As a third-generation Denverite whose ancestors arrived in Colorado
by covered wagon in 1884, Charles Burdick, director of guest
services for the Adam's Mark Hotel in downtown Denver, is a fount
of insider's tips on what to see and do in the Mile High City.
"People often think of Denver as a cow town and forget that it's
a sophisticated city with lots of cultural attractions," says
Burdick. "On Blake Street in LoDo, for instance, there are 30 art
galleries that were there long before the sports bars and shops.
They offer art lovers everything from Impressionist art to the Old
Masters, and they're located in authentic turn-of-the-century
buildings that have been upgraded and restored, but have kept their
original character."
Although Larimer Square and the 16th Street Mall are justifiably
famous for their myriad shopping opportunities, Burdick also
recommends travelers visit for the free entertainment that's almost
always on the schedule. At least two or three times a month, he
says, Larimer Square stages presentations of plays or appearances
by the Symphony, while strolling performers strut their stuff up
and down the 16th Street Mall.
Denver offers families a mind-boggling array of children's
activities and attractions, but one of the best, says Burdick, is
also one of the least known. "The Denver Performing Arts Complex
has seven theaters, including the Stage, one of its smaller spaces,
where special children's productions are frequently held in
conjunction with the Denver Public Library. On certain weekends,
they offer presentations of children's puppet shows and fairy
tales."
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Famous luminaries who have lived in Denver include Buffalo
Bill, whose house (now a museum) and grave are popular attractions;
the "unsinkable" Molly Brown, who survived the Titanic disaster and
whose beautiful Victorian house is now a museum; the young Golda
Meir, who later became prime minister of Israel; Dr. Justina Ford,
Denver's first African-American doctor, whose former residence now
houses the Black American West Museum; silent movie star Douglas
Fairbanks, and actress Hattie McDaniel, the first African American
to win an Academy Award for her performance in "Gone With the
Wind."