go wrong.
If you’re brave enough to try an infamous local dish, order Rocky Mountain oysters at Buckhorn Exchange, where meat lovers will also be pleased with menu items including beef, buffalo, ribs, quail and even yak and ostrich, depending on availability. For those who love small plates with big flavor, make a reservation at chef Jeff Osaka’s 12 at Madison. The menu rotates seasonally and offers culinary delights like smoked Colorado trout and rabbit rillettes.