Visit Denver : A List of My Current Faves [2019]

Traveling is one of my all-time favorite things to do - in case you haven’t noticed. For me, it’s an opportunity to dive into new experiences and push myself outside of my comfort zone. I wander new streets, drop in to new gyms and indulge in new food. 

As much as I love to jet set out of Denver, I also realize that this city has so much to offer those who may be popping in from out of town. After living here for most of my life (about 19 years!), I’ve been fortunate enough to carve out a wide-range of favorites when it comes to food, fitness, recovery and adventure. 

Curious to try something new in Denver? Here’s my official 2019 breakdown of Denver fall favorites. 

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To Eat

It’s no secret that I love food. I especially love exploring the hot spots around new cities, looking for clean, authentic cuisine. Below you’ll find my breakdown for the best spots for breakfast, dinner and coffee. 

For Breakfast

Focused on clean eats, this breakfast spot off of South Pearl has the best breakfast burrito. It’s organic tofu scramble, green chili, hash- browns, and cheese - aka amazing. 

Brazen is upscale meets fast casual, and it’s a favorite because it’s always so good, every time. With items for my meat eaters like duck confit tacos and the all-too-basic staple of avocado toast, you can’t go wrong here.

The Universal is known for its “homemade comfort fare and re-imagined classics.” Imagine cornbread rancheros and veggie benedicts. It’s quick, easy and super filling for a Saturday brunch. 

    • TL Recommended:  Corn Bread Rancheros (The corn bread you guyssssss)

    • Address: 2911 W 38th Ave

  • Jelly: Capitol Hill or DU

Jelly is my neighborhood spot. With playful decor and some incredible donut holes, it makes my top five. Start with the donuts, but don’t miss some of the other classics like an array of scrambles and pancakes.  

Take it from the Olive and Finch team: “We know a home-cooked meal or full dining-out experience is not always an option, but we also know the quality of your food should never be compromised—that’s why we’re here.” It’s a winner in my book for a healthy grab-and-go. 

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For Dinner

If you’re looking to shake things up, check out Cuba Cuba! They always have salsa music pumping in the bar, and their fun carribbean cuisine is a great way to expand your palate. 

  • TL Recommended: Ensalada Cubana

  • Flavor: Carribbean Cuban

  • Address: 1173 Delaware St

  • Adelitas: Platt Park

Craving authentic mexican and a crafty tequila cocktail? Adelitas is my go to for Mexican. The best part? They offer selections vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free specific items while keeping to family recipes. 

    • TL Recommended: Veggie Burrito and Enchilada

    • Flavor: Mexican

    • Address: 1294 S. Broadway

Denver Central Market is the place to go when you’re not quite sure what you’re craving or you’ve got a group with eclectic tastes. This food hall hosts a variety of local vendors including a bakery, coffee shop, fish market, ice cream, wood-fired pizza, salad and sandwiches, Pick one or sample your way through them all! 

Looking for Sushi? Sushi Sasa rounds out a few of my Denver favorites. They’ve been serving up authentic Japanese cuisine for 14 years, and I hope they never stop. 

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For Coffee

If you’re looking to get your caffeine fix before a day of exploring what Colorado has to offer, I’ve rounded up a couple of my local spots. Shield your eyes from the Starbucks on every corner, and promise to give one of these gems a try. 

Fun fact - Corvus is a roaster and a coffee shop. You can buy their blends online to get your fix from afar. Also, they are blocks away from Compass. :)

It’s a great place to sit outside on their patio and get some work done. You are also so close to the park that you can watch a lot of dogs walk by. ;)

This is a coffee place that turns into a really great cocktail bar. They also serve awesome grilled cheese sandwiches. Random, I know. But now I bet you want one.

Crema is my favorite place for good coffee and breakfast food. They are one of the only spots in the city I can sit, work, drink coffee, and eat an awesome breakfast burrito.

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To Sweat

As I like to explore new places to work out when I’m in a new city, I thought it’s only fitting that I share some of my favorites with you. Staying fit on the road doesn’t have to be difficult! And if you’re a Denver local just looking to shake up your routine, 

This is obviously my home base (and most highly recommended spot) as an co-owner. We offer a wide variety, including boxing/kickboxing, HIIT, yoga, core, dance cardio, and agility. Come take a class with me! 

Transform offers both lagree (Megaformer) classes and Versa Climber classes. Challenge yourself by checking out either one style (or both) if you’re in the Downtown area. 

The River Yoga is one of my favorite places to flow. I got certified as a 200 yoga teacher there as well! Try one of their heated classes! 

If you’re looking for a great place to grind out your own workout or the TL Method, the Carla Madison Rec Center is a go-to for me. The center includes an outdoor rock climbing wall, 8-lane lap pool and weight/cardio room. 

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To Recover

If you’re looking to get some rest, relaxation and/or recovery time into your Denver visit, these are my top spots to reset. As a trainer (and just a human), my health is key. If my body is running optimally, I’m able to provide more for my clients, my TL team, my friends, my family and myself.  

I have been going here since they opened their doors years ago. I get all kinds of work done and they have a great place to hang out in as well.

I don’t think I’ve ever had a better athletic massage. Beware, she is strong!

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To Celebrate Fall 

It’s officially fall! Naturally, I want to dig into all of the fall activities that Denver has to offer. If you’re looking to indulge in the new season, I’ve collected my top to-dos below. 

  • Pumpkin Patch - duh! 

  • Finding my favorite Halloween costume at the Wizard’s Chest

  • Corn Maze - Denver Botanic Gardens 

  • Apple Picking at Orchard House

  • Checking out Fall foilage on the way to Breckenridge - spot the Aspens! 

If you’re a Denver local, I’d love to hear about some of your favorites! Share in the comments below. I’m always looking for opportunities to explore my city too!

travelTara Laferraralifestyle, travel, denverComment