Things to do Denver Colorado - Stapleton & Aurora

Denver Colorado is a beautiful city, one mile high near the Rocky Mountains. From its beginning in 1858 as a gold-mining town, it has grown around the South Platte River, Cherry Creek, and historic Colfax Avenue to encompass several communities and many things to do. More about Denver: Park Hill, Cherry Creek & Washington Park, Capitol Hill & Lincoln Park.

If you are starting your trip to the Denver area at the airport, it is quite a sight. There’s artwork all around, the terminal building itself seems like an airy series of tents, and the Westin Denver International hotel is attached like a big set of wings.

Stapleton and Aurora are on the east side of the city. Aurora is home to the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Colfax Avenue goes through Aurora and you can see lots of old motor courts, neon signs, and even a vintage McDonald’s. Try exploring in the area of the Martin Luther King Jr. library for family-owned restaurants and funky shops.

Stapleton was the original location of Denver’s airport. It’s got a new train station that connects it to downtown Union Station and Denver airport. A landmark in Stapleton is the old control tower, standing watch over all the new development around it. This will soon be an exciting destination as Punch Bowl Social experiential restaurant. http://www.punchbowlsocial.com/home

Stapleton area has lots of conveniences and amenities. I found myself daydreaming about living there and being able to walk to restaurants and shops. The Shops at Northfield is a big mall with lots of food and movie theaters. Another big mall near the Central Park Station has Walmart, Sam’s Club, and more food. I enjoyed the quiet area East 29^th Avenue Town Center.

Four Friends Kitchen is a fantastic place for breakfast-brunch-lunch. We went 3 times on our last trip! Open from 6:30 am to 2:30 pm, the menu is inspired by Southern breakfasts. Cocktails include grapefruit vodka, jalapeño, ginger beer; sweet tea vodka, lemon; and blackberry mojito. The menu includes biscuits, beignets, brisket hash, pork belly, fried green tomatoes, and imaginative grits bowls. You can sit inside with old school airport décor or outside on the roof. http://www.fourfriendskitchen.com/

Stanley Marketplace is a fun renovation of an old aviation factory. This two story indoor mall has shops, food, and services. Be sure to visit Dani Everson’s beautiful hair salon, Clementine’s Salon & Skincare. Try Denver Biscuit Company for amazing giant biscuits with delicious fillings. http://stanleymarketplace.com/marketplace/

Drury Inn and Suites Denver Stapleton is a convenient hotel for this area. It’s very convenient to get on Route 70 to go downtown or use Central Park Boulevard to get to Colfax Avenue. The hotel has a friendly staff, an indoor pool and fitness room, and some nice food offerings for breakfast and early evening (included in room price). https://www.druryhotels.com/locations/denver-co/drury-inn-and-suites-denver-stapleton?utm_source=local&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gmb