and while you're here for Rendezvous ...

[Rosamundi]

If you're traveling with munchkins, the Denver/Boulder Kids' Pages has great listings for child-friendly local discounts and events. We often find a new adventure here:

http://kidspages.org/

[Tanda]

Might I suggest for 4th of July fireworks viewing any of the following:
Lookout Mountain - check out the bars and such.
Any sporting event going on.
16th street mall - although this is NOT for the faint of heart -it's the downtown walking mall and you will be right under the fireworks
The Chili's at Arapahoe and Parker in Centennial. You can see the whole metro area from the front windows.

I second Pike's Peak, and both zoos. They are both amazing for different reasons. The Denver one may have the Asian Topics mostly done by then, it is a large exhibit that will be completely fueled by elephant poo. The Cheyenne Mountain one has a chair lift to an overlook from which you can see Kansas on a clear day.

For the outdoorsy type, there is a plethora of State Parks. One of the more fun ones is Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs. Set inbetween the Cheyenne Mountain (you know, where the Stargate is) and Fort Carson, it has an amazing trail system and allows camping (40 minutes from faire). There are also open spaces that are free for day use. One such is Lair O' the Bear. http://www.co.jefferson.co.us/openspace/openspace_T56_R11.htm  At the Lair O' the Bear there is a castle. You park in the parking lot and hike about 1.5 miles along Bear Creek Trail (pretty flat and wide)and just as you think you are about to see Little Red Riding Hood around the corner, you will see across the creek, a stone castle. Downside is that you can't go look at it up close, only from across the creek. If you ignore the truck parked out back, it is very fairy tale-esque.

For those interested in really really old things, there is Dinosaur Ridge just West of Denver, a walk back in time with some fascinating fossils http://www.dinoridge.org/  You can walk the trail (uphill both ways) for free, or catch a tour bus for a fee. You may not drive yourself up it.

Free tours include Hammond's Candy http://www.hammondscandies.com/  They make the best candy canes around and by hand! Watching the liquid candy take form just feet away and browsing through the reject room for that great deal on a broken cane will make you feel like a kid...well, you know.

http://www.denver.org/what-to-do  This site has helped me plan a date night or two. Always with the best information about where to eat and what to drink. They also have the top 10 free things to do in Denver. http://www.denver.org/what-to-do/itinerary/detail?cid=13

If you get into town a little early, check out a First Friday Art Walk. Fun, free, and usually including wine and food tastings. The most well known area is Santa Fe, but there are other areas to check out - in nearly every city or town. Even Fort Collins has one.

Remember, at altitude it is easier to get drunk and get burned. Sunscreen and water.

[Merlin]

Thanks for this !

We'll probably do the Museum on Thursday.... then the Zoo on Friday

[Capt Gabriela Fullpepper]

From my info the Pirate Exhibition at the Denver Museumn of Nature and Scirence runs into Aug. SO ye swash buckling scallywags can go check out this awesome display when you come to this land locked faire.

[cowgrrl]

We were in Colorado a few years ago & enjoyed visiting the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. 

[Francisco Paula]

Hey Merlin just an FYI, the Denver museum of nature and science is right next door to the zoo. You can park at one and walk to the other its that close. I know the museum dosn't mind if you come in garb, just no weapons.

[Adriana Rose]

Here is another fun thing to do
http://www.boulderhomemadeicecream.com/findus/tours.html

[Merlin]

We are going to take the train to Pikes Peak on Friday !

[Hey- Arent You?]

Coors Brewery - Golden http://www.coors.com/

They give free beer and Coors product samples at the end of the tour 

if I ran coors, I'd give that crap away too.

[Zoë]

Coors Brewery - Golden http://www.coors.com/

They give free beer and Coors product samples at the end of the tour 

if I ran coors, I'd give that crap away too.

Have I ever told you how much I adore you? I have, I'm sure. But I'll say it again. I adore you.

[Francisco Paula]

Wait.....they don't pay you to drink rocky mountain piss water...oh wait thats coors

[Adriana Rose]

 

[Merlin the Elder]

...and I thought I was in the minority with my opinion of Coors beer... Sorry, Colorado, but you have better things to be proud of! 

[Merlin]

Not a big fan of Budweiser at all...in fact I would rather drink... nevermind... but I did tour their brewery...as I have Miller.
Usually worth the trip for the museum aspect of brewing but allow me to get in that long line of people who think Coors is one of the worst beers  in the world.

[Francisco Paula]

Well just for you merlin we even have a buttwhiper plant you can tour......huh....what you mean its Budweiser.....bah


Hey not sure if you guys have looked into the tickets for the pirate exhibit but they are timed so you go in at certain times. Just an fyi incase you want to get the tickets early