Denver

Denver’s cowboy culture gets cool

Not so long ago, Denver was known as a “cow town” where Stetsons, cowboy shirts and conservative Western sensibilities were the norm. Far from being considered liberal or progressive, the city was famous for John Denver’s folk-rock song Rocky Mountain High and the local delicacy, Rocky Mountain Oysters (bull testicles).

Fast forward to today and Colorado’s capital has almost entirely shed that image. The Mile High City (at 5,280ft, it is exactly one mile above sea level) is open-minded and cultured, with amazing outdoor spaces and a brace of stylish, arty neighbourhoods where you can eat, shop and play. Luckily, there are several ways to experience Denver’s funky, indie buzz, while still paying homage to its Western roots.

Gabi Mocatta

Lonely Planet Writer

A one-day beer tour of Denver, home of the microbrewery

They say there are more microbreweries in Colorado than any other US state… or maybe it’s that there are more microbreweries per capita than any other US state. Have enough of these barley pops and the distinction seems trivial – suffice to say that there’s a helluva lot of brewin’ doin’!

Start at the Wynkoop Brewing Co. Wynkoop’s Rail Yard Ale is the city’s most celebrated red ale, and beer fans file into to this spacious brewpub to knock them back while tossing darts, shooting pool or taking in the breeze on the wide porch. The taps change with the season and the menu offers passable pub standards. Call ahead for Saturday brewery tours.

Rowan McKinnon

Lonely Planet Writer