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/

Next time - the inside!

Denver Art Museum and complex below

Clever!

Howdy🤠

Legal recreation

A horse and his chair

Urban open space

*Cool* building

Travel by train

My prized capture - watching this intensity

Next time, Colorado, I set eyes on your mountains.

Los Angeles on a Shoestring Budget

Los Angeles will always be my favorite U.S. city for the laid-back vibe, weather, Venice Beach, and phenomenal restaurants. The "City of Angels" is more than Hollywood and celebrities. If you follow my guide, I guarantee a smashing time while spending very little cash.

Transportation

The cheapest and quickest way to get to and from LAX is via the Flyaway Bus http://www.lawa.org/welcome_LAX.aspx?id=292. It drops you at Union Station for $8.00 one way. During your stay, you can use your feet to get around (the gorgeous weather allows me to walk for miles) or take the Metro. I suggest getting a re-loadable TAP card if you plan to use public transportation often http://www.metro.net/riding/fares/.

Accommodations

I like to mix things up by using Airbnb, the Orange Drive Hostel in Hollywood, and Beverly Inn in West Hollywood.

Restaurants 

Here is a list of my favorite vegetarian/vegetarian-friendly eateries where you can spend as little or as much as you want, depending on your menu choices and if you go during happy hour. My heart will always belong to Hugo's:)

Hugo's West Hollywood (healthy/organic American) - $$
Lucky's Tavern (American w/great beer) - $$
Flore Vegan - $$
Swinger's (American) - $$
The Kitchen (American) - $$
Blossom Restaurant (Vietnamese) - $$
Farmer's Market at the Grove - $$
Nakkara on Beverly (Thai/Fusion) - $$
Toast Cafe (American/Bakery) - $$
Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill - $
Aventine (Italian w/killer patio) - $$
City Tavern Downtown (American, I go for the amazing beer selection) - $$
Toi on Sunset (Thai) - $$
Cafe Gratitude in Venice (vegan/raw) - $$
Venice Ale House (Gastropub right near the beach) - $$

Entertainment/Activities (FREE unless otherwise noted)

School Night at Bardot Hollywood - several live music acts on Monday nights (I highly recommend)
Amoeba Records on Sunset - ginormous record store that offers mini-concerts (check the calendar)

The Getty Center - one of the most amazing places on earth
Nick Metropolis Collectible Furniture - an outdoor collection of spectacular wares
Spend the day at Venice Beach including a stroll down Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Book Soup - great bookstore w/author events

Runyon Canyon - get your hike on and take a free yoga class

Hammer Museum - fantastic exhibits

The Last Bookstore - I suggest getting lost here for hours

Hollywood Forever Cemetery - beautiful and serene 

Barnsdall Art Park (check the calendar for free events)

Griffith Park Observatory - great place to hike, observe and learn
Little Tokyo - wander around and grab some food
Heck Yeah Karaoke at the Japanese Village Mall in Little Tokyo - Fri and Sat nights from 6-9pm
Olvera Street - experience Mexican culture
Bradbury Building - admire the interior architecture on the 1st floor
Peddler's Creamery - peddle/churn for them and get free ice cream in return
Eat/See/Hear - have a blast seeing live music and an outdoor film while noshing from food trucks for only $10 (food extra)
Jazz Nights at W Hollywood Hotel - vintage jazz & blues every Sunday from 9pm-midnight in the Living Room Lounge
Phenomenal street art to soak up, especially in the Downtown Arts District

Seen on Abbot Kinney in Venice

Go Green Frittata at Hugo's

Aren't they gorgeous?

In my "book," the Last Bookstore is the coolest:)

Sunset at beautiful Venice Beach

With the one and only Nick Metropolis

Four Angels entree at Nakkara

One of many unique places at the Farmer's Market

Like stepping back in time with this piece (downtown arts district)

Pretty in red - Little Tokyo

Shopping at Olvera Street

The Getty Center after dark

Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Vegetarian crepe at Blossom

Great street for a snap of the sign - Beachwood Ave.

Can you feel the love now? Contact me for any further advice and see you on the west coast.