During the 1930s in Denver, one could hibernate and fight the winter blues or get out and have fun in the snow. That might’ve been the thinking of George Cranmer, the city parks manager at the time.
He’s credited with proposing the nearby playground that is now Winter Park Resort. Yes, long before today’s corporate rule, Winter Park was owned and operated by the city and county of Denver, marketed as a ski retreat for locals and tourists.
To get there this winter, you could buy a ticket and board Amtrak’s Winter Park Express from Union Station in downtown Denver. Otherwise, you must brave Interstate 70 traffic — as you must for many of Colorado’s premier resorts.
But who says you have to go anywhere? Who says you can’t beat the winter blues close to home? Besides, Denver’s fun factor has changed drastically since the 1930s.
Downtown delights
You’ll discover unmatched window shopping up and down 16th Street Mall, and restaurants and bars galore. You might start at Union Station, its halls properly decked, and grab a hot chocolate to go.
Or perhaps you’d like tea. Perhaps you should make a reservation for tea time at The Brown Palace — a classy tradition in the historic hotel on 17th Street. If not for tea, it’s worth stopping in during the holidays for the decorations.
Ice skating memories are made at Skyline Park. The rink is usually ready to go around Thanksgiving. Strands of lights strung across the ice and nearby trees are sure to get you in the spirit.
Of course, the greatest tree of all is Mile High Tree. The digital, Technicolor installation towers 110 feet over Civic Center Park, drawing lovebirds and families inside for magical photos.
You might time your visit between mid-November through Christmas Eve, when the park also hosts Denver Christkindlmarket.
Merry and brightWhile most of the greenery will be gone, Denver Botanic Gardens is no less glorious in the winter. Blossoms of Light is a cherished event, when the York Street location transforms into a wonderland aglow.
Denver Zoo provides another must-see light show. Last year’s installations were called Electric Jungle, Savannah Sunset and Aurora Borealis, with ice carvings and cozy fires also found along the way.
If winter is your season to be inside, then it’s prime time to visit the city’s fabulous museums. Denver Museum of Nature & Science piques the curiosity of adults and kids alike, while Denver Art Museum similarly captivates for the whole afternoon.
Holiday cheersDenver is synonymous with craft beer. One way to dive in is the Winter Brew Fest, slated for Jan. 27 at Mile High Station. Another way is to visit River North Art District (RiNo).
Along Larimer Street, you can hop your way to multiple breweries, including Our Mutual Friend Brewing Co., Ratio Beerworks and an Odell Brewing Co. tasting room. That’s not to mention a tasty cidery, Stem, and several hip hangouts for cocktails, including Improper City and Finn’s Manor.
Fill your belly before you start sipping. You’ll spot several fine bites throughout RiNo but most eye-catching is The Denver Central Market. The food hall houses a deli, butcher, fish market and pizzeria.
