Things To Do
National Western Stock Show
One of the most unique aspects of our wedding weekend is that it coincides with the opening weekend of the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo, one of Colorado’s most iconic annual traditions. Every January, more than 700,000 visitors and thousands of livestock travel to Denver for nearly three weeks of rodeos, competitions, exhibitions, and Western celebrations. The festivities begin Thursday morning with the Kick-Off Parade in downtown Denver—just steps from our hotel blocks. More than 30 Texas Longhorn cattle, along with horses, riders, marching bands, and other livestock, parade through the heart of downtown Denver. If you arrive early enough on Thursday, grab a coffee and head outside your hotel around noon. You won’t see many downtowns shut down for cattle traffic! The Stock Show continues throughout the weekend, and event schedules and tickets will be available closer to the wedding weekend.
Union Station
If you only visit one place downtown, make it Union Station. Originally opened in 1881 and recently restored, Union Station serves as Denver’s transportation hub and gathering place. During the winter, the station is beautifully decorated and surrounded by restaurants, bars, shops, and outdoor gathering spaces. Jon’s favorite bar in Denver is the Cooper Lounge, located above the Grand Hall. With views of the station below and an atmosphere reminiscent of a classic hotel bar, it’s a fun place for a cocktail before dinner.
Denver Botanic Gardens - Blossom of Lights
Bundle up and experience one of Denver’s favorite holiday traditions. Each winter, the Denver Botanic Gardens transforms into quite the display of lights, illuminated pathways, music, and seasonal displays. Grab a boozy hot chocolate, dress warmly, and stroll through one of the city’s most beautiful winter experiences. Jon and Kirsten visited this past season and highly recommend it for anyone looking for a festive evening activity. Buy tickets in advance.
Food Options Near the Hotel
Breakfast: - Sam’s No. 3: featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives! Get their huge breakfast burrito and smother it in green chile. - Syrup: good sit down option next to the Hyatt. - Three Sisters Cafe: also a great lunch option, Three Sisters is local soup and sandwhich shop, perfect for a quick bite on a cold day. Lunch & Casual Bites: - Snarf’s Sandwiches: local favorite sub sandwhich chain. - Chopstickers: Fast and delicious Asian street food. - Menya Noodle Bar: Ramen and poke option. - Savina's: one of Denver's favorite options for sit-down Mexican. Fine Dining: - Guard and Grace: Jon’s favorite steakhouse in Denver. - Tavernetta: Michelin-recognized Italian restaurant near Union Station. - Urban Farmer: Farm-to-table steakhouse near Union Station.
Neighborhood - Lower Highland (Lohi)
Just across the river from downtown sits one of Denver’s most popular neighborhoods. LoHi combines great views of the downtown skyline with some of the city’s best restaurants, rooftop patios, and cocktail bars. The neighborhood’s steep streets and hillside views often remind visitors of San Francisco. Restaurants: - El Five - Linger - Root Down - Alma Fonda Fina: (Denver’s only Michelin Two-Star restaurant) Drinks & Nightlife: - Avanti - Happy Camper - Recess Beer Garden - Williams & Graham
Neighborhood - River North Art District (RiNo)
RiNo is Denver’s creative hub and one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city. Known for its massive street murals, breweries, cocktail bars, coffee shops, and food halls, RiNo is a great place to spend an afternoon wandering. Fun fact: Jon and Kirsten’s first date was at Barcelona Wine Bar! Food & Drinks: - Barcelona Wine Bar - Leven Deli - Izzio Bakery - Death & Co. - Stem Ciders - Bierstadt Lagerhaus - Number Thirty Eight If you’re looking for a younger, more energetic crowd: - Federales - Lustre Pearl
Neighborhood - Cherry Creek North
For shopping, dining, and a more upscale Denver experience, head to Cherry Creek North. The neighborhood is filled with boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and cocktail bars. Dining: - True Food Kitchen - Cherry Creek Grill - Hillstone - Quality Italian - Del Frisco’s Grille
Places Beyond Denver
Golden, CO: Located just west of Denver, Golden offers small-town charm with mountain views. Check out the Golden Mill Food Hall and take a tour of the Coors Brewery. World-famous Red Rocks Amphitheater is just 10 minutes from here! Boulder, CO: Home of CU and Jon’s alma mater. Walk down Pearl Street Mall, check out the CU Boulder Campus, and visit Chautauqua Park (weather permitting). Breckenridge & The Mountains: If you’re extending your stay, consider spending time in Colorado’s mountains. Breckenridge is Jon and Kirsten’s favorite mountain town. Beyond skiing & snowboarding, check out Main Street and its restaurants & breweries. If you’re newer to skiing, we recommend booking equipment rentals and lessons. Idaho Springs, CO: Want a mountain-town experience without committing to a full day in the mountains? Idaho Springs is less than an hour from Denver. Try Beau Jo’s Pizza (Colorado’s famous “Mountain” pie!), Smokin Yard’s BBQ, and the Argo Gold Mill & Tunnel.