Explore Denver with Me

Well, I've made it. It feels as if I've been counting down to my move to Denver for years now, but I'm finally here!

Of course, one of the biggest reasons I chose to move out almost a month before classes begin is to get comfortable with my new surroundings before the hectic schedule of law school starts. So, I've been roaming around my new stomping grounds and learning all about Denver.

Although I've been all over the city now, I thought it'd be a great idea to highlight some of my favorite places so far here in Denver in today's post.

The State Capitol Building and the Colorado Supreme Court/Court of Appeals

Although I was in a bit of a rush seeing all this (my mom had to head back to the airport to fly home), I knew I had to stop with her to see the capitol building and the courts. We didn't go inside either of them, but I know that I'll have more time by myself to take a tour.

The biggest reason my mom wanted to see the State Capitol Building is that there is one stair that is exactly one mile high and has its height in feet above sea level etched into it.

The area around these buildings was the perfect amount of bustling, but nothing too crazy that you felt overwhelmed and lost. There's a little park right in front of the capitol, and it seemed super tranquil and peaceful.

DU Campus

I am honestly so obsessed with this campus, which is why I'm including it in this blog. Everything is so lush and green, and it's filled with little nooks and crannies everywhere for quiet outdoor studying. Being outside always helps me relax, so it's nice to know that a peaceful moment is available as soon as I step outside of the law building.

In addition, all of the buildings are unique and beautiful, but all go together perfectly at the same time. There's a really nice contrast between the green of the grass and trees and the red bricks of the buildings that makes them stand out.

A big favorite of mine is that the campus is very walkable. I'd much rather walk through campus than have to pay for parking anywhere (not that that's a problem since I don't have a car here!), plus it's always nice to have a few quiet moments with myself before a hectic day begins.

Cherry Cricket

It's crazy that I was directed to a delicious burger restaurant for my first meal in Denver. After checking into our hotel for the night, my mom and I decided to ask one of the hotel employees where they would recommend we go as newbies, and he suggested the Cherry Cricket, which was only a block from us.

Suffice to say, I'm in love. There are TONS of options for drinks, appetizers, burgers, and more. Of course, because they are known for their burgers, that's what we decided to get. I decided on a turkey burger with crumbled bleu cheese and grilled onions. The sides are pretty large so we decided to split a basket of steak fries between the two of us. For our beers, my mom got a Blue Moon and I had a Summer Shandy from Leinenkugel.

I'm already excited to go back again so I can try out more of their menu!

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater

Like I mentioned above, I love being outdoors, so my mom and I decided to take the 30-minute drive out to Red Rocks to explore. It's absolutely stunning!

We checked out the actual amphitheater first and thought it would be a good idea to walk all the way up the stairs to take a picture. The view was amazing, but my legs were feeling like jelly afterwards.

After that, we wandered around until we found ourselves at the Red Rocks Trading Post, which is home to the Colorado Music Hall of Fame. We stumbled upon the Trading Post Trail, which is a 1.5-mile loop around many of the major rock formations in the park. It was all fun and games going downhill, but making the trek uphill kicked my butt. It was only after we finished the trail that we learned it was labelled as "Difficult."

Oops.

The Pioneer Bar

I'm a sucker for a good taco and some margaritas, so if you combine that with an easy walk from my apartment, I'm sold. We had dinner one night on the rooftop bar up on top of the restaurant, and it was the perfect night for an outdoor meal. Their fish tacos were awesome, and I know I'll be heading back soon for more.

Coors Field

Via

While I didn't have a chance to head inside during my first visit to the LoDo (Lower Downtown) neighborhood, I already know this baseball field is awesome. I'll get to go inside during orientation week, as the law school was kind enough to buy tickets for a section especially reserved for the incoming law class (make sure to check out my Instagram for pictures of that!)

Via

My first brush with Coors Field was from the patio of yet another Cherry Cricket (no yummy burger this time, but I did try a delicious cocktail!) with my mom and a friend of hers from work who recently moved to Denver, too. For those of you who are from Illinois like I am, this part of Denver had a very Wrigleyville feel to it.

xoxo,

Rachel