Denver

Check out this former air traffic control tower at the now-defunct Stapleton International Airport, converted into a unique brewpub and entertainment destination. Climb the 11 flights to get an expansive view of the metropolitan area, and enjoy a meal, a drink or a wide selection of games.

Its motto, “Where art is made,” really sets the tone. Explore the laneways and walls entirely given over to colourful graffiti and murals that change periodically. The whole neighbourhood is full of exciting galleries, cool jazz clubs, buzzy restaurants, trendy brewpubs and creative energy to spare, not to mention the Denver Central Market. This is the place to go to soak up some local vibes.

Just a few kilometres from downtown, this sprawling sanctuary protects free-roaming bison, white-tailed deer and an incredible variety of birds. Explore either by taking the 17 km Wildlife Drive in your car or along the tranquil walking paths (audio tours and trail maps are available in English or Spanish). This peaceful haven will surprise and delight, especially as it has the city as a backdrop.

Take a deep dive into the Old West at this family-owned business established in 1946 that’s kept all its vintage cachet intact. This is THE spot to find traditional, premium-quality western apparel, such as pearl-snap shirts and cowboy hats for men, women and children. And the store made history in more ways than one: the founder, Papa Jack, not only invented the Western shirt with snaps instead of buttons as a safer type of ranch wear, he was also the first to commercialize bolo ties, he helped create a fashion identity for the region and he was the world’s oldest CEO when he died at the age of 107!

Treat yourself to some handcrafted ice cream from this whimsical parlour housed in a 28-foot-high milk can. You won’t want to skip this friendly ice cream shop offering exquisite and unusual flavours (and vegan options!) that harkens back to bygone days and draws a lively crowd on warm evenings. It’s a great place to end a visit to the vibrant Highland neighbourhood and you can feel good knowing every scoop has a positive impact: Little Man donates a percentage of each sale to child welfare, hunger relief, and other community programs.