The Authentic Native

You’ve lived here your whole life, can’t believe how much the city has changed in the last decade, and feel a bit smug around all these newcomers. You’ve done all the usual stuff 10 times over. What next? Read on.

Score Rockpile seats at Coors Field
These famously affordable outfield seats (between $4 and $6, sold sameday) are said to offer good, baseball-loving company—no partying or other distractions, just interest in the good ol’ game.

Spring for custom or specialized winter gear
You’re on the slopes enough, after all. Folsom Custom Skis can personalize shape; camber and rocker; and core material and thickness. Silverton-based Venture Snowboards does the same for riders.

Get inspired by poetry
Denver is home to Slam Poetry Inc., the organization behind the National Poetry Slam, Women of the World Poetry Slam, and Individual World Poetry Slam. As such, we’re a city with some pretty amazing poets. Take in one of Mercury Café’s Sunday night slams; you won’t be disappointed.

Do Rocky Mountain oysters the modern way
The Buckhorn Exchange has dibs on the classic recipe, but the bison version at Butcher’s Bistro takes the dish to greater heights, and might well become your new favorite.

Go deep into Nature
Get behind the scenes at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science: Tour the museum’s state-of-the-art, 63,000-square-foot Avenir Collections Center, which houses and conserves close to 1.5 million artifacts and specimens.

Be the ultimate peakbagger
You know Colorado’s 14ers like the back of your hand, but have you tested your skills on the gnarliest 13er? Jagged Mountain, a class-five peak, is among Colorado’s highest summits and requires a multi-day trip.

Learn how to brew
Colorado has the third most craft breweries of any U.S. state. Want to jump on the bandwagon? Colorado Boy Brewing Company’s Immersion Course will teach you to go pro—60 percent of participants do. Longmont’s Brewmented covers homebrewing.

Take in a new art scene
You’ll likely hear residents of La Veta, Colo., near Colorado City and Trinidad, call their artistic town one of the best-kept secrets in the state. Places to visit: Kathy Hills’ Studio Gallery, La Veta Gallery on Main, and Tims Art Quilt Retreat Center, by award-winning quilter Ricky Tims, open by appointment only.

Sign up for a hike you’ll never forget.
Phantom Canyon Preserves is one of northern Colorado’s last roadless canyons. Witness the untouched wilderness (songbirds, native wildflowers) by volunteering or going on a guided tour with The Nature Conservancy.

Do Union Station the right way
Visit The Cooper Lounge, a reservations-recommended mezzanine bar that offers all the Union Station ambiance and views without any of the traveling crowds.

Pick your own green chilies
at Hanagan Farms in Swink, Colo., as well as other chili and tomato crops. The family farm will roast your picks, too.