The Mile High City may have begun as a gold rush and cattle hub, but Denver is now enjoying a new kind of boom. Tech companies are relocating here, celebrity chefs are opening ambitious restaurants, and a surge of housing, airport and transportation projects is reshaping the region. A vibrant arts scene, an established brewery culture and easy access to the nearby Rocky Mountains keep Denver an appealing and dynamic place to live and visit.
100 Things to Do in Denver Before You Die
Denver locals and authors Rich Grant and Irene Rawlings have published 100 Things to Do in Denver Before You Die, a practical, insider’s guide to experiencing the city. Whether you’re a new resident, planning to move, or visiting for the first time, the book highlights landmarks, eateries, neighborhoods and lesser-known spots that capture Denver’s spirit.
Many first-time visitors focus on downtown highlights — the restored Union Station, the lively districts of LoDo, LoHi and RiNo with their breweries, chef-owned restaurants, galleries, cafés and rooftop bars — and the city’s major art museums and Cherry Creek shopping. But Grant and Rawlings say newcomers often miss the nearby foothills and the natural beauty just outside the urban core.
“Most people coming to Denver today will explore Union Station and trendy neighborhoods full of dining and nightlife,” Grant observes. “What they don’t always do is drive to the first range of 7,000–8,000-foot foothills, which are only about 30 minutes away.” Those foothills offer accessible trails, scenic overlooks and a reminder of the mountains that define Colorado’s landscape.
Irene Rawlings
Both authors bring deep local experience. Grant spent 35 years as director of communications for Visit Denver, giving him a long view of the city’s evolution and hidden gems. Rawlings has been editorial director of Colorado Homes & Lifestyles, editor-in-chief of Mountain Living and a radio broadcaster. Their combined background informs a guide that feels conversational and useful — like chatting with two knowledgeable locals over a beer.
Rich Grant
“We have about 1,000 people a week moving to the metro area,” Grant notes. “It’s easy to learn about the newest restaurant or neighborhood, but many special places are known mainly to long-time locals.” Their book aims to prompt visitors and newcomers to explore beyond the well-trodden sites and discover those special places for themselves.
Highlights include historic venues like the Buckhorn Exchange — Denver’s oldest saloon — as well as small museums, scenic hiking trails and long-standing local shops such as Rockmount Ranch Wear, credited with inventing the snap-button Western shirt. The guide also points out a handful of offbeat locations where you can stand precisely 5,280 feet above sea level, a playful nod to the city’s nickname.
By combining practical tips, neighborhood context and local anecdotes, 100 Things to Do in Denver Before You Die invites readers to experience both the signature attractions and the quieter corners that give Denver its character. Whether you want to sample the city’s culinary scene, tour its creative neighborhoods, or take a quick escape to the nearby mountains, the book offers a curated path to make the most of your time in the Mile High City.