Dater’s Guide for Things to do in Denver/Colorado while here for Outdoor Game

OK, I’m now starting this piece for a second time. I had approximately 1,000 words of it written last night before I accidentally – and I still don’t know how this happens – deleted the entire thing, then realized I’d never hit “save draft” like I usually do as I go along, and the entire thing went “poof” into nothingness, irretrievable.

So, as I was saying…

You’re coming into Denver for the Stadium Series game on Saturday, maybe even a few days early. Maybe this is your winter vacation. But you have a lot of questions about where to go, other things to do, in Denver and the surrounding areas while you’re here.

Luckily for you, Colorado Hockey Now subscriber, I’m here to answer some of those questions and provide you with good tips, useful tips, many tips. This is my, gulp, 29th year living in his fine city and state, an East Coast transplant who truly considers this place my real home. I consider myself a Coloradoan now, not “I’m from New Hampshire but moved here a while ago” like I used to say.

These tips are assuming that you’re 1. A hockey fan. 2. Going to the game Saturday and 3. A Colorado Hockey Now subscriber. Because, here comes the paywall part, as I get into my Guide to A Fun Trip to Denver. Ready, here we go:

DON’T BE FOOLED BY SATURDAY’S FORECAST, DRESS WARM FOR THE GAME

Saturday’s forecast for the game, to be held at the Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium, says the daytime high will be 42 degrees, with a nighttime low of 24. That may sound pretty balmy for an outdoor game in Colorado – and it’s, indeed, a good forecast, with partly sunny skies predicted. But don’t be fooled. The stadium itself sits right at the base of a gigantic mountain, and the wind can really come whipping in off that thing at night. The weather can change fast there. I have covered a couple of games at that stadium before, for football, and I froze my ass off.

Don’t just wear your Avs jersey and nothing else under it. Wear another layer or two, and definitely bring a head warmer of some kind.

VISIT THE BROADMOOR HOTEL IN COLORADO SPRINGS, INCLUDING THE LEGENDARY BAR

This is a must. The Broadmoor isn’t too far from the AFA grounds (about a 15 minute drive) and it’s a fantastic, elegant, awesome place. Presidents have stayed there and stuff. The bar/lounge inside is a deep-dive into some real Colorado history. There are old bottles of wine encased in the wall behind glass that were opened in, like, 1906 and stuff like that. Even if you just want a cup of coffee and no booze, it’s a must place to visit for a bit. More info. here.

There’s other stuff to do in Colorado Springs too. Check out Garden of the Gods. Take the train/tressel ride up to Pike’s Peak. It’s amazing. It’s almost 15,000 feet at the top. Take a drive to Manitou Springs, further west from the Springs. Some great old-school Colorado stuff. The gambling town of Cripple Creek is further up the road. There’s a place called Cave of the Winds I took the family to once. Unbelievable. You are in actual caves from the past, where people gathered like hundreds of years ago.

GO TO THE DENVER CHOPHOUSE AND LOOK AT THE PICTURES OF AVS PLAYERS CELEBRATING THEIR STANLEY CUP WINS THERE

The Denver ChopHouse is downtown, right near Coors Field, and it’s the place where Avs players often still congregate after games. Back in the day, you were always guaranteed to see a player or two having a late dinner after games.

When the Avs won the Cup in 1996 and 2001, the team victory parties were held here. There are a ton of great pictures on the walls from those nights. You’ll see Foppa and Roy and Sakic and Bourque and the rest of them having a great time. While you’re there, the food and drink have been making Denverites come back for at least the last 25 years that I can remember. More info here. Parking downtown is tough. If you are staying anywhere close to Denver, I’d recommend an Uber or Lyft.

GO TO BENDER’S AT THE WESTMINSTER ICE CENTRE, EAT POUTINE AND MAYBE SKATE IT OFF ON THE RINKS RIGHT OUTSIDE THE WINDOW

Hey, Bender’s is a primary sponsor of this site and its podcast, so, yeah, it’s getting a plug. But there’s a reason why I sought out Bender’s as a sponsor: because I’ve known for a long time that it’s the Denver area’s best hockey bar and grill. Original 6 jerseys hang on the walls, game-worn Avs jerseys hang on the ceiling, there is POUTINE ON THE MENU.

You can eat and drink to your heart’s content there and then go rent some skates and skate it all off. Bender’s is located inside a huge hockey rink complex. Mention the word “Dater” to your server and your first beer (always served in chilled mugs) or soft drink is free. The food is seriously good too. Do this. No, really, do it. More info here.

GOT A CAR AND A COUPLE DAYS OFF? DO ONE, SOME OR ALL OF THESE THINGS

I always tell people that, if you want the real Colorado experience, you’ve got to go up into the mountains. Fortunately, they are not too far away if you have a car.

For starters, I would recommend driving to Vail or Breckenridge, two mountain ski towns not too far apart. You don’t necessarily have to ski. There are numerous fine restaurants and watering holes to be found. The drive itself will be something you won’t forget. Some amazing scenery. Check out the “Sleeper” house up on the hill as you drive I-70 West. Stop in the old western mining town of Clear Creek. Check out Vail’s Dobson Arena, where the Avs played a preseason game in 1995 and where Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon and the rest of their training buddies skate every fall right before the season.

Vail is about a two-hour drive from Denver. But it’ll go fast.

About a 75-minute drive from Denver is Estes Park, and I recommend this place highly. It’s got a long, old-fashioned Old West main street, with unique shops and places to eat. Also, the “Shining” hotel – otherwise known as the Stanley Hotel – is there. It really is the place where Stephen King stayed many moons ago and was inspired to write his novel. Yes, there is a room 237 there, and maybe you’ll get it? There is also a fantastic old-school bar, and a great porch where you can sit in rocking chairs and admire the sunsets.

In Estes Park, my wife and son have always gone to the Dunraven Inn for dinner. It’s very, very unique. More info here.

You can always drive to Boulder and have a fun time. About a 30-minute drive from downtown Denver, it’s…Boulder. A fun college town. Walk up and down Pearl Street for some great people-watching, and also some great food and drink at any number of places. There’s a real good book store on Pearl Street, right next to a favored place to eat called Hapa Sushi.

For the really adventurous, you can always drive to Grand Junction. About a five-hour drive, but wow is the scenery unbelievable.

If you’re a pinball/old-school-video game fanatic, like I am, you should go to Lyons Classic Pinball in Lyons, about a 45-minute drive from Denver. The place is fantastic. I can’t recommend this any more highly. Here’s their website. There’s a fantastic, pure-Colorado restaurant next to it called Oskar Blues.

IF STAYING AT A PLACE FOR A FEW DAYS AND YOU WANT TO STOCK UP ON BEVERAGES, GO HERE

Total Beverage, at either of their two locations in Thornton or Westminster (suburban towns, just outside of city) will have you covered. More than 50,000 square feet filled with every beverage you can imagine. Lowest prices anywhere, not even close. And, if you want your beverages delivered right to your door in the metro area, and you want $10 off your order of $25 or more, use the promo code AD10. Yes, they are a sponsor of this site too. You won’t be sorry if you want to stock up on your beverages while at a hotel or Airbnb or wherever you are. Their website here.

IF YOU WANT TO DO SOME WEED, YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE

Marijuana, and all its extracts, is legal here. There are pot shops all over the place. The budtenders are almost always unfailingly polite and helpful too (or so I’ve heard, wink wink). They can steer you in the right direction if this is your first pot experience. Technically, it’s not legal to consume your weed in a public setting. But I’m here to tell you: absolutely nobody will bust you for it, unless you’re just obnoxiously blowing smoke in everybody’s faces. Cops absolutely look the other way on this. If you don’t like to smoke (and I don’t, never have) you can get any number of edibles or drinks that will do the same job. Careful on the edibles though. My first time I tried them (pretty much the first time I EVER had tried pot, about three years ago, I took three pieces off a big candy bar. I didn’t know anything about dosages, etc. I consumed 30 mg, when 10 is usually the right number for a good buzz. Next thing I knew, I was watching a Denzel Washington triple-feature all night, sending goofy texts to my friends about what an amazing actor he was.

A FEW OTHER TIPS

While at the airport, walk to the A terminal. The security lines are much shorter. … Avs practice Wednesday is at noon, at Family Sports Center in Englewood. About a $20 Uber from downtown Denver, or 10-minute drive. Players often sign autographs in the back as they’re driving out. … Be ready to drink plenty of water your first couple days here. The altitude really will hit you at some point. Denver is a mile above sea level, and many places are higher than that. Water is the key. Have some always available your first couple days and you’ll be fine. Otherwise, you will get a head rush. … If you want to have any hope of being considered at least an honorary Coloradoan with full respect, you gotta try at least one Rocky Mountain Oyster. Look it up. … I personally have always loved going to a place called McCoy’s, one of those old-school greasy spoons where they serve breakfast all day, open 24 hours. … Go to Red Rocks Park. It’s where the famous amphitheater is, but it’s much more. Just a great place. … Don’t be too pushy around here. People take things a little slower out here than if you’re from almost anywhere out east, or other big huge cities. Denver has become a pretty big city, but it’s still got a “chill out, dude” vibe to it. It took me a long time to adjust, and I made an ass of myself a lot in those early days with my leadfoot, impatient, flip-the-bird driving habits. … Have a postgame, late-night burger and cocktail at My Brother’s Bar, Denver’s oldest bar. Open late, pure Denver. Info here. … I’ve been asked by a couple guys where I’d recommend to go to really, really impress their date. I would say, if I had to name one place, it would be Del Frisco’s Doube Eagle Steak House in Denver. Yes, it’s pricey, bring your wallet. But, hey, you asked me for my recommendation if you really wanted to impress. This is such a place. … bottom line, have fun and WELCOME TO COLORADO.

Any other local tip suggestions are welcome in the comments…