One of the best reasons to live in Denver, is the proximity to the Rocky Mountains. My favorite view is from the balcony of our previous residence located in Denver's Golden Triangle. With an unobstructed view of Mt Evans and the foothills, it doesn't get much better. Not much symbolizes the American West more than mountains, and with Denver located a short drive from world class mountain biking, skiing, and hiking, the views of the mountains are a daily reminder of why you live here.

Ember Hostel is located in Cap Hill just a short walk from the state capitol, downtown bars and an awesome music scene. Capitol Hill was once the home of Denver’s elite and today consists of historic mansions, such as this. Ember Hostel was certainly an experience above all expectations. The mansion is decorated in retro style with so many details to look at. If you want to hang out at the lounge to perhaps get some work done, choose any of the many corners to curl up in. They also provide supplementary coffee, tea and fresh water. You can choose to stay in the dorm room, consisting of 16 bunkbeds, or you can stay at the private deluxe room for 2 with a queen bed. When you've found your buddy travellers, grab them all and jump in to the 10-people jacuzzi at the backyard. Or sit by the fireplace and drink beers and chit-chat. The staff is so friendly and at your service 24/7. They helped us with lots of local tips to restaurants, breakfast places and bars. Again, this was definitely over all expectations and I can definitely recommend staying here if you visit Denver.

Coffee and Booze is on the logo. That about sums it up. Located on Colfax, Once called "the longest, wickedest street in America", Colfax is now home to several hip establishments, with Hooked on Colfax located just down the street from the Bluebird Theater, and the Atomic Cowboy. Hooked on Colfax serves a variety of local beers along with locally roasted Pablo's coffee. With wifi, a roll-top door, and a basement, Hooked on Colfax is a great place to get some work done, while enjoying great coffee and beer.

Surprisingly, Denver has a good art scene, including several very good museums, from the quirky Kirkland Museum, to the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, the Denver Art Museum, and the new Clifford Still Museum. The Kirkland Museum, houses the works of Vance Kirkland, along with a display of international decorative arts, and a history of regional art. The Denver Art museum consists of several unique buildings, with the latest designed by, in part, by Daniel Libeskind, and is known for it's collection of American Indian art. The Museum of Contemporary Art, a three story glass clad structure, is home to a collection of modern art and photography, as well as a wonderful rooftop deck and cafe. Finally, Denver's newest museum addition is the Clifford Still Museum. In 2004 Patricia Still choose Denver to be the home of a museum containing over 2400 of his works, or approximately 94% of his total output. Located next the the Denver Art Museum, and just a short distance from both the Kirkland Museum, and MCA Denver, an entire weekend could easily be dedicated to art in the City of Denver.

A great bakery in Denver's Ballpark District, Hi*Rise is the perfect place to pick up a Jalapeno breakfast sandwich and coffee for breakfast, They also have a variety of delicious sandwiches for lunch, and definitely have the best peanut butter cookies around. Be sure to stop in on a weekend morning for their "waffle weekends", and try a buttermilk, blueberry, or red velvet waffle, served by their always friendly staff.