1. Grab a cone at Little Man Ice Cream

I’m sure you’ve all seen photos of this famous ice cream spot and the giant milk jug on top! The ice cream is very good and it’s in my favorite part of Denver - the LoHi neighborhood!

Tip: The line at Little Man can get EXTREMELY long, so if you just want to try the ice cream, go to its sister property, Sweet Cooie’s in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.

2. Do Happy Hour at Marcella’s

This is my absolute favorite happy hour spot! Almost the entire menu is half price and the food is to die for.

Tip: Try the braised veal meatball and the melted pecorino cheese.

3. Drink with a view at El Five

In my opinion, El Five hands down offers the best view in all of Denver. I usually get the sangria pitcher, and if the weather permits, I always try to sit on the balcony!

Tip: This place gets booked up QUICK, so try to make reservations in advance!

4. Snap some Instagram pics in RiNo

Murals cover the walls of almost every building scattered throughout the River North district. They make the perfect backdrop for colorful Instagram shots!

Tip: Snap a pic with the famous Denver mural on the corner of Broadway and Arapahoe!

5. Do brunch at Sassafras American Eatery

Sassafras is my favorite breakfast/brunch spot in Denver! The food and drinks are always unique and tasty (try the Breakfast Mac pictured above!) and the atmosphere is fun!

Skip: Snooze - I will admit Snooze has good food, and this will probably be the top breakfast place you see on any other list, but the wait to get in can be as long as a few hours on any given day that you go.

6. Trade in the cocktail for a kombucha at American Cultures

This taproom features an amazing selection of 16 exclusive Colorado kombuchas and you can even mix in some locally made ice cream for a delicious summer treat!

Tip: Can’t decide which of the 16 is your favorite? Try the flight, for a selection of four different kombuchas!

7. Grab drinks and dinner at Avanti

Avanti is one of my absolute favorite spots in Denver! The concept features different restaurants who want to refine their concept before getting their own brick and mortar space. It’s kind of like an adult food court, where you can mingle and choose from a variety of ever-changing food vendors, and of course drinks! It also offers great views of the city!

8. Take a day trip to a nearby mountain town

Denver has lots to offer, but the main reason to come to Colorado is to enjoy the mountains! There are several surrounding mountain towns that are easily accessible by car. If you are visiting during the fall, it is even more magical with the leaves changing!

Tip: Breckenridge and Vail (pictured above) are my favorites and you can get to both from Denver in under 2 hours! You can also take the Bustang if you are planning on going to Vail!

9. Get your taco (and drink, and churro) on at Tacos Tequila Whiskey

Growing up in Colorado, I eat a LOT of Mexican food. This spot is one of my absolute favorite Mexican food joints in all of Denver! The food is delicious, the service is quick and it is very affordable. Be sure to try the Queso Fundido al Tequila!

Skip: The overhyped El Taco De Mexico - the food is mediocre for the amount of “Best Of” lists that it appears on, and unless you get lucky, there is generally nowhere to sit in the entire restaurant.

10. Satisfy your late night cravings with a Cosmos pizza

Pizza is my favorite food group. I always make it a point to try different pizza spots whenever I travel, and I think I have tried most of the pizza places in Denver. This is hands down my favorite pizza - but the real reason why is the Cosmos spicy ranch.

Tip: Make sure to order a couple of spicy ranches with any pizza you order!

11. Take in the view at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

This is an obvious one, but one that I highly recommend! Depending on what time of year you go, you can see live music, films, do yoga or hike! It’s about a thirty minute drive outside of Denver, and it’s worth every minute! Check the schedule here!