You may think you ahve to head to New York for your dose of contemporary art, but Denver’s Museum of Contemporary Art holds it’s own among sevearl of the better known ‘big city’ museums across the country, adn the first to be awarded and LEED certified, so it’s also green! A cafe under a glass roof makes it the perfect place to go on a nice day. We are hitting the big time, Denver.

No matter what season it is, the Denver Botanic Gardens is a lovely spot to get outdoors and see nature at it’s best. Spring of course shows flowering blloms, while summer sets the stage for outdoor concerts. Winter holidays bring a festival of lights, and with the proper bundling, a really fun way to enjoy the outdoors in the frigid weather. Brrrrr.

Plays, dance, ballet….the center for the Performain Arts has it all and is a lovely venue to catch the latest stage has to offer. From musicals to drama, you can get your entertainment fix here.

The coolest museum in town (ok, I am a design junkie) is the Kirkland. This small museum dedicated to original art in the form of iconic furniture design, decorative art and craftsmanship is something completely special and unique to Denver. The staff and museum are so incredibly full of information and classic design that it’s hard not to leave with a yearning for that Marcel Breuer chair you’ve only seen in pictures.

I have always been a sucker for the dinosaur bones and exhibits I grew up seeing as a child on field trips, so my first trip to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science was no surprise, or let-down. What continues to bring me back are the amazing exhibits that rotate throughout like the Titatnic exhibit this past summer, or the Body Worlds exhibit. Kids and adults alike will have a spectacular learning experience that’s also fun.

The epitome of ‘museum’ awaits you at the DAM. From classic art displays and exhibitions ranging from western art to modern, the DAM got a resurgence in appeal when Daniel Liebskind, renowned architect, designed the new wing that defies average architecture in Denver and puts us on the map. Be aware that the odd angles and drops within the new structure have actually caused dizziness among some of the admirers. Dramamine, anyone?

Going to the opera is just a regal affair regardless of where you live. Our opera house delivers from performers to ambiance, seating and food. Ellie Caulkings Opera House is home to Kevin Taylor’s at the Opera restaurant which is a treat in itself. Get your ballgown ready and buy your tickets now, because Denver loves the opera!