Top Local's recommendations to see/do in denver

1. Work Out at Red Rocks Amphitheater
Take in the scenic, natural red rock setting over-looking Denver and the metro area, by working up a sweat and running the stairs and jumping or squatting the ledges. Of course you can always just relax at the top of the amphitheater and take in the views which are nothing short of spectacular.

2. Visit Union Station
Restored in 2014, the functional train-station is home to several upscale restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. Take in the grandiose massive vaulted ceilings and detailed chandeliers.

3. Bike the Cherry Creek trail and picnic at Wash Park
Pick up a cheap and easy bike rental from B-Cycle stations throughout all of downtown and hop on the Cherry Creek trail. You can pick it up all along Speer Blvd where it parallels the easy flowing, Cherry Creek southbound. Take the Corona St. ramp and head down Downing to get Denver's largest park and enjoy the beautiful open space of Wash Park.

4. Coors Brewery Tour
Located in Golden, and yes one of those macro-brewers amongst a sea of micro, niche beers, a tour at Coors is a staple of any Denver visit. See the brewing process and get a few free samples of either the original, silver bullet, or other Coors-Molson staples.

5. Take in scenic Larimer Square at night
A lively haven of foodie restaurants and local shops, Larmier Square lights up the streets each night with their hanging lights overhead with a scenic skyline backdrop.

6. Stop in for Salted Oreo Ice Cream at Little Man Ice Cream
A fan favorite for their popular and delicious salted oreo ice cream, Little Man has one of the best views of the entire skyline and beckons a strong crowd for people watching as well. Situated hillside in LoHo (lower Highlands), look for the large 2.5 story tall, steel milk can to find your sweet-tooth heaven.
 

Top 5 Denver breweries

Breckenridge Brewery
LoDo (Lower Downtown)
Breckenridge Brewery was founded in the 1980s by Richard Squire, a ski bum with a knack for home brewing. His ales and porters soon became the town of Breckenridge’s après ski drink of choice for athletes after a long day on the mountain. And in the 1990s, this little brewpub migrated into Denver. It now has 5 locations and ships to 32 states, but retains its integrity as one of Colorado’s most interesting producers of a pint.

Must Try: The heavier Nitro Vanilla Porter combines hints of chocolate, caramel and coffee.

Great Divide Brewing Co.
LoDo (Lower Downtown)
Great Divide is easily one of the best breweries in Denver, so starting your day with a solid hour here is proof of high IQs and BACs. The tap room tenders will happily serve up a pint of liquor store basics like Hoss, Nomad, and DPA at noon daily, and hopefully they’ll also have one of their many seasonal brews ready for drinking, like the oak-aged Yeti Porters. The patio scene is small and is first-come, first-served (no excuse to not arrive early) and always has a nice aroma of sweet hops and tasty food trucks. If you start with a beer at Great Divide, you’re already having a great day.

Must Try: Colette, Farmhouse/Saison

Crooked Stave
RiNo (River North)
Known for its outlandish take on experimental brewing, Crooked Stave fits right in with Colorado’s quirky, hipster stereotype. The brewery recently relocated to The Source, a massive warehouse-like artisanal marketplace. Inside, the brewery and taproom lies adjacent to a bakery, coffee roaster and art gallery. Crooked Stave specializes in sour ales, bringing a refreshing twist to Denver’s beer scene. You can’t go wrong trying any brew from its signature Wild Wild Brett series.

Must Try: The Wild Wild Brett Rouge—a tart red—has traces of hawthorn berries, rosehips and tropical fruit, with an earthy finish.

Renegade
Renegade doesn’t have TVs at the bar -- a reflection of its philosophy that the taproom is about good friends and good beer only. No distractions. Living its motto of "bring a friend or make a friend," Renegade's inviting atmosphere is the perfect place to sip a pint and play a board game. But don’t let the casual atmosphere fool you. Renegade is no-nonsense about brewing. It’s a youngster in Denver, having opened in 2011, but it has already won a bronze at the GABF for its imperial stout.

Must Try: The Wheat Wine is a complex rich beer that’ll turn any beer lover’s palate. It starts with zesty hops and blends into a caramel earthy malt.

Denver Beer Company
Riverfront Park
A day combining the Colorado sun and the Colorado brews by Denver Beer Co. is day well-spent. The garage doors open at high noon, making the DBC one of the earliest opened breweries in Denver. After downing a couple powerhouse beers like Sun Drenched Ale and Graham Cracker Porter, order up a warm pretzel and/or snag some more sustenance from one of the rotating food trucks parked outside.

Must Try: The Graham Cracker Porter.