by Nia Jalan

Created on: December 01, 2008   Last Updated: January 08, 2009

If you're looking to keep your vacation plans in the United States this year to shave expenses or to try something new, you should stop by Denver, Colorado. If you haven't had the opportunity to visit the city that recently held the Democratic National Convention and is nicknamed the "Mile-High City," it may surprise you with what it has to offer.

The Pepsi Center:This is the place to go for sporting events and concerts. Madonna, Metallica, and Coldplay brought their tours this past November, and for avid sports-fans, it is an excellent place to catch an Avalanche or Nuggets game.

It's certainly interesting to see the atrium that has a floor that turns into an ice rink, a basketball court, and a concert hall, all in one. A huge two-story coliseum. Check out what shows are available on their website: http://www.pepsicenter.com/Calendar.aspx.

The Denver Performing Arts Center: One thing you will notice while going around the city is some of the beautiful architecture and sculptures.
The performing arts center not only looks like a gorgeous white silhouette from the outside, it provides entertainment straight from Broadway such as The Phantom of the Opera, Stomp, and Wicked. (http://www.denvercenter.org/home.cfm#

The Denver Art Museum & The Museum of Outdoors: If it has been a while since you've appreciated art, then stop by the Denver Art Museum or the newer Museum of Outdoors. You will find beautiful artistry to relax your mind and allow your creative side to have some fun! Check out their websites for more information: http://www.denverartmuseum.org/home and http://www.moaonline.org/.

City Park: Oftentimes, every city has a spot that had a bad reputation it had to overturn. City Park is one of these areas that, fifteen years ago, I would have never recommended, but now, it has become one of the hippest spots in town. Not only is it the location for the Denver Zoo and Natural History Museum, surrounded by delicious eats, Irish pubs, and the multi-story Tattered Cover Bookstore , it also is a great spot in the summer for free Jazz concerts or a bicycle or run if you want to touch base with nature.

LoDo's: Now, if you really want to party, go to LoDo's, meaning Lower Downtown, anywhere between 15th-17th
Street and Larimer, you will find excellent dining, bars, and clubs. Denver is known as one of the top singles cities, and if you want to get out for the nightlife, LoDo's is the place to go. On one end you can go to the LoDo Tavern, or on the other end, you can grab

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