denver tourism board

Denver   Travel Guide

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17 Best Things to Do in Denver, Colorado

While Colorado is known for its outdoor offerings, its city life isn't one to pass up. Denver is home to numerous must-sees from museums and galleries to restaurants and breweries. Spend a few hours in Meow Wolf to experience an interactive and

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Denver Botanic Gardens Denver Botanic Gardens

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit in the fall for Glow at the Gardens, a Halloween festival complete with stunning (and spooky) light displays and epic pumpkin art. – Leilani Osmundson

The Denver Botanic Gardens' 24 acres feature a whopping 50 gardens for visitors to explore. This expansive facility in downtown Denver's Cheesman Park treats travelers to a variety of different environments, from a traditional Japanese garden (complete with bonsai trees) to the South African Plaza blooming with exotic plants like asparagus fern and torch lilies. Meanwhile, art aficionados will also appreciate the gardens thanks to the numerous sculptures that grace the grounds; the facility also plays host to touring exhibits that have included works by such artists as Stephen Talasnik and Dale Chihuly.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Watching a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is an essential experience in Denver. There's no such thing as a bad seat, either; in fact, the best views are in the back, where you can see stunning sunset views over the red rocks and city skyline. – Amanda Norcross, Content & SEO Strategist

With its excellent views of the Rocky Mountains, miles of hiking trails and cinnamon-hued sandstone cliffs, Red Rocks Park is a big draw for outdoors enthusiasts. Occupying 700-some acres, this impressive park offers visitors the opportunity to experience the fascinating geographic transition between the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains. If you only have a short amount of time here, stretch your legs along the Trading Post Trail; this nearly 1 ½-mile-long path weaves through the rust-colored buttes, making for some spectacular scenery. Before you head out, travelers recommend stopping by the visitor center, which features information on the park’s history and trails.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science Denver Museum of Nature & Science

With exhibits featuring everything from dinosaur bones to Egyptian mummies, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science inspires learning in the young and young at heart. This impressive facility houses artifacts pertaining to a variety of scientific areas, including anthropology, zoology, geology, health sciences, paleontology and space science. Some of the more popular displays include the wildlife exhibit, which includes more than 90 habitat scenes containing information on animals from around the world, from Alaska to Australia. Meanwhile, the hands-on Space Odyssey area introduces travelers to the outer reaches of the galaxy and beyond. 

Recent visitors said the Denver Museum of Nature & Science was a great place for families. A few reviewers who were not traveling with children said the museum may not be as engaging for adults as it is for kids because of the elementary nature of the displays. Many recent travelers were particularly impressed with the gems and minerals exhibit, which features artifacts like an 8-pound nugget of crystallized gold discovered in Breckenridge in 1887.

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Denver's Union Station Denver's Union Station free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Have breakfast at Snooze (a local chain), but get there early – there's almost always a line because the food is that good. – Amanda Norcross, Content & SEO Strategist

Denver's Union Station serves a dual purpose: it's a working public transit station and a highly-praised dining and shopping center. The station was a huge success when it first opened to the public in 1881, providing railroad service until the center of the building caught fire in 1894. The architecture from the 1914 redevelopment remains, and today, it's home to an Amtrak hub and a bus concourse. Located in the hip Lower Downtown neighborhood (aka LoDo), the station also houses multiple dining options and boutiques, as well as  The Crawford Hotel .

Meow Wolf Denver Meow Wolf Denver

U.S. News Insider Tip: Plan to spend several hours (at least two) here if you're hoping to see everything, and remember as you explore that there is an underlying storyline that connects all the exhibits and includes a mystery for visitors to unravel. – Leilani Osmundson

If you’re a fan of immersive art installations, you’ll probably enjoy Meow Wolf Denver, which is best described as a contemporary art museum, a haunted house, an amusement park and a film set all rolled into one 90,000-square-foot space. There are several Meow Wolf locations around the U.S., including Las Vegas and Santa Fe, New Mexico . Denver’s iteration is spread across four stories and features more than 70 distinctive installations that feature colorful lights, sounds and interactive displays. The largest permanent installation is the Convergence Station, a “multiverse transit station.”

Denver Zoo Denver Zoo

Modeled after a Kenyan nature preserve, the Denver Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals, including tigers, black rhinos, kangaroos and orangutans. Sprawling across 80 acres of City Park, this impressive facility boasts a number of ways to view our furry, feathered and reptilian friends. Head to Predator Ridge, the recreated African savanna, to see hyenas, lions and African dogs roam, watch monkeys swing from tree branches at Primate Panorama or catch a glimpse of colorful critters like Panamanian golden frogs and green tree pythons at the Tropical Discovery center. You can also overload on cute during a visit to the nursery and take on a ride on the zoo's train and carousel.

While you're here, many travelers highly recommend timing your visit around feeding times, during which staff offers educational lectures about the zoo's residents. Keep in mind that this is a large facility; you'll want to budget plenty of time to see all the animals.

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Downtown Aquarium Downtown Aquarium

U.S. News Insider Tip: Pay attention if you're in the flash flood simulation room – you might get wet! – Leilani Osmundson

Visit the AZA-accredited Downtown Aquarium to see more than 500 species of animals across a variety of ecosystems both underwater and on land (including tigers). In addition to the exhibits, the aquarium also boasts a Stingray Reef touch tank, a 4D theater, scuba and snorkel experiences, a shark cage experience, and in-person and virtual animal encounters. Kids can participate in a plethora of activities from a fun overnight stay to a five-day summer camp. Day programs for children include "Marine Biologist for a Day," which includes encounters with exotic species from the deep sea, as well as "Zoologist for a Day," where kids can learn how to handle and train animals that live outside the ocean.

Denver Art Museum Denver Art Museum

With galleries showcasing more than 70,000 works by famed artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and Winslow Homer, the Denver Art Museum houses one of the most impressive collections of art between Chicago and the West Coast. Spread across two buildings, the museum's holdings range from pre-Columbian artifacts to contemporary displays with such mediums as painting  and sculpture represented. One of the highlights of a visit to the Denver Art Museum is its extensive assembly of western American art, which includes paintings, sculptures and works on paper related to the West going back two centuries.

Past visitors raved about the Denver Art Museum, praising its diverse and varied collections, especially its collection of western American art, and the museum's ability to appeal to kids through interactive activities. If you don't make it here on your own, you'll find that the museum is a popular stop on many of the best Denver tours .

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16th Street Mall 16th Street Mall free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit Skyline Park (located at 15th and Arapahoe streets) in the summer for draft beers at Skyline Beer Garden and the winter for outdoor ice skating at the Downtown Denver Rink. – Leilani Osmundson

Walk along this mile-long pedestrian mall for restaurants, shops, entertainment and more. Described as "the spine that connects all of downtown," the mall starts with Union Station on the north end and the Colorado State Capitol on the south end, with attractions like the Denver Performing Arts Complex, Larimer Square and the Denver Pavilions – a shopping and dining complex with multiple movie theaters and pop-up events – along the way. If you've worked up an appetite walking around, you won't go hungry: There are more than 40 outdoor cafes throughout the mall, as well as plenty of casual, upscale and international eateries.

Coors Field Coors Field

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Take a seat in row 20 – the only purple row in the stadium – and you'll be sitting exactly one mile above sea level! –  Leilani Osmundson

Named for Denver's famed beer, Coors Field in Denver's LoDo district is home to Major League Baseball's Colorado Rockies. The stadium occupies a whopping 76 acres and has the capacity for more than 50,000 fans. Of course, the main reason to come to Coors Field is to catch a game, but there's more to this stadium than a diamond. Whether you're traveling with children or alone, be sure to spend some time at the Interactive Area, where you can test your skills in the video batting cages and the Speed Pitch area. And if you've left the kids at home, take the opportunity to sample some of Denver's local brews on the Rooftop, a 38,000-square-foot platform with fantastic views of the field and downtown Denver. If the weather isn't cooperating, pay a visit to the on-site SandLot brewery instead.

Washington Park Washington Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip:  It's not the easiest to find parking in Denver, but don't worry -- Wash Park has plenty of street parking, and it's easy to find a spot even during events. –  Leilani Osmundson

Located south of central Denver, Washington Park is consistently praised by Denverites and visitors alike for its ample facilities and enjoyable atmosphere. Occupying 155 acres, this immense park boasts miles of jogging paths, two massive lakes and two formal gardens, one of which is a replica of George Washington's Mount Vernon gardens. Wash Park, as it’s called by locals, is a popular weekend hangout spot thanks to the variety of things to do here. You can spend your time simply relaxing on the grass, or you can take advantage of the park's 10 tennis courts, boat rentals and recreation center, which houses a pool and offers scheduled fitness classes and swim lessons.

Larimer Square Larimer Square free

In 1858, a group of settlers struck gold at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Their discovery soon spread back to the East Coast, prompting people to pick up and move west. The site of the original pioneer camp (known back then as Auraria) soon grew into the charming area now known as Larimer Square. Although the city has since expanded, this historic neighborhood remains the heart and soul of the Mile High City, and according to some, it's the place to start your Denver experience thanks to its variety of restaurants, bars and shops. It's also a featured stop on many of the best Denver tours . 

Before venturing to Larimer Square, you may want to pay a visit to the Larimer Square  website . Here, you'll find a listing of all the local businesses and upcoming events, not to mention maps that can help orient where specific dining, shopping and entertainment options are.

Empower Field at Mile High Empower Field at Mile High

Football fans won't want to pass up the chance to spend some time on the Denver Broncos' home turf. Empower Field at Mile High can hold more than 76,000 NFL fans and is notable for its elevation, which sits at 5,280 feet above sea level. That, combined with the view of the Rocky Mountains to the west and the Denver skyline to the east, makes it a unique venue to visit.

If you can swing it, try to catch a home game. Ticket prices vary by game and availability, and you'll want to purchase your seats well in advance to ensure availability. If you can't make it to a game, you can tag along on a guided tour of the stadium. Led by employees from the on-site Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum (one of the stops on the tour), these 75- to 90-minute tours take participants to the visiting teams' locker rooms, the end zone as well as into the network television production compound and the TV and radio broadcast facilities. Recent visitors described the tour experience as incredible thanks to the knowledgeable guides.

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Molly Brown House Museum Molly Brown House Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Though you can explore the museum on your own, a guided tour is vastly more educational. Register for a late morning tour and then walk to The Corner Beet after for tasty juices and brunch options. – Leilani Osmundson

Nestled among the contemporary architecture of the Capitol Hill district is the Molly Brown House Museum, an eccentric example of Victorian life and design that no history buff should miss. Once the home of the "unsinkable" Margaret "Molly" Brown (Kathy Bates' character in the film, "Titanic,"), this museum offers a glimpse into Denver's history and the life of one of its most fascinating residents. On a guided tour of the house, you'll learn about Brown's experience aboard the Titanic, as well as her role in the women's suffrage movement and her endeavors in Colorado's mining industry.

Elitch Gardens Elitch Gardens

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit the park in winter for its Luminova Holidays event and don't forget to bring your camera; there are plenty of beautiful holiday light displays for photo opportunities, and some rides are open as well. – Leilani Osmundson

Open first as actual gardens as well as a zoological park in 1890, the long-running Elitch Gardens now boasts a theme park, a water park, entertainment and more. At the theme park, fly 17 stories above Denver on the Star Flyer swing ride, or dive and spin at 50 mph speeds on the Mind Eraser coaster. If thrills aren't your thing, you'll find plenty of more relaxing rides and activities in both the theme and water park, such as the Commotion Ocean wave pool and Castaway Creek lazy river.

United States Mint United States Mint free

Even if you hate the sound of excess change rattling around your pockets, you'll find a tour of the Denver branch of the United States Mint to be an interesting way to spend an hour or so. Having opened in 1863, its purpose was to transform the Gold Rush's findings into coinage. Today, the U.S. Mint in Denver can produce up to 50 million coins a day.

A free guided tour of the U.S. Mint in Denver will allow you the opportunity to learn more about each stage of coin production, from the design and sculpting of each piece to the cutting of each type of coin. Some recent visitors marveled at the coin-making machines, but say that not all travelers will likely find it enthralling.

Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum

Housed in a hangar on the former Lowry Air Force Base in eastern Denver, this museum has more than 100,000 square feet of exhibit space that explores the history of the base's role in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars and the Cold War. A variety of iconic aircraft, space vehicles, artifacts and military uniforms are on display. The collection includes bombers from World War II, reconnaissance aircraft and commercial planes. One of the most iconic symbols of the Vietnam War – the Bell UH-1M Iroquois “Huey” – is among the displays. 

Past visitors enjoyed seeing the variety of aircraft and especially the replicas of “Star Wars” spacecraft. About 20 miles south of the museum is its sister location, the Exploration of Flight, which offers visitors a more immersive experience. They include a pilot simulator and actual flights in vintage and modern aircraft. The 15-acre site is located at Centennial Field, about 20 miles south of downtown Denver.

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Your ultimate travel guide for visiting Denver

• Denver, Colorado is a bustling city filled with sunshine, sports, and gorgeous landscapes. 
• Insider created a comprehensive travel guide for the best places to go, stay, and eat in Denver.
• Visit Insider's hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations .

At 5,280 feet above sea level, Denver, Colorado, offers a variety of activities for visitors amid its gorgeous landscapes  and bustling downtown.

The Mile High City, famous for its 300 days of sunshine, is home to the Colorado Rockies, Avalanche, and the Broncos. It's also home to an abundance of art and history museums, lush parks, and a diverse food scene.

Check out Insider's guide for planning a well-rounded trip to the Mile High City based on expert intel from in-the-know locals who shared their secrets on the best places to experience.

→ What to know about getting to and around Denver  

→ where to stay in denver, → what to eat in denver, → what to do in denver  , → important advisories for visiting denver.

• Main content

clock This article was published more than  3 years ago

What tourists need to know about visiting Denver during the pandemic

Pandemic or not, Denver draws visitors year-round for its outdoor activities, cannabis tourism , craft beer and food scene. According to booking data from TripIt, a travel organizing app, Denver is the third-most popular fall travel destination this year. Skyscanner data also shows Denver as one of the highest-searched cities for fall flights.

Unlike many popular tourism states, Colorado doesn’t have coronavirus travel restrictions for out-of-state visitors. However, Denver locals and visitors alike must follow the Denver face-covering order that has been in place since July that requires those three years and older to wear face masks in public settings.

“I would say if you’re being safe, you’re wearing your mask and you’re being courteous to others, then I’m happy to have visitors come to Denver,” local food blogger Bre Patterson says. “If you’re hesitant to wear a mask, then you shouldn’t be traveling.”

What you can do

Even though the city has had headline-making weather lately (pro tip: dress in layers), locals continue to find ways to enjoy the outdoors. “We still have the 850 miles of urban bike trails in our metro area,” says Jesse Davis, director of public relations for Visit Denver. “We’re still known as being the gateway to the Rockies.” Davis recommends that fall foliage seekers drive through the aspen grove of Kebler Pass in the West Elk Mountains.

How to still do all your favorite fall activities

Patterson recommends that visitors get outside as much as possible, taking advantage of the city’s nearby trails. Her picks for hiking spots include the 1.6-mile Bear Creek Trail in Lair o’ the Bear park, which is great for families, and the Maxwell Falls trails in Evergreen, Colo., that offer different hike distances and end up at a waterfall.

For exploring Denver proper, Patterson suggests that visitors see the city by bike either on their own or on a guided tour.

“You could do a brewery tour, a winery tour, a distillery tour or just go see different wall murals and art murals down the Cherry Creek trail, which goes straight through the city,” Patterson says. “Riding bikes is probably one of the best things you could do. And if you want to get further out, you can take the trails that go into the mountains.”

Rachel Strobolson, the owner of the tour company Denver Like a Local , says interest in tours, both from Denver residents and out-of-towners, has been strong since August. Her walking tours are now restricted to 9 people per tour.

A local's guide to Denver

“We ask them to stay in their group, six feet apart from the other group, and wear their masks,” Strobolson says. “We give out these fun little gift bags on every tour that have a masks, hand sanitizing gel, hand sanitizing wipes, postcards.”

Customers can also book private experiences if they don’t want to be with strangers, although Strobolson says most people have been fine being included in a small group. If customers change their minds before their tour, Strobolson is being flexible with reservation changes, no matter they want to rebook for next month or next year.

Strobolson says people who visit Denver now will enjoy some of the silver linings of the pandemic, like less traffic in town and places like Larimer Square being blocked off to cars. The square is now decorated with string lights, restaurants have their tables in the streets, and during the day, there’s live music playing for pedestrians.

As far as attractions go, the tourism board’s website has a running list of what’s open to visitors, including the Denver Botanic Gardens, the city’s zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Check each attraction’s website before visiting to see if they require a timed ticket.

The same is true for visiting the city’s breweries and distilleries: Check their websites ahead of time to find out their rules for visiting during the pandemic.

Growing number of airlines offer ‘flights to nowhere’ as international travel remains stalled

Where you can stay

Strobolson, who worked in hotel management for a decade, says Denver, like other cities during the pandemic, is seeing more affordable hotel rates than normal.

“Some of the best boutique hotels that used to be $400 a night, are now like a $100 or $150 a night, which is crazy,” Strobolson says. “As far as lodging goes, you can’t really go wrong anywhere because everyone is giving great service at such a discounted rate.”

Her picks for visitors include the Crawford Hotel inside Union Station, the Halcyon Cherry Creek, which has a rooftop pool, and the Oxford Hotel, which dates back to 1891. Strobolson is also a fan of the Ramble Hotel, which houses one of her favorite restaurants, Super Mega Bien.

For those interested in renting an Airbnb, Patterson recommends searching in LoDo (Lower Downtown) to be near the action. “Then if you want to be more like the locals, I would say stay in Cap Hill or the Highlands,” she says.

Where you can eat

Patterson directs people looking for grab-and-go food options to Snarf’s , a sandwich spot; Illegal Pete’s, a Mexican fast-casual spot; and High Point Creamery, an ice cream spot.

The food blogger has experimented with Denver restaurants’ outdoor dining setups and has felt comfortable with the socially distant experience.

“The best thing about Denver is they’ve passed the ordinance to extend patios or to put out a patio if you didn’t have one,” she says. “So there’s a lot of alfresco dining right now.”

Strobolson urges visitors to book reservations ahead of time because most restaurants have limited seating capacity to promote social distancing. Her restaurant recommendations for travelers include Rioja in Larimer Square and El Five. “It has one of the best views of the Denver City skyline,” she says.

For those in the Lower Highlands neighborhood, Strobolson recommends My Brother’s Bar. “It’s the oldest continuously operating bar in Denver,” she says. “[Writers] Jack Kerouac and Neal Cassady used to hang out there; there’s a ton of history.”

For brunch, Patterson suggests Bacon Social House, which, true to its name, has bacon flights on its menu. “They’re doing a great job with their outdoor patios and they have a few locations throughout the city and the suburbs,” she says. “If you’re passing through, it’s a great option.

Patterson would prefer keeping Cuba Cuba Cafe & Bar a secret, as there’s already always a wait for a table. During the pandemic, owner Kristy Bigelow turned the front lawn of the brightly painted restaurant into an outdoor dining patio.

“They have the best mojitos ... and the Cuban food is just incredible,” Patterson says.

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Executive Committee

Brady Johnson

2024-2025 Past Board President

Brady Johnson is the Director of Sales and Marketing, making him responsible for all marketing and advertising efforts at the C Lazy U Ranch along with selling real estate, booking group events, and retreats.  On top of these efforts, you can always count on seeing him taking guests on guided mountain bike rides in the summer and skiing in the winter. C Lazy U Ranch is the perfect place for Brady as an avid outdoorsman because he gets to show guests a unique experience from the moment they find us online or through friends, to the day of their departure.

Meg Tewkesbury

2024-2025 Board President

Meg is the National Sales Manager for The Steamboat Grand. The best part of her job is sharing her love of Steamboat & introducing meeting planners to this amazing destination. Her career started with Marriott International, which led her to working at Marriott Hotels in Denver, Chicago, Dallas & Minneapolis. Being a Colorado native, the mountains were calling her home and The Steamboat Grand was the perfect place to combine her passion for Steamboat and hotel sales. She enjoys tubing the Yampa River in the summer, skis every opportunity she has and loves spending time with her Family and Friends.  Meg can be reached at 970-871-5537 or at [email protected].

Lindsey Rohrbaugh

Board Vice President 2024-2025

Lindsey was born and raised in the Tourism hub of Estes Park, Colorado. Her grandparents and parents built, owned, and operated multiple lodging properties in Estes Park the past 50 years. As a part of the past three properties in her adolescence,  her foundation was built on hard work ethic, customer service and a passion centered around Colorado Tourism.  Lindsey represents Visit Boulder, CO bringing over 12 years of experience in Destination Marketing. As a utility player she has had the opportunity to represent multiple destinations in Colorado bringing added value in strategic partnerships, conference services, group sales, and destination development. Destination Colorado shares her passion for exceptional hospitality, collaboration, community involvement and her love for the Colorado Mountains! In her free time, she enjoys jet setting to visit new landscapes, taking in live music, or sharing a glass of whiskey with old and new friends alike.

Dave Feller

Board Treasurer 2024-2025

Dave is the Senior Sales Manager at Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center in Breckenridge. He worked at Beaver Run for several years in all areas of hospitality, eventually landing in sales which, according to him, is the best department! With a solid understanding of both sales and operations, Dave has an understanding of and appreciation for exceptional customer service.

During winter lunch breaks, you can find Dave on the slopes. In the summer, he’ll be on his bike or in his tent. Dave also enjoys giving back to his community; he’s on the Town of Breckenridge Events Committee and the Sustainable Events Task Force, and he volunteers in the community. You can reach Dave at [email protected].

Lauren Lacy

Board Secretary 2024-2025

Lauren serves as the Director of Sales for Winter Park Mountain Lodge. She has been in the hospitality industry for nearly 20 years, previous to her current role she has worked for properties in Vail, Telluride and Keystone. Starting her career in catering/sales, then conference services, she quickly moved into sales in 2007. She is an active member of MPIRMC, SGMP, and CSAE. Native to Colorado, she grew up skiing, hiking, fishing and camping with her family. She now shares these same experiences with her husband and 2 young children.  She is passionate about sharing all the wonderful places Colorado has to offer and is excited to be serving on the Board of Destination Colorado for a 2 nd  time.

Board members

In order of seniority.

Stacy Daeffler

Board Member Since 2022 | Association Manager 2012-2022

Stacy Daeffler serves as the Director of Group Sales at The Charter at Beaver Creek by East West Hospitality in the heart of Colorado’s Vail Valley. She previously served as the Manager of Destination Colorado Meetings, a statewide association that provides group travel services throughout the Centennial state. Daeffler had many different responsibilities at the non-profit organization over the past 10 years – including membership, events, sales & marketing and facilitating connections between Colorado-based suppliers and meeting & event planners nationwide. You can find Stacy riding her horse in the summer and her snowboard in the Winter.

Sara Lawrason

Board Member Since 2021

Sara Mercado-Lawrason is Program and Account Manager for Operation Altitude. She moved from Arkansas to Colorado after college and never looked back. Her background is in hospitality, specifically restaurant and event management. She started with Operation Altitude in 2017 with roles in networking, marketing, sales, program development and management. Event production is her passion, and creating unforgettable experiences is her ultimate goal. Sara’s clients are primarily corporate groups specializing in conferences, retreats and incentive programs. In her free time, Sara enjoys weekend trips to the mountains, dining at all the incredible restaurants around Colorado and cuddling with her cats! Sara can be reached at 720-231-1722/ [email protected].

Angie Vossler

Board Member Since 2023

Angie is currently a group sales manager for the Four Seasons Resort Vail, bringing more than 30 years of hospitality experience to the board. Her career spans from the mountain settings of Keystone Resort, the Stanley Hotel, and Sebastian Vail to Denver locations including Four Seasons Denver, the St. Julien, and the Jacquard. Angie’s journey began in catering sales at Keystone Resort. The experience became the foundation for launching her wedding planning business and the publication of Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine. Angie’s work and personal life intersected when she met Rich, her husband of 20 years, while planning his sister’s wedding in Vail. Angie and Rich now call Denver home where they live with their 16-year-old daughter Elsa and 11-year-old German Shepherd Max. Away from the office, you’ll find her enjoying the outdoors, traveling and spending time with family and friends. Angie is excited to bring her experience to the Board of Destination Colorado for a second time.

Katie Buttermore

Board Member Since 2024

I am thrilled about the opportunity to join the board for Destination Colorado and to be a part of this amazing team of event professionals! I am the Sales Manager at The Ranch Events Complex located in Loveland, CO, and have been in this position since 2012. I was previously the Group Sales Manager at Budweiser Events Center (now known as the Blue FCU Arena) at The Ranch before becoming the Director of Corporate Partnerships and Premium Seating at the Events Center. I am currently in the process of receiving my accreditation as a CEM and am interested in growing my knowledge in the event industry by networking and learning from other event professionals in this amazing industry! In my spare time, I enjoy spending time camping, golfing, and traveling with my husband and two boys who are 9 and 12, as well as our new Cori pup, Darla. I also enjoy playing the violin in the Loveland Orchestra and being on the board for Colorado Families for Hands & Voices which is an organization near and dear to my heart that supports families with kiddos who are deaf and hard of hearing.

Maria Garces

Maria Garces is the Senior Group Sales Manager at Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa in Tabernash Colorado. She has held the position since 2017 and assists clients with customizing their corporate events and retreats. She has been an active member of Destination Colorado for six years. Originally from Wisconsin, she started her career in fundraising, development, and event planning in the nonprofit sector. In her free time, she can be found hiking or snowshoeing with her husband and dog, or traveling and trying new restaurants. Maria is excited to bring her experience and serve on the Board of Directors for Destination Colorado Meetings.

Sonny Kerstiens

Sonny is the Vice President of Sales & Revenue for Aspen Hospitality. A 20+ year veteran of resort and urban properties throughout the state of Colorado, Sonny has held various Sales, Marketing, and Operations positions with Vail Resorts, Sage Hospitality, and the rapidly evolving Aspen Hospitality platform. He previously served on the Board of Directors for Destination Colorado in the early 2010’s. Sonny is an outdoor enthusiast, enjoying all outdoor recreational opportunities that the great state has to offer, including snowboarding, camping, hiking and trail running. He lives in Denver with his three sons and his partner (Megan).

Mary Beth Maggio

Originally from Natchitoches, Louisiana, Mary Beth found her passion for special events during college in the lively City of New Orleans, where she worked with multiple music and film festivals throughout the city. After serving as Special Events Coordinator at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC for six years, Mary Beth, along with her husband and two dogs Ford and Valerie, eagerly embraced the vibrant culture of Colorado.

In her current role as the Senior Manager of Event Sales at the Denver Art Museum, Mary Beth specializes in transforming the museum into unforgettable events for her clients. As a speaker at The Special Event Conference in 2020, Mary Beth has shared her expertise on hosting events in museum spaces on a national stage.  When not making magic happen for her clients at the Denver Art Museum, Mary Beth can be found paddle boarding at the Chatfield Reservoir or hiking the scenic trails of the Front Range. Excited to be a part of the Destination Colorado Board, Mary Beth is looking forward to bringing her passion and unique perspective to the board.

Joyce Reilly

Joyce Reilly is a 30 year veteran of the Colorado and National Event Industry.  She has had the privilege to lead multiple Private Dining teams for national restaurant groups as well as stints in Off Premise Catering and Hospitality sales. Joyce has continually provided support to our industry leading local leads groups, speaking on panels for student led organizations, serving on MIC, and serving on the MPI Board in many capacities ending in Office of the President.  Her current position as National Director of Sales with MiHi Entertainment keeps her well ensconced in the Colorado event industry and allows for her to provide time, talent and services to the event community.  Her greatest joy is providing leadership, and inspiration to her colleagues and peers as well as superb service and value to her clients. Joyce and her husband Brian have celebrated 34 years of wedded bliss raising their 3 adult children Shane, Schaal  and Shea.  Her favorite hobbies are gardening and getting away to the mountains for time on the lake in peace and solitude.

Jorge Sanchez

Jorge Sanchez is a seasoned business professional with over three decades of experience in the banking, aerospace, consulting, technology, and chauffeured industries. Under Sanchez’s leadership, Denver-based Hermes Worldwide, Inc. has established itself as an award-winning ground transportation company serving corporate travel, team sports, weddings, meetings and events industries, youth groups, government and the military. Sanchez’s focus on employee retention, safety, customer service, adoption of cutting-end technology, and processes has led to Hermes being recognized by Destination Colorado as Company of Year, Colorado Companies to Watch Winner, Colorado Meetings + Events Hall of Fame Supplier of the Year, and Inc. magazine’s list of the top 5000 fastest growing companies in the nation. Sanchez is also a VISIT DENVER and Destination Colorado Board Member. He previously worked for IBM, JD Edwards, FirstBank, TCI, Honeywell Aerospace, and Avaya before starting Hermes in 2007.

Rebecca Sosa

Rebecca unknowingly got into the hospitality industry when she crafted her mom’s 40th birthday while in high school growing up in Ecuador. Rebecca returned to her home state of Texas to go to Baylor University. Following numerous summers spent in Colorado engaging in activities such as backpacking, camping, rock climbing, and mountain biking, Rebecca decided to make Colorado her new home. Throughout her journey in the hospitality industry, she has held various roles, including front desk manager at a high-end spa in Boulder, to overseeing an offsite catering company and eventually landing her first Catering Sales position at the DoubleTree Westminster. She was also part of the opening team at The Curtis hotel.  Rebecca continued to advance her career with stints at the Hyatt Regency in Denver and moved into sales to become the Business Development Manager at the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa. The past three years, she has been living and working in Estes Park at the Ridgeline Hotel as their Sales & Event Manager. Rebecca is excited to continue her involvement with Destination Colorado as a returning Board member.

Chrissie Widhalm

Chrissie Widhalm is a Senior Sales Manager at The Broadmoor, representing the Rocky Mountain Region.  She has been creating memorable experiences for her guests at The Broadmoor in a variety of rolls since 2006.  She currently leads a team of 3 Sales Managers who successfully represent The Broadmoor across the country.  Chrissie has a Master’s Degree in Communications from California State University, Fullerton and is a Certified Meeting Planner.  Outside of the office, she enjoys dining at local Colorado Springs restaurants, pickleball, and spoiling her niece and nephew.  Chrissie can be reached at 719-577-5812 or [email protected]

Sean McNamara

As Associate Vice President of Convention Sales at Visit Denver, Sean leads group sales efforts for the city of Denver for both the Colorado Convention Center and hotels through the Denver Metro region and beyond. Prior to joining Visit Denver, Sean has been leading sales efforts for Denver hotels since 2016. He has held Director of Sales positions at Sheraton Denver Downtown and Hotel Clio in Cherry Creek. Before coming to Denver, Sean spent several years of his career on the Big Island of Hawaii where he was Director of Sales and Marketing at the Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa. Having been raised in Colorado and a graduate of University of Colorado at Boulder’s Leeds School of Business, Sean is thrilled to call Colorado home once again. In his free time, he enjoys exploring Colorado’s mountains with his three boys Connor, Liam and Aidan and is an avid musician and music fan.

Kelly Layton

Executive Director

Kelly is a Colorado native and has been in the hospitality industry for nearly 20 years including Director of Marketing for the Vail Chamber and Tourism Bureau (now VVP) and Marketing Manager with the Sonnenalp Resort of Vail. Before joining Destination Colorado in 2021 as the Executive Director, she delivered exceptional group incentive experiences throughout the state and promoting Colorado as a group destination for meetings and events in her role with Operation Altitude, a Colorado destination management company.  Outside of work, she enjoys finding new ways to embarrass her teenagers, hiking with friends, developing her photography skills and riding her horse. She can be reached at 970-390-8334 or [email protected] .

Marie Huston

Association Manager

Marie, our newest member of the team, is no stranger to Destination Colorado. Having participated as a member in numerous Destination Colorado events, she is now excited to work with our board in reaching our membership goals while maintaining a focus on planner & member engagement, quality programming, and breakout marketing. She & her husband owned and operated Carlos & Maria’s (aka Chuck & Marie’s) Mexican Restaurant in Winter Park prior to her joining the YMCA of the Rockies as Senior Group Sales Manager. She has been a member of the Winter Park Fraser Valley Marketing Council and served on the Grand County Tourism Board. After almost 40 years in the mountains of the Fraser Valley, she has recently moved to sunny Grand Junction. Her Colorado lifestyle includes rafting (favorite river Yampa) mountain biking, (favorite trail Mary’s Loop) cross country skiing (favorite trail Blue Ridge) golf (favorite course Pole Creek) and downhill skiing (favorite run Trestle). She can be reached at  marie@destinationcolorado.

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Colorado Meetings & Events magazine is a quarterly publication reaching meeting planners as well as all levels of professionals who plan meetings and events, from an administrative executive planning a board retreat to the vice president of marketing organizing a client golf outing. The magazine is specifically written and circulated within the state and throughout the surrounding region to expose readers to cultural events, service providers, venues and industry resources available in each market to assist in planning a meeting or creating the next extraordinary event. The magazine is available in print and digital and online at Visit www.meetingmags.com

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The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) was created by the Colorado legislature to promote Colorado as a tourism and travel destination. The CTO oversees the Colorado Welcome Centers, advertising and public relations, promotional materials and customer response services including 1-800-COLORADO and www.Colorado.com. The Colorado Tourism Office is a Founding Partner of the Care for Colorado Coalition of which Destination Colorado is a proud partner. Learn more at https://www.colorado.com/CareForColorado .

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Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the meeting and event industry’s largest and most vibrant global community, helps members thrive by providing human connections to knowledge and ideas, relationships and marketplaces. MPI membership is comprised of more than 24,000 members belonging to 71 chapters and clubs worldwide. For additional information Visit www.mpiweb.org

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Art and architecture bloom at Denver Art Museum’s ‘Biophilia’ exhibit

At the Denver Art Museum, a chandelier models the fronds of a tropical banana plant. A copper chair resembles a tree canopy. In one room, vibrant illuminated blooms hang from the ceiling.

These are just some of the displays featured in a new museum exhibit that highlights the “transformative power of nature” through art and design.

The " Biophilia: Nature Reimagined" exhibit features over 100 works by more than 30 artists and designers from across the globe. The exhibit examines three themes: patterns in the natural world, artistic interpretations of natural phenomena, and the emotional connections people have with the physical environment.

Museum Curator Darrin Alfred has been pushing for this exhibit for a decade.

“Many exhibitions focus on sustainability, or sort of the greening of design, or using sort of natural materials,” he said. “But I was really interested in sort of tapping into that kind of emotional connection that we have with the natural world.”

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Several studies have proven that increased time in nature can lead to better physical and mental health. Reports have also found racial disparities in access to nature. In the U.S., Black, Latino and Asian communities tend to have fewer forests, bodies of water and other natural places near their homes.

Alfred said the exhibit is meant to help all visitors reconnect with nature.

“We’re in a time where things are moving fast. We're sort of connected to our phones and these digital devices almost 24 hours a day,” he said. “These works aren't meant to be replacements for that nature-based experience, but it's more about sort of opening that door for us to be able to understand it better, the importance of it and getting out there and experiencing it ourselves.”

Alfred refers to "Biophilia" as a “design exhibition” because, in addition to 2D art, this exhibit incorporates fashion, home fixtures and even whole buildings on display.

Some pieces focus on Colorado’s natural landscape. Meadow by the studio DRIFT features a room with 18 flowers hanging from the ceiling that bloom throughout the day. Alfred said another piece – Studio Gang’s Populus Hotel – was inspired by Colorado’s aspen trees.

“What you see here are these windows that are reminiscent of those dark circles that are left on the bark of aspen trees as they sort of shed their lower limbs,” he said, pointing at a 3D model of the building in the exhibit. “But also the form itself, sort of these tall, stark kind of white trunks that stretch into the sky.”

Other pieces are derived from the ways the artists themselves have been impacted and inspired by nature. The Nana Lure Chandelier by PELLE Designs was formed out of an experience Jean Pelle had while on vacation in Santa Barbara. The piece has six “banana leaf fronds” made of cast cotton handmade paper and is sculpted, colored and painted by hand. Inside each frond is an LED light.

“We saw this banana leaf frond and it was just this really vibrant, beautiful green, purple banana leaf that stood out in my mind,” she said. “Around the same time, we were casting cotton paper and making that into light fixtures, and that frond shape looked like a lampshade. And so just kind of all those thoughts combined together.”

Pelle believes that the chandelier does not need much of an introduction. Instead, she hopes people have a personal interaction with it and that they think about their own special memories with nature.

“We're drawn to nature's beauty. We're drawn to nature's coloring, the way that light interacts with nature. The way that leaves look translucent in in the bright sunlight, even when you're looking at dew drops and you just look at the sparkle,” she said. “It is magnetic. It's so powerful. It's an incredible experience.”

That’s not the only chandelier at the exhibit. The Floraform Chandelier by Nervous System is a four-foot-wide, 3D-printed white nylon light fixture that is reminiscent of leaf veins and casts a similar shadow on the floor when light shines through.

Jessica Rosenkrantz and Jesse Lewis Rosenberg formed Nervous System out of a desire to combine their interests after studying at MIT together. Rosenkrantz studied architecture and biology, and Rosenberg studied math and computer science. They have consistently been inspired by the aesthetics of nature and how patterns in nature form. Recently, they’ve designed everything from jewelry to lampshades to 3D-printed organs .

“You can explain a lot of patterns in nature through mathematics and simulations,” Rosenkrantz said. “Like, why does lightning look so similar to how river deltas look? And why does that look so similar to branching patterns you see in trees? It's because there's a similar dynamic to the processes that generate those types of patterns, even though they're working in different medias and at different scales.”

In addition to the artwork, visitors can take part in a nature questionnaire that asks people to answer questions about what they believe the role of nature is in society. At the end, visitors receive a score based on how connected they are to nature along with suggestions on where to get more connected to nature in the Denver area.

"Biophilia: Nature Reimagined" is open through mid-August and is included in general admission to the Denver Art Museum.

National Nurses Week 2024: Chipotle's free burrito giveaway, more deals and discounts

Nurses should be celebrated every day, but they do have a special week: national nurses week, which runs may 6-12. restaurants like chipotle and buffalo wild wings have specials during the week..

Chipotle is giving away 100,000 burritos for National Nurses Week. And you don't necessarily have to be a nurse to get in on the deal.

From Monday, May 6, to Friday, May 10, healthcare workers can sign up for a chance to win a free burrito e-card on the Chipotle website . At the end of National Nurses Week, 100,000 healthcare workers will be randomly selected to get an email asking them to verify their employment status via ID.me. Those who successfully verify that within 48 hours will get a free burrito e-card.

Customers can get in on the action, too, by purchasing limited-edition Chipotle Healthcare Heroes E-Gift Cards online; 10% of the proceeds from the gift card purchases will be donated to the American Nurses Foundation. And throughout the month of May, you can round up your online or app orders to the nearest dollar amount. 100% of those proceeds will go to the foundation.

National Nurses Week 2024: A RN reflects on the state of the profession, calls for change

When is National Nurses Week?

National Nurses Week is observed annually May 6 through May 12.

What is National Nurses Week?

National Nurses Week grew out of a congressional resolution and proclamation signed by President Reagan in 1982 deeming May 6 as a National Recognition Day for Nurses.

The American Nurses Association board of directors expanded this to a National Nurses Week in 1990. The permanent dates for the week were designated in 1993 to be officially observed starting in 1994.

The week includes National School Nurses Day on May 8 and May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, which has been celebrated as International Nurse Day since 1974.

More ways to save: Visit USA TODAY's coupons page for deals from thousands of vendors

National Nurses Week 2024 freebies, deals and discounts

Here's a roundup of freebies, deals, discounts and other specials for National Nurses Week.

• Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza: Nurses get a 20% discount on all orders with a valid ID from Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12.
• BurgerFi: Nurses get a 20% discount on all orders with a valid ID from Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12.
• Buffalo Wild Wings: From Monday, May 6, to May 12, nurses get 20% off their orders with valid IDs on dine-in, call-in, and walk-in orders.
• Buzz E-Bikes and Huffy Bicycles : Both United Wheels -owned companies give nurses 20% off online purchases year-round when verifying their ID.me at checkout.
• Create Amor: Through June 7, get 25% off orders for scrubs (use the code NURSE25) and $1 per set (top and bottom) will be donated to the American Nurses Foundation. The scrubs brand will also donate 100% of proceeds from each Iris Five Pocket Top sold directly to the foundation.
• Dunkin': Nurses can get a free medium hot or iced coffee, no purchase necessary, on Monday, May 6. (The deal excludes Frozen Coffee, Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew. Espresso shots, flavors, dairy alternatives & cold foam may be an additional charge.)
• Firehouse Subs: The sandwich chain has a week of specials available starting Monday through its Firehouse Rewards loyalty program and app including (on Wednesday) BOGO Hook & Ladder Subs and (on Friday) two medium sandwiches for $12 or two large sandwiches for $18.
• Free Rein Coffee Company: Nurses, first responders and medical providers get 20% off all year long from "Yellowstone" star Cole Hauser's brew brand by verifying with ID.me. Also eligible for the 20% discount: military members.
• The Good Feet Store : The retailer, with more than 250 locations, will give nurses a complimentary pair of Architek Comfort Slip-Ons and three pairs of OS1st Comfort socks with the purchase of at least a Good Feet Store 3-Step Arch Support System. (Note: if Architeks are not available, a pair of Brooks running shoes will be provided. Valid nurse's ID is required.)
• The Greene Turtle: All nurses and healthcare workers with a valid ID get a free meal (value of up to $15) on Monday, May 6.
• Happy Joe’ s Pi zza & Ice Cream: Nurses get a 10% discount at participating locations from Monday to Friday, May 6-10.
• honeygrow: Nominate a nursing team for $250 worth of catering from the fast-casual chain with 33 locations in the eastern U.S. Submit your nomination on the honeygrow website before Wednesday, May 8. Five winning teams will be announced on May 10 via honeygrow's social media platforms.
• HTeaO: The iced tea chain will give healthcare personnel 50% off cups of tea from Monday, May 13, to Sunday, May 26, with a valid hospital, doctors office, and school nurse ID.
• Insomnia C ookies: The Philadelphia-based late-night bakery chain with more than 240 locations is giving nurses a free Classic cookie in-store, no purchase necessary, all week beginning Monday, May 6. (Just show a valid ID; availability varies by location.)
• KIND Snacks: Nurses get 15% off their purchases on the website all year long. Customers just verify with ID.me at checkout.
• Landing: The flexible rental firm, with sites especially practical for travel nurses, is giving away prizes including three months' rent. Nurses can enter to win by submitting a 60-second video and others can nominate a nurse, too.
• Logan's Roadhouse: Nurses get 20% off their entrée this week. Just show your badge.
• McAlister’s Deli: Nurses can get free tea – either one big Sweet Tea, Unsweet Tea, ½ Sweet & ½ Unsweet Tea, or ½ Lemonade & ½ Sweet/Unsweet Tea (flavor shots excluded) – at McAlister's Deli from Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12, with their badge or ID. Offer valid in-store only; no purchase necessary.
• Moe’s Southwest Grill: Cater a Moe's Southwest Grill meal for nurses from Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12, and when you spend $300 or more, get a $50 E-gift card (use code THANKYOU24). Good at participating locations; not valid with other offers or third-party delivery. Doesn't include tax, tip and fees.
• Pancheros: Nurses can buy one entrée and get one free on Wednesday, May 8, at participating restaurants. (Offer good in-restaurant; just present a valid hospital badge at checkout.)
• The Parking Spot: The parking company is giving healthcare workers 25% off parking during their trips; just signup with an associated healthcare email account .
• Peter Piper Pizza : Nurses can get a free personal pizza every day Monday through Friday (May 6-10). Redemption is limited to once per day; valid nurse ID/credentials must be shown.
• Postino: The restaurant chain, with more than 25 locations in five states , will give nurses its $25 Board and Bottle (bruschetta board, plus a bottle of wine) all day every day during the month of May with badge/ID. (The special is usually only available Monday and Tuesday 8 p.m. to closing.)
• Potbelly Sandwich Works: Nurses get a free cookie or fountain drink with the purchase of an entrée by showing their ID Monday, May 6, to Sunday, May 12. Also, all customers can get free delivery on a catering order over $150.
• Salata Salad Kitchen: On Monday, May 6, Healthcare workers get 20% off their order when they present their badge at checkout. Also from Monday to Friday, get 20% off catering orders of $200 or more, and get free delivery on orders through DoorDash.
• Shipley Do-Nuts: Nurses who belong the chain's Do-Happy loyalty program can get a free half-dozen box of glazed do-nuts with any purchase on Monday, May 6.
• Skechers: Nurses get a 10% discount on all styles during the month of May on the Skechers website (valid ID or form of employment required). Online shoppers can also round up the purchase price of May purchases to the nearest dollar with proceeds going to the American Nurses Foundation; donate $5 or more and get $10 off your next $100 purchase in June.
• Smoothie King: Get $2 off your on Monday and Tuesday via Smoothie King’s Healthy Rewards App (use code THANKS2024). The promo code may be used multiple times. Also, Friday, May 3, to Friday, May 10, when you buy $25 or more in gift cards online, get a bonus of 2,000 Healthy Reward points.
• Sockwell: Nurses get a free pair of socks when they buy three pairs at full price May 6-12 on the Sockwell website (excludes closeouts and 3-packs).
• Yogurtland: Through May 14, the frozen yogurt chain is offering free delivery on orders of more than $15 made through the website or mobile app (use the code FREEDELIVERY).
• Zaxby's : Nurses can buy one Boneless Wings Meal and get a second one free on May 7 at participating locations (redeemable through the Zaxby's app or website for Zax Rewardz members, while supplies last).
• Zips Car Wash:  Nurses can get a $5 "Pro" Wash at any Zips Car Wash or Rocket Express location across the country through May 19 with wash code 3687.

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads:  @mikesnider  & mikegsnider .

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2024 Board of Directors

Paul Andrews

Leon Barnes

Luis Benitez

Albus Brooks

Matthew Burkett

Jennifer Chang

David Coors

David L. Corsun

Navin C. Dimond

Greg Feasel

Brent Fedrizzi

Andrew Feinstein

Jack Finlaw

Beth Gruitch

Christopher Heinrich

Chris Hinds

Walter L. Isenberg

Bruce A. James

Damani Leech

Nick LeMasters

Greg Leonard

Alison Mitchell

Todd D. Munson

Cindy Parsons

Denise Pflum

Jenn Ridder

Manny Rodriguez

Jorge Sanchez

Amanda Sandoval

Daniel Scherer

Frank Schultz

Janice Sinden

Hollie Velasquez Horvath

Robert Venus

Community Board Members

John W. Adams

Mike Ferrufino

Kourtny Garrett

Debra Johnson

Deborah Jordy

Amie Mayhew

Melanie Mills

Sonia Riggs

Phil Washington

Gretchen Hollrah

Lifetime board members.

A. Barry Hirschfeld

Edward A. Robinson

Honorary Board Members

• Colorado Gov. Jared Polis 
• Denver Mayor Mike Johnston

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