Things to do while you are in Denver

There are many wonderful activities located near The Inverness Hotel and Conference Center! Here are just a few of the things you'll find fun and entertaining!

WITHIN FIVE MINUTES:

Park Meadows Retail Resort
Park Meadows combines the best of the Colorado outdoors with 160 of the finest retailers and restaurants in America. These top names include Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn Kids, Sundance, Planet Funk, John Atencio, Janie and Jack, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, California Café, and The Cheesecake Factory as well as 12 eateries in the Dining Hall. Park Meadows also offers the following amenities at our Guest Services: complimentary stroller and wheelchair check out and gift cards.

The Wildlife Experience
We are an interactive museum that connects the community with wildlife and habitats to teach them how they can have a positive effect on the environment... all while having fun! Imaginations and creativity soar as visitors make their own wildlife masterpieces and learn about animals and habitats through fun trivia, video games, artwork, dynamic natural history exhibits and amazing large-format movies.

Fiddler's Green Amphitheater
There is nothing quite like spending a summer Colorado evening listening to your favorite music under the stars. Fiddler's Green is a comfortable setting for a diverse range of outdoor concerts, providing both general admission lawn seating and reserved seats closer to the stage. More than 20,000 spectators can pack into the place, and an array of food and alcoholic beverages are readily available.

Nordstrom - Park Meadows Location

United Artists Meadows Stadium 12 Movie Theater

AMC Theaters Highlands Ranch 24

Centennial Family Fun Center

WITHIN THIRTY MINUTES:

Downtown Denver

16th Street Mall and the Denver Pavilions
The idea for the Mall was initiated in 1976 by the City, RTD, and the Downtown Denver Partnership. Designed by renowned architectural firm I.M. Pei and Associates. The pattern of the granite blocks that make up the transit lanes and sidewalks mimics the skin of a Western Diamondback rattlesnake. Constructed by Weaver Construction, The Mall was completed in October 1982. Total cost for the project, including Market Street and Civic Center stations and the RTD shuttles, was $76 million. RTD secured 80% of funding from the federal government, with the remaining 20% provided by local funding. Since 1982, there have been an estimated 300 million boardings on the Free Mall Ride

Cheery Creek Shopping Center
Cherry Creek Shopping Center is a lavishly appointed shopping center in the heart of Denver. With a total of 160 shops, restaurants and services, Cherry Creek is Denver's premier shopping destination and one of the top tourist attractions in town. This world-class shopping center features renowned stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Macy's, Tiffany & Co., Elway's Restaurant, and Burberry.

Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is the Rocky Mountain region’s leading resource for informal science education. A variety of exhibitions, programs, and activities help Museum visitors experience the natural wonders of Colorado, Earth, and the universe.

Castle Rock Factory Outlet Mall
With over 100 stores, Outlets at Castle Rock is the largest outlet center in Colorado. The center offers a distinctive shopping experience at some of the best known brand names, such as Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Gap Outlet, Nike Factory Store, Levi's and Dockers Outlet by MOST, Coach Factory Store, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Timberland Outlet Store, Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet and Liz Claiborne Outlet.

Children’s Museum
The Children's Museum of Denver offers 11 innovative and interactive Playscapes, educational daily programming and special events all year long for children newborn through age eight. Annually serving nearly 250,000 children, the Museum provides rich play experiences and a dynamic learning environment for children to explore and discover.

Denver Botanic Gardens
Rooted a mile high, Denver Botanic Gardens has been a favorite Denver destination for over 55 years. Art and science unite in the Gardens' spectacular 23-acre urban oasis, offering an unforgettable artistic garden experience, as well as a living laboratory for education and acclaimed conservation and research programs. Additional sites at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, a 750-acre native plant refuge in Littleton; Mount Goliath, a high altitude trail and interpretive site filled with alpine wildflowers on the Mount Evans Scenic Byway; and Centennial Gardens, a five-acre formal garden in downtown Denver, extend our rich horticultural offerings throughout the Front Range.

Denver Art Museum
It takes more than great art and architecture to have an incredible museum experience. At the Denver Art Museum, we believe that you—the visitor—are the most important element of any museum visit. That’s why we’re dedicated to enriching your visit through innovative gallery installations and education programs. The DAM is internationally recognized for our family-friendly environment and activities that encourage art appreciation through participation.

Coors Brewery
After a day of rock climbing at North Table Mountain (a.k.a. “Golden Cliffs”), riding a bike along Golden’s bike paths, hiking the trails of White Ranch Park, or just driving around to places in metro-Denver, how about a cold one (or three)? Take a tour at one of Colorado’s best-known companies, Coors, and enjoy up to 3 free samples of their variety of beer products (if you are over 21), or complimentary soft drinks if you are younger or prefer something non-alcoholic.

Denver Zoo
Visitors can view nearly 4,000 different animals, representing over 700 species. That means a rare look at exotic animals like amur leopards, king cobras, black rhinos, coral reef fish, elephants, zebras, vampire bats, gorillas and more.

Colorado History Museum
Imagine covered wagons, a rendezvous of fur trappers, Indian buffalo hunts, mining the Rocky Mountains, and life in early Denver. Discover the diversity of Colorado from its earliest inhabitants to its pioneer families. Explore Colorado's own museum with fascinating collections, detailed dioramas, historic photographs, artifacts, and more.

Waterworld
Water World, one of America's largest family waterparks, is located just 15 minutes north of downtown Denver, Colorado, on 64 beautifully landscaped acres. Water World is celebrating it's 26th year of operation. We feature the biggest variety of attractions (42) in America, from Wally World for the tots, to Voyage to the Center of the Earth for the entire family. Water World has more family tube rides than any other park in America. Thrill rides are in abundance also, like the Red Line speed slide. Plenty of picnic areas are available, from covered pavilions to beautifully landscaped grass areas.

Elitch Gardens Theme Park
Elitch Gardens is full of world-class thrills and adventure -- all at a MILE HIGH! The park features more than 50 rides, shows and attractions. From mid-May to Labor Day, admission also includes the Island Kingdom Water Park.

Ocean Journey
Downtown Aquarium was purchased by Landry’s Restaurants, Inc. in 2003, when it was Denver’s Ocean Journey Aquarium. On July 14, 2005, Landry’s re-opened the re-designed complex as Downtown Aquarium.The entertainment and dining complex features a public aquarium boasting more than one million gallons of underwater exhibits that highlight fascinating ecosystems around the world and house over 500 species of animals; an interactive Sting Ray Reef touch tank; the Aquarium Restaurant; the Dive Lounge; the Nautilus Ballroom; and amusements for the entire family.

WITHIN ONE HOUR:

Fly Fishing

Rafting

Kayaking

Horseback Riding

Hot Air Ballooning
Since the beginning of time people have dreamed of flight. Ballooning is exhilarating and peaceful, thrilling, pleasant, romantic, and daring. All while quietly floating in space.

Garden of the Gods
The towering red rock formations of the Garden of the Gods Park come alive when you visit the free Visitor and Nature Center and explore the geology, plants, animals and people of this amazing 1391.61-acre regional park, located at 1805 North 30th Street in Colorado Springs.  This incredible city-owned park is truly one of a kind. The site is a National Natural Landmark, having been recognized by the Department of the Interior as "a nationally-significant natural area." It offers towering sandstone formations, a wonderful view of Pikes Peak, paved and unpaved hiking paths, the historic Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, a living history museum, placed on the National Register for Historic Places in 1979, and many other amenities.

Central City, Cripple Creek, and BlackHawk Casinos
Colorado swung open its doors to legalized, limited stakes gambling in 1991, and three historic mountain towns are experiencing a boom comparable to the gold rush days of the late 1800s. Black Hawk and Central City, a scenic, short 45-minute drive from Denver, and Cripple Creek, southwest of Colorado Springs, offer a variety of slot machines, keno, blackjack and poker for gaming enthusiasts. Take a tour through each town to see their ambience, or visit a particular casino to see what excitement awaits inside.

Air Force Academy
The Barry Goldwater Air Force Academy Visitor Center serves as the gateway to the academy, providing information on its history and cadet life to hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The Visitors' Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Academy is open to visitors from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Boulder
Visitors are greeted by warm sunny days followed by refreshing, brisk evenings. At night, Boulder's big city culture comes to life with concert series and festivals. Enjoy unexpected entertainment on the Pearl Street Mall in historic Downtown Boulder. Dine at one of the malls quaint sidewalk cafes, browse through its many boutiques and galleries or enjoy free entertainment watching the quirky street performers. Boulder's beautiful mountain settings offer hiking, biking, climbing within minutes of downtown Boulder. Outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities can appreciate Boulder's bountiful recreation.

Seven Falls
Located in South Cheyenne Cañon, Seven Falls cascades 181 feet in seven distinct steps down a solid cliff of pikes peak granite. Crystal clear water from the southernmost edges of the Pikes Peak watershed have, over the ages, carved this unique scenic masterpiece in an easily accessed location.

DINING:

Brooks Steakhouse & Cellar
Brook’s Steak House & Cellar is recognized as one of the top 10 steak houses in North America. Serving USDA prime steaks, the finest Colorado lamb, and succulent lobster tails from southern Australia, Brook’s Is truly a special dining experience. For the wine connoisseur we offer a wine list that will catch the attention of the most discriminating pallet. With over 1,500 wines from California and around the world, you are certain to find one of your favorites, or savor a new wine suggestion from our knowledgeable sommelier.

Earls
Earl loves two things. Food and people. Enjoy fabulous starters and move into pizzas, pastas, steaks and chops. Earls commitment to excellent food and atmosphere will provide a memorable dining experience. Whether enjoying the lively bar or dining room, make Earls your next outing.

Del Frisco’s
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House is a National Award Winning Prime Steakhouse. We pride ourselves in offering the best prime steaks in town. In addition to our great steaks we feature fresh seafood, veal and lamb. After dinner relax by the fire in our beautiful Cigar Lounge with nightly live entertainment. Our wine list has been on the Best of Award of Excellence with Wine Spectator for the past four years.

Maggiano’s
Maggiano’s Little Italy, invites you to take a step back in time and enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of pre-World War II Little Italy. Red-checked tablecloths, family portraits, leather banquettes and richly polished mahogany wood provide a warm ambiance and welcome you to an atmosphere where you will truly enjoy a unique dining experience.

Fleming’s
Fleming’s is an exquisite upscale dining experience nestled in the Denver Tech Center. There’s an art to eating well, and Fleming’s is dedicated to it. Featuring prime beef, innovative side dishes, and our signature 100 wines by the glass.

IL Fornaio
Using authentic regional Italian recipes, our chef creates a menu of scrumptious food that offers a selection of fresh soups and seasonal salads, homemade pastas, rotisserie chicken, mesquite grilled meats and fish, and of course our amazing desserts. Our wine list has been recognized b the Wine Spectator for the last four years.

Morton’s The Steakhouse
“Prime” is the highest USDA beef grade. Morton’s selects only the prime of the prime form the premier meatpackers in Chicago, a city long known for its fine beef. Our beef comes from steers up to two years old, weighing up to 1,200 pounds, which yield 75 pound of steaks that are suitable for broiling. Just two percent of all beef is graded Prime.

California Café
Conveniently located in Park Meadows Center, Lone Tree’s California Cafe offers an exceptional dining experience both indoors and outdoors. Unwind on our warmly lit patio or indulge in our beautiful dining room. Sit back, relax and savor

Cool River Café – Steakhouse & Southwestern Grille
A dining adventure and a multi-functional entertainment facility, capable of pleasuring all of the senses of man. Cool River Café, an upscale steakhouse and southwestern grille, features exquisite dining, private banquet rooms, a cigar and cognac lounge and a full service bar that includes a variety of playful diversions.

Baca
Baca is an unparalleled dining experience featuring contemporary Colorado cuisine prepared with a Spanish flair. Named after one of the state’s most influential families, Baca’s menu features a tempting array of regional favorites conceived by head chef Scot Burnham who brings his own unique interpretation to the dishes by exploring the history and Castilian origins of Colorado cuisine.

NIGHTLIFE:

Denver Nightlife
Denver locals are customarily a friendly bunch—all that sun and natural splendor create obvious reasons to be cheerful. Add wine, beer and liquor to the mix, and Denverites can be positively jolly. A historical mining town with a long history of drinking and saloons, Denver nightlife is today a varied scene. Legend has it that first building ever constructed in Denver was a drinking establishment and with a high brewery count per capita, Denver specializes in select microbrews and authentic breweries with a local, Western flavor. LoDo, or Lower Downtown, is a hip enclave of see-and-be-seen bars (that lack the pretension of velvet-roped venues in other urban centers) alongside packed sports bars. And saloons still have their place, albeit in this century they sport names like Martini Ranch.