Founded as Denver City in 1858, the city has grown from a frontier mining town into one of the most populous regions in the state, offering residents hundreds of entertaining attractions. No Denver guide can list all of the things to do in the city, but a few residential favorites can provide a sample of the many delicious dining, shopping and family-friendly attractions available.
Fine dining is alive and well in Denver, with locations such as Fruition Restaurant on 6th Avenue that provide a quality dining experience. The restaurant offers a delicious menu with dishes that include poached river sturgeon, duck breast and specially prepared vegetarian dishes. Mizuna on 7th Avenue is another great spot for lovers of fine food. The dinner menu is an eclectic mix of cuisines from around the world, and it changes regularly.
In addition to great food, Denver offers a variety of antique shops that cater to the diverse needs of its residents. No guide to Denver can leave out South Broadway's antique row, with its nearly 100 antique shops, including the Lee Alex Vintage Modern Furniture. Lee Alex is a great example of the specialty antique shops situated on South Broadway. The shop specializes in mid-20th century furniture, offering residents great deals on anything from sofa sets to retro chairs and tables.
For those looking for creative things to do, Canvas and Cocktails on Clayton Street offers art classes on painting with cocktails provided. Open painting sessions are available as well; a small fee is necessary to purchase a canvas and to obtain access to paints and brushes. The Denver Botanic Gardens on York Street provides a relaxing outdoor experience. This oasis located in the midst of the surrounding metro area provides the perfect spot for a family to get close to nature without leaving the city. Along with the huge variety of flowers, this addition to the Denver guide offers a number of special events throughout the year, including concerts during the summer, lectures on gardening, and sunrise yoga sessions.