I’m not exactly sure what my expectations were before moving to Denver, but now that I’m a resident one thing’s for sure…the city surprises me EVERY day with something new and wonderful! Here are some of the unexpected delights that our city has to offer.
1. Steady Sunshine
The rumor is true: Denver averages over 300 days of Mile High sunshine a year! Better wear that SPF.
2. Picturesque Parks
With all that sun, we Denverites don't like being cooped up inside, and there are over 6,000 acres of park land and green spaces within city limits that provide the perfect setting for strolling, running, biking, picnicking, birdwatching, badmintoning, or whatever gets you outdoors.
3. Healthy Humans
The people of Denver are pretty serious about staying fit, so it's no surprise that Forbes ranked us #5 in their list of "America's Top 20 Healthiest Cities," with 61 percent of our residents being in "excellent or very good" physical health. Boom.
4. Magnificent Museums
Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum is just one of the many wonderful cultural experiences you can enjoy in our fair city. We've also got the Denver Art Museum, Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Clyfford Still Museum, Children's Museum of Denver, Forney Transportation Museum, and more. There's even a Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls, and Toys!?
5. Superb Street Art
Sure, we have plenty of fine art galleries and nationally recognized museums, but Denver also prides itself in supporting street art. Last summer, local artists created over 100 murals around the city alone. Now that's something to brag about!
6. Fabulous Food
The Mile High restaurant scene is on fire! We have a plethora of hip, authentic, high-quality establishments serving up everything from sushi to upscale street tacos. There's something to please every palette. Get some!
7. Spectacular Spring
Surprisingly fresh bursts of color pop out all over Denver in the spring, and they are sure to delight the senses!
8. Phenomenal Fall
It's no secret that fall in mountains of Colorado is a glorious time of year, but who knew you'd experience the same amount of beauty in the metro area? These cottonwoods at the Denver Zoo are all the proof you need.
9. Striking Skyline
This incredible sunrise image perfectly encapsulates just how breathtaking the Denver skyline is. Gets me every time.
10. Splendid Sunsets
Never miss a Mile High sunset...or opening day. Period. That's it.
11. Tricky Traffic
Not to be a Debbie Downer, but one thing that I was not warned about or prepared for is the traffic on I-70 to and from the Front Range. If you're planning on skipping off to play in the mountains this weekend, just remember that timing is everything.
12. Mile High Hospitality
On a more positive note, I have been blown away by just how friendly the people of Denver are. (And that's saying a lot, given my high standards of Southern graces.) Bravo, Denverites!
If that didn’t convince you to move to Denver, nothing will. Come join me and all the other folks from somewhere else and move on over to the Mile High City. You won’t regret it!
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