Denver is one of those cities that can’t decide what it wants to be, and that works to its advantage. It’s cosmopolitan, it’s natural; it’s left, it’s right. The city is constantly growing, and it’s more progressive than you would believe. But there are things that will never change, which is what attracted locals to move here in the first place. With hikes and bikes and brews and bongs, Denver makes a solid destination for all types of bachelor parties. Here are some of the things you shouldn’t leave Denver without trying.
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Go to a Broncos Game
1701 Bryant St, Denver, CO, United States
When in season, football fever hits Denver like a storm, even if Peyton Manning (or Terrell Davis or John Elway) has hung up his jersey. Being a Broncos fan is basically part of Denver lifestyle and, on game days, you’ll see the city completely overtaken with orange, blue and white colors, not to mention some crazy die-hard fans who look like they’re rioting but they’re basically just amped up. The energy is palpable, especially at the stadium, but you’ll obviously have to wait to September to get tickets. In the meantime, The Colorado Rapids are kicking up some good soccer (until October).
Football season | Colorado Rapids for soccer
Go to a brewery
Great Divide Brewing Co, Arapahoe Street, Denver, CO, United States
Colorado is beer country, and Denver alone has close to 100 breweries. They’re mostly smaller, independent, craft breweries, but they’re important to the city’s character. Not all are the same, of course, and and some are better than others. A favorite for beer geeks is Great Divide, which recently opened a huge facility in the emerging River North neighborhood and produces some award-winning brews. There are sixteen taps here, and you can take a tour of the facilities. Great Divide also had the smarts to commission some skilled artists to come up with the best beer can designs you’ll find anywhere.
16 taps | tour | cool beer can designs
Denver Art Museum
Denver Art Museum, West 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver, CO, United States
Don’t just go to Denver Art Museum because it’s one of the top attractions in Denver, go to stroll through history. It’s been open since 1893 (when it was founded as the Denver Artists’ Club) and it’s now one of the largest museums on the west coast. It has more than 70,000 pieces of art, including a huge Native American collection (one of the biggest in the country). You’ll basically find artifacts, sculptures, historical objects and tons of other engaging pieces other than paintings.
70,000 pieces | Native American collection | engaging
REI Flagship Store
1416 Platte Street, Denver, CO, United States
If you’re a fan of the outdoors, you need no introduction to REI. This retail chain specializes in recreational equipment and outdoor gear, and it also organizes immersive outdoor adventures for travels. The mothership of the empire, REI’s flagship store, is located in Denver, so you know you’re going to get more than a carabiner here. In addition to merchandise, the store has an indoor rock climbing wall, workshops and events, gear repair and rental equipment, so it’s actually worth a visit even if you’re not on the hunt for a new canteen.
indoor rock climbing wall | workshops | repair and rental
Dance with Mary Jane
Now that it’s legal to buy marijuana in Colorado, everyone’s blazing up in the Mile “High” City. If you feel so inclined, you can join the growing community of tokers who join pot painting classes or bring-your-own-bud party buses. The scene has become a lifestyle, and if it’s your first dance with Mary Jane, Denver is the best place to get acquainted. One note of caution: make sure you have a solid understanding of the city’s laws before your indulge. While buying pot is legal, smoking it in public is not. You can buy up to one ounce, but you have to smoke privately.
pot painting classes | party buses | legalized for private use
