Will travel for beer and art: 48 Hours (In Denver)

Can a tourist uncover Denver in a mere 48 hours? I sampled beer at four breweries, dined at five restaurants, sipped a nightcap at two bars, discovered numerous landmarks, and found a shitload of street art. I think it's safe to say you can😀

Let's begin with Mother Nature. I wasn't prepared for Denver's extreme weather changes. The Mile High City can turn from spring to winter in a matter of hours, so plan accordingly (I still love you). On my last day, I walked to a restaurant in the rain only to see that rain turn into snow (brrr).

The downtown area is extremely walker friendly. I walked everywhere with the exception of an Uber ride from Epic Brewing. If your feet get tired, you can get a free lift from a 16th Street MallRide bus.
http://www.rtd-denver.com/FREEMallRide.shtml

Denver is much more imaginative than I anticipated, which made my visit all the more appealing. It was also merrier thanks to one of my hostel bunkmates, a charming young woman from Paris who likes beer as much as I do. Virginie is partaking in a solo adventure through the U.S. and has some mighty fine photos to prove it.
https://www.instagram.com/walkerinamerica/

Transportation

Take note - Denver International Airport is yuge! Upon arrival, I took the A Line light rail service to Union Station (most inexpensive route). The cost is $9.00 each way and tickets can be purchased at the airport. Make sure you have your ticket available at all times on the train, as it will be checked more than once by rail personnel. Travel time to downtown is approximately 40 minutes.

Accommodations

11th Ave Hotel and Hostel at 1112 N. Broadway

This welcoming hostel is centrally located within walking distance to landmarks, restaurants, and bars. I stayed in a 4-bed female dorm room that mimicked an apartment. The room was spacious with an ensuite bath and writing table/chairs, plus an additional room complete with fridge, microwave and kitchen table/chairs. The absolute only complaint I had was the bed being uncomfortable. As Arnold would say, "I'll be back!"
http://www.11thavenuehotelandhostel.com/

Food and Drink
Watercourse Foods - 837 E. 17th Ave.
Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs - 2148 Larimer
City O' City - 206 E. 13th Ave.
Farm to Truck - Civic Center Eats
BurgerFi - 1147 Broadway
Jagged Mountain Brewery - 1139 20th St.
Great Divide Brewing Co. - 2201 Arapahoe St.
Epic Brewing Co. - 3001 Walnut
Renegade Brewing Co. - 925 W. 9th Ave.
The 9th Door - 1808 Blake
Dazzle - 1512 Curtis

Vegan Denver Omelette at Watercourse Foods

Desert Vegan Dog at Biker Jim's

Kimchi Pancakes at City O' City

Mac & Cheese at City O' City

Spicy Arugula Salad at Farm to Truck

Flight at Jagged Mountain

One of many yummy brews at Great Divide

Sample sizes at Epic

Pancakes Maple Porter

Vino at 9th Door

Activities
Wander to discover striking architecture
Colorado State Capitol
Aztlan Theatre
Civic Center (Civic Center Park Eats)
the ART (hotel)
Denver Art Museum (ck out the entire complex)
Blue Trees
16th Street Mall
Larimer Square
Street Art (individual post coming soon)

The stunning Capitol

Aztlan Theatre

Alma Temple

Pretty fountain on the Civic Center grounds

Outdoor feasting with a view

Butterflies over beautiful Larimer St.

I had the most interesting conversation with Konstantin Dimopoulos, the lovely gent behind the blue trees. He actually licked one of the trees to prove no harm was done to the bark. I was so mesmerized I neglected to include him in the photos. Learn more about the fascinating blue trees project http://kondimopoulos.com/the-blue-trees/