Colorado has so many hidden gems that attract millions of visitors yearly. Colorado has the infamous Rocky Mountains but the heart of the city surprises many with its rich history, unique experiences and welcoming atmosphere. Check out these five ‘most Colorado’ places to visit on your next trip.
Red Rocks Amphitheater is world renowned by so many artists and bands that play there. Located in Morrison, CO just on the edge of town, Red Rocks is exactly what it sounds like. Towering red rocks that look like something out of the Jurassic period. This concert venue has been in Colorado since 1906 and has held a plethora of entertaining acts from the Grateful Dead in 1978, The Beatles in 1964, Jimi Hendrix in 1968, John Denver in 1974 and Daft Punk in 2007. Red Rocks continues to book a wide variety of artists and bands from every genre. It is a unique experience to feel the breeze of a summer night on your neck while you enjoy the sound of your favorite artist and a breathtaking view of Denver’s lights sparkling in the distance. Red Rocks is one of the most ‘Colorado places’ to visit on your next trip.
The Colorado Rockies play in one of the newest ballparks in America. Coors Field isn’t just a normal ballpark, it has an infectious party ambiance with a side of professional baseball. Coors Field was built in 1995 and has since become a major hot spot with its newest renovation. The Rooftop is a large section of the stadium with just standing room and a large bar. This area of the stadium is also known as the party deck and that’s just it. People go to the party deck to mingle, drink and occasionally look at the score of the game. It’s a great way to hang out with friends without having to awkwardly sit in a line. Coors Field is definitely another “most Colorado” place to visit on your next trip.
To natives, Casa Bonita is kind of a joke. This restaurant is a giant pink castle looking Mexican restaurant with not so delicious cafeteria style food. But the attractions on the inside is what keeps this restaurant in business. Every Colorado native has been to Casa Bonita, especially as a child. There is a giant waterfall inside with a man dressed as a gorilla chasing a couple that eventually dives into water to escape the beast. The diving show happens every hour on the hour and when you’re not watching the show— there are plenty of other attractions to keep you busy. There is a haunted cave to walk through as well as a caricature artist, puppet show and gift shop with cool Colorado memorabilia. There is also a secret room upstairs that full of old school arcade games. Even if you’re not a kid celebrating your 6th birthday, Casa Bonita is quite an experience. And don’t be alarmed when the food isn’t gourmet, the endless sopapillas definitely make up for it.
Estes Park is a celebrated mountain town in the Rocky Mountain National Park area. This little town has a long row of shops, beautiful hiking trails, wineries and giant moose walking around. Estes Park is also home to the infamous Stanley Hotel that served as the inspiration for Stephen King’s 1977 best-selling novel, The Shining. This gorgeous Colonial Revival hotel was built in 1910. The Stanley Hotel has housed a long list of famous people from Bob Dylan to the emperor of Japan in the mid-90s. This hotel got its haunted persona after Stephen King expressed his ghost experiences while staying at the hotel in the early 70s. Today the Stanley Hotel is open to meetings, weddings and haunted tours. This hotel has even been featured on both Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures; two shows known for investigating paranormal activities. This beautiful town is another important piece of Colorado’s history and attraction.
The Brown Palace is located on 17thSt. and Tremont Pl. in Downtown Denver. This hotel is also very rich in history, it was built in 1892 and has hosted very important people throughout time. Some very notable guests have been the “unsinkable” Molly Brown, The Beatles, William Taft, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. If you have ever seen the movie Titanic, the grand staircase with ornate detailing is exactly the design running throughout the Brown Palace. This hotel is dripping with an Italian Renaissance Revival style that transports you immediately to Denver in the late 1890s and early 1900s. Today, the Brown Palace is still a luxury hotel and spa offering traditional brunches, holiday parties and pricey rooms. This hotel is a huge part of Colorado historically and culturally. Check out this “most Colorado” place on your next trip.
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