Denver prides itself on having something to offer everyone, from excellent places to stay and meeting facilities, to outstanding restaurants and a vibrant music scene. In the Mile High City, delegates will find a thriving arts and culture scene, from world-class museums to unique art districts to creative neighborhoods and street art.
Denver has easy access to trails, parks and mountains, plus a great lineup of spas, markets and wellness spots. From day trips to the mountains to basking on a sunny patio, sports and outdoor recreation are embedded into Denver’s lifestyle.
Denver is widely recognized as one of the most eco-friendly mountain cities in the US, achieving a LEED for Cities Platinum certification for its sustainability and climate initiatives.
DINING IN DENVER
Dining Near the Colorado Convention Center
The Colorado Convention Center is located in the Central Business District of Downtown Denver. The area has plenty of food and restaurant options, sometimes located within hotels (such as the aptly named Teachers’ Lounge inside the Slate Hotel).
Dining in Downtown Denver
The larger downtown Denver area offers many dining options. Particularly spots along the 16th street pedestrian promenade are a favorite. The free and fully-electric 16th Street FreeRide buses makes it easy to get around. Visit Larimer Square and the renovated Denver Union Station in historic LoDo (Lower Downtown), where Victorian buildings now house restaurants, galleries, shops, bars, brewpubs and coffee houses, or head to Denver Pavilions where you’ll find shops, restaurants, bars and a movie theater.
A list of places to eat on or near the 16th street pedestrian promenade can be found here: https://visitdenver.com/things-to-do/attractions/16th-street-mall/#restaurants
EXPLORING DENVER
Unique Denver Experiences
Denver has a large number of one-of-a-kind art, history and outdoor activities. Below is a list of just a few unique things to experience while in Denver:
- Meow Wolf Convergence Station: Lose yourself in a massive, four-story interactive art installation and sci-fi narrative created by hundreds of artists. Secure tickets or learn more at Meow Wolf Convergence Station.
- Red Rocks Amphitheatre: Hike the trails or take a morning yoga class surrounded by massive 300-foot red sandstone formations. Browse events at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre.
- The Buckhorn Exchange: Dine in Denver’s oldest restaurant (est. 1893), famous for its extensive taxidermy collection and exotic menu items like rattlesnake dip and buffalo steaks. Book a table at The Buckhorn Exchange.
- Denver Mint Tour: Learn how billions of coins are manufactured each year at one of only two active production facilities in the United States. [1, 2, 3]
- The Infinite Monkey Theorem: Sip on wine straight from a can or tap in an industrial-chic urban winery hidden in an alleyway in the River North (RiNo) Art District. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
BIPOC Owned Businesses in Denver: https://shopbipoc.com/page/3/?s=denver
LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses in Denver: https://gaydenver.com/places/
(Please note NEA doesn’t support these in any way – these are informational)