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4) Go bitters over brewskies There’s no shortage of brag-worthy craft beers in this hoppin’ town (get it, hops!), but beyond the red ales and IPAs, a bitter movement—as in small batch cocktail bitters—is taking root. Our faves: Strongwater (pictured) “Wildflower” bitters handcrafted from native flowers and Dram Wild Mountain Sage Cocktail Bitters made with wild Colorado herbs. Sip a bitter-spiked cocktail at Union Station’s Terminal Bar or The Way Back in the Berkeley neighborhood or pick them up at The Proper Pour.

5) Opt for a hip hotel Yes, Denver has its fair share of stately stays dating back to the 1890s, but to really dream in Technicolor, the ART, a hotel (pictured at top) has the historic beat. The 165-room uber contemporary crash pad is high on art, from Leo Villarea’s 22,000 LED art installation to Frank Gehry’s Fish Lamp, plus wow-worthy triptychs, tapestries and neon lights woven throughout. It’s like sleeping over in your own private museum (props to the candy bar, cocktail bar and free in-room mini bar too). Speaking of avant-garde, Denver Art Museum, Clyfford Still Museum and Claes Oldernburg’s Big Sweep are a stone’s throw away.