Colorado.com Staff Writer

DFP Leaderboard: Article

<p>Find ways to experience a new city from the inside out. From urban amenities to major attractions and ease of transportation, these places make an ideal base for any Colorado vacation.</p>


City Escapes: Urban Vacations in Colorado

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Denver Art Museum

Odell Brewing Company in Fort Collins

Pueblo's Historic Arkansas Riverwalk

Benson Sculpture Garden in Loveland

Weekly summer farmers' market in downtown Grand Junction

A mural tour in Denver's RiNo neighborhood

Free 16th Street MallRide

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<h2><a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/denver">Denver</a></h2>
<h3><strong>See &amp; Do</strong></h3>
<p>Feed your inner history and culture vulture at the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/art-museum/denver-art-museum">Denver Art Museum</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/art-museums/museo-de-las-americas">Museo de las Americas</a>, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/history-museums/black-american-west-museum-heritage-center">Black American West Museum</a> and <a href="https://www.colorado.com/history-museum/history-colorado-center">History Colorado Center</a> (for starters). Take in a <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/professional-sports-colorado">Rockies game</a> at Coors Field or go shopping (and snacking) around <a href="https://www.colorado.com/associations/larimer-square">Larimer Square</a> and <a href="https://www.colorado.com/shopping-centermall/cherry-creek-north-bid">Cherry Creek North</a>. </p>
<h3><strong>Get Around</strong></h3>
<p>A short trip by car or <a href="https://www.rtd-denver.com/routes-services/airport">commuter rail</a> will take you from Denver International Airport to the heart of the city. Once there, the RTD light rail and bus can take you around town, as can the <a href="https://www.rtd-denver.com/routes-services/other-services/free-mallride">free 16th Street MallRide</a>.</p>
<h3><strong>Grab a Bite</strong></h3>
<p>Fill up with sweet-corn delights and plantains at <a href="https://quieroarepas.com/">Quiero Arepas</a>, then grab a Dole Whip from <a href="https://www.colorado.com/dining-restaurants/sweet-sweetz-ice-cream-dessert">Sweet Sweetz</a> for dessert. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotels-lodging#!?f=411&amp;page=1">Find Denver lodging</a></p>
<h2><a href="/cities-and-towns/aurora">Aurora</a></h2>
<h3><strong>See &amp; Do</strong></h3>
<p>Housed inside an old aviation building, the <a href="http://www.stanleymarketplace.com/">Stanley Marketplace</a> serves up a mix of oh-so-local businesses — think restaurants, boutiques, a deli and beer garden. Support the arts at <a href="https://www.colorado.com/performing-arts/aurora-symphony-orchestra">Aurora Symphony Orchestra</a> performances featuring celebrated masterworks. Choose from numerous public golf courses for an outing.</p>
<h3><strong>Get Around</strong></h3>
<p>Aurora’s northern edge borders Denver International Airport, making for a short trip by car or <a href="https://www.rtd-denver.com/routes-services/rail">commuter rail</a>. Utilize RTD for bus routes around the city.</p>
<h3><strong>Grab a Bite</strong></h3>
<p>Explore tastes from around the world at various ethnic eateries, from the grilled meats of <a href="http://www.seoulkoreanbbq.com/">Seoul Korean BBQ</a> to Moroccan specialties at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cafepaprika93/">Cafe Paprika</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotels-lodging#!?f=411&amp;page=1">Find Aurora lodging</a></p>
<h2><a href="/cities-and-towns/lakewood">Lakewood</a></h2>
<h3><strong>See &amp; Do</strong></h3>
<p>Spend time checking out the galleries, art installations and other enterprises of <a href="https://www.colorado.com/certified-creative-districts/40-west-arts-district">40 West</a>, a Colorado Certified Creative Arts District. <a href="/shopping-centermall/belmar">Belmar</a> anchors downtown as a dining and shopping destination, along with a movie theater and bowling alley. Just beyond Lakewood’s western edge is famed outdoor concert venue <a href="/articles/red-rocks-amphitheatre-6-things-see-do">Red Rocks Amphitheatre</a>.</p>
<h3><strong>Get Around</strong></h3>
<p>Traversing Lakewood is the light rail W Line, which links downtown Denver with <a href="/cities-and-towns/golden">Golden</a> and the community in between.</p>
<h3><strong>Grab a Bite</strong></h3>
<p>Contemporary American cuisine at <a href="/fine-dining/two-forty240-union-restaurant">240 Union</a> is sure to please all palates.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotels-lodging#!?f=607&amp;page=1">Find Lakewood lodging</a></p>
<h2><a href="/cities-and-towns/colorado-springs">Colorado Springs</a></h2>
<h3><strong>See &amp; Do</strong></h3>
<p>Tour the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/tours/colorado-springs-olympic-training-center">U.S. Olympic Training Center</a> to see world-class athletes in action. Discover beautiful scenery at the summit of <a href="/articles/pikes-peak-things-see-do">Pikes Peak</a> and around Garden of the Gods’ stunning red-rock formations. Stop by the Principal’s Office bar inside <a href="https://www.colorado.com/brew-pubs/ivywild-school">Ivywild School</a> for handcrafted libations.</p>
<h3><strong>Get Around</strong></h3>
<p>The Colorado Springs Airport is serviced by six airlines. Reach Denver from Colorado Springs or vice versa on the <a href="https://ridebustang.com/bustang/?section=routesmap#south_line">Bustang South Line</a>, an interregional express bus service. The <a href="https://coloradosprings.gov/mountain-metro/page/route-information">Mountain Metro Transit</a> system provides public transportation across the Pikes Peak Region.</p>
<h3><strong>Grab a Bite</strong></h3>
<p>Utilizing house-made mozzarella and other artisan ingredients, <a href="/family-restaurant/pizzeria-rustica">Pizzeria Rustica</a> turns out thin-crust Neapolitan-style pies.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotels-lodging#!?f=379&amp;page=1">Find Colorado Springs lodging</a></p>
<h2><a href="/cities-and-towns/fort-collins">Fort Collins</a></h2>
<h3><strong>See &amp; Do</strong></h3>
<p>Stroll around the charming Old Town Historic District, which inspired Disneyland’s Main Street USA. Revel in Fort Collins’ status as a craft-beer hub by sampling at top breweries like <a href="/brewery/new-belgium-brewing-company">New Belgium</a> and <a href="/brewery/odell-brewing-company">Odell</a>. Get out on the waters of Horsetooth Reservoir for fishing, water skiing and stand-up paddleboarding.</p>
<p><strong>Get Around:</strong> <a href="http://www.ridetransfort.com/">Transfort</a>’s network of community-wide routes includes MAX Bus Rapid Transit, with its own dedicated roadway, and the FLEX regional bus connection to Boulder.</p>
<h3><strong>Grab a Bite</strong></h3>
<p>Grab a seat on the sidewalk patio of of <a href="https://www.colorado.com/casual-dining/austins-american-grill">Austin's American Grill</a> for fantastic views, upscale home cooking and Colorado-crafted brews.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotels-lodging#!?f=473&amp;page=1">Find Fort Collins lodging</a></p>
<h2><a href="/cities-and-towns/pueblo">Pueblo</a></h2>
<h3><strong>See &amp; Do</strong></h3>
<p>Locals and visitors alike flock to the <a href="/historic-places-districts/historic-arkansas-riverwalk-pueblo">Historic Arkansas Riverwalk </a>for dining, boat rides, summer movie nights and a range of events. See the innovation that went into creating the award-winning <a href="/museums/buell-childrens-museum">Buell Children’s Museum</a> by experiencing multi-sensory and hands-on exhibits. Three areas of the city make up the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/certified-creative-districts/pueblo-creative-corridor">Creative Corridor</a>: Downtown Main Street, Union Avenue Historic District and the Mesa Junction. Navigate all three for galleries, fountains, street sculptures and First Friday festivities.</p>
<h3><strong>Get Around</strong></h3>
<p><a href="http://www.pueblo.us/104/Pueblo-Transit">Pueblo Transit</a> consists of a dozen bus routes. Kids under age 18 even ride free during the summer months.</p>
<h3><strong>Grab a Bite</strong></h3>
<p>You can’t leave Pueblo without trying the famous green chiles. Savor them mixed into a beef patty at <a href="/locally-sourced/bingo-burger-pueblo">Bingo Burger</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotels-lodging#!?f=764&amp;page=1">Find Pueblo lodging</a></p>


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DFP 4-Pack: Body

<h2><a href="https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/boulder">Boulder</a></h2>
<h3><strong>See &amp; Do</strong></h3>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/colorado-hiking-5-popular-easy-trails">Hike in view of the famous Flatirons</a> or have a picnic on the grassy lawn of <a href="https://bouldercolorado.gov/parks-rec/chautauqua-park">Chautauqua Park</a> — with goodies from the pedestrian mall on <a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/pearl-street-mall-beloved-boulder-attraction">Pearl Street</a> or the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/farmers-markets/boulder-farmers-market">Boulder Farmers’ Market</a>. Catch a show at the historical <a href="https://www.colorado.com/theater/boulder-theater">Boulder Theater</a> or hit the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/hiking/boulder-ale-trail">Boulder Ale Trail</a>.</p>
<h3><strong>Get Around</strong></h3>
<p>Take <a href="https://www.rtd-denver.com/app/route/AB/schedule">Route AB</a> on the RTD bus from Denver International Airport or the <a href="https://www.rtd-denver.com/services/flatiron-flyer">Flatiron Flyer</a> from Denver’s Union Station. The drive to Boulder is about 45 minutes from Denver International Airport. Multiple <a href="https://bouldercolorado.gov/transportation/bus">bus routes</a> run in town, and you can catch the free <a href="https://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation-in-boulder/hiking-in-boulder/park-to-park-shuttle">Park-to-Park Shuttle</a> to select locations on summer weekends.</p>
<h3><strong>Grab a Bite</strong></h3>
<p>Grab a seat at one of <a href="https://www.bouldercoloradousa.com/restaurants/food-halls/">Boulder’s food halls</a> or “food parks” to sample eclectic meals in quirky spaces. Or grab flaky and filling post-hike bites from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/susansamosas/">Susan’s Samosas</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotels-lodging#!?f=311&amp;page=1">Find Boulder lodging</a></p>
<h2><a href="/cities-and-towns/loveland">Loveland</a></h2>
<h3><strong>See &amp; Do</strong></h3>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/art-galleries/benson-sculpture-garden">Benson Sculpture Garden</a> is an urban oasis that showcases more than 100 pieces of art set among sprawling green spaces. A lineup of concerts, stage productions and film screenings makes the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/performing-arts/rialto-theater">Rialto Theater</a> superb for a night out. Explore nearby open space or the cute, walkable downtown to keep your itinerary full of fun.</p>
<h3><strong>Get Around</strong></h3>
<p>Loveland is accessible from select Front Range cities via <a href="http://www.ridetransfort.com/flex">FLEX regional bus</a>. Pick up a COLT bus to conveniently travel on three different routes.</p>
<h3><strong>Grab a Bite</strong></h3>
<p>Breakfast/lunch spot <a href="https://www.colorado.com/cafes-coffee-shops/taste-local">Taste Local</a> brings an array of classic favorites, from blueberry flapjacks and buttermilk waffles to bacon-y cobb salads and ooey-gooey grilled cheeses.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotels-lodging#!?f=636&amp;page=1">Find Loveland lodging</a></p>
<h2><a href="/cities-and-towns/greeley">Greeley</a></h2>
<h3><strong>See &amp; Do</strong></h3>
<p>Weekly <a href="https://www.greeleydowntown.com/special-events/friday-fest/">Friday Fests</a> entertain all summer long on the 9th Street Plaza, offering live music, street performers and even a “go-cup” area — grab your beverage of choice from several bars and bring it with you outside. See a massive layout of mini-train cars at the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/museums/colorado-model-railroad-museum">Colorado Model Railroad Museum</a>. Slide and glide at <a href="/ice-skating/greeley-ice-haus">Greeley Ice Haus</a> during public skating sessions, especially when there are special light effects and music on Friday and Saturday evenings.</p>
<h3><strong>Get Around</strong></h3>
<p>In Greeley and neighboring Evans, <a href="http://greeleygov.com/services/greeley-evans-transit">GET</a> makes locating a bus route or stop easy through its mobile app.</p>
<h3><strong>Grab a Bite</strong></h3>
<p>Pop by <a href="https://www.thecowgreeley.com/">The Cow Saloon &amp; Eatery</a> for its delicious, gourmet sandwiches with fun names like The Elvis (ham, roast beef and turkey served with double-smoked bacon) and Mary T's Market Sandwich (lettuce, tomato, mayo and choice of roast beef, turkey, ham or pastrami).</p>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotels-lodging#!?f=520&amp;page=1">Find Greeley lodging</a></p>
<h2><a href="/cities-and-towns/grand-junction">Grand Junction</a></h2>
<h3><strong>See &amp; Do</strong></h3>
<p>Browse the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/shopping/grand-junction-farmers-market">weekly summertime farmers’ market</a> on Thursday evenings, or the more than 100 independent businesses that grace the streets of downtown. Take advantage of proximity to Colorado National Monument and the Grand Mesa for displays of natural wonder. Surrounding wineries and vineyards are prime for a day of wine tasting.</p>
<h3><strong>Get Around</strong></h3>
<p>Grand Junction Regional Airport is a convenient arrival option on multiple airlines. <a href="http://gvt.mesacounty.us/">Grand Valley Transit</a> covers a widespread area with nearly a dozen bus routes.</p>
<h3><strong>Grab a Bite</strong></h3>
<p>Dine at <a href="/locally-sourced/bin-707-foodbar">Bin 707 Foodbar</a> for its delightful brunch, lunch or dinner of seasonal American cuisine.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotels-lodging#!?f=514&amp;page=1">Find Grand Junction lodging</a></p>
<h2><a href="/cities-and-towns/longmont">Longmont</a></h2>
<h3><strong>See &amp; Do</strong></h3>
<p>In addition to history, art and science exhibits, the <a href="/museum/longmont-museum">Longmont Museum</a> hosts a Views &amp; Brews Summer Film Series. Within Kanemoto Park, the Tower of Compassion stands in the style of a traditional Japanese temple. Jump on and off the <a href="https://www.colorado.com/breweries/brewhop-trolley">BrewHop Trolley</a> to make the rounds at nine craft brewers.</p>
<h3><strong>Get Around</strong></h3>
<p>RTD has regional options for reaching nearby cities and local ones for in-town travel.</p>
<h3><strong>Grab a Bite</strong></h3>
<p>On the casual end, <a href="https://www.colorado.com/casual-dining/georgia-boys-bbq">Georgia Boys BBQ Company</a> can’t be beat for Southern-style staples, while <a href="https://www.colorado.com/fine-dining/sugarbeet">Sugarbeet</a> is a gem of an American bistro.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/hotels-lodging#!?f=631&amp;page=1">Find Longmont lodging</a></p>
<h2>Want More?</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.colorado.com/articles/best-things-to-do-in-colorado">Explore 17 of the best things to do in Colorado</a></p>
<p><a href="/articles/colorado-day-trips-short-trips-denver">Easy day trips from Denver</a></p>
<p><a href="/articles/fine-wine-fossils-grand-junction-area-itinerary">Fine wine to fossils: A Grand Junction-area itinerary</a></p>
<p><a href="/articles/weekend-itinerary-things-do-denver-kids">Things to do in Denver with kids</a></p>
<p><a href="/articles/taste-pueblo-1-day-itinerary">A taste of Pueblo: One-day itinerary</a></p>
