Things to do in Denver: Bucket List Must Do’s in 2012

Denver had an amazing year of Mile High must do’s to look back at and we’ve listed a few favorites below that you should add to your bucket list for 2012.

Denver Zoo

The Denver Zoo is one of the oldest establishments in the metro area and yet it never disappoints with both favorite annual events and new displays. In July singles flock to the Singles Safari where event planners provide festive foods, wine, beer and interactive wild animal encounters that might just bring out the beast in you. In October Boo at the Zoo on Halloween weekend is always a crowd pleaser. The event season culminates with Zoo Lights, the festive holiday light display that begins December 9 and runs through January 1 from 5-9 p.m.

Denver Zoo
2300 Steele Street
Denver, CO 80205
Admission: 2 & under free, 3-11 $6, 12-64 $10,  65+ $8.

16th Street Mall

The 16th Street Mall is always good for morning coffee or an afternoon stroll and a dog from Biker Jim’s Gourmet Hot Dog. Proud to be one of the many Denver stops on Food Network’s “Diners Drive-ins and Dives” map. After lunch try your hand at chess at 16th and Curtis or sit down and express your talents or lack thereof on the artsy piano’s that are scattered on the mall. For a date night you are surrounded by some of the hottest bars in Denver including the Rock Bottom Brewery, Lannies Clocktower Cabaret, The Tilted Kilt, Hard Rock Cafe, Paramouth Cafe and the Mellow Mushroom. The 16th Street Mall shuttle runs early morning to late at night and is provided free of charge.

USA Pro Cycling Challenge

One of the coolest events in Denver in 2011 was undoubtedly the USA Pro Cycling Challenge.

Denver set attendance records in 2011 when the Levi Leipheimer raced through the state to win the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in August. Something about men in tight brightly colored lycra cycling through Colorado captured the fascination of residents across the state. The event culminated with fans six to seven deep for the last mile of the race which finished at the Capitol building. Race organizers say only the Tour de France draws bigger crowds.

First Fridays in the Sante Fe Art District

If you love art, urbanized culture and a glass of wine you must discover the jewel that is the Santa Fe Art District. Just South of Downtown Denver, “First Friday” enthusiasts gather to enjoy over 60 art galleries, studios, restaurants and wineries from 6-9 p.m. every first Friday of the month.

Make sure and stop at the Infinite Monkey Theorem Urban Winery to enjoy some of the best big fat reds that Colorado has to offer and a spectacular Quonset hut turned urban art by a local Colorado artist XYZ. He painted the entire giant monkey face in one day with spray paint for a Yelp gathering in 2010.  The winery debuted their innovative Black Muscat carbonated wine at the July First Friday to rave reviews especially if you like the color pink.

Infinite Monkey Theorem
931 West 5th Avenue
Denver CO 80204

If any of these are new to you be sure to put them on your things to do in Denver list for 2012.