Spur of the moment trips are what weekends are made for & my trip with #mysteryboy to Denver last weekend is just what I needed – a break from the Texas heat/humidity and a real taste of fall. I love Denver because it has so many quirky places to explore & the fact that it’s surrounded by mountains is a MAJOR plus. The short flight from Dallas is pretty great too – especially when we flew home at 5am on Monday – 3am wake up call anyone? Thank goodness they have amazing coffee in Colorado…  Speaking of coffee, I am breaking down the places I ate & played as well as some areas/neighborhoods of Denver that are hoppin’ so that if you are planning a trip to Denver this list might help you nail down your itinerary.

Another amazing thing about Denver is the fact that there are so many places with outside seating/open concepts so even though you are in a major city, it feels more spacious and mountain-eqsue. Ok — get to the list Brighton, quit chatting.

Places To Eat:

Denver Biscuit Co. – A snazzy little breakfast spot that has been featured on Triple D…Guy Fieri anyone? I’m about a tourist trap if its DELICIOUS! This place has the most jaw-dropping biscuit sandwiches & breakfast places. Definitely a must if you are looking to fuel up for a big day.

Snooze A.M. Eatery – We went here for breakfast & it’s the cutest little breakfast cafe. The cups are the cutest beehive shape (very cute for an IG pic) and you can buy them to take home! This is a Denver staple that you can’t go wrong with.

Milk Market –  An all-local, all-wonderful mix of take-away and dine-in restaurants and bars run by a famous Colorado chef. Fun place to browse if you have some downtime & grab a snack or some CANDY!

El 5 – Omg so freaking cool and the view is amazing. They serve Tapas in the cooleseet part of town

Little Man – THE place to come to get ice cream. We walked here to get dessert after our dinner at El 5. It’s an ice cream ‘stand’ where you can sit down outside & enjoy the fresh mountain air as well as the scrumptious scoops they serve!

Osteria Marco – Casual italian…YUM! We went here Friday night and it was so good. It’s on Larimer street which was walking distance from hotel. 

Work & Class – An amazing American/Latin American restaurant that is also a cocktail bar if you are just wanting drinks. 10/10 recommend.

Mercantile Dining & Provision – Didn’t go here but I have heard amazing things! It’s a major hot spot so make sure to make a reservation!

Tavernetta – Hand. Made. Pasta. In house. SIGN ME UP! This place is to die for.

Super Mega Bien – Latin American Dim Sum…what is that? Super unique Latin American food that will leave you speechless. Highly recommend.

Places to Get Coffee:

Corvus – Two words: classy coffee. V coffee. Much fancy. A MUST visit if you are a coffee connoisseur. They are all about their cold brew, try it!

Crema – This place y’all…So good. Amazing coffee. Amazing food. Can’t go wrong! They also have a patio, add 10 points!

Little Owl Coffee and QuintEssential Coffee are said to be amazing too, but we didn’t have time to visit.

Places to Drink/Snack:

Drinks at Hotel Teatro – Modern meets historic at this place, so cool. Very picturesque if you’re looking for your next IG post.

Avanti – Amazing marketplace with lots of different places to get drink or do happy hour!

Prohibition – A low key, casual bar to grab specialty or classic drinks!

Hot Spots:

Union Station – So cool. We spent a lot of time here hanging out. I could hang out here all day every day, as you saw on my stories! You have to stop here. No questions asked.

Larimer Street – Best food options & just all around city scenery. 

Highland neighborhood – Lots to do & see in here. From eating and shopping to strolling through the parks. Have a free few hours? Go here. 

16th Street Mall – Must stop & shop if you are wanting to do some spending in Denver! 

Sloan’s Lake Park – perfect for paddle boarding in the summer & a peaceful walk along the lake in the winter.

If you’ve been and I missed some good spots, let me know! I’d love to hear any more spots so I can add them to my list fo rnext time!