Denver Botanic Gardens

It's one of Denver’s first green rooftops and is a magical everyday escape where kids of all ages can play and learn about six of Colorado’s ecosystems, which change in appearance with every season.

Washington Park

The long, rectangular park has two lakes, paddle boat rentals, bike rentals, shade trees, a two-mile jogging path, mountain views and a huge area for volleyball tournaments, but it's the gardens that people like the best. Dogs on leashes are welcome and on most days there are almost as many canines as humans.

South Pearl Street

South Pearl Street is one of Denver’s most historic, charming, and popular shopping districts. Stretching from Buchtel to Jewell Avenues, the tree-lined blocks are the antidote to the modern mega-mall. Here you’ll find an authentic mix of real people, locally-owned one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques, some of the city’s hottest restaurants and night spots, as well as popular seasonal events all year long. Some of our favorite spots include:

Jacks- great for dinner or rooftop drinks

Stella's Coffee Shop- great coffee house vibes

Steam- another coffee house favorite

Platte Street Brewery- A Denver staple for cold local beers

Park Burger- great casual spot for burgers an drinks

Bird- a great local spot for brunch

Rino

Or otherwise known as River North, is Denver's home to some of the greatest breweries in the Nation. Rhino expands 10 blocks in the heart of downtown, where you can find great restaurants, food trucks and local breweries. Roughly about 15- 20 minutes frim Englewood. Some of our favorites include:

Improper City

Stem Ciders Tap Room

Bierstadt Lagerhaus

Cherry Creek

Known for their indoor mall and outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment. Cherry Creek is luxury area to enjoy incredible restaurants and shopping. Just 10 minutes from the wedding location, cherry creek offers an morning or afternoon of fun. Some of our favorite spots include:

Barry’s gym – for a good workout

Quality Italian- delicious italian food

Forget me Not- a upscale cocktail bar

Machetes- Margaritas and tacos

Masons Famous Lobster Roles- Great seafood

The Cherry Cricket- voted best burger in Colorado

Syrup- phenomenal breakfast

Hiking/Outdoor Recreation:

BEAR CREEK TRAIL AT LAIR O THE BEAR

Distance: 1.6 Miles

Difficulty: Easy

Let’s start with a family favorite. Lair O the Bear has the best name of any park near Denver. Our family has found it a quick escape from the city and a great place to have an afternoon picnic in the shade of the aspens along Bear Creek. The short drive up Bear Creek Canyon is beautiful. The trail runs alongside Bear Creek, so keep your eyes peeled for Ouzels, little birds also known as Dippers that dive under water to feed.

CLEAR CREEK TRAIL IN GOLDEN

Distance: 1.8 Round Trip

Difficulty: Easy

The Clear Creek trail was a favorite with our young kids. The first segment, in downtown Golden, is paved, then turns to a dirt trail after going 470. The county has plans to keep expanding the trail into Clear Creek Canyon. You can soak your feet in the cool water of Clear Creek and watch kayakers run through the chutes. If you’re lucky, you might get a chance to witness swift water rescue trainings hosted here every year.

PANORAMA POINT

Distance: 2.7 Mile Out-and-Back

Difficulty: Moderate

Panorama Point may be the quickest drive and hike to gain these kind of views of the Front Range. Mt. Falcon probably gives it a run for it’s money, but it definitely lives up to its name. We recommend beginning at the West lot for a shorter hike to the point