Summer is here and it is one of the very best times to be living in one of the most beautiful states in America. Okay, let's be real. Every season in Colorado is beautiful. But as you shed your winter skin and prepare yourself for months of sunshine and swimming pools, here are some cool, unique-to-Colorado ways to celebrate summertime.
1. Climb a 14er.
Hiking is a necessity when you're surrounded by gorgeous mountains, but hiking a 14er (a mountain that reaches at least 14,000 feet in elevation) is an experience all itself. Plan for a long day full of breathtaking scenery (literally. you will be out so very out of breath) and load up on sunscreen and granola bars and go climb a mountain. Check out 14ers.com for a comprehensive list of all 14ers in Colorado and tips to help you navigate them.
2. Paddle boat in Washington Park.
If you've never been to Wash Park in Denver, you're truly missing out a cultural staple. Filled with volleyball nets, dog walkers and baby ducks, Wash Park is the perfect place to spend a sunny day. Bring a friend and a picnic basket, or just bring a book and soak up some alone time. Any time you chose to spend here is all yours, and it will always be relaxing.
3. Go on a First Friday Art Walk.
Denver has seven art districts. Seven. This is the perfect event for artists, art lovers, and art novices alike. With tons of galleries, shows, displays, and creatives to watch, no one is ever bored when at an art walk, especially when each one practically turns into a block party afterwards.
4. Visit the museums (for free!).
Sure, I realize that a lot of us haven't frequented museums since we were in elementary school, but since we are all adults now and constantly searching for knowledge, we should start making museums a habit again. So much can be learned in one visit, and Denver has a ton of museums to satisfy anyone's curiosity. Most museums run a free day once a month, and as long as you get there early, you can avoid a good portion of the crowds. The Denver Art Museum has free days the first Saturday every month, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science has them spread on different days throughout the year, and both the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Botanic Gardens at Chatfield offer free days throughout the summer.
5. Listen to jazz in City Park.
Every Sunday in June and July, City Park hosts jazz nights that are open to music lovers of all ages. There is eating, drinking, singing, and, of course, a whole lot of dancing. What more could you want?
6. Bike along the Platte.
Dust off that bike that you've been keeping in your garage all winter and take it for a spin on the trails that line Denver's beloved Platte. Don't have a bike? No problem. Pick up a red B-Cycle for cheap at one of the 80+ all across Denver. If you're looking for a little bit of extra fun to go with that bike of yours, look into Denver Cruisers, a Wednesday night bar crawl where everyone is dressed in wild costumes and comes prepared to have a great time.
7. Hit the breweries.
Colorado is famous for its beers and bars, and we are lucky enough to have several amazing breweries within short driving distance from Denver. Of course, we have Coors up in Golden, but if you're looking for something a little different, check out Great Divide Brewery, the Tivoli Brewery (located on the Auraria Campus!) and Ratio Beerworks. Or check out this more comprehensive list of the best breweries in Denver.
So whatever it is you decide to do with your free time in Colorado this summer, just make sure you don't waste it all curled up on your couch watching "Nurse Jackie" (and yes, I do know how awesome it is). With all of these cool things happening, it'd really suck to miss out on what could be the best summer of your life.
