| Whether you are planning a vacation to Denver, or | | | | downtown. Meet in the sitting area beside the entrance |
| you're a local looking for something new to see or do, | | | | to the Ship Tavern inside the hotel, and enjoy learning |
| chances are you'd like to find something for free. | | | | some fascinating Denver history on this 45 - 60 minute |
| Good news: you've come to the right place! | | | | free guided tour. See a hotel that has hosted kings and |
| Let's start off our free day (if today happens to be a | | | | presidents, executives, rock stars, and even people like |
| Tuesday during the warmer months) by dropping in at | | | | you and me. (For more information, call: 303-297-3111 or |
| Denver Botanic Gardens. Enjoy a fitness walk through | | | | 800-321-2599). |
| the beautiful gardens, followed by a healthy snack | | | | Next up: Dinosaur Ridge by Morrison. This site gives |
| (also free!). To add more balance to your morning, | | | | new meaning to the term "leave only footprints" when |
| attend the free T'ai Chi class as well. (For more | | | | hiking! You'll be amazed at the variety of prehistoric |
| information: call 720-865-3500. | | | | animal tracks, both large and small, which are available |
| That was invigorating! Now, let's head downtown to | | | | for viewing along this well-preserved site. Stop by the |
| the Colorado State Capitol Building. The distinctive | | | | Visitor Center, and then take time to experience the |
| dome is plated with Colorado gold. The gold has been | | | | self-guided tour which includes sixteen interpretative |
| replaced several times, using rolls of ultra-thin gold, | | | | signs that describe fossil remains as well as other |
| requiring only 47 ounces of gold to coat the entire | | | | relevant features of the area. (For more information, |
| dome! | | | | call: 303-697-3466). |
| As you explore the building on your own, or join a free | | | | From Dinosaur Ridge, it's just a quick jaunt over to the |
| tour, enjoy the murals, stained glass portraits, wall | | | | gorgeous Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Visitor Center. |
| hanging, and presidential portraits. During the legislative | | | | From Opera to Rock, Jazz to Reggae, Folk to Swing, |
| session, step into the Senate or House of | | | | Classical to Country; all types of musical performances |
| Representatives gallery to watch state legislators in | | | | have occurred at this spectacular natural amphitheatre |
| action. | | | | since the early 1900s. During the day, or late into the |
| For those Coloradoans who've visited in the past and | | | | evening when no concert is scheduled, you can come |
| remember hiking up and up the spiral stairs into the | | | | explore this beautiful concert venue. |
| dome to enjoy the views of the city and of the building | | | | When you're done exploring the amphitheatre, don't |
| below, we have some bad news. After 9/11, this part | | | | miss the captivating Visitor Center, which opened in |
| of the building was closed to visitors. The good news | | | | 2003. The Visitor Center is tucked under the seating, |
| is that visitors are still able to stroll through much of the | | | | so it made a minimal impact on the appearance of the |
| building to enjoy its beauty and fascinating history. (For | | | | area. Watch a 10-minute film that describes the history |
| more information: call 303-866-2604). | | | | - both natural and musical - of the park. Reminisce as |
| As we approach lunchtime, how about browsing the | | | | you view concert posters from the past 40 years, see |
| incredible book offerings at one of the Tattered Cover | | | | instruments belonging to favorite musicians, or use the |
| bookstore locations? What's a bookstore doing in an | | | | interactive computer terminals to find out who |
| article about free things to do in Colorado? Well, my | | | | performed here or to remember a special concert. |
| friends, the Tattered Cover isn't just any bookstore. | | | | (For more information, call: 303-295-4444 or |
| What started out over 30 years ago as a small, cozy | | | | 303-640-2637 or visit ). |
| bookshop with an eclectic selection of books evolved | | | | Are you up for one final stop and a few free beers? |
| into an amazing place for anyone who enjoys books. | | | | Take a tour at one of Colorado's best-known |
| Not only will you find an outstanding selection of books | | | | companies, Coors, and enjoy up to 3 free samples of |
| (over half a million in the two original locations, | | | | their variety of beer products (if you are over 21), or |
| consisting of over 150,000 titles), but you'll still enjoy the | | | | complimentary soft drinks if you are younger or prefer |
| feeling of being in a cozy shop where you feel | | | | something non-alcoholic. |
| welcome to curl up on a sofa or sit back in a recliner | | | | More than 250,000 people take this popular free tour |
| to enjoy reading a book, magazine, or newspaper. This | | | | each year. Participation is on a first-come, first-served |
| is the bookstore that some of the "big box" | | | | basis; no reservations are taken. Your personable tour |
| booksellers wish they could be. | | | | guide will show you the main steps of the brewing |
| Although lunch isn't free, may we suggest a light meal | | | | process at the world's largest brewery at a single site. |
| at the in-house coffee shop, or if you're visiting the | | | | The tour takes 35 to 40 minutes; allow additional time |
| Cherry Creek location of Tattered Cover, take the | | | | to enjoy your 3 beer samples, to browse the gift shop, |
| elevator up to the Fourth Story Restaurant & Bar | | | | and sober up before you drive. (For more information: |
| to enjoy a lovely lunch. (For more information: call | | | | call 866-812-2337 (toll free) or 303-277-2337 |
| 303-322-7727). | | | | (303-227-BEER) or visit ). |
| Are you up for one more tour? If your free day is a | | | | Whew! That's enough fun for one day. Thanks for |
| Wednesday or Saturday, and it's now about 2:00 PM, | | | | joining me. |
| head over to the historic Brown Palace Hotel | | | | |