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5 reasons Denver is one of the US’s most underrated cities
It’s located almost slap bang in the center of America, miles from the East and West Coasts – but if Denver, the state capitol of Colorado, isn’t on of your list of cities to visit in the USA, it should be.
It’s the natural start to a road trip through Colorado’s awe-inspiring scenery, or a skiing holiday in the mountains – but first, you should spend a bit of time in the city itself and take in all it has to offer.
In this quick countdown, we list five reasons why the ‘Mile High City’ (named as such because its highest point is one mile above sea level) is among the most exciting, cosmopolitan and gay-friendly cities in the Home of the Brave…
1 The shopping
You go to America, you shop. Them’s the rules. And Denver is a superb place to, ahem, blow your wad.
The 16th Street Mall (below) is a haven for shopping. A mixture of high street chains and Coloradoan designers, it’s completely pedestrianized. The only vehicles you’ll find on the road are the free buses that’ll whisk you from one end to the other. Cherry Creek is a more traditional mall. It’s big, but not intimidatingly so, and is packed to the rafters with familiar names.
If you shop nowhere else, you must visit Rockmount Ranch Wear. It’s an Aladdin’s cave of cowboy couture, from boots to buckles, and more fringed leather than you can shake a stick at. The store’s founder, Jack A. Weil, (who worked right up until his death aged 107) created the first cowboy shirts with poppers as opposed to button, and Rockmount’s clothes have been worn by Elvis and Queen. Of course, if it’s good enough for royalty…
2 The scene
You wouldn’t imagine a city in the central United States to be especially welcoming to LGBT travelers and, in some cases, you’d be right. Not where Denver’s concerned though. It’s conservative in comparison to NYC or LA, but it’s also a city that prides itself on its cosmopolitan attitude and there’s a thriving LBGTI community there.
As far as nightlife is concerned, get yourself along to Charlie’s Denver if you fancy country and western, line dancing lessons and karaoke. Girls, Blush & Blu is the best lesbian bar in town and has comedy and burlesque, as well as a daily happy hour. Tracks, meanwhile, is the granddaddy of the Denver scene.
3 PrideFest
Denver’s PrideFest is one of the biggest prides in the USA. Held in June, 2015 saw it celebrate its 40th birthday, and over 370,000 people showed up to say happy birthday. The whole city comes together to celebrate the gay agenda, and Denver’s magnificent outdoor theater, the Greek Theater, becomes party central. This year, the center stage saw 25 acts over three days, including Mya, whilst Lisa Vanderpump made an appearance at Drag Nation, where she shared a stage with the delectable Sharon Needles. Because of its 300 days of sunshine a year, the parade is very rarely rained on.
4 The food
Colorado’s food scene is excellent – we’ve never eaten so well. Coloradoans like fresh, locally-produced ingredients, and meals served in portions that are manageable, rather than gargantuan. Everywhere has a signature dish, and your only real limit is your budget. We ate at Guard and Grace, where the cod was to die for and the steak cooked to perfection, and both for around $30 (£20, €28). And, if Mediterranean fare’s your thing, Rioja’s an intimate venue with meals prepared by award-winning chef Jennifer Jasinski.
5 The location
Denver boasts the unique quality of having hundreds of mountains visible from viewpoints throughout the city; a constant reminder of the state’s dramatic, rugged terrain. One such example is the stunning, snow-capped Pikes Peak, which stands 4,302m tall. As such, there are countless one-day excursion options that allow you to explore the nearby landscape that drop you right back in the city by sundown (Pikes Peak is a two-hour drive away, for example). For a comprehensive list of day trip options, click here.
Gay Star Travel stayed at The Curtis Hotel in Denver. www.denver.org
Words: Andrew Gonsalves
The post 5 reasons Denver is one of the US’s most underrated cities appeared first on Gay Star News.
GSN Contributor
www.gaystarnews.com/article/5-reasons-denver-is-one-of-the-uss-most-underrated-cities/
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