The Perfect Weekend in Denver With Trip Television

Our perfect weekend  in Denver starts at  Red Rocks and continues to see lions and tigers and bears, to the dance floor and to a secret bar. But not before catching sunrise from a hot air balloon, exploring art and cycling to a brewery.  Check out the video here.

First, think of the best place you have ever seen a concert. Next, think of the most beautiful experience you have had with nature. Combine these two, and you have Red Rocks Amphitheatre, one of the finest venues in the world. Huge rock formations on either side, mixed with an open-air setting, allow for some of the best acoustics you will ever hear at a live show. Add in the fact that you can see all of Denver’s lights at night, and you have one of the prettiest places on the front range. But concerts are not the only thing great about Red Rocks – it’s more than just an amphitheatre.

Early risers run the 69 empty rows (quite the challenge at 6400 feet), while those looking for more casual fun may take a guided tour of the park, which spans over 800 gorgeous acres with activities ranging from biking and hiking to conferences and church services. The views are absolutely stunning if you are looking for beauty in Colorado, and there are plenty of fun and interesting facts for those more interested in its history. Walk around this amazing place with open ears and eyes, because if you listen closely enough, you can still hear the Beatles melodic tunes echoing off the rocks from their first U.S. tour.

Santa Fe Arts District

Looking for a bit of cultural adventure? Want to see Denver with an edge? Try stepping out of the skyscrapers and into the outskirts of town to see the famous Santa Fe Arts District. Lining the streets are dozens of galleries and shops with art ranging from abstract paintings to landscape photography. The local artists are always welcoming and happy to give insight to their work. You’re sure to see plenty to quench your thirst for the artsy side of the city, as it would be hard to enjoy all that this little section of Denver has to offer in a day. Besides galleries and boutiques, the pubs and restaurants around the district vibrate with their own unique tastes, allowing you to stop and take a break from all the sights without leaving the culture of the area behind.

If you want to see this section of Denver at its peak, be sure to check it out on the First Friday of every month, around 6pm, when the local Art Walk has people crowding the streets to see what’s new in all the galleries. Many of them have mini-bars serving glasses of wine, local beer and cocktails to enjoy while viewing the art. Food trucks line up with some of the best Denver eats, and local bands may play right outside on the sidewalk. It’s the heart of Denver culture that you won’t want to miss.

Fair Winds Hot Air Balloons

What do intense heat, extreme altitude, and breathtaking views have in common? Your ticket to the most tranquil ride across the skies of the Front Range. Fair Winds in Boulder, Colorado gives hot-air balloon rides to guests year-round. Their professional, certified pilots guide you on an unforgettable flight that changes your perspective on Colorado’s already gorgeous scenery. They literally take your vacation to new heights.

By giving locals and vacationers this unique Colorado experience, Fair Winds allows people the chance to see its beauty from a very unique perspective. The owner, Jeff Meeker, explains the ride as “serene, mellow, and very smooth.” He says, “It’s a sensation that’s absolutely worth feeling, at least once if you have the chance, and with the beauty out here (in Colorado) this is absolutely one of the places to do it.” Don’t believe me? Give this ride a chance and you will see that the pilots at Fair Winds are not simply “blowing hot air.”

Reservations can be made in advance for this unique experience as they book personal trips all the way to large parties and instructional flights. Be sure to bring a camera and dress in layers, preparing for an experience unlike any other. They will transport you to and from the launch site, provide continental breakfast, and send you home with some cool swag and a personal photo. You can even assist in the inflation of the balloon. Now that’s playing with fire.

Wild Animal Sanctuary

Many people come to Colorado for the beautiful landscapes. Others come for the abundance of wildlife. But did you know we also have lions, tigers, wolves and leopards? That’s right, Colorado’s own Wild Animal Sanctuary, a 720-acre plot of land located northeast of Denver, is home to over 200 animals and dozens of species. And you thought you knew what Colorado was all about.

Animals rescued from all over the United States are brought to the sanctuary from homes where they were kept illegally, abused or simply not getting the care they needed. This home gives the animals an opportunity to live in a natural environment. It also gives you the opportunity to feed your hunger for the wild side (no, you cannot eat the animals).

Pat Craig, the Executive Director of the sanctuary, loves to see visitors’ reactions when they first see the sanctuary because he says, “Most people have no idea what a sanctuary like this is like. Many people have never had the opportunity to see packs of wolves working and operating like they would in the wild, or prides of lions.” He thinks it’s a once in a wild-lifetime experience. Just try not to jump into the enclosures, grizzly man.

The Wild Animal Sanctuary is open year-round, and always welcomes visitors around 9AM and closes at sunset. Check out a full overview of the sanctuary on their website.

Root Down

Colorado prides itself on unique experiences. Most everyone seems to know the state for its natural beauty and seasonal weather. But what if we take those concepts and apply them to food? No, we aren’t talking about dining in the middle of a raging blizzard or while floating the river on a raft. We’re talking about Root Down, one of Denver’s best farm-to-table restaurants.

The idea of farm-to-table is a simple one. We love this state and all it has to offer, so we also like to keep our food as local as possible. Root Down does just this, all while using organic foods and a seasonal menu.

Whatever is fresh off of the farm is what you are going to get, and it’s going to be done with style. The Executive Chef, Jeremy Kittelson, keeps it local even when describing his restaurant. “Root Down really captures the spirit of Denver in that it is new, exciting and growing,” he says. “We are embracing that spirit by having fun and doing great food. We want to put our own culinary twist on it.”

You’ll want to make a reservation, as Root Down draws a lot of attention. Just don’t get too comfortable, or you may end up rooted to the floor.

Grizzly Rose

What has only one leg and will probably send you flying into the air?

The mechanical bull at the Grizzly Rose, of course. Strap up your boots and git’ yourself on down to one of the largest honky-tonks in the US. Colorado has always boasted a little cowboy in its roots, and the Grizzly Rose is one of the best places to practice your line dancing skills. There is almost always live music going on, and national artists rock this venue weekly.

The dance floor, and the bar, are chocked full of people who like to dance and enjoy themselves. Head cowgirl and GM, Lindy Hulseberg, says, “It’s very friendly environment, and it’s a lot of fun. Come out and learn how to dance, ride the bull, have a drink and make a lot of new friends.” She might even challenge you to a “bull duel,” since side-by-side you can ride against your friends to see who really is the baddest outlaw in the west. But first you’ll have to put your drink down.

B Cycle

When visiting somewhere new, you can rent a car, hail a cab, or buy a bus pass for transportation around the city. But in Denver, you can experience the scenery through the senses with B-cycle, an awesome bike-sharing program with stations all over the city. Cruise through the heart of downtown or enjoy a ride around the local parks without ever having to bring your bike with you. Now that’s getting somewhere.

It’s an easy process, and bikes are available almost anywhere around Denver. Simply walk up to a station, pay a small fee, and ride away on one of their ruby red cruisers. Got some stuff with you? Put it in the basket without the hassle of carrying it. Park the bike at the station nearest to your destination, and continue enjoying whatever it is you came to do. Why wait in traffic or stick to the busy roads and taxis when you can B-cruising around freely in seconds? B-cycle is just another way to enjoy all the wonderful sunshine Colorado has to offer.