We’re in the midst of the winter season, and Christmas has come and gone, so now is the time when people lose their excitement for winter. Because of the cold weather, some believe there isn’t much to do until the temperatures rise again. Winter brings out a new side of Denver and you can explore the city and surrounding areas in a completely new light. Whether you want some ideas so you can cozy up to a partner, or you’re looking for some fun for the whole family, this is a season of opportunity.
Estes Park
This may be a bit of a hike from the Mile High City, but Estes Park is one of the most endearing and memorable locations in the Denver area. The sweet, charming downtown is loaded with lovely boutiques, restaurants, and local breweries for you to discover both day and night. For film or literature buffs that are fans of Stephen King or Stanley Kubrick, Estes is also home to the Stanley Hotel, the birthplace of the best-selling novel “The Shining.” The hotel is worth a visit simply for its beauty and mysterious nature alone. Or, if you’re the outdoorsy type and you enjoy going on walks to absorb the beauty of the great outdoors, you can take a stroll along the riverwalk and get some steps in to burn off the food and drinks you had earlier. Estes Park is also the “gateway” to the Rocky Mountain National Park, where you can get a bit more hardcore with your outdoor adventures.
Getting Outdoorsy
What’s the point of being in Denver, or in Colorado at all, if you’re not going on an adventure in the mountains or one of its national parks? With or without the winter snow, it’s nice to have a break from the TV and phone screens to take a breath of cool, fresh air and get those legs moving. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular areas for some winter fun in Denver. Snowshoeing through the mountains is a blast for people of any age, or if you’re a bit more serious about getting a workout in, you can take on one of the hiking trails or go cross-country skiing. Denver is also home to primetime skiing and snowboarding resorts as well! Pay a visit to the legendary slopes of Vail and experience the luxury of Colorado’s best mountain resort. Loveland is also known for having some of the best skiing and snowboarding conditions in the state.
Escape Rooms
If you want to stay in the heart of the Mile High City but you’re looking for something unique and exciting to do, an escape room is going to be right up your alley. Escape rooms are versatile and a great addition to a day or night out. EscapeWorks has a spread of five escape rooms whose themes cater to any taste or preference and the rooms’ difficulties range from beginner to advanced. For more information and booking options, you can give them a call or visit their website to see what all the excitement is about. And if you want to find more escape room facilities, 303magazine.com has a collection of the best locations as determined by locals themselves!
Blossoms of Light
Contrary to what some may believe, the Denver Botanic Gardens don’t close their doors when winter hits. Around this time of year, the fun has only just begun. Until January 1, you can experience Blossoms of Light, an annual garden light show event, and this year’s show has been promised to be bigger and better than ever before. All the lights throughout the facility are synced to your favorite Christmas and holiday songs, and you can walk around surveying the beauty of it all with a treat and drink in hand. Thousands of lights, carolers, Christmas music, beautiful gardens, and seasonal entertainment await you. The Botanic Gardens around Christmastime could be the perfect setting for a romantic date or, dare I say it, a proposal (you’re welcome).
Even though the temperatures drop and the sun sets sooner during these months, the fun doesn’t have to stop. There are plenty of opportunities to find winter fun in Denver, it’s just up to you to find the motivation to get up and get moving.
