A Guide to Arts and Parks for New Denverites

With our perfectly sunny summers, easy access to year-round outdoor activities, and the stellar selection of floorplans and communities offered by Shea Homes^®, it’s no surprise that folks from coast to coast are flocking to the Mile High City. That said, Denver has so much more to offer than just the trails and slopes you might first picture when imagining the Centennial State. If you’re new to the city and looking to get out and explore, read on for a little insider intel on how to make the most of your first months in town!
 
Some Local Color
Denver may not immediately come to mind when you think about famous art cities, but that undersells our countless museums and galleries just begging to be explored. The Denver Art Museum — which offers free admission every day to anyone 18-and-under — should be your first stop to encounter adventurous and groundbreaking art across time. Permanent exhibitions like the African Art Collection are world-class shows advancing representation in art, while the visiting and temporary exhibits bring unexpected and exciting displays year-round. After you’ve explored the DAM, don’t miss out on the Clyfford Still Museum that’s dedicated to exclusively showcasing the work of this pioneering abstract-impressionist. For a taste of local flavor, don’t sleep on the First Friday Art Walk in the Santa Fe Art District. Pop in and out of galleries and boutiques showcasing the best of the Denver art scene, nibble a little cheese, and be the first to spot Denver’s “Next Big Thing.”

Park and Vibe
If you’re looking for an easier (and less expensive) afternoon, Denver has a bounty of large beautiful parks to check out. You may already be familiar with some of the better-known spots — like City Park and Civic Center Park — but most neighborhoods come with their own equally worthwhile green spaces to check out, like Sunken Gardens Park and Benedict Fountain Park. Both can be found in the busy urban center of Denver, but you’ll find options even if you’re looking for something a little quieter or more removed. Inspiration Point Park is ideal for walking and cookouts with a view of the foothills that can’t be beat. Most parks also operate as makeshift neighborhood centers, and many have shops, restaurants, and other exciting destinations nearby. 

Fauna and Flora Galore-a
Some parks even contain fantastic Denver destinations suitable for all ages, like the Denver Botanic Gardens next to Cheesman Park and the Denver Zoo in City Park. Both the Gardens and the Park are sure to pique the interest of all visitors, and all you have to decide is what kind of biology you’re most excited to encounter. Some of the most gorgeous features of the Botanic Gardens are its wide array of carefully cultivated biomes hosting far-flung and unusual plant species, plus its greenhouse which is warm, humid, and bright on even the gloomiest days. At the Denver Zoo, you’ll find a cornucopia of tails, scales, and fur. Don’t miss the colorful and exotic lorikeets, which will eat right out of your hand! With ticket proceeds that go to supporting wild animal conservation, a visit is a win-win for everyone.

We’ve really only scratched the surface of what Denver has to offer — the ballet! the theater! we could keep going! — but once you’ve poked around these local favorites, we’re sure you’ll be able to figure out where to explore next. For those of you still eyeing the Denver area from afar, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 866.696.7432 to talk about your future in a Shea Home^©.